A Far Wilder Magic is a YA fantasy novel teeming with teen angst and ancient magic.
Synopsis
Alone in a crumbling manor, Margaret Welty lives day-to-day, waiting for her mother to return from extended research trips. Her mother is a well-established alchemist who often leaves Margaret alone for months at a time. Due to her religious background, Margaret is an outsider to many in her community.
Then there is Wes Winters. Wes desperately wants to complete an alchemy apprenticeship in order to become a politician and raise his family out of their current struggles. He’s failed out of countless apprenticeships thus far and is nailing his hopes on securing one with Evelyn Welty, Margaret’s mother. When he arrives unannounced at the Welty’s manor, he is stunned to find that Evelyn is away on one of her trips. Margaret is uncertain when she will return. After much persuasion, Margaret agrees to let him stay and wait for Evelyn’s return.
Meanwhile, a hunting competition for a centuries-old fox will be starting soon. Margaret plans to enter with Wes as her alchemist so they both can achieve what they’ve always wanted.
Review of A Far Wilder Magic
This character-driven story alternates between Margaret and Wes’ POV. It’s an easy fantasy to immerse oneself in. There’s a bit of info-dumping in the beginning, but after that, it’s fairly straightforward.
It has themes on religious persecution, belonging, and the many facets of love.
Since the book’s synopsis emphasizes the hunt, I thought it would take up more pages than it did. Alas, the hunt only started in the last 50 (ebook) pages. I was expecting something more in the vein of Hunger Games or the like. But it didn’t take long for me to become invested in Wes and Margaret’s shenanigans. I enjoyed watching their relationship grow and evolve.
This novel works as a standalone, but I really hope that this isn’t the last I’ll see of these characters.
YA Fantasy is hit-or-miss for me, but this one worked so well. I think Adult Fantasy readers may enjoy this book too. Readers who want to dip their toes in Fantasy might find this a good place to start as well.
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Expected Publication: 08 March 2022
Thank you to Wednesday Books for an arc provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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