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A haunted forest. A mysterious, masked king. An invasion of monsters that will destroy them all.

In a world where everyone has magic at their fingertips, Lonan is the only one without a magical gift. Outcast from his village, hated by his own family, Lonan alone receives the prophetic dreams that warn of an impending invasion of wolf-like monsters that will wipe out his forest home.

In order to save his disbelieving family, Lonan will have to use his wits and daring to venture into the heart of the forest, seeking out its mysterious protector, the mythical Magpie King. Compared to everyone else, Lonan has so little of value to give – does he have the ability to survive the horrors of the woods, and to help protect his family and the forest’s future?

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This book reminded me a lot of the original Brothers Grimm fairy tales and I wasn’t surprised when the author said that it was in the same vein/inspired by those stories. Also, Benedict Patrick mixed in some Native American mythology and folklore which I loved. 

I have a soft spot for dark fantasy and this short book really scratches that itch. It was a very easy read, and I couldn’t put it down once I picked it up. I will definitely be picking up some more of the books in Yarnsworld.

I was originally pulled in by the cover and wasn’t disappointed once I started reading. The Magpie king’s outfit is, at least in my mind, very beautifully depicted on the front cover. 

So, if you have a love for dark fantasy and brothers Grimm fairytales you will love this book. It has a little bit of family, a little bit of love, and plenty of betrayal.