The Drowned Woods
by Emily Lloyd-Jones
Member Reviews
Emily Lloyd-Jones might be following a tried and true pattern of many fantasy epics (a magic user and their companions try to topple a kingdom), but she does it with a decent enough amount of world- and character-building that we are convinced of her story from page one to the finale. She begins with a mythical tone for the preamble, setting the stage for her protagonist, a water diviner named Mererid, to rail against the crown that took her captive as a child and raised her as a weapon of magical countenance. Mer has built a quiet life for herself as a serving maid in a bar, but when the spymaster who raised her offers her a chance at destroying the kingdom that turned her magic to nefarious purposes she chooses to take a stand rather than continue running from her past. Along their journey, Mer and Renfrew build a crew of interesting characters ranging from a fey-blessed iron fetch to the heir of the kingdom’s criminal guild and plan a complicated heist that draws on each person’s abilities, but when they reach their destination (a treasure trove on the centre of a hidden island) Lloyd-Jones pulls out a solid double-cross that brings to bear the deeper themes of the story. The careful balance between the fey and human worlds is precarious at best, with few seeing the larger magical and political picture that keeps their borders secure, and it is up to Mer and co. to choose a path forward that keeps the balance intact. Rife with magical lore that quietly suffuses the show more largely mundane heist narrative, the titular drowned woods becomes a symbol for the duality of Mer’s magic and her inevitable choice that saves the kingdom. Coming full circle as we reach the final pages, Lloyd-Jones wraps up the story with a happy ending for Mer and her iron fetch, but their existence on the border of the fey and human lands hints at a potential for conflict or cooperation between the two realms that remains unanswered. show less
Once upon a time, the kingdoms of Wales were rife with magic and conflict, and eighteen-year-old Mererid “Mer” is well-acquainted with both. She is the last living water diviner and has spent years running from the prince who bound her into his service. Under the prince’s orders, she located the wells of his enemies, and he poisoned them without her knowledge, causing hundreds of deaths. After discovering what he had done, Mer went to great lengths to disappear from his reach. Then Mer’s old handler returns with a proposition: use her powers to bring down the very prince that abused them both.
The best way to do that is to destroy the magical well that keeps the prince’s lands safe. With a motley crew of allies, including a fae-cursed young man, the lady of thieves, and a corgi that may or may not be a spy, Mer may finally be able to steal precious freedom and peace for herself. After all, a person with a knife is one thing… but a person with a cause can topple kingdoms.
The Drowned Woods—set in the same world as The Bone Houses but with a whole new, unforgettable cast of characters—is part heist novel, part dark fairy tale.
The best way to do that is to destroy the magical well that keeps the prince’s lands safe. With a motley crew of allies, including a fae-cursed young man, the lady of thieves, and a corgi that may or may not be a spy, Mer may finally be able to steal precious freedom and peace for herself. After all, a person with a knife is one thing… but a person with a cause can topple kingdoms.
The Drowned Woods—set in the same world as The Bone Houses but with a whole new, unforgettable cast of characters—is part heist novel, part dark fairy tale.
Mererid (Mer) is on the run. She’s insanely powerful- a water diviner or water witch who can control water in any form- but she lives in constant fear of discovery. When the wrong person finds her waiting table in a pub, her past comes rushing past. She was the prince’s property, a man who used her powers for evil. Now her trainer, the prince’s assassin, has her again and she’s sure she’ll be heading back to be killed. But that’s not what happens….
What evolves is a heist story. Renfrew, the prince’s former spymaster, wants to lead them against the prince. Mer will be the way into the treasure hoard. Fane is an iron fetch, who manipulates iron- even the iron in blood- who can open all locks. Ifanna is the daughter of the chiefs of the thieves guild, a master thief herself, who has a past with Mer. Emrick is a scholar, who has read every magic book and history available. Gryf is the muscle. Trefor is Fane’s corgi (this story is set in Welsh mythology), who may be a spy for the fae. No heist goes smoothly, though, and the group must fight foes human and supernatural all the way. There is a long passage through chambers that are filled with seawater at high tide that put my tension at 10- it’s a really claustrophobic situation, along with the monsters. And there are betrayals all around.
This young adult novel is a great read. I found myself engaged all the way through, unwilling to put the book down. The characters are well done- there are a couple who show more are pretty much just space markers, but most seem true to life. The world seems real and livable. I will definitely seek out more of this author’s work. show less
What evolves is a heist story. Renfrew, the prince’s former spymaster, wants to lead them against the prince. Mer will be the way into the treasure hoard. Fane is an iron fetch, who manipulates iron- even the iron in blood- who can open all locks. Ifanna is the daughter of the chiefs of the thieves guild, a master thief herself, who has a past with Mer. Emrick is a scholar, who has read every magic book and history available. Gryf is the muscle. Trefor is Fane’s corgi (this story is set in Welsh mythology), who may be a spy for the fae. No heist goes smoothly, though, and the group must fight foes human and supernatural all the way. There is a long passage through chambers that are filled with seawater at high tide that put my tension at 10- it’s a really claustrophobic situation, along with the monsters. And there are betrayals all around.
This young adult novel is a great read. I found myself engaged all the way through, unwilling to put the book down. The characters are well done- there are a couple who show more are pretty much just space markers, but most seem true to life. The world seems real and livable. I will definitely seek out more of this author’s work. show less
Fun read set with Welsh mythology ("otherfolk"). This was sort of written in the style of a "heist" but some of the characters just didn't really seem needed for the story or the "heist". I really liked three of the main characters, would have liked one of the other characters explored more, and another just left out.
Overall, enjoyable story with some interesting characters (including a sneezing dog!) and plot twists.
Overall, enjoyable story with some interesting characters (including a sneezing dog!) and plot twists.
Originally posted on Just Geeking by.
Content warnings:
From the author’s website:
violence
character death (both on-page and off-page)
war (off-page)
grief & survivor’s guilt
Author’s Note: Nothing bad happens to the dog! He is happy and healthy.
The Drowned Woods is set in the same world as Emily Lloyd-Jones’ previous novel The Bone Houses, and from what I’ve seen briefly from reviews how this novel ends does tie in with something in that novel. That is as far as the links and similarities go and The Drowned Woods storyline and characters are completely different, so if you’ve not read The Bone Houses (like me) you’re not going to be missing anything. I like the idea that you can read either first and no matter which one you read first you’ll still get that “oh!” moment when both stories connect.
I fell completely in love with Lloyd-Jones’ story-telling and her characters immediately. There is so much depth to her characters and this isn’t just another heist book; it’s as much about the people as it is their plot. Each one had a unique backstory which tied into the wonderful world building that Lloyd-Jones has created using Welsh mythology. Throw in an adorable corgi who may or may not be a spy for the fae and everything about The Drowned Woods was a huge win for me. This is definitely one to check out, and I hope that Lloyd-Jones continues to write more in this universe as it’s got a lot of potential!
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show less
Content warnings:
violence
character death (both on-page and off-page)
war (off-page)
grief & survivor’s guilt
Author’s Note: Nothing bad happens to the dog! He is happy and healthy.
The Drowned Woods is set in the same world as Emily Lloyd-Jones’ previous novel The Bone Houses, and from what I’ve seen briefly from reviews how this novel ends does tie in with something in that novel. That is as far as the links and similarities go and The Drowned Woods storyline and characters are completely different, so if you’ve not read The Bone Houses (like me) you’re not going to be missing anything. I like the idea that you can read either first and no matter which one you read first you’ll still get that “oh!” moment when both stories connect.
I fell completely in love with Lloyd-Jones’ story-telling and her characters immediately. There is so much depth to her characters and this isn’t just another heist book; it’s as much about the people as it is their plot. Each one had a unique backstory which tied into the wonderful world building that Lloyd-Jones has created using Welsh mythology. Throw in an adorable corgi who may or may not be a spy for the fae and everything about The Drowned Woods was a huge win for me. This is definitely one to check out, and I hope that Lloyd-Jones continues to write more in this universe as it’s got a lot of potential!
BLOG | REVIEWS | REVIEW SCHEDULE | TWITTER show more | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST |
show less
Emily Lloyd-Jones got her inspiration for her novel The Drowned Woods from Welsh mythology, which is very different from Slavic mythology, apparently, much more pleasant without a lot of nasty monsters intent on harming humans. Anyway, the plot of the story is relatively simple, so the charm and ongoing interest lie in the motley band of characters who follow the heroine on her quest to enact revenge on the prince who tricked her. I mean, one member of that band is a dog, so you automatically have to continue reading because dogs rule. The pacing is fast, which keeps you reading, but not too fast that it borders incredulity. I enjoyed my time with Mer and her fellowship and loved how Ms. Lloyd-Jones ended this story. The Drowned Woods is what I consider a beach read for the fantasy set – fun, somewhat mindless, and quick.
The heist and magic mixed together was a unique storyline! It was a quick read and the world was interesting! The characters were interesting but I do wish I could have gotten to know them better. This wasn't one of my favorite books by this author but it was still a good read. The plot and how everything plays out is what really kept me turning the pages. Oh and the magical corgi! Of course! Thank you TBR and Beyond Tours for sharing this book with me!
A disillusioned water diviner teams up with a spymaster for the heist of a lifetime. This book features a twist on the classic heist novel and memorable characters who'll grow deep roots into your heart.
Mer's the last water diviner and on the run from the prince who used her power to create unspeakable horrors. But when the prince's former spymaster Renfrew finds her, he offers her a chance to get revenge. Together, they'll steal the treasures in a magical well at the heart of the prince's kingdom and weaken his power.
They assemble a ragtag crew: a scholar who's the premier expert on magical traps, a man with otherworldly fighting ability, a soldier of unknown origin and Mer's addition: the heir of the thief's guild, Ifanna, who once betrayed Mer but now holds the key to success.
Mer finds herself drawn to Fane, a man who traded seven years of his life for seven human lives in a bargain with the otherfolk, even as she suspects he's not telling her everything. My absolute favorite character was Trefor, Fane's companion, the happy Corgi who everyone suspected of being a spy for the otherfolk (fairies). This story draws delightfully on magic and myth, weaving a world where Fane and Mer may have more power than even they suspect. Their feelings for each other may change the course of history.
There are plots within plots in this novel that pits its characters against mythical creatures and curses. All is not what it seems, and villains and heroes shift as the story unfolds. A show more riveting read.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. show less
Mer's the last water diviner and on the run from the prince who used her power to create unspeakable horrors. But when the prince's former spymaster Renfrew finds her, he offers her a chance to get revenge. Together, they'll steal the treasures in a magical well at the heart of the prince's kingdom and weaken his power.
They assemble a ragtag crew: a scholar who's the premier expert on magical traps, a man with otherworldly fighting ability, a soldier of unknown origin and Mer's addition: the heir of the thief's guild, Ifanna, who once betrayed Mer but now holds the key to success.
Mer finds herself drawn to Fane, a man who traded seven years of his life for seven human lives in a bargain with the otherfolk, even as she suspects he's not telling her everything. My absolute favorite character was Trefor, Fane's companion, the happy Corgi who everyone suspected of being a spy for the otherfolk (fairies). This story draws delightfully on magic and myth, weaving a world where Fane and Mer may have more power than even they suspect. Their feelings for each other may change the course of history.
There are plots within plots in this novel that pits its characters against mythical creatures and curses. All is not what it seems, and villains and heroes shift as the story unfolds. A show more riveting read.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. show less
Inspired by the myth of Cantre’r Gwaelod, a sunken kingdom off the coast of Wales, that has been described as the “Welsh Atlantis”, this fantasy from Emily Lloyd-Jones is a part heist, part dark fairy tale, set in the same world as The Bone Houses, but with a whole new cast of characters.
As the last living water diviner, the eighteen-year-old Mererid “Mer” has spent years running from the prince who bound her into his service. When Mer’s old handler returns with a proposition, she is resolved to use her powers to bring down the very prince that abused them both. The best way to do that is to destroy the magical well that keeps the prince’s lands safe. With a motley crew of allies, including a fae-cursed young man, the lady of thieves, and a corgi that may or may not be a spy, Mer may finally be free and in peace with herself. At least, it’s what she hopes.
The prologue sets up the book nicely, and the epilogue is also beautifully written, but the overall pacing of the story is very slow. There are too many supporting characters that are only present for the sake of the plot but don't really add anything to it. Although Mer has one of the best opening lines ever, I feel like I didn't know her well enough to get attached to her, and even though I was heartbroken before I got to the end, I didn't cry drool and snot-like I usually do. Still, I liked the tension felt between Mer and Ifanna and the (maybe a little too very) slow burn with Fane.
I'm sorry that, show more with such a good premise and a cast of characters that had everything going for it, the author or publisher decided that this should be just a stand-alone. The political issue could have made this story more than a disappointing heist. Despite this, the writing is really beautiful with some deep thoughts, especially regarding how oppressive regimes act. Somewhat thought-provoking, it also addresses the power of sacrifice for the greater good.
I received an eARC for free, through NetGalley, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily. show less
As the last living water diviner, the eighteen-year-old Mererid “Mer” has spent years running from the prince who bound her into his service. When Mer’s old handler returns with a proposition, she is resolved to use her powers to bring down the very prince that abused them both. The best way to do that is to destroy the magical well that keeps the prince’s lands safe. With a motley crew of allies, including a fae-cursed young man, the lady of thieves, and a corgi that may or may not be a spy, Mer may finally be free and in peace with herself. At least, it’s what she hopes.
The prologue sets up the book nicely, and the epilogue is also beautifully written, but the overall pacing of the story is very slow. There are too many supporting characters that are only present for the sake of the plot but don't really add anything to it. Although Mer has one of the best opening lines ever, I feel like I didn't know her well enough to get attached to her, and even though I was heartbroken before I got to the end, I didn't cry drool and snot-like I usually do. Still, I liked the tension felt between Mer and Ifanna and the (maybe a little too very) slow burn with Fane.
I'm sorry that, show more with such a good premise and a cast of characters that had everything going for it, the author or publisher decided that this should be just a stand-alone. The political issue could have made this story more than a disappointing heist. Despite this, the writing is really beautiful with some deep thoughts, especially regarding how oppressive regimes act. Somewhat thought-provoking, it also addresses the power of sacrifice for the greater good.
I received an eARC for free, through NetGalley, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily. show less
Solid YA.
I liked the story and I liked the main characters. (I mean, come on, it has a corgi in it, who corgis around, huge plus!)
The writing style is not completely up my alley though but that is personal preference and does not play in it if it is an overall good book or not.
Perfect pool side reading.
I liked the story and I liked the main characters. (I mean, come on, it has a corgi in it, who corgis around, huge plus!)
The writing style is not completely up my alley though but that is personal preference and does not play in it if it is an overall good book or not.
Perfect pool side reading.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me an ARC! This book wasn't for me if it wasn't for having an audio version of it I probably would have dnf it. I was waiting for the story to fully take off but I didn't feel like it did. I did however like the world building.
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