Book Review: Into the Forest, by Jennifer Willcock is a fun and fast read.

The story is about Prince Teowulf, the reluctant and rebellious Crown Prince of the Wolf Kingdom, and Jenna “Rider” Hood, daughter of a sect of people called the Forest People, who face discrimination. The story circles around these two young adults as the Kingdom is inflicted with a disease that only Jenna’s father, a doctor, can cure with natural medicines. Though this may seem like a simple plot, it is complicated by King Duko who hates Jenna’s father and the Forest People.

This very well-written book exposes in interesting detail the friction between the privileged Wolf Class, the discriminated Forest People, and leaders of other kingdoms.

Though Little Red Riding Hood is a fantasy, this is not. The book’s story is centered in a modern-time monarchy, making it a romance/action-adventure/thriller novel.

I enjoy the writer’s style. Like some books, I didn’t trudge through this hoping the end would come soon. Instead, Ms. Willcock paced the story very well, alternating between the two main characters’ points of views.

Another tribute to the author is that this story covers several social issues: class struggle, the caste system, homeopathic vs modern medicine, sexism, monarchy/aristocracy, and unfair trade practices.

Ms. Willcock does an excellent job describing action: “Rider pumped her legs harder, eager to be home where the world sat correctly on its axis.” Other parts of the book paint wonderful pictures of characters’ feelings: “The tendons in Rider’s neck tightened like a marionette.”

If I were to mention one criticism of the story it is the overuse of clichés. Such phrases like “brushing me off;” “back before you know it;” “my word is my bond;” “What am I, chopped liver?” take a little away from the story’s originality. As mentioned in the former examples, my reading experience is enhanced when the author creates unique wording in scenes.

I recommend this fun and intriguing book to anyone who likes romance and action-adventure.

I received a review copy courtesy of the author through Interviews & Reviews for an unbiased and objective review.