Jaclyn is a librarian and often works at the Children's Desk. She is a champion of STEAM programming and the leader of our Homeschool Hangouts, and you may also recognize her from Family Storytime.
Jaclyn recommends Into the Heartless Wood by Joanna Ruth Meyer. It is available in print and as an e-audiobook on Hoopla.
Summary
The forest is a dangerous place, where a witch queen’s siren song lures men and women to their deaths. For centuries, a witch has harvested souls to feed the heartless tree, using its power to grow her domain.
When Owen Merrick is lured into the witch’s wood, one of her tree-siren daughters, Seren, saves his life instead of ending it. Now, he climbs over the garden wall to see her each night, and with every visit, her longing to become human deepens. When a shift in the stars foretells a war between the witch queen and the king, Seren and Owen are plunged into the heart of a conflict that might destroy both their kingdoms forever.
She recommends it because...
“I loved the atmosphere,” says Jaclyn, “and I absolutely loved the main antagonist. With all the fantasy I've read, I've never met a character quite like it. I loved this character so much, it inspired my Halloween costume that year!”
Who might enjoy it?
This book may appeal to readers of darker fantasy as well as those who love a classic fairy-tale remake centered on the search for a soul and connection. “When I think back on the story, I remember grey clouds, a lot of space, deep feelings and an exciting original mythological creature,” recalls Jaclyn.
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