Last Updated on December 20, 2022 by ThoughtsStained
I’m not gonna lie, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I began For the Wolf by Hannah Whitten. I didn’t know much about it going into it. So, imagine my surprise when I was absolutely sweep away by the gorgeous prose and enamored by the romance.
An ARC copy was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Book Info
Publisher: Orbit Books | Release Date: June 2021 | Pages: 437
Age Range: Adult | Genre: Fantasy | Format: Paperback | Source: ARC
The first daughter is for the Throne.
The second daughter is for the Wolf.
For fans of Uprooted and The Bear and the Nightingale comes a dark fantasy novel about a young woman who must be sacrificed to the legendary Wolf of the Wood to save her kingdom. But not all legends are true, and the Wolf isn’t the only danger lurking in the Wilderwood.
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.
On the Page
Referenced
Minor
Content Warnings can be found here, provided by the author.
Review
Likes
- The writing. I think this is what struck me the most about For the Wolf. The writing is exquisite. Like, I’m not saying that lightly. It’s so lyrical and beautiful that I’m legit a bit jealous that my own writing cannot compare. And while the story is also fantastic, I just cannot get over the sheer beauty of the writing.
- The romance. We all know I’m a sucker for romances and this was no exception! I loved Eammon and Red. While Eammon often had me wanting to shake his shoulders in frustration, their chemistry is amazing. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t often find myself wanting to skim read, just to find out what happens next and make sure they were still okay, before having to force myself to slow down and enjoy it.
- The characterization. All of the characters are seriously well done in how clear they are. Though I did get quite annoyed with the actions of a few certain characters (coughEammonandNevecough), I understood them, even if I didn’t agree with them. To me, that is so important, for not only did it help me better form attachments and emotions to these characters, but it made them feel more well-rounded and real. Hence why the characterizations was *chefs kiss*.
Dislikes
- I think I had some when I initially finished the book, but they were obviously minor, since I cannot for the life of me remember them as I sit down to write this review, so…*shrugs*
Rating
A very solid read for me! Admittedly, I actually wasn’t expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. The fairy-tale-retelling-vibe usually isn’t my jam. So, I was pleasantly surprised to love For the Wolf so much Beautifully written with memorable, distinct characters and a wonderful premise that leaves me curious about what’s next. It’s the kind of book that I found I kept sneaking off to read, which is a-okay with me! 4 gems!
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The writing is absolutely gorgeous! There were a few things I wasn’t a big fan of, but, wow, the writing is so incredible I find myself wanting to forgive it for all the things I didn’t like.
Right? Like, I’m baffled how by gorgeous it was!!!
Great review Nicole, and I’m so glad you enjoyed this book too! I agree with you 1000% on the characterizations — each character felt real to me and their choices felt justified based on that. I didn’t agree, but I got it, and I think that’s so important. Eammon lives in my head rent free and I need For the Throne NOW!
Right? It was so pleasantly wonderful and I am stoked for the next book!!