I think this was just a case of an interesting concept not being executed as well as it could have been. I was really intrigued by a lot of the elements of this story but ultimately the writing wasn't very strong. The plot has some pacing issues. The world building was fine, but I think it needed more atmosphere and the characters and the dialogue needed more work. I was looking for more depth and impact. This was the most apparent in the romance unfortunately. I really think this has potential to be a really good story but in my opinion it needs to bake a little bit longer.

My favorite part was the fox spirit, naturally.

The story was written well enough but maybe felt a little too rushed and underdeveloped. The characters felt a little flat but the overall plot had potential.

I really, really enjoyed this! The romance had me by the THROAT, I loved Cassia and Zeru very much. Team Turnip!! I thought the first half was stronger than the second, as it seems like there was just a lot of plots converging and I wasn’t always sure what was happening, but their relationship kept me interested. There’s a lot of worldbuilding that could be explored further. I also loved the world in the clouds and Gutel and Voz! I’m not too sure what the rest of the series will look like, but I’ll be definitely checking out the next book!

They said it all with Holly Black meets Sarah J. Maas. I think those that have exhausted their romantasy options will be pleased for this addition to the genre. The characters are complex and the world building is fantastic. You will love the strong female lead as she navigates finding herself and determining her own moral values. The romance is a slow burn but well written.

Let me call it now. This book is going to be ALL THE RAGE when it comes out! A dark fairytale of a story with the most incredible world building and characters that draw you in from the start! The romance is a delight (enemies to lovers), but the story AROUND the romance is what will keep readers invested!

In this adventure fantasy, two children of opposing people meet and become friends. When the young boy Zeru gives Cassia a ring that he finds in his mothers jewels, he unwittingly starts a war between the different groups. After many years and battles, Zeru needs to get the ring back to restore his family's honor, but Cassia needs the ring to win her father's approval. Will either get what they desire?

The story was very engaging and kept me turning pages to find out what happens with Zeru and Cassia. Their enemies to lovers story was well paced and very tasteful. Readers will be able to empathize with both Zeru and Cassia and the issues they deal with. While this book is marketed as YA, I would not hesitate to place it in a 6-8 middle school. The romance consists of kissing and there are not any language issues. Overall, I enjoyed the book and look forward to more.

I've previously read Elly Blake's Frostblood Saga and I can say without a doubt that "The Forest King's Daughter" has surpassed my great love for it. Cassia and Zeru's tumultuous journey from friends to enemies to lovers truly captivated my heart and made my heart race with excitement and anticipation! I greatly look forward to Elly Blake's next adventure in the Thirstwood series!

I really enjoyed this book!! The plot was so interesting and full of adventure that I was never bored. The author did a great job with character development because I was full invested in there stories. I will be recommending this book to all of my friends and family.

I enjoyed this book so much.
Such unique and vivid world building, a dark fairytale like setting that sucks you in. A destined princess and demon boy with a complicated relationship but fated hearts. The characters were so well developed. I loved Cassia and Zeru as well as her sisters.

The childhood friends to enemies to more is one of my favorite tropes, so was a sucker for this.

Plot was also very interesting kept you on the edge of your seat and felt like I the romance wasn’t the only aspect of the book which I always enjoy.