Into the Heartless Wood is the fourth book by Joanna Ruth Meyer I have read and it has cemented her place on my all time favorite authors shelf. I did not realize going into it that this story was a bit of a genderbent Beauty and the Beast, but the connection is obvious after reading the author's note and it makes it even more perfect. To be frank, I will eagerly read anything this author writes.

This book begins with Owen, a boy who lives on the edge of a dangerous wood where no one else will venture. He loves his mother's music and his father's stars. Owen's father is the king's astrologist, which necessitates their living arrangements. His mother was lost to the witch's wood years before, led to her death by one of the witch's vicious tree sirens. Owen has never risked coming to the same fate until he comes face to face with one siren who is nothing like he expects.

Everything about this book was perfect. I loved Owen and Seren. Their relationship was incredible and heartbreaking and lovely. Joanna Ruth Meyer always layers her stories with so much atmosphere and emotion, and twists and turns, of course. Her books always follow a formula that I've come to anticipate and love. They begin with a story that seemingly wraps up about halfway through the book, but it always leads to something much more grand and unexpected. I love the scale and heart each of her books has.

This book was a bit darker than the author's others, but that's exactly what I expected from a story about brutal tree sirens and a dark wood witch. There is violence and death and blood, but also love and hope. The writing is lyrical and reminiscent of a fairy tale, albeit a very dark one.

I do not believe Joanna's books are for everyone, but they are tailor made for me and I cannot wait to see what she writes next. If you're looking for an atmospheric, lyrical, dark fairy tale with forbidden friendships and magic, do not miss this book!

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of Into the Heartless Wood.

This was a beautiful story! This is my first Meyer book and her writing is absolutely lovely, almost like fairytale meets poetry. Into the Heartless Wood has everything- a dark wood full of man eating tree sirens, an ancient feud for revenge, a night sky that is changing, and a young, forbidden love.

I will definitely be reading more of her books in the future and highly recommend this one to anyone who loves a beautifully written teen fantasy!

Into the Heartless Wood is one of those reads where the actual plot points and characters really don't matter because it is all about the atmosphere. Chilling and ghostly with a side of heart-warming, it is a unique and vividly written story. Unlike many YA fantasy novels, the supernatural elements didn't seem recycled or forced, and they were seamlessly embedded into the story through its eerie and superstitious flavour. This novel felt like a fairytale, but not the ones you read little girls at night. It was enchanting and had me spellbound from the first word with the unsettling awareness that this fairytale is not as rosy as it seems. (Rated 3.5 stars)

In "Into the Heartless Wood" Joanna Ruth Meyer has created a world that is magical and horrifying and somehow a world that is completely believable. It's a world in which the woods are alive and the stars predict the future. It also has one of the most heartbreakingly beautiful love stories I've read in ages.

Ms. Meyer draws the reader in from the very first sentence, in which one of a stand of birch trees is brought to life to be the daughter of the Gwydden, who is a kind of goddess that is all powerful, and merciless, and that is neither woman nor tree and who rules the wood around her. This new daughter is one of her mother's monsters, sirens whose song is so beautiful and enticing, it lures whoever hears it into the forest to be destroyed by these creatures.

Bordering these woods is a cottage in which resides a young man, Owen, his two year old sister, Awela, and his father, an astronomer who secretly charts the stars for the king of their region. Owen's mother was lost to the wood a year or so before. Devastated by her loss his father has built a wall between the cottage and the woods so his children will be marginally safer. As time passes, the branches begin to reach over the wall.

One day, Owen convinces his father that he could help him by taking the train to the city to file his father's star charts. He had heard warnings that the forest was encroaching the train tracks. Still, things seemed calm until suddenly the train is derailed, passengers flung this way and that, and the song of the sirens surrounds them. He manages to get out of the wreckage to find, to his horror, the tree sirens are murdering the victims of the accident, bodies lying all through the surrounding area.

When a siren comes upon him, something strange happens, her song pinning him to the ground, she stares at him and then tells him to run. She has let him go. And what happens after this gesture is something you will have to read to find out. I found this to be a book I couldn't put down. I had to stay up late to finish it and I will just warn you that at moments you may find yourself weeping on your kindle or book pages. 5 stars for this one! Thank you to NetGalley for the DRC!

I LOVED this book. I couldn't put it down. The story was so compelling and brimming with magic. I loved the fact there was a sensitive male lead who cared for his family, showed emotion, etc, and did things books have typically portrayed only females doing. Seeing the female lead morph from monster to human was also wonderful. My only wish is that they got more happily ever after time. Them actually being together and happy was left to the imagination and I wish more of their story post-rebirth was written down.

Evocative imagery and new twists on well-known tales will bring readers flocking to these woods. Meyer's almost staccato like prose sets a unique tone for the storytelling, immersing the reader in a world we know is unfamiliar from the first lines to the last. Big moments happen in a single sentence. Small moments fill several pages. This pushing and pulling of the pace of the story fascinated me. The focus is on the love story--which some readers will adore and others will grumble about, as always--but for those looking for a tale of star crossed/tree crossed lovers, they'll be rewarded with an immersive world, some beautiful prose, and an intriguing meditation on the meaning of monsters, souls, names, family, and redemption.

I fell for this book hard! Joanna Ruth Meyer has a way of crafting wholly original stories that feel like you're cracking open a long-forgotten book of fairytales, and Into the Heartless Wood is no exception. This story is as poetic as it is haunting, and I can't stop thinking about it. There are definite Maleficent, and Beauty and the Beast vibes, with a super sweet (omg, I love him!!!!) boy falling for a monstrous tree siren of a girl who longs to have a heart. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars!

Absolutely amazing concept, stellar execution. I loved this book from beginning to end. The mythology harkens to existing lore, but creates its own, making me wish for more books in this universe. Lyrically written, with captivating characters and a monster romance I adored. Five stars!

⭐️⭐️⭐️
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Thank you NetGalley and Page Street Kids for providing me with an ARC in exchange the for an honest review. Release date January 21st, 2021.
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Here is a new atmospheric read to add to your Autumn TBR. Grab a hot drink, a fluffy blanket and start reading. If you are even remotely interested in the premise, I would recommend you check it out.
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Say it with me... “Tree sirens”. Creatures born from the forest with songs capable of leading victims to their deaths... this was epic! I am such a sucker for sirens/mermaids, and I had no idea that I was missing out on land sirens! I need more!
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While I had a good time reading this book, it wasn’t my favorite. The atmosphere, creatures, and plot were great. But, the actual writing and storytelling left something to be desired. For book with content that was pretty graphic at times, ITHW read almost like a middle grade... Or on the younger side of the YA spectrum. Basic writing for a stellar idea.
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All in all, I had fun. This book is good. Not great, not terrible... but good. Would recommend for those wanting something that screams “fall vibes” and is an interesting fairytale retelling.

Uprooted meets The Little Mermaid and Maleficent in this haunting fairytale of sirens, dark woods, and forbidden love. Instantly I knew this book was for me. I have a weakness for books deeply rooted (pun intended😁) in lore and dark retellings. This was no exception. It was lush, enchanting, and heartbreaking in the best way.

Meyer takes an atmospheric approach to dryad mythology, weaving together a story written in old fairytale verse. I really enjoyed the very beginning and end of the novel. The middle seemed to move at a slower pace, and I felt it was a little disconnected from the overall story. But, all in all, the best part of this book was the relationships. The love story was touching and captivating, but the pure adoration, loyalty, and just sweet moments the main character had with his younger sister stole my heart.

Overall, it was a whimsical read that will sweep you away on an epic journey full of monsters, magic, and mystery that is perfect for readers who love dark fairytales and fables like me.

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.*

I won't have a lot to say about this book, but WOW, it completely took me by surprise. It deals with a lot of heavy topics (depression, suicide, etc.--for a full list of trigger warnings I recommend seeking out additional advice), but in a lovely, heartfelt way, if that makes sense. The plot appeared to be loosely based on fairytales and beauty and the beast but felt different enough to stand on itself. My only point of criticism is that there were parts that felt a bit slow for my taste, but most readers probably won't mind this because it picks up fairly quickly. I also loved the creep-ish elements that added another layer to the worldbuilding and character, while still grounding the reader in a world that made me care for the characters in it. Definitely recommended for those who prefer "smaller" worlds--thought just as rich and lovely. Reminds me of a touch of NAOMI NOVAK'S work, but for a slightly younger demographic. I am looking forward to seeing what the author writes next!

Trigger warnings: abuse, suicide, violence, murder, depression

Into the Heartless Wood by Joanna Ruth Meyer is loosely a gender-bent retelling of Beauty and the Beast.  Though rooted in a classic fairytale, this story feels completely fresh in its unique premise and evocative prose.  I adored this book and was completely enthralled from the very beginning.  Meyer seamlessly ties in a dark, atmospheric setting and folkloric influences that give the novel a timeless quality and create a tale more mature than your typical YA fantasy.

Told through the dual points of view of human teen, Owen, and tree siren, Seren, each voice provides a distinct perspective that breaks from typical gender roles.  Seren is a hardened creature of magic, who desires to become more than a monster.  I particularly enjoyed the way that Seren's voice (told in verse) develops throughout the story as her character evolves and becomes more emotive.  Owen's character is a refreshing contrast to Seren's written in open-hearted free form.  Though tough when he needs to be, Owen is, at heart, a caring dreamer who tends to his baby sister, manages the household, listens to nostalgic music, and gazes at the stars.  Together, their strength, determination, and optimism create a darkly poignant story full of heartache and hope.

This hauntingly beautiful retelling is sure to be an instant hit among fans of Uprooted and Meyer's own Echo North.  I highly recommend pre-ordering this title that is set to release on January 12, 2021.  Thank you to NetGalley and Page Street Publishing for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

This review will go live on my blog (link below) on Jan 2, 2021.

Into the Heartless Wood may be one of my top ten reads for this year. It's told from two perspectives: Owem, a boy who lives on the edge of a wood that's filled with soul-eating wood sirens, and "Monster," one of the sirens. This gender-swapped Beauty and the Beast is reminiscent of the original fairytale, while adding it's own flourishes that make it unique.

Owen befriends one of the sirens after she spares his life one day, and Owen teaches the siren about the stars and human-made creations, showing her a world she's never seen before. This book was the perfect fall read. It's filled with creepy tree-sirens and witchcraft, and a forbidden love/friendship that grows over the course of the novel. Such a beautiful read. I highly recommend checking this one out.

✨Book Review✨
Joanna Ruth Meyer's Into the Heartless Wood is an enchanting YA tale about an impossible love between a young man and a monster in the woods.
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There are many things I greatly enjoy about the world Meyer created... A world where monsters are real and they lurk just beyond the shadows of the forest. A world where good doesn't need a soul to exist, just a beating heart.
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I like how different this story is from everything else I've read. Although it's considered YA, I would love it for a younger group (minus the more gruesome scenes). Some of the morals we learn through this story, like overcoming obstacles and the importance of a name, are taught in a way that would be easy to grasp for a MG level.
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The plot is linear and easy to follow, with chapters by the tree siren beautifully interwoven throughout. I almost enjoy her chapters the most because they feel poetic.
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All this to say that this book is super cute, and I recommend it. .

I really enjoyed this book! It reminded me a little of Naomi Novick's Uprooted, which I loved. I liked the distinctive voices of Seren and Owen in the alternating chapters and the way Seren's chapters almost ready like simple poetry. It was interesting to read about an epic conflict between two sides that are both evil, and I liked the complexity of the Gwydden's backstory. Seren's redemption arc was also really satisfying. Overall I loved it!

This tale was dark and creepy and I loved every second of it!!! It was a quick easy read and I really enjoyed the idea of tree sirens. They were really cool. I thought the writing style and the characters were done really well. It got me out of a book slump I was in and held my attention. Overall, it was a fascinating story and I highly recommend it!

"𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑙𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑠𝑎𝑖𝑑 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑓𝑒𝑙𝑙 𝑖𝑛 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝐹𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑢𝑠𝑒 ℎ𝑖𝑠 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑘𝑦 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑡ℎ 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡𝑜𝑔𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑚𝑎𝑑𝑒 𝑎 ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑧𝑜𝑛."

𝑯𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒅𝒊𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈
𝒊𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒘𝒂𝒚.
𝑯𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒅𝒊𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈
𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕
𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒚 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒔.

Into The Heartless Wood by Joanna Ruth Meyer is a Beauty And The Beast Gender Swapped Re-telling. Into the Heartless Wood is the story of impossible love between a monstrous tree siren and a boy who lives at the edge of her wood. I am completely in awe with the author's writing style. It is very captivating. We see use of poetic verses as well as prose in this book.

We see a powerful witch which has lured men and women using their song, in her heartless forest for years. She has three daughter's who are her slave in hunting for souls. For years, they have always listened to their mother's command and followed it blindly. We see Owen Merrick, whose mother was killed by the siren. One day he visits the woods to find her 2 year old sister, Awela.

One of the siren's daughter - Seren () saves him and his sister instead of killing them. He starts visiting her regularly.... and the story begins. We see alot of magic induced in this story which is just fabulous. The book is full of different emotions, and the ending + the epilogue deserves all the attention. Hats off to the author for writing such a phenomenal and unique re-telling.

We see the character development of both the characters progressing very beautifully and swiftly into the story. The world building is good, but a bit slow in the start. BUT THE END IS WORTH IT !!!!

The concept of trees and oaks, along with the music and hint of stars is basically everything I love in the book. The book is filled with epic history of the kingdom of Tarian, the king and witch fighting for their own benefits. Gwydden's Wood has been there for years and it's in the hands of Owen and Seren, the future of this wood stands.

I can absolutely go on and on about this book, but if I speak more I am sure it will lead to a spoiler filled review, which I definitely wouldn't want. I really want everyone to read this book, as we see Love, Loss, Friendship, Heartbreaks, basically everything packed in one book. And I hope this book makes it way to the Indian Market.
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Releasing - 12th January, 2021.
Thank You to NetGalley and Page Street Publisher for eARC in exchange for a honest opinion.

The cover is stunning and was the main reason I was attracted to the book in the first place. I did not know much before going into the book and that made me have the most amazing experience. This is the most unique 'Beauty and the Beast' retelling I have ever read. When the book ended I was crying profusely. It had awoken emotions I did not even know was present in me. I finished the book in fourteen hours, in a single sitting. The writing style is very soothing, it gave me a sense of serenity while I was reading the book. The concept of the beast and how it is varying throughout the book is fantastic. I liked the concept of the family especially when Seren goes to her brothers or when the scenes of Owen and his mother are written or Awela in all her might. I am spellbound by this work. This is my first read by the author but I look forward to reading more from her and I will pick her backlist titles. Initially, I was a little skeptical as to whether I would like this book because not much happens, there is no adventure or action whatsoever, but I was pleasantly surprised when I started liking even those portions, maybe way too much. The chapters are fast-paced and I adore the narration and writing style. I highly recommend everyone to pick this up. This is one of the best stand-alone fantasies I have ever read.

I loved the plot and the writing was incredible! I got caught up in the story since the beginning, dying to know what would happen to Owen, his family and Seren. For me, the plot was well writing, the author was able to insert the reader in this new world, without leaving them lost in the middle of the reading. The only thing that bothered me was the romance between Owen and Seren, I think it happened a little to fast, but still liked them together, I just wanted more development for this couple. It was a great experience and I loved the ending.

I've been a big fan of Joanna Ruth Meyer since her debut, and I thought for sure that no book would ever top my love for Echo North. Well, JRM has done it--she knocked her own book out of the top spot in my mind! INTO THE HEARTLESS WOOD is one of the most captivating, magical, and emotionally-charged books I've ever read. Owen is such a wonderful protagonist, full of heart and compassion and goodness, and Serene is such a complex, interesting character. Watching her challenge her world-view and who she wanted to be, to fight against the labels and the restraints others had placed on her was so powerful. And the relationship between these two had me gripping the book and pressing a hand to my heart every single time I sat down to read!

I felt like my heart was in my throat for the entire book and at the end, I wept both tears of happiness and sadness. I felt like I had been on this beautifully cathartic reading journey and I didn't want it to end. Meyer has an achingly poetic way with words and with every turn of the page, she cracked my heart open even further! This book is BREATH-TAKING and I adored every single word of it! I cannot recommend enough!