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The Forest Grimm #1
The Forest Grimm
Where fairy tales come to life with dark, deadly twists...
"Tell me again, Grandmère, the story of how I die."
The Midnight Forest. The Fanged Creature. Two fortune-telling cards that spell an untimely death for 17-year-old Clara. Despite the ever-present warning from her fortune-teller grandmother, Clara embarks on a dangerous journey into the deadly Forest Grimm to procure a magical book - Sortes Fortunae , the Book of Fortunes - with the power to reverse the curse on her village and save her mother.
Years ago, when the villagers whispered their deepest desires to the book, its pages revealed how to obtain them. All was well until someone used the book for an evil purpose―to kill another person. Afterward, the branches of the Forest Grimm snatched the book away, the well water in Grimm’s Hollow turned rancid, and the crops died from disease. The villagers tried to make amends with the forest, but every time someone crossed its border, they never returned.
Now, left with no alternative, Clara and her close friend, Axel―who is fated never to be with her―have set their minds to defying fate and daring to accomplish what no one else has been able to before. But the forest―alive with dark, deadly twists on some of our most well-known fairy tales―has a mind of its own.
"Tell me again, Grandmère, the story of how I die."
The Midnight Forest. The Fanged Creature. Two fortune-telling cards that spell an untimely death for 17-year-old Clara. Despite the ever-present warning from her fortune-teller grandmother, Clara embarks on a dangerous journey into the deadly Forest Grimm to procure a magical book - Sortes Fortunae , the Book of Fortunes - with the power to reverse the curse on her village and save her mother.
Years ago, when the villagers whispered their deepest desires to the book, its pages revealed how to obtain them. All was well until someone used the book for an evil purpose―to kill another person. Afterward, the branches of the Forest Grimm snatched the book away, the well water in Grimm’s Hollow turned rancid, and the crops died from disease. The villagers tried to make amends with the forest, but every time someone crossed its border, they never returned.
Now, left with no alternative, Clara and her close friend, Axel―who is fated never to be with her―have set their minds to defying fate and daring to accomplish what no one else has been able to before. But the forest―alive with dark, deadly twists on some of our most well-known fairy tales―has a mind of its own.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published September 19, 2023
About the author
Kathryn Purdie
9 books1,829 followersKathryn is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the BURNING GLASS series, the BONE CRIER'S MOON duology, and the THE FOREST GRIMM duology. Her love of storytelling began as a young girl when her dad told her about someone named Boo Radley while they listened to the film score of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. Kathryn is a trained classical actress who studied at the Oxford School of Drama. She also writes songs on her guitar for each of her stories and shares them on her website. Kathryn lives in the Rocky Mountains with her husband and three children.
Instagram: @kathrynpurdie
TikTok: @kathrynpurdie
Instagram: @kathrynpurdie
TikTok: @kathrynpurdie
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,111 reviews
April 6, 2023
It pretends to be mainly a Little Red Riding Hood story in which there's a creepy magic forest (totally my cuppa) but ends up being another haphazard pastiche of unrelated fairy tales (totally not my cuppa) set in a world where the main characters speak French but have names in other languages and France doesn't exist.
It shouldn't have been this long, and it shouldn't have ended in a cliffhanger that is clearly going to be a lead-in for a series either. There's not enough plot for it, it's aimless meandering for a story that doesn't know what it wants to be.
I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
It shouldn't have been this long, and it shouldn't have ended in a cliffhanger that is clearly going to be a lead-in for a series either. There's not enough plot for it, it's aimless meandering for a story that doesn't know what it wants to be.
I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Want to read
March 17, 2023i can't explain why but this cover is a little embarrassing
October 3, 2023
Had a lot of potential. But didn't quite meet my expectations.
I like the idea and concept, but wasn't too fond of how the various fairy tales were integrated into the storyline. They didn't feel natural or seamless. Also, the characters could have benefitted from more development and greater depth.
Overall, an okay read.
*** Thank you to NetGalley, Kathryn Purdie, and Macmillan Audio for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
I like the idea and concept, but wasn't too fond of how the various fairy tales were integrated into the storyline. They didn't feel natural or seamless. Also, the characters could have benefitted from more development and greater depth.
Overall, an okay read.
*** Thank you to NetGalley, Kathryn Purdie, and Macmillan Audio for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
August 11, 2023
The Forest Grimm was not what I was expecting. Somehow, I envisioned a seamless one story novel with all of the dots connected. What I got instead was a disjointed read that attempted to associate or bridge different narratives into a cohesive novel. To me, the novel came across as a conglomeration of reinvented fairytales that wasn't seamless -- merely band-aided together.
Stories like Rapunzel, Cinderella, Oliver Twist (?) were reimagined into borderline horror stories that transformed the characters into sinister versions of themselves. Like Rapunzel is portrayed as a murderous Medusa-like creature with crawling red hair. And the reimagined Cinderella isn't the nice girl next door either. But, perhaps that was the point. Though I would have preferred that totally different characters were used in the novel. As it stands, the novel just exuded an Invasion of the Body Snatchers-like vibe.
Needless to say, I just got put off on the novel's pathway. And at 45%, I threw in the towel. An unfortunate one star DNF.
I received a DRC from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
Stories like Rapunzel, Cinderella, Oliver Twist (?) were reimagined into borderline horror stories that transformed the characters into sinister versions of themselves. Like Rapunzel is portrayed as a murderous Medusa-like creature with crawling red hair. And the reimagined Cinderella isn't the nice girl next door either. But, perhaps that was the point. Though I would have preferred that totally different characters were used in the novel. As it stands, the novel just exuded an Invasion of the Body Snatchers-like vibe.
Needless to say, I just got put off on the novel's pathway. And at 45%, I threw in the towel. An unfortunate one star DNF.
I received a DRC from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
December 19, 2023
5/5 stars, this might be one of the most unique takes on fairytales I've ever read
Thank you to St. Martins Press & Wednesday Books for the arc through netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
I've been a fan of Kathryn Arden since reading her 'Bone Criers Moon' series, and while it was not my favorite ever I saw the potential she holds as an author, and wanted to read more. When I discovered she was writing a story based on fairytales, I was so excited as I truly adore fairytale retellings. Especially because this one sounded so interesting, with a magic book and a forest that causes people to turn into twisted versions of fairytale stories we all know and love. I'm so grateful to have received this arc because this book was everything I was hoping for.
First of all the atmosphere and worldbuilding were absolutely splendid, I was immediately sucked in by the mysterious aspects of the magic occurring in the story. The writing style made everything feel like a fairytale anyway, which increased my love even more. The mysterious forest is something that occurs in a lot of books, but this one was particularly striking to me, as people got lost in it and never returned. Yet, the townspeople made offerings every year to try to prevent individuals from being forced to go in. It's really interesting, and I was glad the main character was so motivated to go find her mother and other individuals who went missing, as it made me even more excited to enter the forest and discover its secrets.
The plot was also really well done, I felt engaged the whole time especially as the forest scenes started. That's when the twisted fairytales, even for the main character, began to show up and it was just so well done I can't even describe how awesome it was to read. The ending makes me interested in what will happen in the sequel, and I need it like...right now.
Clara and Axel were really easy to love too, both as characters and as people who start to fall in love with one another. Clara was sort of the typical young adult heroine, going to go do things that adults can't manage bother to do, but she was very intuitive and that served her well. Axel was just sweet and I think he made a great companion to her. Their romance was also really sweet as I've fallen in love with childhood-friends-to-lovers more and more this year, so to see that here was so special to me.
[TW: murder and death of loved ones, parental abandonment, blood and knife wounds, poisoning, implied cannibalism, physical child abuse]
Thank you to St. Martins Press & Wednesday Books for the arc through netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
I've been a fan of Kathryn Arden since reading her 'Bone Criers Moon' series, and while it was not my favorite ever I saw the potential she holds as an author, and wanted to read more. When I discovered she was writing a story based on fairytales, I was so excited as I truly adore fairytale retellings. Especially because this one sounded so interesting, with a magic book and a forest that causes people to turn into twisted versions of fairytale stories we all know and love. I'm so grateful to have received this arc because this book was everything I was hoping for.
First of all the atmosphere and worldbuilding were absolutely splendid, I was immediately sucked in by the mysterious aspects of the magic occurring in the story. The writing style made everything feel like a fairytale anyway, which increased my love even more. The mysterious forest is something that occurs in a lot of books, but this one was particularly striking to me, as people got lost in it and never returned. Yet, the townspeople made offerings every year to try to prevent individuals from being forced to go in. It's really interesting, and I was glad the main character was so motivated to go find her mother and other individuals who went missing, as it made me even more excited to enter the forest and discover its secrets.
The plot was also really well done, I felt engaged the whole time especially as the forest scenes started. That's when the twisted fairytales, even for the main character, began to show up and it was just so well done I can't even describe how awesome it was to read. The ending makes me interested in what will happen in the sequel, and I need it like...right now.
Clara and Axel were really easy to love too, both as characters and as people who start to fall in love with one another. Clara was sort of the typical young adult heroine, going to go do things that adults can't manage bother to do, but she was very intuitive and that served her well. Axel was just sweet and I think he made a great companion to her. Their romance was also really sweet as I've fallen in love with childhood-friends-to-lovers more and more this year, so to see that here was so special to me.
[TW: murder and death of loved ones, parental abandonment, blood and knife wounds, poisoning, implied cannibalism, physical child abuse]
October 4, 2023
You say the words inspired by Grimm's Fairytales and i'm so there.
When the forest is fanged creature that holds the secrets to saving your mother...the only option is to embark within its midsts, even if they lead to your foretold doom. The Forest Grimm is a story about cursed fortunetelling cards, creatures that are not quite as they appear, and soft romantic love waiting to bloom.
I loved the eerie character of the forest and not knowing what our main characters would encounter next. Clara was a wonderful main character and I really enjoyed the softer romance aspect with the sweetest love interest. This is an engaging, haunted story and I can't wait to see what will happen next!
The Forest Grimm is a wonderful example of why I love YA fantasy with just a touch of dark undertones. Its the perfect spooky read for fall, and has content that I could recommend to wide audience. I love the authors interpretation of each fairytale that ultimately made this book come alive. It was magic, a bit disturbing and ultimately just a really fun time!
**content: no language, just kissing, some fantasy dark fairytale aspects
When the forest is fanged creature that holds the secrets to saving your mother...the only option is to embark within its midsts, even if they lead to your foretold doom. The Forest Grimm is a story about cursed fortunetelling cards, creatures that are not quite as they appear, and soft romantic love waiting to bloom.
I loved the eerie character of the forest and not knowing what our main characters would encounter next. Clara was a wonderful main character and I really enjoyed the softer romance aspect with the sweetest love interest. This is an engaging, haunted story and I can't wait to see what will happen next!
The Forest Grimm is a wonderful example of why I love YA fantasy with just a touch of dark undertones. Its the perfect spooky read for fall, and has content that I could recommend to wide audience. I love the authors interpretation of each fairytale that ultimately made this book come alive. It was magic, a bit disturbing and ultimately just a really fun time!
**content: no language, just kissing, some fantasy dark fairytale aspects
January 16, 2024
Finally a book that acknowledges how completely unhinged Grimm's fairy tales are! And does it with romance, lush descriptions (it made me forget that wool is itchy!), adventure, and only the amount of cannibalism you could reasonably expect!
May 12, 2024
3.5 stars
Having read Kathryn Purdie's Bone Crier Saga and not loved it, I was nervous to go into this novel. However from the moment I started it I knew I would enjoy it more. I love the premise of this novel and the first few chapters really drew me in. The combination of dark fantasy elements and intermeshed classic fairy tales works really well. That being said, once the main characters entered the forest a few chapters in, although interesting in theory, the plot felt quite predictable, which made it difficult to be immersed in it. While I did really like the plot of this book on paper, when I was actually reading it I felt like, even if I could appreciate the plot twists, I knew exactly what they would be. Still, I appreciate this novel for what it is and what it does with some classic stories.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Having read Kathryn Purdie's Bone Crier Saga and not loved it, I was nervous to go into this novel. However from the moment I started it I knew I would enjoy it more. I love the premise of this novel and the first few chapters really drew me in. The combination of dark fantasy elements and intermeshed classic fairy tales works really well. That being said, once the main characters entered the forest a few chapters in, although interesting in theory, the plot felt quite predictable, which made it difficult to be immersed in it. While I did really like the plot of this book on paper, when I was actually reading it I felt like, even if I could appreciate the plot twists, I knew exactly what they would be. Still, I appreciate this novel for what it is and what it does with some classic stories.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
August 18, 2023
this book tried to do too many retellings. way too many. each gets like a chapter or two each before we just move on. they’re constantly being like hello strangers!! in the forest and then going RUNN! when surprise surprise they’re evil. how many times before you learn your lesson?? I also feel like this had many plot holes. I actually did like certain aspects of the little red riding hood retelling with the wolf.
I had a hard time caring about ANY of the characters. The main characters only personality trait is wanting to get her mom back and crushing on this boy who is engaged to her friends sister?? and we saw the mom for only like ten pages just give her an acorn at the start. I needed something more to care.
I wish the main characters s-curve had been expanded on also. I love chronic illness rep but it didn’t really have any effect discussion or importance in the story
I had a hard time caring about ANY of the characters. The main characters only personality trait is wanting to get her mom back and crushing on this boy who is engaged to her friends sister?? and we saw the mom for only like ten pages just give her an acorn at the start. I needed something more to care.
I wish the main characters s-curve had been expanded on also. I love chronic illness rep but it didn’t really have any effect discussion or importance in the story
August 17, 2023
If this wasn't an ARC, I would've DNF'd it at 7%.
This read incredibly young, but most annoyingly it was really repetitious. The author didn't trust the reader to remember anything, even if it was just said. Each concept is repeated three times when it's first introduced, then usually they use the same exact language when introducing the concept again (like "Take my luck" from the beginning and then chapter 39, though it didn't repeat the why 2 chapters later in the epilogue when they said it again; so that was something).
And for things like the murder that keep getting mentioned (the thing to set off the curse) we really don't seem to care at all about who was murdered, who murdered them, or why/how.
But it was honestly the repetition that killed me. I searched the ARC for "rampion" and it was used 78 times... and it wasn't even introduced until at least ch5 or 6, if not later. Everything was fairly obvious and was randomly tied to the classic Grimm tales-- Cinderella, Rapunzel, Hansel and Gretel, Sleeping Beauty. Concepts given huge weight and significance were abandoned at the drop of a hat (like her map or Henni's modesty of being in her chemise). And all in all it just felt really messy and unsure of what it wanted to be.
I hope between the ARC and the final copy, they're able to edit out the noise of just repeating the same info over and over, which was especially heavy-handed in the first ten chapters. In its current form there's just nothing in this I can recommend.
edit: I like that there was disability rep, I don't like that it unnaturally referred to her "S-curve" instead of simply her back, her spine, her pain, etc a dozen times in this rather short novel. It also weirdly didn't seem to pain her all that much after big moments of action and anguish? And her best friend who loves her both pushes her in her sore spot to run away, then inquires how her back is doing later? (Unrelated, he doesn't seem aware of or apologetic about pushing her there)
I was granted an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This read incredibly young, but most annoyingly it was really repetitious. The author didn't trust the reader to remember anything, even if it was just said. Each concept is repeated three times when it's first introduced, then usually they use the same exact language when introducing the concept again (like "Take my luck" from the beginning and then chapter 39, though it didn't repeat the why 2 chapters later in the epilogue when they said it again; so that was something).
And for things like the murder that keep getting mentioned (the thing to set off the curse) we really don't seem to care at all about who was murdered, who murdered them, or why/how.
But it was honestly the repetition that killed me. I searched the ARC for "rampion" and it was used 78 times... and it wasn't even introduced until at least ch5 or 6, if not later. Everything was fairly obvious and was randomly tied to the classic Grimm tales-- Cinderella, Rapunzel, Hansel and Gretel, Sleeping Beauty. Concepts given huge weight and significance were abandoned at the drop of a hat (like her map or Henni's modesty of being in her chemise). And all in all it just felt really messy and unsure of what it wanted to be.
I hope between the ARC and the final copy, they're able to edit out the noise of just repeating the same info over and over, which was especially heavy-handed in the first ten chapters. In its current form there's just nothing in this I can recommend.
edit: I like that there was disability rep, I don't like that it unnaturally referred to her "S-curve" instead of simply her back, her spine, her pain, etc a dozen times in this rather short novel. It also weirdly didn't seem to pain her all that much after big moments of action and anguish? And her best friend who loves her both pushes her in her sore spot to run away, then inquires how her back is doing later? (Unrelated, he doesn't seem aware of or apologetic about pushing her there)
I was granted an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
January 8, 2024
2 stars
A new retelling of the fairytale playbook with a direct emphasis on the Brothers Grimm book itself. A mashup of too many tales at once, but not cohesively, and a very bland protagonist arc really made this one a miss for me.
Concept: ★★★
Plot/Pacing: ★★
Character uniqueness: ★
Enjoyment: ★★
Once upon a time, villagers would whisper their desires to The Book of Fortunes, and its pages would reveal how to obtain them. All was well until someone used the book for evil. Afterward, the branches of the Forest Grimm snatched the book away and the village withered. The villagers tried to make amends with the forest, but every time someone crossed its border, they never returned...
Clara is one of the villagers stuck in her small village after the town's fortunes changed—literally—and no one is allowed to leave. But Clara can't coast on the knowledge that others can attempt the journey into the forest for help and safety. She needs to do it herself, because her mother is out there. Years ago, her mother disappeared into the forest and never returned, and Clara needs answers.
So armed with magic, her grandmother's knowledge of fate, and her best friend, Axel, Clara ventures into the Forest Grimm...
Alright folks, I kept my summary portion above extremely short because I don't have too much to say about this story. This is my second attempt at reading a novel from this author (Bone Crier's Moon was my first) and I think it's safe to say that this author and I have to part ways. The target age demographic for the two books I've read are clearly meant for the younger end of the YA spectrum, and a particularly naivety-loving corner of it at that—which feels like a disservice to today's teens??—as the broad strokes of these stories are very obvious from the start and they are just a slog for me to read.
Whether you follow the retelling or do something fresh to the story pieces, the story is made or broken by the strength of the characters themselves and the scene to scene progressions. And that's where The Forest Grimm really tanked for me. The characters fell flat, the romance arc was painfully obvious yet supposedly not obvious (??), the scenes all felt like a holding pattern waiting for the action followed by too much action in short bursts, it felt like we repeated the same themes over and over... Gah. It was the wrong mix for me.
I truly hope this novel finds its audience, and best wishes to those who enjoy this one and future works by this author.
Blog | Instagram | Libro.fm Audiobooks
A new retelling of the fairytale playbook with a direct emphasis on the Brothers Grimm book itself. A mashup of too many tales at once, but not cohesively, and a very bland protagonist arc really made this one a miss for me.
Concept: ★★★
Plot/Pacing: ★★
Character uniqueness: ★
Enjoyment: ★★
Once upon a time, villagers would whisper their desires to The Book of Fortunes, and its pages would reveal how to obtain them. All was well until someone used the book for evil. Afterward, the branches of the Forest Grimm snatched the book away and the village withered. The villagers tried to make amends with the forest, but every time someone crossed its border, they never returned...
Clara is one of the villagers stuck in her small village after the town's fortunes changed—literally—and no one is allowed to leave. But Clara can't coast on the knowledge that others can attempt the journey into the forest for help and safety. She needs to do it herself, because her mother is out there. Years ago, her mother disappeared into the forest and never returned, and Clara needs answers.
So armed with magic, her grandmother's knowledge of fate, and her best friend, Axel, Clara ventures into the Forest Grimm...
Alright folks, I kept my summary portion above extremely short because I don't have too much to say about this story. This is my second attempt at reading a novel from this author (Bone Crier's Moon was my first) and I think it's safe to say that this author and I have to part ways. The target age demographic for the two books I've read are clearly meant for the younger end of the YA spectrum, and a particularly naivety-loving corner of it at that—which feels like a disservice to today's teens??—as the broad strokes of these stories are very obvious from the start and they are just a slog for me to read.
Whether you follow the retelling or do something fresh to the story pieces, the story is made or broken by the strength of the characters themselves and the scene to scene progressions. And that's where The Forest Grimm really tanked for me. The characters fell flat, the romance arc was painfully obvious yet supposedly not obvious (??), the scenes all felt like a holding pattern waiting for the action followed by too much action in short bursts, it felt like we repeated the same themes over and over... Gah. It was the wrong mix for me.
I truly hope this novel finds its audience, and best wishes to those who enjoy this one and future works by this author.
Blog | Instagram | Libro.fm Audiobooks
August 30, 2023
Okay, so this was unexpected. I enjoyed this, but not in an excited way. I felt like this dragged at parts simply because there were so many different pieces involved. I loved the mash-up of fairytales, though, especially with the evil twist. So I'm definitely glad I got to read this even if it's not my favorite.
I had some issues understanding the main characters. Clara and Henni are best friends, so I thought they would be close in age, but Henni is constantly described as being childish. I also didn't completely connect with Axel and Clara's romance because it just seemed a bit out of place to me.
However, if a story full of creepy fairytale retellings sounds good to you, then I hope you give this a go!
Out September 19, 2023!
Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!
I had some issues understanding the main characters. Clara and Henni are best friends, so I thought they would be close in age, but Henni is constantly described as being childish. I also didn't completely connect with Axel and Clara's romance because it just seemed a bit out of place to me.
However, if a story full of creepy fairytale retellings sounds good to you, then I hope you give this a go!
Out September 19, 2023!
Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!
February 4, 2024
This story combines a couple of fairytales and makes a whole new story out of it. I loved the references to the different fairytales and the more realistic and gruesome kind of retelling.
December 2, 2023
3.75⭐️
If you enjoy a dark fairytale you will loooove this. The audiobook is really great. It gives dark cursed sentient forest with veeeery creepy twists on classic fairytales. We get a quite a few in here:
• Little red riding hood
• Cinderella
• Hansel and Gretel
• Rumplestiltskin
There were some slower parts of the story but overall the pacing kept my attention, especially balanced with the tense scenes in the forest when they come across the next fairytale 🫣
If you enjoy a dark fairytale you will loooove this. The audiobook is really great. It gives dark cursed sentient forest with veeeery creepy twists on classic fairytales. We get a quite a few in here:
• Little red riding hood
• Cinderella
• Hansel and Gretel
• Rumplestiltskin
There were some slower parts of the story but overall the pacing kept my attention, especially balanced with the tense scenes in the forest when they come across the next fairytale 🫣
September 11, 2023
Dark and atmospheric, The Forest Grimm is a unique and entertaining reimagining of the Grimm fairy tales. The story weaves in tales like Red Riding Hood, Hansel and Gretel, Sleeping Beauty, and Rapunzel in a new and fresh way.
Much of the story takes place in the Grimm Forest, which is a dark, twisted, and sentient entity. It almost feels like a character itself in how it manipulates and works to thwart its inhabitants. In unique, magical, and dangerous world, Clara and Axel never know what to expect, and their journey to rescue their loved ones is treacherous. I love the wild twists and turns the story takes as Clara and her friends venture deeper and deeper into the forest.
I loved Clara’s journey as she uncovered the secrets of her village and the Forest Grimm. With a curse upon her village and her mother lost to the forest, Clara is determined to find her and bring magic back to the people. Clara travels with Axel and encounters people in the forest who are twisted versions of the classic fairy tale characters, barely reminiscent of the villagers they once were. It was so cool how the author took classic pieces of the original tales and twined them together with new material.
The story also has a slow-burning friends-to-lovers romance that I totally adored. It wasn’t the main focus of the novel, but it definitely raised the stakes for Clara and Axel. The story delves into their relationship from when they were kids, and you can see how important the relationship is to both of them. I liked seeing this couple slowly admit their feelings to themselves and each other.
This is the first in a duology, and after what happened at the end of the book, I can’t wait to read the next one. I would definitely recommend The Forest Grimm to readers who enjoy younger YA fantasy. Special thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
Much of the story takes place in the Grimm Forest, which is a dark, twisted, and sentient entity. It almost feels like a character itself in how it manipulates and works to thwart its inhabitants. In unique, magical, and dangerous world, Clara and Axel never know what to expect, and their journey to rescue their loved ones is treacherous. I love the wild twists and turns the story takes as Clara and her friends venture deeper and deeper into the forest.
I loved Clara’s journey as she uncovered the secrets of her village and the Forest Grimm. With a curse upon her village and her mother lost to the forest, Clara is determined to find her and bring magic back to the people. Clara travels with Axel and encounters people in the forest who are twisted versions of the classic fairy tale characters, barely reminiscent of the villagers they once were. It was so cool how the author took classic pieces of the original tales and twined them together with new material.
The story also has a slow-burning friends-to-lovers romance that I totally adored. It wasn’t the main focus of the novel, but it definitely raised the stakes for Clara and Axel. The story delves into their relationship from when they were kids, and you can see how important the relationship is to both of them. I liked seeing this couple slowly admit their feelings to themselves and each other.
This is the first in a duology, and after what happened at the end of the book, I can’t wait to read the next one. I would definitely recommend The Forest Grimm to readers who enjoy younger YA fantasy. Special thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
May 1, 2023
DNF at 66%
Here is my feedback based upon what was read.
A mashup of fairytale retellings with the center character being Red Riding Hood. RRH is one of my favorite tales and I just like The Brother's Grimm in general so I was very excited to read this. I even found Purdie's Bone Criers duology to be very enjoyable.
However, I just found this to be entirely cringe-worthy. From the objectification of the young man by the female protagonist's constant ogling whilst simultaneously denying she was into him, to the very juvenile dialogue, motives, and third-wheel tag-along... I don't enjoy juvenile storytelling and pandering to a young crowd is no excuse.
Overall disappointing and annoying.
Content: What I read was clean of sexual content and cussing, so there's that at any rate. But there is thinly veiled drug use.
Thank you St. Martins Press and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Here is my feedback based upon what was read.
A mashup of fairytale retellings with the center character being Red Riding Hood. RRH is one of my favorite tales and I just like The Brother's Grimm in general so I was very excited to read this. I even found Purdie's Bone Criers duology to be very enjoyable.
However, I just found this to be entirely cringe-worthy. From the objectification of the young man by the female protagonist's constant ogling whilst simultaneously denying she was into him, to the very juvenile dialogue, motives, and third-wheel tag-along... I don't enjoy juvenile storytelling and pandering to a young crowd is no excuse.
Overall disappointing and annoying.
Content: What I read was clean of sexual content and cussing, so there's that at any rate. But there is thinly veiled drug use.
Thank you St. Martins Press and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 21, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for a copy of this ARC.
I'm sad to say that I had to DNF this book. I found the writing to be extremely basic and all over the place. The characters had no depth to them and the story didn't feel believable for a fantasy story. I liked the idea of this book, a forest capturing the lost when they try to find their love ones. A girl with a red hood to find them and save them and their town. The magic in the lore. All of it usually is right up my wheelhouse. Unfortunately, the lack of depth and thoughtoutness was just too much for me to want to keep reading.
I'm sad to say that I had to DNF this book. I found the writing to be extremely basic and all over the place. The characters had no depth to them and the story didn't feel believable for a fantasy story. I liked the idea of this book, a forest capturing the lost when they try to find their love ones. A girl with a red hood to find them and save them and their town. The magic in the lore. All of it usually is right up my wheelhouse. Unfortunately, the lack of depth and thoughtoutness was just too much for me to want to keep reading.
November 5, 2023
Don’t judge a book by its cover but dang this one is a beauty. I love the whimsical, fairytale vibe and what better book to pick up on the dark nights with a cozy blanket and a cuppa.
This is a retelling of several classic fairytales with some dark tones throughout. Although this is marketed at YA it did feel a bit creepy at times with nets made of hair, being dragged away and faces in trees just as a pre-warning.
It follows Clara who is trying everything to gain access into The Forest Grim in order to find her family and a magical book which has gone missing. Her friend Axel accompanies her in search of his fiancé, Ella. Their search proves difficult when they wake in different locations and are dealt several riddles and dangerous characters.
I really enjoyed this story and it was perfect for the Halloween/autumn season with the creepy vibes. The romance surprised me, though it was sweet.
‘What is fate, after all, if not to be tempted?’
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars
This is a retelling of several classic fairytales with some dark tones throughout. Although this is marketed at YA it did feel a bit creepy at times with nets made of hair, being dragged away and faces in trees just as a pre-warning.
It follows Clara who is trying everything to gain access into The Forest Grim in order to find her family and a magical book which has gone missing. Her friend Axel accompanies her in search of his fiancé, Ella. Their search proves difficult when they wake in different locations and are dealt several riddles and dangerous characters.
I really enjoyed this story and it was perfect for the Halloween/autumn season with the creepy vibes. The romance surprised me, though it was sweet.
‘What is fate, after all, if not to be tempted?’
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars
July 1, 2024
Reseña completa:
A Clara las cartas siempre le han deparado una muerte prematura, pero eso no le impide embarcarse en una arriesgada aventura en el peligroso Bosque Grimm en busca de un libro mágico, capaz de revertir la maldición que asola su aldea y se llevó a su madre, junto con otros aldeanos, y las cosechas, que no dejan de echarse a perder. Así, Clara se adentra en el bosque junto a Axel, su mejor amigo, cuyo destino le impide estar con ella, y han decidido desafiar a la suerte y arriesgarse para lograr lo que nadie ha conseguido...
Cuentos llenos de guiños oscuros y macabros son los que los esperan en el bosque, muy al estilo de la película El secreto de los hermanos Grimm (peliculón): Hansel y Gretel, Rapunzel... ha sido genial ir viendo el toque que había ido dando a cada uno de ellos, lo estupenda que es la protagonista, que se sale bastante de lo común, y cómo se entrelazaba todo con la historia, aunque he sentido que quedaban un tanto desconectados.
Ha estado muy entretenido desde el primer momento, con su toque de intriga, la ambientación tan chula... pero al mismo tiempo siento que gran parte de lo que ocurre dentro del bosque ha resultado, como decía, bastante inconexo, pruebas que no llegan a ningún lado, sino que simplemente sirven para introducir los personajes/cuentos, con un romance previsible y algo forzado, y termina llegando a un desenlace que, en lugar de cerrar, nos prepara para una secuela que no me parece del todo necesaria.
A Clara las cartas siempre le han deparado una muerte prematura, pero eso no le impide embarcarse en una arriesgada aventura en el peligroso Bosque Grimm en busca de un libro mágico, capaz de revertir la maldición que asola su aldea y se llevó a su madre, junto con otros aldeanos, y las cosechas, que no dejan de echarse a perder. Así, Clara se adentra en el bosque junto a Axel, su mejor amigo, cuyo destino le impide estar con ella, y han decidido desafiar a la suerte y arriesgarse para lograr lo que nadie ha conseguido...
Cuentos llenos de guiños oscuros y macabros son los que los esperan en el bosque, muy al estilo de la película El secreto de los hermanos Grimm (peliculón): Hansel y Gretel, Rapunzel... ha sido genial ir viendo el toque que había ido dando a cada uno de ellos, lo estupenda que es la protagonista, que se sale bastante de lo común, y cómo se entrelazaba todo con la historia, aunque he sentido que quedaban un tanto desconectados.
Ha estado muy entretenido desde el primer momento, con su toque de intriga, la ambientación tan chula... pero al mismo tiempo siento que gran parte de lo que ocurre dentro del bosque ha resultado, como decía, bastante inconexo, pruebas que no llegan a ningún lado, sino que simplemente sirven para introducir los personajes/cuentos, con un romance previsible y algo forzado, y termina llegando a un desenlace que, en lugar de cerrar, nos prepara para una secuela que no me parece del todo necesaria.
July 21, 2024
I literally loved this soooo much omg
And of course my library doesn't have the second book *que the internal scream fest*
And of course my library doesn't have the second book *que the internal scream fest*
September 22, 2024
I have received an Advance Reader's Copy of this book through a giveaway hosted by the publisher. This has not affected my rating or review in any way.
2.5 Stars
The Forest Grimm had potential, but unfortunately fell short for trying to be too much at once. I feel that it would've worked well as a middle grade fairytale retelling, but it forces itself into being a disappointing young-adult paranormal romance.
Our story follows Clara, alongside her best friend Axel, as they venture into the deadly Forest Grimm in hopes of finding the Sortes Fortunae (a book of spells that can reverse the curse on their village), saving Clara's mother, and returning alive. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy my reading experience with this one. All of the characters were bland and one-dimensional, some even annoying at all times, and I couldn’t find it in myself to like any of them. I had no interest in the love story, as it felt insta-lovey and came out of nowhere.
The plot, though, that’s the main part that had potential. A mass-fairytale retelling in a dark and magical world sounded amazing, but it just didn’t work. It felt like the characters just kept repeating their mistakes and not learning anything previously only to serve the next “fairytale” character Purdie introduced. Much of the time the plot did not make sense, which was extremely confusing and disappointing, and the writing felt very juvenile. It's almost as if this was originally intended to be a middle grade story, but reworked into a young adult novel.
I really wanted to enjoy this book, as I had heard great things about Purdie’s Bone Crier series, but this one just fell flat for me.
2.5 Stars
The Forest Grimm had potential, but unfortunately fell short for trying to be too much at once. I feel that it would've worked well as a middle grade fairytale retelling, but it forces itself into being a disappointing young-adult paranormal romance.
Our story follows Clara, alongside her best friend Axel, as they venture into the deadly Forest Grimm in hopes of finding the Sortes Fortunae (a book of spells that can reverse the curse on their village), saving Clara's mother, and returning alive. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy my reading experience with this one. All of the characters were bland and one-dimensional, some even annoying at all times, and I couldn’t find it in myself to like any of them. I had no interest in the love story, as it felt insta-lovey and came out of nowhere.
The plot, though, that’s the main part that had potential. A mass-fairytale retelling in a dark and magical world sounded amazing, but it just didn’t work. It felt like the characters just kept repeating their mistakes and not learning anything previously only to serve the next “fairytale” character Purdie introduced. Much of the time the plot did not make sense, which was extremely confusing and disappointing, and the writing felt very juvenile. It's almost as if this was originally intended to be a middle grade story, but reworked into a young adult novel.
I really wanted to enjoy this book, as I had heard great things about Purdie’s Bone Crier series, but this one just fell flat for me.
March 15, 2023
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book was interesting! It takes those classic Grimm fairytales and twists them in a haunting and horrifying way. I love seeing stories bring a unique take on a classic, and that is what this story did. I definitely got the creeps once or twice, in a good way! This book definitely has some witchy elements so I think it would be a great book to read during October.
Though this book is YA, it had a very young tone to it. I think people ages 12-14 is a great audience for this tale. Unfortunately, I am 25 so I felt this was a little young for me. I understand I am not the target audience, though.
The reason I did not give this 5 stars is I would have liked to see a little more characterization. This is a plot-driven story, but I wanted to get to know the characters more. I struggled to find an attachment to any of the characters in this book due to the blandess of their personalities.
I would definitely purchase this for a younger family member, though. A solid book, but nothing to write home about.
This book was interesting! It takes those classic Grimm fairytales and twists them in a haunting and horrifying way. I love seeing stories bring a unique take on a classic, and that is what this story did. I definitely got the creeps once or twice, in a good way! This book definitely has some witchy elements so I think it would be a great book to read during October.
Though this book is YA, it had a very young tone to it. I think people ages 12-14 is a great audience for this tale. Unfortunately, I am 25 so I felt this was a little young for me. I understand I am not the target audience, though.
The reason I did not give this 5 stars is I would have liked to see a little more characterization. This is a plot-driven story, but I wanted to get to know the characters more. I struggled to find an attachment to any of the characters in this book due to the blandess of their personalities.
I would definitely purchase this for a younger family member, though. A solid book, but nothing to write home about.
September 23, 2023
*an ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
1.5 stars.
Oh, no it's a series! 😱 It needn't have been. I so hoped it wasn't.
I'll be totally honest. I had no plans to read this one. I love fairytales and retellings of them, but something in the description of this made me think I wouldn't like it. But I received an email from the publisher with a link to read it, and so I did. Maybe I shouldn't have, given that I doubted I would like it. But one can dream that their first impression might be wrong. Unfortunately, my initial reaction was sound, and it was about what I feared – another average poorly written YA.
The writing is juvenile and frankly reminiscent of the average teenage fanfiction. The action scenes in particular are awful; they are clunkier than wooden clogs.
There's some significant info-dumping in the beginning. Clara says she's got a plan, and then goes into an info dump for 8 (e-book) pages.
Clara and Axel (separately, together) are so bland. They have no spice, no seasoning, no flavor. Clara obsesses about fate, and Axel is a man-boy that smells like “air that is clean with green wood and sharp with mountain pine...subtler notes, honeyed and musky like beeswax, but also earthy like cedar oil rubbed into leather.” He was engaged to Ella, but secretly has been in love with Clara for years, isn't that convenient. Their romance isn't compelling, and a kiss is described “a lengthy, heated gnawing on my lips”. Barf
Some of the fairytale aspects were interesting, but mostly it felt lacking and meandering. The red rampion and the Grimm wolf had the most nuance to them, but the other aspects were just fairytale hopping.
The whole premise of why the Forest took the Book of Fortunes away was weak. A villager wished for the murder of one of the other villagers, and the Book told them to...stab the man in the back? Why would they waste their ONE wish on that? So then the Forest whisked the Book away, but left a convenient note to tell them why it was taken and how to get it back* The murder aspect felt like a poorly constructed plot device that needed more work. At least make how the man died something unique! I'd even accept a strange poison. But a knife in the back?? No.
*Clara tells us the inscription/riddle for how to get the Book back. It's VERY simple prose, and she takes the time to explain the verses, like we're stupid or something.
This book should have been a standalone. I say that about a lot of books, but this one definitely deserves it. The ending could have sufficed for an ending with maybe a few tweaks, and it's not until the last 4 pages or something that you know there's a sequel planned.
In chapter 27, location 2868, Clara refers to the boy and girl as Hansel and Gretel, even though they don't find out their names until a page or two later.
1.5 stars.
Oh, no it's a series! 😱 It needn't have been. I so hoped it wasn't.
I'll be totally honest. I had no plans to read this one. I love fairytales and retellings of them, but something in the description of this made me think I wouldn't like it. But I received an email from the publisher with a link to read it, and so I did. Maybe I shouldn't have, given that I doubted I would like it. But one can dream that their first impression might be wrong. Unfortunately, my initial reaction was sound, and it was about what I feared – another average poorly written YA.
The writing is juvenile and frankly reminiscent of the average teenage fanfiction. The action scenes in particular are awful; they are clunkier than wooden clogs.
I take up the knife. Cut the last blades of grass. Clamber after Axel. Not fast enough. Roots whip my backside. I push to my feet. Axel darts back for me. He grabs my hand.”
There's some significant info-dumping in the beginning. Clara says she's got a plan, and then goes into an info dump for 8 (e-book) pages.
Clara and Axel (separately, together) are so bland. They have no spice, no seasoning, no flavor. Clara obsesses about fate, and Axel is a man-boy that smells like “air that is clean with green wood and sharp with mountain pine...subtler notes, honeyed and musky like beeswax, but also earthy like cedar oil rubbed into leather.” He was engaged to Ella, but secretly has been in love with Clara for years, isn't that convenient. Their romance isn't compelling, and a kiss is described “a lengthy, heated gnawing on my lips”. Barf
Some of the fairytale aspects were interesting, but mostly it felt lacking and meandering. The red rampion and the Grimm wolf had the most nuance to them, but the other aspects were just fairytale hopping.
The whole premise of why the Forest took the Book of Fortunes away was weak. A villager wished for the murder of one of the other villagers, and the Book told them to...stab the man in the back? Why would they waste their ONE wish on that? So then the Forest whisked the Book away, but left a convenient note to tell them why it was taken and how to get it back* The murder aspect felt like a poorly constructed plot device that needed more work. At least make how the man died something unique! I'd even accept a strange poison. But a knife in the back?? No.
*Clara tells us the inscription/riddle for how to get the Book back. It's VERY simple prose, and she takes the time to explain the verses, like we're stupid or something.
This book should have been a standalone. I say that about a lot of books, but this one definitely deserves it. The ending could have sufficed for an ending with maybe a few tweaks, and it's not until the last 4 pages or something that you know there's a sequel planned.
In chapter 27, location 2868, Clara refers to the boy and girl as Hansel and Gretel, even though they don't find out their names until a page or two later.
September 23, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for my review.
I will admit I went into this book with lower expectations because I had seen reviews saying it leaned towards the younger scale of YA. However I ended up finding myself easily lost in the story, and I tore through the last 200 pages.
Does it feel younger sometimes? Yes, mostly in that it feels like innocent young love, the no I can't like him that's crazy sort of cliché, as well as the main characters single minded focus on finding her mother. However I never found it detracted from the story, and well I am reading YA I cant get mad for a YA book having YA things in it lol.
The best selling point is the reimagined fairy tales are fantastically creepy, but not in the ways I thought they were going to be. They were unique enough that they kept me on my toes unsure how the solution was going to play out. Which to me is very important in a reimagining, you want it to be familiar but not tired and overdone, this hit that balance nicely.
Ultimately I liked this book better than other more lauded books I've read this year. And far better than other reimagining's I've read. I believe the physical copy is coming to me in a book box next month, and I will be excited to display the special edition on my shelf. I hope many others will give it a chance.
I will admit I went into this book with lower expectations because I had seen reviews saying it leaned towards the younger scale of YA. However I ended up finding myself easily lost in the story, and I tore through the last 200 pages.
Does it feel younger sometimes? Yes, mostly in that it feels like innocent young love, the no I can't like him that's crazy sort of cliché, as well as the main characters single minded focus on finding her mother. However I never found it detracted from the story, and well I am reading YA I cant get mad for a YA book having YA things in it lol.
The best selling point is the reimagined fairy tales are fantastically creepy, but not in the ways I thought they were going to be. They were unique enough that they kept me on my toes unsure how the solution was going to play out. Which to me is very important in a reimagining, you want it to be familiar but not tired and overdone, this hit that balance nicely.
Ultimately I liked this book better than other more lauded books I've read this year. And far better than other reimagining's I've read. I believe the physical copy is coming to me in a book box next month, and I will be excited to display the special edition on my shelf. I hope many others will give it a chance.
September 11, 2023
Thanks to Wednesday Books for the digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book was just so boring. I wanted to DNF it as I predicted the bit regarding the FMC's mother (which is really rare because I hardly ever predict stuff correctly), but continued on because I did like the twists (or reality?) of the fairytales and how the author tied those things within the story. The main problem is that I simply didn't care about anything else or really anyone. The romance between the FMC and Axel felt so forced and to be honest, quite weird throughout the entire story. I felt bad for Henni and the fact that she really couldn't seem to accept what happened to a family member while in the forest.
Unfortunately I really don't have much else to say. The writing was not the best either--kind of boring and non-descriptive with nothing to recommend regarding the characters--and you sort of grasped the realistic setting (the town the FMC lived in) and had an excellent grasp of the Forest Grimm itself.
This book was just so boring. I wanted to DNF it as I predicted the bit regarding the FMC's mother (which is really rare because I hardly ever predict stuff correctly), but continued on because I did like the twists (or reality?) of the fairytales and how the author tied those things within the story. The main problem is that I simply didn't care about anything else or really anyone. The romance between the FMC and Axel felt so forced and to be honest, quite weird throughout the entire story. I felt bad for Henni and the fact that she really couldn't seem to accept what happened to a family member while in the forest.
Unfortunately I really don't have much else to say. The writing was not the best either--kind of boring and non-descriptive with nothing to recommend regarding the characters--and you sort of grasped the realistic setting (the town the FMC lived in) and had an excellent grasp of the Forest Grimm itself.
July 26, 2023
ARC provided by NetGalley & the publisher.
I have only read the Bone Grace series, which I enjoyed! I like fairytale retellings, so I thought I'd like this. I got to about 32% and I just wasn't invested in the story. There is nothing wrong with the writing, it is solid and good writing.
I just felt it was rather boring, so I skimmed a bit more, and the mashup of all the fairytales was just not working for me. And I felt that there was a lack of character development.
I wasn't invested in the story at all, and while there is some action and the book proceeds at a clip, it just wasn't working for me personally.
Overall, this book ended up not being for me, but I definitely think this is going to appeal to people who love fairytale retellings.
I have only read the Bone Grace series, which I enjoyed! I like fairytale retellings, so I thought I'd like this. I got to about 32% and I just wasn't invested in the story. There is nothing wrong with the writing, it is solid and good writing.
I just felt it was rather boring, so I skimmed a bit more, and the mashup of all the fairytales was just not working for me. And I felt that there was a lack of character development.
I wasn't invested in the story at all, and while there is some action and the book proceeds at a clip, it just wasn't working for me personally.
Overall, this book ended up not being for me, but I definitely think this is going to appeal to people who love fairytale retellings.
October 6, 2023
4.5 Stars
With small town charm next to a spooky forest, The Forest Grimm delivers the perfect balance of questionable mystery and dreamy expectation in a YA novel. Clara is bound and determined to solve the riddle of missing townsfolk, including her mother. She's convinced she can reverse the curse and accompanies her friend, Axel, into the forest.
I found myself thoroughly entertained. I am surprised how cohesive the tale played out with so many different characters and personifications of Grimm tales weaving in and out. I think the romance against this backdrop was well down too.
I listened to the audiobook, courtesy of @macmillan audio. The narrator, Sarah Ovens, made for a great listening experience and I highly recommend this format. All thoughts are my own.
With small town charm next to a spooky forest, The Forest Grimm delivers the perfect balance of questionable mystery and dreamy expectation in a YA novel. Clara is bound and determined to solve the riddle of missing townsfolk, including her mother. She's convinced she can reverse the curse and accompanies her friend, Axel, into the forest.
I found myself thoroughly entertained. I am surprised how cohesive the tale played out with so many different characters and personifications of Grimm tales weaving in and out. I think the romance against this backdrop was well down too.
I listened to the audiobook, courtesy of @macmillan audio. The narrator, Sarah Ovens, made for a great listening experience and I highly recommend this format. All thoughts are my own.
September 15, 2024
2.5/5
En esencia estuvo bien, creo que mi mayor problema fue lo densa que era la protagonista. Llevaba un buen tiempo sin leer a una protagonista tan molesta, del tipo que la verdad está frente a ella y sigue negándose a la realidad.
Clara vive en el Valle de Grimm, un pueblo mágico que se beneficia del poder del bosque Grimm, pero su madre desapareció cuando alguien rompió las reglas y el bosque se tornó contra todo el pueblo. Desde pequeña, Clara sabe que va a morir joven, así que no dudará en ir en su búsqueda aunque ponga en peligro su vida.
Creo que la esencia del libro está bien, fue interesante y logró armar una historia atractiva que conectara los cuentos de hadas clásicos, muy en el estilo de Into the woods. Este valle misterioso se nutría de la magia del bosque hasta tal punto que a cada persona le concedía un deseo al llegar a los 16 años. Sin embargo, cuando alguien usó su deseo para matar a otra persona, el bosque se enojó y maldijo al pueblo, desde entonces distintas personas son llamadas por él y terminan desapareciendo entre sus árboles.
El libro partió con Clara siendo pequeña pidiéndole a su abuela que le leyera las cartas y obteniendo un destino terrible, para luego ir al presente con ella siendo adolescente y sin su madre. La historia no tardó en decirnos que Clara planeaba ir al bosque a buscar a su madre que llevaba tres años desaparecida, de hecho, fue la primera de los considerados perdidos. Al inicio Clara me parecía bien, aunque definió toda su personalidad en una sola cosa: salvar a su madre, todo lo que hacía o pensaba giraba en este punto. Mi problema fue que con el paso de los capítulos las ideas de Clara se mantenían intactas, incluso si le ocurría algo, sus pensamientos no cambiaban sin importar qué viera o sucediera. Se le ocurrió pensar que los cisnes eran Axel y Ella y no importó qué tan evidente él hiciera sus sentimientos, nada le sacaba a Clara de la cabeza la idea de que así era.
Me gustó cómo la autora hiló todo el tema de la maldición con los cuentos de hadas, fue algo más cercano a la versión original, solo que casi más oscuro. En general, la trama fue sencilla pues entraron al bosque y solo fueron de un lado a otro encontrándose con distintas criaturas, escapando, yendo a otro lugar, topándose con otra criatura, escapando, luego a otro lugar y así por todo el libro. Creo que funcionó bien, no era nada complejo o no visto antes, pero funcionó porque el libro era sencillo con la narración en primera persona por parte de Clara y hasta el romance era muy simple. Fue un libro muy YA 2010, con la chica que no sabe que es bonita, la protagonista huérfana, la protagonista que es especial pero no lo sabe, el chico que lleva toda su vida enamorado de ella, etc.
El romance fue bastante aburrido, lo lamento, Axel y Clara eran amigos de la infancia, pero él estuvo a punto de casarse con una chica del pueblo que antes de la boda se volvió una perdida. Por este motivo, Clara jamás dio señales de sentirse atraída por él hasta que entraron al bosque y empezaron a pasar más tiempo juntos, aunque Axel claro que dio varias señales. Una vez que se aclaró esto la verdad es que el romance se dio rápido y sin mucho que destacar.
Fue interesante que en este viaje no estuvieron solos Axel y Clara, sino que se sumó Henni, la hermana menor de Ella y mejor amiga de Clara. Su personaje pensé que sería más interesante por lo mucho que Clara decía una y otra vez que era la persona más buena que conocía, que era la persona más generosa que conocía, que era pura y noble. Sin embargo, al final Henni solo fue una adolescente inmadura y egoísta, no algo más complejo como creí que podría ser.
Sobre ese punto, a su favor tengo que decir que todos los personajes eran inmaduros y molestos, pero como los adolescentes que eran (sin ofender a los adolescentes). Sin embargo, aunque me desesperaban un poco, igual agradecí que no fueran esos adolescentes que actúan como adultos, sobre todo porque tenían entre 15 y 17 años, así que era lógico que tuvieran ese egoísmo inherente a la edad y a creer que todo el mundo giraba entorno a ellos y sus problemas. Eso si, Henni y Clara solo eran capaces de tener una idea a la vez en sus cabezas, ignoraban todo lo demás, si se les cruzaba una idea se mantenían firme y perdían toda capacidad de análisis. Me resultaron insufribles.
Honestamente, creo que si hubiera sido autoconclusivo sería mejor, si quitaban un par de escenas innecesarias y terminaban de explicar el trasfondo, porque siento que el libro no da para mucho más. AUn así, confieso que sí me gustaría saber los motivos detrás de todo y del mismo bosque, siento que el libro dio señales de que existiría una buena explicación, a menos que todo quede en nada.
El bosque Grimm es un inicio de una saga de fantasía juvenil que toma como base los cuentos de hadas en sus versiones oscuras para darles un giro interesante y coherente dentro de su propia propuesta. Quizá el punto más bajo fueron sus personajes que cayeron en ser demasiado sencillos al punto de ser molestos.
En esencia estuvo bien, creo que mi mayor problema fue lo densa que era la protagonista. Llevaba un buen tiempo sin leer a una protagonista tan molesta, del tipo que la verdad está frente a ella y sigue negándose a la realidad.
Clara vive en el Valle de Grimm, un pueblo mágico que se beneficia del poder del bosque Grimm, pero su madre desapareció cuando alguien rompió las reglas y el bosque se tornó contra todo el pueblo. Desde pequeña, Clara sabe que va a morir joven, así que no dudará en ir en su búsqueda aunque ponga en peligro su vida.
Creo que la esencia del libro está bien, fue interesante y logró armar una historia atractiva que conectara los cuentos de hadas clásicos, muy en el estilo de Into the woods. Este valle misterioso se nutría de la magia del bosque hasta tal punto que a cada persona le concedía un deseo al llegar a los 16 años. Sin embargo, cuando alguien usó su deseo para matar a otra persona, el bosque se enojó y maldijo al pueblo, desde entonces distintas personas son llamadas por él y terminan desapareciendo entre sus árboles.
El libro partió con Clara siendo pequeña pidiéndole a su abuela que le leyera las cartas y obteniendo un destino terrible, para luego ir al presente con ella siendo adolescente y sin su madre. La historia no tardó en decirnos que Clara planeaba ir al bosque a buscar a su madre que llevaba tres años desaparecida, de hecho, fue la primera de los considerados perdidos. Al inicio Clara me parecía bien, aunque definió toda su personalidad en una sola cosa: salvar a su madre, todo lo que hacía o pensaba giraba en este punto. Mi problema fue que con el paso de los capítulos las ideas de Clara se mantenían intactas, incluso si le ocurría algo, sus pensamientos no cambiaban sin importar qué viera o sucediera. Se le ocurrió pensar que los cisnes eran Axel y Ella y no importó qué tan evidente él hiciera sus sentimientos, nada le sacaba a Clara de la cabeza la idea de que así era.
Me gustó cómo la autora hiló todo el tema de la maldición con los cuentos de hadas, fue algo más cercano a la versión original, solo que casi más oscuro. En general, la trama fue sencilla pues entraron al bosque y solo fueron de un lado a otro encontrándose con distintas criaturas, escapando, yendo a otro lugar, topándose con otra criatura, escapando, luego a otro lugar y así por todo el libro. Creo que funcionó bien, no era nada complejo o no visto antes, pero funcionó porque el libro era sencillo con la narración en primera persona por parte de Clara y hasta el romance era muy simple. Fue un libro muy YA 2010, con la chica que no sabe que es bonita, la protagonista huérfana, la protagonista que es especial pero no lo sabe, el chico que lleva toda su vida enamorado de ella, etc.
El romance fue bastante aburrido, lo lamento, Axel y Clara eran amigos de la infancia, pero él estuvo a punto de casarse con una chica del pueblo que antes de la boda se volvió una perdida. Por este motivo, Clara jamás dio señales de sentirse atraída por él hasta que entraron al bosque y empezaron a pasar más tiempo juntos, aunque Axel claro que dio varias señales. Una vez que se aclaró esto la verdad es que el romance se dio rápido y sin mucho que destacar.
Fue interesante que en este viaje no estuvieron solos Axel y Clara, sino que se sumó Henni, la hermana menor de Ella y mejor amiga de Clara. Su personaje pensé que sería más interesante por lo mucho que Clara decía una y otra vez que era la persona más buena que conocía, que era la persona más generosa que conocía, que era pura y noble. Sin embargo, al final Henni solo fue una adolescente inmadura y egoísta, no algo más complejo como creí que podría ser.
Sobre ese punto, a su favor tengo que decir que todos los personajes eran inmaduros y molestos, pero como los adolescentes que eran (sin ofender a los adolescentes). Sin embargo, aunque me desesperaban un poco, igual agradecí que no fueran esos adolescentes que actúan como adultos, sobre todo porque tenían entre 15 y 17 años, así que era lógico que tuvieran ese egoísmo inherente a la edad y a creer que todo el mundo giraba entorno a ellos y sus problemas. Eso si, Henni y Clara solo eran capaces de tener una idea a la vez en sus cabezas, ignoraban todo lo demás, si se les cruzaba una idea se mantenían firme y perdían toda capacidad de análisis. Me resultaron insufribles.
Honestamente, creo que si hubiera sido autoconclusivo sería mejor, si quitaban un par de escenas innecesarias y terminaban de explicar el trasfondo, porque siento que el libro no da para mucho más. AUn así, confieso que sí me gustaría saber los motivos detrás de todo y del mismo bosque, siento que el libro dio señales de que existiría una buena explicación, a menos que todo quede en nada.
El bosque Grimm es un inicio de una saga de fantasía juvenil que toma como base los cuentos de hadas en sus versiones oscuras para darles un giro interesante y coherente dentro de su propia propuesta. Quizá el punto más bajo fueron sus personajes que cayeron en ser demasiado sencillos al punto de ser molestos.
"Querer a alguien significa tratarlo como a un igual (...). Es confiar en esa persona por encima de todas las cosas y ser quien eres de verdad cuando estáis juntos y admitir lo que sientes en realidad".
January 9, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest, spoiler-free review!
Themes: Fate, love, living
Representation: N/A
Content Warnings: Death, violence, drug use
Premise: The book Sortes Fortunae is stolen. The forest is cursed. Clara’s mother disappeared. To bring her mother back, Clara must go into the Forest Grimm where the curse started. She must learn to defy fate and find the book. Thus, with her friends Axel and Henni, they venture into the forest.
Characters
The characters in this book are more stock-type of characters with a few twists. I think this makes sense for this type of book because The Forest Grimm is a fairy tale retelling and in fairy tales, every character is often a stock character.
Clara, I generally feel that she makes a good protagonist. I admire her stubbornness and determination to find the book and bring her mother back. I admire how she cares for those she loves including Axel and Henni. She does go through character development as the book progresses and learns to “live” despite her fate. She even admits some of her secrets to the other characters and fosters closer relationships with them. However, I do wish that Clara would stop picking at her looks throughout the book. I know that is very Disney-princess-y, however, I do not think it is necessary to the plot nor the character development of Clara. And also, wouldn’t it be great to have a female protagonist who is confident or neutral with the way she looks?
As for Axel, he is the typical love interest. He is strong, caring, and kind. He clearly cares about Clara, making sure she feels comfortable and offering her consolation when she feels unconfident throughout the book. He also treats Clara’s friend, Henni, with respect, protecting her modesty when she requests it. Axel does have secrets like Clara and eventually, he trusts her and Henni enough to reveal them, fostering closer relationships with them.
As for Axel and Clara’s relationship, you can see that they care for each other from how they speak to each other. However, even though the relationship is cute and they fit each other, I wish there was a bit more chemistry between them.
Henni plays the role of the best friend. She is the innocent one and she cares a lot about her sister. She, too, does go through some character development. In the book, it is revealed why Henni acts the way she does. However, I wish there was a bit more depth to her character as an individual rather than it just being focused on her relationships with others.
Finally, Grandma, Ollie, and the forest characters. I think those characters generally just serve to further the plot of the book. Although we get a glimpse into their internal turmoil and feelings, I wish we got more from them rather than just having these character’s there to serve the plot of the story.
Rating: 3.5/5
Plot
This book is pretty plot-heavy as there is a clear goal at the beginning of the book that the main character wants to achieve that isn’t self-actualization. At least, I consider it to be more plot heavy. However, I must say that the plot is pretty formulaic.
Also, although a lot of people may say that having a bunch of fairy tales in the book “ruined” the story, I actually thought it was a pretty cool concept. As you see, I am a sucker for fairy-tale retellings and remixed classics. However, I do wish that the author paid more homage to the original tales rather than changing them.
The book starts off with Clara’s fortune being read in the prologue. And obviously (from the blurb) you can insinuate that her cards are The Midnight Forest and The Hanged Creature.
In the exposition, it is revealed that Clara’s mother and the Forest Grimm are cursed and that the book, Sortes Fortunae is stolen. The book does a pretty good job of setting up the exposition with Clara realizing what she must do to save her mother and the village, triggering the rising action.
In the rising action, Clara and her friends basically “live through” a bunch of fairy tales. Since, after all, this book is a fairy tale retelling. Although the rising action is pretty formulaic with each sort of mini-conflict following a fairly similar start and resolution, the author does a pretty good job of revealing some clues that will help with Clara’s journey.
The climax occurs when Clara’s goal is met. I don’t have anything much to say about it as I didn’t find it wowing or disappointing. However, I’d say that it was pretty expected.
Finally, the book doesn’t do the best job in my opinion on the falling action and denouement. A lot of things are revealed at once in the end with not a lot of explanation. And it also ends on a cliffhanger. I know the author did this to set the reader up for a sequel. However, I think this book would’ve been better as a standalone.
Will I read the sequel? Perhaps. But again, I think this book would’ve been better as a standalone.
Rating: 3.7/5
Style
My favourite part of this book is how it incorporated the notion of “fate” and “destiny.” I liked how the author included a lot of repetition in the book to draw the reader to the importance of fate in the book. For example, she repeats Clara’s cards over and over again, drawing the reader to the idea of Clara’s pre-determined fate. She also mentions a lot about “luck” and “omens” which I thought was fitting and unique for a fairy-tale retelling. Plus, it maintains a sort of whimsical air in this book, which is important for this type of book.
In terms of major themes, the only one I can think of is the idea of fate. It is explored throughout the book through Clara’s thoughts and actions. And I especially enjoyed how the author questions the idea of fate in the novel.
Finally, in terms of writing style, the author chooses to use third-person past tense in the prologue and epilogue to create the sort of distance that fairy tales maintain (most of them are told in third-person, past-tense). For the rest of the book, first-person present tense is used. (Probably to get more access to Clara’s thoughts.) I’m not too picky about tense and point-of-view so I do not hold an opinion on that.
As for diction in general, the author tries to use diction typical of a young adult book while trying to insert some of the more “flowery” writing of fantasy books. Again, I don’t hold too much opinion on that. The diction, to me, wasn’t particularly special nor did it hinder my ability to read the book.
Rating: 3.8/5
Final Rating
Characters: 3.5/5
Plot: 3.7/5
Formatting: 3.8/5
Final Rating: 3.7/5 (round to 4 stars)
Personal Rating: 3.5/5
Date Read: June 3rd, 2023
Date Reviewed: June 4th, 2023
Themes: Fate, love, living
Representation: N/A
Content Warnings: Death, violence, drug use
Premise: The book Sortes Fortunae is stolen. The forest is cursed. Clara’s mother disappeared. To bring her mother back, Clara must go into the Forest Grimm where the curse started. She must learn to defy fate and find the book. Thus, with her friends Axel and Henni, they venture into the forest.
Characters
The characters in this book are more stock-type of characters with a few twists. I think this makes sense for this type of book because The Forest Grimm is a fairy tale retelling and in fairy tales, every character is often a stock character.
Clara, I generally feel that she makes a good protagonist. I admire her stubbornness and determination to find the book and bring her mother back. I admire how she cares for those she loves including Axel and Henni. She does go through character development as the book progresses and learns to “live” despite her fate. She even admits some of her secrets to the other characters and fosters closer relationships with them. However, I do wish that Clara would stop picking at her looks throughout the book. I know that is very Disney-princess-y, however, I do not think it is necessary to the plot nor the character development of Clara. And also, wouldn’t it be great to have a female protagonist who is confident or neutral with the way she looks?
As for Axel, he is the typical love interest. He is strong, caring, and kind. He clearly cares about Clara, making sure she feels comfortable and offering her consolation when she feels unconfident throughout the book. He also treats Clara’s friend, Henni, with respect, protecting her modesty when she requests it. Axel does have secrets like Clara and eventually, he trusts her and Henni enough to reveal them, fostering closer relationships with them.
As for Axel and Clara’s relationship, you can see that they care for each other from how they speak to each other. However, even though the relationship is cute and they fit each other, I wish there was a bit more chemistry between them.
Henni plays the role of the best friend. She is the innocent one and she cares a lot about her sister. She, too, does go through some character development. In the book, it is revealed why Henni acts the way she does. However, I wish there was a bit more depth to her character as an individual rather than it just being focused on her relationships with others.
Finally, Grandma, Ollie, and the forest characters. I think those characters generally just serve to further the plot of the book. Although we get a glimpse into their internal turmoil and feelings, I wish we got more from them rather than just having these character’s there to serve the plot of the story.
Rating: 3.5/5
Plot
This book is pretty plot-heavy as there is a clear goal at the beginning of the book that the main character wants to achieve that isn’t self-actualization. At least, I consider it to be more plot heavy. However, I must say that the plot is pretty formulaic.
Also, although a lot of people may say that having a bunch of fairy tales in the book “ruined” the story, I actually thought it was a pretty cool concept. As you see, I am a sucker for fairy-tale retellings and remixed classics. However, I do wish that the author paid more homage to the original tales rather than changing them.
The book starts off with Clara’s fortune being read in the prologue. And obviously (from the blurb) you can insinuate that her cards are The Midnight Forest and The Hanged Creature.
In the exposition, it is revealed that Clara’s mother and the Forest Grimm are cursed and that the book, Sortes Fortunae is stolen. The book does a pretty good job of setting up the exposition with Clara realizing what she must do to save her mother and the village, triggering the rising action.
In the rising action, Clara and her friends basically “live through” a bunch of fairy tales. Since, after all, this book is a fairy tale retelling. Although the rising action is pretty formulaic with each sort of mini-conflict following a fairly similar start and resolution, the author does a pretty good job of revealing some clues that will help with Clara’s journey.
The climax occurs when Clara’s goal is met. I don’t have anything much to say about it as I didn’t find it wowing or disappointing. However, I’d say that it was pretty expected.
Finally, the book doesn’t do the best job in my opinion on the falling action and denouement. A lot of things are revealed at once in the end with not a lot of explanation. And it also ends on a cliffhanger. I know the author did this to set the reader up for a sequel. However, I think this book would’ve been better as a standalone.
Will I read the sequel? Perhaps. But again, I think this book would’ve been better as a standalone.
Rating: 3.7/5
Style
My favourite part of this book is how it incorporated the notion of “fate” and “destiny.” I liked how the author included a lot of repetition in the book to draw the reader to the importance of fate in the book. For example, she repeats Clara’s cards over and over again, drawing the reader to the idea of Clara’s pre-determined fate. She also mentions a lot about “luck” and “omens” which I thought was fitting and unique for a fairy-tale retelling. Plus, it maintains a sort of whimsical air in this book, which is important for this type of book.
In terms of major themes, the only one I can think of is the idea of fate. It is explored throughout the book through Clara’s thoughts and actions. And I especially enjoyed how the author questions the idea of fate in the novel.
Finally, in terms of writing style, the author chooses to use third-person past tense in the prologue and epilogue to create the sort of distance that fairy tales maintain (most of them are told in third-person, past-tense). For the rest of the book, first-person present tense is used. (Probably to get more access to Clara’s thoughts.) I’m not too picky about tense and point-of-view so I do not hold an opinion on that.
As for diction in general, the author tries to use diction typical of a young adult book while trying to insert some of the more “flowery” writing of fantasy books. Again, I don’t hold too much opinion on that. The diction, to me, wasn’t particularly special nor did it hinder my ability to read the book.
Rating: 3.8/5
Final Rating
Characters: 3.5/5
Plot: 3.7/5
Formatting: 3.8/5
Final Rating: 3.7/5 (round to 4 stars)
Personal Rating: 3.5/5
Date Read: June 3rd, 2023
Date Reviewed: June 4th, 2023
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