The Forest King's Daughter by Elly Blake
The Forest King’s Daughter (Little, Brown and Company) is a delightful new YA fantasy romance from author Elly Blake (the Frostblood Saga). The first book of the Thirstwood Series, Blake takes readers on a journey through the magic-filled trees of Thirstwood, delivering a stunning novel packed with beautiful worldbuilding, endearing characters and a breathtaking enemies-to-lovers romance.
Enemies-to-Lovers Romance
Locked in constant enmity, the feuding Sylvans and Azpians turn to the Solis Gemma, a ring of immense power, as the source to turn the tide of their struggles. By mistake, or perhaps by the hand of fate, a young Azpian boy, the Dracu Zeru, gifts a seemingly simple ring to his friend, the Sylvan Cassia. Little did either know that the ring was the Solis Gemma, and with it in Cassia’s hands, the feud explodes into all-out war. Zeru’s family is stripped of their status, and Cassia, the daughter of the Sylvan King, finds herself in training to become the Deathringer, wielder of the ring as a weapon against the Azpian armies.
Years later, Cassia finds herself on the battlefield using the magical light of the Solis Gemma to bring the enemy to their knees, and there, wading through Sylvan fighters with the skill of a practiced warrior, is none other than Zeru. When Zeru abducts Cassia in a plot to regain the ring and amend his childhood error, the former friends-turned-bitter enemies find themselves on a dangerous adventure to a place out of the storybooks. Their journey tests them, pitting them against one another while forcing them closer.
As the spark of their childhood bond rekindles, growing into something that neither can control, the war rages on with an external enemy slowly gaining power. Can mortal enemies cross the boundaries of kith and kin to stand against the greater threat that is rising beneath the earth?
Intricate Worldbuilding
From the very first page, Blake crafts a story that is rooted in an intricately-developed world. There are detailed settings, complex political histories and family dynamics and an intriguing magic system that continues to be built upon as the novel progresses. Within that world are a wide range of both enchanting and dangerous denizens, both of the forest and of the earth beneath.
Our central characters, Cassia and Zeru, are incredibly enjoyable to read, both in their bickering and in their softer moments. Cassia is headstrong, yet self-conscious, and Zeru is stubborn and proud, yet compassionate. With their friendship from their youth a constant underscoring as we experience their later conflict, Blake has penned a captivating enemies-to-lovers relationship, drawing us in with banter and competition before delivering nuanced moments of connection.
I absolutely loved watching Cassia and Zeru’s relationship develop over the course of the story, and I cannot wait to see what’s next for them. Add in the colorful, creative world that Blake has developed and the layered magic system that had me invested from the very first page, and it’s a recipe for a true page-turner.
The Forest King’s Daughter is an engaging read from start to finish, perfect for fans of Adalyn Grace and Holly Black, particularly the Folk of the Air Series. Pick up a copy today if you love a book full of lush detail, fascinating magic, thrilling enemies-to-lovers romance and enticing characters. You won’t be able to put this one down!
About Elly Blake:
Elly Blake is the NYT bestselling author of the Frostblood Saga and the Thirstwood series. After earning a BA in English literature, she held a series of seemingly random jobs including project manager, customs clerk, graphic designer, reporter for a local business magazine, and library assistant. She lives in Southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids, and rescue dogs.
