After the Forest, the debut novel by Kell Woods, is a dark and enchanting tale that explores the aftermath of a childhood filled with magic and a young woman's struggle to find her place in the world. Set in a village full of superstition, the story follows Greta and Hans, who are struggling to make ends meet in a post-war world where people are starving.

Greta has a secret that has helped her keep her small family afloat – a witch's grimoire that she's had since childhood, with a recipe inside that makes the best gingerbread in the world. But her baking skills, combined with the rumors about her past, make her a source of gossip and suspicion in the village.

As dark magic returns to the woods, Greta's magic may be the only thing that can save her, but it's also the one thing that could lead to her demise. Woods' writing is evocative and immersive, with a vividly realized world that feels both magical and dangerous. The characters are complex and flawed, and the plot is full of twists and turns that keep the reader engaged until the very end.

After the Forest is a hauntingly beautiful story that explores the repercussions of a childhood steeped in magic, and the power of love, family, and forgiveness in the face of darkness. Kell Woods has crafted a remarkable debut that will stay with readers long after the final page.