Overall, I enjoyed this, but I was pretty bored through the whole thing. It's a very character driven novel, which I liked, but the character development outweighs the plot a lot and left me a bit unsatisfied. The big draw of the plot didn't happen until like, the very end of the book, and then it felt rushed.
There were parts of this book that I definitely really liked, and parts that I didn't really care for. Overall, it wasn't a bad book, but my expectations were definitely not met.

I found it hard to connect with the characters, especially the MC, which is critical for me to enjoy a book. The romance is instant, it didn’t feel like there was any development or growth of/in the relationship.

I hate to say that this one simply did not live up to the hype for me, however, it is beautifully written and I definitely intend to try out some of the authors other books in the future!

A Far Wilder Magic, by Allison Saft, is an atmospheric romantic fantasy set against a 1920’s-esque backdrop, and deals with big themes in a magical setting.
I enjoyed this book a lot. I loved the fun parts that included a hunt for a fantastic beast, and I appreciated the inclusion of heavy themes like racism and wealth disparity, which aren’t all that common in YA fantasy., and which the author handled deftly,
The book started a bit slow, and I found myself slogging every so often, but it got there in the end, and was well worth the journey.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a bit of romance with their fantasy, and doesn’t mind a book that puts the Young in YA.
4 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Whimsical, dark, angsty. I loved it. Wes is my new book boyfriend, he is so sweet and charming while Margaret is tough and cold. It was so fun seeing them interact and grow and develop a romantic relationship. Ugh their chemistry was so good! The world building was fantastic as well. Albion felt real, from the ocean wafting salt into the air to the musky forest and stuffy pub. Reading it was a very immersive experience. I still think about it even though I finished it weeks ago now.

Heartwarming and magical… sigh, I loved both Margaret & Weston’s characters and their dynamic with one another. Although set in a fictional world with magic, the underlying topic was of religious racism and belonging. Which makes this more of a historical fantasy IMO — probably heavier on the fantasy side and similar to the late 1920s in America with charmed elements. It’s full of alchemy, myth, drama, and hope. AND what a gorgeously illustrated book cover! <3

The romance that developed between Margaret and Wes was slow burning, but it felt organic and natural. They’re such a cute a couple worth rooting for. I’m not going to recap the whole plot but they team up and hunt for the legendary hala — a demiurge fox. They’re forced to work together since neither of them have any other choices and drama ensues as they prepare for the stages of the hunt. My emotions lost it at the most unexpected scene — when Wes’ sisters were brushing Margaret’s hair. I feel like I’m Mrs. Wreford and just want to squeeze them both so tight.

The writing is layered and beautiful. There are countless uses of similes throughout the book, and I’m not sure how Allison Saft can generate these comparisons so effortlessly. I loved this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the digital copy of this ARC. All opinions are my own.

Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This was a really cool book. I really enjoyed this story and this world.

This book reminded me of Fullmetal Alchemist, with all the alchemy and especially what haunted Margaret about her mother. I think it is cool that she got to be the one that is the hunter and it was Weston that dealt with the alchemy.

That being said, I enjoyed the alchemy bits and wanted to know way more about the Hala and the other magical creatures that had been hunted down for the fame and magical uses. The political/religious aspects were interesting too. The romantic bits between Margaret and Wes on the other hand were kind of annoying. I am tired of the "I hate you but I need to work with you to achieve our goals" that turns into "I can't live without you and who cares about our goals."

Not bad for a second book but I think I liked her first one better.

Gorgeously written, incredibly romantic, magical - holy crap, I loved this book so much. From the 1920s-esque setting to Wes and his gaggle of sisters and Margaret and her desperation for her mother's love, A Far Wilder Magic is just an excellent story. It's all about love, people! And a magic fox hunt, sure, but mostly love! Stop everything and read this book, you won't regret it (also the audiobook is fantastic).

A Far Wilder Magic is a unique, epic young adult fantasy with a splash of romance.
The world that Allison Saft has created is unique and intricately crafted. As a somewhat casual fantasy reader, the level of depth of the worldbuilding was at times overwhelming. The beginning of the book had quite a bit of information for me to consume and interpret before the action begins. Once I pushed through that part, the book became compelling enough that I wouldn’t have been able to stop reading if you’d paid me.
The novel’s world is full of magic and mystery, and the writing style reflects this original approach. The book feels like it could be set in a present day world where magic reigns. There’s mention of modern technology, but the book has a bit of a medieval fantasy edge to the plot, setting, and language used. The author’s writing style, while antiquated, has quite a bit of dry humor and hilarious lines interspersed in the descriptive language.
Margaret and Wes don’t get along when they first meet, and this novel rapidly evolves from a fantasy epic into an enemies-to-lovers romance. Saft nicely blends these two genres, and those who aren’t fans of romance can still get lost in the book’s immersive world and the thrill of the hala hunt.
I recommend this book to those who enjoy captivating, description-laden epic fantasy novels with romantic subplots.

A Far Wilder Magic is an ambitious story that takes on a tad more than it probably should. I absolutely love the concept of the story, the characters, and their journeys so it is still worthy of a read - but it tended to often get bogged down in complicated backstory or side plots that ultimately distracted from creating a compelling and propulsive read.

Religious origins and family history, a romance, and desires of acceptance and belonging - are large themes that are intriguing and overall explored well throughout this story. It is a slow burn plot (which is not a negative per se for me) but coupled with the complicated details that ultimately were not necessary it fell a little flatter for me.

Deep in the pines, up a muddy dirt road stretched five long miles from town, sits Welty Manor. In it, Margaret Welty is barely alive. Sure, she’s breathing and taking care of the bare necessities for existence, but she isn’t living. Every day that her mother is gone, Margaret worries if this is the time Evelyn decides not to come back. Evelyn’s a renowned, though reclusive, Alchemist and her single-minded determination to succeed in her research has driven a wedge through Margaret’s very soul.

Weston Winters is an Alchemist… or he will be one day, if he can make it through an apprenticeship without being asked to leave. After the death of his father, he’s got four sisters and his mother to provide for. Very aware of his failures, Wes holds it all together under bright smiles and a cool tongue that has a talent for bending most to his will. His last hope is an apprenticeship with Alchemist Evelyn Welty. She hasn’t replied to his letters, but when he leaves the big city of Dunway and shows up at desolate Welty Manor, he’s convinced he’ll be able to talk Evelyn into taking him on. Of course, when smooth-talking Wes arrives on the doorstep to a house only occupied by the jagged-edged Margaret, he finds her a tough nut to crack.

Allison Saft’s sophomore novel, A Far Wilder Magic, is a haunting and atmospheric read set in Wickdon, a small rural town surrounded by the roaring surf of the coastline and in the shadow of the eerie pines. In it, Saft weaves delicate prose that conjure magic through the science of alchemy. The novel’s entire plot revolves around the Halfmoon Hunt, a fox hunt with a prize that promises to make all of Wes and Margaret’s dreams come true. They are at every disadvantage, including fundamentally misunderstanding each other. However, if Maggie and Wes can learn to work together and trust each other, they might just have a shot at killing the mythically lethal Hala fox that stalks the woods, finally fulfilling their deepest desires.

Underneath the fascinating plot involving the Halfmoon Hunt, Saft deftly constructs a world that mirrors our own, in ways that are often hard to read. Both Wes and Maggie are not members of the mainstream religion of their community, a community who boldly hold true to their bigoted views and openly demonize what they call an influx of immigrants. While neither Wes or Maggie are remotely devout, it does nothing to absolve their sins of simply existing from families who worship differently than the rest of the community. They are sabotaged and targeted at every turn, but together they become twin blades forged in fire, Wes more determined than ever to change the hate of their neighbors through a heroic win in the Halfmoon Hunt.

One of the most successful and satisfying aspects of A Far Wilder Magic is the fragile love that blossoms between Wes and Maggie. The character development happening in this novel is a slow burn that steadily intensifies. No insta-love here, just hard-won understanding through tough conversations and a methodical stripping of layer after layer of protective facades, erected to mask the mutual pain they both live with every day. Readers may find themselves poised on a knife’s edge, or looking down the double-barrel of a shot gun, as they devour chapter after chapter to see if Maggie and Wes will continue to choose each other or fall prey to the traumas of their past. As the full moon draws near, and the Hala’s mischief brings the entire town to a fever pitch, Maggie and Wes face more than just discrimination and insults, as the Hala and bigots threaten their very lives.

As a reader, I found A Far Wilder Magic to be an exciting page-turner that celebrated the small moments where characters overcame their personal faults. I often feel like novels are either placed in the category of “plot-driven” or “character-driven.” To me, this book lives firmly in the sweet spot of both. Saft’s dialogue between Maggie and Wes was vividly effective. It was easy to imagine Maggie’s annoyance with Wes’s antics and often easier to see through Wes’s false mask to the soft heart hiding behind it. A Far Wilder Magic is a fantasy novel I feel most would enjoy, though one that feels closer to reality than many would care to admit.

DNF @ 43%

While the premise was intriguing, the execution fell short. Unfortunately, Saft’s use of religious sects similar to that of the real world but with different names made it seem unoriginal. Furthermore, the use of alchemy as a magic system felt lackluster. I truly wanted to love this one, as Saft's previous novel, Down Comes the Night, was incredibly captivating. That being said, I did appreciate the themes of mental health and religious discrimination, as they are both incredibly prevalent and part of our history. I want to extend my thanks to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the early copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This was a different and unique story full of fantasy elements mixed with a grittiness that highlights its gothic undertones. What I’m basically saying is that this book had just a little bit of everything that you would want from YA.

The setting is probably the most impactful element in this story. It really enhances the plot and the characters are simply mirrors reflecting the desperation and gloom that surrounds them. There is a constant fog and mist that seems to hover over Wickdon. The constant attention paid to the description of the environment plays right into the challenges the characters face. The storms that roll in, the colors of the sky at dawn and dusk, the chill in the air, the water lapping at the beach, and unforgiveness of the 5 miles of forest that separates the Welty manor from the town.

Saft uses the powerful imagery to create the environment where her characters will thrive. Margaret Welty, abandoned by her mother to fend for herself, has lived a very secluded and private life having learned how to provide for herself and how to trust no one. She has been judged and treated poorly for the beliefs that are associated with where her family is from and to top it off she has seen only the negative sides of alchemy at the hands of her mother.

Enter Weston Winters, a determined young man who only wants one last chance to try to achieve his dreams of becoming an alchemist so that he can make changes in the world; however, he comes from the wrong side of the tracks per se and suffers the judgements and prejudices of being an immigrant. He is viewed as less than those native to the country and who follow the beliefs of the majority, the Katharist Church.

I loved these characters.They have been beat down and have seen the hardships and challenges of being judged and mistreated and poor. But, through it all they are also overlooked and for that, they are able to come from seemingly nowhere and challenge the status quo. They thrust themselves into the limelight as the Halfmoon Hunt comes to Wickdon.

The magical aspects of this book center around the alchemy but also around this mythical white fox called the Hala. For longer than the characters have been alive the Halfmoon Hunt comes long only when the Hala shows itself in the weeks leading up to the halfmoon. The Hala can only be killed on the half moon through weapons enhanced with alchemy. People enter the hunt in pairs and pay an entrance fee, but the reward money is enough to change lives. Wes sees the money as a way to save his family - his mother and sister, Margaret sees it as a way to try to win her mother’s love.

What I loved:
- World Building
- Slow Bur*n Romance
- Multiple POVs (Wes and Margaret)
- Strong female lead*
- Beautiful and warm writing style (even though there is a constant coldness, the writing makes you feel like you are wrapped up in a cozy blanket)

I loved this book! I think that it was the perfect mix of fantasy and young adult fiction. The themes are clear and powerful and relatable to everyone. Once again, we have a story with an animal that I absolutely love - Trouble, Margaret’s hunting dog. He too is an underdog in the hunt, being older than many of the others. The magical aspects were subtle as this wasn’t a story of witches or fae. That subtlety spread throughout the entire book which created a world, an event that I really didn’t want to end. The only negative thing for me was that there was so much build up to the hunt, that once it started it was over in just a couple pages. I wish that it was just a little more drawn out and built just a little more tension and suspense.

Overall, I highly recommend this book!

Thanks to NetGalley & St. Martin's Press for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

A Far Wilder Magic pairs a daughter of a famous and eccentric alchemist with a desperate alchemist-in-training who wants to train with her mother. Problem is, the mom has been missing for some time, so the two concoct a plan to convince the alchemist mom to stay by winning a local hunt--the prey, a magical hala fox thing that kills everything it sees. It's not a bad plan until they start to develop feelings for each other in the process.

Oh man, I could not take the slow pacing. Like, the concept of the book is cool enough but it sounds so dangerous to let this fox nature spirit run around killing the land and its people for a month before anyone's allowed to go and try to kill it. Like what? Tradition demands that y'all take weeks laying around while the fox is gallavanting killing trees & animals? Okay. Okay.

Soooo this book is actually more of a romance than an adventure/fantasy book. It's really just 99% romance with some background plot that doesn't really matter. I wanted more magic in a book about, well, magic. So I was disappointed on that front. I also didn't really like how slow-paced it all was...

This YA novel far exceeded expectations in its genre for me. There aren't high stakes (in the scope of not having a kingdom hang in the balance, but rather just the futures of our two protagonists) and focused on tenuous family bonds and helping each other work past personal trauma. For someone whose initial interest in this title was because I was a fan of the artist who did the cover illustration, A Far Wilder Magic was a wonderful surprise that didn't let me down.

Margaret Welty and Weston Winters each have their own reasons for joining the Halfmoon Hunt and wanting to slay the legendary divine fox known as the hala. Margaret hopes that the alchemical value of the hala will draw her absentee alchemist mother home for good. Wes, on the other hand, needs the prize money from winning the hunt to save his family from destitution.

They have to enter together-- one sharpshooter and one alchemist-- in order to qualify. Their relationship grows and changes as they both learn about the walls they've put up to protect themselves and the people they love from a harsh and prejudiced world.

Saft gives you just enough of what you need in regards to world building, character growth, magic, and representation, without info-dumping or hitting you over the head with a lesson or concept. The pace is slow to medium, but the pay off is well worth the wait.

This was a beautiful, nuanced tale about love, neglect, healing and family, as well as one about coping with racial and religious prejudice.

Allison Saft is just so good. She writes books that swallow the reader whole, wrings them dry, and spits them out, eternally grateful for the experience. This is such a beautiful story.
Full review to come on YouTube.

After finishing this book, it really gave me the vibes of The Scorpio Races. The sort of somber tone with the inhabitants doing their best to make life work in their town with a final culmination to something worth everything. Unlike that book which focused on the characters' attachment with the wild horses from the sea, this one is on the magic of alchemy and the interaction between individuals.

There's a lot of character build up and development in here. So much so that the characters I weren't particularly fond of became more tolerable by the end of it. (Well, except you know, the obvious one). I wish there had been more events in the plot to break up the gradual climb to the finish because most of the scenes focused on their day to day things. Or more of a focus on the hunt aspect since that was where things got really interesting.

I didn't really understand the religious aspect of it and the parallels the story was drawing from as I don't follow any of the ones referenced. So the conflicts both overt and subtle didn't click for me. However, the placement of the book did help shape the world the author created.

The writing is lovely with excellent descriptions. The alchemy bits were my favorite and who doesn't love a dog named Trouble?

I absolutely ADORED Allison Saft's first novel and couldn't wait to get my hands on this one. It did not disappoint.

The atmosphere reminds me of Maggie Stiefvater's style a lot, while the characters felt more whimsical and grounded. They were light in the way Dianne Wynne Jones writes.

The story manages to establish a lot of world building without overwhelming the reader. There is a bit of thinking that has to happen to keep the different religions straight but I really enjoy seeing religion in fantasy settings and thought it was done very well.

The conclusion had heart and power. Would highly recommend.

This one was a quite the ride. I adore how it manages to incorporate magic into the real world. The author writes about this new world so easily that it can almost feel natural. Added to this magnificent characteristic, the characters are spectacular.
The two main characters have their very own personality, and act according to it, in a ver real way. They were also charming, in their unique ways, making them likable to the audience. Since they were relatable to the reader, it was so much easier to care about them, to care about their struggles, and wishes. Therefore, the reader cares much more about the story and keeps wanting to continue reading the story.
There were twists indeed, but not such that misbalance the story completely. I felt like they were more like subtitle changes that made the story much more interesting.
I would recommend this one to young adults that enjoy romance, and magic.

Generally a good book, kept my attention. The story was great, characters well thought out, and the pacing was good. Overall, I enjoyed the book and would read more by this author!! Thank you so much for the ARC!