Thank you NetGalley and the Publisher for an eARC of this novel.

There is something about Erin A. Craig and her writing that has me hooked. I desperately look forward to every word she writes and cling on to them like a baby to its mother. Craig spins words and stories into a magical and mystical blend of beauty, danger and dreams. She writes both the rose and the thorn. And A and so wide is no exception. Craig offers a brutally cold and vicious novel of finding out your life is a lie and the only way to discover the truth about the world and yourself is to come face to face with a terrifying land of unknown. The town of mistaken where our protagonist lives is anything but what is seems and we get to follow Greer as she figures out truth from the lies the towns creator and townsmen create.

Thanks to NetGalley and Pantheon for the eARC of A La d So Wide.

I had not heard of Erin Craig, but I was instantly hooked by this story. It’s a bit of M. Night Shyamalan, a bit of A Forest of Hands and Teeth, and a bit 30 Days of Night. It is a sweeping, dreamy, creepy tale set in the wilds of Canada and a fictional village called Mistaken. Mistaken is protected by ward stones. These stones keep the Bright-Eyeds out and the residents in. When Greer Mackenzie’s long time love, Ellis, is convinced to be a sacrifice to the monsters beyond the wards, Greer begins to unravel the many secrets of her family, herself, and Mistaken as she embarks on the quest to find him.

Craig does an amazing job at creating an atmospheric experience when it comes to the setting. Greer is brave and fierce. Ellis is kind and handsome and good natured. Finn has an intensity to him. The villains are strong villains, though I would say I am somewhat confused about Greer’s father. All in all, this was a great read and any fans of mystery/sci-fi/fantasy should check it out in September!

One thing Erin A. Craig is always going to do is write the most atmospheric books ever. Her writing sucks me straight into the world. And this book was no exception. The dark and eerie nature of the world was so appealing it made it so difficult for me to put this one down. This is Erin A. Craig's debut in adult novels, and it made me love her writing so much more than I have before. It made it so the darker elements of the book could be explored in more depth than they might have been able to in a YA book. One thing about this being adult, though, is that I sometimes felt the main character, Greer, read a little bit younger than her age. She is written to be 27 years old, something which I had to keep reminding myself of because I kept thinking was around 20-22 instead.
If you love books filled with mystery, magic, and monsters I really think this book is going to be the one for you. Erin A. Craig really knows how to write a beautifully sinister novel with darker tones that frighten the reader just the right amount. Loved it.

This book was incredible. Erin is one of my favorite authors and her first adult novel did not disappoint!

The story is set in the town of Mistaken—where the founders made a deal long ago to protect those that live in the town from the terrible beasts in the nearby forest. Warding Stones were placed to protect those who lived in Mistaken, but anyone that stayed the night would be bound there forever.

In the forest beyond are creatures known as the Bright-Eyed, which are deadly and are responsible for the destruction of many small villages and towns.

Greer Mackenzie is the daughter of the miller, and on the day she and her beloved, Ellis, are meant to begin their lives, terrible tragedy strikes. When no one comes to her aid, Greer is resolved to set out on her own into the wild wilderness past Mistaken. On her journey to find Ellis, Greer fords rivers and crosses mountains. She escapes numerous Bright-Eyes that seek to hunt her—all the while finding out the truth about herself.

This book was deeply atmospheric and was wonderfully written, just like the rest of Erin’s books. She is a truly gifted storyteller and you will not regret getting this book!

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a review.

I was SO excited to receive this ARC.
Erin A. Craig has been along time favorite of mine and this book is one of her best!
From the atmospheric writing to sinister plots this book will keep you up late into the night!
Craig is a master at intricate world building and this was packed full. Prepare yourself for some revelations that will leave you with whiplash.

A Land So Wide had me hooked from start to finish. A gripping tale with the same beautiful and atmospheric writing that Erin A. Craig has showcased in all of her other books. I mean, this author NEVER misses. I absolutely loved reading A Land So Wide and I can't wait until it comes out so I can add it to my bookshelf!

Man, did this miss the mark for me, and I'm sort of really depressed about that.

First let's talk about the good; I enjoyed the concept of the Bright-Eyeds and the connection to vampires. An unseen force kept at bay from the village by some invisible means, descending only at night from the night sky? Yes, I'll have one of those please. The atmosphere was eerie and claustrophobic in the best of ways. And, while we don't get too much of her, I really liked the character of Louise Beaufort.

And now the bad.

To start, A Land So Wide doesn't come across as adult, just YA with some occasional crude dialogue and fade-to-black sexually charged moments. It honestly felt more like Greer and the other characters were written as 17/18/19 year-olds but aged up to reflect a mature rating. Also in that regard, Greer is incredibly gullible and naïve for a grown woman, nevermind her sheltered existence. To the point of it being obnoxious -- Noah Finn's "reveal" was obvious from the moment his character appeared on page.

I'm also not a fan of the weirdly forced love triangle, but moreso especially the "fated mates" trope that is only introduced halfway through the book. Greer and Finn have zero chemistry, with the latter coming off as a complete creep, at least in my opinion.

Despite Greer's critical thinking deficiency, I did sympathize with her craving for more in life, to travel beyond her known borders. I respect and relate to that. Which is why I was disappointed the actual journey through the forest was not only a slog, but repetitive. Between the point that Greer leaves Mistaken and the climax happens, the story essentially consists of: Greer walks through unknown wilds thinking about Ellis or Finn, Finn disappears and reappears at convenience. Greer is stalked by something at night. She falls asleep thinking about Ellis or Finn. Rinse and repeat.

I just didn't care. I did, however, want to know more about the land's natives. Screw the Mackenzie-Beaufort drama, I want to learn about the people who found ways to survive outside of Mistaken, like the unnamed girl and her father.

Thank you to NetGalley, and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for this arc in echange for an honest review.

I came across another reviewer comparing this book to One Dark Window, and I must concur! The darker tone and setting of the story set it apart from other fantasy novels currently being published. A Land So Wide is an enthralling journey into an entirely unique and unsettling world. The setting is unlike anything I’ve encountered before. How Craig was able to conjure up this world of intrigue, mystery, and fantastical elements is beyond me. The novel’s landscape creates a sense of wonder and unease. Craig’s exceptionally descriptive writing paints vivid and atmospheric scenes that make the land itself feel alive, drawing readers into its beauty and danger. I felt as though I myself was in the town of Mistaken, needing to look over my shoulder or give my thanks to the Benevolence. The world feels tangible and immersive, enhancing the character-driven narrative. This book stands out for its captivating storytelling and the way the setting becomes an integral part of the story. If you’re seeking a beautiful, haunting, and atmospheric novel that transports you to an unforgettable place, A Land So Wide is an absolute must-read.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this e-arc!

this was amazing! It was everything I wanted and more from this book. It was so atmospheric and i would say its an adult spiritual successor to her other book " small favors" which is one of my favorite books of all time. I'm a sucker for a secluded town with strange happenings and more than meets the eye, and more eyes on you than you realize. I cant wait to read it again when it officially comes out this September!

I am a huge fan of Erin Craig's writing style and her books and was so excited to see her coming out with an adult novel! A Land So Wide was a grim and adventurous read filled with mystery and horrors. It follows Greer Mackenzie and her town of Mistaken. Mistaken was founded by a Scottish lumberman who started the town but soon realizes the horrors of the new land. Mysterious bright-eyed creatures that wreak havoc and violence upon the people. The difference is that Mistaken is protected by warding stones to keep these bright-eyed creatures from entering the town. Greer dreams of a world beyond Mistaken and her wish comes true when her beloved Ellis wanders past the warding stones just before sunset. Greer follows Ellis into the wilderness determined to find him. Along the way she meets a mysterious Noah Finn who helps her on her perilous and unknown journey. She also comes face to face with the bright eyes and they are even more horrific than she could have imagined. She starts to uncover not only the truth about Mistakens past and history but also her parents' connection to it as well as the mystery surrounding the bright-eyed creatures. This story is perfectly paced and definitely reads like a horror adventure. It was a very unique read, and I think readers will love this one.

3.5 Stars! I love Erin A Craig so much so when I heard she was returning to a creepy forest setting like in Small Favors, I was so excited. The first 50% of the book was impeccable. I was in the woods with Greer, I could hear and feel everything that she heard and felt. Where the story fell apart for me was unfortunately when it was supposed to get exciting. Greer leaves the safety of her town to save the love of her life and the pacing of this last half of the book felt so bizarre. The introduction of Finn and his constant fading in and out of the story made it so that I never felt connected to him, never felt the chemistry we were meant to feel. Then there were deaths and huge pieces of action that felt like they were brushed over. I had to read one section twice to make sure I understood who died. This especially applies to the climax - it was…anti climactic. I hope that will another round of edits before publishing these things can be fixed because I loved the lore and atmosphere, but as it stands now, we didnt get enough time with the Bright Eyed, with Finn, or even with Elowen. I would have happily read 100 more pages if it meant I felt any emotional attachment because the bones of this story are great! Thanks for the ARC and I look forward to Craig’s next work.

A very original and captivating standalone! The description of this book is so spot on - it’s incredibly atmospheric and feels like a grim fairytale in its eeriness and sense of adventure into the unknown. This has a really unique spin on a classic story of a girl being isolated in her world and understanding, but then finding the bravery to break away and find her identity. I was incredibly hooked in by the lore of this settlement and the dark nature of magic and beasts that haunt the town. The pacing was mostly consistent throughout and I loved that the romance was more subplot but still had a lot of great depth and yearning. My only complaints would be the abruptness of the ending and the plot twists felt a bit predictable in parts. Would definitely recommend as a solid switch up from classic romantasy!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Amazing high-fantasy dark fairytale featuring love, loss, and plenty of adventure!

A little more than 100 years ago, Resolution Beaufort cast his sights on wealth and power - a feat he hoped to accomplish by milling special trees in a remote destination. Stars in their eyes, workers and their families joined him in the voyage to claim their new lives. Now, the ancestors of those families find themselves the victims of a curse - unable to leave the confines of their settlement, Mistaken, but protected from the dangerous (and magical) creatures that lurk just beyond its borders.

One of its residents, however, has dreams of exploring beyond the limits afforded to her. Greer Mackenzie, dreaming of a life with the man she loves, and of adventure, is crushed when her father promises her hand in marriage to another man. She watches as the man she loves escapes Mistaken, a task thought impossible. The impending results of that escape will forever change her life and the lives of everyone inside (and outside) of Mistaken.

This story is perfect for those who love dark fairytales, high fantasy, monsters, magic, folklore, fantastical creatures, 'The Chosen One', reluctant heroes, supervillains, magical quests, forbidden love, and clean romantic fantasy.

I have loved every moment of my time spent with the characters in this story.

I loved the story, the world building and meeting the different characters. I felt completely immersed in the story and couldn't stop reading it.

The premise of this one was so intriguing, but ultimately, I found myself not loving it... Just felt a little slow at points, I didn't really love any of the characters, and ultimately, I think this just wasn't for me.

I loved this book. Erin does such a fantastic job writing in a way you feel immersed within the book. It’s spooky but also fun. Greer is a great main character to follow. I’d recommend reading this book to everyone.

*3.5
Oh my goodness this setting was so eerie and atmospheric, it was lovely. I do think that some things could’ve been fleshed out more and the pacing was a little off — it dragged at some points, but then the ending wrapped up really quickly and kind of abruptly — but the mystery of it all was soooo gripping. Definitely a good pick overall for some creepy vibes!

Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, and Vintage for the arc!

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!

This was just alright for me, I think the beginning was really interesting, but the love triangle didn't really do it for me, and after reading this authors other work, the more raunchy scenes felt out of place. I'm not sure what was off about the tone for me but it just didn't really hit the same as her other books.

A Land So Wide opens with the tale of how Mistaken was formed, and quickly dives into the life of Mistaken’s inhabitants and the harsh, secluded lives they lead within their borders. It draws you in as surely as the Warding Stones and keeps you caught up tightly until the last page… and even then you’re left hoping for more. The story of Greer and her family, her friends, who she is, and who she becomes was fantastic, creepy, wonderful, and engrossing. I can’t wait to see if we return to Mistaken in the future!

I'm so glad I was picked for an ARC for A Land So Wide! It held my attention and took me to a land that was so perfectly described. Erin A. Craig has a talent for creating not just good imagery but also a vibe with her stories and this book is no different. We are given a forest with danger, a town with lore, an eccentric FMC. This is a romantasy. Without the romance, the story isn't there, but it isn't a spicy one.

The book description is a solid one and is a true representation of the story. Without giving anything away, it is a story of love and self discovery. I would give it 4.5 stars but we can't use half stars on here. If you pick up on foreshadowing cues, there will be predictable moments but not enough to spoil the story halfway through. If you're a reader who is along for the ride, there will be some surprises.

If you liked One Dark Window, you will probably like A Land So Wide.