The one thing that they have in common is that they’re both considered outsiders. Both of them have trouble with their feelings, and are struggling with loneliness. Every bit of this story is overcoming that first meeting and learning to trust one another. Even better, when these two characters meet, it isn’t insta-love, but a veritable DISASTER. Margaret is very practical, no nonsense, and has near impenetrable shields in regards to her feelings. He’s relentless in his pursuit of dreams, but often at the expense of others who don’t usually stay mad for long. Wes is a charismatic, charming, and incredibly thoughtless young man with a great love for his family. However, her quiet endurance of her circumstances belies a strength greater than anyone else.Įach time I pick up a book with a sunny boy and a grumpy girl, I smile despite myself. Wes and Trouble are easy to fall in love with, while Margaret takes a moment to warm up to. Each character interaction unearths a bit more about the main characters and their perspectives of the world and themselves. There’s something comforting about this story, blending historical elements with the allure of alchemy that blend seamlessly into an enchanting world. Though this book starts off a little slow, it picks up a few chapters in and develops into a story that centres on themes of trust, family, and building relationships. As two outsiders, it’s not just about winning the competition, but lasting long enough to survive. Her condition for him to stay: enter the competition with her. To his misfortune, the only person at Welty Manor is Margaret and her hound Trouble. Everything hinges on his ability to be taken on as an apprentice by Master Welty. Enter, Weston Winters, who’s not quite an alchemist yet. Though she’s an expert sharpshooter, she needs an alchemist to be able to enter the competition. Whoever manages to kill the hala during the competition will earn both fame and riches, but Margaret just wants to be able to bring her mom home. If you’ve ever felt like you don’t belong, or have been lonely, this book sees you.Ī Far Wilder Magic begins with Margaret Welty’s spotting of the hala, the last mythical creature that marks the beginning of the Halfmoon Hunt. You’ll want to add this book to your TBR. Wes and Maggie managed to capture my whole heart, and definitely made me long for a mug of hot chocolate by the end. It illustrates how some broken relationships can be mended, while some are past the point of no return. Every page of this book is filled with yearning, magic, and all of the connections that human beings can make.

Where her characters are struggling to be seen, and ultimately connect with something. She builds whole worlds that are gorgeous and laced with beauty and tinged with touches of cruelty.

There’s something so captivating about Allison Saft’s writing as it captures the essence of seasons within simple words.

Allison saft a far wilder magic