Title: Spirit of the Wood
Author: Kristen Britain
Publication Date: November 7, 2023
Genres: Epic Fantasy
Protagonist Gender: Female
Although this is not the anxiously awaited final novel of the Green Rider saga, Spirit of the Wood is an excellent way to mark the series' 25th anniversary. It's also likely not what you'd expect from the blurb, but I really like the way Kristen Britain approached this.
A prequel to the series, this tells the tale of Laren Mapstone and her Rider trainee, Tavin Bankside. Wounded in an attack by bandits who recognize her from her battle against the Darrow Raiders, Laren spends much of the novella unconscious, trapped in dark memories of that battle and its tragic aftermath. It's Tavin who drives the narrative here, but he does so by immersing us deeper in the magic and mythology of Sacoridia.
Surprisingly, for a prequel novella where we know Laren has to survive, given her role in the saga, there's a genuine sense of danger and tension. I found myself worried for her in a way I hadn't expected, fully invested as much in her mental/spiritual battle as Tavin's physical one to keep them alive against ex-Raiders looking for vengeance. The fact that his Rider gift is perfectly suited to aiding her recovery might seem opportunistic, but when you see how it can also be misused, you have to appreciate how Britain uses the two characters to illuminate their struggles.
Spirit of the Wood feels like a Green Rider novella in every sense, a familiar visit to a favorite place for readers as we await the Karigan's next adventure, and a fitting introduction for new readers who will hopefully be motivated to keep reading.
Rating: ♀ ♀ ♀ ♀ ♀
My sincere thanks to the publisher for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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