I don't know how I feel about this. I was definitely captivated by it, but now I feel conflicted. A lot of things Greer did were a little frustrating, but I guess that's more realistic than her instantly knowing how to solve every problem. Definitely some predictable bits, but I can't really find a reason to give it a lower rating.

Reading this book reminded me of my love for “Small Favors” and the eco-gothic as a whole. I LOVED this book and sweet baby Finn as well as the world building of Mistaken and everything beyond. It was also interesting to read a novel by Erin that’s categorized as “adult” and it was SOOOO good (even though the YA genre has my heart). I can’t wait to reread this book when it releases!

Thank you NetGalley for the arc!!

THIIIIIIS.

Buckle up people. This is what I'm talking about. For so long, I've been fighting tooth and nail to find a gothic historical, something with horror elements and some aspect of romance. Well, this, my friends, is as close as I've gotten.

I never read Craig's YA works, but I can say that this work (specifically) is full of whimsy (in an atmospheric, unsettling way), and she has a knack for painting a picture while leaving enough open for reader's interpretation. While I wasn't a *complete* fan of the love triangle situation, the atmosphere brought enough to the table for me to get lost.

This will be a perfect read for Halloween season--definitely check it out if this genre mashup is of interest to you!

I found A Land So Wide by Erin A. Craig to be a very different and unique fantasy story from others I read. The story follows Greer, a young woman curious of the world beyond her settlement but unable to explore due to warding stones keeping the people safe from what lies beyond the settlement and the warding stones physically do not allow people to leave. The author slowly gave you pieces of mystery of the settlement and why things are done by providing flashbacks to the first settlers and how they learned of the mysteries of the land. I don't want to say anything more because I think the mysterious elements made this book fun for me so I will end with this the book reminds me a bit of the movie The Village but in The Village the monsters are manmade and in A Land So Wide the monsters are real.

This book's anthem needs to be Labour by Paris Paloma. It's all I heard in the back of my head as I read it. Obviously I loved this book. The town of Mistaken is so deeply flawed and although they're trying to survive it's aggravating how their way of life has evolved. It was so great watching our MC, Greer, navigate her circumstances. This story drew me in from the first chapter and kept me hooked through each of its revelations. While I think the first half of the book is its stronger half altogether it was a great read (the second half had a somewhat weird aspect that kinda through me for a second). But still such a solid read and it felt like you were with Greer every step of her journey.

I have read and enjoyed everything Erin A. Craig has released. By far my favorite was Small Favors. It is now being rivaled with A Land So Wide. If you loved Small Favors as much as I did, this book is for you! It has similar elements to Small Favors but is also so much more elevated. This is Erin’s adult debut and she succeeded one again with creating an eerie, atmospheric treasure. The story is incredibly fast paced. I ate it up in 24 hours. The Canadian wilderness imagery was so deliciously frightful. Erin writes her settings so beautifully. I loved the folklore in this story. I loved the unsettling, horrific elements. I loved the mystery of the land plagued by The Bright Eyeds. The story was full of twists and turns. Anytime I thought I knew what was going to happen, the story surprised me again. Greer is my favorite protagonist Erin has written to date. She loves fiercely and is devoted to those she loves. She persevered even when she felt that all hope was lost. Greer is such a strong resilient character that one can’t help but admire. I hope Erin A. Craig continues to venture into adult works, but honestly I would read anything she writes!

Scottish vampire lore meets The Village (sorta?) Sign me up.

The first half of this book was soooooooo good. The buildup was so well paced and I found it hard to put down. Mistaken is such a great isolated setting, it felt like 30 Days of Night, just this super isolated town with sketchy lore and even sketchier Stewards. Greer, our protagonist, is likable from the first page, even before you understand what’s going on.

Now, normally I’m not one for an established romance. I like to see the build up, I like the “will they, won’t they?” so I was shocked when I found myself really routing for Greer and Ellis right off the bat. I loved Ellis and he did everything he could to be good enough for Greer. It was precious.

As much as I liked the first half, I found the second half lacking. It moved too quickly, there was a weird and very brief love triangle (sorta???) that didn’t really have a resolution? The (spoilers) vampire bomb dropped so unexpectedly but I’m not sure how much of that was a me problem? I devoured this book so I might have just not noticed the build up.

I did really like the end but still found it hard to be as engrossed as I was the first half.

There were some really tense and honestly terrifying moments as well.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book!

A Land So Wide is a haunting, atmospheric tale that blends gothic horror with a touch of romance, set against the eerie isolation of a town trapped by both supernatural forces and its own dark past. Erin Craig masterfully crafts a world where the unknown lurks just beyond the trees, and danger comes in more forms than one.

Greer, a restless dreamer bound by Mistaken’s unbreakable curse, is a protagonist both tenacious and vulnerable, making her journey one of both survival and self-discovery. But just as compelling as the treacherous landscape are the adversaries she faces—some with the best intentions, others driven by selfish ambition, and a few who embody pure, unrelenting evil. From a scheming betrothed whose charm masks something far more sinister to forces that have shaped Mistaken’s fate for generations, the novel explores the many shades of villainy that threaten Greer’s path.

While the story occasionally meanders, its rich prose and emotional depth make for a compelling read, culminating in an ending that feels both satisfying and hopeful.

5 stars ☆
⤿ spoiler-free review
thank you to net galley for this GORGEOUS arc!!

ೃ⁀➷“This was the time of day Greer hated most. The sun had set, and Mistaken was penned in for the night. Noone could venture out beyond the boundary till sunrise.”

characters: I dont think, throughout this whole book, was I ever frustrated by Greer Mackenzie. She was everything I could have hoped for as a main character in this story. An avid mapmaker, different from everyone else in the small town of Mistaken, and filled with wanderlust. This book was so beautifully written I often forgot the novel is told from third person. Ellis Beaufort, Greer's beloved, is such a kindhearted man, and loves Greer despite what everyone else thinks about her. Obviously since this is a spoiler free review, I cant say an example of what this man has done for Greer, but just know - hes wonderful.

plot: (Insert official synopsis paragraph #1 here) - Like everyone else in the settlement of Mistaken, Greer Mackenzie is trapped. Founded by an ambitious Scottish lumber merchant, the tiny town on the edge of the American continent is blessed with rich natural resources that have made its people prosperous—but at a cost. The same woods that have lined the townsfolks’ pockets harbor dangerous beasts: wolves, bears, and the Bright-Eyeds—monsters beyond description who have rained utter destruction down on nearby settlements. But Mistaken’s founders made a deal with the mysterious Benevolence: the Warding Stones that surround the town will keep the Bright-Eyeds out—and the town’s citizens in. Anyone who spends a night within Mistaken’s borders belongs to it forever. I dont want to say anything past this, because I feel like the best way to go into this book is blind. Truthfully, I think the synopsis gives away a bit more than it should.

pacing: Erin A. Craig really knows how to write a story. Every single second of the day that I wasn't reading this, I yearned to. The book flew by so fast and I genuinely wanted to cry by the end. Also that very last paragraph? Explanation, please?

vibes: This book weaves Scottish folklore, eerie small town, forbidden romance, and the "theres something in the woods" vibe we all need. I could easily imagine the town of Mistaken, and the forest beyond. The description was rich, but not overbearing, gorgeous but not overwhelmingly so.

✧.* The Grace Year with its eerie small town meets The Watchers with its horror filled forest meets One Dark Window with its lush gothic leaning imagery, come together to form this outstanding adult debut.

Absolutely devoured this book. Erin had me biting my nails wondering what was going to happened—especially after the second LI was introduced. The contracting dynamics between Noah and Ellis were outstanding and i, also, was just as torn as Greer. I couldn’t wait to see who she chose—and which version of herself she chose— and LOVE the ending.

Erin A. Craig is an auto-buy author for me ever since I first fell in love with her debut book, House of Salt and Sorrows. She writes the best and most atmospheric, eerie fantasy reads that have you falling in love with the main female characters and trying to figure out how the character is going to make it out by the end of the story.

When I heard that Erin A. Craig was writing her first adult book, I knew I had to get my hands on it as quickly as possible (so a big thank you to Netgalley and Pantheon for the early e-ARC!!). A Land So Wide follows 27-year-old Greer, who has grown up in a tiny town dreaming of what exists outside of the barriers the town must stay within to protect themselves from the "Bright-Eyeds". Then, on the day when she believes her life is supposed to start with the man she loves, Greer watches him disappear behind the barriers of the town. Greer is determined to find and rescue him, and we follow her on the trek into the wilderness and home of the "Bright-Eyeds".

I loved A Land So Wide! If I could give half ratings on here, it would be a 4.5/5 stars. We continue to get Erin A. Craig's trademark atmospheric-writing in this and she nails the set up for pulling you into this tiny town that has you feeling like you need to keep an eye over your shoulder at all times. I really enjoyed her take on the creatures she creates in the "Bright-Eyeds" and I would've loved to learn even more about them and their lifestyle. And just like all her previous work, I fell in love with her main character, Greer! (I think she might be my second favorite of Erin A. Craig's main characters!) Greer is unapologetically herself, curious and loyal. I really enjoyed her character arc and her curiosity guiding our way into the new world.

A Land So Wide didn't quite make it to the full 5 star mark because of the change in pacing in the second half of the story. I wish we would've gotten just as much world-building as we did in the first half because I feel that would've pulled me more into the new storyline/world and I wouldn't have felt as rushed in all the action and twists that were happening. But with that said, Erin A. Craig still wrote a very compelling and entertaining story that had me wanting more. If she ever decided to write another story in this world, I would be first in line for it because I love the world she has created. I would highly recommend picking this one up and I think it'll be the perfect read for that transition from summer into fall.

This is definitely a new favorite for me and I cannot wait to grab a physical copy to add to my personal library!

Erin Craig is a phenomenal writer, full stop.

I was so excited for this release and even more thrilled to get my hands on an advanced copy. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this.

This is a story of strength, survival, and learning who you are. Through love and the power of blood ties, Greer is an incredible character to follow throughout her experience in Mistaken and the wilderness beyond.

The first half of the book is very centralized in Mistaken and the way of life there. Greer proves to be powerful in both her heart and her convictions, making the story already intriguing. The second half falls somewhere between a survivalist experience and fantasy. The plot structure and action are just as superb as the character development.

If you enjoy love, loss, monsters, and hope, this is a must-read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for the opportunity to read this book.

When I first came across A Land So Wide, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, but the description intrigued me. Erin A. Craig has a talent for crafting atmospheric, immersive worlds, and this book is no exception. The writing is lyrical, painting vivid landscapes that transport readers into the heart of the story.

However, as I progressed—particularly around the 23% mark—I found myself struggling with the pacing. The shifts between past and present, while intriguing, became a bit disorienting, making it harder to stay fully engaged. The slower pace also made it difficult to maintain momentum, and I found myself feeling somewhat lost as the story unfolded.

That said, Craig’s ability to weave rich historical detail and compelling character dynamics is undeniable. Readers who enjoy slow-burning narratives with intricate timelines will likely appreciate the depth of this novel. While it wasn’t the perfect fit for me, I can see how it would resonate with those who love deeply atmospheric and layered storytelling.

𝐀 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐨 𝐖𝐢𝐝𝐞 🦇🌙🌲📜

Such a chilling & eerie read full of many secrets ready to be unlocked. I was fully transported into this book's atmosphere. It was so mysterious and Erin's writing does that to you. I can already see myself rereading this book in October. MAKE SURE TO ADD IT TO YOUR AUTUMN TBR!!

The people of Mistaken are protected by the Warding Stones that align the town. The Warding Stones keep bears, wolves, and the Bright Eyed (vampires) out. If anyone spends a night over these borders, they won't be seen again. I wasn't sure how I would like the Bright Eyed/vampires, but I was so into and the creepy feels they give you. 
I found Greer, the main character, so likable. She was brave and always looking out for others. She has always had an unusual gift of hearing people's thoughts and has always wanted to venture out beyond the town. She eventually does so by going after her childhood friend, now lover, Ellis (might I add he is quite sweet), who mysteriously left the boundaries. You follow her journey as she rescues him, facing many unforeseen events along the way. You will be sitting on the edge of your seat while reading this wanting more and more. So many unexpected moments and twists throughout this. 

Thank you NetGalley for letting me have access to the advanced reader copy and thank you, Erin A. Craig for this incredible story!

Chilling, eerie, dark yet whimsical
Greer a woman with wonder and lust for the unknown is trapped in the town of Mistaken with Warding Stones place all along its edges protecting it from the bright eyes but by sunset everyone must be back within the wards. Although she’s grateful to the Benevolents (holy protectors?) for the years of protection she still yearns for more.
At seven she becomes determined to take that fear & do something about it. She would spend her days exploring a little further into the mistaken to discover new areas & creating maps of them with her mother Allie. Even though these discoveries were huge not only for Greers lust for discovery but mostly for her father to find and harvest more wood (Redcaps to be exact a very special type of tree that can be sold for high prices.) She would map out where new Redcaps were bringing in more money for her family. Her mother passes in her childhood leaving Greer to her never pleased controlling father. Although she doesn’t hate her father they just want different things out of this life.
Every seven years the townsfolk host a reaping to offer up all the very best things they have to offer the Benevolents in gratitude for there many blessings. The morning after the reaping comes the hunt. The hunt is meant for the young women in the town over the age of 16 to hide until found by the man that will become betrothed to the woman he finds. So when the time comes for the hunt it’s clear who her father wants to win. A young man that is a hard worker and shows promise for a strong future but Greer has other ideas. She already found the love of her life a young baker in town who she has spent her whole youth with and grown to love. Like most of Erin’s work she sucks you in with the lavish setting/scenic views, charming characters, and even the food always has the perfect placement in the books. Then she crushes your soul with eerie twists and turns ! This book went dark and dark fast and I loved every bit of it with some shocking twist it was so very unique. I am truly honored that I received this as my very first NetGalley Arc thank you so much for allowing me to review this
Tropes
🌲 New World
🌲Greed
🖤Childhood Friend to Lovers
🪨 Isolated town
🖤Impossible Love
🖤 Forbidden Romance
🔥Rituals
🦇 Unknown Creatures (Bright Eyes)

This book was an absolute masterpiece. It was both brutal and dark, with a sense of unease that lingered long after I put it down, but what stood out to me most was its unexpected sense of hope. Despite the heavy themes and at times harrowing moments, there was an underlying beauty that shone through. The way it was written was nothing short of extraordinary — Craig has such a gift with words. Her prose has an almost magnetic quality, pulling you into the story and making you feel as though you are right there alongside the characters, experiencing every emotion, every twist, and every turn.

I’ll admit, I’m not much of a traditional reader. I’ve always been someone who listens to audiobooks, almost religiously, because I struggle to sit down with a physical book for long stretches. But even with my usual preference for audiobooks, this book was impossible to put down. It grabbed me from the first page and before I knew it, I was flying through the chapters, completely immersed in the world Craig created. I ended up finishing the entire book in just three reading sessions, which says a lot, given how difficult it usually is for me to stay focused on a book for an extended period of time. That in itself speaks volumes about how captivating this story is.

For readers who enjoy:
Gothic Fairytale Vibes
Scottish Folklore
Wonderfully Atmospheric Writing
Clever Integrations
Beautiful Settings
Spooky vibes
And vibes like the opening scene in Beauty and the Beast (1991) combined with The Village by M Night Shyamalan

Another amazing tale, this time debuting in the adult category, Erin A. Craig nails another atmospheric horror and fantasy novel. This book reminded me a little of The Village and her other novel, Small Favors. This one was absolutely amazing because we see the main character, Greer, goes out to rescue her partner Ellis who wants to see what is beyond the wards. I love everything Craig writes, and she will probably be an auto-buy author from here on out!

Erin Craig knows how to write deeply capitivating stories! I have read all of her books except The Thirteenth Child. I already own it and will be reading it soon! A Land so Wide does everything, but disappoint!
Craig has a gift for creating new worlds and intriguing characters. This is her debut adult novel and I feel she knocked it out of the park. I believe no matter what the plot was of any book, I would read anything written by Erin Craig. I stay wanting more of her stories! This book is full of vivid descriptions of Mistaken and the Bright Eyed creatures. These creatures are unique and intriguing!
I have never read another book quite like A Land so Wide. It has mystery, romance, suspense, and historical aspects. Craig's stories are dark and whimiscal. The story in A Land so Wide is really fantastic. The twists and turns are unpredictable. I was pleasantly surprised by many things. I really enjoyed how the story came together! I do not feel there were any loose ends or questions left unanswered. I highly recommend A Land so Wide. It was a very satisfying and enjoyable read!
Thank you to Netgalley, Pantheon, and Erin Craig for the arc! All opinions expressed are my own.

Last August I sat down with a copy of “Small Favors” by Erin A Craig and loved it so much that I was furious I had to spend all of the next day driving instead of finishing it. I remember thinking to myself that I had never read something like it, and I would give up a kidney for more of that feeling.
More has arrived in the form of “A Land So Wide”.
From the very beginning, the rich descriptions of the land and the horrors of Mistaken’s first days send tingles all the way down your spine. The tapestry Craig weaves between past and present has the unique effect of making you feel simultaneously as though you know everything and nothing about this secluded town and its mysteries. You are kept on your toes, with your own ears straining for the same whispers of the wilds that only Greer can hear.
Greer’s growth as a protagonist was so very fun to cheer on—after being established as a thoughtful (if somewhat pampered) naive girl with a soft heart, she is thrust again and again into situations that can (and do!) make weaker folks flail. Yes, love makes her soft and vulnerable; it also makes her strong and vicious, morphing her from doe-eyed prey to be to a cunning predator.
My favorite part of reading a Craig story is the clever way she feeds info to the reader—just enough to make you feel as though you’ve got the whole thing figured out, and just too little to guess the ace up her sleeve. You come away with a sense of both “I knew it!” and “whoa, she got me!” I love being fooled into thinking the story follows a pattern and then being ripped right out of it. This knack for sleight of hand is what keeps me eagerly awaiting every pre-orders arrival.
I was so honored and delighted to receive this ARC! Thank you for providing me with one of my favorite releases of the year!
Make sure to pre-order your copy today!

Erin A. Craig is undeniably the queen of dark fairy tales. When I heard about her book, A Land So Wide, I discovered that it is loosely based on a Scottish tale called Tam Lin. While there are various versions of this story, Erin's rendition is far superior to others I have read. She replaces the fairies with something much darker and more dangerous, and she doesn't hold back on the violence. A Land So Wide is her debut in adult literature, and she could not have chosen a better story to tell. I am completely captivated by everything she writes.