Books Not Decaf

I picked both Silver in the Wood and Drowned Country up on a whim from a local bookstore – old magic and Green Man vibes, how could I not? – and disappointed, I was not.

They are both novellas, being around 129 and 154 pages respectively, which means they are a bit short on detail, quick in resolution, and world building outside the immediate location is minimal.

But that’s not really why we read novellas, anyways, so it’s not a problem.

The story is beautifully written, especially the first book, Silver in the Wood. I think Silver captured my attention a smidgen more due to its forest mystery and fairfolk essence. We got Bramble and lurking ghosts/fae lords and wholesome flirting. There was the intrigue of learning the magic of the land, while getting small gleams of the events that forged the current predicament.

While Drowned Country was still good, I simply enjoyed Tobias’ perspective in the first book, his careful mindfulness, over Silver’s petulance. I would also say that the fae arc was underwhelmingly unfinished, the fact that it is a novella notwithstanding.

I would absolutely recommend The Greenhollow Duology to anyone looking for a quick nibble of something with a good soul but low on the dramatics.

Silver in the Wood rating: 4/5

Drowned Country: 3.75/5