I loved this story! The slow burn romance, the character growth, the descriptions of the locations. It was fantastic. I enjoyed getting to know these two wonderful characters. They're both outsiders trying to do the best they can. The messages of love and hope lifted me up.
If you enjoy books about outcasts, alchemy, mythical creatures or slow burn romance check this one out.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I had high expectations for this book. The beautiful cover and reviews from others.

For me, the story telling was a little slow paced and I didn’t know what to think of Margaret and Wes until 45 percent in. It just didn’t fully click with me.

Beautiful world building and character development. I love how the two main character's stories slowly begin to intertwine. They're both very relatable characters with insecurities, fears and strength that really brings them to life. It had a slow start, but by the middle of the book I couldn't set it down. Definitely worth the read.

Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.

This book was very interesting and not at all what I expected. It is in a way a bit like a historical fantasy. There is quite a bit of religious and political themes that run throughout this book. Which adds an interesting backdrop to the characters' struggle. I liked the difference in family dynamics. The slow burn romance is to die for. I loved the alchemy and the vicious hunt that takes place. Overall, I enjoyed it. I just wish there was more world-building.

Allison Saft is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.

Her sophomore novel was just as enthralling as her debut, Down Comes the Night, and I can't wait to see where she goes from here.

Told from the POV of Margaret, a sharp-shooting, no-nonsense taking, fragile yet sturdy heroine and Weston, a big dreamer, even bigger flirt, and loveable alchemist. Though the two could not be more different, and their stubborn ways quickly make them butt heads, as their story progresses they realize that perhaps they aren't so different after all. These characters have so much depth to them, so much relatability.

Though the plot surrounds the fox hunt of the Half-Moon Hunt, at its core the book is so much more. Exploring themes of what love is and should be, loneliness and the feeling of belonging, and prejudice. While there is magic and laughs, this book offers so much more to its reader.

Saft's prose is not to be passed over. As with her debut, and book I absolutely loved, Down Comes the Night, Saft transports readers into her carefully crafted world of magic, though not so far from our own world and its many wonders and problems. Her writing is beautiful, plain and simple.

As always, we love a good slow burn, and Saft gives it to us once more! Weston and Margaret teach each other so much over the course of the book, and it's absolutely beautiful watching them and their love blossom--even if they are both incredibly stubborn. That may make it all the more endearing, to be honest. They are so careful with each other, their moments to pure and reserved, yet somehow still sent my heart racing many a time.

Filled with action and adventure, love, and many emotions, A Far Wilder Magic should find its way to the top of your TBR.

Allison Saft's second novel is a story that is tender, beautiful, and romantic. I absolutely adored this book! The writing was stunning, the characterization was incredible, and Saft has earned a spot as my auto-buy author.

In A Far Wilder Magic, Margaret Welty a sharpshooter and outcast teams up with Wes, a failed alchemist, to enter the Halfmoon Hunt to win riches and glory. Each character has their own stake for wanting to win and their journey was heartfelt and relatable.

Saft weaves a compelling narrative that is once magical and intimate. My favorite aspect of this book is the romance that blooms slowly across the pages. It's a romance not only to each other but for themselves as they learn just how incredible they are through the other's eyes.

I received an ARC from the publisher and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
A Far Wilder Magic is an evocative romantic YA fantasy. There’s an element of historical and religious allegory here to the world building, where it’s pretty clear that it’s meant to comment on the respective Irish Catholic and Jewish experiences with persecution in recent times. Whether that works for you, on a conceptual level or in execution is highly dependent on how original or distinct from reality you want your fantasy worldbuilding to be . I personally liked it, and while I can’t speak to the nuances of the rep, I did enjoy it and feel it made the statements about how they are ostracized by society in an interesting, yet compassionate way.
Margaret and Wes are both great characters in the way they are unified in their struggles with being “othered,” even if they are opposites in some ways, including their respective circumstances. However, that makes them work and play off each other well, and the slow-burning romance is filled with sweet moments.
Plot-wise, it is a bit slower moving. While the hunt is advertised as a big part of the book, it doesn’t become a major plot point until near the end. Up till that point, it’s more character-driven. Again, whether this will work for you is highly dependent on what type of reader you are.
This is an enjoyable read, and will appeal to those looking for a character-focused romantic fantasy.

Why did I enjoy this book? Hmmm where to start? 🤔. Slow burn romance, alchemy, small town setting, a dog … and that’s just the beginning!

“𝙉𝙤 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙨 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙪𝙧𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙤𝙡. 𝙉𝙤 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙡𝙮 𝙗𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙞𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧.”

—-

Margaret Welty is a girl living a lonely isolated life. Living on the outskirts of town in a manor that has seen better days, she is tasked with all the daily chores and upkeep while her Alchemist mother is away, not knowing when she is to return.

Weston Winters is a charismatic boy from a large family who is trying to make it as an alchemist, but after being fired from every apprenticeship he has been in, Master Welty is his last chance at making it. When he arrives at Welty Manor, he finds only Margaret and decides to wait out her mother in hopes of convincing her to mentor him, but Margaret makes it clear she doesn’t want him to be there.

As you can probably guess, Margaret finally gives in and let’s him stay on one condition; that he will join her in the Halfmoon hunt for the Hala, the last living mythical creature. Whoever is successful in killing the hala will win fame and will unlock an ancient mythical secret, and since Margaret is the best sharpshooter in town, she knows she has a chance.

As they prepare for the Hunt, Margaret and Wes realize they have more in common than they thought, and even thought they fight it at first, they are both drawn to each other in a way neither has experienced before.

—-

I thought the pacing of this book was just perfect. I found myself reading faster saying, ‘Come on! When are they going to realize they should be together?!’ 😂. I felt entwined in the characters lives and a part of their roller coaster of emotions. They had such different personalities but were able to compliment each other so well. The side characters were also interesting from Margaret’s nasty mother to the townspeople to Westons family of females.

“𝙃𝙚𝙧 𝙢𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙜𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙩𝙨, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙜𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨. 𝙎𝙝𝙚 𝙞𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙤 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙖𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚, 𝙨𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙪𝙣𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙣.”

I loved everything about the setting of the book! To the small town, the run down manor, the quaint hotel… it all just felt so cozy ☺️. Living in the city, I could see myself wanting to visit for a nice relaxing get away with only some books and a small suitcase holding only my essentials 🙌.

Overall I totally enjoyed this one and just fell in love with so many things about it. Look for this one out March 8th! I can’t wait to read more from Saft!

I give this one ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

“… or did you always love the memory of him more than you loved the reality of me?”

I am such a fan of Allison Saft’s writing! Down Comes the Night is a favorite and her sophomore novel, A Far Wilder Magic, has cemented my love for her work all while stealing my heart and maybe breaking it just a little, too.

Margaret is the daughter of an absent mother, an alchemist always off anywhere but with her. Margaret is left to fend for herself in a ramshackle yet oddly charming old manor on the outskirts of town. Margaret is no stranger to feeling outcast and lonely, but she’s got her trusty bloodhound, Trouble, and a host of skills that have helped her survive.

Raised with the legend of the Hala, Margaret has a different version of this legendary creature than those of the Katharist church. Her father believes it is a carrier of divine knowledge while others think it is a demon. When the Hala shows up in Margaret’s woods, she knows this is the sign that the Halfmoon Hunt will soon be here. Killing the Hala has great significance and would change Margaret’s life. Finding a partner will be her greatest challenge – until she meets Wes!

This is one of the sweetest romances that slowly unfolds amidst the danger of the hunt and all that that entails but it’s also about bigotry and classism, grief and loss, and bullying. The effects of all combining to make for a book that is hard to put down, was emotive as hell and just wrung my heart right out.

I cannot wait for what Allison Saft does next! Thank you to Wednesday Books and Netgalley for this gifted DRC.

A Far Wilder Magic
Rating: 4 stars
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC given through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

A Far Wilder Magic brings us a world where alchemy along with family relationships play a very important part in this story.
I really enjoyed reading this story. I was very entertained by how Margaret and Wes didn't stand each other, yet they both were able to find a way to work together. They joined each other's strengths and were able to stand up to those who had no faith in them.
I look forwards to reading more from this author.

Allison Saft is quickly becoming one of my all-favorite authors.

This books is beautiful. From the writing to the characters, it's stunning. I was captivated from the start, immediately falling in love with our two protagonists and their journey. I also especially loved the world-building. A Far Wilder Magic place in a fantasy world similar to the 1920's, but with alchemy and magical creatures like the hala. What I loved most was the political and religious themes in this book. Margaret is a Jewish-coded character, and Wes is Irish Catholic-coded, and both of them live in a primarily (fantasy version of) Christian society that frowns on both of their religions and the Banvish (this book's version of Irish people).

I can't speak to the Jewish rep, but as someone from an Irish Catholic family that immigrated to the US in the 20's, I can say it was spot on from the stories I would hear from my grandparents. YA fantasy has played with Irish folklore and culture before, but I can't put into words how excited I was when reading Allison Saft's interpretation.

This book is more than its world and magic, it's inherently a story about characters and their relationships, and damn does it excel at that. First, the romance. It's so cute and precious and I can't talk about it without squealing. But what I really want to talk about is the family dynamics. You have one character with a loud, chaotic, but over-all supportive family, but due to the recent loss of his father, he feels he needs to be strong for them. Then you have our other main character, who is neglected by her frequently-gone mother. She also suffers from trauma that occured because of her mothers obsession with alchemy. I really loved how this aspect of the story was handled. I personally have PTSD and loved how it was presented in this book.

I genuinely can't recommend A Far Wilder Magic enough. It an incredible novel that now holds a special place in my heart.

“For those with impossible dreams and for those who feel dreaming is impossible. There is so much waiting for you on the horizon.”

A Far Wilder Magic by Allison Saft is a young adult fantasy novel filled with a merciless hunt, a mythical creature, a magical secret, and a mesmerizing love. I was immediately intrigued by this book upon reading the synopsis, with this book quickly becoming one of my most anticipated reads of early 2022, and I was so happy that I was able to snag a digital ARC. And, overall, this book did not disappoint! See me gushing about our main characters, Margaret and Wes (my bbs), wishing to join a magical hunt, and daydreaming about living in a sleepy town. Time to go pick up Saft’s debut, Down Comes the Night , because I need more of Saft’s writing, worldbuilding, and characters in my life.

The Plot

Seventeen-year-old Margaret Welty lives in a rundown manor on the outskirts of town, spending her time shooting in the woods with her bloodhound, Trouble, maintaining Welty Manor, and waiting for her alchemist mother to return home. When Margaret spots the legendary hala, the last living mythical creature in existence, one night, she knows that the annual Halfmoon Hunt will soon follow. Whoever is able to kill the hala, who has escaped death for hundreds of years, will earn fame and riches as well as the potential to unlock a hidden magical secret. If Margaret wins the hunt, she may finally be able to bring her mother home. However, while Margaret is one of the best sharpshooters in the town, she needs an alchemist to accompany her and, with the town turned against her, the odds are not in her favor.

Enter Weston “Wes” Winters. Fired from every apprenticeship that he has landed and tasked with helping to provide for his mother and sisters, Wes isn’t an alchemist… yet, and his chances of becoming one and supporting his family hinge on Master Welty taking him in. However, when Wes arrives at Welty Manor, he is disappointed to find only Margaret, Trouble, and the ghosts of Margaret’s past. Margaret begrudgingly allows Wes to stay upon hearing of his situation and soon realizes that Wes may be the answer that she has been looking for.

Thrust into an unlikely partnership, Margaret and Wes soon begin to respect and care for one another, finding kinship in each other in both knowing what it is like to be an outsider. Wes is in awe of the girl who has survived alone in an empty home on the edges of a town that does not want her and is inspired by her resilience and strength despite the world around her. And, despite her best intentions, Margaret is drawn to Wes’ kindness, compassion, and sense of love. As the hunt looms closer and tensions (and feelings) rise, Margaret and Wes discover the dark magic that may be the key to winning the hunt and killing the hala… if they can survive that long.

The Worldbuilding

One of my favorite elements of this book would have to be the mesmerizing worldbuilding. A Far Wilder Magic promises a dreamy, atmospheric world filled with quaint seaside towns, encircling forests, mythical (and magical) creatures, deadly hunts, and complex alchemy, and it sure delivers! Saft makes the world of the novel come to life on the page—between the vivid, flowery descriptions, vast history (of both the world and the people within it), and detailed settings, it truly feels as though you are wandering the streets and forests of Wickdon with Margaret and Wes. Saft manages to craft a world that is as complex and detailed on the surface level (aka the physical world, namely the descriptions of Wickdon and Dunway) as it is on a more “internal” level (aka the history and background, namely of the various religions and types of people as well as of the hunt and mythical creatures like the hala). Although I am always a fan of fantasy novels filled with sprawling and detailed mythical and magical worlds, there is always something about worlds like the one Saft has created that I simply adore because they are so atmospheric. Saft’s worldbuilding slowly unravels as the novel progresses, albeit with a little bit of info-dumping in a few locations towards the beginning, until the world wraps you up like a warm blanket. Now, is it too much to ask to be transported to Welty Manor with Margaret and Wes? I mean, please?

The Characters

As per usual, the characters absolutely made this story for me. Saft crafts complex, dynamic, and multifaceted characters who you cannot help but love (or hate with a burning passion (yes, I am looking at you, Jaime Harrington)) and who slowly come into their own as the story progresses, showing off their true selves to the other characters and to us as the readers.

While the novel features an engaging plot, a mesmerizing atmosphere, and a wide variety of side and supporting characters (including Wes’ hilarious family made up of his mother and four sisters), the true stars of the story would have to be Margaret and Wes and their amazing character growth and progression. The dual, third-person POV chapters allow for us as the readers to really get a sense of both Margaret and Wes’ characters and to experience their growth first-hand through both external dialogue and accounts as well as internal thoughts and reflections which allows for their characters to come to life on the page. Like, Margaret and Wes (and their entire dynamic) literally own my heart. I mean, intriguing characters? Check. Slow-burn romance? Check. Grumpy x sunshine trope? Check. Their entire dynamic is simply perfection (I mean, that tension) and I enjoyed exploring both of their characters as well as their various relationships throughout the novel.

Margaret: I absolutely adore Margaret. She is such a brave, determined, resilient, and overall badass character (I mean, we always talk about the knife to throat trope, but have you heard about the gun to chest trope? Because Margaret owns it) that you cannot help but to root for throughout the novel. Plus, she enjoys reading, which is always a plus in my book (no pun intended). Spending most of her time living alone in Welty Manor with her mother either entirely absent traveling the world or shut away in her lab for days at a time (not to mention her brother dying when they were children and her father being out of the picture) and surviving on the outskirts of a town that hates her due to her heritage, Margaret has learned how to fend for herself and to ignore those (*cough* Jaime *cough*) who attempt to bring her down. It is difficult not to admire Margaret’s persistence and steadfast determination to accomplish her goals, namely entering the Halfmoon Hunt and trying to bring her mother home, even if it means acting against the town that has shunned her. I greatly commend and I enjoyed being able to witness Margaret’s character growth throughout the story, watching her begin to act in accordance with her own desires (instead of those of her mother), begin to open herself up to those around her, and begin to discover the type of person she truly wants to be and the type of life that she wants to live. As previously mentioned, I adore her relationship with Wes as well as her relationship with her hound, Trouble, especially seeing the different aspects of Margaret’s character that these relationships and dynamics bring out. I loved seeing her slowly begin to open up to and trust Wes (namely since Margaret is a very emotionally distant and reserved person overall), tearing down her walls and discovering how similar they truly are under the surface.

Wes: Wes Winters owns my heart. There, I said it. While he did annoy me at times (namely in regards to his early attitude towards Margaret and some of his actions in relation to her), I cannot help but love Wes’ selflessness, kindness, humor, and overall friendly nature, which acts in direct opposition to Margaret’s character and makes them work so well together (both as individual protagonists and romantically). Likewise, I enjoyed getting to see different sides of Wes’ character as the novel progressed and going underneath the surface of the flirtatious, friendly persona that he puts on and witnessing his true self beneath; like Margaret, Wes definitely possesses his fair share of troubles, between his father’s death, trying to provide for his family, and being fired from every apprenticeship that he has worked due to his trouble reading/dyslexia, but despite it all, he always attempts to remain positive and is literally the definition of a sunshine character. Also, I loved getting to explore Wes’ relationship with his family (I am always a sucker for a good family dynamic) and witnessing his various dynamics with each of his family members (I would die for Wes’ mother, she is so supportive and kind). I liked how Wes’ entire motivation throughout the novel is to provide for his family and to work to make their lives (and the lives of people like them) better, trying to do what he can, including becoming an alchemist with the hopes of entering the field of politics, to build a better future. I only wish that his family got a little bit more page time because I love them so much. In terms of his relationship with Margaret, I love how he grew to admire her resilience in the face of the world around her and how he works to bring out the best in her and vice versa.

The Writing & the Pacing

Can I just say that I absolutely adore Saft’s writing style; it simply pairs so well with the dreamy, atmospheric fantasy world that she has crafted. As previously stated, Saft has a way of writing that makes it feel as though you are interacting with the world alongside Margaret and Wes, which is strongly a result of her vivid descriptions and flowy, flowery language (in a good, very well executed way) that appear intrinsically as well as through the thoughts and dialogue of the characters (Wes describing the branches of the fir trees in Wickdon as looking like middle fingers literally, killed me and definitely paints a picture in your head as to what Wes is seeing). In a similar vein, I simply adore how Saft crafts her external and internal dialogue and how much how she writes this dialogue shows about character and capturing each character’s individual “voice.”

My only (slight) complaint when it comes to the writing, however, would have to be the pacing. The beginning of the story was a little slow and it took a bit for things to truly get going, which, in hindsight, does match the atmospheric world of the novel, but I just wish that things moved a tiny bit quicker. Likewise, the hunt itself does not occur until the last few chapters of the book and I really wish that we got to see more of it, especially considering that the hunt itself is one of the main selling points of the novel.

Conclusion

Overall, A Far Wilder Magic is a fantastic sophomore novel. Between the dreamy atmosphere, complex characters, intriguing plot, and slow-burn romance (my fav!), this book was everything that I could have wanted and more. Now find me curled up by the fire with a book and a mug of hot chocolate while rain patters gently against the windows and a record plays quietly in the background.

Winds blow and mists rise through the pages of Allison Saft’s gorgeously imagined world, where alchemists search for the key to immortality, magical creatures wreak havoc on the land, and a great hunt for the mysterious white fox promises riches if anyone succeeds in killing it – assuming they survive.

Margaret Welty, older than her years, is doing everything she can to keep her small corner of the world running – chopping wood, caring for the animals, keeping the memories of her family alive. Her mother, the famed and desperate alchemist Master Welty, is off on another research trip – and Maggie hasn’t heard from her in nearly two months. So the very last thing Maggie needs is another mouth to feed – especially not the one attached to Weston Winters, yet another young alchemist who wants to study at her mother’s feet. He’s confident and charming and he refuses to leave, despite the obvious lack of any Master Weltys around. They dislike each other instantly.

But the hala – a magical white fox that might be the key to unlocking alchemical immortality – has appeared in the woods nearby, signaling the start of the Halfmoon Hunt. Weston’s family could sure use that prize money; and perhaps Maggie’s mother would stay home for good if she had the hala’s magic to work with. They don’t have to like each other – they just have to work together to win the hunt.

This YA story is rich and complex, and the setting is as vivid and alive as the characters. If you’re looking for something lush and immersive and slow-burning, low-ish heat (although not chaste), you’d do well to pick this up.

I absolutely loved this title! I love a good slow-burn romance, but the book itself was fast paced and every second of it felt so immersive and magical. The writing in this was poetic, but it never felt like it was overstuffed with prose and it never took away from the experience of reading it.

More than anything, the characters in this are so compelling. Margaret and Wes are delightful to read from the first time you meet them, and it's been a while since I encountered a male lead that I loved as much as I love Wes. The snark and the valiance and the extravagance is so much fun, but his sense of justice and his desire to do good by and for others is moving to read. I also love a surly heroine very much, and I loved getting to experience Margaret and her growth as the main character in this. The two of them together are such a delight. Like I said - I love a slow-burn. I love the denial and the yearning and everything comes with it; I was so invested in these two it was painful.

There was a point in this that I was unsure of where the plot was going because it was feeling like the climax was approaching but certain plot points hadn't yet been explored. This feeling was short-lived, though! Everything connected in such a way that I had to put the book down more than once to absorb what I'd just read.

The climax of this book doesn't begin until around the 80% mark, and I blew through that last twenty percent of the book like I was running for my life. The tenseness of the atmosphere and the hunt had me feeling real life anxiety waiting to see what would happen, and the tenderness throughout this portion was overwhelming for me emotionally sometimes. I needed to put my head down more than once. I am recommending this book to everyone I know. Definitely one of my favorite reads so far this year!

OMG! this was sooo good! I was a huge fan of Allison Saft's debut, 'Down Comes the Night', so I was beyond excited for this one, and I was not disappointed. Rich worldbuilding, well-developed characters, and an impeccable plot. 5 stars.

**Thank you so much to Wednesday Books for gifting me an early ARC. My review is 100% honest.**

A Far Wilder Magic is like an autumn tea blossom slowly unfurling at the heart of a glass teapot, both wild and majestic in its beauty. While the true plot is the careful whittling away of armor, and slow healing of long festered wounds in the hearts of Margaret and Wes, it's set against the backdrop of a turn-of-the-century fox hunt that will make - or break - the careful dreams these characters have built for themselves.

Stakes are high, emotions are wrung from every carefully concealed crevice, and yet the story is so soft in its conflict. 

Rife with prejudice, bullying, and all manners of self-loathing, the conflict certainly packs a punch. But its edges are softened, favoring a carefully clever waltz between Margaret and Wes as they try to find their place in an uncertain world, and even more uncertain future.

I very much adored that softness to the story. While there certainly is magic -  displayed as a Fullmetal Alchemist-type alchemical system - there is none of the rough-and-tumble action-packed fights one would expect from a fantasy story steeped in that kind of power. 

Instead, the world feels so close to our own, even with a different time-period as inspiration (1920's America) and it still carrying all the trappings of a secondary-world fantasy.

When it comes to the characters, I truly am a sucker for a good grumpy-girl-gets-with-sunshine-boy dynamic, and this time has been no different.

Margaret is an interesting character, as while she is reserved, collected, and rather independent, she still oozes vulnerabilities. Her anger is like a quiet seethe, more fumes than roaring flames, more carefully tempered than all consuming of her personality. She is a character who closes herself off from others, yet also keeps her head down. She is cold, yet tries to make herself smaller to avoid confrontation. 

Then we have Wes who is every ounce of Margaret's opposite. When she is calm, he is chaos. Where she is organized, he is a disaster. While she is careful in her words, he is quick to swing. I have to say that Wes is definitely my favorite for these reasons. I love how expressive he is, how outgoing and hilarious he acts. He is a determined sort of stubborn, and a stupid kind of brave. All the best things I love in very chaotic characters. 

Allison did a fantastic job of making these characters feel so real and tangible, while helping them pull out the best (and sometimes the worst) out of each other. The way they tore open each other's wounds, but also helped heal over the hurt was magical in-and-of-itself.

There is a catharsis that lies deep within the words on the pages of A Far Wilder Magic. It soaks into every fiber of the reader's being. I couldn't help but be utterly devoted to Margaret and Wes' journey. I was anxious to see them compete in the fox hunt, to see if they would win - or lose - and what that would truly mean to them. To watch their wounds be laid bare, their hearts carefully puzzled back together, and their love to stitch closed re-opened hurts - it was beautiful, magical, and so utterly full of hope.

God I love Allison Saft. I read Down Comes the Night in a day. I loved the gothic vibe of that one and this second book was a major delight. It gave me total cottage core feels and I adored the main characters. Saft is now an instant buy author for me. Go read this!!

Thank you Wednesday Books for an eARC for an honest review.
4.25 stars
CWs: racism, violence, hunting, death

Wow, this book was so much more than I was expecting. It was a story about a girl who learned that she was able to have dreams, and that she was capable of being loved. It was a book about a boy who loves his family so much that he faces hatred and failure but still dreams of making a change. This book was amazing.
I did struggle a little bit with the writing style in the beginning, but once I got farther into it it felt easier to read. I was fully wrapped up in this story, and I was so drawn into the world that the author created. It was pretty slow-burn in terms of the plot and the romance. Most of the book is the build up to the hunt itself, but we get to meet the characters, learn about them, watch their relationship grow and change, and also watch them prepare for the hunt and face obstacles before they even get to the hunt itself. I didn’t mind the slow pace, and I still felt captured by the book and the story. And I really liked seeing the relationship between Margaret and Wes change. It felt realistic, and I was completely rooting for them.
Margaret was such an intriguing character. At her core she wanted her mom to notice and love her, and it was heartbreaking at times to see her character growth backtrack because of this. It felt very realistic, and I thought Margaret’s emotions came through really well. Wes was a very interesting character as well. He had so many layers and depths, that I liked seeing all the new sides to him uncovered during the book. I thought both characters were fantastic, and I really liked reading about them.
Overall this book was fantastic. I really enjoyed reading it, and I think the slower pace worked well to give me a chance to really get to know the characters and there were still exciting moments throughout.

this book.
holy shit this book.

The annual Halfmoon Hunt begins when the Hala is seen - a mythical creature the last of its kind wreaks havoc on the town until the Cold Moon. Margaret Welty, sharpshooter (also my sweet child who I will protect with my life) lives in an isolated manor away from town waiting for her mother to come back home from her alchemy research. For Margaret, entering the hunt and killing the Hala is the only way to get her mother back, and finally have a whole family again. However, she can't do this without an alchemist. Enter Weston Winters, aspiring alchemist is striving to be trained by Margaret's mother. Idealistic and stubborn - winning the hunt would essentially, save his family and his dreams. Not without their troubles, they enter the hunt together.

1) Allison Saft's writing? BEAUTIFUL. AWARD WINNING. she can craft a sentence - there is one in particular that I told my best friend that will stay with me.
2) I'm tired of seeing myself in books - if I have to walk away from a book crying because I relate just a little too much...idk what i'm saying i'm still going to read it. maybe this is a me thing but Margaret was just so incredibly relatable. I'm keeping her safe from Multiple people in this book.
3) i do love me some good worldbuilding and Saft just gets that so well - just like DCTN, I felt like I was stepping into a full formed world. Things made sense (things also made me want to pull my hair out in anger but...it was realistic)

all in all, i loved this book and i think it's going to be one of my favourites for the year

A Far Wilder Magic spins a tale of alchemy and magic, gods and monsters, and friend and foe in this new, wildly imaginative adventure.

Every autumn, the last living god-like creature, the hala in the form of a clever and cunning fox, emerges and brings havoc to the surrounding town, destroying crops and laying waste to the lands. Hunters and alchemists gather together to hunt this creature as an opportunity to gain wealth, power, and a chance for a better life. Small town girl Maggie and city boy Wes team up to take down the legendary creature but will their growing feelings for one another affect their odds at winning the hunt?

This book drew me in with the forestry atmosphere, small-town setting, and sweet romance. While this story was a slower-paced read and the majority of the plot happens at the end of the novel, I did enjoy the heartfelt and almost tender element to the friendship and developed romance between Maggie and Wes. It grew to be a great partnership, and you can’t help but love their adorable banter!

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