So many twists and turns! I loved not being able to predict what was going to happen next.
I felt like there were a bit of questions I still had at the end that I wish were answered in the story though.

I loved Small Favors and House of Salt and Sorrows so you can imagine how excited I was to receive an ARC for Craig’s adult debut but somehow it didn’t quite hit for me. As always, Craig is an absolutely master at writing atmospheric novels with a thread of horror but something felt like it was missing with the characterization and the plot this time around.

Erin A. Craig is another autobuy author for me. Her previous books include, “A House of Salt and Sorrows” and “The Thirteenth Child",” among others. She excels at setting a mood, usually a spooky, gothic kind of mood. “A Land So Wide” continues this but adds an old west flair, that works really well here. Greer is a young woman living in a small town that’s being protected from the horror of the Bright-Eyeds by the Benevolence. When circumstances of the protection change and Greer learns some unexpected truths, she heads out on a journey outside the town to save everything she knows.

You know I work hard to remain short, sweet, and spoiler-free so, if you enjoy frontier fiction that’s got a spooky, otherworldly vibe; I think you should check this one out.

This was a great immersive fantasy.

I loved the style of writing - we got glimpses of the history and founding of the settlement, while following the main story of a girl living there in later years. The world building is clear and believable and I quickly grew to like Greer and hope for her. I loved her pluck and determination to forge her own path.

The creatures created in this story are scary but fascinating. I enjoyed the slow build and reveal of them, and of the depths of their lore.

I found the ending disappointing and satisfying and hopeful and sad all in equal measure. It was a great end to the story, and I appreciated the messiness of it.

Thank you to Pantheon and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

As a longtime fan of Erin A. Craig, I was excited to dive into A Land So Wide. Set in the eerie town of Mistaken, the story follows Greer, a mapmaker torn between duty and desire, who embarks on a dangerous quest to save the boy she loves from supernatural forces. The atmospheric setting, emotional stakes, and haunting lore drew me in immediately. However, the pacing slowed in the second half, with predictable plot twists and a more subdued horror tone compared to Craig’s previous works. While not my favorite of hers, the ending was beautiful and left me hoping for a sequel. I still enjoyed the journey.

Erin A. Craig has quickly become one of my favourite authors. I often find myself craving an eerie, unsettling, haunting book, and she is the author I gravitate toward the most during these periods. The downside is that I have already read and reread all of her previous novels, so imagine my excitement when I discovered that her new novel was on NetGalley and that I had been approved to review it. A very heartfelt thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for gifting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed A Land So Wide. I had read a few reviews from readers who felt the first half was strong but thought the second half fell flat. Personally, I had the opposite experience. I felt the book had a slow start, introducing us to the protagonist Greer, to Ellis, and to their town and traditions. But after the 40 percent mark, Erin A. Craig expands this quiet little town into something much larger and more haunting, completely upending everything we thought we (and the protagonist) knew.

I think the plot is perfectly crafted, even if it is a little tamer and not quite as creepy as her previous young adult novels. Her writing, as always, is exquisite, though I did find the first two chapters a bit strange in tone. Perhaps she was feeling slightly hesitant about building a new world or writing her first adult novel. Whatever the reason, after those initial chapters, her signature style returns in full force, flowing beautifully from page to page.

However, there is one element that I did not love and feel I have to mention. Greer, the protagonist, is twenty-seven years old, but she often does not act her age. At times, she comes across as immature and overly naïve, especially in how she handles conflict with her best friend and in her belief that simply loving Ellis, and (maybe) being loved in return, will solve all their problems. Her character could have used a bit more refinement in this regard.

Overall, I must say that Erin A. Craig has a rare gift for crafting stories that are both haunting and breathtakingly beautiful. Her writing feels like stepping into a dark fairytale: lyrical, eerie, and utterly unforgettable. There’s a quiet kind of magic in the way she captures the unsettling and makes it exquisite, and I know I’ll return to her stories again and again.

I really liked this book. I can't wait until I can read the next book by Erin A Craig. Four out of five stars from me as I was wanting just a bit more.

In no way, shape or form did I know where this story was heading. M. Knight Shyamalan's The Village meets Jennifer L. Armentrout's From Blood and Ash. I was transfixed, BEWITCHED by the characters and the atmosphere created by Erin A. Craig. The new/old world, cold and chilling lore creeped into my bones. What an incredibly dark enchanting, spine-chilling read.

Trapped in a Canadian wilderness settlement with the rest of her community, Greer Mackenzie wants nothing more than to wed her true love Ellis and explore the great unknown beyond the familiar land of her home, Mistaken. However, she must make it back within the borders of her village each night before sundown or the village's protective warding stones will drag her or anyone, willing to test curfew, back behind the town's border.

The town survival depends on the protections laid in place by the original settlers and the mysterious "Benevolence" of the surrounding forest. In return for a tithing sacrifice, The Benevolence protects the village from the horrors of the forest, especially the "Bright Eyeds." The town's lore speaks of the haunting creatures as simply murderous beings out for flesh. This knowledge alone keeps the town of Mistaken peacefully behind the wards. Until one night, everything changes and everything they knew to be true shatters.

Greer is forced to discover the truth of the original treaties and what is actually required in order to save the thing and people she cherishes the most. Along the way, she discovers so much more than the knowledge she seeks.

I absolutely DEVOURED this book. It was eerie, romantic and paced so perfectly. The mystery kept unfolding until the very last page!

“Even if you don’t make it out alive, the world needs to.”

Erin Craig does it again with A Land So Wide!
A weaver of untold fairy tales in yet another unique atmospheric novel,

Mistakes were made in the making of Mistaken. Greer takes us on a journey of morale convictions from beginning to end. A Land so Wide takes you for a ride with what I would say is an enjoyable take on the Trolly Problem..

Getting to step back in to the story of Mistakens’ settlement was a fun touch, keeping Greers story on topic while delivering back story that may or may not be known to the FMC.

I had a great time and continue to marvel at Erin Craig’s creative mind.

A Land So Wide marks Erin A. Craig’s fifth novel, and it's another haunting addition to her growing collection of gothic-tinged stories. I’d call this Dracula meets The Village—dark, atmospheric, and dripping with a creeping dread that builds beautifully. The opening chapters immediately pulled me in, giving me the same eerie undertones I loved in House of Salt and Sorrows. Craig is a master at crafting that slow-burning terror—the kind that makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up and keeps your mind buzzing long after you’ve put the book down.

The atmosphere is everything in this book. The mysterious Bright-Eyeds and the ominous Benevolence that haunt the dark forest surrounding Mistaken give the story a mythic, almost fairytale-like edge, while still remaining deeply unsettling. Craig plays with the fear of the unknown so well—you can feel the isolation, the quiet horror, the ever-present sense of watching eyes in the trees.

Greer, our protagonist, is where things got a bit frustrating. At 27, her naivety and lack of awareness felt more fitting for a much younger character. As readers, we’re able to connect the dots far earlier than she does, and it was hard to stay patient as she remained blind to some very obvious truths. Her privileged life, protected by her father’s position as the town's mill owner, also distances her from the struggles of characters like her best friend Louise, which adds to her lack of depth early on.

Additionally, Greer’s inability to fend for herself—especially as the story builds toward its climax—left the final act feeling flat. Her helplessness during key moments in the forest, especially while searching for Ellis, made the ending feel more grueling than gripping. I wanted more growth, more resilience, and a bit more fire from her as things unraveled.

That said, I still really enjoyed this story. The setting, the tension, and the monster lore were fantastic. Craig never fails to deliver a deliciously creepy tale, and A Land So Wide is no exception. If you love your gothic horror with a side of folklore and slow-burn suspense, this is well worth the read.

The beginning had me intrigued and then it fell flat. I felt either book was too wordy i was getting distracted by other things it didn't keep my attention.

Erin Craig has done it again (and by "it" I mean "rip my heart and brain to shreds in a few hundred pages")... From the isolated town that lives up to its name to the vast Canadian wilderness and all the creatures it holds, you go through this heroine's journey wondering what's creeping after you (and if that something is named Finn, you can let it tag along 😉).

I wasn't expecting to fly through it so quickly, but everything in the first half--the town, the characters, the weird rituals they've set up--made me turn each page wondering if I'd figure out what was wrong with everyone, and the second half brought all the supernatural weirdness to the front, so I was turning the pages for very different reasons.

I'm going to go stare at a wall and see if I can process chapter 45 🫡

The more and more I read of Erin R. Craigs' books, the more and more I like them. Except for the rushed ending of course. BUT does it feel rushed because I liked the book? Because I expected just a bit more? Probably.. I did want more of this book. I did expect more.. It was still a good book. I really liked that Greer was a 27 year old and not 17 and expected to save the world. I mean, she was expected to save 'her world', but yeah. I liked it. Thank you to NetGalley and The Knopf, Pantheon, and Vintage Catalog for this digital ARC.

I am going to be honest: This is Erin's adult debut but I couldn't really tell the difference between this and her YA books, because her YA characters have always read mature to me. Maybe a little more gore? Either way, Erin A Craig is an auto buy author for me. I love the way she does FMCs establishing themselves, seeking autonomy, challenging expectations. And gothic/creepy mysteries are always going to keep me engaged. If you ever wanted a version of The Village where the monsters were real, this is the book for you! Can't wait to own a physical copy when it comes out in September!

This story had potential but fell a little flat for me. I think there should have been something more with the pacing. It just was ordinary but a well written fantasy.

It is with a sad heart that I am writing this review. I have loved so much from this author, truly. However, the ending did not do it for me. I was so let down by the direction and repeat scenes that I can't help but give this a much lower rating than all of her other works. Part of me wonders if she is putting out so many book, that she is rushing stories. I don't know but whatever the case, this one did not work for me.

Thank you to Netgalley & the publisher for this e-arc.

This was the first story I’ve read by this author, and it certainly won’t be my last.
It had a M. Night Shyamalan flavor throughout but with more beautiful writing.
The society, scenery, and characters were richly detailed, emotionally engaging me with a blend of wonder, humor, horror, adventure, romance, suspense, action, and drama. This story truly encompasses it all.
I don’t often find time to read for pleasure, so I was delighted to have chosen this one.
I clicked on it out of curiosity because of its bland cover, but after reading the blurb, I was hooked and cozied up with it for my weekend escapism.
A LAND SO WIDE was a refreshing change from the many historical novels I usually read. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a magical journey away from reality.

I am a huge Erin Craig fan and overall this book was enjoyable. This author has always been a genius at creating settings and atmospheres in her books that are incredibly immersive and transports the reader. A Land So Wide follows Greer Mackenzie, who lives in the village of Mistaken. Mistaken is surrounded by a ring of stones that protects the townspeople from violent and dangerous creatures that live in the woods beyond the boundary. Greer is able to hear far better than the average person and has started to hear a strange voice on the wind. During a town event, Greer sees her beloved Ellis wander out into the woods after sunset. She then is determined to venture into the woods to find him and bring him home despite the inherent dangers before her. There were a few things that the book was lacking in that prevented me from rating it the top 5 stars. I found the major twists in the book to be a bit predictable, such as the reason behind Ailie's death or where her magic was located. In general, I didn't really connect to any of the side characters which tends to help me get through a book. This was an interesting setting and I enjoyed the Bright-Eyeds concept. However, the overall pacing of the book was a bit slow for my personal preferences. Thank you for the opportunity to read this novel in advance!

I have mixed feelings on this one. Let’s start with the good - the setting!!! I felt like I was right there in Mistaken. This is the perfect read for late fall into early winter.
I just was a bit disappointed by the end (I wanted the opposite outcome, iykyk). And either way, the ending just felt a bit rush. I was like 95% through thinking, how??
It definitely had a slow start, but was captivating. My favorite part were all the times with Finn.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

hank you Netgalley for this ARC!

Nearly four stars! After The Thirteenth Child left me disappointed, I was itching to give Erin A. Craig another chance (I’ve loved the rest of her work!).
This is more in the vein of Small Favors. Very much The Village/culty vibes for the first fifty percent of the book.

Greer lives in a town called Mistaken where no one can leave after dark, they serve the Benevolencr, and fear the Bright-Eyeds. The stones that circle the town and protect them from the monsters all of a sudden move closer to the town, encroaching on the safety the town has relied on for years. This sets off a chain of events Greer is in the center of.

The first half of this book sucked me in entirely, then we get out of the town and start learning the secrets that have held the town captive for so long. I wanted to love it, but the explanations and motivations of the monsters just fell flat for me.

Also Greer’s deductive reasoning skills left much to be desired. Some big bombshell info dumps happen so quickly, it kind of gets lost in the craziness of the last 50 pages. I think the author could have done with slowing down a bit, and expanding on the second half.

However, this is insanely readable and very interesting in a way that kept me invested until the end! Definitely worth the read!