Review: The Waking Forest by Alyssa Wees

Rhea Ravenna is a normal-seeming teenager who lives with her close-knit family by the sea. But, Rhea sees visions. Most notably, she sees a vision of a forest and sometimes thinks she hears screaming coming from within. Then one night in the darkness of the attic, a boy speaks to her and says he will remove her curse if she plays a game.

The witch sits on a throne made from a tooth in a room inside the forest. Each night she grants wishes to children who visit her there. Then one night, a stranger visits and asks what she wishes for.

Eventually, the paths of Rhea and the witch intersect. A revelation, a sort of epiphany for Rhea occurs. What comes of it is a surprising truth.

The first part of this book is filled with poetic language and imagery. It makes for a dreamlike quality. For example, "Every time I see the trees, they seem to have grown, taller and thicker and darker, the spaces between them as black as beauty turned inside out." It alternates between the story of Rhea and the story of the witch.

In the second part of the book, the language is less flowery. And it works well as an indicator of the mood of things and a change in circumstances. Also, the plot sticks to one story instead of alternating. My problem with this part of the book was that it sort of meanders.

Overall, it's a good book. I gave it 3 stars out of 5 mostly because of the way the second part of the book meanders and doesn't seem to have a clear plan in parts. In fact, it's a little confusing at times. I really did enjoy the first half, the second half not as much.

The Waking Forest by Alyssa Wees was released March 12th, 2019 from Delacorte.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions herein are my own and freely given.