The Wolf and the Woodsman by Ava Reid is a fantasy novel that follows the journey of Évike, a pagan girl without magic, and Gáspár, a one-eyed captain of the Woodsmen, who are sent by the king to capture and sacrifice pagan girls. The novel is inspired by Hungarian and Jewish folklore and history, and explores themes of religion, identity, loyalty, love, and oppression.
The novel begins with Évike being betrayed by her fellow villagers and handed over to the Woodsmen, who are supposed to take her to the king as a blood sacrifice. However, on their way, they are attacked by a horde of monsters, leaving only Évike and Gáspár alive. They soon realize that they have to work together to survive and reach their destination, despite their mutual distrust and hatred. Along the way, they encounter various dangers and secrets, such as a forest of sentient trees, a hidden Jewish community, a rebel prince, and a mythical wolf that can grant wishes.
The novel is well-written and engaging, with vivid descriptions of the setting and the magic system. The characters are complex and flawed, with realistic motivations and emotions. The relationship between Évike and Gáspár develops gradually and realistically, from enemies to allies to lovers. The plot is fast-paced and full of twists and turns, keeping the reader hooked until the end. The novel also tackles some serious issues, such as religious intolerance, political corruption, cultural identity, and personal sacrifice.
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About The Author
Ava Reid is a fantasy fiction author who has written three novels and two coloring books. She was born in New York, but grew up in New Jersey. She studied political science at Barnard College, focusing on religion and ethnonationalism. She currently lives in Palo Alto, California, where she likes to visit university libraries. She is inspired by her own heritage and by folklore and history from different cultures. Her debut novel, The Wolf and the Woodsman, was published in 2021 and received critical acclaim. Her second novel, Juniper & Thorn, was published in 2022 and is a gothic horror retelling of Grimm’s “The Juniper Tree.” Her third novel, A Study in Drowning, is her young adult debut and will be published in 2023. It is a fantasy mystery set in a world where magic is illegal. She is also working on a fourth novel, Lady Makbeth, which will be published in 2024.
