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The Broken Forest
When women and children begin to vanish, the people of Edge village summon a Huntress. Though she is long due for a break and exhausted from her previous assignment, Adamina accepts the assignment and heads for Edge. But when she arrives, the simple assignment she anticipated proves instead to be complicated—complicated enough she must consult with a witch. A beautiful, compelling witch that makes Adamina sharply aware of her own lonely life, and tempts her to make it less lonely.
Assuming the forest doesn't kill them first.
Assuming the forest doesn't kill them first.
60 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 18, 2015
8 people are currently reading
606 people want to read
About the author
Megan Derr
284 books2,948 followersMegan is a long time resident of queer romance and keeps herself busy reading and writing it. She is often accused of fluff and nonsense. When she’s not involved in writing, she likes to cook, harass her wife and cats, or watch movies. She loves to hear from readers and can be found all over the internet.
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meganderr.com
patreon.com/meganderr
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@meganaderr
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 23, 2015
A dark, gender-diverse fairy tale
What a truly marvelous tale! The Broken Forest is a very dark sort of twist on the traditional fairy tale, exploring not so much the archetype by the consequences of it. Megan Derr has crafted a powerful fantasy about two powerful women, each of them outsiders in their own way, facing off against the remnants of the Rapunzel tale. In this case, however, it's a much darker fairy tale, one of madness, murder, tragedy, and lingering horrors. To say much more than that would be to spoil the story, but it's a twist that's both innovative and powerful.
While I hesitate to call this a feminist fairy tale, only because of the political connotations that term holds for some, it is most definitely a story of strong women and gender roles. Adamina is a huntress, a dark-skinned, red-eyed warrior who sacrificed herself to the magic of her destiny, serving as protector and defender of the forests within the kingdom. She's the kind of woman villagers summon when there's no other hope, but only with great fear and reservation. Her kind aren't particularly liked, but they are respected for their power. Grete, on the other hand, is a more traditional witch, a woman who lives in the forest, crafting small talismans and performing minor acts of healing for those in need. Witches are no more liked and no less feared than the Huntresses, with the prejudices and fears of the villagers slowly erasing them from the world.
The partnership between Huntress and Witch is wonderful because it works on so many levels. Here are two powerful women, born of magic, who are outcasts to the villagers of the woods. Both have a connection to the forest, and a responsibility to care for it and everything in it. Grete, as it turns out, also has a deeper connection to the monsters of the tale, owing to her role in the Rapunzel tale, while Adamina is the only woman who can soothe the poisoned, maddened beasts, coming as she does from a magically significant family.
Finally, this is a wonderfully gender positive and sexually diverse tale that doesn't make a big deal about it. Adamina is transgender, but it's neither a problem nor an issue worthy of note. It's simply part of her character. Derr makes an offhand reference to her genitalia early on, and notes the flatness of her chest when Grete is bandaging a wound, but it's of far less note than her red eyes. Similarly, the budding romance between Adamina and Grete is neither celebrated for being unique nor condemned for being unusual. It's just a friendship with sexual undertones that brings the two women together, and which drives our happily ever after.
All-in-all, The Broken Forest is just a lovely tale, the perfect blend of fantasy, horror, and romance, with two wonderful heroines. I do hope Derr continues with the theme and explores more of her fairy tale world.
As published on Bending the Bookshelf - Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
What a truly marvelous tale! The Broken Forest is a very dark sort of twist on the traditional fairy tale, exploring not so much the archetype by the consequences of it. Megan Derr has crafted a powerful fantasy about two powerful women, each of them outsiders in their own way, facing off against the remnants of the Rapunzel tale. In this case, however, it's a much darker fairy tale, one of madness, murder, tragedy, and lingering horrors. To say much more than that would be to spoil the story, but it's a twist that's both innovative and powerful.
While I hesitate to call this a feminist fairy tale, only because of the political connotations that term holds for some, it is most definitely a story of strong women and gender roles. Adamina is a huntress, a dark-skinned, red-eyed warrior who sacrificed herself to the magic of her destiny, serving as protector and defender of the forests within the kingdom. She's the kind of woman villagers summon when there's no other hope, but only with great fear and reservation. Her kind aren't particularly liked, but they are respected for their power. Grete, on the other hand, is a more traditional witch, a woman who lives in the forest, crafting small talismans and performing minor acts of healing for those in need. Witches are no more liked and no less feared than the Huntresses, with the prejudices and fears of the villagers slowly erasing them from the world.
The partnership between Huntress and Witch is wonderful because it works on so many levels. Here are two powerful women, born of magic, who are outcasts to the villagers of the woods. Both have a connection to the forest, and a responsibility to care for it and everything in it. Grete, as it turns out, also has a deeper connection to the monsters of the tale, owing to her role in the Rapunzel tale, while Adamina is the only woman who can soothe the poisoned, maddened beasts, coming as she does from a magically significant family.
Finally, this is a wonderfully gender positive and sexually diverse tale that doesn't make a big deal about it. Adamina is transgender, but it's neither a problem nor an issue worthy of note. It's simply part of her character. Derr makes an offhand reference to her genitalia early on, and notes the flatness of her chest when Grete is bandaging a wound, but it's of far less note than her red eyes. Similarly, the budding romance between Adamina and Grete is neither celebrated for being unique nor condemned for being unusual. It's just a friendship with sexual undertones that brings the two women together, and which drives our happily ever after.
All-in-all, The Broken Forest is just a lovely tale, the perfect blend of fantasy, horror, and romance, with two wonderful heroines. I do hope Derr continues with the theme and explores more of her fairy tale world.
As published on Bending the Bookshelf - Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
November 30, 2024
This is another of those short stories which you can complete in about an hour, with each turn of the page a percentage passes by. If you’re looking for something short and sweet to pass some kind of interlude then I would recommend picking this up.
In all honesty, though, I really would have liked to see this as a full length book. It is short and simple, perfect for a novella, yet I wanted more when it came to an end. Part of me – a large part, if I’m honest – wanted to find out more about the world. In a way, I felt as though I had a number of questions which I needed answering that were not quite reached due to the story being so short. Don’t get me wrong, it was perfectly fine – I was merely left wanting more out of the fact that I loved it so much.
I think my main reason for wanting the book to be longer was that I wanted certain scenes to be fleshed out more. I wanted more details about the fight scenes, I wanted to know more about the way in which the world worked, rather than simply being told this is how it is. I wanted to truly experience these things. For me, these things were pushed slightly to the side so that we could focus more upon the romance. Again, there is nothing wrong with such a thing – I merely wanted a better understanding of other aspects of the book.
Despite this, the characters are brilliant and you’re really pulled into the story. Within mere pages you’re able to connect with the main character, coming to love each new character as they’re introduced (although there are not many, the cast being exceptionally small through the length of the story). Unlike with certain scenes, the characters are developed brilliantly – the only way in which you want more is through receiving more stories about their lives.
Without a doubt you will this fairy-tale-esque world, growing to love what the author has created. If the author is to do more with this world (if you’re reading this, please make a full length novel as it would be perfect) I will certainly pick it up without a moment’s hesitation.
Overall it is a thoroughly enjoyable novella which I recommend you take a look at.
Finally, I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me the chance to advance read this little gem.
In all honesty, though, I really would have liked to see this as a full length book. It is short and simple, perfect for a novella, yet I wanted more when it came to an end. Part of me – a large part, if I’m honest – wanted to find out more about the world. In a way, I felt as though I had a number of questions which I needed answering that were not quite reached due to the story being so short. Don’t get me wrong, it was perfectly fine – I was merely left wanting more out of the fact that I loved it so much.
I think my main reason for wanting the book to be longer was that I wanted certain scenes to be fleshed out more. I wanted more details about the fight scenes, I wanted to know more about the way in which the world worked, rather than simply being told this is how it is. I wanted to truly experience these things. For me, these things were pushed slightly to the side so that we could focus more upon the romance. Again, there is nothing wrong with such a thing – I merely wanted a better understanding of other aspects of the book.
Despite this, the characters are brilliant and you’re really pulled into the story. Within mere pages you’re able to connect with the main character, coming to love each new character as they’re introduced (although there are not many, the cast being exceptionally small through the length of the story). Unlike with certain scenes, the characters are developed brilliantly – the only way in which you want more is through receiving more stories about their lives.
Without a doubt you will this fairy-tale-esque world, growing to love what the author has created. If the author is to do more with this world (if you’re reading this, please make a full length novel as it would be perfect) I will certainly pick it up without a moment’s hesitation.
Overall it is a thoroughly enjoyable novella which I recommend you take a look at.
Finally, I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me the chance to advance read this little gem.
February 14, 2016
This is a fun fantasy novella that can easily be read in a sitting. I think it might be the first time I've seen a lesbian romance with a trans woman, and I particularly appreciate how that aspect was handled. Basically, it was no big deal.
In some ways the story seemed like it could be a side mission on the Witcher 3, but I liked that. I'd be interested in seeing more stories from this particular fantasy setting.
In some ways the story seemed like it could be a side mission on the Witcher 3, but I liked that. I'd be interested in seeing more stories from this particular fantasy setting.
June 6, 2015
Cleverly blended fairy tales retold in an erotic quest is quite impressive. New to me author, Ms. Derr is one I will want to read more of because her writing style is alluring and erotic. In BROKEN FOREST, Adamina is a Huntress. She is gifted with the power to help right the wrongs. When she is called to save women and girls who have been kidnapped into the Broken Forest, she bites off more than she can chew.
What I liked about this story is how fairy tales of old are blended together and reformed into an interesting new world. One can only hope Ms. Derr will write more in this world. The teasing hints of Adamina's parents beg for another story. Learning more about Adamina would also be delightful. There does seem to be a sly tongue in cheek humour in this book. Because it feels like Ms. Derr is writing to a specific audience who know her inside jokes. I felt as though I kept missing something important and that it is just outside of my reach in comprehension.
From a character perspective, Adamina and her lady love, Grete are straightforward. There isn't much character development. Adamina is an interesting "female" and this one piece I'm not sure I really understood. It came out of left field for me and I'm okay with it because Adamina's type of female is my ultimate wet dream. She's the best of both worlds.
The real focus is the plot and the quest-like journey. The way Ms. Derr blends in Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and the Beast and Rapunzel is delightful. The obstacles thrown in Adamina's way are not easily conquered and this makes it better for me. The slight plot twist did throw me a little and I liked it. This erotic tale will keep a reader's attention from page one. Recommended for fairy-tale retold kinky readers who enjoy Sapphic delights.
* Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
What I liked about this story is how fairy tales of old are blended together and reformed into an interesting new world. One can only hope Ms. Derr will write more in this world. The teasing hints of Adamina's parents beg for another story. Learning more about Adamina would also be delightful. There does seem to be a sly tongue in cheek humour in this book. Because it feels like Ms. Derr is writing to a specific audience who know her inside jokes. I felt as though I kept missing something important and that it is just outside of my reach in comprehension.
From a character perspective, Adamina and her lady love, Grete are straightforward. There isn't much character development. Adamina is an interesting "female" and this one piece I'm not sure I really understood. It came out of left field for me and I'm okay with it because Adamina's type of female is my ultimate wet dream. She's the best of both worlds.
The real focus is the plot and the quest-like journey. The way Ms. Derr blends in Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and the Beast and Rapunzel is delightful. The obstacles thrown in Adamina's way are not easily conquered and this makes it better for me. The slight plot twist did throw me a little and I liked it. This erotic tale will keep a reader's attention from page one. Recommended for fairy-tale retold kinky readers who enjoy Sapphic delights.
* Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
October 25, 2021
Gostei bastante. É a primeira vez que leio uma fantasia com romance sáfico com uma protagonista trans e me agradou finlamente encontrar essa representatividade, elas também são negras. A ambientção de conto de fadas e toda a sua releitura é bastante criativa, mas queria que tivesse sido desenvolvido melhor o mundo tipo muita coisa foi citada como se o letor já soubesse disso. O plot também foi fraquinho, mas fui ler mais pelo romance então minhas expectativas não foram quebradas.
No fim foi uma leitura rápida e gostosinha.
No fim foi uma leitura rápida e gostosinha.
March 21, 2015
Received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A short story about magic, monsters, strong and smart women- what more could you ask for, right?
It was a mix between the nice cover and the description of the book that drew me to it, and it was a decent read. Took me about two and a half hours to get through, and I enjoyed it for the most part.
The book begins with women and children vanishing from a village that hires a huntress to figure out what has happened to them. This is what I was hoping the whole story would be about, but for me, the excitement was a bit short lived. I kind of felt like the most exciting parts were rushed through.
Spoilers begin here!
Turns out there are only two monsters, and both occasions in which the huntress faces these monsters, I feel it was over too soon. She acts as if they’re no big deal for her to hunt and kill, which was kind of what I was looking forward to reading about the book- the hunt, and the kill.
To be honest, I didn’t find Grete all that important to the story, except for the romance part, which wasn’t really what I was reading for. I am more a horror fan than a love fan, I guess because I’m weird and graphic love scenes in books kind of aren't my thing. I also felt that what she was mainly needed for- the help with the rapunzel- was the most bland part of the story. I also didn’t like the way the huntress mainly referred to Grete as “witch”, instead of by her name. Some of the suggestive humor was a bit repetitive.
Spoilers end here!
My favorite character was the wolf.
All in all, I guess I was reading more for monsters, and not romance. I am a suspense lover through and through.
But the book would be good for people that do enjoy stories that include romance. The story was very descriptive, and my imagination brought some beautiful things to life while reading. Some great and clever references were also made, which made it very interesting to piece together. Many things also made this story different from anything I’ve ever read, so it was definitely unique.
A short story about magic, monsters, strong and smart women- what more could you ask for, right?
It was a mix between the nice cover and the description of the book that drew me to it, and it was a decent read. Took me about two and a half hours to get through, and I enjoyed it for the most part.
The book begins with women and children vanishing from a village that hires a huntress to figure out what has happened to them. This is what I was hoping the whole story would be about, but for me, the excitement was a bit short lived. I kind of felt like the most exciting parts were rushed through.
Spoilers begin here!
Turns out there are only two monsters, and both occasions in which the huntress faces these monsters, I feel it was over too soon. She acts as if they’re no big deal for her to hunt and kill, which was kind of what I was looking forward to reading about the book- the hunt, and the kill.
To be honest, I didn’t find Grete all that important to the story, except for the romance part, which wasn’t really what I was reading for. I am more a horror fan than a love fan, I guess because I’m weird and graphic love scenes in books kind of aren't my thing. I also felt that what she was mainly needed for- the help with the rapunzel- was the most bland part of the story. I also didn’t like the way the huntress mainly referred to Grete as “witch”, instead of by her name. Some of the suggestive humor was a bit repetitive.
Spoilers end here!
My favorite character was the wolf.
All in all, I guess I was reading more for monsters, and not romance. I am a suspense lover through and through.
But the book would be good for people that do enjoy stories that include romance. The story was very descriptive, and my imagination brought some beautiful things to life while reading. Some great and clever references were also made, which made it very interesting to piece together. Many things also made this story different from anything I’ve ever read, so it was definitely unique.
March 18, 2015
I really enjoyed this short story, it’s interesting and clever and I never knew what fairytale it would reference next. There’s magic and mystery as well as a touch of romance, as Adamina sets about discovering first what’s been stealing the women and children from Edge village and then how to stop it.
I really liked the magic of the Huntresses and how the magic connected Adamina to the forest, as well as her use of blood magic for good purposes. I have to admit I’d have loved if this had been longer because I found almost everything about it so curious and constantly wanted to know more – about the Red and White Queens, about the wolves, about Adamina herself and how she trained to be a Huntress, and pretty much everything else that was mentioned – but considering the short length of this tale the pacing is good.
Okay, so perhaps some things are dealt with a little too swiftly, the flirting tended to crop up at random moments, and I’d have really, really loved to have known more about why the plant was so deadly, but on the whole this was great. The mix of original fantasy with traditional fairytales was fun as well as clever, making instant world-building connections without taking up too much text. In all this was a great addition the the Damsels in Distress collection and I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
I really liked the magic of the Huntresses and how the magic connected Adamina to the forest, as well as her use of blood magic for good purposes. I have to admit I’d have loved if this had been longer because I found almost everything about it so curious and constantly wanted to know more – about the Red and White Queens, about the wolves, about Adamina herself and how she trained to be a Huntress, and pretty much everything else that was mentioned – but considering the short length of this tale the pacing is good.
Okay, so perhaps some things are dealt with a little too swiftly, the flirting tended to crop up at random moments, and I’d have really, really loved to have known more about why the plant was so deadly, but on the whole this was great. The mix of original fantasy with traditional fairytales was fun as well as clever, making instant world-building connections without taking up too much text. In all this was a great addition the the Damsels in Distress collection and I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
April 6, 2015
LGBTQ short story. I read an uncorrected ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a review.
I liked this short story, and think Megan Derr shows a lot of promise. I think it would be better longer, a true novella, or even if she made it into an entire novel. As it stands, it's a bit choppy. Aramina is an interesting character, and I was left wanting to know more about her background. The story could have worked more in as well with her parents story, Grete, and the kingdom's background as well. I liked that the cast was incredibly diverse (I think there were 2 explicitly white people), and the world was interesting. I certainly hope Derr writes more in it.
In the ARC, there were some references made to conversations I don't remember reading about. That may be fixed after editing. Definitely interested in longer works from this author.
3.5 with a lot of potential.
Provided by Netgalley for an honest review.
I liked this short story, and think Megan Derr shows a lot of promise. I think it would be better longer, a true novella, or even if she made it into an entire novel. As it stands, it's a bit choppy. Aramina is an interesting character, and I was left wanting to know more about her background. The story could have worked more in as well with her parents story, Grete, and the kingdom's background as well. I liked that the cast was incredibly diverse (I think there were 2 explicitly white people), and the world was interesting. I certainly hope Derr writes more in it.
In the ARC, there were some references made to conversations I don't remember reading about. That may be fixed after editing. Definitely interested in longer works from this author.
3.5 with a lot of potential.
Provided by Netgalley for an honest review.
December 23, 2017
With a lot of wasted potential, and tokenism, I found this story too convenient.
The characters' skin color feels like perfunctory diversity, it has no bearing on anything at all, not their values, not their culture, not the story. I hated that the main character kept calling her companion "witch" as if this was her entire identity. (For comparison, the witch calls the main character "my lady" and "Huntress.") I assume this was to make it feel more fairy-taley, but it just felt disrespectful to me. In any case, the character of the witch feels useless, here only for romance. And the vanquishing of evil quick, easy, of no notice really, despite it seemingly being the central theme.
I did enjoy the threading of fairy-tales as actual historical events of their world in the story, though.
The characters' skin color feels like perfunctory diversity, it has no bearing on anything at all, not their values, not their culture, not the story. I hated that the main character kept calling her companion "witch" as if this was her entire identity. (For comparison, the witch calls the main character "my lady" and "Huntress.") I assume this was to make it feel more fairy-taley, but it just felt disrespectful to me. In any case, the character of the witch feels useless, here only for romance. And the vanquishing of evil quick, easy, of no notice really, despite it seemingly being the central theme.
I did enjoy the threading of fairy-tales as actual historical events of their world in the story, though.
June 20, 2018
A quick, decent read. Nothing much else to it. The ending seemed rush, but then again so did the rest of this book; a downside to its short length. But the subtle worldbuilding was decent enough for a one-off novella, and nothing about it was glaringly bad. Could've gone without the rushed, very unsexy sex scene at the end, but that's just personal preference. Overall not a reading experience I regret.
May 22, 2024
disappointing...the concept was cool. and I thought that the issue was going to be that it couldn't be well executed in just 60 pages, and I do think that that didn't help. but the writing just wasn't very good--it was stilted and awkward and just a bore to read tbh. this was one of those books where I could tell w/in a couple pages, that I don't vibe w/ the writing, but it's so short that I figured I'd just finish it. and I did. and I will never think about it ever again.
August 11, 2022
Não sabia ao certo que nota dar. Uma leitura simples e rapidinha, sem surpresa ou grande mistério, onde a sinopse é mais emocionante do que a história em si, que não entrega muito. O que curti, e que rendeu 4 estrelas, foi a representatividade. O casal é formado por uma Caçadora e uma Bruxa e as duas são negras e a protagonista é uma mulher trans. Bem interessante. Fui pelo romance e curti.
March 25, 2019
3 1/2*
It was pretty good for what it was - I liked the way the author drew in other fairy tales, and the world was definitely interesting. It was just a little lackluster, left me wanting something...more.
It was pretty good for what it was - I liked the way the author drew in other fairy tales, and the world was definitely interesting. It was just a little lackluster, left me wanting something...more.
August 19, 2020
This was really cute. Not really what I expected, though. I was mentally prepared for something a lot darker and a lot more horror. This was not scary in the least, it's just a romance in the forest with two badass women, with a really cool trans protagonist, and a few classic fairy tale characters thrown in for good measure; I wouldn't really call it a retelling, since it's its own thing.
January 24, 2022
I just didn't care. There's some cool world-building ides, but mostly I was bored. It was going to be two stars but I'm giving an extra one for the bi transfem rep (and the brief sex scene). Other than that... meh. Would not recommend.
February 5, 2015
Find this review & more @ bookishsilvertongue
I received a free review copy through NetGalley, in exchange for a honest opinion
When the women and children of Edge start to vanish into the forest, Adamina is summoned to save the village. But what she hoped would be a quick assignment before a long-deserved holiday ends up as something way out of her Huntress skills. For this, she needs help from a witch. And the closest one just happens to be charming, beautiful and to make Adamina's heart flutter.
I loved this novella so much!
The story is simple, appropriate for the length of the book. It's interesting and has some clever ideas, although it's clear the focus is on the romance.
It feels a lot like a fairy tale, both for the themes and characters (and their backstories. The backstories are definitely brilliant), and for the writing style. Some scenes could have been framed in a much more dramatic way. I'm not sure if I wish the author had or not. Maybe just the fights, which felt very underwhelming for the most part.
I also wish she had worked more on building a creepy atmosphere for the Broken Forest. There weren't many descriptions in general, save for characters. Even the monsters we're told look like they might have been human once, but are never described further. I think this might have contributed to making the fights unmemorable.
On the other hand, the characters were well-fleshed, at least for such a short piece.
I enjoyed the romance immensely, complete with flailing my hands when they kissed and all that jazz. Even so, I have to admit that some bits were cheesy as all hell. If you aren't as starved for f/f romance as I am, you might find yourself rolling your eyes. Also, be aware there's some explicit scenes, in case you don't care for that stuff.
The division of Huntresses and Sorcerers was intriguing, there seemed to be solid world-building work behind this story. It makes me hope the author will one day revisit this universe, either with this set of characters or another.
I received a free review copy through NetGalley, in exchange for a honest opinion
When the women and children of Edge start to vanish into the forest, Adamina is summoned to save the village. But what she hoped would be a quick assignment before a long-deserved holiday ends up as something way out of her Huntress skills. For this, she needs help from a witch. And the closest one just happens to be charming, beautiful and to make Adamina's heart flutter.
I loved this novella so much!
The story is simple, appropriate for the length of the book. It's interesting and has some clever ideas, although it's clear the focus is on the romance.
It feels a lot like a fairy tale, both for the themes and characters (and their backstories. The backstories are definitely brilliant), and for the writing style. Some scenes could have been framed in a much more dramatic way. I'm not sure if I wish the author had or not. Maybe just the fights, which felt very underwhelming for the most part.
I also wish she had worked more on building a creepy atmosphere for the Broken Forest. There weren't many descriptions in general, save for characters. Even the monsters we're told look like they might have been human once, but are never described further. I think this might have contributed to making the fights unmemorable.
On the other hand, the characters were well-fleshed, at least for such a short piece.
I enjoyed the romance immensely, complete with flailing my hands when they kissed and all that jazz. Even so, I have to admit that some bits were cheesy as all hell. If you aren't as starved for f/f romance as I am, you might find yourself rolling your eyes. Also, be aware there's some explicit scenes, in case you don't care for that stuff.
The division of Huntresses and Sorcerers was intriguing, there seemed to be solid world-building work behind this story. It makes me hope the author will one day revisit this universe, either with this set of characters or another.
March 2, 2015
The Broken Forest is only a short story, but by using strong imagery, mystery and a little magic, Megan Derr is able to capture her reader's imagination.
It may be that I'm a little slow, but I did not recognise the connection between The Broken Forest and conventional fairy-tales until 18% of the way into the novella, when Adamina discovers a poisonous rose in the forest, called Rapunzel. However, from this point I was able to notice every reference made to Beauty and the Beast, Red Riding Hood, Sleeping Beauty and Alice in Wonderland. Megan Kerr cleverly composes her story, so that we can see how she has been inspired by the traditional tales, but they do not overpower her original ideas.
Adamina is a strong heroine; a Huntress who travels to rescue Nature from evil. Megan Kerr uses her character to subvert the classic princesses which she represents. Firstly, she is black, rather than having 'skin as white as snow'! Secondly, she is a warrior and thirdly she seeks a happily ever after with another woman, rather than a prince!
Her relationship with Grete (or is that Gretel?) is born out of necessity. Adamina needs to rid the Broken Forest of the creature within it and seeks a witch to help her do so. Their relationship develops as they face danger. Megan Kerr has only written one love-making scene in which we discover that Adamina’s differences extend to her physicality.
I was fascinated by the way the author uses colour to stimulate her readers’ senses. Adamina finds “black-green vines”, “purple-tipped thorns” and the “rust-brown of old blood”. We also appreciate how important colour is, to the kingdom as a whole,
“Royalty wore purple, Sorcerers wore blue, Huntresses wore red; no one else in the queendom was allowed to wear the shades worn by those three.”
In The Broken Forest Megan Derr offers her readers an intriguing fantasy, strengthened by the motifs it borrows from childhood stories. I enjoyed the novella and think it will be enjoyed by a range of readers.
It may be that I'm a little slow, but I did not recognise the connection between The Broken Forest and conventional fairy-tales until 18% of the way into the novella, when Adamina discovers a poisonous rose in the forest, called Rapunzel. However, from this point I was able to notice every reference made to Beauty and the Beast, Red Riding Hood, Sleeping Beauty and Alice in Wonderland. Megan Kerr cleverly composes her story, so that we can see how she has been inspired by the traditional tales, but they do not overpower her original ideas.
Adamina is a strong heroine; a Huntress who travels to rescue Nature from evil. Megan Kerr uses her character to subvert the classic princesses which she represents. Firstly, she is black, rather than having 'skin as white as snow'! Secondly, she is a warrior and thirdly she seeks a happily ever after with another woman, rather than a prince!
Her relationship with Grete (or is that Gretel?) is born out of necessity. Adamina needs to rid the Broken Forest of the creature within it and seeks a witch to help her do so. Their relationship develops as they face danger. Megan Kerr has only written one love-making scene in which we discover that Adamina’s differences extend to her physicality.
I was fascinated by the way the author uses colour to stimulate her readers’ senses. Adamina finds “black-green vines”, “purple-tipped thorns” and the “rust-brown of old blood”. We also appreciate how important colour is, to the kingdom as a whole,
“Royalty wore purple, Sorcerers wore blue, Huntresses wore red; no one else in the queendom was allowed to wear the shades worn by those three.”
In The Broken Forest Megan Derr offers her readers an intriguing fantasy, strengthened by the motifs it borrows from childhood stories. I enjoyed the novella and think it will be enjoyed by a range of readers.
July 16, 2015
fourstars
A dark but very enjoyable mystic tale. Easily readable but very engrossing. The use of imagery by the author brings this novel to life. From the dark foreboding forest to the challenges being faced by the two main characters the description make you feel as if you are there.
Another strength of this author is the ease and the almost insignificance of one of the leads being trans gendered. A very refreshing acceptance.
A novel to be enjoyed by all who believe in magic, of good overcoming evil, strength of character and those who never stop believing in myths and legends.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
~Chris
FiveStars
This short read was wonderful. It grabbed me and held my attention right from the first page. There were so many delightful surprises woven into it. I'm hesitant to say much because I don't want to spoil it for readers.
I really appreciated how the elements regarding gender and sexual fluidity were simply a matter of fact in the story's context. They required no explanation, which would have been out of place in the fantasy setting. It was refreshing and much appreciated.
There were so many facets, from mystery and horror to sensual and romantic. Not to mention strong, talented women saving their world--what could be better?
This is my favorite kind of fantasy, where it's easy to become utterly lost and absorbed in the world the author has created. Even in such a short tale with little detailed world-building, I had a good sense of the characters and setting.
Beautifully written, and I will be looking for more of Ms. Derr's work to read.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Amy
A dark but very enjoyable mystic tale. Easily readable but very engrossing. The use of imagery by the author brings this novel to life. From the dark foreboding forest to the challenges being faced by the two main characters the description make you feel as if you are there.
Another strength of this author is the ease and the almost insignificance of one of the leads being trans gendered. A very refreshing acceptance.
A novel to be enjoyed by all who believe in magic, of good overcoming evil, strength of character and those who never stop believing in myths and legends.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
~Chris
FiveStars
This short read was wonderful. It grabbed me and held my attention right from the first page. There were so many delightful surprises woven into it. I'm hesitant to say much because I don't want to spoil it for readers.
I really appreciated how the elements regarding gender and sexual fluidity were simply a matter of fact in the story's context. They required no explanation, which would have been out of place in the fantasy setting. It was refreshing and much appreciated.
There were so many facets, from mystery and horror to sensual and romantic. Not to mention strong, talented women saving their world--what could be better?
This is my favorite kind of fantasy, where it's easy to become utterly lost and absorbed in the world the author has created. Even in such a short tale with little detailed world-building, I had a good sense of the characters and setting.
Beautifully written, and I will be looking for more of Ms. Derr's work to read.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Amy
June 15, 2015
Good Fantasy Story
Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
The twists on the fairy-tale elements were enough to add a bit of surprise, but familiar enough to keep the thread of the originals. The way multiple fairy-tales get interwoven within the story make for a fuller story overall, and gave me several moments of recognition (think of it like comfort food found in a foreign country).
I really liked Adamina. Though she displays confidence in her abilities, she isn't arrogant and knows when she needs help. Grete was independent enough to not seem needy and be interesting apart from Adamina. They make a nice complement to each other, both in a work sense and in a relationship.
I couldn't really tell if the trans element was normal for the world or just being ignored by the characters. It is never remarked on by any of the characters, not even in a side-note way. I couldn't really decide if I liked that it was just accepted or if it felt more like a piece was missing in the world-building.
I'm hoping there will be more books set in this world*/kingdom (Queendom?), because I feel there is a lot of room for things to be expanded. I felt the explanation of people being fearful of magic and many people having their magic sealed needed more to fully understand. There were comments about the Red and White Queens that are probably a reference to something I should know, but don't, so I felt like I was missing something there as well.
*There are a few mentions in this story that make me feel it is set in the same world as at least a few of the stories in Fairytales Slashed 1, but there wasn't a direct cross-over that I noticed.
Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
The twists on the fairy-tale elements were enough to add a bit of surprise, but familiar enough to keep the thread of the originals. The way multiple fairy-tales get interwoven within the story make for a fuller story overall, and gave me several moments of recognition (think of it like comfort food found in a foreign country).
I really liked Adamina. Though she displays confidence in her abilities, she isn't arrogant and knows when she needs help. Grete was independent enough to not seem needy and be interesting apart from Adamina. They make a nice complement to each other, both in a work sense and in a relationship.
I couldn't really tell if the trans element was normal for the world or just being ignored by the characters. It is never remarked on by any of the characters, not even in a side-note way. I couldn't really decide if I liked that it was just accepted or if it felt more like a piece was missing in the world-building.
I'm hoping there will be more books set in this world*/kingdom (Queendom?), because I feel there is a lot of room for things to be expanded. I felt the explanation of people being fearful of magic and many people having their magic sealed needed more to fully understand. There were comments about the Red and White Queens that are probably a reference to something I should know, but don't, so I felt like I was missing something there as well.
*There are a few mentions in this story that make me feel it is set in the same world as at least a few of the stories in Fairytales Slashed 1, but there wasn't a direct cross-over that I noticed.
February 26, 2015
This eBook is only 49 pages long so it is a very short read. It took me almost two weeks to finish because I sometimes leave books for days at a time and read/write other things.
This novella is short and sweet but also wildly imaginative. Megan Derr has a great ability to show and not tell you what is happening (the mark of all competent writers everywhere). The way that she weaves together several fairy tales was really exciting and it made me wish that she would write a longer piece so that the world could be explained even better.
Adamina and Grete (The witch that she enlists to help her) were engaging characters. Even Victoria who only showed up for a couple of pages had a fascinating back story that I would not have minded reading about in further detail.
The only real issues that I had with the novella was Adamina's cock. One reviewer suggested that Adamina is in fact transgender. The novella, however, does not mention nor even hint at this possibility so I wish there had been some explanation there. The ending was a bit too easy, a little too deus ex machina but for what she achieved in such a short time I was satisfied as a reader.
If you're looking for a nice short read with a bit of dark magic and romance then this is a great pick.
This novella is short and sweet but also wildly imaginative. Megan Derr has a great ability to show and not tell you what is happening (the mark of all competent writers everywhere). The way that she weaves together several fairy tales was really exciting and it made me wish that she would write a longer piece so that the world could be explained even better.
Adamina and Grete (The witch that she enlists to help her) were engaging characters. Even Victoria who only showed up for a couple of pages had a fascinating back story that I would not have minded reading about in further detail.
The only real issues that I had with the novella was Adamina's cock. One reviewer suggested that Adamina is in fact transgender. The novella, however, does not mention nor even hint at this possibility so I wish there had been some explanation there. The ending was a bit too easy, a little too deus ex machina but for what she achieved in such a short time I was satisfied as a reader.
If you're looking for a nice short read with a bit of dark magic and romance then this is a great pick.
June 23, 2017
Enjoyable fantasy with unexpected extras
Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
I've read quite a few books by Megan Derr yet I originally hesitated reading this one because its listed as a F/F pairing...I don't have anything against that, of course, but I'm more used to it being a background pairing instead of the main one. That being said, I'm so glad I changed my mind! I thought the pacing was great, as were the character interactions, and the unexpected addition of fairytale elements really worked well with the world Ms Derr built and the overall storyline. I especially liked how what I thought would complete the plot only took me to the halfway point in the book and I had that much more to read.
The ending was wrapped up well and at no point did I feel the pace was lagging; I was completely into the story from start to finish. If the thought of a F/F novel is off putting, I would say to give this one a try; the interactions between the two main characters is minimal to the plot and tastefully done. Really, the pairing was inconsequential in the end to the story itself. I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope there will be another story in this world at some point in the future.
Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
I've read quite a few books by Megan Derr yet I originally hesitated reading this one because its listed as a F/F pairing...I don't have anything against that, of course, but I'm more used to it being a background pairing instead of the main one. That being said, I'm so glad I changed my mind! I thought the pacing was great, as were the character interactions, and the unexpected addition of fairytale elements really worked well with the world Ms Derr built and the overall storyline. I especially liked how what I thought would complete the plot only took me to the halfway point in the book and I had that much more to read.
The ending was wrapped up well and at no point did I feel the pace was lagging; I was completely into the story from start to finish. If the thought of a F/F novel is off putting, I would say to give this one a try; the interactions between the two main characters is minimal to the plot and tastefully done. Really, the pairing was inconsequential in the end to the story itself. I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope there will be another story in this world at some point in the future.
August 10, 2016
This short read was wonderful. It grabbed me and held my attention right from the first page. There were so many delightful surprises woven into it. I’m hesitant to say much because I don’t want to spoil it for readers.
I really appreciated how the elements regarding gender and sexual fluidity were simply a matter of fact in the story’s context. They required no explanation, which would have been out of place in the fantasy setting. It was refreshing and much appreciated.
There were so many facets, from mystery and horror to sensual and romantic. Not to mention strong, talented women saving their world–what could be better?
This is my favorite kind of fantasy, where it’s easy to become utterly lost and absorbed in the world the author has created. Even in such a short tale with little detailed world-building, I had a good sense of the characters and setting.
Beautifully written, and I will be looking for more of Ms. Derr’s work to read.
March 12, 2015
This novella sees the Huntress Adamina summoned to a remote village, where she must venture into the eponymous forest to bring an end to the rot which is poisoning the region. With the help of Grete, a local witch whose magical talents match her own, Adamina must uncover long-buried history to set things right. As well as the lesbian romance between Huntress and witch, The Broken Forest also features a transgender main character, and of course independent women all the way, so there are definitely bonus points for representation. I was slightly disappointed by the very end, which was a little too deus ex machina for my tastes, but since Adamina and Grete had already solved the major problems of the plot it wasn't too much of an issue. A quick and enjoyable read.
May 4, 2015
I read this book after receiving it from Inked Rainbow in exchange for an honest opinionFour stars: Magical Mystery: f/f/trans
A dark but very enjoyable mystic tale. Easily readable but very engrossing. The use of imagery by the author brings this novel to life. From the dark foreboding forest to the challenges being faced by the two main characters the description make you feel as if you are there.
Another strength of this author is the ease and the almost insignificance of one of the leads being trans gendered. A very refreshing acceptance.
A novel to be enjoyed by all who believe in magic, of good overcoming evil, strength of character and those who never stop believing in myths and legends.
.
A dark but very enjoyable mystic tale. Easily readable but very engrossing. The use of imagery by the author brings this novel to life. From the dark foreboding forest to the challenges being faced by the two main characters the description make you feel as if you are there.
Another strength of this author is the ease and the almost insignificance of one of the leads being trans gendered. A very refreshing acceptance.
A novel to be enjoyed by all who believe in magic, of good overcoming evil, strength of character and those who never stop believing in myths and legends.
.
July 18, 2016
A lovely tale offering delightful and often unexpected twists on several classic fairytales (Rapunzel and Beauty and the Beast in particular).
A couple of racial notes rang a little off--The Beast being Black while Beauty is white; the intimation, unclear though I found it, that all Huntresses (yer classic magical "rescuer" types) are white or at least part-white while the villages they're sent to save are entirely inhabited by people of color. And I would've loved to know who Adamina's parents were before that fact became a salient plot point.
On the whole, though, an enjoyable magic/adventure story with a romance plot that, despite the setup, felt organic, rather than "we will now fall in love because we're in a stressful situation with no one else around."
A couple of racial notes rang a little off--The Beast being Black while Beauty is white; the intimation, unclear though I found it, that all Huntresses (yer classic magical "rescuer" types) are white or at least part-white while the villages they're sent to save are entirely inhabited by people of color. And I would've loved to know who Adamina's parents were before that fact became a salient plot point.
On the whole, though, an enjoyable magic/adventure story with a romance plot that, despite the setup, felt organic, rather than "we will now fall in love because we're in a stressful situation with no one else around."
November 23, 2015
Underwhelmed is the best way to describe this book. The story was decent but everything was rushed. I would have liked more character and plot development. It felt like the author was checking off boxes -- here is the battle against evil, here is the obligatory sex scene, here is the unexpected threat to happiness, here is the happy ending. I also would have liked more backstory for the main character, especially as she is transgender/intersex.
I did like the references to classic fairy tales and I liked the use of a gender variant character.
A review copy was provided by Reading Alley.
I did like the references to classic fairy tales and I liked the use of a gender variant character.
A review copy was provided by Reading Alley.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2023
This book is relatively short but it is a fun read. The only thing that I wish was that the book was a little longer, I want to see more of this world and the two main characters, but as it stands this book creates a world sets the stakes and the conflict early and has a very good sapphic romance. It also has a trans woman main character who dresses masculine but is still gendered correctly and that is some good and often underappreciated representation that doesn't usually occur without the aforementioned misgendering. All-in-all if you want a quick read between books and want something fantastical and romantic go with this book.
October 9, 2018
Overall, a pretty fun read. I like the use of fairy tales being blended together, some of them being given new meaning and the story was easy to follow. There's not much character development and a lot of the obstacles are overcome pretty quickly, but seeing as it's a short novella I can be more forgiving of that. The romance is insta-love but the two leads at least have some chemistry.
Fair warning: there's an erotic scene at one point, I didn't know that was in there going in, but it's rather short and handled really nicely.
Fair warning: there's an erotic scene at one point, I didn't know that was in there going in, but it's rather short and handled really nicely.
March 11, 2015
Notable as being one of the very few stories I've read with a transgender character, but there was just way too much romance for me. The cutesy banter between the Huntress and the sexy witch completely failed to charm, and I got bored. There's some interesting stuff going on with Rapunzel and other fairy tales, but it gets a bit messy and is dealt with rather perfunctorily while the story lingers on random moments between Adamina and Grete.
July 24, 2015
A dark fairy tale retelling with a twist
Broken Forest is a wonderful tangle of intermingled fairy tales with all of them just a little twisted from what we already know. Dark and brooding, this novella was liberally spiced with Megan Derr's unique brand of romance. Wonderfully written, I would recommend this to anyone who likes their fairy tales on the dark side -as they were meant to be.
Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
Broken Forest is a wonderful tangle of intermingled fairy tales with all of them just a little twisted from what we already know. Dark and brooding, this novella was liberally spiced with Megan Derr's unique brand of romance. Wonderfully written, I would recommend this to anyone who likes their fairy tales on the dark side -as they were meant to be.
Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
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