Today’s review is about LORE OF THE WILDS by Analeigh Sbrana. It’s the first installment in a duology by the same name. This romantasy features a human vs. fae world and the suggestion of popular tropes. However, was I a fan of this debut? Read on!

Author: Analeigh Sbrana
Series: Lore of the Wilds #1
Age Category: Adult
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Publish Date: February 27, 2024
Print Length: 352

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Lore of the Wilds Synopsis

A stunning Romantasy debut about an enchanted library, two handsome Fae, and one human who brings them all together.

A library with a deadly enchantment.

A Fae lord who wants in.

A human woman willing to risk it all for a taste of power.

In a land ruled by ruthless Fae, twenty-one-year-old Lore Alemeyu’s village is trapped in a forested prison. Lore knows that any escape attempt is futile–her scars are a testament to her past failures. But when her village is threatened, Lore makes a desperate deal with a Fae lord. She will leave her home to catalog/organize an enchanted library that hasn’t been touched in a thousand years. No Fae may enter the library, but there is a chance a human might be able to breach the cursed doors.

She convinces him that she will risk her life for wealth, but really she’s after the one thing the Fae covet above all: magic of her own.

As Lore navigates the hostile world outside, she’s forced to rely on two Fae males to survive. Two very different, very dangerous, very attractive Fae males. When undeniable chemistry ignites, she’s not just in danger of losing her life, but her heart to the very creatures she can never trust.

Lore of the Wilds Review

I received a free, digital, advanced reading copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. I also purchased my own copy through a book box subscription and this is the version I read. My review is my own and reflects my honest opinion about this book.

LORE OF THE WILDS follows the titular character as she unexpectedly finds herself put to a task within the dark Fae castle. Given the subjugation of humans by the Fae, Lore decides to twist her situation to some advantage. If the Fae want Lore to find their magical books in the enchanted library, then they must help her hometown rebuild after and earthshake.

LORE OF THE WILDS thus boasts the promise of romantasy, a deal with a powerful Fae lord, and love triangle dalliances with the Fae. While this ultimately sounds like a romantasy lover’s dream, especially for Fae fans, the execution fell frustratingly flat. I was really looking forward to this based on the synopsis, but ended up disappointed.

First, although marketed as an Adult fantasy novel, it instead reads like a Young Adult book that happens to have a 21-year-old main character. Lore is ridiculously impulsive and makes incredibly stupid decisions. I might understand this if there was better characterization over the course of the book, but, regrettably, there is not. Given her historical losses and way of life in Duskmere, I would have at least expected her to think more rationally. But there is seldom a plan. And when there is one things mostly go off without a hitch, which is unrealistic.

It also seemed like the author wasn’t quite sure what tone or vibe to achieve in the book. It starts off dark, then dips into something reminiscent of cottagecore. And then it does a complete 180 degrees at the end of the book into a dark theme with absolutely no foreshadowing. I felt that LORE OF THE WILDS could’ve been so much better if the author leaned into building this particular theme or spent more time, via Lore, learning about why the Fae subjugate humans. Instead the reader gets Lore in the library gaslighting herself about a magical book before she goes on the run. Then she plays a merry innkeeper cooking in a pub before experiencing an abrupt plot reveal. Moreover, part of this plot reveal might make the reader feel uncomfortable (see my content warnings below).

When it comes to the romantasy, unfortunately this did not work for me, either, for several reasons. First, there is not enough interaction or shared experiences between the characters for the reader to develop a connection to them to care about their relationship. A lot of time elapses, but it occurs off the page rather than on. Second, there is absolutely no tension. One minute Lore is in a discussion and the next there is the obligate text to indicate that Lore feels spicy. Finally, the times that Lore and the love interest decide to enjoy each other are such odd ones to choose. In my opinion, that only works when there is a build up of tension throughout most of the book.

My other big quibble is that the characterization of the two Fae male love interests is patchy and the dialogue clunky. The goal seems to be that of gruff, surly, emotionless Fae male type for both characters. However, it didn’t take long for that facade to wear off of one, which is fine. The second Fae male wore that characterization more often, but it did not feel compelling or mysterious.

I did, however, like the scenes in which Lore learns from the magical book. I would have loved to read more of them, or even read more about the magic system in the book. Unfortunately, though, LORE OF THE WILDS is a miss for me. This might be better suited for someone who doesn’t mind romantasy that is lower on plot details in order to move the story along at a quick pace.

Rating: 2.75
Content warnings: sexual content, rape (implied), dubious consent, violence, death
Reading format: Hardback

For additional thoughts about LORE OF THE WILDS, check out a review by Realms of My Mind. If you liked this book, you may also enjoy FORGED BY BLOOD by Ehigbor Okosun.