Dark is the Wood by Kristin Ward is the first book in The new series Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales. This young adult fantasy romance follows Gillian as she enters the forbidden Shadowlands in an attempt to save her brothers life. Gillian soon meets Roman who is the son of the Great Dragon and her quest becomes more than she could imagine. Caught between dangers and learning more about herself, Gillian tries to be strong in the face of great odds. This book combines lore from various fantasy sources while adding some of its own. I’d think it best enjoyed in front of a crackling fire.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Whisper Hymerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngWhisper Hymer2024-09-13 22:12:032024-10-01 07:02:45Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Whisper Hymer
Dark Is The Wood (Enchanted Tales With Dragon Scales book 1) By: Kristin Ward Review by: Susan Ratchford 5 Stars
Such a fun and enjoyable read! Dark Is The Wood is a perfect blend of the fairy tales that are so nostalgic to us, mixed with enough uniqueness to make them new again. It makes it all the more cozy and comforting to read! Gillian is strong, brave, and believable as a character. Ward’s writing style and character development hits the mark without feeling overwhelming and just makes you want to know more. I will definitely be looking for her next book in this wonderful series Treacherous Is The Tower!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Susan Ratchfordhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSusan Ratchford2024-09-04 13:22:042024-09-27 13:02:22Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Susan Ratchford
Dark is the Wood by Kristin Wood is a book that I would consider falling into the young adult fantasy category. Nonetheless, this book was very entertaining, I found myself getting some Little Red Riding Hood, Beauty and the Beast and Lord of the Rings vibes. Gillian finds herself meeting dragons along with many other fantasy characters and it takes us on a well-written adventure. Gillian goes into the Shadowlands to save her brother when she finds herself being one of the ones that needs sabing when she ends up caught by the son of The Great Dragon. This book has all of the fantasy vibes I like to see in books that are in the same genre! Kristin did a great job at building a world that is detailed and intriguing! She also created characters that are all very interesting. I wouldn’t mind seeing her write books on the backstories of the characters that are listed throughout the book. The main character Gillian is relatable and a great main character. I found myself being pulled in from the very first page to the last, and Kristin kept the romance very pg, and that is what makes this a great ya read! I look forward to seeing what else Kristin will bring us in this series!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Mary E Espinozahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMary E Espinoza2024-09-03 12:50:592024-09-27 12:55:22Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Mary Espinoza
Wonderful book. I was hooked from the very beginning and loved every minute of it. This is the first book in the series, and focuses mainly on Gillian and Roman, but it also shows a lot of creating this world, that the other books will use to expand on.
Gillian grew up much like other kids in her world did. Human and terrified of the Shadowland & its beastly creatures. When a sickness unlike any other takes a hold of their world, her younger brother falls ill with the fatal disease. One night she overhears her mother speaking about traveling into the Shadowlands to find the witches of a coven. Gillian thinks that her brother needs his mother more than his sister and decides to take it upon herself to go search for the witches and hope they can help her brother. Gillian is very headstrong and is unwilling to bend, break or give up attempting to save her brother.
Early on, Roman, a strong dragonborn, finds Gillian. He just wants to keep his dad happy, and he will do anything for him, so when the Great Dragon says he wants to mate Gillian – Roman puts aside his growing feelings and does whatever it takes to deliver Gillian to his dad.
There is such a deeper situation happening that what is originally shown/stated. There are a lot of working parts to the entire plot. While it says this is a book for 18+ I personally do not agree, as there is nothing really explicit in the book. There is one super brief intercourse scene at the very end but personally I think it would be okay for older teens. The entire book was super fun, and I can totally see this being a large, interconnected fantasy series as there are so many directions it can go. I highly recommend this book and cannot wait to read the second book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Helen Dawkinshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHelen Dawkins2024-09-02 14:18:092024-09-27 12:38:23Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Helen Dawkins
I LOVED this book! Every spare moment I had, I’d pick it up and read a few more pages. The cover is beautiful! The characters are interesting, funny, and likable. I made predictions at the beginning of the book and I was wrong about most of them. I was surprised multiple times. I loved Gillian and the relationships she made throughout the book. 5/5 I definitely recommend this!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Alyssa McLeanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAlyssa McLean2024-09-02 10:25:472024-09-27 12:33:42Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Alyssa McLean
Dark in the Wood is a fantastic young adult fantasy with action, adventure, and romance. Gillian decides to go into the woods to potentially save her brothers’ life. It is dangerous in the woods and forbidden, full of monsters, and old magic. Will Gillian be able to save her brother Rory or even return home alive? I highly enjoyed this book due to all the world building, including multiple Gods to worship.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Callie Lunahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCallie Luna2024-09-02 00:36:442024-09-27 12:40:31Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Callie Luna
This young adult fantasy is a really great story. The description of the book from the author is “Red Riding Hood & Beauty and the Beast meet Dragons in this fast-paced fantasy about a young woman caught up in a world steeped in danger and all the power and fiery heat of dragons.” This book is meant for more mature teens I have a 17 year old and I would not be opposed to her reading this book. The character growth from chapter one is steady and just reading and watching them develop their strengths and overcoming the obstacles that are thrown their way is awesome. I really enjoyed this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kelli Harperhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKelli Harper2024-09-01 23:05:542024-09-27 12:33:04Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Kelli Harper
The world building in the one was amazing! Gillian leaves her home to find a way to help her brother who is dying from a sickness. She overhears her mother talking and leaves in the middle of the night to try and find the witches in the shadowlands for a cure. She is found by Roman and tries desperately to return home but he won’t help. She is to become the mate of his father, the Great Dragon, and he is determined to get her to his father. There are new creatures and new worlds and magic in this book that I enjoyed. Gillian has unknown powers, she is wanted and lusted after by many, and all she can think about is escaping and returning home. This was a great YA enemies to lovers fantasy. It kept me hooked and I hope more is to come!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Audrie Harringtonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAudrie Harrington2024-09-01 22:49:242024-09-27 12:32:14Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Audrie Harrington
This was the first book I had read by this author, so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was absolutely blown away! It is the first book in the Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales series and what a way to begin. It took me a chapter or two to really get into the story, but once I did, I couldn’t put it down. I ended up ignoring quite a few chores to finish this because it was so captivating. It’s a great YA fantasy that will surprise you at every corner. Just when I think I had it figured out, the author threw another curveball at me. There are a great number of details to help build the Dragonborn world, but it never felt like the plot was weighed down with unnecessary details. Gillian is an intriguing character with determination and will of steel. To say that I am waiting on the edge of my seat for the next book in the series is an understatement. I will be waiting as patiently as humanly possible, but three months seems like a lifetime when it’s all I want! To all YA fantasy lovers, don’t pass this one up or you will regret it!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shannen Kernhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShannen Kern2024-09-01 22:33:262024-09-27 12:30:53Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Shannen Kern
Gillian is on a mission to find a remedy to save her brother. It requires her to go through the Shadowlands and trade her life for his and she is more than willing to do so. What she didn’t count on was becoming a captive of the Great Dragon’s son. It seems that everything she has been taught is only part of the truth. There is a lot more to the stories and she must choose which path she will take. Does she choose the path of loyalty and family? Or the forbidden path that involves a future that stems from all of her newfound information?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Charlisa Wahtomy-Albahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCharlisa Wahtomy-Alba2024-09-01 19:48:442024-10-23 12:17:47Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba
Dark is the Wood is book one of The Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales series by Kristin Ward. This book is gonna hook you from page one, and I promise it isntt gonna let go. This is a phenomenal YA fantasy that is amazingly written. I may be out of the age range, but that in no way stopped me from thoroughly enjoying this masterpiece. I haven’t read any of Ward’s work before, but I absolutely cannot wait to get my hands on more from this author!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Finn Cunninghamhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngFinn Cunningham2024-09-01 16:01:242024-09-27 12:25:42Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Finn Cunningham
Wow this one started really well! It told of curses, old gods, evil gods, a mysterious dark wooded shadowland and ghouls and witches and things that go bump in the night. Human and animal sacrifice are mentioned as well. From the first page it teases a very good story to come… And it didn’t disappoint! I absolutely loved this story!! I couldn’t put it down. There’s so much going on! Gillian enters the shadowlands, discovers she has powers, finds out her parents aren’t actually her parents, meets a dragon in human form, falls in love and has to fight with everything she has to get what she wants. Its just brilliant! it’s a real fantasy you can lose yourself in. I will be reading more from this author!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Emma Samwayshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngEmma Samways2024-09-01 12:29:262024-09-27 12:07:26Dark is the Wood, Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series, Kristin Ward, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, YA, Fantasy
This book was fun young adult fantasy. I always tend to lean towards YA fantasy when I am feeling down in life and this hit the spot for that. We start the journey as Gilligan goes to try and find a way to remedy her brother. A true enemy to lovers. Also a true YA not like some where it leans more heavily on the adult part.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Michelle Marlowhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMichelle Marlow2024-08-31 22:58:242024-09-27 11:57:54Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Michelle Marlow
This was a really interesting young adult fantasy romance. I loved the feel of the fairytale stories intwined with witches, dragons, spells and adventure. This is a story about one girl’s need to save her brother and the adventure that follows.
Gillian’s younger brother has becoming ill and is dying from an illness know as the Wasting. After over hearing her mother she knows the only hope for a cure is to find the witches. However they live in the Shadowlands, an area where they are forbidden to go. However Gillian is determined to try and find a cure so she enters the woods where she has heard terrify things reside. When she arrives she meets the son of the Great Dragon who proceeds to kidnap her and refuses to let her leave. What unfolds is a story of adventure, drama, chemistry and people with different agendas. At the end of the day she has a decision to make. Does she return to her family and her duty or does she remain in the Shadowland with the forbidden romance she has found. This was a really unique and interesting read and I can’t wait to see what the author has instore for us next.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Carrhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Carr2024-08-31 15:26:072024-09-24 20:02:00Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Kerry Carr
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/197712787-dark-is-the-wood” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Dark is the Wood: A Young Adult Fantasy Romance” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1692812010l/197712787._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/197712787-dark-is-the-wood”>Dark is the Wood: A Young Adult Fantasy Romance</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18149425.Kristin_Ward”>Kristin Ward</a><br/> My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6805680293″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /> I was completely immersed in this book from the very beginning. The characters are strong, and the relationships that develop are constantly developing occasionally in ways you at first did not see coming.<br />In a world of two halves we follow Gilliam as she decides how best to save her brother from the wasting, a disease that ravages the mortal world. She travels to the Shadowlands to seek the help of the witches, the Shadowlands holds many monsters including dragon born.<br />Saved from attack by Roman, Gillian is taken away to the Great Dragon and finds out that she herself is not what she thinks. <br />Full of action, emotion, love, distrust, if you like your books to be enthralling and more than a touch of fantasy then this is a read for you. <br/><br/> <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/34425105-tracy”>View all my reviews</a>
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tracy Ghttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTracy G2024-08-31 01:03:082024-09-27 11:58:16Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Tracy Greenhalgh
Ooooo this one was a treat. This is the first book I have read by Kristin Ward and the moment I saw “The End” I instantly went and preordered book two so that I could see what would happen next in this world. Gillian has watched her town wither and suffer long enough. When her brother is taken, she does what is necessary to get him back safely and to take his place. Only she becomes caught and sucked into the history she never knew existed but involves her. The Lords who rule the Shadowlands are no more responsible for where they are born than any other and when Gillian finally begins to see past where they are from, she enters a new struggle. To honor her family duty or to honor her heart. What has caused Rudgarde and the Kingdom of Mirynn to be taken over by the wasting? Is the truth behind history the key to saving the children and the crops? I have always been a fantasy girl, and this book had it all. Depth, growth, complex history, forbidden love, and so much more that once I started, I fell into the world until the last page. And that ending is perfect. *Chefs kiss* I cannot wait for book two, Treacherous is the Tower, December 1st, 2024. I’ll see you there to see what happens when Rapunzel meets Dragons, with Sorcha and Draven’s story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ayla Phippshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAyla Phipps2024-08-30 21:41:332024-09-27 11:55:21Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Ayla Phipps
This is an epic YA fantasy that hooks you from the first page. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and I cannot wait for the next in the series to come out! I loved the way Ward developed her characters and drove her plot lines. Gillian’s feistiness and bravery is unmatched and I loved the tension between her and the Great Dragon and the Dragonborns. Ward has woven together a world of magic, fantasy, legends, lore, tragedy, hope, and so much more. This is truly an epic tale and I can’t wait to see it continue on. I couldn’t put this book down and was reading well into the night. If you are looking for a story to get lost in, then pick this one up!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Megan Kimleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMegan Kimley2024-08-30 14:30:332024-09-27 11:54:00Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Megan Rea
Wow… Just wow. I love a good fantasy and this hit the spot.
Gillian- a poor 18-year-old girl who took a medallion from her mom (that was supposed to be for her) and ran off to the forbidden forest to try and find someone to save her brother. She was caught and brought to the dragon king where she was to be his mate and have his babies.
It is a great story with action and cute little moments while Gillian learns about herself and tries to find a way to save her younger brother. There are witches, dragons, dragonborn, and creatures I don’t even know how to categorize. This story is very thrilling and will keep you up all night wanting to read what is next.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Debshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDebs2024-08-30 05:58:252024-09-27 11:52:49Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Deborah Joseph
Checking out this author Kristin Ward for the first time and I gotta say I was impressed not only did this book’s cover fascinate me but the idea was a unique mix of the three sounded like I needed to read it now to see what happens. Even though I’m older than YA, I found it a captivating book. The book weaves a richly detailed fantasy world that is both immersive and original. Ward’s descriptive writing vividly brings the mysterious and dark forest to life, creating a setting that feels both enchanting and foreboding.The plot is well-paced, with a blend of suspense, magical elements, and character development that keeps the reader hooked. The author effectively balances action with moments of introspection. I look forward to reading more from the author .
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Hannah porterhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHannah porter2024-08-28 22:59:592024-09-27 11:02:20Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Hannah Porter
I really enjoy finding new authors. This is the first book from this author I have read and I quite enjoyed it. One of my favorite fantasy creatures of mine is dragons and boy this really hit the spot. I like how the author is able to bring the characters to life. The story has a very good mix of drama and adventure. I found myself unable to put this book down. The characters have a very dynamic chemistry that really holds the reader’s imagination. The book just flows. I really look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Caralee Loonathttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCaralee Loonat2024-08-25 16:01:422024-09-27 11:13:42Dark is the Wood ( Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series ) by Kristin Ward – Review by Caralee Loonat
This was a very exciting first book in this series! As the story progresses, each character reveals part of themselves and their background story. The main focus is on the character of Gillian, who is strong and does what she can in helping her ill brother. There are stories and myths about what lies beyond the forest surrounding Gillian’s home and although the stories bring darkness and fright, she is very determined in helping her brother. As she travels into the forest, she encounters Roman, who takes hold of Gillian with the intentions of what his father would gain with her. Eventually his intentions start becoming that of his own and away from his father’s demands. This story has dragons, fantasy, romance and adventure. Lots more to look forward to!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Ramoshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Ramos2024-08-23 21:42:042024-09-27 10:44:52Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Jennifer Ramos
I first picked up this book because the cover caught my eye. I kept reading this book because once I started, I couldn’t put it down. This story is absolutely fantastic, right from the word go. I was pulled in straight away and drawn to the characters. I thought they both went through so much character development. You could see their world expanding with each page and that just made me connect with them even more. I thought the story really did them both justice too. It was exciting and really well written. I was hooked from the start and could not wait to see how it would end. I am so excited to read the next book in the series and I hope it is just as good as this one!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2024-08-23 09:55:242024-09-24 20:07:30Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Kerry Baker
Dark is the Wood is a young adult fantasy. This mix of Little Red Riding Hood and Beauty and the Beast meets dragons takes us on a well-written adventure. Gillian finds herself going to the Shadowlands to save her brother when she ends up caught by the son of The Great Dragon. This book has it all. The world-building is detailed and intriguing. The characters are all very interesting. I can easily see myself reading a story about any one of them. The main character Gillian is easy to relate to. The reactions and decisions she had/made were very understandable. The book pulls you in right from the beginning. The romance was good and not overwhelming. This was an easy-to-read and fun YA Fantasy.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00La Toya Lewishttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLa Toya Lewis2024-08-22 19:31:082024-09-27 10:42:52Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by La Toya Lewis
Dark is the Wood is the first book in the Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales series by Kristin Ward. Gillian’s brother has caught the illness that has taken the lives of many. She heads into the Shadowlands to find a way to save him. Getting kidnapped was not what she had planned. The world building was really good, but I was a bit disappointed with the characters. I like a good enemies to lovers story, but there was more enemies than lovers in this book. There were several aspects that I think were rushed when they shouldn’t have been. Overall I do think this was a great idea, and a worthwhile read. I plan to pick up the next book and also check out what else Kristin Ward has to offer.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jamie Truexhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJamie Truex2024-08-21 03:05:382024-09-27 11:23:17Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Jamie Truex
This book was incredibly hard to put down. I felt like I couldn’t read it fast enough to know what was going to happen. The characters in this book were super relatable and well developed I almost felt like I know who they were and that they were real people. The story line flowed very well and went well together that it was easy to follow. There was just enough twists and turns into the book that it really kept me guessing into what was going to happen. Gillian would do anything for her brother, so when he falls ill to the sweeping illness that sweeps over the land, Gillian gets prepared to do anything to help him and bring him back to good health, even if that means to enter the forbidden shadowlands. This story really put a twist to the little red riding fairy tale, but it’s filled with so much adventure, twists and turns, witches, magic, action, dragons, fairy tales was an incredible read, highly recommended.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Reimerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Reimer2024-08-20 11:44:222024-09-27 11:24:36Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Jennifer Reimer
Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Jessica Stone
This is the first book in a new series I believe, or at least here’s to hoping we get more books because one is just not enough.
This book is about Gillian, who lives in a world that is trouble by a strange wasting illness that has taken hold of her younger brother. This story is about her journey to try and save him, but it’s a bit more complicated than that, to save him she must enter the shadowlands ruled by Dragon kind and trade her life for his. Gillian was not my favorite heroine right off the bat, but to say she grew on my is and understatement, her unwillingness to bend or break to give up in her pursuit to save her brother is what kept me rooting for her the entire book.
Roman, is Dragonborn and all he wants is to keep the peace and help his father accomplish his goals, that is until he meets Gillian and swiftly realizes that what his father wants and what he wants could be one in the same, but does Roman have it in him to take what he wants, even if it means evoking the wrath of his father? Roman is the epitome of daddy’s boy when this story start, just kidding, not really but he was very loyal to his fathers cause, which earns him brownie points in the sense of loyalty is hard to come by. But his growth throughout the book and watching him discover his own wants and needs is what really sold me on this Dragonborn hottie.
This was a fun book, that I can easily see being a pretty large fantasy series, with all the Dragonborn siblings in this book there is so much potential to have story’s for them and their found loves. I really enjoyed the spin this author put on this book making the Dragonborn world creators, I’ve never read a fantasy quite like this one, I see a lot of potential in future story’s for that little tidbit of information to come into play. Either way this author decides how to play it you can bet I’ll be right there eating her story’s up.
Dark is the Wood, Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series, Kristin Ward, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, YA, Fantasy, Jessica Stone, August 2024
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jessicahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJessica2024-08-19 19:32:252024-09-27 11:27:13Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Jessica Stone
Dark is the Wood is a Young Adult, Dystopian, Romantasy novel with Witches, Dragons, and Dragonborn galore. Gillian, in desperation, to save her brother, ventures into the Shadowlands to hopefully find a cure for a sickness that is plaguing her people. It also had similarities to some older fairy tales like Red Riding Hood, a little Beauty and the Beast. Some tropes that I thought fit were definitely an enemies to lovers, found family, and forbidden love. I read a lot of fantasy and I can attest that sometimes it can be wordy, or hard to follow, but that wasn’t the case here. It was confident, well worded, immersive writing, with wonderful character development throughout. Enjoyed reading.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Micalahhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMicalah2024-08-17 07:03:212024-09-27 08:10:21Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Micalah Weatherholtz
I wasn’t quite sure what I was getting into with Dark is the Wood initially. But by the end, I could not put this down. Not even when I went to the gym! I was that person on the treadmill, kindle in hand, because I couldn’t stop reading it, but exercise is important. I would read a full-blown series in this world. I wasn’t ready to put this down, and I’m going to miss the characters!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Brittanyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBrittany2024-08-16 17:31:052024-09-27 08:08:40Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Brittany Angel
Good Golly Miss Dolly, this book was really good. I couldn’t put it down! The back and forth between the characters was spot on. I felt like I was there and eating popcorn waiting to see what would happen next, and who would say what. The story building and word building was phenomenal. Not omg in your face, but not mehhh whatever either. It was a good balance between both. I flat out consumed this book, and I seriously need more of Kristin’s books now. I felt so many emotions throughout the book, and there were times where I wanted to throttle the main characters, but then I would remember they’re still starting out on their adult journey since they are 18, and then I would give them a bit of grace. Bravo Kristin Bravo!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Crystal Jimmohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCrystal Jimmo2024-08-14 21:57:032024-09-27 08:17:05Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Crystal Jimmo
This book was so good!! The detail describing the dragon and stuff was so amazing! I could picture the beast changing forms so easily. Very well written. I can’t wait to read more!! This book is about a girl named Gillian. She lives in a land that has lost much of it’s history over time. The Shadowlands are a forbidden area that everyone fears and for good reason. When her brother’s life is in danger Gillian enters the Shadowlands to try and find a cure to a disease that has been plaguing the world for a very long time. She’s hunted as soon as she crosses the barrier. She’s saved but caught by one of the Great Dragon’s son. Held captive she learns as much as she can. She must get the cure and get back to her brother before he dies. Trying to break free doesn’t go as planned and she doesn’t want the future the Great Dragon is offering. Can she get away from the beast and his sons to get back to her brother in time? The cure could help so many if she can just find it! The more she learns the more she can’t help but wonder where in history everything went so wrong. Thawing towards the Dragon isn’t something she wants to do. Gillian must choose a path and either way a death is possible. What future will she pick and will she regret it, just like she did when she first stepped into the Shadowlands and was attacked.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jaimie Salmon-Colburnhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJaimie Salmon-Colburn2024-08-14 20:01:112024-09-27 08:15:31Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn
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