I read the majority of this book through tear-filled eyes. Yet I didn't want to put it down. Poignant and heart-wrenching. A story about two young adults figuring out how to love and be loved while dealing with incredibly mature problems set in a rainy, seaside town filled with religious prejudice. Magic, alchemy and a sense of unease follow you through this captivating book.

*ARC provided to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review* Margaret is a loner in her small town, while city boy Wes is accustomed to a bustling family and an equally busy city. While the two may be foils of each other in many ways they understand each other through being outcasts due to their beliefs and the impact that loss can hold. With a strong female lead who has many strengths including her strong will and independent streak and an equally respectable male lead these characters are sure to not disappoint. With that being said I think some of the pacing could’ve been improved, with the actual hunt only taking up the end of the novel. Overall this book is an atmospheric and romantic tale and I highly recommend it for anyone looking for their next read. 4/5 stars!

my review was posted on both goodreads and my instagram both available in my bio information on 7/25/21.
thank you for the opportunity to read this book!

*Thank you Netgalley and publisher for the chance to read this book and for exchange an honest review*

I have not yet read Allison Saft's debut book Down Coms the Night, and after reading A Far Wilder Magic I really, really want to dive right in. I absolutely LOVE Saft's writing. The story is whimsical, intriguing, and almost cinematic. I love the alternating chapters between Weston Winters, a failing student in alchemy, and Maggie Wetly, the daughter of a renowned Alchemist who leaves Maggie to her own devices. Weston has left home and after failing miserably and getting expelled multiple times from school he travels to Evelyn Wetly's home to prove his family wrong. Maggie Wetly is living on her own while Evelyn is travelling for research. Maggie is dealing with the loss of her father and brother and wanting to prove something of her own when a Hunt begins for the mystical and dangerous creature: the hala appears. Both Wes and Maggie join the hunt and nothing is what it seems to be.

I love this book and highly recommend anyone who loves any kind of YA fantasy and slow burn romance. I definitely plan on re-tracking my steps and reading Allison's debut book as soon as possible.

5 stars

5 STARS. MY FAVORITE FANTASY READ THIS YEAR POSSIBLY?

A Far Wilder Magic is truly the YA fantasy I never knew I needed. I've never in my life felt so immersed into the atmosphere and setting of a book. This book was brilliant, Allison Saft created a world and characters that are so memorable I feel I may never be able to forget this book and just how amazing it was.

The characters are no doubt the reason I loved this book so much. The dual POV was so well done, and by the end I really felt so close to Weston and Margaret, their development was just flawless. I often feel like dual POV's result in dull and flat characters, but that was not the case here at all. How could I leave out Trouble?? As soon as I found out there was a dog in this book I was already a goner. Maybe he was my favorite character.

The romance the author created in this book was also insane. So many books within this genre that I read seem to have insta-love right off the bat, luckily that was not what happened here. I actually could feel the moments when they truly started to like one another, and it wasn't just random, all of the moments leading up to it actually made sense. They were able to find comfort together due to shared trauma, and their dynamic just made so much sense, it started off as a partnership in hunt and through it they were able to discover so much more. This made for some crazy chemistry between the two, and the slow burn of it all made it even more entertaining.

The plot itself felt unique and original to me, I'm glad all the different aspects of the hunt were included, it made it all super easy to understand. The alchemy was also had so much depth to it, while still staying understandable. The last few chapters?? The stakes were so high I could barely keep reading. Everything ending up be very fitting in the ending though. I was actually so sad when I finished this, I didn't want it to end, and I will surely be rereading.

PLEASE check this out when it releases on March 8th, 2022. You will not want to miss this masterpiece of a book. I had an amazing time reading this, and I'm positive so many others will too.

Lastly, Thank you to St. Martin's Press (Wednesday Books) for providing me with this eARC via NetGalley exchange for an honest review. I've seriously loved every book I've read from this publisher, I definitely recommend checking their books out.

Heart bounding, vicious hunt of one of the most dangerous, legendary, mystical creature with magical alchemy touches and slow burn- sweet romance between reserved, tough, neglected heroine and sweet, chevalier, good hearted, talented hero! I’m sold! Actually I was already sold when I saw Allison Saft’s name and this vivid cover which is definition of pure magic! Isn’t it so fabulous?

Margaret Welty is lone fighter, outcast of town, mostly spending her time alone in Welty Manor located in Wickdon. She already lost her father, brother and her mother dedicated herself to her researches, spending most of her time out of town, leaving her daughter by herself in the manor full of ghosts, trembling in cold, befriending her bloodhound Trouble, compelling living conditions for her own age.

Every child on Wickdon raised on legends of the hala. As Katharist church painted it as a demon, Margaret’s father has second thoughts. That’s the first time she realized her family’s different approach against church’s doctrines. She’s daughter of Yu ‘adir and they believe the Hala is sacred creature, carrier of divine knowledge.

As soon as she meets the legendary creature in front of her house when she is all alone, trying to protect herself along with her bloodhound she’s responsible of, she realizes Halfmoon Hunt will follow sooner. Killing the hala means earning high reputation, fame and it also means to unlock an ancient magical secret.

Margaret can join the hunt with her excellent shooting skills but she cannot get too far with an accomplice who must be an alchemist!

But luckily her prayers are already answered. Young Weston Winters appears in front of the mansion door, requesting to be apprentice of her mother after being fired each apprenticeship he’s landed lately. He has to take care of his mother and his sister. Working with Margaret’s mother is his last chance. Wes knows he possesses some innate magic.

He has a quiet powerful effect on people. When he speaks people always listen. He’s not alchemist yet. He doesn’t come from wealthy family and he’s undereducated but he is talented enough to fight for his last chance even though Margaret is too stubborn let him pass the mansion’s threshold.

Wes’ honest talk about his family situation warms her heart and she finally let him wait for her mother’s return but as soon as she realizes he has enough talent to help her join the hunt, she finally asks for his help.

They’re definitely unlikely team: Margaret is quiet fighter, survivor who endured to live in the outskirts for a long time. Wes already impressed by her bravery. And even though Margaret was quiet anxious to spend more time with him at the same place, she finds herself drawn into his kindness, genuineness.

But the high tension, dangerous hunt in the woods may result with unleashing dark magic! Whether they survive from the merciless conditions of nature, could they defeat the dangerous effects of dark magic which will risk their lives?

It’s action packed, exciting, well executed survival- enchanted alchemy story with sweet romance vibes! I truly enjoyed it! I’m looking forward to read next works of Ms. Saft!

Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press and Wednesday Books for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.

A compelling and beautiful fantasy read with two main characters who will steal you heart.

Margaret is desperate to earn her mother’s love. Despite the fact the only thing Evelyn Welty seems to care about is alchemy. Alone, Margaret tries to keep her crumbling home and heart together.

Westin Winters is the son of immigrants and could charm you out of your socks. He’s a failed alchemist apprentice, but he’s not giving up. Despite his family’s indigent circumstances. He shows up at Margaret’s door and wants to be her mom’s apprentice. Wes struggles with reading, but it very smart.

The religion, nationalities, ethnicities of Albion are a part of the unique world-building; but still feel relevant to our society today. The time period felt 1920-ish to me with plenty of fantasy thrown in; and a glittery condom. The hunt for the mythological fox is intense, but it’s ultimately the character development that is the main aim. I also adored Wes’s family and the romance.

This book really sets your heart pounding with its sweet romance. I loved the main characters and there journey together. The book was entertaining and heart stopping. Overall great book!