[Diane’s Review]: A Far Wilder Magic by Allison Saft

A Far Wilder Magic
by Allison Saft
Published by Wednesday Books
Release Date: March 8th 2022
Genres: Fantasy, LGBTQ+, Magic, Mystery, Paranormal, Romance, YA
Source: Publisher
Format Read: ARC
Goodreads

When Margaret Welty spots the legendary hala, the last living mythical creature, she knows the Halfmoon Hunt will soon follow. Whoever is able to kill the hala will earn fame and riches, and unlock an ancient magical secret. If Margaret wins the hunt, it may finally bring her mother home. While Margaret is the best sharpshooter in town, only teams of two can register, and she needs an alchemist.

Weston Winters isn’t an alchemist--yet. Fired from every apprenticeship he's landed, his last chance hinges on Master Welty taking him in. But when Wes arrives at Welty Manor, he finds only Margaret and her bloodhound Trouble. Margaret begrudgingly allows him to stay, but on one condition: he must join the hunt with her.

Although they make an unlikely team, Wes is in awe of the girl who has endured alone on the outskirts of a town that doesn’t want her, in this creaking house of ghosts and sorrow. And even though Wes disrupts every aspect of her life, Margaret is drawn to him. He, too, knows what it's like to be an outsider. As the hunt looms closer and tensions rise, Margaret and Wes uncover dark magic that could be the key to winning the hunt - if they survive that long.

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.

A Magic Alchemical Fox Hunt? Why Yes, Very Much So!

A Far Wilder Magic has undoubtedly been one of my favourite reads of 2022. Allison never ceases to create real, beautifully flawed, relatable characters who make you laugh and cry all in one paragraph.

Margaret is an aloof outcast who prefers guns and her dog Trouble to any of the townsfolk. She has this extremely complicated relationship with her mother and you can’t help but to have your heart crack a little at the hope she still holds for her. Overall I love her character and her fierce personality when it comes to certain people. Watching her crumble under her mother’s thumb is something I’m sure anyone who has been in a toxic relationship can relate to and I feel Allison did a fantastic job at tackling the sensitivity of it.

Now on to Wes, glorious Wes. He’s a family driven young man with a bit of complex, but what’s not to love? Not to mention, he has ADHD so watching his chaotic patterns on the page was a real hit home for me as someone with ADHD. He means well, but he comes off as a little persistent at times, which I think makes him all the more charming. Why kill ’em with kindness when you can kill ’em with charisma.

The world building and pacing for this one had me gripped right from the first page. I could feel the chill from the fog and scent the salt on the sea. I could feel the Hala’s burning gaze fixed between my shoulders as I read, falling deeper and deeper into into Allison’s enchanting prose.

Saft has this remarkable way of writing the reader into the scene with her characters. It’s like you’re not only watching the events play out, but you’re also right in the thick of it, fully immersed in her world.

This may be a standalone, but it’s one of few that I can say does not leave me feeling empty and hollow at the end. Allison creates these beautiful full bodied characters and has them grow and develop the perfect amount so when you read that last sentence, you feel fulfilled. Her ability to storytell is unparalleled and the proof of that shines in this book.

If you love a high stakes, fast-paced, picturesque story that compliments the 1920’s with a dash of magic this book is not to missed!