🪵Drowned Country is just as visually stunning as its predecessor. Filled with lush emotive imagery that bring its eerie folkloric world to life.

💚 However, does suffer for sequel-itis, and overall seems weaker than its original. I was left feeling somewhat adrift.

🪵 Second Chance Romance:  There’s something undeniably compelling about Tobias and Henry’s dynamic. Henry is a reckless, self-sabotaging fool, Tobias quiet steadfastness. I was interested in the change of POV narration. However I did yearn for Tobias voice, as Henry has a tendency to test ones patience.

💚  The character Maud had potential, I loved the idea of a lady scholar. But I found her too headstrong to be compelling. Maybe she would have grown on me in time (Much like with Emily Wilde). But I did find it difficult to invest in her storyline.

💚  Plot As An Afterthought:  While Silver in the Wood had a strong folkloric core, this sequel felt meandering, as if the narrative itself was lost in the woods.

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Unsatisfying Conclusion:  Bramble’s role in the ending felt illogical, almost undermining the need for a sequel in the first place.

🌳 Fans of Emily Wilde, Diana Wynne Jones, Yaelokre music and  The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina but wished it had more gays and less Catholicism.