Lore of the Wilds

November 27, 2023
Sbrana’s spellbinding romantic fantasy debut follows a human girl who strikes a deal with the fae to save her family. When a mysterious earthquake leaves the imprisoned human town of Duskmere in ruins, the fae come searching for Lore Alemeyu’s aunt, owner of the local apothecary. Lore desperately surrenders herself to the fae in her aunt’s place and is promptly escorted to Wyndlin Castle, where Lord Syrelle tasks her with organizing spell books within the castle’s enchanted library, which he cannot enter as it’s warded against fae. Lore agrees in exchange for Syrelle sending recovery aid to Duskmere. The job is a dream—surrounded by countless books, Lore secretly learns more about fae magic while growing closer to her assigned guard, Asher Gylthrae, an irresistible dark fae who becomes her stoic companion. But just as Lore begins settling in, she is met by a harsh reminder of the danger that now lurks outside of Duskmere’s walls, and she must decide who to trust. The plot unravels deliberately and deliciously, luring readers into its world and captivating them with multidimensional characters who will keep them on their toes. Sbrana is a writer to watch. Agent: Thao Le, Sandra Dijkstra Literary.

January 1, 2024
When a devastating earthquake destroys much of her village of Duskmere, Lore Alemeyu thinks that rebuilding is the worst of her problems. Then the Fae, enemies and oppressors of humans like Lore, come to Duskmere, and Lore agrees to go with them to save her family. The Fae need help as no Fae can enter the Alytherian Royal Library. Fae Lord Syrelle thinks Lore can, and agrees to her terms: if Lore organizes the library and brings any interesting books to his steward, then the Fae will fix the damage the earthquake caused. As Lore spends more time in the library and in the castle, she forms a friendship with Archer, the Fae guard assigned to her. When Lore finds a magical book, everything changes for her. In her debut, Sbrana writes a romantasy that will appeal to fans of the Sarah J. Maas' Court of Thorns and Roses series. There are some pacing issues and a slightly overstuffed and underdeveloped plot. While flawed, there is a large audience for romantasy and especially for romantasy featuring characters of color. Recommended for larger libraries' fantasy collections.

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January 19, 2024

DEBUT After an earthquake shatters the human settlement of Duskmere, fae arrive in the apothecary where Lore Alemeyu works, in search of a human who can enter the enchanted library of Wyndlin Castle. After securing promises of aid for her community, she journeys into the realm of the fae. Nobody has entered the library in centuries, and it's a cluttered wreck. Lore befriends Asher, a castle guard, who helps her navigate the dangerous world of Wyndlin Castle, and their friendship deepens into attraction. When Lore discovers a magical tome, she learns that the fae did not keep their promise to help the people of Duskmere rebuild. With Asher's help, she escapes the castle, embarking on a quest to save her people. Sbrana's debut features a cast of characters whose curiosity and courage are on display throughout the story. Lore's desire to embrace her elemental magic is a driving force, and the satisfying romantic subplot contains enough steam to satisfy romantasy fans. VERDICT Sbrana's worldbuilding is richly detailed, with much of the action taking place in the final third of the book, and the cliffhanger ending will have readers breathlessly anticipating the sequel. Cozy fantasy readers should take note.--Nanette Donohue

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