Audacity Book Club: October Read

By Nic Daniels

TW: Brief mentions of sexual assault

Hello, audacious readers!

Spooky season has settled in, and it is time to give you a story that makes you look twice over your shoulder. Last month, we entered some magical battles in That Self-Same Metal by Brittany N. Williams. This month, we’re headed deep into the woods in The Butcher of the Forest by Premee Mohamed.

In a far away land, Veris Thorn lives in a small cottage with the last remaining members of her family, avoiding trouble and the attention of the tyrant king as much as possible. Unfortunately, when the king summons her one random morning, she knows exactly why. On the edge of the kingdom is a forbidden forest, filled with unspoken horrors. Veris is the only person to ever enter the forest and come back.

When the king’s children go missing in the forest, he forces her to bring them back or her family will pay the cost. Armed with a few essential supplies and her wit, Veris must face the traps, tricksters, and monsters lurking in the dark woods. She only has one day to bring the children back and one misstep will cost her everything.

Dark and haunting, The Butcher of the Forest is a chilling fairytale about the price of secrets and facing what keeps you up at night — whether you want to or not. This book is available wherever books are sold and in your local library or Libby app. I hope you enjoy it, and I will see you soon for the full review.

Until then, don’t forget to read audaciously!