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FOR THE WOLF
Author: Hannah F. Whitten
Series: Wilderwood #1
Source: Audiobook via Audible
Publisher: Orbit Books
Publication Date: June 1, 2021
Summary:
The first daughter is for the Throne.
The second daughter is for the Wolf.
As the only Second Daughter born in centuries, Red has one purpose-to be sacrificed to the Wolf in the Wood in the hope he'll return the world's captured gods.
Red is almost relieved to go. Plagued by a dangerous power she can't control, at least she knows that in the Wilderwood, she can't hurt those she loves. Again.
But the legends lie. The Wolf is a man, not a monster. Her magic is a calling, not a curse. And if she doesn't learn how to use it, the monsters the gods have become will swallow the Wilderwood-and her world-whole.
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Content Warnings: self-harm for magic use, blood, parental neglect, emotional abuse, general violence/gore, moderate sexual content, religious trauma/abuse
As the second daughter to the Queen, Red has always known her fate. While her sister will inherit the throne, Red will be sacrificed to the Wilderwood and the monster within. In her kingdom it is believed that the Wolf of the Wood has the ability to release the world's captured Gods, and that with Red's sacrifice, he may choose to do that. Thus, Red could essentially be the savior of the world.
This is one of those books that is both good and bad at the same time. It was a mixture of Little Red Riding Hood and Beauty and the Beast but it wasn't enough of either of them. I thought it was really good while reading it, but whenever I had to take a break, I felt like it lost it's magic a bit. The premise was really interesting to me and I enjoyed the first part and the ending of this, where all the action happens, but there's way too much middle and lack of intrigue in the middle.
I didn't like some of the convenience that came up throughout the story. I also thought the interludes were fine, but once we got the "mirror," it seemed like they were a bit pointless until we got to the end. I thought there was a lot of good prose and description, but a lack of worldbuilding. It was one of those "you said a lot but didn't say much at all."
Red is a fierce protagonist. I loved her attitude and her determination. Resigned to being just an offering to a forest that may or may not kill her, she bravely lives up to her fate only to find out things aren't what they seem. She's not one to roll over and when Eammon pushes her, she pushes right back. I also always appreciate someone who says "well I might be able to read before I die so gotta bring all the books!"
Neve is just as strong-willed and will do anything to protect her sister despite being betrothed to a man that is in love with Red. But she has been put in a similar position - one without a choice and she isn't able to do too much to change her circumstances once she's been manipulated. I am happy that there is a sequel and it's from her POV!
The romance between Red and Eammon is sweet, but is a super slow burn. Like I am not the biggest fan of romance and even I was thinking they should shut up and kiss already.
If you liked ACOTAR, you'll probably enjoy this. It also isn't as long as I thought it would be! I finished it in my drive into work and most of my work day.
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