The Forest - A Tale of old Magic

Ever since I was a little girl, I have been in love with fairy tales. Tales of lore, magic and mythical beasts. Even the villainous creatures and witches have shared my dreams and nightmares. It’s a world we’ve all grown up with, so when I saw Julia Blake’s blurb on her, at the time new novel, The Forest ~A Tale of Old Magic~, I knew I had to read it.

Before I go into details on the story, I have to first commend Blake on her writing skills. The way this book is written, it’s as if I was taken back, through time and space, into a ensorcelled world. The prose, the style- everything about The Forest, Blake graced with true finesse and talent. With my being an Anglophile, anything that works the mythos of English, Scottish, Irish fantasy, I run for it hook, line and sinker. I was not disappointed. #element-3f14a658-0da2-4543-9466-cd6482d20eb9 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;} Okay, so The Forest is a dangerous place. Long ago, a woman foretold of something coming and she had not lied. Periodically, when the white hind is spotted, someone goes missing. Someone dies. In the town of Wyckenwode, there appears to be a curse and three individuals have been chosen. Sally, one of the kindest girls in town; Jack, one born of a wicked temperament and Reuben, a troubled young man. Can they uncover secrets, discover truths, and maybe save themselves?

As complimented previously, the characters are written in a way, you develop a caring for them as you would a regular person. Though I felt it began a bit slow, I understood Blake felt you needed to know everything there was to the characters. You're introduced to them, then spoon-feed  as you would a true friendship, until you actually know them. You're also receive the town’s history- even history before the town! It’s depths knew no bounds, which is why the pace, structure and ending came about so beautifully.

This isn't my first book by Blake, so when I say this one is unlike any of her previous tales, it's the truth. The Forest ~A Tale of Old Magic~ is one that will keep you turning the pages, until they are no more. Grab a copy. Cheers!

The Forest - A Tale of Old Magic
Written & Published by Julia Blake
358 pages
Released October 2018