I loved this book so much! Allison Saft has such an amazing writing style, and a way of making the reader feel completely immersed in the world she’s created. Unlike a lot of fantasies, A Far Wilder Magic is set in a 1920s-esque world, so there is some more modern technology, which I really liked.
Margaret and Wes were such great characters! Although they had very different personalities, they both valued family above all else. I loved seeing them go from disliking each other, to trusting each other hesitantly, to falling in love.
I also really liked the fox hunt aspect of the plot. It’s not something you see every day in fantasy, and the fox being a deadly, potentially evil mythical creature made it even more interesting.

A Far Wilder Magic is a great fantasy story that I really enjoyed. Maggie and Wes are great characters who you will like from the very start and root for till the very end. This story will grab you from the start and you won't be able to put it down.

I absolutely loved A Far Wilder Magic! Saft has created a suspenseful, original, and compelling story that captivated me from the first page. If I’m being honest, as soon as I saw the cover and the author, I knew I wanted to read A Far Wilder Magic. The cover is gorgeous, and I loved Saft’s debut novel Down Comes the Night. After this read, Saft is most definitely an auto-buy author for me. It is contemporary Gothic literature at its finest!

Much of the story revolves around a hunt that Margaret Welty, a skilled archer, wants to participate in. When Margaret sees one of the last mystical creatures in the world, she knows that it will be hunted in the Half Moon Hunt. Determined to enter the competition, she tries to convince Weston Winters, a young man who has come to receive alchemy training from Margaret’s absent mother, to enter the hunt with her. Both enter for different reasons, and both are determined to win, no matter what their religion and personal beliefs are. The pair grows closer, and as they prepare for the hunt, they realize that dark magic might help them succeed. However, they have to survive the dangerous hunt first.

Saft’s use of imagery, symbols, and personification are exceptional, and I love the rich, atmospheric, and Gothic feel of the story. When I think of Gothic literature, I think of haunted settings that are dark, ominous, and often relate to the mood of the story, supernatural or paranormal elements, heightened emotions, a touch of romance, an anti-hero, and a damsel in distress who is emotionally or physically trapped. A Far Wilder Magic has all of this and more.

Rife with romance, suspense, myth, and magic, the setting has a bleak greyness that instills a feeling of mystery and foreboding. Margaret’s house, which is desolate and almost a character in itself, has a haunted, abandoned feel to it. Filled with the memories of Margaret’s past, it is a shell of a home, and Margaret’s emotional ties to it trap her there. Margaret’s flashbacks and nostalgia for better times also add to the eeriness and Gothic feel, as do the supernatural elements, mythical creatures, alchemy, family secrets, intense encounters with antagonistic peers, religious prejudices, and more.

There are so many interesting and dynamically developed characters in the story, especially Wes and Margaret. Wes is a young man that is determined to make a difference and prove his worth. He has a wonderful outlook on life and doesn’t let doubt and other people’s negativity stand in his way. Wes is so charming and authentic, and I love how he slowly grows on Margaret. Margaret puts a new spin on the classic Gothic damsel in distress. Though she is isolated and abandoned by family and bullied and mistreated by peers, she is also strong and brave. A fighter and a survivor, Margaret is lonely and longs for connection but is also wary of being vulnerable and opening herself up to others. There is a fierceness to Margaret that I love and a tenderness and vulnerability that is moving.

The point of view switches between Wes and Margaret throughout the story, which I like. Margaret and Wes are both compelling characters, as different as they are alike. Wes is from the city, and Margaret is from the country. Wes has a larger family, and Margaret is alone. Margaret depends on herself, and Wes has many depending on him. Wes is charming and social, and he knows how to win people over. Margaret is much more solitary and introverted, and she struggles to form connections with others. They share similar feelings of loneliness, entrapment, and ostracization, even though their circumstances are quite different. The dual perspectives throughout the story highlight these similarities and differences and create wonderfully rich and well-developed protagonists.

The love story between Margaret and Wes is slow-building and wonderful. There are some incredibly swoon-worthy moments in the story, and I love how their relationship slowly builds over time. Both are overwhelmed by their unexpected feelings, and neither relishes the idea of being vulnerable. Both have put up some major walls, and it’s lovely to see these two people with such complicated lives slowly break those walls down and find comfort, strength, safety, and trust in each other. I love relationships that start begrudgingly and gradually build into something more. The relationship between Margaret and Wes is layered and strong, and the myriad of feelings that each goes through while their relationship evolves is so well done.

The is a fantastic novel that I would recommend to readers who like intriguing YA fantasy with exceptional writing, dynamic characters, strong Gothic elements, and a slow-building romance. The story also has memorable and relatable themes, including duty versus desire, religious persecution and prejudice, making a difference, knowing one’s worth, and more. Saft’s writing immerses the reader into vivid and captivating worlds that I love to get lost in and introduces characters that I love to root for. Thanks so much to NetGalley, Wednesday Books, and Allison Saft for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. I can’t wait to read more by this brilliant author!

A peculiar read. This book takes place in a 1920s inspired or timeless world where every so often, there is a hunt for a mysterious creature known as the hall. The winner who kills the hala will receive glory and riches beyond their wildest dreams. For the two leads, Margaret and Weston, killing the hala means something greater. It would give Weston the chance to prove himself as an alchemist, and Margaret an opportunity to bring her mother home- one she hasn’t seen in months. A Far Wilder Magic is a disarmingly interesting read. With little to no explanation, the reader is dropped into the world of magic and intrigue with mystical creatures and people who manipulate the essence of nature. Add in main characters with a shrouded backstory and a hunt that seems too good to be true, A Far Wilder Magic seems like a story that would fall apart at the seams, however, these mismatched elements come together in a mosaic of fantasy that inspires all of us to dream- no matter how big. Despite its glamour, A Far Wilder Magic takes its time. The first half of the book moves at a dulling slow pace that makes it difficult to engage with the book, but for the reader that can stick with it, it’s a great read. I recommend this for people who enjoy fantasy and complex characters.

This book!! I loved DOWN COMES THE NIGHT and I was so thrilled to get to read this one early as well. It utterly surpassed all expectations. The more modern contemporary fantasy setting was much more my vibe and the world was so rich - from folklore to religion to magic to culture that it felt impossible to put down. (I really did finish this book in like, a day.)

I loved the Jewish main character, and the religious themes throughout. Watching Margaret and Wes both grapple with their identities felt so real and compelling. Margaret was such a wonderfully prickly heroine and her relationship with Wes was the BEST of the sunshine/grump dynamic. The romance in this book is **chefs kiss** So much yearning and longing glances and soft touches!

I will read everything Allison writes forever.

This is a story that drips with romance and magic, myth and legend... and everything in-between. This is a great book to dive into and devour in one sitting by the warm fire. Thank you for the e-arc!

I read the majority of this book through tear-filled eyes. Yet I didn't want to put it down. Poignant and heart-wrenching. A story about two young adults figuring out how to love and be loved while dealing with incredibly mature problems set in a rainy, seaside town filled with religious prejudice. Magic, alchemy and a sense of unease follow you through this captivating book.

*ARC provided to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review* Margaret is a loner in her small town, while city boy Wes is accustomed to a bustling family and an equally busy city. While the two may be foils of each other in many ways they understand each other through being outcasts due to their beliefs and the impact that loss can hold. With a strong female lead who has many strengths including her strong will and independent streak and an equally respectable male lead these characters are sure to not disappoint. With that being said I think some of the pacing could’ve been improved, with the actual hunt only taking up the end of the novel. Overall this book is an atmospheric and romantic tale and I highly recommend it for anyone looking for their next read. 4/5 stars!

my review was posted on both goodreads and my instagram both available in my bio information on 7/25/21.
thank you for the opportunity to read this book!

*Thank you Netgalley and publisher for the chance to read this book and for exchange an honest review*

I have not yet read Allison Saft's debut book Down Coms the Night, and after reading A Far Wilder Magic I really, really want to dive right in. I absolutely LOVE Saft's writing. The story is whimsical, intriguing, and almost cinematic. I love the alternating chapters between Weston Winters, a failing student in alchemy, and Maggie Wetly, the daughter of a renowned Alchemist who leaves Maggie to her own devices. Weston has left home and after failing miserably and getting expelled multiple times from school he travels to Evelyn Wetly's home to prove his family wrong. Maggie Wetly is living on her own while Evelyn is travelling for research. Maggie is dealing with the loss of her father and brother and wanting to prove something of her own when a Hunt begins for the mystical and dangerous creature: the hala appears. Both Wes and Maggie join the hunt and nothing is what it seems to be.

I love this book and highly recommend anyone who loves any kind of YA fantasy and slow burn romance. I definitely plan on re-tracking my steps and reading Allison's debut book as soon as possible.

5 stars

5 STARS. MY FAVORITE FANTASY READ THIS YEAR POSSIBLY?

A Far Wilder Magic is truly the YA fantasy I never knew I needed. I've never in my life felt so immersed into the atmosphere and setting of a book. This book was brilliant, Allison Saft created a world and characters that are so memorable I feel I may never be able to forget this book and just how amazing it was.

The characters are no doubt the reason I loved this book so much. The dual POV was so well done, and by the end I really felt so close to Weston and Margaret, their development was just flawless. I often feel like dual POV's result in dull and flat characters, but that was not the case here at all. How could I leave out Trouble?? As soon as I found out there was a dog in this book I was already a goner. Maybe he was my favorite character.

The romance the author created in this book was also insane. So many books within this genre that I read seem to have insta-love right off the bat, luckily that was not what happened here. I actually could feel the moments when they truly started to like one another, and it wasn't just random, all of the moments leading up to it actually made sense. They were able to find comfort together due to shared trauma, and their dynamic just made so much sense, it started off as a partnership in hunt and through it they were able to discover so much more. This made for some crazy chemistry between the two, and the slow burn of it all made it even more entertaining.

The plot itself felt unique and original to me, I'm glad all the different aspects of the hunt were included, it made it all super easy to understand. The alchemy was also had so much depth to it, while still staying understandable. The last few chapters?? The stakes were so high I could barely keep reading. Everything ending up be very fitting in the ending though. I was actually so sad when I finished this, I didn't want it to end, and I will surely be rereading.

PLEASE check this out when it releases on March 8th, 2022. You will not want to miss this masterpiece of a book. I had an amazing time reading this, and I'm positive so many others will too.

Lastly, Thank you to St. Martin's Press (Wednesday Books) for providing me with this eARC via NetGalley exchange for an honest review. I've seriously loved every book I've read from this publisher, I definitely recommend checking their books out.

Heart bounding, vicious hunt of one of the most dangerous, legendary, mystical creature with magical alchemy touches and slow burn- sweet romance between reserved, tough, neglected heroine and sweet, chevalier, good hearted, talented hero! I’m sold! Actually I was already sold when I saw Allison Saft’s name and this vivid cover which is definition of pure magic! Isn’t it so fabulous?

Margaret Welty is lone fighter, outcast of town, mostly spending her time alone in Welty Manor located in Wickdon. She already lost her father, brother and her mother dedicated herself to her researches, spending most of her time out of town, leaving her daughter by herself in the manor full of ghosts, trembling in cold, befriending her bloodhound Trouble, compelling living conditions for her own age.

Every child on Wickdon raised on legends of the hala. As Katharist church painted it as a demon, Margaret’s father has second thoughts. That’s the first time she realized her family’s different approach against church’s doctrines. She’s daughter of Yu ‘adir and they believe the Hala is sacred creature, carrier of divine knowledge.

As soon as she meets the legendary creature in front of her house when she is all alone, trying to protect herself along with her bloodhound she’s responsible of, she realizes Halfmoon Hunt will follow sooner. Killing the hala means earning high reputation, fame and it also means to unlock an ancient magical secret.

Margaret can join the hunt with her excellent shooting skills but she cannot get too far with an accomplice who must be an alchemist!

But luckily her prayers are already answered. Young Weston Winters appears in front of the mansion door, requesting to be apprentice of her mother after being fired each apprenticeship he’s landed lately. He has to take care of his mother and his sister. Working with Margaret’s mother is his last chance. Wes knows he possesses some innate magic.

He has a quiet powerful effect on people. When he speaks people always listen. He’s not alchemist yet. He doesn’t come from wealthy family and he’s undereducated but he is talented enough to fight for his last chance even though Margaret is too stubborn let him pass the mansion’s threshold.

Wes’ honest talk about his family situation warms her heart and she finally let him wait for her mother’s return but as soon as she realizes he has enough talent to help her join the hunt, she finally asks for his help.

They’re definitely unlikely team: Margaret is quiet fighter, survivor who endured to live in the outskirts for a long time. Wes already impressed by her bravery. And even though Margaret was quiet anxious to spend more time with him at the same place, she finds herself drawn into his kindness, genuineness.

But the high tension, dangerous hunt in the woods may result with unleashing dark magic! Whether they survive from the merciless conditions of nature, could they defeat the dangerous effects of dark magic which will risk their lives?

It’s action packed, exciting, well executed survival- enchanted alchemy story with sweet romance vibes! I truly enjoyed it! I’m looking forward to read next works of Ms. Saft!

Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press and Wednesday Books for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.

A compelling and beautiful fantasy read with two main characters who will steal you heart.

Margaret is desperate to earn her mother’s love. Despite the fact the only thing Evelyn Welty seems to care about is alchemy. Alone, Margaret tries to keep her crumbling home and heart together.

Westin Winters is the son of immigrants and could charm you out of your socks. He’s a failed alchemist apprentice, but he’s not giving up. Despite his family’s indigent circumstances. He shows up at Margaret’s door and wants to be her mom’s apprentice. Wes struggles with reading, but it very smart.

The religion, nationalities, ethnicities of Albion are a part of the unique world-building; but still feel relevant to our society today. The time period felt 1920-ish to me with plenty of fantasy thrown in; and a glittery condom. The hunt for the mythological fox is intense, but it’s ultimately the character development that is the main aim. I also adored Wes’s family and the romance.

This book really sets your heart pounding with its sweet romance. I loved the main characters and there journey together. The book was entertaining and heart stopping. Overall great book!