Dark is the Wood, a spin on Beauty and the Beast and Red Riding Hood, drew me in from the first chapter. The author does an excellent job with storylines, character development, and world-building. This fantasy novel, with witches, dragons, and other magical creatures, takes you on a fantastical journey. It’s 100% worth the read, it gives ACOTAR vibes!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Chelsea Pletcherhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChelsea Pletcher2024-08-13 20:16:182024-09-27 08:01:31Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Chelsea Pletcher
This author definitely knows how to pull the reader in! I was hooked on the first page as the world building started to take off. Kinda started to go more to a hover between 3.5/4 stars towards about 30% of the book- it’s a nuanced thing, but I felt like there was both too much detail, and not enough detail. We were getting a lot of important details about the emotions, thoughts, and feelings of the characters, but I personally didn’t feel like we were getting enough detail about the world around us and around them. It felt very show-but-don’t-tell. I personally feel that with a little extra editing and pizazz, this would have made an amazing high fantasy-esque novel. I still really really enjoyed it, and I can’t wait to see what book two is going to hold!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lucy Machardhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLucy Machard2024-08-11 21:40:152024-09-27 07:54:12Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Lucy Machard
5/5 ⭐️ but really it’s more like 100/10. This book was so freaking good. I read it in one sitting. I could not put it down. I love a strong female lead and Gillian measured up.
The best part of this story was the depth of each character. There was so much more to them than just good, bad. Getting to know and understanding each character was refreshing. Even the “bad” characters had you understanding their need, pain and loss. I do not know if there will be a sequel or not but there are so many questions that I need answers too. The other witches who hid, do they know what happened? Can they feel the change? Is Marius truly the last dragon? I have a ton of other questions but they would be spoilers and I don’t want to ruin it for everyone else. But do yourself a favor and read this book!
***Side note**** This is indeed part of a series and I am ecstatic. Rushing over to read the sequel now.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amber Howardhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmber Howard2024-08-11 06:11:072024-09-27 08:22:43Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Amber Howard
Dark Is the Wood is the first book in the Enchanted Tales With Dragons series by Kristin Ward. It is a YA romantasy (romance/fantasy) with dragons, witches, magic, action, adventure, agendas, emotion, chemistry, high stakes, family, and dramatic developments. It has a definite ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ fairytale vibe, with the added lure of dragons. When Gillian’s brother succumbs to the wasting illness that sweeps the land, she is prepared to do whatever it takes to restore his health- even if it means entering the forbidden Shadowlands. And so, her adventure begins…. Happy Reading…
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2024-08-11 00:38:342024-09-24 19:40:32Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series Book #1) by Kristin Ward – Review by Angela Hayes
This little mystery will make a big impact if you’re a fan of mysterious fantasy books.
We meet Gillian who is the eldest child who often takes care of her younger brother. They suspect he has wasting disease for which there is no cure. Albeit Gillian taught herself all that she knows of healing ailments with herbs. Her family is struggling, as is her community since the children and the crops are dying.
When Gillian’s parents discuss the possibility of crossing to the Shadowlands to desperately look for a coven of witches who may know how to rescue those dying of the disease m, they do not realize that Gillian heard the entire conversation.
The book follows Gillian on her secret journey hoping to find the necessary solution and return to her life on the other side. Little does she know that her life will never be the same after meeting an interesting character named Roman.
I enjoyed this book from the get go. It has all of the makings of an incredible adventure. I could see this adapted for tv or movies since the characters are so enchanting and engaging.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Darlahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDarla2024-08-06 16:37:582024-09-27 08:31:11Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Darla Yocom
3.5 stars Dark is the Wood” is an enthralling young adult fantasy romance novel that weaves together the enemies-to-lovers trope with enchanting elements inspired by Little Red Riding Hood and Beauty and the Beast, alongside the presence of majestic dragons. The protagonist, Gillian, embarks on a daring odyssey into the Shadowlands in a valiant effort to rescue her younger brother. The narrative unfolds in a hauntingly beautiful and perilous realm inhabited by captivating yet dangerous creatures, among them the enigmatic Coven. The novel is enriched by a diverse ensemble of characters, each with their own endearing or enigmatic qualities. As readers immerse themselves in this captivating universe, they will eagerly anticipate the unfolding tales of the other characters within this intricately woven world.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2024-08-06 16:27:202024-09-27 08:30:42Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Jenni Bishop
Gillian’s brother is dying of a disease called the wasting. There is no cure and no one survives the illness. One night she heard her parents talking about witches in the Shadowlands that could potentially cure the wasting. Gillian knows what she has to do to save her brother. Venture into the forbidden Shadowlands, find the witches and beg for them to help her brother. Unfortunately, life has different plans.
Upon entering the Shadowlands, Gillian is met with dangerous creatures she has never seen before. She is saved by a man named Roman. A dragonborn. Now that he has her, he is not going to let her go. His father takes claim on all those who enter the lands and it is Roman’s job to deliver.
There’s more to Gillian then they all realize and she’s not going to make it easy for her captures. She will stop at nothing to save her brother. She just has to escape the clutches of the wretched dragons. The more time she spends with them, the less she thinks she knows about them.
I really enjoyed this book. It was fast paced, filled with action, intrigue, mystery with a splash of romance. Plus who can go wrong with dragons? Gillian was a wonderful female main character. She was stubborn, brave, strong and determined. The way the author wrote the character was perfect. She wrote in great detail, flaws and all. The author also put their own twist on a couple of classics. There are both Red Riding Hood and Beauty and the Beast vibes like mentioned in the synopsis. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Santana Hickshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSantana Hicks2024-08-05 20:56:472024-09-27 08:37:47Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Santana Hicks
I was super excited to get to read this story, I am always a fan of stories that combine elements of fairy tales and this story did not disappoint at all! The author did an amazing job of creating a well written and detailed world full of humans, dragon shifters, witches, and other mythological creatures. I love that Gillian loved her brother so much that she was willing to venture into the forbidden woods to find the witches that might be able to help her brother who had been infected with the wasting disease. She was fearless even in situations she should have been scared. Roman was a very sexy and dedicated dragon shifter who finds Gillian and must take her to his father (the Great Dragon) to be his new mate. There is action, suspense, humor, romance, and danger al l around. I can’t wait to read the next book and see where things go from there!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda Haller-Dorishttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda Haller-Doris2024-08-04 22:31:242024-09-27 07:33:33Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris
Really cute fantasy romance. From the cover and title I thought it would be a red riding hood retelling but it wasn’t. It was a better story. A story of mate bonds, extreme love, and loss. It was full of action and flowed well.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rose McCaskeyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRose McCaskey2024-08-04 13:12:402024-09-27 08:42:37Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Rose McCaskey
What a fascinating story! I was so hooked on this from the start. I did see similarities to Red Riding Hood and Beauty and the Beast. What made it better is that its a darker, cooler story. I loved the characters and how much more of an adventure there was. Gillian just wants to save her brother. She can’t help it if there’s a hot, dragon to fall for. The writing was very well-done. It kept me engaged through the whole story. I want some more of these stories.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2024-08-04 08:23:342024-09-01 06:46:30Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Shelly Kittell
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.
Gillian was willing to enter the Shadowlands and trade her life for her brother. Getting caught by the son of the Great Dragon was not the trade she’d bargained for. Now she’s a captive, far from home, learning a tangled web of history she’s somehow part of.
But there is more to the lords who rule the Shadowlands than stories of her youth could’ve prepared her for, and she finds her heart thawing in the face of their fiery heat. Torn between duty to family and longing for the forbidden, Gillian must choose a path and, thereby, a future.
And time is running out.
Journey into an action-packed book that blends romance, fantasy, and dragon lore into an unforgettable read
Kristin Ward is an award-winning young adult author living in Connecticut. A science and math teacher for over twenty years, she infuses her geeky passions into stories that meld realism and fantasy. Kristin embraces her inner nerd regularly, often quoting 80s movies while expecting those around her to chime in with appropriate rejoinders. As a nature freak, she can be found wandering the woods or chilling in her yard with all manner of furry and feathered friends.
She is often referred to as a unicorn by colleagues who remain in awe of her ability to create or find various and sundry things in mere moments. In reality, the horn was removed years ago, leaving only a mild imprint that can be seen if she tilts her head just right. A lifelong lover of books and writing, she dreamed of becoming an author for thirty years before publishing her award-winning debut in 2018. Her first novel, After the Green Withered, is one of many things you should probably read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Dark-is-the-Wood-Kindle.jpg1200750itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2024-08-04 00:02:222024-08-23 09:56:13Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward
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