| Title | : | Wilderwood |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1737323419 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781737323419 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 256 |
| Publication | : | First published August 1, 2021 |
Wilderwood is a haven for those who have been cast out of “proper” society: academics, artists, the eccentrics and undesirous. It is also home to other kind and having weres, mages, and even an ancient griffin living amongst mortals just isn’t done.
Except in Wilderwood.
Octavia Wilder cares for those who live in the town her ancestor built and when a feral vampire threatens the peace, she partners with the Ranger who has brought word of the threat.
Ranger Roderick Arman hunts Corbin Luther, the feral vampire who killed his partner two years ago. When Luther’s trail leads him to the odd little town of Wilderwood, he quickly realizes there’s more to the town – and his hunt – than expected.
Ranger Bellemy Eislen disappeared two years ago when what was to be a quick trip to the Faelands on behalf of the Rangers went entirely wrong. Trapped in another realm, they tirelessly sought a way back to their world. And to Wilderwood and Octavia.
The three of them must fight to save Wilderwood from an invasion from another realm and protect the town from the Faelands Queen.
Wilderwood is a fantasy/romance book with some violent and sexual elements. The story features a polyamorous, queer romance between three consenting adults.
Wilderwood Reviews
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Beep Beep is very important!
I really liked this!! It had a Fun twist on Vampires which is always great to see!!!
I also liked the Poly and Nb Representation!!! Always a fan of it!! and both are written so well aaaaa. I also really like how the sex/intimate moments were so well written, they weren't too much at all, and as someone who's ace I can't really read stuff like that, but it was good!
Honestly it was good enough that I might just buy the physical copy someday!! Can't wait for more!!! -
The good
+ The very distinct characters, who still fit together really well
+ Nobody making a fuss about their poly relationship
+ Beep Beep the levitating and teleporting sheep
+ How they all managed to find humor and little pockets of happiness in their grim situation
+ Roderick pulling Bel and Octavia back together
+ Roderick achieving his goal
+ How seriously they all took consent
+ How Octavia trusted her partners to be there for her when she let go of her tight control
+ Octavia's protectiveness over her people
+ The lovely side characters, each with their own personalities
The neutral
o Sometimes it was hard to follow what was going on, as character names were mentioned a little too sparsely. Luckily, all MCs used different pronouns
o This book contained flashbacks
The bad
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- I feel the connection between Bel and Roderick was explored significantly less than that between Octavia and Bel, and Octavia and Roderick. I didn't feel their attraction to each other as strongly
This was a really strong debut novel. It contained lots of original fantasy/paranormal content, a unique relationship that worked really well, and lovely side characters with distinct personalities. I'll definitely be reading more by this author, and I would recommend this book for sure. -
3.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️.⭐️overall
1/5 🌶 spice - fade to black
3.5/5 👩🦳👨🦰👸.👩🦳 characters
4/5 📘📗📕📓Plot
What to expect:
✨️ 3rd person, shifting pov
✨️ Paranormal Romance
✨️ Polyamorous queer Romance
✨️ Kinks/spice: threesome but fade to black
The plot:
Wilderwoods is a quiet little town who keeps its head down and under the radar.... oh and it also just happens to offer refuge to all the misfits of the world. Paranormal creatures and humans alike inhabit this mysterious sanctuary keeping a tenuous peace. That is until a feral vampire threatens everything they have worked for, and spell the end of not only the town, but the world at large.
The characters:
Every single character in this book is interesting. They all have a larger story to tell and I would definitely be interested in reading about each one of them. A grumpy old Griffin? A brutish but kind shifter? Witches who see future prophecies? Yep, sign me up for every single one of those and many more.
The main three characters, Octavia, Roderick and Bellemy are part of a polyamorous queer relationship. Their dynamic works well together and their different attributes and flaws make them a throuple to be reckoned with. They were well written, interesting and nicely developed.
The spice:
The spice in Wilderwoods is extremely tame, with fade to black. I would have loved this book if there were explicit scenes but I definitely understand it wasn't that sort of story. It had so much potential with the male/female/they character dynamics.
Summary:
Wilderwood was an unexpectedly good read. The characters were interesting and well rounded and the story had lots of action and moved at a good pace. It would be wonderful to continue to read the stories of the characters in this universe. -
I am torn about this book.
I loved the plot. Vampires, Rangers, Fae, Werewolves, mutated creatures and a Queen that takes Machiavelli's quote of "then end justifies the means" to a whole other level. Deserves 4-5 stars, but....
I found this hard to read because it was written so "poetically". Scenes, moments and emotions were not just described, but embellished. Beautifully at that, but too much for my personal preference. It kept pulling me out of the moment to attempt to envision it all. Sadly, that took away a lot from my reading experience.
If you enjoy this style of writing and the supernatural please give this a read! The story is worth it. It was also my first read containing a non-bionary character and a poly relationship.
Please check for content warnings. There is some gore. -
I have been in the mood to read about vampires lately (no of course it’s not because of my obsession with BG3…) so when I found this book I was excited to dive in.
Wilderwood is an amazing paranormal romance. The world building is perfectly done in that way that you aren’t immediately overwhelmed with information but you also don’t feel lost and confused.
And the characters were wonderful as well. Starling has composed a colorful cast of mythical creatures, rangers, vampires, and more that I instantly grew to love (or hate in a few cases.)
Oh and Beep Beep is the best character ever. I will die on this hill.
I loved this story and I would gladly read a sequel following some or all of this cast if the author ever decided to write one. -
I found this to be a hugely enjoyable book. A different take on vampires and fae. Wilderwood is a town where all are welcome and all will.fight to protect each other. I loved the inclusion of the town The writing is excellent with a host of great characters, inventive ideas, fabulous storyline and exciting climax. I would like to read more by Halli Starling who seems to be a real talent. I received a complimentary copy from Voracious readers and am leaving a honest voluntary review
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It was a different take on supernaturals but it had a very lovely story of acceptance of everyone as they are and fighting for your home.
Enjoyed it -
3.5 stars
This was a little different in terms of how it approaches the supernatural but I thought it was an interesting premise. I liked the characters and the storyline, even if at times it felt like I was reading the sequel and not a standalone. Loved Beep Beep, though and definitely want more levitating sheep in my PNRs :D -
While not a very long story, it gets the job done. The characters are fantastic and diverse, the plot holds your attention, and the setting is well developed. Good hint of queer spice in there.
