I really loved this book and I am just a big fan of Emily Lloyd Jones. The world is very excited and I loved the main characters.

The Drowned Woods is a magical and mesmerizing fantasy retelling of the Welsh legend of Cantre'r Gwaelod. I had previously read and loved the Bone Houses, so I had high expectations going into this novel. Although I prefer the Bone Houses, the Drowned Woods was also excellent.

The world building was exceptional. Each description of the current setting was vast and comprehensive, easily allowing me to imagine the scenery. The inclusion of two of the main characters’ back stories—Mer and Fane—was an excellent addition to the story. It really set the scene for the direction the book would be heading, as well as what the two had endured to get to this point in their lives.

In addition to the world building, the magic system is fascinating. There are different diviners with the power to control certain elements. Mer is a water diviner, and through her we learn a lot about how each power works. There are also otherfolk (essentially fae) hidden in the forest. We don’t know a whole lot about, but could make for a fantastic exploration in a future book. Fane is connected to the otherfolk, who are essentially fae that are hidden in the forest. There is a signifiant amount of mystery surrounding them, which leads to some intriguing reveals and could make for a fantastic exploration in a future book. If you enjoyed the Bone Houses, then I highly suggest checking out the Drowned Woods!

[ARC REVIEW]
⭐️⭐️⭐️

Imagine being the last water diviner in existence.

Set in the same universe as #houseofbones, @emilylloydjones gives us a new adventure!
This is a heist story set against the retelling of the welsh legend of cantre’r gwaelod.

It was a little slow paced for me, I'll be honest.
I was wondering when I would get to the "good stuff".
I wanted MORE!!!
Character development kind of fell flat, but that tends to happen with a plot-focused book.

I wish there was more tension! but, overall I did enjoy the read.

Thank you @netgalley and @littlebrownbooks for allowing me the chance to read this story.

how long it took me to read this book (too long) is the best summary of my thoughts.

while i have loved this author and loved The Bone Houses (so much so that i bought the physical copy for my shelves), The Drowned Woods was disappointingly boring. the pacing was slow and nothing much seemed to happen until over halfway through the story. unfortunately, by then it required too much buy-in for me to feel investment in the story's outcome.

i wanted to like this so much and am so sad that i didn't.

HOWEVER-
however, every moment of questioning myself as a reader for not enjoying this story was worth it for that epilogue and its tie-in to The Bone Houses. i was absolutely giddy for that ending.

I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Drowned Woods was so easy to enjoy. Any time a book can take me to a magical kingdom with magic and conflict is a book that I will happily buy and dive into with zero hesitations. Plus, it doesn't hurt that Mer was a pretty likable character either. At eighteen-years-old, she was a force to be reckoned with and one that would constantly challenge the prince.

After escaping from his clutches, she forms an alliance with his spy master. Together they come up with a very entertaining and dangerous heist. At times, though, I felt like the pacing was completely off from what was going on within the book. Not that I was bored or anything, it just felt off like nothing was truly happening while something clearly was happening.

Other than that weird feeling, it was a pretty enjoyable book. I do wish that we got to know the rest of the characters a bit more because Mer was kind of the only likable one (for me). Maybe it's because of her sense of humor that just put a smile on my face. Either way, I'm glad that we got to meet her.

In the end, I'm really happy that I got the opportunity to read this. I can't wait for the next book Emily writes! Especially if we get more magic and adventures!

oh, such mixed feelings on this one. i wanted to love a heist set against the retelling of the welsh legend of cantre’r gwaelod, but the drowned woods ended up being a solid but unspectacular read for me.

i adored lloyd-jones’s writing style and the setting and i’ll definitely be picking up the companion novel, bone houses, but the characters themselves were unfortunately forgettable. a ragtag bunch of misfits attempting a heist requires memorable personalities and bonds, and i was only ever intrigued by mer, her mentor, and their bond. (and the corgi.) the conclusion almost saves the story, but i even found aspects of that frustrating.

I didn't know what to expect going into this book, and overall I really enjoyed it. This was more of a 3.5/5 that I rounded down solely because I didn't find myself fully immersed in the story at times; it felt more like I was an outsider and I kept drifting and missing passages. There were points that felt as though they were thrown together as a last minute idea (or at least that's just how it read in my mind), and other parts I wish we had spent more time on that got almost no background on. But overall, I really did like this book for being a nice, short standalone fantasy novel since we don't see many of those nowadays.

4 stars

This was so much fun! I really love this world that ELJ has created and cannot wait to see if she expands it. And the epilogue got me with the crossover. Definitely a great read!

I have not read The Bone Houses, which is the original book set in this Welsh-inspired world, nor have I read any of Emily Lloyd-Jones’ other works. For my first time reading a Lloyd-Jones novel, I did find myself enjoying many aspects of this novel. But I also couldn’t help but crave more from this story.

This novel had, what I like to call, a more classical fantasy style. It was written in third person perspective, but that was balanced with strong descriptions of the setting, world building, and characters themselves. Based on those details alone, it was easy to fall in and out of the pages of this novel. However, I had no idea that this novel was based on Welsh mythology. While that mythology influenced the dark atmosphere and creatures our characters came across, I also found it difficult to understand and/or infer the meanings of the Welsh words. I can’t help but wish that there was an author’s note or glossary describing those Welsh words, phrases, and mythology to the reader.

With this being plot-focused, there are some things that get sacrificed with that. In the case of this novel, some of the character development arcs did feel flat or underdeveloped by the end. (Fane being the only exception.) Despite the numerous sections of backstory, I never felt connected or invested in the characters. While I wanted to see where the plot was heading, I didn’t have that same drive in caring for the characters. The characterization was a mix of too many perspectives, but not enough emotion or details to engage with.

This novel was tricky with the tension and story stakes. For most of the novel, I wasn’t experiencing the stakes. There was no urgency or tension driving the characters forward. I do believe that was due to the antagonist, the Prince, never interacting directly with the crew of characters. Later, when another antagonist was revealed, the story stakes did not feel compelling or like they were driving the plot forward. If the tension and the story stakes had been more pronounced, then this novel would have truly been great.

For a standalone fantasy novel, there was a lot that this story had to offer. It was atmospheric and chalk full of Welsh mythology. However, there is no doubting that this story could have offered more to the reader. As far as young adult fantasy novels go, this falls somewhere in the middle of the pack.

Thank you to Little Brown Books for Young Readers, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book.

I saw Emily Lloyd-Jones’ name and was instantly sold. I read The Bone Houses when it first came out and fell in love with her writing style. She is a no questions asked, auto-buy author for me.

SO IMAGINE MY SURPRISE WHEN I DISCOVERED THIS BOOK IS SET IN THE SAME WORLD!!!!!!!!

Had I read the synopsis, I would have seen the “set in the same world” bit, but I didn’t, and honestly, I’m kinda glad I didn’t. It was the best bookish surprise I could have asked me. That moment of realization is something I won’t forget for quite some time. How freakin’ special. I’m fully aware that I am fangirling right now, but it’s just so perfect. You certainly don’t have to read The Bone Houses before diving into The Drowned Woods, but I promise you, it will be just as special for you if you do.

It comes as no surprise that this was a five star read for me. Emily Lloyd-Jones’ writing style is so incredibly atmospheric and it was very easy to get lost in this story. Not only does this book have an intriguing plot, but it also has a cast of characters that are easy to love and hate. I mean, what’s not to love about a ragtag group that forms a questionable alliance based on their own motivations? I really enjoyed the progression of Mer and Fane’s relationship. Both are troubled by their own pasts and determined to keep people at a distance. But a natural friendship forms and the two begin to unconsciously look out for one another. The addition of an animal sidekick, a corgi named Trefor (“who may or may not be a spy”), was beyond perfect. In fact, I don’t think you’ll find a single review that doesn’t mention their love for Trefor. Where can I get myself a dog that sneezes around the presence of magic? So cute.

It’s often a struggle to write an in-depth review for books I enjoyed greatly. I’m always worried I might spoil something. So, I’m keeping this one short and sweet, minus my ramblings. As I mentioned above, ELJ’s writing style is just my cup of tea. I love the common exploration of grief, letting go, moving on, and regrets in her work. It’s simply impossible to not feel moved at some point in her stories. Overall, I can’t recommend this book enough. It’s a combination of heist, dark fairytale, and exploration into loss and regret. It also has one of the best epilogues a reader could ask for. A small part of me wishes this wasn’t a standalone story, even though there is a full conclusion. But I think there’s a lot to be said about a book when your first reaction is never wanting a story to end.

I don't have any knowledge of Welch mythology, but I still found this to be an interesting read. Emily Lloyd-Jones is a great author and I have enjoyed her other books but this was not my favorite of them. I don't know if it was my lack of knowledge on this subject matter, but it fell a little short for me. Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

<i><b>Thank you so much to Little, Brown Books for Young Readers and the author for providing me with a free copy of “The Drowned Woods” by Emily Lloyd-Jones in exchange for an honest review. All of the following opinions are formulated on my own. Any quotes in this review should be cross-referenced with the final copy for any possible edits. </i></b>

<b> Overall rating: </b> 5 out of 5 stars

<b> Do you need to read the series/book this spinoff is based on? </b> If spoilers matter to you, yes. I personally don't think its necessary. I have also not read the original book, the Bone Houses. I do plan to though!

<b> My favorite elements: </b> I felt so immesed in how Emily crafted this dark Welsh mythology. I actually read this and kept picturing the Welsh coast. It is alwyas very impressive when an author can trigger pictures and flashes of things in a readers mind. I really enjoyed the characters in this book, especially the corgi! I wish it was longer! As a dog mom, I need more dogs in books!

<b> My criticisms: <b> This section does not exist for my five star reads! CARRY ON!

<b> Tropes: </b>
- Mythology Retelling (specifically Welsh)
-

<b> Does it deserves the hype?: </b> Yes! The baby deserves to be in the illumicrate box!

<b> Favorite quote(s): </b>“Perhaps you enjoy being beaten," she replied, with a nod at his bruised face.
"Perhaps I wish I could be," he said, with more honesty than he'd intended.
Blodeuyn stared at him for a few heartbeats and Fane let out a breath. He was used to speaking with double-edged words, to using truths as both shield and weapon. Humans did not speak in such a manner - they either lied or they didn't."

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced review copy of “The Drowned Woods” by Emily Lloyd-Jones. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

Having previously read and enjoyed “The Bone Houses” by this author and also set in the same world, I was eager to read this book. I liked the elemental magics and the folklore elements. There were also some terrifying creatures that would appeal to fans of “The Scorpio Races” by Maggie Stiefvater. The heist plot line made me want to root for the characters to succeed. There’s also an adorable corgi who steals the scene whenever he pops up.

Though I was approved for the eBook, I also picked up the audiobook which helped with the pronunciations. I thought the narrator did a great job. Some of the spellings might be difficult for readers to pronounce in their heads but I didn’t find I had that problem with the narrator’s pronunciations. The whole story experience had the feel of someone reading me a very old fairytale in the best way.

Overall I enjoyed this book and would recommend it as well as ‘The Bone Houses.’

4/5 stars

I do not read a lot of fantasy, but this book called to me. The Drowned Woods is Welch Folklore, based on the Welsh myth of Cantre'r Gwaelod, which explains the origins of cardigan bay on the west coast of Wales. This book is set in the same kingdom as The Bone Houses, but I have not read that book and had no trouble enjoying The Drowned Woods. This story follows 18-year old Mererid, 'Mer', who is the last living water diviner. When her powers were discovered, she was taken from her home and forced to live in the castle of Prince Garanhir. He forced her to do terrible things that resulted in the death of many innocents. She was able to escape and has been hiding away ever since. Then one night, the Prince's guards find her and plan to bring her back to the castle. Her old handler, Renfrew, the Prince's ex-Spy Master, approaches her with an opportunity to bring the Prince down and free her from her bonds. All she has to do is steal an important magical artifact that in a sense secures the Prince's control over their kingdom. With an unlikely team, including a fae-cursed young man, the lady of thieves and an adorably-loyal corgi named Trefor, they plan to use their special gifts and skills to find the treasure and bring down the prince.

I really enjoyed this story. The setting, the characters and the format of the story pulled me right in. I loved watching this group come together and set off on their quest. They were not all in it for a noble purpose, but doesn't the end justify the means? The main characters, Mer, Fane (the fae-cursed young man), and Trefor (the corgi that could sense magic) were so well developed. I loved how they met up as well as watching their relationship develop. Fane's story was very interesting and my heart broke for him. Mer was such a strong character. She was caring and just wanted to make amends for some of the terrible things that happened due to her power. She was extremely loyal as well, and even when she found out what some of the group she was with had done, she was willing to forgive and help them survive. There were a lot of twists to this one and by the end I was on the edge of my seat. With magic from the other folk, a power that is evil and must be destroyed, a corgi sidekick who is absolutely lovable, and characters that see what they need to do and do it, as well as a wonderful ending that tied the story up well, this book ticked all the boxes for me and I highly recommend it. The title, The Drowned Woods, come from the legend and the rumors that carbon dating of exposed parts a submerged forest on the shore of the lake back in 2014 and 2019 showed that they were from 1500 B.C. If you enjoy dark fairytales, fantasy or Welsh Folklore, then I recommend you pick this one up.

I love every single thing about this, but I ESPECIALLY love Fane, Trefor, and THAT LAST BIT OF THE EPILOGUE THAT OH SO SUBTLY CONNECTS THIS TO THE BONE HOUSES. Flawlessly done Just. Gosh.

I just really love this author and if she wants to keep writing magical books based around welsh folklore and mythology forever I'd be super okay with that *nod nod nod*

This was a very entertains book. The world building was really fun and I loved the magic used.

We get a fun cast of characters and I feel that I would like some would be even better with more character development.

My favorite part was the Wish folklore. It was lush and lyrical and beautifully written. I loved Mer and want more of her. She is strong and a fighter and overall a great MC.

This is a fast paced fantasy that I do recommend and I think the all will enhance its vibes. I think I wanted just a bit more romance.

Thank you to NetGalley and to Little Brown Books for this eARC

I absolutely adored this book. I loved the welsh mythology because it is so rarely represented in modern day fiction. The story is essentially a retelling of cantre'r gwaelod, The story of how cardigan bay on the west coast of wales came to be. There has been some evidence that there may be truth to the myth as well. What I loved most about the book was the quest. I am a sucker for a good quest. The story is well written and a very enjoyable read. I will say Mer was not my favorite character but I still loved the story.

Prepare to immerse yourself in this beautiful heist/revenge story with dark fairytale vibes, set in a lush world of Welsh mythology, and driven by a ragtag team of misfits fighting to overcome trauma and build new lives--and take down a king in the process. This book is set in the same world as The Bone Houses but acts as a standalone (though the connection to The Bone Houses, when it's revealed, is absolutely perfect). And as someone who loved The Bone Houses, I really enjoyed this one as well! It's more than just a pretty cover; it is an artfully woven tale, a lovely blend of action and emotion with a splash of humor, perfect for a rainy afternoon, and honestly, y'all should read it purely for the Welsh monsters and the Very Good Dog. (Side note: is Trefor the corgi even better than the zombie goat from The Bone Houses? Hard to say, because I truly love them both. But honestly, that is a glowing endorsement.)

A few things you can look forward to in this one:
- Multiple characters with multiple varieties of trauma, all learning to deal with them
- A softhearted boy who happens to be good at killing
- A powerful girl who's always been ruthless for the sake of survival
- A princess of thieves
- Waterbender vibes
- that awkward moment when you're committing illegal activity with your new possible-crush but also have to team up with your ex-girlfriend for her unique skill set
- Cool Welsh monsters, including the king of the boars and creepy water horses
- Spies! Betrayals! Action!
- A smart and wonderful corgi who might be a spy for the fae (and who, just to be clear, does not die, if that's something you tend to worry about)
- An ongoing emphasis on the importance of consequences and accepting responsibility for your choices

Rep: bisexual MC, lesbian SC

Prior to researching this book, I had never heard of Cantre’r Gwaelod, a sunken kingdom off the coast of Wales that is reminiscent of the tale of Atlantis. Plus, I recommend the author’s previous novel The Bone Houses, which also incorporates Welsh lore.

Unfortunately, The Drowned Woods didn’t entrance me. I liked each of the characters, but I never felt a particular emotional attachment to them. Mer, with her independent attitude and childhood as an indentured water diviner, felt like a generic strong female protagonist. There’s nothing wrong with that—she was, after all, easy to root for—but it dampened the potential of the heist and the novel’s mythological base. Fane, the aforementioned fae-cursed young man, also served as the classic quiet and mysterious yet tough male lead, so he was just as likeable. I found their romance a bit too sweet, though; it felt convenient, which tends to be characteristic of younger YA.

I feel similarly about the plot. It’s rather slow-moving, which I didn’t expect from a heist novel with an ensemble cast. I would have liked to see the pace pick up sooner and stay more even until the end. With a longer page count, the barrage of plot twists at the end would feel more intentional and developed.

4.5/5 stars

Thank you to Netgally, the publishers, and Emily Lloyd-Jones for allowing me to read this book and give it a review.

I am sorry for how late this review is, I am behind on my reviews since I have started back at college and I am making my way through the best I can.

I loved this book. It did take me a little bit to get into it, however the last 100 pages were so intriguing and heart-wrenching that it was impossible to put the book down. I read the other book set in this world, The Bone Houses, and I would wholly recommend reading that book first. They are not a series, but reading the Bone Houses first will definitely give you a good idea of the world and its inhabitants.

This book is set at a good pacing and you get to know the characters insanely well for the book to only be 352 pages. You will fall in love with the characters, feel betrayed, and have your heart broken in this story. It is so well written.

Emily Lloyd-Jones has yet to write a bad book in my opinion. I have read three of her books now and I have loved them all. She always writes fantastic stories with characters you can't help but love and feel for.

**********************SPOILERS***********************
The ending to this book was just amazing. Especially since having read The Bone Houses first. I was hoping the two stories would intertwine somehow, and I could not have imagined a better way than how they did. I hope there are more books set in this world to continue the story and keep the world alive.

Also I just have to say that I love Trefor in this book. Definitely my favorite character.