The Butcher of the Forest Premee Mohamed
Reviewed by: Melissa Friedlund, Reference Specialist
Genre: Dark Fantasy, Twisted Fairy Tales
Suggested Age: Teen, Adult
What is the book about? Veris is a middle-aged woman living with her aunt and grandfather in a land controlled by a deplorable foreigner known as the “Tyrant.” Between her home and the Tyrant’s castle is the foreboding Elmever; a dark forest that all locals know to NEVER enter. However, the Tyrant’s two young children have disappeared and the all signs point to them entering the Elmever under cover of night. Now, under threat of death for herself and her loved ones, Veris must attempt something that she miraculously accomplished once before…many years ago; go into the Elmever and come out of alive WITH the children.
My Review: I liked this novella quite a bit. It was a quick read and a good change of pace from my usual genres. The pace of action was brisk, which kept the suspense at the forefront. Premee Mohamed has a descriptive writing style that paints a comprehensive picture without getting lost in minor details. This twisted fairy tale has so many macabre elements it borders on horror, but wasn’t overly gory. The tension leaves you constantly wondering if there will be a happy ending or not.
Three Words That Describe This Book: Spooky, Intense, Grim
Give This a Try if You Like…Grimm’s Fairy Tales by the Brothers Grimm, One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig, The Parliament by Aimee Pokwatka
Rating: 4.5/5
