Prolific fantasy author A.G Slatter is back with fairytale coated in darkness with A Forest Darkly.
We follow the titular forest’s witch Mehrab, whose life is turned upside down when a young woman appears at her doorstep.
This isn’t the only change though, as local children begin disappearing in the nearby village and Mehrab takes it upon herself to investigate with her new reluctant companion.
A Forest Darkly feels like a story about growth, and an acceptance of responsibilities and potentially a commentary around a longing for motherhood.
Mehrab is a complex character and Slatter gives her plenty of layers, as we explore her lonely life plus what this new person an give her whilst dealing with a sinister evil.
The novel itself does take some time to get going, but those who have read Slatter’s previous work will be comfortable with this pace and ultimately be rewarded. It’s an ideal read for cold and dark nights that lay ahead in the winter/spring.
If you’re unfamiliar with her work, I would voice slight caution as this might not be the ideal starting point, whereas something like The Briar Book of the Dead might be an easy starter.
A Forest Darkly by A.G. Slatter is available now in various formats from Titan Books.
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