The Lord of the Wood A Novel by E.M. Anderson

Rating: 4 star rating

I just finished, "The Lord of the Wood" by E.M. Anderson, it features LGBTQ+ content with multiple queer story arcs, alongside spooky elements of body horror and folk horror that get a bit dark at times.  

I picked it up because I love a good "Beauty and the Beast" retelling, but this book really surprised me with how unique it is. It balances these slow burn romances with a creeping forest vibe that keeps you completely hooked.

The story follows a quiet clockmaker named Arthur Throckmorton who takes a dangerous, high-paying job into Shiftleaf, an enchanted forest that killed his dad years ago. After being attacked by monster birds, Arthur stumbles into a hidden valley and meets Ira, the legendary Lord of the Wood. Instead of a perfect fairy prince, Ira is a lonely, brooding guy suffering from a curse that is slowly turning him into a beast. To save the dying forest and break the curse, they must journey to the heart of the woods on a massive ticking clock, forming a beautiful romantic bond along the way.

The book gives us a dual perspective by also following Arthur's sister, Charlotte, who heads into the forest to rescue her brother alongside a woman named Elspeth. Charlotte starts out deeply closeted, but as she and Elspeth brave the dangers of the woods together, they develop a slow burn romance that mirrors the queer elements of Arthur and Ira's journey.

Arthur is autistic, has chronic pain, and uses a cane to navigate the treacherous forest floor, while Ira wears a knee brace and is blind in one eye. Their disabilities aren't just a checkbox; they actually matter to the story and affect how they survive the woods together, highlighting their mutual resilience. 

The ending is perfect and gives you closure without relying on magical fixes. It wraps up the curses, brings resolution to both romances, and just leaves you with a good feeling.

Thank you, NetGalley,Harlequin Trade Publishing, Hanover Square Press, and author E.M. Anderson, for providing me with a copy of this free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

#NetGalley 

#HarlequinTradePublishing

#HanoverSquarePress

#EMAnderson author 

#TheLordoftheWood

#LGBTQIAP+

http://goodreads.com/patriciasreadingroom

http://www.patriciasreadingroom.blogspot.com+