Briefly, this book starts out with Lore as our main character. Stuck in a holding camp for humans in an alien world (we're not on Earth, but there is enigma surrounding how humans ended up on this world), Lore is given little choice in leaving her village, and when she arrives at the fae castle, she is instructed to help catalog and clean up a magical library.

As with many other reviewers, I was pulled into the first half of this book. Magical library? Yes! Diverse, strong, female character navigating a new world of unknowns? Yes! Slowly starting to learn the rules of this magic-verse and how things work together? Yes, yes, yes!

Then in the second half of the book, things started to fall apart, again as many reviewers have mentioned. The "twist" at the end I saw coming halfway through. I began questioning why Lore never questioned the fae who is supposedly her ally, or how he was in places so conveniently. Lore also begins making a series of bad decisions, and it seemed like one of those bad decisions was solely so the author could have the hot fae come rescue her and show off his muscles. I love a good romance and bicep flexing as much as the next person, but I do NOT like women needing to be rescued because they made a stupid decision. Not only does Lore make bad decisions, she makes a string of them.

I did not want to finish, but forced myself to for the sake of the review.

Finally, I felt this book belonged more as a YF, except for the steamy sex that comes in 3/4 of the way through. Again, I love me a sexy sex scene, but in this case it felt like the book was confused on what it wanted to be. Lore is very young and makes bad decisions as those who don't have fully developed frontal cortexes are wont to do, but it was painful to watch her make them and need to be rescued by a hot man. Let's rescue ourselves and learn from our poor choices.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the free copy of this book in return for an unbiased review!

“Lore of the Wilds” by Analeigh Sbrana is a gripping debut novel that I feel romantasy lovers will fall head over heels for! This book has it all: book-loving characters, enchanting forests, brooding fae and thrilling adventures.

The characters were easy to connect to and don’t get me started on the character development! The FMC, Lore, is young but not naive or untrusting. She grows throughout this book and her interactions with other characters feels natural and almost real. The attractions in this book are woven thoughtfully and well done. The magic system is interesting, where nature and magic are together as one and reacting and interacting to living beings. The world building is fantastic, the descriptions are clear and it feels like I’ve been transported to their world. The plot twist at the end still has me gasping! There is a lot going on towards the ending, leaving so many questions unanswered but plenty to look forward to in a sequel!

Special thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for being generous enough to lend me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of Lore of the Wilds by Analeigh Sbrana. I absolutely devoured this book! Read it in two days -- could not put it down! It had elements of so many books I've loved-- The fae / human dynamic from A Court of Thorns and Roses, the cozy fantasy elements of Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries, and the political intrigue of Priory of the Orange Tree. It was both cozy fantasy yet high stakes. I loved the nature elements, rich descriptions of the forest and plants. Most of all, I loved that this book had an entirely diverse cast (something sadly rare in fantasy). I am so excited for the next book in the series to come out! And plan to buy a physical copy (and several extra to give to friends) when this book is officially published.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Voyager for a Digital ARC.

2.75 stars.

I really enjoyed the beginning of this book. It had such an interested premise and started off very fast paced. I was really interested in learning more about the library but felt that we barely spent any time exploring that. The book moved very fast in the beginning to then completely drag in the middle. I felt the dialogue and inner monologues were very repetitive and our characters lacked depth. The world building was also lacking as we never fully get an explanation of the hierarchical system in this world. I would have loved for the characters and world building to be more flushed out and would have loved to spend more time int he magical library.

I LOVED that we had a full BIPOC cast on this fantasy specially about faes that we don't normally see. The cliffhanger left me interested that I might check out the next book when it comes out.

Absolutely stunning book!!!! I already own a physical special edition and I'm so glad I took the chance. I loved every second of this!

𝔸ℝℂ ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨 𝕠𝕗 𝕃𝕠𝕣𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕎𝕚𝕝𝕕𝕤, 𝔹𝕪: 𝔸𝕟𝕒𝕝𝕖𝕚𝕘𝕙 𝕊𝕓𝕣𝕒𝕟𝕒

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤:
🗡️ Romantasy
📚 Enchanted library
👑 Fae
🦊 Magic
💎 One bed
🌙 Twists
🏹 Fake relationship

“A library with a deadly enchantment. A Fae high lord who wants in. A women human willing to risk it all for a taste of power.”

This was a strong debut by Sbrana, that pulled me in from the first chapter. The star this book for me was definitely the enchanted, cozy cottage-core library which our fmc makes a bargain to catalogue in order to aid her people. While there were some plot holes, the main premise is no doubt compelling.

Lore was a great FMC that was easy to root for. I enjoyed her inner monologue, quick witt, compassion and tenacity. I loved the biopic diversity of the cast of characters. I felt that if there had been a bit more character development that it would have added more depth to the story.

My main complaint is that this novel is categorized as YA, but the language and themes encroached on adult territory which was a bit confusing from a genre classification standpoint.

The world building was interesting and the pacing was solid up until about the half way point. In the last portion of the book pace changed with plot feeling rushed and dialogue feeling off as well. Some of the phrasing was a bit too modern and did not fit the world for me. However the twist at the end has me curious enough to want to read book two which I would expect would fill in some plot holes and hold the answered I was searching for.

Overall this was a strong debut novel for those looking for a fast paced, immersive experience with a fairly high stakes plot that explores the complexities of trust and power.

Thank you @NetGalley, @Avonbooks, and @HarperVoyagerUS for an e-ARC copy of this book in exchange fore a honest review.

Pub: 27 Feb 2024

First read of the new year. Magically setting check. plot twist, yes, and yes! woke up at 4 am. New years Eve just so I could get a little reading done before the house woke up and the chaos took over. One chapter syndrome kicked in, and I got woke up my husband with my insistent tapping at 5 am. Did I pretend I was sleeping ? Yes, I did 🤣🤣. I thoroughly enjoyed this book even though I'm upset with myself since it was my very first arc and the cliffhanger ending is going to make me have to wait even longer. Loved this book !

Review: Lore of the Wilds was officially my first read of 2024! It was an enchanting and captivating tale of a human struggling in a fae ruled world. The disgrace and hate she experiences as they fight for a better place in this world. Thru her journey, she comes across a few allies and discovers a new world beyond what she's known. I really enjoyed this story, and the cliffhanger hanger at the end was amazing ! I'm looking forward to the next book. I wish I could say more without giving away too much of the plot but hands down 5 stars 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
"A library with a deadly enchantment"

I did receive this earc for free. However, the opinions shared are my own. And I look fwd to purchasing a hard copy for this book.

#LoreoftheWilds #NetGalley

JAIL FOR A THOUSAND YEARS! You can't just end a book like this and expect people to be okay with waiting for the sequel?! WHAT? I need to know what happens next, what the hell!

You won't get spoilers from me, but let me just say there was a twist at the end that I did NOT see coming. Which is amazing, because yes, I expected this book to be super enjoyable (which it was), but I also expected it to be a fairly predictable fantasy romance, which is wasn't! In a good way! I mean, I love my predictable books, but it was so fun to be surprised here!

I'm not a huge Romantasy reader, but I knew this one was going to be good, and I'm so glad I was right. It pulled me in right away. The writing was so good and I immediately cared about the main character so much. And there are fae! And a magical library! Who doesn't want to read about a magical library??

Analeigh Sabrana's "Lore of the Woods" immerses readers in a captivating fantasy realm where the protagonist, Lore Alemeyu, negotiates a treacherous world ruled by ruthless Fae. The narrative unfolds in a land confined within a forested prison, setting the stage for a tale of magic, deception, and unexpected romance.

The plot centers around Lore's desperate deal with a Fae lord to organize an enchanted library untouched for a thousand years. The stakes are high, as Lore aims not only to save her village but to obtain the one thing coveted by the Fae—magic. As she navigates the bustling city of Alytherian, Lore finds herself relying on two very different and dangerous Fae males, including the dark and mysterious Asher.

The characters are well-defined, with Lore serving as the relatable human protagonist and Asher as the enigmatic Dark Fae with whom she forms an uneasy alliance. The setting, transitioning from the confined Duskmere to the bustling Alytherian, and a castle, adds depth to the narrative, offering a rich backdrop for the unfolding events.

Themes of kidnapping, rescue, the pursuit of magic, and a budding romance are interwoven into the storyline, creating a multifaceted reading experience. The exploration of distrust adds a layer of tension, keeping readers engaged as Lore grapples with her alliances in the face of danger.

Sabrana's writing style is notable for its descriptive and action-heavy nature. While there is room for growth, the narrative's fast-paced nature propels the story forward, maintaining reader interest throughout. However, the dialogue, characterized as mostly straight to the point and antagonistic, could benefit from more nuance to deepen character development.

One of the story's standout features is the well-executed plot twist involving Asher's true identity. The emotional impact adds a cruel yet compelling layer to the narrative, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

The theme of magic is intricately woven into the story, with Lore's acquisition of magical abilities through a guarded library. The consequences of her newfound powers, combined with the sacrifices made, introduce thought-provoking elements that contribute to the book's overall depth.

While "Lore of the Woods" exhibits some plot holes, the main premise is compelling, making the book an engaging read. The potential for the series is evident, with room for the author to expand and refine the narrative. Despite its imperfections, the book's strengths lie in its unique twists and turns, with particular praise for the top-tier kissing scenes that add a touch of romance to this fantasy adventure.

In conclusion, "Lore of the Woods" is a promising entry into the fantasy genre, offering readers an enchanting journey filled with magic, deception, and the complexities of trust. Analeigh Sabrana's debut leaves room for growth, making it a series to watch for those who appreciate a blend of fast-paced action and intricate character dynamics.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing this ARC!

The fantasy game is truly crushing it on 2024 - the ending of this book had my jaw on the floor. I just need to talk! Outside of me being devastated that I need to wait for the sequel, there are so many things to love about this book. The detail and thought that go into describing the characters, namely their hair, was absolutely wonderful. Lore was an interesting FMC - I loved her, but she was so impulsive at times that I just wanted to shake her. Found family is also one of my favorite tropes, and this story certainly delivered on that front. Isla and Finn were great supporting characters, as was Asher…well…mostly. The library was just the beginning of her adventures, and it all took off from there - the “side quests” in the story were notable and helped drive the plot. Still recovering from the ending.

I think this is a really solid debut novel, with an incredible premise and I will definitely be reading the next one. One thing that occasionally drew me out of the story was the pacing with some of the big reveals feeling like they were over with quickly. I also felt that anytime Lore was in danger (except for the very end) she was able to resolve the issue relatively quickly and easily, which made the overall stakes of the story feel lower. I think this is a great romantasy for people newer to the genre because the world building was clear and magical, and I was never left overly confused like I sometimes am with fantasy novels. I’m excited for the next book to learn more about the world that Lore inhabits, and hopefully more about the origins of her people!

I love a good, solid fantasy with fae but this one was a miss for me. I couldn't handle the slow pacing and I wasn't able to connect to the story. This could just be that I was in a slump when I tried to pick it up so I might try again later.

I won this book in a goodreads giveaway and received an eARC from netgalley so thank you and sorry for double dipping! I really wish I liked this book more than I did. It started out so strong - I was immediately pulled in and intrigued by the world. Plus, it is definitely my dream to be called into a secret library that I only I could access and be asked to find magic books. Suffice it to say I was excited at the beginning and devoured the first half in a sitting.

But, leaving the library (come on, never a good idea) really stalled the story. Which is ironic, because the characters were going on a journey! The pacing changed wildly, the plot and character decisions stopped making much sense, and the writing got a little repetitive - especially with how Lore was interacting with her two hot fae bois.

The book picks up again after an unhinged and implausible side quest, but by then I was much less invested and annoyed by the romantic elements. All that said I may still pick up the next one because magic books always get me.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher who provided a free eARC in exchange for an honest review and thanks to the goodreads giveaway gods for this beautiful cover!

Lore of the Wilds is whimsical, diverse and easy to digest for first time fantasy readers. Admittedly, I was left wanting a little more depth in the storytelling.

This was sadly a miss for me, but I would still recommend to others. I'm not sure the audience for this book is clear- there are some adult moments mixed into a book that largely felt YA to me? I really loved the world and the premise, just not sure the execution was nailed.

I am so happy to have gotten to read this book early. This has been one of my most anticipated upcoming releases. I was drawn into this world immediately and engrossed in what the heck was going on. The main character we follow is easy to like and root for. She just wanted for her people (humans) to be free. Not knowing where they came from and why they were under the tyranny of the fae. It's like the events of the book were destined to happen. The way the cliffhanger had my jaw on the floor. I need book 2 immediately, I have so many questions.

Sidenote: I don't want to give to much away about the story but Finn had my heart from the chapter he was introduced in.

I think this will be really popular with my readers, we circulate a lot of fantasy romance and I’m always looking for more diverse stories. I really enjoyed this! The world building was intricate and interesting and I loved out main character. I have some mixed feelings about the ending…but it didn’t ruin the rest of the story for me. I can’t wait for the next installment.

DNF at 46%

The beginning of this book was quite strong. I was sucked in with the human village surrounded by Fae and the enchanted library. But then the plot dragged, and I started to lose interest in everything.

The thing that made me dnf was the romance. I felt no chemistry between the two characters, and I feel like the love interest as a character isn't believable or real. I just have a sense that he wasn't developed enough in the writer's head, and I can't pin down who he is. IDK if that makes sense, but his personality and the way he reacts to things didn't seem consistent. So therefore, I didn't understand the romance.

This wasn't for me, but I can see how it would appeal to so many people with it being a diverse, fae romantasy. And the cover is gorgeous!

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book!

I will start with the positives, of which there are many! The story is gripping, with fairly high stakes at every turn and a deft handling of worldbuilding as you go, so that you are never bogged down with too much exposition at any given time but always have the information you need to understand the significance of what's happening in a scene. The book never stagnates, either. Just when our main character Lore settles into one location, she finds she has to move onto the next. I never felt like we were in one situation for too little or too long. Lore herself is established in her introduction as someone who is hard working, quick thinking, and highly compassionate, and she carries these traits throughout the story. The other characters she knows and comes across are also compelling and intriguing, some more mysterious than others. <spoiler>I absolutely loved the twist at the end! It's the perfect kind of twist where I knew something was up, but didn't expect THAT, and yet it does fit in with the rest of the story and make sense looking back.</spoiler>

Now for the negatives, of which there's really only one. I would be swept along with the prose of the book, really immersed in the story, and every now and then there would be a little speed bump where it felt like a character (usually Lore) said or did something that didn't fit the context/setting. Usually it was some phrasing that felt too modern or crass compared to the rest of the text. If I had to guess, I would say these were moments to establish Lore as "sassy" or "feisty" but I think the way it was done feels anachronistic. I do hope this book gets another round of editing to address some typos I found as well as these passages that feel a little out of place.

Another note, this is meant to be YA, but I feel like some language and events might push the book more into adult territory.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this book for fans of romantasy, especially if they like fae romances and diverse representation.

This was my first time reading an ARC, and now I can see the drawback because I am so eager for the next book in the series and the first book isn't even out yet!

Content Warnings:
Graphic: Death and Blood
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, and Violence
Minor: Death of parent, Rape, Pregnancy, Slavery, and War

Thank-you so much to Netgalley for the ARC.
Undoubtedly, this fantasy book boasts the most intricate magic system and world-building I've encountered. Initially, I must admit, confusion set in as it plunges you into the depths without much guidance. Yet, if you persevere (around 15% in), the narrative becomes exceptionally captivating. My reading experience turned into pure magic—a truly enchanting journey. The world-building was nothing short of mind-blowing, allowing me to immerse myself in the narrative as if I were part of Lore's world. Absolutely extraordinary—I found it impossible to set the book aside. I remain in complete awe.