Book review: The Butcher of the Forest by Preemee Mohamed

This was a comforting yet compelling read. Veris is a reluctant hero; years ago, she was able to rescue a child from the Elmever, an alternate space in the North woods similar to faerie. Now, living modestly and trying to survive under The Tyrant who has conquered her town, she is summoned to an audience with him. His children have gone missing, and he is told that she is the only person to return from the Elmever.

Veris must get the children back, or her village will be razed and her loved ones murdered. What follows is an adventure that explores the moral ambiguity of trying to remain ethical and kind while under extreme duress, and being clever enough to outwit the creepy inhabitants of the Elmever.

Well-paced, with strong characterization, this is a stand alone novel that will appeal to those who like reluctant heroes, and those who enjoy tales where humans attempt to outsmart the fae.