Shadows and Secrets—Exploring the Depths of Sorrow Forest

The book I'm reviewing today placed 15th out of over 300 books in BBNYA 2023, so you know it's going to be a good one. 

BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 15 finalists and one overall winner. If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website https://www.bbnya.com/ or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official. BBNYA is brought to you in association with the @Foliosociety (if you love beautiful books, you NEED to check out their website!) and the book blogger support group @The_WriteReads.

Book description from the back cover

Sorrow’s Forest teems with beasts, some ugly, some beautiful, all unnatural. A ban restricts travel beneath her branches, existing for as long as Lakeview Township has, and most who disobey do not return.

To win a bet, twelve-year-old Mackie King enters the forest, and in its depths, he discovers a boy-like devil. Then he steals him from the trees.

In as little as an hour, the devil names himself Blue and fits seamlessly into the Kings’ life. No one seems to remember he wasn’t always there. Only Mackie knows the truth.

Now, Mackie and Blue are grown, Queen Sorrow has awakened, and she wants her devil back. She’s willing to tear the town apart to reclaim him. Mackie has always been resourceful, but it will take every bit of ingenuity he and Blue possess to thwart Queen Sorrow and her minions, save the town, and free themselves from the shadow of the bittering forest.

My review for Shadows and Secrets

Set against the backdrop of Lakeview Township, where the shadows of the forbidden forest loom ominously, “Sorrow’s Forest” beckons readers into a world teeming with unnatural creatures and ancient legends. At its heart are two compelling protagonists: Mackie King, whose childhood indiscretion unleashes a devil named Blue into his life, and Blue himself, torn between his loyalty to Mackie and the looming threat of Queen Sorrow’s vengeance.

Corvus masterfully weaves themes of forbidden knowledge, the power of friendship and love, and the consequences of defying formidable entities throughout the narrative. As Blue grapples with his identity and connection to the forest, it draws you into a bittersweet love story that transcends boundaries, enriched by evocative writing and intricate character development.

The forest becomes a character, a mysterious and dangerous place, home to both beautiful and grotesque creatures. Corvus skillfully captures the essence of these creatures, leaving a lasting sense of wonder and unease.

The romance between Mackie and Blue develops naturally, enhancing the narrative with emotional depth. While the story’s conclusion may seem inevitable, Corvus surprises readers with a twist that deftly subverts expectations.

"Sorrow's Forest" creates a haunting and disturbing ambiance, with touches of horror and suspense that may not be appropriate for everyone. However, if you’re drawn to character-driven tales, urban fantasy, and themes of love and identity, this novel offers a captivating journey into the unknown.

Ultimately, “Sorrow’s Forest” is a gripping exploration of love, sacrifice, and the shadows that lurk within us all. With its rich world-building, compelling characters, and spine-tingling plot, it stands as a testament to Corvus’ mastery of the dark fantasy genre. If you crave a story that challenges conventions and delves into the depths of the human spirit, look no further than “Sorrow’s Forest.” 

Kaitlin Corvus Author Bio

Kaitlin Corvus is from Ontario, Canada. The north holds the best part of her. She writes about nobodies, monsters, and gutter glitter, loves the stars, the deep dark sea, and a good horror mystery.