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He Who Ate The Wild
Not yet published
Expected 1 Jun 26I have grown hungry. Grief no longer nourishes me. I will eat the wild.
Whisper your prayers, light your candles, watch your steps, cherish your life, and— most importantly— never let the spirits hear your name.
These were his mother's rules before she disappeared. And Kazuki followed them, even when his father was ripped apart by a malevolent spirit. When he decides to go in search of his mother, an encounter with a corrupted bear leaves him weak, wounded, and worst of all, tainted.
With her rules and his father’s sword, he ventures north into the unknown. Demons, spirits, and gods all haunt his steps, and the closer he gets to the truth, the further from himself he becomes. His name forgotten.
Can he find his mother, or will the wild consume him?
Whisper your prayers, light your candles, watch your steps, cherish your life, and— most importantly— never let the spirits hear your name.
These were his mother's rules before she disappeared. And Kazuki followed them, even when his father was ripped apart by a malevolent spirit. When he decides to go in search of his mother, an encounter with a corrupted bear leaves him weak, wounded, and worst of all, tainted.
With her rules and his father’s sword, he ventures north into the unknown. Demons, spirits, and gods all haunt his steps, and the closer he gets to the truth, the further from himself he becomes. His name forgotten.
Can he find his mother, or will the wild consume him?
- GenresFantasy
Paperback
Expected publication June 1, 2026
13 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
He Who Ate the Wild ARC Review
A brand new fantastic standalone, that will get you hooked and leave you as a empty shell.
Written in first person, with amazing character development. If you love Z.B Steels world Song of the Damned, you are for sure gonna love thisone too!
My biggest favorite here is the characters, I don't really trust any of them until the opposite is proven, and after that I still don't trust them. And I love those types of books that makes you question everyone, and still don't really trust them when the book is done.
This was such a calm and quiet read. Maybe not for the main pov, but that's what we love right? Beautiful but such a sad story.
As mentioned on top, this is a standalone. But I actually hope it's not the case. After finishing the story, I personally feel that it could be enough story left for a next adventure for our main character. So I would actually be a bit sad if it ends here. But It can be that I'm wrong and it's a reason for it to be one book story.
Good and bad spirits, demons and a bit of magic on the side, this is a awesome quick and easy adventure to join along.
A brand new fantastic standalone, that will get you hooked and leave you as a empty shell.
Written in first person, with amazing character development. If you love Z.B Steels world Song of the Damned, you are for sure gonna love thisone too!
My biggest favorite here is the characters, I don't really trust any of them until the opposite is proven, and after that I still don't trust them. And I love those types of books that makes you question everyone, and still don't really trust them when the book is done.
This was such a calm and quiet read. Maybe not for the main pov, but that's what we love right? Beautiful but such a sad story.
As mentioned on top, this is a standalone. But I actually hope it's not the case. After finishing the story, I personally feel that it could be enough story left for a next adventure for our main character. So I would actually be a bit sad if it ends here. But It can be that I'm wrong and it's a reason for it to be one book story.
Good and bad spirits, demons and a bit of magic on the side, this is a awesome quick and easy adventure to join along.
Review of advance copy received from Author
my rating is 4.25
Greg is a fantastic writer and this newest novel proves that in spades.
Absolutely lyrical, deeply emotional and a new genre, He Who Ate The Wild takes on the Shinto side of Japanese culture. While I don't think I'm the right audience for this standalone novel, I thoroughly enjoyed getting to meet Ku and other characters like Susu and Kara. The gods, the tricksters, the monsters....all interesting and unique. There is real emotion in this tale. Ku goes through many ups and downs and my heart was with him through them all. It's not a happy story but that does add to the overall feel. The betrayal Ku experiences several times is dark and speaks to the difficulties fitting in wherever he goes. It's a hard life for a young man grieving.
I hope we see more in this world...this is Greg's finest work to date.
Greg is a fantastic writer and this newest novel proves that in spades.
Absolutely lyrical, deeply emotional and a new genre, He Who Ate The Wild takes on the Shinto side of Japanese culture. While I don't think I'm the right audience for this standalone novel, I thoroughly enjoyed getting to meet Ku and other characters like Susu and Kara. The gods, the tricksters, the monsters....all interesting and unique. There is real emotion in this tale. Ku goes through many ups and downs and my heart was with him through them all. It's not a happy story but that does add to the overall feel. The betrayal Ku experiences several times is dark and speaks to the difficulties fitting in wherever he goes. It's a hard life for a young man grieving.
I hope we see more in this world...this is Greg's finest work to date.
January 10, 2026
ARC Review
He Who Ate the Wild is a harrowing coming of age story of a young boy in a Muromachi era inspired fantasy world, where spirits and humans either find harmony or go to war.
Things I love about HWATW:
The prose - the prose style is almost lyrical, which adds to the overall folktale tone of the book.
Man vs Nature - The addition of spirits that have a foot in the human world adds some bite to “nature” in this dynamic. The consequences of man mistreating the natural world comes with dire consequences that exceed destroying natural resources.
The Action - I’m into that magical anime shit, and the battles have the extravagant quality that hits right.
He Who Ate the Wild is a harrowing coming of age story of a young boy in a Muromachi era inspired fantasy world, where spirits and humans either find harmony or go to war.
Things I love about HWATW:
The prose - the prose style is almost lyrical, which adds to the overall folktale tone of the book.
Man vs Nature - The addition of spirits that have a foot in the human world adds some bite to “nature” in this dynamic. The consequences of man mistreating the natural world comes with dire consequences that exceed destroying natural resources.
The Action - I’m into that magical anime shit, and the battles have the extravagant quality that hits right.
January 27, 2026
I just wrapped up this latest gem from Greg, and I’m stewing in the perfect bliss of a well done story.
We start with a young man, Kazuki, in the throes of misery after having lost his father in a most brutal and tragic manner, slain by a malevolent and vicious spirit. His mother had already gone missing some time ago, and he was lost. Living in his grief, which had nearly become a tangible thing.
There are rituals, means by which to ward against spirits, that his mother taught to him, and which he continues to practice, because the world is full of spirits, some full of evil intent, as our young man discovers on his quest to find his mother.
There is so much that comprises his journey, which takes him first into the path of a tainted bear; a Gangan, infected by a spirit’s festering. In defending himself, the tainted blood from the Gangan splashes into his mouth. When he wakes, a spirit animal, a sparrow, called a Susu, is entreating him to get up, leave this place. Benevolent by nature, which was fortunate because Kazuki had broken a rule and looked it in the eyes.
The path they travel together takes them deeper into the eldritch forest, all the while Kazuki deteriorates from the spread of the malevolence he’s absorbed. And another spirit in the guise of a crow, a Kara by name which is more mischievous and wily, saw and heard all, wanting to capture Kazuki’s eye, his name, whereby he could be controlled.
The curse left behind in Kazuki from the Gangan’s blood is threatening to overwhelm him, until he stumbles upon a warded and guarded village. And this is where my heart began breaking for him.
He went from being in a secluded environment, living with his parents, no others near them, to becoming an orphan, with no one, not even friends.
He’s now in a place that is like a dream for his companionship-starved existence, having been saved by the guardian warrior of the village, Lord Juji. Ku has been cleansed of most of the scourge, and it’s now held in a warded glass sphere. But removing that evil has erased his name from his memory. And the inhabitants all wear masks carved from wood, animals mostly, but they hide their faces, their expressions. He’s given his own wood to carve, and it’s quite hideous, emerging to resemble the Gangan-bear, an outward representation of what he believes himself to be. And now Ku, which he is calling himself, feels even more alone. He carves many new masks, each a bit better as his skill improves, as well as he's begun training with the blade master, Lord Juji. He at last earns some grudging respect from his peers, and gains a friend in Nu, over a year living and training there, until another threat makes it clear he needs to leave the village, because this entity, The Hungering Mountain, is tracking him and the darkness within, so he flees, alone, save the company of the sparrow, Susu.
What GJ has done is written one of the most profoundly poignant characters I’ve had the pleasure to read. Ku’s arc takes him from extreme loneliness, to feeling like he finally had a home, belonged, and that people cared about him, to being once again cast away, ready to just give up, give in, to the darkness which threatens to take over his soul. But the ever watchful, benevolent presence of Susu keeps him going.
What Kazuki comes to discover is that he is enough. He cannot force others to love him, to understand what drives him relentlessly to keep others from harm. He wanted to be accepted, but learned it was enough for him to accept himself. He’s let go of expecting friendship, a home, a place of belonging, even love, because it’s been within all along. He doesn’t need affirmation from without, because he already knows deep down that he is enough. And Furen, the woman to whom he’s given his heart, sees him, but knows that now is not their time, but points to a future where it can be. Only Susu remains, his faithful companion and guide.
I am sitting here shattered, moved so deeply by this sweeping tale that I’ve found myself unable to write coherently about what I’ve just read. Suffice it to say, I’m keeping this story with me for a long time to come. I want nothing more than for other readers to experience this exquisite bittersweetness that lingers. It’s some powerful magic. I’ll leave you with the last line to close.
“Alone once again. I walk silently away. Seeped in what ails me.”
I received this as an ARC, in exchange for an unbiased review.
We start with a young man, Kazuki, in the throes of misery after having lost his father in a most brutal and tragic manner, slain by a malevolent and vicious spirit. His mother had already gone missing some time ago, and he was lost. Living in his grief, which had nearly become a tangible thing.
There are rituals, means by which to ward against spirits, that his mother taught to him, and which he continues to practice, because the world is full of spirits, some full of evil intent, as our young man discovers on his quest to find his mother.
There is so much that comprises his journey, which takes him first into the path of a tainted bear; a Gangan, infected by a spirit’s festering. In defending himself, the tainted blood from the Gangan splashes into his mouth. When he wakes, a spirit animal, a sparrow, called a Susu, is entreating him to get up, leave this place. Benevolent by nature, which was fortunate because Kazuki had broken a rule and looked it in the eyes.
The path they travel together takes them deeper into the eldritch forest, all the while Kazuki deteriorates from the spread of the malevolence he’s absorbed. And another spirit in the guise of a crow, a Kara by name which is more mischievous and wily, saw and heard all, wanting to capture Kazuki’s eye, his name, whereby he could be controlled.
The curse left behind in Kazuki from the Gangan’s blood is threatening to overwhelm him, until he stumbles upon a warded and guarded village. And this is where my heart began breaking for him.
He went from being in a secluded environment, living with his parents, no others near them, to becoming an orphan, with no one, not even friends.
He’s now in a place that is like a dream for his companionship-starved existence, having been saved by the guardian warrior of the village, Lord Juji. Ku has been cleansed of most of the scourge, and it’s now held in a warded glass sphere. But removing that evil has erased his name from his memory. And the inhabitants all wear masks carved from wood, animals mostly, but they hide their faces, their expressions. He’s given his own wood to carve, and it’s quite hideous, emerging to resemble the Gangan-bear, an outward representation of what he believes himself to be. And now Ku, which he is calling himself, feels even more alone. He carves many new masks, each a bit better as his skill improves, as well as he's begun training with the blade master, Lord Juji. He at last earns some grudging respect from his peers, and gains a friend in Nu, over a year living and training there, until another threat makes it clear he needs to leave the village, because this entity, The Hungering Mountain, is tracking him and the darkness within, so he flees, alone, save the company of the sparrow, Susu.
What GJ has done is written one of the most profoundly poignant characters I’ve had the pleasure to read. Ku’s arc takes him from extreme loneliness, to feeling like he finally had a home, belonged, and that people cared about him, to being once again cast away, ready to just give up, give in, to the darkness which threatens to take over his soul. But the ever watchful, benevolent presence of Susu keeps him going.
What Kazuki comes to discover is that he is enough. He cannot force others to love him, to understand what drives him relentlessly to keep others from harm. He wanted to be accepted, but learned it was enough for him to accept himself. He’s let go of expecting friendship, a home, a place of belonging, even love, because it’s been within all along. He doesn’t need affirmation from without, because he already knows deep down that he is enough. And Furen, the woman to whom he’s given his heart, sees him, but knows that now is not their time, but points to a future where it can be. Only Susu remains, his faithful companion and guide.
I am sitting here shattered, moved so deeply by this sweeping tale that I’ve found myself unable to write coherently about what I’ve just read. Suffice it to say, I’m keeping this story with me for a long time to come. I want nothing more than for other readers to experience this exquisite bittersweetness that lingers. It’s some powerful magic. I’ll leave you with the last line to close.
“Alone once again. I walk silently away. Seeped in what ails me.”
I received this as an ARC, in exchange for an unbiased review.
January 29, 2026
He Who Ate the Wild was one of the best fantasy adventure stories I’ve read in a long time!
The story centers around a young man who has lost his father and whose mother has gone missing. In this world, there are spirits, both benign and malevolent. After his father’s death, he strikes out to learn what became of his mother, and he has to battle and befriend spirits and new people along the way.
I loved the descriptions of the different spirits and how complex they are. The plotline and details were well thought out, and it seems well-researched. The main character not only is on a journey to find answers about his mother, but also on a journey of escaping loneliness and creating connections. It was so easy to get lost in his world and in the story! I found myself staying up late to read what would happen next. I also loved that the story showed the human impact on nature and the corrupting influence that people can have on the natural world.
I’m hoping that the author continues on with another book with what happens next in this world and with is character! I absolutely recommend this to anyone who loves rich world building!
I received this as an ARC in exchange for a fair review.
The story centers around a young man who has lost his father and whose mother has gone missing. In this world, there are spirits, both benign and malevolent. After his father’s death, he strikes out to learn what became of his mother, and he has to battle and befriend spirits and new people along the way.
I loved the descriptions of the different spirits and how complex they are. The plotline and details were well thought out, and it seems well-researched. The main character not only is on a journey to find answers about his mother, but also on a journey of escaping loneliness and creating connections. It was so easy to get lost in his world and in the story! I found myself staying up late to read what would happen next. I also loved that the story showed the human impact on nature and the corrupting influence that people can have on the natural world.
I’m hoping that the author continues on with another book with what happens next in this world and with is character! I absolutely recommend this to anyone who loves rich world building!
I received this as an ARC in exchange for a fair review.
January 3, 2026
What a lush and rich world as seen through the eyes of a boy who is so naive and yet so jaded. Terral did such a good job creating a living, breathing world full of spirits and gods and demons and magic and hope and horror.
Our MC is so complex and believable. He wants so badly to trust but is repeatedly put into circumstances that break him. He simultaneously keeps reaching for hope and connection while also fighting with his inner doubts and self-loathing that naturally push people away. I am just so astonished at how much characterization is packed into him that is contradictory on its face but completely in line with his past and how he views himself and the world.
I definitely see the inspiration from Princess Mononoke but Terral really makes this story his own.
If it isn’t already on your TBR, add it! It comes out in June.
Thanks to the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Our MC is so complex and believable. He wants so badly to trust but is repeatedly put into circumstances that break him. He simultaneously keeps reaching for hope and connection while also fighting with his inner doubts and self-loathing that naturally push people away. I am just so astonished at how much characterization is packed into him that is contradictory on its face but completely in line with his past and how he views himself and the world.
I definitely see the inspiration from Princess Mononoke but Terral really makes this story his own.
If it isn’t already on your TBR, add it! It comes out in June.
Thanks to the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
x-not-for-me-or-not-right-now
February 15, 2026Beautiful prose and the world building was really interesting. It definitely reminds me of one of its inspirations, my favorite movie Princess Mononoke, so that’s something I really enjoyed. But I struggled to get into the story itself. I can’t really tell you why. Maybe it just isn’t the right time for me.
Review of advance copy received from Autorin bzw. Autor
This book has beautiful prose, very lyrical and poetic, but still easy to read. The pacing feels unique, it flows steady while tension builds. The books is heavily influenced by japanese culture, which isnexecuted with great care. The world is full of spirits, gods, danger and adventure.
We follow the main character trough grief and devestation after devestation.
The romance subplot felt forced. And the plot between pitfalls and setbacks felt a little repetitive. Some side characters past made the plot side track and were then not tied up completely at the end as well as the overall ending left some things open.
I recived an ARC copy of the book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
We follow the main character trough grief and devestation after devestation.
The romance subplot felt forced. And the plot between pitfalls and setbacks felt a little repetitive. Some side characters past made the plot side track and were then not tied up completely at the end as well as the overall ending left some things open.
I recived an ARC copy of the book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I finished the book... but the book finished me...
Here I sit, staring listlessly at the screen after finishing the book.
He who ate the wild is a character study in the darkness within and the darkness outside. Of the aches and ills of man and nature. Of what makes us do what we do and be who we are. It's a book that stares into your soul, and poses you questions. Vital questions.
This is a hopeful, yet dark book, because of how it is presented and how you're "forced" to approach it, it makes you stare down the barrel of hard questions. Of sadness and hurt. But it also gives you shining glimpses of light that will carry you through the story.
This is GJ's most accomplished work in terms of prose and lyricism. And it also captures Shinto spirit while never losing sight that this is a character story.
This book's deeply steeped in a philosophical spirit. It feels spiritual, but also greedily gritty in how it eats away and gnaws on the questions of self and identity.
This is not a book you devour. No, this is a book you savor. You breathe in, and you breathe out with it. By saying this I am not saying this is a slow book, or a preachy book. Au contraire, it is a book whose flow and pace invite you to keep reading, and growing and understanding it, and the main character, and ultimately yourself. Your own griefs and your own growths find purchase in the careful words Greg laid here for us.
It's a story that follows The Hero's Journey (as per Joseph Campbell's concept, look him up) in essence, but at the same time it allows you to partake in it at the same time, with the way it tugs at our heartstrings and own lives, while sharing experiences and emotions and feelings we all have in one way or another.
The hopeful melancholy of some chapters is great. They nestle right in the crook of your arm and make a spot to listen to your heart.
The way this book is shaped to be one long soliloquy with interspersed external actions and agents of change makes it a very unique proposition. One I enjoyed from start to finish.
Throughout the book there is an endless array of superb lines, truths, musings, understandings of the soul and life, like this one:
"I’ve learned, I am a man of fickle moods. Prone to brash action, but when the melancholy strikes, it latches onto bits of my soul and sinks its teeth in so deep that when it finally, mercifully, detaches, the impressions left by the fangs are still felt long after."
We are nothing but slaves to our natures. We, and the Gods, Spirits and Demons. He who ate the Wild is one long study about discovering that. Understanding one's nature.
This book easily qualifies to be in the running for my book of the year. Even in Beta Stage. Especially since it can only get better. And it's superb as it is.
4.9⭐️
Here I sit, staring listlessly at the screen after finishing the book.
He who ate the wild is a character study in the darkness within and the darkness outside. Of the aches and ills of man and nature. Of what makes us do what we do and be who we are. It's a book that stares into your soul, and poses you questions. Vital questions.
This is a hopeful, yet dark book, because of how it is presented and how you're "forced" to approach it, it makes you stare down the barrel of hard questions. Of sadness and hurt. But it also gives you shining glimpses of light that will carry you through the story.
This is GJ's most accomplished work in terms of prose and lyricism. And it also captures Shinto spirit while never losing sight that this is a character story.
This book's deeply steeped in a philosophical spirit. It feels spiritual, but also greedily gritty in how it eats away and gnaws on the questions of self and identity.
This is not a book you devour. No, this is a book you savor. You breathe in, and you breathe out with it. By saying this I am not saying this is a slow book, or a preachy book. Au contraire, it is a book whose flow and pace invite you to keep reading, and growing and understanding it, and the main character, and ultimately yourself. Your own griefs and your own growths find purchase in the careful words Greg laid here for us.
It's a story that follows The Hero's Journey (as per Joseph Campbell's concept, look him up) in essence, but at the same time it allows you to partake in it at the same time, with the way it tugs at our heartstrings and own lives, while sharing experiences and emotions and feelings we all have in one way or another.
The hopeful melancholy of some chapters is great. They nestle right in the crook of your arm and make a spot to listen to your heart.
The way this book is shaped to be one long soliloquy with interspersed external actions and agents of change makes it a very unique proposition. One I enjoyed from start to finish.
Throughout the book there is an endless array of superb lines, truths, musings, understandings of the soul and life, like this one:
"I’ve learned, I am a man of fickle moods. Prone to brash action, but when the melancholy strikes, it latches onto bits of my soul and sinks its teeth in so deep that when it finally, mercifully, detaches, the impressions left by the fangs are still felt long after."
We are nothing but slaves to our natures. We, and the Gods, Spirits and Demons. He who ate the Wild is one long study about discovering that. Understanding one's nature.
This book easily qualifies to be in the running for my book of the year. Even in Beta Stage. Especially since it can only get better. And it's superb as it is.
4.9⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
This is a beautifully written fantasy novel, with a lost main character searching for answers and trying to survive while wandering a world full of spirits and gods and monsters. For much of the novel, he has lost his own name, so he calls himself Ku, and along the way, trains and hones his skill with the blade in a village full of masked fighters, and gains companions in Nu, the nephew of the village chief, Furen, the cold and highly skilled fellow trainee, Susu, a helpful spirit in the shape of a sparrow, and Kara, the wicked guardian of the springs that Ku inadvertently contaminates. The setting of this novel is rich and lush, and as Ku wanders the world, trying to heal his own corruption while also seeking answers to what happened to his mother, you get to see a great array of spirits and gods. The spirits and gods are all mysterious and otherworldly, from Susu to She Who Weeps to What Once Walked, and they form much of the wonder of this novel, along with the fight scenes. All the Blooms in swordsmanship that were developed were especially fantastical, like
The pacing of this novel is a bit of a weak point, somewhat faltering, and although a lot happens in this novel, there are very few answers. I assume there will be more answers in book 2, but I was somewhat disappointed that we get no hint on why Ku was contaminated even before he slew the demonic bear, and that Furen seems to not be joining him for book 2.
Still, the writing and setting makes up for a lot, and you feel all of Ku's emotions almost as intensely as he does, from his hurt of being sidelined and rejected in the village to his rage at always having to run and his deep love for his friends. I look forward to reading book 2.
This is a beautifully written fantasy novel, with a lost main character searching for answers and trying to survive while wandering a world full of spirits and gods and monsters. For much of the novel, he has lost his own name, so he calls himself Ku, and along the way, trains and hones his skill with the blade in a village full of masked fighters, and gains companions in Nu, the nephew of the village chief, Furen, the cold and highly skilled fellow trainee, Susu, a helpful spirit in the shape of a sparrow, and Kara, the wicked guardian of the springs that Ku inadvertently contaminates. The setting of this novel is rich and lush, and as Ku wanders the world, trying to heal his own corruption while also seeking answers to what happened to his mother, you get to see a great array of spirits and gods. The spirits and gods are all mysterious and otherworldly, from Susu to She Who Weeps to What Once Walked, and they form much of the wonder of this novel, along with the fight scenes. All the Blooms in swordsmanship that were developed were especially fantastical, like
Her Bloom was a frozen flower, all the promise of life resting in its furled petals.
The pacing of this novel is a bit of a weak point, somewhat faltering, and although a lot happens in this novel, there are very few answers. I assume there will be more answers in book 2, but I was somewhat disappointed that we get no hint on why Ku was contaminated even before he slew the demonic bear, and that Furen seems to not be joining him for book 2.
Still, the writing and setting makes up for a lot, and you feel all of Ku's emotions almost as intensely as he does, from his hurt of being sidelined and rejected in the village to his rage at always having to run and his deep love for his friends. I look forward to reading book 2.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
this book had me from the premise alone. shinto inspired folklore, spirits and gods woven into the land, and a protagonist hollowed out by grief and hunger. count me IN. it promises an emotional journey first, and for the most part, it delivers on that 🤍
the opening leans a little too close to familiar territory. there were moments early on where the influence of princess mononoke in particular felt almost too present. forest spirits, corruption, the tension between humanity and the wild. recognisable enough to briefly pull me out of the story. thankfully, it doesn’t stay there.
once it finds its footing, this becomes something quieter and more introspective. a story about loss, identity, and the slow, painful work of becoming someone new when the old version of you can’t survive what’s happened. kazuki’s journey is as much internal as it is physical, and the first person perspective does a lot of heavy lifting when it comes to conveying that ache.
the worldbuilding is rich and clearly well researched, with spirits and gods that feel eerie rather than whimsical. the prose is lyrical but controlled, and there are moments of real beauty in how grief and hunger are framed.
i appreciate the restraint and mystery, but i was left wanting more resolution than we’re given here.
💭 overall, a dark, atmospheric fantasy that grows into itself.
🌳 emotionally resonant once it steps out of the shadow of its influences.
🤍 perfect for fans of cozy ghibli, with heart and a determined mc.
i’ll be curious to see how it expands and sharpens in future works.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc!
the opening leans a little too close to familiar territory. there were moments early on where the influence of princess mononoke in particular felt almost too present. forest spirits, corruption, the tension between humanity and the wild. recognisable enough to briefly pull me out of the story. thankfully, it doesn’t stay there.
once it finds its footing, this becomes something quieter and more introspective. a story about loss, identity, and the slow, painful work of becoming someone new when the old version of you can’t survive what’s happened. kazuki’s journey is as much internal as it is physical, and the first person perspective does a lot of heavy lifting when it comes to conveying that ache.
the worldbuilding is rich and clearly well researched, with spirits and gods that feel eerie rather than whimsical. the prose is lyrical but controlled, and there are moments of real beauty in how grief and hunger are framed.
i appreciate the restraint and mystery, but i was left wanting more resolution than we’re given here.
💭 overall, a dark, atmospheric fantasy that grows into itself.
🌳 emotionally resonant once it steps out of the shadow of its influences.
🤍 perfect for fans of cozy ghibli, with heart and a determined mc.
i’ll be curious to see how it expands and sharpens in future works.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A unique story of a young man coming of age in a world of spirits and old gods. After experiencing more loss and tragedy at a young age than many do in a lifetime, he sets out on a quest to re-discover his lost name, and ends up finding his inner strength.
The dark atmospheric setting invokes a sense of doom while the presence of small sprit guides and the occasional wisdom they impart keeps things from becoming too hopeless. But even with the dark lyrical storytelling, it keeps readers guessing at what will happen next. For the right person, this book would likely be an absolute top tier read.
Unfortunately, I am not the right person. I struggled to finish the book, as it seemed to vacillate between moments of inner reflection and extremely important key plot points so quickly I often had to re-read passages multiple times to catch what had actually happened. For those who love pouring over atmospheric books and reading very slowly to make sure they absorb every aspect of the environment, this would be amazing, but for me, it caused me to lose focus. (100% a me problem, so I did not detract from my rating due to that preference.)
I am giving it 4 stars because there were definitely passages where the switch between actions/plot and pensive/reflective inner dialog were just too muddled together to make for "good" storytelling. However, I do think the story was unique and strong enough to deserve a read even with that challenge.
*I received an advance review copy of this book and am reviewing it prior to official publication. My review is 100% my opinion and was optional.*
The dark atmospheric setting invokes a sense of doom while the presence of small sprit guides and the occasional wisdom they impart keeps things from becoming too hopeless. But even with the dark lyrical storytelling, it keeps readers guessing at what will happen next. For the right person, this book would likely be an absolute top tier read.
Unfortunately, I am not the right person. I struggled to finish the book, as it seemed to vacillate between moments of inner reflection and extremely important key plot points so quickly I often had to re-read passages multiple times to catch what had actually happened. For those who love pouring over atmospheric books and reading very slowly to make sure they absorb every aspect of the environment, this would be amazing, but for me, it caused me to lose focus. (100% a me problem, so I did not detract from my rating due to that preference.)
I am giving it 4 stars because there were definitely passages where the switch between actions/plot and pensive/reflective inner dialog were just too muddled together to make for "good" storytelling. However, I do think the story was unique and strong enough to deserve a read even with that challenge.
*I received an advance review copy of this book and am reviewing it prior to official publication. My review is 100% my opinion and was optional.*
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.4 Stars: Definite Recomend.
Here’s the pitch:
In a world reminiscent of Demon Slayer and story that screams Studio Ghibli, a boy leaves home after his father is eaten by an evil spirit. On his own he ventures into a forest teeming with with spirits, malicious and benign, gods and more, joined by bird companions Susu (I mean does it get more Ghibli sounding than a journey with a spirit bird named Susu?)and Kara in search for his mother and his own name.
A coming of age story and a story of self discovery and cool monsters.
“We all bear stains. And most struggle to be cleansed. But none mark us forever. None defines us, even if they are part of our nature.”
This is a beautifully written story. If there’s anything that GJ Terral has shown here is that he can write his pants off. I cannot recall highlighting a book as much as I did here.
“The unknown isn’t the dark plunges of an ocean unexplored. It isn’t the sky above and the infinite reach of the stars or the insect and rot that rests under stones undisturbed. The unknown resides in all of us and hides at the edges of thought, not wishing to have light shone upon it.”
“Sometimes in life, change can come too fast. Sometimes, it can take far too long. Hardly ever does it happen just as intended, and this mountain and the writhing forest of pale trees below were no exception.”
Are just some examples of what he can do.
Also, this story really perfectly achieves the dark Studio Ghibli vibe that it’s going for. Even the plot of a boy going into nature with a bird named Susu in search of his own name just nails it. Beyond that there are definitely cool creatures, and wild fights- with cool magic as well.
Ok but I didn’t give this a 5?!
I wish the book did more with the side characters -especially early on - as I do feel they did improve as the book went on. That said around 1/3 into the book where you really needed to feel that the MC and the side characters connection was more than it was at that time.
I also wish more was done to develop the light romance that shows up.
I do think that GJ made improvements to the character development of the side players by the end- especially Nu.
My final critique- I’m still not sure what was going on with the bolded text that shows from time to time.
The final line is this: I recommend this. I REALLY recommend it if you like Studio Ghibli, Manga and Anime. If you’ve been wanting a darker version of a studio Ghibli movie run. Also if you’re a sucker for pretty writing.
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Rated 5 because I cannot give partials. And this book deserves tge benefit of that score.
Here’s the pitch:
In a world reminiscent of Demon Slayer and story that screams Studio Ghibli, a boy leaves home after his father is eaten by an evil spirit. On his own he ventures into a forest teeming with with spirits, malicious and benign, gods and more, joined by bird companions Susu (I mean does it get more Ghibli sounding than a journey with a spirit bird named Susu?)and Kara in search for his mother and his own name.
A coming of age story and a story of self discovery and cool monsters.
“We all bear stains. And most struggle to be cleansed. But none mark us forever. None defines us, even if they are part of our nature.”
This is a beautifully written story. If there’s anything that GJ Terral has shown here is that he can write his pants off. I cannot recall highlighting a book as much as I did here.
“The unknown isn’t the dark plunges of an ocean unexplored. It isn’t the sky above and the infinite reach of the stars or the insect and rot that rests under stones undisturbed. The unknown resides in all of us and hides at the edges of thought, not wishing to have light shone upon it.”
“Sometimes in life, change can come too fast. Sometimes, it can take far too long. Hardly ever does it happen just as intended, and this mountain and the writhing forest of pale trees below were no exception.”
Are just some examples of what he can do.
Also, this story really perfectly achieves the dark Studio Ghibli vibe that it’s going for. Even the plot of a boy going into nature with a bird named Susu in search of his own name just nails it. Beyond that there are definitely cool creatures, and wild fights- with cool magic as well.
Ok but I didn’t give this a 5?!
I wish the book did more with the side characters -especially early on - as I do feel they did improve as the book went on. That said around 1/3 into the book where you really needed to feel that the MC and the side characters connection was more than it was at that time.
I also wish more was done to develop the light romance that shows up.
I do think that GJ made improvements to the character development of the side players by the end- especially Nu.
My final critique- I’m still not sure what was going on with the bolded text that shows from time to time.
The final line is this: I recommend this. I REALLY recommend it if you like Studio Ghibli, Manga and Anime. If you’ve been wanting a darker version of a studio Ghibli movie run. Also if you’re a sucker for pretty writing.
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Rated 5 because I cannot give partials. And this book deserves tge benefit of that score.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Book Review: He Who Ate the Wild by GJ Terral
He Who Ate the Wild is dark, atmospheric, and unflinching. The novel follows Kazuki, a young man venturing alone into the wilderness after his mother disappears and his father is killed by a malevolent spirit. Along the way he confronts corrupted beasts, spirits, and gods, navigating danger, loss, and the blurred line between survival and morality.
Terral’s prose is immersive and controlled, letting tension build naturally. The story examines how fear, grief, and the harshness of the wild shape identity and choice. Kazuki is driven by instinct and determination, and the novel emphasizes the cost of survival and the consequences of human and supernatural forces alike.
The ending reinforces the novel’s central themes. There is no tidy resolution. The journey leaves Kazuki marked, physically and spiritually, showing that the wild is not only external, but also lives inside, shaping how we endure, remember, and act.
This is a grim, compelling, and haunting read. Readers who enjoy literary horror, folklore inspired fiction, or morally complex journeys will appreciate the mood, the moral sharp edges, and the refusal to hand out easy answers. He Who Ate the Wild lingers long after the final page.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. This is my unbiased and honest review.
Publication information
Publication or outlet: Victory Editing NetGalley Co op
Run date: June 26, 2026
He Who Ate the Wild is dark, atmospheric, and unflinching. The novel follows Kazuki, a young man venturing alone into the wilderness after his mother disappears and his father is killed by a malevolent spirit. Along the way he confronts corrupted beasts, spirits, and gods, navigating danger, loss, and the blurred line between survival and morality.
Terral’s prose is immersive and controlled, letting tension build naturally. The story examines how fear, grief, and the harshness of the wild shape identity and choice. Kazuki is driven by instinct and determination, and the novel emphasizes the cost of survival and the consequences of human and supernatural forces alike.
The ending reinforces the novel’s central themes. There is no tidy resolution. The journey leaves Kazuki marked, physically and spiritually, showing that the wild is not only external, but also lives inside, shaping how we endure, remember, and act.
This is a grim, compelling, and haunting read. Readers who enjoy literary horror, folklore inspired fiction, or morally complex journeys will appreciate the mood, the moral sharp edges, and the refusal to hand out easy answers. He Who Ate the Wild lingers long after the final page.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. This is my unbiased and honest review.
Publication information
Publication or outlet: Victory Editing NetGalley Co op
Run date: June 26, 2026
March 2, 2026
ARC review
This story follows Ku, who grew up in the forest full of spirits with his mother and father. One day his mother is summoned to go serve some lord, and never returns. Then his father is devoured by a malicious spirit in front of Ku. After existing for some time in his misery and heartbreak, he eventually leaves his now empty home to go and search for his mother. What follows next is just tragedy after tragedy, mix in some spirit companions, some friendly some not, a desperate and semi-failed attempt at a chosen family, and then some
more tragedy.
I wanted so badly to love this book, I really did. While it has many aspects to love including a very rich and lyrical style of writing, so much of it missed the mark completely for me. The first half was messy; clunky pacing, undeveloped plot, awkward wording. Truly it is in desperate need for severe editing. The second half felt slightly more fleshed out but at the same time so much of the plot felt very unexplained, from the magic system, to the vague romance subplot happening, to just general nuances where the story was going. It could have used about another 100 pages or so to really dive into some parts of the story that felt rushed through.
While the story bares painful, uncanny at times, resemblance to a certain Miyazaki film, I believe it has potential for a certain audience.
Thank you NetGalley, and Victory Editing for this eArc in exchange for my honest review.
This story follows Ku, who grew up in the forest full of spirits with his mother and father. One day his mother is summoned to go serve some lord, and never returns. Then his father is devoured by a malicious spirit in front of Ku. After existing for some time in his misery and heartbreak, he eventually leaves his now empty home to go and search for his mother. What follows next is just tragedy after tragedy, mix in some spirit companions, some friendly some not, a desperate and semi-failed attempt at a chosen family, and then some
more tragedy.
I wanted so badly to love this book, I really did. While it has many aspects to love including a very rich and lyrical style of writing, so much of it missed the mark completely for me. The first half was messy; clunky pacing, undeveloped plot, awkward wording. Truly it is in desperate need for severe editing. The second half felt slightly more fleshed out but at the same time so much of the plot felt very unexplained, from the magic system, to the vague romance subplot happening, to just general nuances where the story was going. It could have used about another 100 pages or so to really dive into some parts of the story that felt rushed through.
While the story bares painful, uncanny at times, resemblance to a certain Miyazaki film, I believe it has potential for a certain audience.
Thank you NetGalley, and Victory Editing for this eArc in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Introspective and atmospheric, He Who Ate The Wild is a masterpiece. Paying homage to the Shinto religion of Japan where spirits inhabit nature, this story feels like watching a Miyazaki film.
We follow Ku (at least that's what he's known as for the majority of the story), who is a very troubled young man, trying to find his place in the world after his mother leaves and his father is killed.
The most salient theme is probably the most universal: otherness. Ku struggles from start to finish with feeling that he doesn't fit in. While there are times that this is true, there are places where I felt that it was all in his head. And that back and forth makes Ku feel real and human.
There's a romance subplot in the story that was handled remarkably well. A rivals to lovers type situation, that blossoms as the plot chugs forward. I usually don't get emotional while reading but I caught myself thinking, “Kiss already you idiots!” which means I was firmly invested without realizing it.
The sword fights were epic. The prose, beautiful. There are even haikus dotting the chapters. And the pivotal scenes were ominous and picturesque. I could go on and on, so let me just summarize: Read He Who Ate The Wild. It's amazing.
We follow Ku (at least that's what he's known as for the majority of the story), who is a very troubled young man, trying to find his place in the world after his mother leaves and his father is killed.
The most salient theme is probably the most universal: otherness. Ku struggles from start to finish with feeling that he doesn't fit in. While there are times that this is true, there are places where I felt that it was all in his head. And that back and forth makes Ku feel real and human.
There's a romance subplot in the story that was handled remarkably well. A rivals to lovers type situation, that blossoms as the plot chugs forward. I usually don't get emotional while reading but I caught myself thinking, “Kiss already you idiots!” which means I was firmly invested without realizing it.
The sword fights were epic. The prose, beautiful. There are even haikus dotting the chapters. And the pivotal scenes were ominous and picturesque. I could go on and on, so let me just summarize: Read He Who Ate The Wild. It's amazing.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
He Who Ate the Wild is a journey of discovery amid a backdrop of spirits, demons, gods, and the unknown.
From the main character's point of view (in first person), we find ourselves in the presence of spirits, demons, and gods with strict rules for survival when encountering these beings. Our protagonist struggles with living while at the same time sounding resigned to his fate.
The characters are enigmatic and complex, rich with character development and both strengths and faults. Just as our MC experiences it, we as the readers also experience a world where trust is difficult to keep but desirous to be willingly given. What some speak into words cannot be taken at face value, leaving many things rife with additional hidden meaning to tease out.
A calm, smooth read filled with thought-provoking subtext amid a myriad of mythical and magical beings in a richly complex world.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher Victory Editing NetGalley co-op for allowing me an ARC to read and review.
From the main character's point of view (in first person), we find ourselves in the presence of spirits, demons, and gods with strict rules for survival when encountering these beings. Our protagonist struggles with living while at the same time sounding resigned to his fate.
The characters are enigmatic and complex, rich with character development and both strengths and faults. Just as our MC experiences it, we as the readers also experience a world where trust is difficult to keep but desirous to be willingly given. What some speak into words cannot be taken at face value, leaving many things rife with additional hidden meaning to tease out.
A calm, smooth read filled with thought-provoking subtext amid a myriad of mythical and magical beings in a richly complex world.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher Victory Editing NetGalley co-op for allowing me an ARC to read and review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have never read a GJ Terral novel (that's my fault!) but if the writing is as beautifully sympathetic and poetic as this then I can see that I've been missing out.
I will say firstly that the pacing of the novel was where it faltered. A lot happens and seeds have been planted but I do wish that there were times were it didn't linger as long and moved on.
That being said, this was truly immersive and I believe we have only seen a fraction of what Terral has to offer with this. There was a real sense of tension throughout and I enjoyed how Terral handed grief, something that can be hit or miss throughout novels. Our main character, nameless, is searching for so many answers and that real journey of loss resonates in a lot of ways.
This is a novel that isn't just steeped in fantasy, it is the source of determination, strife and the things we need in life. I'll be here for any future instalments.
I will say firstly that the pacing of the novel was where it faltered. A lot happens and seeds have been planted but I do wish that there were times were it didn't linger as long and moved on.
That being said, this was truly immersive and I believe we have only seen a fraction of what Terral has to offer with this. There was a real sense of tension throughout and I enjoyed how Terral handed grief, something that can be hit or miss throughout novels. Our main character, nameless, is searching for so many answers and that real journey of loss resonates in a lot of ways.
This is a novel that isn't just steeped in fantasy, it is the source of determination, strife and the things we need in life. I'll be here for any future instalments.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a beautifully written coming-of-age story with Japanese fantasy elements. The character development and emotional journey of Ku are handled quite well. The focus is very much on identity and growth, which makes the novel a character-driven bildungsroman than a traditional fantasy.
The thing is that the book’s description led me to expect a darker, more action-driven fantasy. While the fantasy elements are present, they serve more as a framework for the emotional arc and worldbuilding rather than being the central part of the plot.
Unfortunately, some parts also felt repetitive. Although this reinforces the emotional themes, it occasionally slowed the momentum.
Overall, He Who Ate the Wild is a thoughtful and well-crafted novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy introspective, character-focused storytelling. It is unfortunate that it is not my cup of tea.
This is a beautifully written coming-of-age story with Japanese fantasy elements. The character development and emotional journey of Ku are handled quite well. The focus is very much on identity and growth, which makes the novel a character-driven bildungsroman than a traditional fantasy.
The thing is that the book’s description led me to expect a darker, more action-driven fantasy. While the fantasy elements are present, they serve more as a framework for the emotional arc and worldbuilding rather than being the central part of the plot.
Unfortunately, some parts also felt repetitive. Although this reinforces the emotional themes, it occasionally slowed the momentum.
Overall, He Who Ate the Wild is a thoughtful and well-crafted novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy introspective, character-focused storytelling. It is unfortunate that it is not my cup of tea.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was very interested in the premise of this book, which suggested a dark fantasy wherein a young man leaves home to travel through the Japanese Shinto inspired (spiritual world) wilderness to find his mother.
immediately, you're immersed in a beautifully written world, which is as poetic and vivid as it is horrific and dangerous. admittedly, the prose at times was almost too purple, but it was definitely one of the highlights of reading this.
the characters are nuanced and complicated, especially the main character, who very easily could've fallen into the chosen one trope but had a very interesting and conflicted internal dialogue. I wasn't as keen on the romance, which felt a little bit forced - I almost think the main character had more chemistry with Nu, his best friend and voice of reason, than with the aloof and skillful Furen.
sadly, the plot is what let me down. it was quite ambitious and could at times get a little vague as a result, leaving me wanting to know more about certain subplots, characters, or the world that it glossed over. it was also a little repetitive, with pitfall after pitfall and almost no respite, making it sometimes too depressing for me to want to read.
perhaps my biggest mistake was stumbling across a Reddit post by the author saying that their inspirations were Princess Mononoke and Demon Slayer. I think this knowledge, which I have now cruelly passed to you, skewed my experience of reading this, as I struggled to separate the inspirations from the similarities whilst waiting for this to spread its wings and evolve away from it's inspirations.
I really like how this ended, but would be reluctant to return to this world and to this story if indeed this book was a setup for future novels. I'd recommend this if you are a fan of C. G. Drews' 'Don't Let The Forest In' or, of course, Princess Mononoke or Demon Slayer.
finally, thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and G. J. Terral for this eArc in exchange for my honest review.
immediately, you're immersed in a beautifully written world, which is as poetic and vivid as it is horrific and dangerous. admittedly, the prose at times was almost too purple, but it was definitely one of the highlights of reading this.
the characters are nuanced and complicated, especially the main character, who very easily could've fallen into the chosen one trope but had a very interesting and conflicted internal dialogue. I wasn't as keen on the romance, which felt a little bit forced - I almost think the main character had more chemistry with Nu, his best friend and voice of reason, than with the aloof and skillful Furen.
sadly, the plot is what let me down. it was quite ambitious and could at times get a little vague as a result, leaving me wanting to know more about certain subplots, characters, or the world that it glossed over. it was also a little repetitive, with pitfall after pitfall and almost no respite, making it sometimes too depressing for me to want to read.
perhaps my biggest mistake was stumbling across a Reddit post by the author saying that their inspirations were Princess Mononoke and Demon Slayer. I think this knowledge, which I have now cruelly passed to you, skewed my experience of reading this, as I struggled to separate the inspirations from the similarities whilst waiting for this to spread its wings and evolve away from it's inspirations.
I really like how this ended, but would be reluctant to return to this world and to this story if indeed this book was a setup for future novels. I'd recommend this if you are a fan of C. G. Drews' 'Don't Let The Forest In' or, of course, Princess Mononoke or Demon Slayer.
finally, thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and G. J. Terral for this eArc in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
He Who Ate the Wild is a dark, atmospheric fantasy that blends folklore, horror, and a haunted coming‑of‑age journey. Through Kazuki/Ku’s first‑person perspective, the novel explores grief, identity, and the cost of survival in a world ruled by spirits, demons, and distant gods. The prose is poetic yet controlled, the worldbuilding rich with eerie, inventive spirits and striking swordplay, and the tone grimly contemplative. While the pacing sometimes falters and many mysteries remain unresolved, the immersive atmosphere, emotional intensity, and morally sharp edges make this a compelling read—especially for fans of literary horror and myth‑infused fantasy.
(Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing Netgalley Co-Op for this ARC in exchange for an honest review)
(Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing Netgalley Co-Op for this ARC in exchange for an honest review)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you, NetGalley and the author, G. J. Terral for letting me ARC read He Who Ate the Wild! This book was phenomenal. It had a way of pulling you into the pages, making you feel like the main character was talking to you, sharing his story. The writing style was poetically beautiful, and the characters had such good development. The whole concept with the demons, gods, and magic was so cool to see. I loved Furen and Ku’s dynamic as well, and Susu was by far the best character. I found it insane that they wouldn’t let Ku back into the village after everything he’s done, though, especially Furen. 😂 The pacing was also amazing. it wasn’t necessarily fast, but it was steady and flowing, a refreshing read for sure, and I would highly recommend it! 🫶
Review of advance copy received from Author
Full RTC but I got to read thus Miyazaki inspired book early and I will say this might be the best prose of 2026. This melancholic tale is full of heart, grief, identity, and personal growth amid warring spirits and human betrayals. This is a book to watch this year, mark it!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
haunting and fantastic book with great aspects and great plotting throughout. would recommend this one. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A new meaning behind do not give out personal information to the fae/mystical creatures of any kind. You never know what kind of contracts you will be making.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley, G.J Terral and Victory editing for providing me with a free copy for the purposes of review.
Look, I didnt love this. The first half gave me an uncomfortable feeling that I'd seen this somewhere before, it bears an uncomfortable similarity to parts of Princess Mononoke. Now I know that this maybe the similarities of both using Shinto Mythology as their base but it was a little too similar for my liking.
The rest of the story was a mess, hard to follow, too many threads to try and keep hold of and this is coming from a Wheel of Time fan. I think there is potential there but a ruthless edit is needed and a much better explanation of the magic...the bloom thing just comes out of nowhere.
Look, I didnt love this. The first half gave me an uncomfortable feeling that I'd seen this somewhere before, it bears an uncomfortable similarity to parts of Princess Mononoke. Now I know that this maybe the similarities of both using Shinto Mythology as their base but it was a little too similar for my liking.
The rest of the story was a mess, hard to follow, too many threads to try and keep hold of and this is coming from a Wheel of Time fan. I think there is potential there but a ruthless edit is needed and a much better explanation of the magic...the bloom thing just comes out of nowhere.
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