The Girl of Dorcha Wood brings all the magic and mythological folklore to life. Kristin Ward does an outstanding job of giving readers the gift of the Celts. This tale features good magic and evil men that put you on the edge of your seat. The adrenaline rush from reading this book left me in a whirlwind.
- Title: The Girl of Dorcha Wood (Daughter of Erabel – Book 1)
- Author: Kristin Ward
- Publisher: Self Published on April 13, 2021
- Genre: Fantasy
- Pages: 234
- Formats Available: Paperback & Digital
- Rating: 5/5
Trigger Warnings: Murder, Graphic Violence, Animal Cruelty
Many thanks to Kristin Ward for providing me with a digital copy of The Girl of Dorcha Wood with a request for an honest review. Thanks also to The Write Reads Book Tours for having me on this tour and providing the materials to build this post.
About The Girl of Dorcha Wood
Treacherous. Evil. Dark. Dorcha Wood is all of these. And none of them.
The people of Felmore talk of Dorcha Wood in whispers, if they speak of it at all, fearing the wrath of the Cù-Sìth should their words be carried on the wind. Those murdering beasts still roam the darkness of the forest, the last remnants of the cursed Aos Sí—a race of elves long since vanished from the world.
But to seventeen-year-old Fiadh, it is home. A haven. A forest whose secrets become known only when it chooses to reveal them. Her life is one of balance until the outside world shatters it.
From the moment Fiadh set eyes on Gideon, the peaceful rhythm of her life was lost. As a new path unfolds, Fiadh confronts the reality of old hatreds, the consequences of things hidden, and the truth of who she really is.
Blurb Provided by The Write Reads Book Tours for Tour Use
Some of the links on this blog are affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Order The Girl of Dorcha Wood Now: Amazon US | Amazon UK
My Review
Fiadh resides in the Dorcha Wood, where she can communicate with the wildlife. Her ability must remain secret from the evil men in the village who are afraid of Dorcha Wood because of the wars with the Aos Sí. Unfortunately, Riona, Fiadh’s mother, finds herself in trouble with the villagers, and life changes forever for Fiadh. Her once comfortable life in Dorcha Wood comes to a close. But for the Cù-Sìth, death would find Fiadh. These ancient creatures protect her from harm. So, when Fiadh finds herself in trouble far from home, the Cù-Sìth is there. But, how long can the creature keep her safe? Is Fiadh’s fate sealed with torture and death?
I cannot even begin to tell you how much I adored Fiadh. Her gifts are extraordinary, and she uses them for good, though not always wisely. Her relationship with Dorcha Wood made me want to take off and live there with her. I happen to adore the Aos Sí legends and would love the opportunity to live in their midst. However, I am afraid that the remaining elves won’t live up to my expectations. I worry that they wish harm to Fiadh and the Wood. But I’m going to hold out hope that anyone who rides a unicorn has to be innately good. I’m going to hold that theory close to my heart. However, I am sad that Gideon wasn’t who I thought he was. I’d like to see him redeem himself in the next volume.
The Dorcha Wood setting is incredible. The Wood is alive. The trees work with every creature in the wood to protect those living inside. I easily visualized the smells, colors, and feel of the Wood. When the fire burned in the hearth, I felt the heat. There is nothing I love more than getting sucked fully into a novel. I love anything to do with nature in the first place, so living in a cabin in a Wood full of life compels me to want to share it. I loved every second we were there.
The only thing I had a problem with was that words and phrases of dialogue repeated themselves quite frequently. The overuse of some phrases was a bit annoying but not enough to pull me out of the story. I also want to add that several parts creeped me right out. I had to resist the urge to retch several times. So, I must warn you that some graphic scenes may cause trouble. I usually have a pretty strong stomach, but these images are still in my head.
I am happy to award The Girl of Dorcha Wood a full 5 out of 5 stars. The book has a life of its own and gives the reader so much material to work their imaginations it will stick with you for a long time. Celtic legends make me jump for joy. Legends fill my heart with sunshine as much as history does, and this book gives me more than most.
About the Author – Kristin Ward
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 - she may be lost, so please stop and ask if you see her - or chilling in her yard with all manner of furry and feathered friends. 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.
Great review, Kimmie! I also want to compliment you on the new look of the website. It’s so clean & crisp.
Thank you so much, Gina!! I loved the book and the blog is coming along. I just need about 30 more hours a day. lol
Fantastic review Kimmie!! I’m glad you enjoyed it. I can’t wait to read it myself.
Thank you, lovely Ellie. I really loved it. I’m excited about the next one!