The Wolf and the Woodsman

"The Wolf and the Woodsman, a bestseller listed in The Sunday Times, marks a haunting and memorable entry into the fantasy genre, deeply intertwined with Hungarian history and Jewish mythology. This novel is a treat for admirers of authors like Naomi Novik and Katherine Arden. According to Samantha Shannon, famed author of The Priory of the Orange Tree, the book is deeply rooted in myth and history, wrapping readers in its dark narrative.

The story centers on Évike, a spirited outsider in her secluded, pagan village, where she stands as the only woman lacking magical abilities. When soldiers from the enigmatic Holy Order of Woodsmen arrive to take a girl for the king's sacrificial ritual, Évike becomes the chosen outcast. However, their journey is thrown into chaos when an attack leaves only Évike and a single Woodsman, who turns out to be the fallen prince, Gáspár Bárány, alive. Gáspár's father desperately needs pagan magic to solidify his authority, making their alliance both perilous and necessary.

Traveling together from icy northern landscapes to the polluted heart of the kingdom, Évike and Gáspár form a fragile alliance, and their mutual disdain gradually transforms into something deeper. Yet, the precarious nature of trust tests their relationship, especially as Évike uncovers her own dormant magical potential. They must confront choices about loyalty and power.

Critics from Tor.com describe it as engaging and vividly crafted, while The Book Report highlights its intricate and intense narrative, elevating it as a benchmark for future dark historical fantasies. Alix Harrow praises its lyrical prose and gritty reality, while Cultured Vulture acknowledges its mature and complex themes. Katherine Addison notes the book's rich imagination and delightful storytelling. Celebrated by the British Fantasy Society for its powerful feminist themes, The Wolf and the Woodsman offers an exploration of acceptance and identity, paralleling themes in Katherine Arden's The Bear and the Nightingale."