Review: Silver in the Wood (Greenhollow Duology, #1), by Emily Tesh, 2019

Silver in the Wood (Greenhollow Duology, #1)by Emily Tesh, 2019
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In "Silver in the Wood," Emily Tesh delivers an enchanting and thoughtful tale that I absolutely adored. As other reviewers have mentioned, the novella beautifully balances character development with a well-structured plot, and I found myself genuinely invested in the lives of the characters. The story effortlessly weaves together the lives of Tobias Finch, the enigmatic guardian of Greenhollow, and Henry Silver, a young nobleman captivated by local folklore.

Tesh's descriptive language and world-building, which many have praised for being immersive and evocative, truly enhances the reading experience, and I couldn't help but fall in love with the world she created. The atmospheric setting is vivid and engaging, yet never distracts from the story's forward momentum. I particularly appreciated how the author's prose created a living world with seamless effort.

One of the standout aspects of the novella, as echoed by other readers, is the romance between Tobias and Henry. Their relationship is portrayed with a combination of measured and controlled depth, as represented by Tobias, and an endearing naivete and carefreeness embodied by Henry. This delicate balance ensures that the romance never veers into the realm of cliché or cheesiness, and I found their love story both heartwarming and captivating.

The book incorporates folklore and mythology, and although I wasn't familiar with the specific folklore used, I found that it added a layer of intrigue to the narrative. As other reviewers have noted, the impact of these elements is subtle and doesn't rely on the reader's prior knowledge, which allows the story to maintain its originality and appeal to a broader audience.

In terms of pacing, "Silver in the Wood" is commendable. Despite the novella's relatively short length, Tesh manages to tell a complete and engaging story without making it feel rushed, a sentiment shared by many other readers. The narrative moves along smoothly, providing enough depth and development to keep readers invested in the characters and their fates. The plot features mysterious figures from the past, ancient powers, and a sinister antagonist, all without giving away too much in this review.

Overall, "Silver in the Wood" is a captivating and well-crafted tale that I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who appreciates a thoughtful, character-driven narrative with a touch of romance and folklore. The masterful balance of character development, plot, and atmosphere makes it a must-read for fans of atmospheric and evocative fantasy stories. I found myself completely swept away by the world and the characters Emily Tesh created, and I can't wait to read more of her work.

I rate this novella 5 out of 5 stars.

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