[Skye’s Review:] The Drowned Woods by Emily Lloyd-Jones

The Drowned Woods
Pages: 352
Release Date: August 16th 2022
Genres: Fantasy, Magic, Mythology, YA
Source: Publisher
Format Read: ARC

Once upon a time, the kingdoms of Wales were rife with magic and conflict, and eighteen-year-old Mererid “Mer” is well-acquainted with both. She is the last living water diviner and has spent years running from the prince who bound her into his service. Under the prince’s orders, she located the wells of his enemies, and he poisoned them without her knowledge, causing hundreds of deaths. After discovering what he had done, Mer went to great lengths to disappear from his reach. Then Mer’s old handler returns with a proposition: use her powers to bring down the very prince that abused them both.

The best way to do that is to destroy the magical well that keeps the prince’s lands safe. With a motley crew of allies, including a fae-cursed young man, the lady of thieves, and a corgi that may or may not be a spy, Mer may finally be able to steal precious freedom and peace for herself. After all, a person with a knife is one thing… but a person with a cause can topple kingdoms.

The Drowned Woods—set in the same world as The Bone Houses but with a whole new, unforgettable cast of characters—is part heist novel, part dark fairy tale.

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

It’s hard to beat a good heist–especially when the crew is a ragtag group of misfits. Throw in some Welch mythology, and you have The Drowned Woods! This was the first book I’ve read with Welch mythology, and I loved it! Now, I need all of the Welch mythology books. Someone send me some recommendations. 

Things to expect:
– a high-stakes heist
– dark fairytale vibes
– found family
– folklore
– magic 
– a cute corgi sidekick

If you need more convincing, allow me to elaborate further. The author does an incredible job of creating fully formed characters. She weaves each character’s secrets and struggles into one beautiful, cohesive story. On top of great characters, this story also has a top-notch plot and setting. The tone and vibe of this story were perfect for me. The incredible mythology and magic system enhance the dark fairytale vibe. In conclusion, you’ll be spellbound as soon as you read the prologue. Before you know it, you’ll be turning the last page of the epilogue.