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The Sevens #1
The Wild Wood
Seven girls tied together by fate. Seven powers brewing within. One last chance to save the world. Cecily Daye and her six friends were all born on the same day under the same evil omen. Forever scorned by the superstitious villagers, Cecily and her friends know that one hint of witchcraft could get them burned at the stake. But when their seventeenth birthday nears, unexplained events wreak havoc on their peaceful town. And as strange forces stir deep inside them, Cecily and her friends fear that their pastor’s foreboding condemnation may be true.
Afraid for their lives and the safety of their families, the girls are faced with an impossible decision—wait for judgment or escape into the perilous Wild Woods armed with nothing but their friendship. Deep within the dark heart of the forest, the girls encounter a threat with the power to overrun the world. To save their lives and their families, they’ll need to embrace the dark inner forces they've been running from their entire lives.
The Wild Wood is the first book in a series of captivating YA fantasy novels. If you like supernatural powers, action-packed adventures, and unbreakable friendships, then you’ll love Julie Anne Nelson’s enchanted saga of sisterhood.
Buy The Wild Wood to embark on a heartfelt adventure of misfits and magic today!
Afraid for their lives and the safety of their families, the girls are faced with an impossible decision—wait for judgment or escape into the perilous Wild Woods armed with nothing but their friendship. Deep within the dark heart of the forest, the girls encounter a threat with the power to overrun the world. To save their lives and their families, they’ll need to embrace the dark inner forces they've been running from their entire lives.
The Wild Wood is the first book in a series of captivating YA fantasy novels. If you like supernatural powers, action-packed adventures, and unbreakable friendships, then you’ll love Julie Anne Nelson’s enchanted saga of sisterhood.
Buy The Wild Wood to embark on a heartfelt adventure of misfits and magic today!
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
296 pages, ebook
First published June 27, 2012
96 people are currently reading
316 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 18, 2013
This book is so much more than a pretty and attractive cover. Wonderfully written and with such attention to detail, this novel completely surprised me from start to finish. The evolution of the story, characters and the world that you are introduced to is unique and delightful.
Cecily Daye is a good girl. She follows the rules and tries her best to remain outside of the towns and Reverends attention but it's not always that simple. Marked as evil from her birth along with six other girls born on the same day at the same time, has made all of their lives hard but with their seventeenth birthdays approaching, life is becoming more difficult. I found myself holding my breath on the day and even more so when Cecily looses someone close to her on that very night. This is a turning point and there was no going back and no avoiding The Wild Wood that they had been taught to fear.
With her desire to protect her family and also dreams of actually living Cecily is a great character. Though she did come off as compliant a few times to start I got it because anything she did not only came down to her "inner evil" but it was taken out on her mother as well. Thing is when the day came Cecily had no problem stepping up and taking hold of the potential that was hers for the taking. Her character really developed throughout the novel and developed into someone that was willing to do what was needed and make a sacrifice for what was right.
Though Cecily is the main focus the other girls are not to be overlooked. Morgan, Stephanie, Abigail, Charity, Amanda and Millie each had their own personality and spot in the seven. The two that stood out the most for me were Morgan and Stephanie. Morgan from first mention had my attention. The girl is calm collected and seems to know more than she lets on but she has also lost more than any other seven... Her entire family. Stephanie is the opposite and has more than any seven coming from a prestigious family and always seems to hold her head high and even speaks her mind. Though these two stood out more for me I think each girl is important and different people may connect with different characters.
Julie has my attention and I was surprised to learn that more people haven't had their attention grabbed by this talented indie. With a riveting story, creative/individual characters and a fast pace I have no doubt that this book will pick up speed and recognition in no time. I'm looking forward to picking up the second book in this series The Downs and only postponed it to write the review and fully absorb the first book.
Cecily Daye is a good girl. She follows the rules and tries her best to remain outside of the towns and Reverends attention but it's not always that simple. Marked as evil from her birth along with six other girls born on the same day at the same time, has made all of their lives hard but with their seventeenth birthdays approaching, life is becoming more difficult. I found myself holding my breath on the day and even more so when Cecily looses someone close to her on that very night. This is a turning point and there was no going back and no avoiding The Wild Wood that they had been taught to fear.
With her desire to protect her family and also dreams of actually living Cecily is a great character. Though she did come off as compliant a few times to start I got it because anything she did not only came down to her "inner evil" but it was taken out on her mother as well. Thing is when the day came Cecily had no problem stepping up and taking hold of the potential that was hers for the taking. Her character really developed throughout the novel and developed into someone that was willing to do what was needed and make a sacrifice for what was right.
Though Cecily is the main focus the other girls are not to be overlooked. Morgan, Stephanie, Abigail, Charity, Amanda and Millie each had their own personality and spot in the seven. The two that stood out the most for me were Morgan and Stephanie. Morgan from first mention had my attention. The girl is calm collected and seems to know more than she lets on but she has also lost more than any other seven... Her entire family. Stephanie is the opposite and has more than any seven coming from a prestigious family and always seems to hold her head high and even speaks her mind. Though these two stood out more for me I think each girl is important and different people may connect with different characters.
Julie has my attention and I was surprised to learn that more people haven't had their attention grabbed by this talented indie. With a riveting story, creative/individual characters and a fast pace I have no doubt that this book will pick up speed and recognition in no time. I'm looking forward to picking up the second book in this series The Downs and only postponed it to write the review and fully absorb the first book.
October 9, 2013
First of all, I want to say that I CANNOT BELIEVE that I have not read this book before now! I am litarally in awe at how fascinating this book was. The synopsis of this book does this book no justice! This book is SOOOO much more! I mean, seriously...If you have not read this book then YOU HAVE TO! I read the synopsis and thought I was heading into an young adult book with some secrets and possibly some romance. OK ...Yes it had that and SO MUCH MORE! Oh my goodness!!
From the first chapter I immediately fell in love with Cecily Daye's character. She is so strong and perserveres through so much strife and hate. She lives in a town where she and six other girls are feared and judged just by the fact that they were all born on the same day. The town leader, Pastor Rowe, spends his entire life spreading hate throughout the town aimed at these young innocent girls. Each girl has her own special personality and faces these judgements in their own way.
Cecily lives each day trying to be the best, most innocent girl she can for fear of retribution against her family. She loves her family so much and fears that anything she does could put her family in harms way. Pastor Rowe duals out cruelty on anything and anyone that he feels "might" be caused because of the "sevens." He is a truly evil man and I found myself literally wanting to jump into the book and strangle him!!!
Cecily secretly loves a young man named Nate who just happens to be Pastor Rowe's son. Nate believes Cecily 100% when she tells him she is not evil. I loved reading about their time together. It was so innocent and pure until Nate kisses Cecily in front of everyone. This event sparks his father and enfuriates him into causing Nate and Cecily not to see each other anymore.
After this occurs Cecily and Nate grow so distant and so many things begin to happen and unravel that causes Cecily and her sister sevens to be banished into The Wild Wood.
"But still, I fought to keep our survival in my mind as the whip seared my flesh, until after twenty-five lashes, the pain stole my consciouness and I was temporarily freed from this fight."
I have no idea where to start when it comes to The Wild Wood. Let me just say that it is nothing like I expected. The Wild Wood is such a fascinating and phenomenal world. I felt like I was transformed into this beautiful world and there with everything that happens to Cecily and the sevens. I dont want to indulge further because I dont want to spoil the amazingness that is The Wild Wood.
"As soon as the sevens touched me, our families wailing ended and their rage redoubled, and I turned away from them to look at the Wild Wood--our new home."
This book is so emotionally captivating. I love a book that has amazing imagery and world building and Julie Anne Nelson created this in such a way that is nothing short of phenomenal. I savored each chapter and felt each emotion that is so delicately written into this book. Each page was a new adventure, new heart ache, and a new fascinating story. Please if you do not pick up any other book this year...PLEASE read this...Fans of fantasy, romance, suspense, drama, and truly phenomenal books will LOVE this book...I cannot say it enough..I am immediately headed to get the sequel...I cant wait to get back into the world of The Wild Wood and to see where these amazing young women that are The Sister Sevens are going to take me next......
If I could give this book more than 5 stars I so would. This is by far my most favorite book this year. Julie Anne Nelson is at the top of my "Authors To Watch" list. I will read anything and everything that she writes! She is amazing and not only writes amazing books but also communicates with reviewers and appreciates them! She is a ROCK STAR!!!
From the first chapter I immediately fell in love with Cecily Daye's character. She is so strong and perserveres through so much strife and hate. She lives in a town where she and six other girls are feared and judged just by the fact that they were all born on the same day. The town leader, Pastor Rowe, spends his entire life spreading hate throughout the town aimed at these young innocent girls. Each girl has her own special personality and faces these judgements in their own way.
Cecily lives each day trying to be the best, most innocent girl she can for fear of retribution against her family. She loves her family so much and fears that anything she does could put her family in harms way. Pastor Rowe duals out cruelty on anything and anyone that he feels "might" be caused because of the "sevens." He is a truly evil man and I found myself literally wanting to jump into the book and strangle him!!!
Cecily secretly loves a young man named Nate who just happens to be Pastor Rowe's son. Nate believes Cecily 100% when she tells him she is not evil. I loved reading about their time together. It was so innocent and pure until Nate kisses Cecily in front of everyone. This event sparks his father and enfuriates him into causing Nate and Cecily not to see each other anymore.
After this occurs Cecily and Nate grow so distant and so many things begin to happen and unravel that causes Cecily and her sister sevens to be banished into The Wild Wood.
"But still, I fought to keep our survival in my mind as the whip seared my flesh, until after twenty-five lashes, the pain stole my consciouness and I was temporarily freed from this fight."
I have no idea where to start when it comes to The Wild Wood. Let me just say that it is nothing like I expected. The Wild Wood is such a fascinating and phenomenal world. I felt like I was transformed into this beautiful world and there with everything that happens to Cecily and the sevens. I dont want to indulge further because I dont want to spoil the amazingness that is The Wild Wood.
"As soon as the sevens touched me, our families wailing ended and their rage redoubled, and I turned away from them to look at the Wild Wood--our new home."
This book is so emotionally captivating. I love a book that has amazing imagery and world building and Julie Anne Nelson created this in such a way that is nothing short of phenomenal. I savored each chapter and felt each emotion that is so delicately written into this book. Each page was a new adventure, new heart ache, and a new fascinating story. Please if you do not pick up any other book this year...PLEASE read this...Fans of fantasy, romance, suspense, drama, and truly phenomenal books will LOVE this book...I cannot say it enough..I am immediately headed to get the sequel...I cant wait to get back into the world of The Wild Wood and to see where these amazing young women that are The Sister Sevens are going to take me next......
If I could give this book more than 5 stars I so would. This is by far my most favorite book this year. Julie Anne Nelson is at the top of my "Authors To Watch" list. I will read anything and everything that she writes! She is amazing and not only writes amazing books but also communicates with reviewers and appreciates them! She is a ROCK STAR!!!
September 7, 2013
Cecily lives in a small town as a member of the Sevens: Seven girls who were born on the same day at the same time. Because of this Pastor Rowe has branded them evil. They cannot associate with one another and are essentially ostracized from the town. They have a set of rules - "traditions" - they must follow and if they break any of them, there are pretty severe replications. Their 17th birthday is approaching and this is when Pastor Rowe states that they will truly come into the evil power and should be feared.
Nelson does an amazing job of describing the town, its inhabitants, and the lives these girls have had to live. The characters come alive and, in earlier times, I can see something like this happening. Well, the first half on the novel anyway.
I can't speak much for the people of Dunlowe. They're all too afraid of Pastor Rowe to rebel against him. The families love and care for their daughters, but they still don't do anything. I guess I get it. They're afraid and Pastor Rowe can easily turn anything positive about the Sevens into a negative - as we see a couple times.
There isn't much in the way of romance. Cecily is dating Nate, son of Pastor Rowe, and I cannot stand him. "I love you, Cecily and I don't care what my father says, but... I don't believe him at all, but..." Shut up. Go away.
Now, I'm not bashing the novel or Nelson for any of this. These aspects keep the novel and time period believable. It doesn't make me hate the book, it makes me hate the character. Which I'm pretty sure Nelson is going for.
Cecily is a wonderful character who protects her family as best she can. I commend her all the more because when it comes time to step up and actually protect them, and the other Sevens, she does so. She developed wonderfully through the novel - from a young girl to a true leader, but I won't get into that (far too many spoilers).
Even the other Sevens (Stephanie, Morgan, Abigail, Amanda, Charity, and Millie) develop throughout the novel. They all have their own personalities, which I can imagine is a bit tricky when you have so many characters that play an integral part of the novel. One of my favorite aspects though is once they escape to the Wild Wood, they refer to each other as sisters. I love the camaraderie of these girls who never spoke, and barely looked at one another, who all become so close that you would have thought they were truly sisters.
This novel was absolutely amazing and I had a hard time putting it down. The writing is beautifully done and the story captivating and unique, with enough surprises that I never found myself predicting what was going to happen next. I am definitely going to continue with Volume 2, The Downs.
Nelson does an amazing job of describing the town, its inhabitants, and the lives these girls have had to live. The characters come alive and, in earlier times, I can see something like this happening. Well, the first half on the novel anyway.
I can't speak much for the people of Dunlowe. They're all too afraid of Pastor Rowe to rebel against him. The families love and care for their daughters, but they still don't do anything. I guess I get it. They're afraid and Pastor Rowe can easily turn anything positive about the Sevens into a negative - as we see a couple times.
There isn't much in the way of romance. Cecily is dating Nate, son of Pastor Rowe, and I cannot stand him. "I love you, Cecily and I don't care what my father says, but... I don't believe him at all, but..." Shut up. Go away.
Now, I'm not bashing the novel or Nelson for any of this. These aspects keep the novel and time period believable. It doesn't make me hate the book, it makes me hate the character. Which I'm pretty sure Nelson is going for.
Cecily is a wonderful character who protects her family as best she can. I commend her all the more because when it comes time to step up and actually protect them, and the other Sevens, she does so. She developed wonderfully through the novel - from a young girl to a true leader, but I won't get into that (far too many spoilers).
Even the other Sevens (Stephanie, Morgan, Abigail, Amanda, Charity, and Millie) develop throughout the novel. They all have their own personalities, which I can imagine is a bit tricky when you have so many characters that play an integral part of the novel. One of my favorite aspects though is once they escape to the Wild Wood, they refer to each other as sisters. I love the camaraderie of these girls who never spoke, and barely looked at one another, who all become so close that you would have thought they were truly sisters.
This novel was absolutely amazing and I had a hard time putting it down. The writing is beautifully done and the story captivating and unique, with enough surprises that I never found myself predicting what was going to happen next. I am definitely going to continue with Volume 2, The Downs.
July 30, 2016
I received this book in exchange for an honest review for the blog tour. You can find my stop on the tour at my blog, Donnie Darko Girl.
I'm so happy Tiffany from Escaping... One Book @ a Time asked me to be a part of this tour. She introduced a fantastic book written by a talented and creative writer, and I might gush a bit in this review. :)
The synopsis was really intriguing to me, and I knew I had to read it! My expectations of how fantastic this book would be were not only met but exceeded. Just how dark the world Cecily and the other sevens lived in was frightening. It was a relief their parents loved them no matter what Pastor Rowe had been leading the rest of the town to believe about them. He rules the town using fear. It was reminiscent of witch hunts back in the 1600s with a touch of dystopia, too.
The characters were well developed, and I think I went through the entire spectrum of emotions while reading. I didn't like how Nate called Cecily a chicken though he loved her. He's the Pastor's son - it's his father causing the fear in her. He doesn't know what it would be to like to be one of the seven. I still liked him because he had the belief that one day, somehow, he would marry Cecily, and they would be happy.
I was shocked with the events leading up to the girls' departure to the Wild Wood. Totally taken by surprise! I thought the plot twists were clever and took the story to a new and exciting level. It was so easy for me to begin this book and become swept up into this world. I was drawn into the story right away.
Overall, this book is beautifully written. There were so many times I found myself thinking how gorgeously the author wrote the story of these seven girls. The way she writes is lyrical, and there are so many quotes I adored. I highly recommend The Wild Wood and I will definitely be reading the next two books in this series.
I'm so happy Tiffany from Escaping... One Book @ a Time asked me to be a part of this tour. She introduced a fantastic book written by a talented and creative writer, and I might gush a bit in this review. :)
The synopsis was really intriguing to me, and I knew I had to read it! My expectations of how fantastic this book would be were not only met but exceeded. Just how dark the world Cecily and the other sevens lived in was frightening. It was a relief their parents loved them no matter what Pastor Rowe had been leading the rest of the town to believe about them. He rules the town using fear. It was reminiscent of witch hunts back in the 1600s with a touch of dystopia, too.
The characters were well developed, and I think I went through the entire spectrum of emotions while reading. I didn't like how Nate called Cecily a chicken though he loved her. He's the Pastor's son - it's his father causing the fear in her. He doesn't know what it would be to like to be one of the seven. I still liked him because he had the belief that one day, somehow, he would marry Cecily, and they would be happy.
I was shocked with the events leading up to the girls' departure to the Wild Wood. Totally taken by surprise! I thought the plot twists were clever and took the story to a new and exciting level. It was so easy for me to begin this book and become swept up into this world. I was drawn into the story right away.
Overall, this book is beautifully written. There were so many times I found myself thinking how gorgeously the author wrote the story of these seven girls. The way she writes is lyrical, and there are so many quotes I adored. I highly recommend The Wild Wood and I will definitely be reading the next two books in this series.
June 26, 2012
A great debut novel! Nelson's well-developed plot and characters leave readers wanting more. Happily, the second in the series will be out in November.
June 23, 2017
I would recommend this book. It is a page turner from beginning to the end. Nothing like I expected, luv it. Definitely will tell my friends.
June 24, 2017
Loved it!!
July 2, 2017
Should I even review DNF books? I made it halfway through this one before I gave up on it. The premise seemed really interesting (and I admit I was hoping for a fairytale retelling aspect (seven sisters bound by magic and a magical wood? seemed ripe for it). Even though the villain seemed a bit too mustache-twirling eeeeeevil, and the whole "mob gets whipped up by charismatic eeeeeevil preacher" thing seemed forced, I liked that Cecily's family (and Nate) chose knowing and loving her over whatever charisma of the eeeevil preacher everyone else was underdeveloped enough to believe. It made up for the fact that Cecily has absolutely zero faith in anyone, despite the fact that her loved ones had all kind of faith in her. Except, in the span of two pages, the author decided to ham-handedly undo everything interesting she'd spent 10 chapters building. Then the story is about over-powered, shallow teen girls being annoying. I kept reading, skimming really, hoping first that we'd discover the eeeeeevil preacher also had magic and was manipulating everyone. When it became obvious that wasn't a thing, I got so far as to hope it was all a dream (as annoying as that trope is). Nope! After about halfway through the book, I lost faith in this becoming a decent book. Maybe it does. Maybe, at some point, there's a clever twist that redeems the pointlessness and inexplicable character changes and shallowness of the main character. But my life is too short to waste time trying to find that (possible) moment.
January 19, 2020
It was a pretty good story
I enjoyed the storyline. I had a little bit of trouble getting really interested in the story though. The plot was fantastic. The idea of young innocent miss treated children with good character in a society run by somebody with bad character should have been a fascinating read. The main character is quite the self-sacrificing hero.
In the story, seven girls were born at the same time on the same day. The preacher, who seems to be the ruler of this community, tells everybody that these seven girls are unnatural and evil. What we are shown in the beginning of the story is that these girls are normal just like everybody else. It’s later in the story, when the preacher attacks them, that we find out more about what’s really going on.
I appreciate the authors choice to keep this sex free and profanity free. This book is suitable for any age.
I enjoyed the storyline. I had a little bit of trouble getting really interested in the story though. The plot was fantastic. The idea of young innocent miss treated children with good character in a society run by somebody with bad character should have been a fascinating read. The main character is quite the self-sacrificing hero.
In the story, seven girls were born at the same time on the same day. The preacher, who seems to be the ruler of this community, tells everybody that these seven girls are unnatural and evil. What we are shown in the beginning of the story is that these girls are normal just like everybody else. It’s later in the story, when the preacher attacks them, that we find out more about what’s really going on.
I appreciate the authors choice to keep this sex free and profanity free. This book is suitable for any age.
June 8, 2019
Rich in detail and emotions. Ready for the next book.
Nelson's attention to the details and emotions of Cecily enables the readers to connect with the character. Faced with decisions that would be difficult for even adults, the readers struggle and feel Cecily's internal conflict.
Nelson's attention to the details and emotions of Cecily enables the readers to connect with the character. Faced with decisions that would be difficult for even adults, the readers struggle and feel Cecily's internal conflict.
November 23, 2016
I cannot express how much I enjoyed reading this book! It completely captured me from the start and refused to let go until the very last page. I highly recommend reading this book! I can't wait to read more of this series!!!
To read my full review, go here. http://wp.me/p7Qfh2-2K
To read my full review, go here. http://wp.me/p7Qfh2-2K
July 2, 2017
Totally different genre from what I usually read but I'm glad I read this book and it did not disappoint from the beginning to the end. Can't wait to read the other books in the series!
September 13, 2017
Not my usual type of book to read. It was weird and hard to understand at points. Took a long time to finish.
January 7, 2018
This book lost me the farther I got into it...
May 19, 2019
Wow! I could not put this book down! I loved the characters. The strong storyline kept me intrigued and turning pages so eager to see what came next.
December 31, 2013
MORE REVIEWS AT: LITTLE BOOK STAR
The Wild Wood by Julie Anne Nelson was a very interesting read. The story starts off with Cecily who lives in a town where it is believed that the sevens (7 girls who were born on the same day & time) were evil. Cecily is one of them, and as her and the other six’s 17th birthday draws near, the people begins to feel more frightened. I really like how the book started off. It has a cult vibe and while I was reading it, I could picture the scenes like a movie in my head. There’s a place in the book called Wild Wood which intrigued me, and that made me keep on reading.
I really like the characters in this book especially our main character Cecily. I love how she changed from the beginning to the end. She was shy at first and was even nicknamed as “chicken” by her significant other (how nice of him *sarcasm*), but towards the middle to the end of the book, she gained confidence. She acted as a leader to the other six which I did not see coming at all. I like how she got out of her comfort zone. The other character that I liked was Dusty, Cecily’s brother. He also changed from the beginning to the end of the book. For me, he represents the people’s opinions. While a part of him senses that her sister and the others are evil, a part of him also believes that they are not. Throughout the book, we’ll see him constantly changing his mind whether or not he should side with the people or his sister who is known as evil.
Although I enjoyed parts of the book (especially the first half), there were some parts that I did not really enjoyed. I did not like how the first half of the book that had a cult vibe transitioned into a fantasy aspect. I just thought the transition was kind of weird, and it felt like it was a whole new different story. I wish the supporting characters were given a louder voice; the sisters and other characters were really interesting, but I thought weren’t given a loud and distinct voice. They sounded a bit the same at times. I also wish that the Wild Wood was ‘magical’ or ‘intriguing’ as I thought it would be. When I found out what it was and why it was special, I was like “ohh that’s it?”.
Overall it was an okay/good read! I’m looking forward to read the sequel and would recommend it if you’re up for a book with cults and fantasy elements. If you like a protagonist that changes throughout the book, then I suggest you pick this one up!
The Wild Wood by Julie Anne Nelson was a very interesting read. The story starts off with Cecily who lives in a town where it is believed that the sevens (7 girls who were born on the same day & time) were evil. Cecily is one of them, and as her and the other six’s 17th birthday draws near, the people begins to feel more frightened. I really like how the book started off. It has a cult vibe and while I was reading it, I could picture the scenes like a movie in my head. There’s a place in the book called Wild Wood which intrigued me, and that made me keep on reading.
I really like the characters in this book especially our main character Cecily. I love how she changed from the beginning to the end. She was shy at first and was even nicknamed as “chicken” by her significant other (how nice of him *sarcasm*), but towards the middle to the end of the book, she gained confidence. She acted as a leader to the other six which I did not see coming at all. I like how she got out of her comfort zone. The other character that I liked was Dusty, Cecily’s brother. He also changed from the beginning to the end of the book. For me, he represents the people’s opinions. While a part of him senses that her sister and the others are evil, a part of him also believes that they are not. Throughout the book, we’ll see him constantly changing his mind whether or not he should side with the people or his sister who is known as evil.
Although I enjoyed parts of the book (especially the first half), there were some parts that I did not really enjoyed. I did not like how the first half of the book that had a cult vibe transitioned into a fantasy aspect. I just thought the transition was kind of weird, and it felt like it was a whole new different story. I wish the supporting characters were given a louder voice; the sisters and other characters were really interesting, but I thought weren’t given a loud and distinct voice. They sounded a bit the same at times. I also wish that the Wild Wood was ‘magical’ or ‘intriguing’ as I thought it would be. When I found out what it was and why it was special, I was like “ohh that’s it?”.
Overall it was an okay/good read! I’m looking forward to read the sequel and would recommend it if you’re up for a book with cults and fantasy elements. If you like a protagonist that changes throughout the book, then I suggest you pick this one up!
September 4, 2013
4.5 stars
When I was a kid, there was a groundbreaking mini-series on television called Roots. It was the personal history of author, Alex Haley, beginning with his ancestor being captured by slavers in Africa and brought to American and concluding with his tracing his family roots in Africa 150 years later. It was the quintessential story about slavery, race, love and family. It had a profound impact on my sense of justice and what it meant to be the “other.” I was primed to like this book.
Cecily Daye is a “seven”, one of the seven girls born at the same time on the same day. The town labels them harbingers of evil and seeks to isolated them from one another – they cannot interact and cannot even look at one another. They are treated as pariahs though they have done nothing wrong. They are the “other”, and through that lens, it is easy to dehumanize them. Left with no alternative, the girls escape into the Wild Wood. We enter a new world where we learn why these seven exist and ultimately, the devastating power they wield.
I was completely captivated from the beginning. The narrative is intense and gripping, the characters are well-developed and compelling. Cecily’s courage and compassion for her fellow sevens and the town is admirable. The way that prejudice and hatred manifests itself in the town is frightening. I am still shaking with anger and fear for the girls. To see the town people turn their backs on this group is devastating. It breaks my heart. Julie Anne Nelson does an excellent job of helping the reader feel the injustice.
The book takes a bit of a turn when the girls enter into the Wild Wood. The story moves more toward the fantasy realm and is a little more familiar. After the previous gut-wrenching episodes, I missed the emotional punch of the first part of the book. Yet, overall, this is a strong story and I am anxious to move to the next book.
IN A NUTSHELL:
Mixing the realities of prejudice in a growing dystopian world, I highly recommend this book for its authentic portrayal of hatred stirred up from misunderstanding and dehumanization. I can see this book being a great conversation starter in discussing xenophobia, prejudice, stereotyping and discrimination with a young adult audience. Or just do yourself a favor and pick up this amazing read.
When I was a kid, there was a groundbreaking mini-series on television called Roots. It was the personal history of author, Alex Haley, beginning with his ancestor being captured by slavers in Africa and brought to American and concluding with his tracing his family roots in Africa 150 years later. It was the quintessential story about slavery, race, love and family. It had a profound impact on my sense of justice and what it meant to be the “other.” I was primed to like this book.
Cecily Daye is a “seven”, one of the seven girls born at the same time on the same day. The town labels them harbingers of evil and seeks to isolated them from one another – they cannot interact and cannot even look at one another. They are treated as pariahs though they have done nothing wrong. They are the “other”, and through that lens, it is easy to dehumanize them. Left with no alternative, the girls escape into the Wild Wood. We enter a new world where we learn why these seven exist and ultimately, the devastating power they wield.
I was completely captivated from the beginning. The narrative is intense and gripping, the characters are well-developed and compelling. Cecily’s courage and compassion for her fellow sevens and the town is admirable. The way that prejudice and hatred manifests itself in the town is frightening. I am still shaking with anger and fear for the girls. To see the town people turn their backs on this group is devastating. It breaks my heart. Julie Anne Nelson does an excellent job of helping the reader feel the injustice.
The book takes a bit of a turn when the girls enter into the Wild Wood. The story moves more toward the fantasy realm and is a little more familiar. After the previous gut-wrenching episodes, I missed the emotional punch of the first part of the book. Yet, overall, this is a strong story and I am anxious to move to the next book.
IN A NUTSHELL:
Mixing the realities of prejudice in a growing dystopian world, I highly recommend this book for its authentic portrayal of hatred stirred up from misunderstanding and dehumanization. I can see this book being a great conversation starter in discussing xenophobia, prejudice, stereotyping and discrimination with a young adult audience. Or just do yourself a favor and pick up this amazing read.
September 14, 2013
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The Wild Wood introduces you to a new world. A world that is very different then anything I have read before. It is truly unique in it's story that took my by surprise from beginning to end. Cecily is one of The Sevens. A group of girls all born on the same day in the same town. The town's people, mostly their religious leader, believe them to be evil. Especially as their seventeenth birthdays are approaching. Apart from the way they came into the world Cecily appears to be a normal girl. She goes to school, has a boyfriend, and a family that loves her. Unfortunately for Cecily her boyfriend is the pastors son. That in itself leads to a lot of issues. Life for Cecily has not been easy. To me it feels like she is shunned by most people other then her family. Cecily beleives she is good but, everyone once in a while after certain events she feels like maybe there is an inner evil. The biggest one being the voices Cecily hears when she is close to the Wild Woods.
The seven girls are not allowed to talk, look at each other, or be alone together. There are some pretty harsh punishments in this community. The community is surrounded by forests. One being the normal kind of forest and the other being full of creatures. Creatures that will terrify you. People who wonder in don't, wander back out. After some insane events lead to the Sevens banning together and have two choices: die or flee to the Wild Woods. This is where things take a turn for the paranormal! The paranormal element was like none I have ever read and I loved it. I honestly had no idea what was going to happen or what the back story could possible be.
I loved the other characters. The other Sevens, Morgan, Stephanie, Abigail, Charity, Amanda and Millie had their places within the group. Each of them with their own special gifts. Cecily's brother was also one of my favorites. There were a few other paranormal characters that I really enjoyed but, I don't want to give anything away :)
This was a great book. I will be reading the next one in the series. It was a unique story that kept me hooked from beginning to end. I would recommend it to everyone!
The Wild Wood introduces you to a new world. A world that is very different then anything I have read before. It is truly unique in it's story that took my by surprise from beginning to end. Cecily is one of The Sevens. A group of girls all born on the same day in the same town. The town's people, mostly their religious leader, believe them to be evil. Especially as their seventeenth birthdays are approaching. Apart from the way they came into the world Cecily appears to be a normal girl. She goes to school, has a boyfriend, and a family that loves her. Unfortunately for Cecily her boyfriend is the pastors son. That in itself leads to a lot of issues. Life for Cecily has not been easy. To me it feels like she is shunned by most people other then her family. Cecily beleives she is good but, everyone once in a while after certain events she feels like maybe there is an inner evil. The biggest one being the voices Cecily hears when she is close to the Wild Woods.
The seven girls are not allowed to talk, look at each other, or be alone together. There are some pretty harsh punishments in this community. The community is surrounded by forests. One being the normal kind of forest and the other being full of creatures. Creatures that will terrify you. People who wonder in don't, wander back out. After some insane events lead to the Sevens banning together and have two choices: die or flee to the Wild Woods. This is where things take a turn for the paranormal! The paranormal element was like none I have ever read and I loved it. I honestly had no idea what was going to happen or what the back story could possible be.
I loved the other characters. The other Sevens, Morgan, Stephanie, Abigail, Charity, Amanda and Millie had their places within the group. Each of them with their own special gifts. Cecily's brother was also one of my favorites. There were a few other paranormal characters that I really enjoyed but, I don't want to give anything away :)
This was a great book. I will be reading the next one in the series. It was a unique story that kept me hooked from beginning to end. I would recommend it to everyone!
September 13, 2013
Oh, am I glad that Tiffany from Escaping...One Book @ A Time asked me to be a part of this blog tour. If it weren’t for her, I would have passed up the chance to read such an amazing book. I loved this book, guys! You definitely need to pick this one up!
Even though this book is told in the first person by Cecily there are six other girls that are just as important. They are: Stephanie (yay! It’s so awesome seeing my name as a character!), Morgan, Abigail, Millie, Charity, and Amanda. These seven girls are part of the Sevens (seven girls who were born on the same day at the same time). Because of this phenomenon of being born on the same day at the same time they were branded as being evil. Of course they were, why wouldn’t they be? Anyways, since they were branded as evil they have rules, they call ”traditions”, that they have to follow or they have to deal with the severe repercussions.
The writing within this book is just superb. Nelson does an excellent job with the writing. Her descriptions of the town and the characters is great. I felt like the setting and characters came alive within my mind as I read on.
One thing that really irked me was how afraid the people of Dunlowe were. I’m sorry by if Cecily, Stephanie, Morgan, Abigail, Millie, Charity, and Amanda, were one of my daughters, there is no way that I wouldn’t step up to Pastor Rowe and rebel. There would be no way that I would allow any of that if it were my own. And to think of it, most mothers wouldn’t. Most mothers want the absolute best for their children and Pastor Rowe is not it.
As for romance within the novel...I’m not sure how much I like Cecily’s boyfriend, Nate. As much as I love his name, I’m not sure if I love him yet. I’m iffy. If Nelson gets rid of him, I wouldn’t care less. He’s not swoon worthy enough, at least not yet.
I cannot wait to dive into the next books in the series (I hear there will be 7, since that’s pretty much the theme :) I think Nelson did an amazing job and you should definitely check this one out!
Even though this book is told in the first person by Cecily there are six other girls that are just as important. They are: Stephanie (yay! It’s so awesome seeing my name as a character!), Morgan, Abigail, Millie, Charity, and Amanda. These seven girls are part of the Sevens (seven girls who were born on the same day at the same time). Because of this phenomenon of being born on the same day at the same time they were branded as being evil. Of course they were, why wouldn’t they be? Anyways, since they were branded as evil they have rules, they call ”traditions”, that they have to follow or they have to deal with the severe repercussions.
The writing within this book is just superb. Nelson does an excellent job with the writing. Her descriptions of the town and the characters is great. I felt like the setting and characters came alive within my mind as I read on.
One thing that really irked me was how afraid the people of Dunlowe were. I’m sorry by if Cecily, Stephanie, Morgan, Abigail, Millie, Charity, and Amanda, were one of my daughters, there is no way that I wouldn’t step up to Pastor Rowe and rebel. There would be no way that I would allow any of that if it were my own. And to think of it, most mothers wouldn’t. Most mothers want the absolute best for their children and Pastor Rowe is not it.
As for romance within the novel...I’m not sure how much I like Cecily’s boyfriend, Nate. As much as I love his name, I’m not sure if I love him yet. I’m iffy. If Nelson gets rid of him, I wouldn’t care less. He’s not swoon worthy enough, at least not yet.
I cannot wait to dive into the next books in the series (I hear there will be 7, since that’s pretty much the theme :) I think Nelson did an amazing job and you should definitely check this one out!
January 19, 2017
The Wild Wood is an exceptionally well written book. The character development throughout the story is phenomenal and the descriptions through the duration of the story leave you feeling like you lived in the town of Dunlowe and met each of the characters. The plot leaves you captivated and you do not want to put the book down until you have finished. I started reading it for one of my classes through the classroom set right before we left for spring break which would have been torture, so I had to go home and buy the book along with the rest of the series to finish. The books only disappointment, to me, was when it had to end. I look forward to completing the series as soon as it is released. Mrs. Nelson is a fantastic author who does not disappoint.
July 2, 2012
I loved this book because there was wonderful character development. The characters of Finn and Cecily, in particular, were complex and appealing. I will certainly read the next book in the series to see how the author develops their relationship. I'm really looking forward to The Downs in November!
August 25, 2012
Interesting fantasy, young adult fiction. The series will only get better as it goes. I'm excited to see where this author takes the book. I found the story line original and captivating. I'm looking forward to the next installment.
July 10, 2012
Great story, Julie! I loved Cecily and her strength. So much is thrown at her in unique twists and turns. Looking forward to book #2!
February 4, 2013
Great character development. Very Hawthorne-ish at the beginning, and then erupts into a great fantasy.
August 15, 2013
Full review will be up on September 10 on my blog-- http://jessicaslovelybooks.blospot.com
I wish I could give this more than five stars! It was amazing:)
I wish I could give this more than five stars! It was amazing:)
January 6, 2017
I love this book! I read it in one day, I could not put it down!
March 25, 2017
I purchased this book because it was on sale and looked like an interesting read. It was definitely worth it. The plot was very interesting and kept me guessing and reading to find out what would happen next. Some things were kind of predictable, but that didn't mean that they weren't engaging.
The characters were all interesting and none were one dimensional. The main character, Cecily, is complex and hasn't had an easy life but she is still kind to others and tries her best to not hurt anyone. She does sometimes complain about how life is hard with powers, but her friends basically tell her to stop complaining and enjoy that fact that she has those powers. The love interests are mostly predictable, but they are all multi-layered as well. The other sevens were all given their own personalities and I found myself liking most of them- minus the one Cecily dislikes.
I read it the first time in two days then reread it the next day in four days- and only because I had to do other, non-book related, things.
Overall definitely worth it!
The characters were all interesting and none were one dimensional. The main character, Cecily, is complex and hasn't had an easy life but she is still kind to others and tries her best to not hurt anyone. She does sometimes complain about how life is hard with powers, but her friends basically tell her to stop complaining and enjoy that fact that she has those powers. The love interests are mostly predictable, but they are all multi-layered as well. The other sevens were all given their own personalities and I found myself liking most of them- minus the one Cecily dislikes.
I read it the first time in two days then reread it the next day in four days- and only because I had to do other, non-book related, things.
Overall definitely worth it!
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