As the only Second Daughter born in centuries, Red has one purpose-to be sacrificed to the Wolf in the Wood in the hope he’ll return the world’s captured gods.

Red is almost relieved to go. Plagued by a dangerous power she can’t control, at least she knows that in the Wilderwood, she can’t hurt those she loves. Again.

But the legends lie. The Wolf is a man, not a monster. Her magic is a calling, not a curse. And if she doesn’t learn how to use it, the monsters the gods have become will swallow the Wilderwood-and her world-whole.

Thank you to Orbit Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review! For the Wolf was released on June 1, 2021. 

Monsters in the woods, prophesies, and creepy forests? Sign me up for a good time.

For the Wolf is inspired by a number of different fairy tales as well as new lore original to the world. With the iconic red cloak and a monstrous wolf in the forest, the story has strong “Little Red Riding Hood” vibes. But it’s also got elements of “Beauty and the Beast” with the romantic relationship and the setting once Red enters the Wilderwood. I was honestly expecting talking teacups to appear at any moment, though there is an excellent library for all your goblincore dreams.

This is a solid debut novel. There were some moments where the plot dragged a bit or characters did stupid things. But they didn’t bother me that much and I really enjoyed reading For the Wolf. Whitten did a great job at bringing the atmosphere of the Wilderwood to life and I really enjoyed the development of the romantic relationship. No spoilers but there were some angsty moments where I had to pause and make a cup of tea.

Would totally recommend this book for anyone who loves fairytales and unique retellings of them, creepy castles in haunted forests, and a tender, brooding love interest.

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Hannah Whitten has been writing to amuse herself since she could hold a pen, and sometime in high school, figured out that what amused her might also amuse others. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, making music, or attempting to bake. She lives in Tennessee with her husband and children in a house ruled by two temperamental cats and a dog who has never done anything wrong in her life. Hang out with her on Instagram and Twitter at @hwhittenwrites and online at hannahfwhitten.com.

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