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The Seven Endless Forests
A bold and blood-hungry retelling of the King Arthur legend from the critically acclaimed author of The Boneless Mercies.
On the heels of a devastating plague, Torvi’s sister Morgunn is stolen from the family farm by Uther, a flame-loving wolf-priest who leads a pack of ragged, starving girls.
Torvi leaves the only home she’s ever known and joins a shaven-headed druid and a band of roaming Elsh artists known as the Butcher Bards. They set out on a quest to rescue Torvi’s sister, and find a mythical sword. On their travels, Torvi and her companions will face wild, dangerous magic that leads to love, joy, tragedy, and death. . .
Torvi set out to rescue a sister, but she may find it’s merely the first step toward a life that is grander and more glorious than anything she could have imagined.
On the heels of a devastating plague, Torvi’s sister Morgunn is stolen from the family farm by Uther, a flame-loving wolf-priest who leads a pack of ragged, starving girls.
Torvi leaves the only home she’s ever known and joins a shaven-headed druid and a band of roaming Elsh artists known as the Butcher Bards. They set out on a quest to rescue Torvi’s sister, and find a mythical sword. On their travels, Torvi and her companions will face wild, dangerous magic that leads to love, joy, tragedy, and death. . .
Torvi set out to rescue a sister, but she may find it’s merely the first step toward a life that is grander and more glorious than anything she could have imagined.
368 pages, Paperback
First published April 30, 2020
About the author
April Genevieve Tucholke
15 books1,634 followersApril Genevieve Tucholke is the author of Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, Between the Spark and the Burn, Wink Poppy Midnight, The Boneless Mercies, and Seven Endless Forests. She also curated the horror anthology Slasher Girls & Monster Boys. Her books have been published in sixteen countries, and have received ten starred reviews. They have been selected for the Junior Library Guild, Kids' Indie Next picks, and YALSA Teens Top Ten. When she's not writing, April likes walking in the woods, exploring abandoned houses, and studying poison. She currently resides in Oregon wine country.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 304 reviews
April 27, 2020
I wish I read an encyclopedia instead of this book.
Well, okay, not any encyclopedia. A fantastical one. A magic-y fairytale-y encyclopedia documenting the crazy cool little things of a made-up world. Written by April Genevieve Tucholke. It can even be about the universe of this book, for all I care.
This author is a complete full-on genius at making up worlds. The world-building here is legitimately stellar.
It’s the everything else that I’m not a fan of.
This author is so good at creating worlds populated with fantastical peoples and cultures and places and foods...but she is just the worst at blending all of those into an exciting plot.
Seriously, please, I’m begging: Someone tell April Genevieve Tucholke that Walking for 200 pages does not count as an exciting narrative. And also that if we spend 200 pages walking towards something, that conflict should not be over in a fraction of the pages spent making eye contact.
I can’t stand the pacing!! At one point our ragtag group of wanderers encounters a GHOST WITCH made of DUST AND MAGIC in an OLD ABANDONED TOWER they had to FLY INTO and she TEARS THEIR SKIN INTO PIECES. Guess how much coverage this insane huge rad event gets? One page. The encounter itself, the aftermath, the discussion of it: all together, one page. KILL ME.
I want to read about evil creepy magic witches of yore. Is that so wrong?
And it’s not like the characters are much to write home about either. They’re flat as hell.
Or maybe just boring. It’s hard to say.
Regardless, that does not stop everyone from becoming obsessed with each other immediately upon meeting, like a fanfiction in which a 16-year-old with a messy bun experiences two teen pop sensations falling in love-at-first-sight with her within ten minutes. (Will she fall for the bad boy or the goofy lovable one?!?! Who knows?) (I do. The answer is both.)
When our main character Torvi and her sister Morgunn meet a girl named Gyda, they call her their “sister” after literally one (1) day of acquaintance. When Torvi and Gyda join a ragtag group of wanderers and one of the group leaves a few hours later, Torvi does everything short of dressing in black for two months and laying in the street to mourn. Not to mention the departer, Stefan, straight up makes out with Gyda upon his exit and she reacts to it as if they are life partners.
Every one night stand and bedtime conversation results in a deeper relationship than I have with some of my family members.
The second half of this was much better than the first, but more because I adjusted to the state of things than through any actual improvement.
Although at one point in the second half, a nation called “Finnmark” is referenced, which is easily the funniest thing I’ve ever heard.
Bottom line: Probably done with April Genevieve Tucholke at this point! (Unless she takes my advice and begins writing reference tomes.)
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my favorite part of this book was something called the black apple, which is just an apple except the peel is black.
pretty hardcore.
review to come / 3 stars
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thought i'd finish this book in a day...it's day 3 and i just hit the halfway point. HELP
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someone tell me to stop reading books set in the same world as books i did not like
thanks to the publisher for the arc
Well, okay, not any encyclopedia. A fantastical one. A magic-y fairytale-y encyclopedia documenting the crazy cool little things of a made-up world. Written by April Genevieve Tucholke. It can even be about the universe of this book, for all I care.
This author is a complete full-on genius at making up worlds. The world-building here is legitimately stellar.
It’s the everything else that I’m not a fan of.
This author is so good at creating worlds populated with fantastical peoples and cultures and places and foods...but she is just the worst at blending all of those into an exciting plot.
Seriously, please, I’m begging: Someone tell April Genevieve Tucholke that Walking for 200 pages does not count as an exciting narrative. And also that if we spend 200 pages walking towards something, that conflict should not be over in a fraction of the pages spent making eye contact.
I can’t stand the pacing!! At one point our ragtag group of wanderers encounters a GHOST WITCH made of DUST AND MAGIC in an OLD ABANDONED TOWER they had to FLY INTO and she TEARS THEIR SKIN INTO PIECES. Guess how much coverage this insane huge rad event gets? One page. The encounter itself, the aftermath, the discussion of it: all together, one page. KILL ME.
I want to read about evil creepy magic witches of yore. Is that so wrong?
And it’s not like the characters are much to write home about either. They’re flat as hell.
Or maybe just boring. It’s hard to say.
Regardless, that does not stop everyone from becoming obsessed with each other immediately upon meeting, like a fanfiction in which a 16-year-old with a messy bun experiences two teen pop sensations falling in love-at-first-sight with her within ten minutes. (Will she fall for the bad boy or the goofy lovable one?!?! Who knows?) (I do. The answer is both.)
When our main character Torvi and her sister Morgunn meet a girl named Gyda, they call her their “sister” after literally one (1) day of acquaintance. When Torvi and Gyda join a ragtag group of wanderers and one of the group leaves a few hours later, Torvi does everything short of dressing in black for two months and laying in the street to mourn. Not to mention the departer, Stefan, straight up makes out with Gyda upon his exit and she reacts to it as if they are life partners.
Every one night stand and bedtime conversation results in a deeper relationship than I have with some of my family members.
The second half of this was much better than the first, but more because I adjusted to the state of things than through any actual improvement.
Although at one point in the second half, a nation called “Finnmark” is referenced, which is easily the funniest thing I’ve ever heard.
Bottom line: Probably done with April Genevieve Tucholke at this point! (Unless she takes my advice and begins writing reference tomes.)
-----------
my favorite part of this book was something called the black apple, which is just an apple except the peel is black.
pretty hardcore.
review to come / 3 stars
-----------
thought i'd finish this book in a day...it's day 3 and i just hit the halfway point. HELP
-----------
someone tell me to stop reading books set in the same world as books i did not like
thanks to the publisher for the arc
July 18, 2020
April Genevieve Tucholke can always be counted on for lyricism and sensory writing, but this book lacks the gravity of its predecessor. It’s an imaginative retelling of the Arthurian legend, but it often spirals into tangential legends and mostly sees its characters sitting fireside, smoking pipes and drinking Vite.
December 17, 2019
This is my first read from the author. It's a bit of getting used to because the character and location names are so foreign to me though Pig Witch and its living situation is funny. This story relive the past often, like how Torvi met Viggo, how the Butcher Bard came to town, wolf-priest came to their farm, etc. I'm not a fan of flash back. The knife dance is interesting and the Bard are sure bold to wear it in that place they chose. I like the old beliefs that the needles of the red pine tree can whisper secrets. The siblings with the names start with i's are hilarious! The cover of this book is gorgeous!
This book is told in the first person point of view following Torvi, 18. The snow sickness, a kind of plague, that comes once a year in winter and kills people. This year her mom and a couple of servants along with her lover Viggo are among the dead. Surviving at the one thousand acres farm in Voresland now are just her and her sister Morgunn, 14. They worry the wolf-priests will come to hurt them. They plan to wander. Then Gyda came and told them she's in search of a magical sword. Before they take off, Morgunn disappeared. Now Torvi and Gyda join a group of Butcher Bard to rescue Morgunn.
Seven Endless Forests is imaginative and well written. It's a bit dark for young readers with all the interests in slitting throats of enemies and animals. I like the supporting characters of Madoc, Ink, Stefan, and Gyda. The Drake and all of their knowing is cool. The story on the sword is good. I enjoyed the actions and adventures and the friendship even though at times the wolf-priests are too feral for me. I'm a bit overloaded with this book because there's not one kind, but a bunch: magicians, wizards, witches, etc.
***Many thanks to Fierce Reads for the opportunity to read and review. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.
xoxo, Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com for more details
This book is told in the first person point of view following Torvi, 18. The snow sickness, a kind of plague, that comes once a year in winter and kills people. This year her mom and a couple of servants along with her lover Viggo are among the dead. Surviving at the one thousand acres farm in Voresland now are just her and her sister Morgunn, 14. They worry the wolf-priests will come to hurt them. They plan to wander. Then Gyda came and told them she's in search of a magical sword. Before they take off, Morgunn disappeared. Now Torvi and Gyda join a group of Butcher Bard to rescue Morgunn.
Seven Endless Forests is imaginative and well written. It's a bit dark for young readers with all the interests in slitting throats of enemies and animals. I like the supporting characters of Madoc, Ink, Stefan, and Gyda. The Drake and all of their knowing is cool. The story on the sword is good. I enjoyed the actions and adventures and the friendship even though at times the wolf-priests are too feral for me. I'm a bit overloaded with this book because there's not one kind, but a bunch: magicians, wizards, witches, etc.
***Many thanks to Fierce Reads for the opportunity to read and review. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.
xoxo, Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com for more details
Want to read
February 28, 2020I'm getting SABRIEL/BONE HOUSES vibes from this and I am all for it.
Shelved as 'dnf'
October 2, 2022DNF @ 25%
Putting this one aside for now because I'm just really not feeling it. Something about the plot really isn't grabbing me and I'm seriously struggling to connect to any of the characters. The author's writing style also just doesn't have that lovely readable quality that it did in the Boneless Mercies and I don't think I can force myself through.
I might try it again in the future, but for now I'm gonna move onto something else.
I hate DNFing books 😭😭
Putting this one aside for now because I'm just really not feeling it. Something about the plot really isn't grabbing me and I'm seriously struggling to connect to any of the characters. The author's writing style also just doesn't have that lovely readable quality that it did in the Boneless Mercies and I don't think I can force myself through.
I might try it again in the future, but for now I'm gonna move onto something else.
I hate DNFing books 😭😭
May 6, 2020
I received this ARC via NetGalley for an honest review
See this review and others like it on the blog here
http://vicariouslyvoraciously.com/rev...
After reading any of Tucholke's books you have to sit a minute and soak in everything you just experienced. Because that's what reading her books are like. An experience. They feel like some forgotten folklore that has been uncovered and is now being told for the first time in a hundred or more years. You are sucked in with the magical feel of the writing and the characters that come to life right before your eyes. There are times when I wonder to myself what the heck did I just read, but in the best way possible.
Seven Endless Forests was magical and held true to all of Tucholke's standard of other works. This being set in the same world as The Boneless Mercies had a lot of little easter eggs from the first book hidden within its pages. I kind of wish I had reread The Boneless Mercies before jumping into this book just so all the stories and references would have been fresh on the brain. But even so, it was still a really amazing read.
I love how even though you feel a connection to the characters, you still stand apart and read this as more of a story being told rather than a part of the story as it happens. Its hard to explain how Tucholke's writing makes you feel. I feel connected but separate from the characters all at once. I am interested but still feel like I'm reading a bedtime story that has been passed down for generations. Its such a unique way of writing that I find I fall in love with a little more with each book I read of hers.
Seven Endless Forests while being a standalone leaves the readers ready for more of this world by the end. Its like we were introduced to so many amazing characters with the potential for so much adventure and story to be had. I'm hoping that there will be more set in this world because its just so intriguing! I love how there is magic but its so common that its not set apart from the rest of the world building. There is an ease to the way the world within these books works and it seems every bit as natural as breathing. I love that the female characters are so strong and independent as well. There aren't the fair maidens you are used to reading about, but instead strong willed and powerful women who come into their own on the pages right before your eyes.
The touch of romance was also perfect considering I'm a sucker for any type of love story, you get a sense for the chemistry between characters, but its such a small part of the bigger story. These books are not based on the love story but more so the journey that the characters take and how they grow as individuals. And if there happens to be a little kiss here or there, then so be it, but it will not in any way take away from the story you are devouring at the time.
I can't wait to see what Tucholke comes up with next, hopefully another set in this magical world she has created because I will snatch it up in a heartbeat. 100% would recommend this book and all her others!!
See this review and others like it on the blog here
http://vicariouslyvoraciously.com/rev...
After reading any of Tucholke's books you have to sit a minute and soak in everything you just experienced. Because that's what reading her books are like. An experience. They feel like some forgotten folklore that has been uncovered and is now being told for the first time in a hundred or more years. You are sucked in with the magical feel of the writing and the characters that come to life right before your eyes. There are times when I wonder to myself what the heck did I just read, but in the best way possible.
Seven Endless Forests was magical and held true to all of Tucholke's standard of other works. This being set in the same world as The Boneless Mercies had a lot of little easter eggs from the first book hidden within its pages. I kind of wish I had reread The Boneless Mercies before jumping into this book just so all the stories and references would have been fresh on the brain. But even so, it was still a really amazing read.
I love how even though you feel a connection to the characters, you still stand apart and read this as more of a story being told rather than a part of the story as it happens. Its hard to explain how Tucholke's writing makes you feel. I feel connected but separate from the characters all at once. I am interested but still feel like I'm reading a bedtime story that has been passed down for generations. Its such a unique way of writing that I find I fall in love with a little more with each book I read of hers.
Seven Endless Forests while being a standalone leaves the readers ready for more of this world by the end. Its like we were introduced to so many amazing characters with the potential for so much adventure and story to be had. I'm hoping that there will be more set in this world because its just so intriguing! I love how there is magic but its so common that its not set apart from the rest of the world building. There is an ease to the way the world within these books works and it seems every bit as natural as breathing. I love that the female characters are so strong and independent as well. There aren't the fair maidens you are used to reading about, but instead strong willed and powerful women who come into their own on the pages right before your eyes.
The touch of romance was also perfect considering I'm a sucker for any type of love story, you get a sense for the chemistry between characters, but its such a small part of the bigger story. These books are not based on the love story but more so the journey that the characters take and how they grow as individuals. And if there happens to be a little kiss here or there, then so be it, but it will not in any way take away from the story you are devouring at the time.
I can't wait to see what Tucholke comes up with next, hopefully another set in this magical world she has created because I will snatch it up in a heartbeat. 100% would recommend this book and all her others!!
Read
September 7, 20209/7/2020: Been struggling with loss of interest in most things this year.....can’t concentrate so no rating on this DNF
8/2/2019: All I needed to hear was Arthurian Legend! I am here!
2/25/2020: Okay but why yet another gotta-save-my-sister plot 😫? Come on! Other than that I am here for Druids and Tucholke
8/2/2019: All I needed to hear was Arthurian Legend! I am here!
2/25/2020: Okay but why yet another gotta-save-my-sister plot 😫? Come on! Other than that I am here for Druids and Tucholke
Read
December 17, 2019
A COMPANION NOVEL TO ONE OF MY FAVORITE BOOKS OF ALL TIME?!?
HOW DID I NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS
HOW DID I NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS
June 21, 2020
Holy crap. I need another book by this author stat!
Seven Endless Forests was a wild ride. All the world-building in this was amazing and I sort of wished it existed. Besides the world, this book had so many characters. Probably way too many to keep track of but they were all equally interesting and entertaining. Not quite sure if I even really connected to one in particular but I was more here for the ride.
Other than that, this was supposed to have some Arthur vibes.. but wasn't really getting that? Maybe it's me but I mean little pieces here and there wouldn't make me be like - oh shit, is that you Arthur? That being said, this book was definitely entertaining and I like how it's a standalone. Especially since I never dove into The Boneless Mercies. After reading this though, I definitely plan on diving into it.
Seven Endless Forests was a wild ride. All the world-building in this was amazing and I sort of wished it existed. Besides the world, this book had so many characters. Probably way too many to keep track of but they were all equally interesting and entertaining. Not quite sure if I even really connected to one in particular but I was more here for the ride.
Other than that, this was supposed to have some Arthur vibes.. but wasn't really getting that? Maybe it's me but I mean little pieces here and there wouldn't make me be like - oh shit, is that you Arthur? That being said, this book was definitely entertaining and I like how it's a standalone. Especially since I never dove into The Boneless Mercies. After reading this though, I definitely plan on diving into it.
May 25, 2020
The Seven Endless Forests is a book that I can probably only review through a pros / cons list.
Pros:
- The writing in this book is absolutely gorgeous. It feels like old-fashioned fantasy without ever being boring or clunky. This was definitely one of my favorite aspects of the book.
- The world-building is truly impressive. It's clear that Tucholke has thought a lot about this world and all of the stories it contains. There's tons of lore scattered throughout the story. The whole experience reminded me a lot of one of my favorite video games -- Dragon Age: Inquisition -- because it felt like there was something great to be discovered around every corner.
Cons:
- There were a lot of characters in The Seven Endless Forests, which made it tough to keep them all straight and develop an emotional connection to them.
- I didn't feel like the frequent comparisons to Arthurian legends was fitting. There's a hint of it, absolutely, but the majority of this plot reminded me more of The Lord of the Rings since a lot of the story revolves around the journey itself.
This didn't quite resonate for me in the same way that The Boneless Mercies did. That said, there was enough in The Seven Endless Forests that I enjoyed, which would make me read more books by Tucholke in the future.
Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for an advance reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
Pros:
- The writing in this book is absolutely gorgeous. It feels like old-fashioned fantasy without ever being boring or clunky. This was definitely one of my favorite aspects of the book.
- The world-building is truly impressive. It's clear that Tucholke has thought a lot about this world and all of the stories it contains. There's tons of lore scattered throughout the story. The whole experience reminded me a lot of one of my favorite video games -- Dragon Age: Inquisition -- because it felt like there was something great to be discovered around every corner.
Cons:
- There were a lot of characters in The Seven Endless Forests, which made it tough to keep them all straight and develop an emotional connection to them.
- I didn't feel like the frequent comparisons to Arthurian legends was fitting. There's a hint of it, absolutely, but the majority of this plot reminded me more of The Lord of the Rings since a lot of the story revolves around the journey itself.
This didn't quite resonate for me in the same way that The Boneless Mercies did. That said, there was enough in The Seven Endless Forests that I enjoyed, which would make me read more books by Tucholke in the future.
Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for an advance reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 29, 2021
I felt about this one much what I felt about the first book in this universe (interesting setting but everything too dry and matter of fact to actually invest any emotions into the telling) but some elements were slightly more interesting. This makes for three strange and somewhat lacklustre experiences from this author so I'm going to call it. We just don't fit.
May 21, 2020
ARC provided by Macmillan and April Genevieve Tucholke via NetGalley. All opinions are mine and freely given.
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"There's no hiding from life, just as there is no hiding from death."
05-21: 'Seven Endless Forests' by April Genevieve Tucholke is a standalone companion to a 2018 title called 'The Boneless Mercies.' It's an interesting retelling of the legend of King Arthur.. melded with distinctly Norse influences, though here they're called the Vorse, and featuring a strong female lead instead of Arthur.
A destructive plague wipes out most of Torvi's family. Only she and her sister Morgunn survive. When Morgunn is stolen away by a Fremish wolf-priest who bears the name Uther, our main character begins her quest to save the only family she has left.
Joined by a magic wielding, shaven-skulled druid named Gyda who seeks a mythical sword lodged in a cursed tree, the two quickly stumble across a group roaming artists called the Butcher Bards. The group already on a quest of their own, accompanies the two girls.
"I put my palm to chest and pressed in, as if I could hold the shards of my heart together by sheer force."
Along their path, they meet many more unique groups. Sea witches, mystical Drakes who trade in magic readings and young men, a mysterious black tower in a forest corrupted by dark spells, a pack of bold Vorseland Quicks.. archers that hunt the wolves, Fremish wizards who deal only in trades that may be too costly, rogue Jade Fell children, and even a Pig Witch converge with them here and there. There's much more that I haven't mentioned, plenty of difficult trials and unexpected turns.
Each magic system is relatively distinctive, though the author doesn't go into them too deeply. The scenes of conflict are vividly described and memorable. There is love and loss, joy and tragedy, and Tucholke is not afraid to kill a character.. so be prepared. The adventure is grand.. they travel for weeks, there's extensive character and story development, and a lot to experience before you reach the end.
"Quick moves, quiet blades--this is the way of the Bards."
The writer is gifted. In the early pages when the plague kills those around Torvi, while we never really meet the boy she's in love with.. as he's already dead, she does such a good job of conveying the longing and sense of loss the Vorse girl feels for him, I found myself saddened at his passing too. In the small ways she remembers him.. honors him.. it feels like we've met him.. and I could feel the hole in her life he left behind.
While not everything I hoped for happened in the novel, the decisions the author made still felt right. My hopes were based on the emotions she created in me during the read and she's a bit fearless in not always giving into those hopes she must know we have.
"You are part of our family now. Our success is your success. We are one."
I loved the way she wove the Norse legends and mythologies together with the King Arthur tales. It felt original and elegant. The female characters were strong, but not overdone to the point they felt more like caricatures of strength. Their doubts and weaknesses.. their missteps.. felt natural.
If you enjoy medieval tales, Norse mythology, Vikings, Druids, and classic magic.. this book is for you. I enjoyed it so much, I'll be seeking out other titles from Tucholke in future.
PRE-ORDER LINKS: AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | GOOGLEPLAY BOOKS | KOBO | WATERSTONES
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05-20: Wow, such a lovely retelling! Review to come!
05-19: I love it.. I love the characters.. I love the story.
05-18: This story is off to a great start already. It's a retelling of King Arthur, but with a Norse angle.. though they're called Vorse in the book. Lots of magic and strong female characters so far. Exciting!
October 9, 2021
↠ 8.14 cawpile | 4 stars
➸ Trigger warnings for .
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➸ Trigger warnings for .
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • Twitter • Instagram
February 23, 2022
This was a wonderful slump-breaker of a book. After their family is killed by a disease, Torvi and her sister Morgunn decide to join a druid on a quest for a legendary sword. It felt part Arthurian and part Norse-inspired, with a largely female cast (no sexism in this world!). For a relatively short novel, a lot happens, but the pacing didn't feel particularly off. It reads fast, it's well-written, and I enjoyed it greatly. Recommended to anyone looking for short epic fantasy. I think I'll be reading the other book set in this world very soon.
Enjoyment: 4/5
Execution: 4/5
More reviews on my blog, To Other Worlds.
Enjoyment: 4/5
Execution: 4/5
More reviews on my blog, To Other Worlds.
July 6, 2020
A companion to The Boneless Mercies
and
based off a Arthurian Legend? Y'all already know I was here for this book. And then I read it in about six hours. Really only paused to sleep on this one.
The thing I love about Tucholke's latest books is that they're based on legends most of us already know, and yet are spun in such a way that they're almost unrecognizable aside from the existence of a quest and, in this case, some important names and landmarks. She's truly a master of world-building, crafting a brilliant and captivating universe that any Medieval lover would give their right leg to live in. Butcher Bards and Boneless Mercies, Sea Witches and Pig Witches, Druids and Drakes... This book has such a diverse collection of magical groups and communities.
And anyone's who's read my review of The Boneless Mercies knows how utterly obsessed I am with the way these books are written. They're legends brought to life, and I felt as if I should have been curled around a fire in a circle of companions seated on furs, hearing a storyteller whisper them into the night air. These are the books I wish I could read again for the first time so I could slink between their pages like a clever wolf priest or a cunning Quick. I'd live in this novel as I could. I'd live in this world if I could.
I sincerely hope there will more novels set in this universe. I want a novel that tells me the adventures of Torvi, Madoc, Gyda, Ink, and Stephan long after they've left the pages the way Seven Endless Forests gives us clues and hints to the fates of Faye, Juniper, and Ovie after The Boness Mercies comes to a close.
The thing I love about Tucholke's latest books is that they're based on legends most of us already know, and yet are spun in such a way that they're almost unrecognizable aside from the existence of a quest and, in this case, some important names and landmarks. She's truly a master of world-building, crafting a brilliant and captivating universe that any Medieval lover would give their right leg to live in. Butcher Bards and Boneless Mercies, Sea Witches and Pig Witches, Druids and Drakes... This book has such a diverse collection of magical groups and communities.
And anyone's who's read my review of The Boneless Mercies knows how utterly obsessed I am with the way these books are written. They're legends brought to life, and I felt as if I should have been curled around a fire in a circle of companions seated on furs, hearing a storyteller whisper them into the night air. These are the books I wish I could read again for the first time so I could slink between their pages like a clever wolf priest or a cunning Quick. I'd live in this novel as I could. I'd live in this world if I could.
I sincerely hope there will more novels set in this universe. I want a novel that tells me the adventures of Torvi, Madoc, Gyda, Ink, and Stephan long after they've left the pages the way Seven Endless Forests gives us clues and hints to the fates of Faye, Juniper, and Ovie after The Boness Mercies comes to a close.
March 28, 2020
When you've loved a book and you discover that there is a companion novel set in the same world as that book you obviously have to read it. But Seven Endless Forests was like going to see a band that you really love, only to discover that their new album isn't anywhere near as impressive.
Tucholke is a real poetic master. Her writing is the epitome of atmospheric and is absolutely the reason I persisted with a book that I was otherwise finding boring. Seven Endless Forests is marketed as a retelling of sorts of Arthurian legend (seems to be a popular trend right now!). And much like some of the other Arthurian retellings of late, this one doesn't really have that something special which makes it stand out from the heavily saturated crowd and it has only an exceptionally tenuous link to the legendary tale (although there is some extracting of weaponry).
I didn't really mind that this wasn't much of a retelling, and was instead more of a rescue mission for a girl trying to find her kidnapped sister. But I really struggled with the way the story was told and with the sluggish pacing. The majority of the book feels very much like a collection of stories shared around a campfire, switching between past and present often in a series of old wives tales passed between the characters. This makes the story hugely uneventful - nothing happens really and when it does it's fleeting and just an action point to change the scene a little bit. If it wasn't for the nods to The Boneless Mercies or the great writing I would have given up.
I think in order to enjoy this book you would need to be prepared to become immersed in the atmosphere and whimsical world without expecting any emotional connection or character input. Might work for some people, but didn't work for me.
ARC provided from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Tucholke is a real poetic master. Her writing is the epitome of atmospheric and is absolutely the reason I persisted with a book that I was otherwise finding boring. Seven Endless Forests is marketed as a retelling of sorts of Arthurian legend (seems to be a popular trend right now!). And much like some of the other Arthurian retellings of late, this one doesn't really have that something special which makes it stand out from the heavily saturated crowd and it has only an exceptionally tenuous link to the legendary tale (although there is some extracting of weaponry).
I didn't really mind that this wasn't much of a retelling, and was instead more of a rescue mission for a girl trying to find her kidnapped sister. But I really struggled with the way the story was told and with the sluggish pacing. The majority of the book feels very much like a collection of stories shared around a campfire, switching between past and present often in a series of old wives tales passed between the characters. This makes the story hugely uneventful - nothing happens really and when it does it's fleeting and just an action point to change the scene a little bit. If it wasn't for the nods to The Boneless Mercies or the great writing I would have given up.
I think in order to enjoy this book you would need to be prepared to become immersed in the atmosphere and whimsical world without expecting any emotional connection or character input. Might work for some people, but didn't work for me.
ARC provided from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 1, 2021
Fantastic, Tucholke is such a beautiful writer and her female characters are written so well. If you loved The Boneless Mercies, you will love this. I really hope this author decides to write more books set in this world, it is so lush + well developed. This specific story had quite the adventure/quest and really pulled at the heart strings. I LOVED IT.
Want to read
August 20, 2019oof that cover
June 13, 2020
disclaimer: I received a copy free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
After a devastating plague that swept through Torvi’s home, the only person she has left is her sister Morgunn. When Morgunn is taken by Uther, a flame-loving wolf-prief who leads a pack of wild starved girls, Torvi leaves the only home she has ever known on a quest to get her sister back. Joined by a druid and a band of Elsh artists known as the Butcher Bards, each with their own quests, they set out on their journey and along the way they face deadly dark magic, merry travellers, and murderous wolf-priests.
content warnings: drug use, gore, murder
I absolutely adored Tucholke’s previous novel The Boneless Mercies and it’s grand, atmospheric, and lush fantasy world and it’s dynamic cast of characters. So when I heard The Seven Endless Forests was a companion novel, I was stoked. And while it succeeded in dragging me back into the brilliant world-building and lush writing, it failed in making me really fall for the characters, these characters just didn’t resonate with me as much as the girls from The Boneless Mercies -except maybe Gyda.
The world that Tucholke has created is so brilliantly vivid full of culture, mythology, and brilliant tales of quests and heroics. Like The Boneless Mercies, The Seven Endless Forests is a very slow-paced book with an odd action scene, it was a book that focused heavily on character interactions and their journey and while that worked for me in The Boneless Mercies, I struggled with that aspect for The Seven Endless Forests.
That isn’t to say I didn’t enjoy this book, I did, I just wishes I cared more for the characters, who I will talk a little about now. So, our main character Torvi – she’s great, truly she is. What I really loved about her was her soft-heartedness. Throughout her childhood, she was seen as less Vorse – not a true warrior – because of her softer nature. I loved this to be honest, and I enjoyed how this impacted her character arc as well. A good character and a good protagonist. Gyda was my absolute favourite – blunt, charming, fearless, ambitious, and loud. They were truly the only two characters who really stuck out for me. The other side characters include Madoc, a bit of a bore really, Ink, a storyteller who I actually liked, and Stefan – who was someone so bland that I didn’t care about his departure early on in the story that seemed to have a massive impact on the other characters. That was my issue with The Seven Endless Forests – boring and dull side characters.
Another issue I had that I struggled with was the forced m/f romances – truly bland and uninspired. I had this same issue with The Boneless Mercies in all honesty but the characters and the story truly saved that novel- but less so with The Seven Endless Forests. Torvi and Gyda had such great chemistry and intimacy and yet… were paired with the most dullest of men, ughh. Truly a disappointment.
I would recommend The Seven Endless Forests if you are looking for an epic fantasy with a rich world and a long journey to complete a quest.
After a devastating plague that swept through Torvi’s home, the only person she has left is her sister Morgunn. When Morgunn is taken by Uther, a flame-loving wolf-prief who leads a pack of wild starved girls, Torvi leaves the only home she has ever known on a quest to get her sister back. Joined by a druid and a band of Elsh artists known as the Butcher Bards, each with their own quests, they set out on their journey and along the way they face deadly dark magic, merry travellers, and murderous wolf-priests.
content warnings: drug use, gore, murder
I absolutely adored Tucholke’s previous novel The Boneless Mercies and it’s grand, atmospheric, and lush fantasy world and it’s dynamic cast of characters. So when I heard The Seven Endless Forests was a companion novel, I was stoked. And while it succeeded in dragging me back into the brilliant world-building and lush writing, it failed in making me really fall for the characters, these characters just didn’t resonate with me as much as the girls from The Boneless Mercies -except maybe Gyda.
The world that Tucholke has created is so brilliantly vivid full of culture, mythology, and brilliant tales of quests and heroics. Like The Boneless Mercies, The Seven Endless Forests is a very slow-paced book with an odd action scene, it was a book that focused heavily on character interactions and their journey and while that worked for me in The Boneless Mercies, I struggled with that aspect for The Seven Endless Forests.
That isn’t to say I didn’t enjoy this book, I did, I just wishes I cared more for the characters, who I will talk a little about now. So, our main character Torvi – she’s great, truly she is. What I really loved about her was her soft-heartedness. Throughout her childhood, she was seen as less Vorse – not a true warrior – because of her softer nature. I loved this to be honest, and I enjoyed how this impacted her character arc as well. A good character and a good protagonist. Gyda was my absolute favourite – blunt, charming, fearless, ambitious, and loud. They were truly the only two characters who really stuck out for me. The other side characters include Madoc, a bit of a bore really, Ink, a storyteller who I actually liked, and Stefan – who was someone so bland that I didn’t care about his departure early on in the story that seemed to have a massive impact on the other characters. That was my issue with The Seven Endless Forests – boring and dull side characters.
Another issue I had that I struggled with was the forced m/f romances – truly bland and uninspired. I had this same issue with The Boneless Mercies in all honesty but the characters and the story truly saved that novel- but less so with The Seven Endless Forests. Torvi and Gyda had such great chemistry and intimacy and yet… were paired with the most dullest of men, ughh. Truly a disappointment.
I would recommend The Seven Endless Forests if you are looking for an epic fantasy with a rich world and a long journey to complete a quest.
May 20, 2020
Rating: 2.5
After reading The Boneless Mercies last year I was excited to see there would be a companion novel. The one thing that I enjoy about this author is her world-building. She creates the lore and different magical groups so well. I really liked that this specific book had druids and bards. I can’t ever read enough books with those two groups in it. Unfortunately, the plot just wasn’t gripping enough.
The main character Torvi has lost a lot already and ends up losing her sister too. One of the people she loss to a plague was her lover, a shepherd. There were many flashbacks that included them and they would be in the middle of a chapter without much warning. I understand that loss takes a toll on you but there was other things she should have been more concerned and it just got repetitive.
There are other characters that help her throughout her journey/rescue mission but they didn’t leave any lasting affect.
The plot was filled with a lot of traveling and the action scenes were quite minimal. I was disappointed that the main evil person was dealt with fast. The payout for the slowness of the plot just wasn’t there.
Overall, I liked the lore aspects but everything else was just underwhelming.
After reading The Boneless Mercies last year I was excited to see there would be a companion novel. The one thing that I enjoy about this author is her world-building. She creates the lore and different magical groups so well. I really liked that this specific book had druids and bards. I can’t ever read enough books with those two groups in it. Unfortunately, the plot just wasn’t gripping enough.
The main character Torvi has lost a lot already and ends up losing her sister too. One of the people she loss to a plague was her lover, a shepherd. There were many flashbacks that included them and they would be in the middle of a chapter without much warning. I understand that loss takes a toll on you but there was other things she should have been more concerned and it just got repetitive.
There are other characters that help her throughout her journey/rescue mission but they didn’t leave any lasting affect.
The plot was filled with a lot of traveling and the action scenes were quite minimal. I was disappointed that the main evil person was dealt with fast. The payout for the slowness of the plot just wasn’t there.
Overall, I liked the lore aspects but everything else was just underwhelming.
Read
May 1, 2020DNFed 45%
While I didn't hate this book it just wasn't able to capture my attention.
This book started off quite promising I was intrigued by the characters and the world being built up seemed pretty interesting however for some reason the more I read the more I felt myself disengaging from the story and the less ! cared about what was actually happening which ultimately led me to giving up on it.
While I didn't hate this book it just wasn't able to capture my attention.
This book started off quite promising I was intrigued by the characters and the world being built up seemed pretty interesting however for some reason the more I read the more I felt myself disengaging from the story and the less ! cared about what was actually happening which ultimately led me to giving up on it.
June 13, 2020
Is it just me or would this world make an excellent video game? (But not a PG version 😂)
I’m a sucker for a good sibling storyline, but the complex world/storytelling level felt like it dominated this book. Maybe I would feel differently if I read the companion book.
For all that world-building, I do hope we see this turn into a duology. If so, 3.5/5
I’m a sucker for a good sibling storyline, but the complex world/storytelling level felt like it dominated this book. Maybe I would feel differently if I read the companion book.
For all that world-building, I do hope we see this turn into a duology. If so, 3.5/5
February 7, 2020
SO badass. The last chapter (not the epilogue) was one of the best closings of a novel I’ve ever read.
September 7, 2020
“Fortune favors brave women.”
•
•
•
“We go nowhere alone, and everywhere together”
•
•
•
“I was no different than all who walk the earth, searching for something larger than themselves.”
•
•
•
Just a few of my favorite quotes from this book. And wow, can I just tell you how much I loved it??? Some of you may remember my review of The Boneless Mercies and I would just like to say that April Genevieve Tucholke DID IT AGAIN!! I loved this gender-bend retelling of King Arthur (from previous reviews you know that I am a complete sucker for all the things in that whole sentence) just as much as I loved her gender-bend retelling of Beowulf.
Aside from the obvious plot differences of the two novels, what set this one aside was that Torvi, our heroine, didn’t yearn for glory, greatness, or adventure from the beginning. However when the time arose she embraced it fully despite her fears or hesitations. As the tag line of this novel says, “Fortune favors brave women.” What a mantra to embrace.
Much like her previous novel, this book spoke to adventures, quests, and glory but in a true and lovely way. Yes there were battles, blood, and death but it wasn’t the focus, the point of the story was embracing your destiny regardless of whether or not you think you are capable of doing so, it was about friendship, sacrifice, and bravery. I felt that the heart of it was so well communicated because the writing was so lovely, not to mention the world building!
Or rather the additional world building as this story is set in the same world as her previous novel which I loved. You don’t necessarily need to read them in order or read them both but I highly recommend doing it regardless! They are both stand alone novels but this one did refer to the previous one and reveal the ending but it’s done in a way you could still read it and enjoy it anyway, it’s up to you! Let me know if you’ve read them or plan on it and what your thoughts were, I’d love to discuss!!
•
•
•
“We go nowhere alone, and everywhere together”
•
•
•
“I was no different than all who walk the earth, searching for something larger than themselves.”
•
•
•
Just a few of my favorite quotes from this book. And wow, can I just tell you how much I loved it??? Some of you may remember my review of The Boneless Mercies and I would just like to say that April Genevieve Tucholke DID IT AGAIN!! I loved this gender-bend retelling of King Arthur (from previous reviews you know that I am a complete sucker for all the things in that whole sentence) just as much as I loved her gender-bend retelling of Beowulf.
Aside from the obvious plot differences of the two novels, what set this one aside was that Torvi, our heroine, didn’t yearn for glory, greatness, or adventure from the beginning. However when the time arose she embraced it fully despite her fears or hesitations. As the tag line of this novel says, “Fortune favors brave women.” What a mantra to embrace.
Much like her previous novel, this book spoke to adventures, quests, and glory but in a true and lovely way. Yes there were battles, blood, and death but it wasn’t the focus, the point of the story was embracing your destiny regardless of whether or not you think you are capable of doing so, it was about friendship, sacrifice, and bravery. I felt that the heart of it was so well communicated because the writing was so lovely, not to mention the world building!
Or rather the additional world building as this story is set in the same world as her previous novel which I loved. You don’t necessarily need to read them in order or read them both but I highly recommend doing it regardless! They are both stand alone novels but this one did refer to the previous one and reveal the ending but it’s done in a way you could still read it and enjoy it anyway, it’s up to you! Let me know if you’ve read them or plan on it and what your thoughts were, I’d love to discuss!!
April 30, 2020
You know a book has done its job when you are so consumed with the story that you forget who and what you are. This loose retelling of the Arthur legend unexpectedly dug its claws into my heart through its atmospheric writing and magical aesthetic. The constant mention of what the characters are eating, drinking and even smoking (all very fancy herbal blends that they forage), really visualise the location.
Full Review on thatfictionlife
Full Review on thatfictionlife
April 22, 2020
(Disclaimer: I received this book from Netgalley. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Seven Endless Forests is not so much of a retelling, as a story about a girl trying to save her sister. Told by her mother that all she is every going to be good for is someone's bride, Seven Endless Forests is a story about her journey of agency. A companion novel to The Boneless Mercies, you don't need to read the first to enjoy this one! The writing in this book was gorgeous, toeing the line between epic and lyrical, with emotional. My favorite aspect of Seven Endless Forests was the main character, Torvi.
If you like a character who has to figure out how to listen to her heart, embrace her destiny, and prove our parent's wrong, then you will enjoy Torvi. Her character growth was my favorite element of the story and I think YA needs a lot more of these heroines. The ones who have to find their voice, who are told they cannot be heroines, and who have a quiet strength
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
Seven Endless Forests is not so much of a retelling, as a story about a girl trying to save her sister. Told by her mother that all she is every going to be good for is someone's bride, Seven Endless Forests is a story about her journey of agency. A companion novel to The Boneless Mercies, you don't need to read the first to enjoy this one! The writing in this book was gorgeous, toeing the line between epic and lyrical, with emotional. My favorite aspect of Seven Endless Forests was the main character, Torvi.
If you like a character who has to figure out how to listen to her heart, embrace her destiny, and prove our parent's wrong, then you will enjoy Torvi. Her character growth was my favorite element of the story and I think YA needs a lot more of these heroines. The ones who have to find their voice, who are told they cannot be heroines, and who have a quiet strength
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
April 6, 2020
I didn't read The Boneless Mercies and - my bad - I didn't know this was a companion book. There were a few times when I didn't completely get the references to places or fantastic aspects of this story. At least, I personally felt like I was not able to grasp everything. It has a very slow pace, it's really descriptive and I often thought about giving up. Nevertheless, it's beautifully written and it was the only reason why I kept going. Nothing happens for big part of the book, often it's lots of story telling and you kind of lose track of the main plot. At 60% the story finally gets going but it became super weird - like the mushroom scene. Also, I didn't get lots of King Arthur vibes, not sure if this can be really considered as a retelling.
ARC provided from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
ARC provided from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
April 17, 2022
2.5
This was fine, but I think it will be pretty forgettable. I didn't realise this was a companion to The Boneless Mercies until I had already started it, so maybe this is more a book for people who really enjoyed that and are craving another story set in the same world. Tucholke definitely provides you a lot of facts and lore - at times it felt like I was reading a travel guide or a Wikipedia page rather than a novel - which got a bit overwhelming. I mean, do I really need to know about the family who makes the cream they're eating at the inn? Combined with the distance this fairytale/saga-esque writing style already creates between you and the characters, I never felt connected to the story. I understood why it was done this way - the land's culture is clearly based in storytelling - but Torvi felt more like a character from one of these distant sagas rather than someone I was following in the present. Maybe if there had been more time with her and her sister/boyfriend at the beginning I would have settled into her more, but I was never really rooting for her.
Maybe once I read The Boneless Mercies my thoughts on this will change, but for now it just didn't stand out to me.
This was fine, but I think it will be pretty forgettable. I didn't realise this was a companion to The Boneless Mercies until I had already started it, so maybe this is more a book for people who really enjoyed that and are craving another story set in the same world. Tucholke definitely provides you a lot of facts and lore - at times it felt like I was reading a travel guide or a Wikipedia page rather than a novel - which got a bit overwhelming. I mean, do I really need to know about the family who makes the cream they're eating at the inn? Combined with the distance this fairytale/saga-esque writing style already creates between you and the characters, I never felt connected to the story. I understood why it was done this way - the land's culture is clearly based in storytelling - but Torvi felt more like a character from one of these distant sagas rather than someone I was following in the present. Maybe if there had been more time with her and her sister/boyfriend at the beginning I would have settled into her more, but I was never really rooting for her.
Maybe once I read The Boneless Mercies my thoughts on this will change, but for now it just didn't stand out to me.
March 10, 2021
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
This has a mellow, fairy-tale like quality that I really liked! It's easy and quick to read with pretty writing. I enjoyed the involvement of the Arthurian elements, especially with how some of these aspects are changed from the original. I will say, these elements were not as present as I had expected. It's still a really lovely world with many things that seem to be inspired from Norse mythology. I also liked the references to the Boneless Mercies and events of that book!
I enjoyed this quest plotline, especially because we have some really fun locations along the way (the night market place in particular was cool). The characters are enjoyable as well. Torvi is fabulous because she's genuinely kind and wants to help people. However, she's looked down on by her mother and sister for being compassionate because their culture sees that as being weak.
I do have the same issue here that I did with The Boneless Mercies where I just want a bit more from the story. It feels a little open ended and like there's more that could be explored.
This has a mellow, fairy-tale like quality that I really liked! It's easy and quick to read with pretty writing. I enjoyed the involvement of the Arthurian elements, especially with how some of these aspects are changed from the original. I will say, these elements were not as present as I had expected. It's still a really lovely world with many things that seem to be inspired from Norse mythology. I also liked the references to the Boneless Mercies and events of that book!
I enjoyed this quest plotline, especially because we have some really fun locations along the way (the night market place in particular was cool). The characters are enjoyable as well. Torvi is fabulous because she's genuinely kind and wants to help people. However, she's looked down on by her mother and sister for being compassionate because their culture sees that as being weak.
I do have the same issue here that I did with The Boneless Mercies where I just want a bit more from the story. It feels a little open ended and like there's more that could be explored.
June 22, 2021
4.5 Stars
I really enjoyed this book (so much more than the previous in this world). That said, I still enjoyed The Boneless Mercies (in fact, I plan to reread it, someday). Now that I know this world, it may PAY to reread it. I believe that I will find things that make the story more enjoyable, because I understand her style of writing and the way things work in this world.
A number of the names (character types) used are similar to The Witcher series by Andrzej Sapkowski (which I love). They're used differently at times, but makes them familiar while reading the story (comforting). My knowledge of the myths and legends from this area is limited, so it was good to read these connections in these two stories.
Some of the ideas that are talked about (sometimes openly and sometimes obliquely) make this a book that can be enjoyed by readers at different ages and backgrounds equally.
The struggle between family and brotherhood (companionship). A collective goal and a perceived family commitment. The ideas of what others perceive you can do and what you have to do for the love of others. I really enjoyed these themes. There are others, obviously, but these are the themes that resonated with me.
What I really love about this book, was that the end was satisfying. The wrap-up of the plotlines was refreshing. I am looking forward to reading more in this connected story (The Boneless Mercies and Seven Endless Forests, so far), for she setup a possibility to expanding this world in the future.
I really do not think you have to read the previous book (though I'm glad I did). BUT, if you do, a reread after this book may make more connections with the characters mean more. Just my opinion.
I really enjoyed this book (so much more than the previous in this world). That said, I still enjoyed The Boneless Mercies (in fact, I plan to reread it, someday). Now that I know this world, it may PAY to reread it. I believe that I will find things that make the story more enjoyable, because I understand her style of writing and the way things work in this world.
A number of the names (character types) used are similar to The Witcher series by Andrzej Sapkowski (which I love). They're used differently at times, but makes them familiar while reading the story (comforting). My knowledge of the myths and legends from this area is limited, so it was good to read these connections in these two stories.
Some of the ideas that are talked about (sometimes openly and sometimes obliquely) make this a book that can be enjoyed by readers at different ages and backgrounds equally.
The struggle between family and brotherhood (companionship). A collective goal and a perceived family commitment. The ideas of what others perceive you can do and what you have to do for the love of others. I really enjoyed these themes. There are others, obviously, but these are the themes that resonated with me.
What I really love about this book, was that the end was satisfying. The wrap-up of the plotlines was refreshing. I am looking forward to reading more in this connected story (The Boneless Mercies and Seven Endless Forests, so far), for she setup a possibility to expanding this world in the future.
I really do not think you have to read the previous book (though I'm glad I did). BUT, if you do, a reread after this book may make more connections with the characters mean more. Just my opinion.
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