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[Following is a volunteer review of "Rowan Wood Legends" by Olivia Wildenstein.]

Rowan Wood Legends is a Young adult (YA) novel by Olivia Wildenstein. The second novel in the series of five books, it begins right where the first book left off. Catori, our heroine, has just endured the death of the third person in her life for whom she cared deeply within a matter of months. Starting first with the death of her mother, Catori had found herself abruptly thrust into a centuries-old conflict between the fae and the hunters who were created to control them. She also discovered that she existed with a foot in both worlds. She was both fae and hunter, a combination supposedly impossible and she possessed something both sides wanted. Before her death, Holly had sent Catori a book, The Wytchen Tree. Filled with knowledge of both faerie and hunter, it was stolen from her by someone she had thought a friend the very day Holly died.

Both sides pull her to join them. On each side, there is an Alpha male who seeks to claim her heart, yet in the next breath threatens hatred should she choose the other side. She knows not which way to turn or who to trust. She is determined to hold to only two things. No matter what, she will remain human and she will retain her own identity. She vows to choose neither side, but can she hold to that vow or will love sweep it away as dust? In Rowan Wood Legends Catori’s journey, fraught with mystery, magic, love, loyalty, and betrayal, continues.

Once I started, I could not stop reading this book. Literally, I read it in one day. However, here I must add an admission. I went back and read the first book, Rose Petal Graves, before reading this one. This is almost a “must do” in order to understand this book. As part of a series, it was not written to stand alone, and the author gives little to no synopsis of the first book in Rowan Wood Legends. Delightfully, however, she does include a glossary of Gottwa (Hunter language) and Faeli (fae language) as well as a list of characters.

I think my favorite thing about the book was the unique twist the author used by including a Native American presence as central to the storyline. I loved the romance(s) involved but was very pleased that the main plot and fantasy theme where still held as the primary topic of the storyline. The author’s skill was very apparent in her character development and in the personalities given to each character. For example, the verbal sparring between Catori and Ace, the faerie prince, was quite amusing. Her interactions with the stoic hunter, Kajika, were both heartwarming and frustrating. I could almost feel the emotions seeping from each page and into my soul as I read.

The writing was fluid as well as highly descriptive. The author’s world-building was excellent. From the dark eerieness of the graveyard to the dappled sunshine in glens and glades, Ms. Wildenstein skillfully painted vivid images with her words. Even with the presence of magic, everything worked. It felt both realistic and completely believable. Every paranormal talent, every event, each character who appeared had a plausible explanation. The book seemed professionally edited and proofed. I found only a couple of inconsistencies which did not affect the story whatsoever. I would like to give one caution. If you like the predictable, this isn’t the book for you. To paraphrase a quote from Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll,” Nothing is what it seems to be, because everything is what it isn't.”

I give this book a solid 4 out of 4 stars, but strongly recommend reading Rose Petal Graves before this one. Also, though the book is targeted toward a YA audience, there are graphic “adult” scenes so I cannot recommend it for those under eighteen. Other than that, I would recommend it wholeheartedly for those who love fantasy, magic, mystery, adventure, and romance. I enjoyed reading it immensely and can’t wait to see what Cat’s choices will be, in the areas of romance and otherwise, and what the aftermath of those choices will bring.

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Rowan Wood Legends
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Like Kelyn's review? Post a comment saying so!

I read that fantastic novel a few days before and loved it completely. Ace was my fav with all his humor and charm. And i agree the author should have include some lines in the description to let the readers know that it can't be read as a stand alone.
Thanks a lot for the review Kelyn☺

I really get bumped out by reading sequels that do not stand alone and the author didn't bother to mention it. However, this seems like a great book. Thanks for your honest review.

It's great to hear this sequel doesn't suffer from the usual part II blues!

My only concern is the Native American character. So often authors are a bit ignorant and reinforce stereotypes about Native Americans - a Native American presence in a novel with themes of magic raises a red flag for me. Of course, I would have to read it to really know! Otherwise, this sounds like a really enthralling book: I love to indulge in a single-sitting fantasy read!

Thank you for your great review, Kelyn!

Nice review, soon I will read this book. Since you mentioned on adventure, mystery, and magic. I'm fond of it.

indepaintence wrote: ↑11 Feb 2019, 21:41 It's great to hear this sequel doesn't suffer from the usual part II blues!

My only concern is the Native American character. So often authors are a bit ignorant and reinforce stereotypes about Native Americans - a Native American presence in a novel with themes of magic raises a red flag for me. Of course, I would have to read it to really know! Otherwise, this sounds like a really enthralling book: I love to indulge in a single-sitting fantasy read!

Thank you for your great review, Kelyn!

This was my thought also.

But you had me at “Catori had found herself abruptly thrust into a centuries-old conflict between the fae and the hunters who were created to control them.“ Conflicts with the fae are ALWAYS interesting !

Thanks for the review!

I like the idea of a character being torn between two worlds and struggling to find her own way. This sounds like a winner. Great review.

From the summary, I was already smiling wryly, thinking that this sounds like any other YA novel out there. But then your observations about the characterization and plot development made me re-evaluate my assumptions. Mainly, I'm pleasantly surprised that the romance did not overtake the main plotline, as what tends to happen in other books in this genre. Thanks for this well-thought-out review!

The fae and the hunter in the same person will ensure conflict! I'm not too keen on fantasies, so I'll probably not meet Cat and her entourage. But the series does seem like another hit for the young crowd.

Ahh, I love it when reviewers put emphasis on how vivid the world is because of the words used by the author. I might as well add this to my to-read list! Although, I should add the first book first lol. Anyways, I like how you described the characters and every element in the book. It is prominent that you really liked it. Glad that you did! Thanks for this awesome review!