Lore of the Wilds—A Cozy Yet Darkly Enchanting Fantasy

Analeigh Sbrana’s Lore of the Wilds starts off as a cozy fantasy but quickly reveals a darker and more tangled tale. This book has it all: amazing world-building, a fantastic magic system, and a likable and brave main character.

What I Loved

Lore, the main character, is easy to like right off the bat. She’s kind, courageous, and undergoes substantial growth throughout the novel. Her interactions with the other characters feel organic, and the relationships she builds, whether friendships or something deeper, are well-developed and engaging.

The romance in this book is beautifully woven into the story, with just the right amount of spice towards the end. While it’s marketed as a love triangle, I wouldn’t say it fully fits the trope just yet. The romance is more of a background element to the rich fantasy world, rather than the driving force of the story.

The supporting characters, especially those in Lore’s found family-esque friend group, are all vividly portrayed and animate the story. I also appreciated the inclusion of queer representation, even if it’s not explicitly on the page.

The magic system is intriguing. If you love the idea of nature and magic being interconnected and responsive to living beings, you’ll find this world enchanting. I found the descriptions of both the magic and the world to be incredibly immersive. Locations felt real, making it easy to get lost in the story. And let’s not forget the enchanted library. Who wouldn’t love that?

What Didn’t Resonate With Me

Lore and her people have been living under oppression for a long time, yet she’s surprisingly quick to trust others. While this makes sense in some moments, there were times when I wished for a little more caution on her part.

The pacing was another issue for me. The book starts off quickly, then slows down quite a bit in the middle, before picking back up. The repetition in certain phrases and descriptions also stood out at times, though it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment.

What to Expect

• The enchanted library
• Found family dynamics
• Cozy fantasy vibes
• BIPOC representation
• A sort-of love triangle
• Cottagecore setting

Tropes

• This book features a variety of well-loved tropes, including:
• Enemies to lovers
• Hidden powers
• A love triangle of sorts
• A magical quest
• A dash of spice

Final Thoughts

Despite some pacing issues, Lore of the Wilds is a captivating debut filled with intriguing characters, beautiful world-building, and an engaging magic system. If you love fae stories, cozy fantasies with darker twists, and a woodland setting infused with magic, this book is definitely for you.