The Butcher of the Forest Review
By Nic Daniels
TW: Brief mentions of sexual assault
Hello, audacious readers!
I hope you had a wonderful and chilling spooky season! Last month, we were fighting Fae Shakespearian London in That Same-Self Metal by Brittany N. Williams. This month, we’re facing our worst nightmares in The Butcher of the Forest by Premee Mohamed.
In a faraway land, Veris Thorn lives with the last remaining members of her family on the edge of a forbidden forest ruled by powerful magic. It’s well known that once you go in, you won’t come back. Veris has been the only exception, and she has no desire to ever go back.
Unfortunately, when the tyrant king’s children go missing in the forest, he forces her to bring them back with the threat to kill her family if she fails. Armed with a few trinkets and her wit, Veris must face the traps, tricksters, and monsters lurking in the dark woods. She only has one day to bring them back and one misstep will cost her everything.
Veris’ journey was the perfect thing to read around Halloween. It’s been a while since I’ve read a dark fairytale, and Premee creates such an eerie atmosphere from beginning to end that you truly feel on edge. I also love that there’s no chapters, only pages breaks, to help keep the feeling of a winding tale.
The creatures of the forest are truly terrifying in a way that makes me enjoy reading it at night, but I would probably be too scared to see in a movie or show (I’m a scaredy cat). Veris is so strong as a main character. She’s understandably jaded and resentful, but it’s balanced out well with her determination and compassion for the kids. I also really appreciate that she’s not superhuman; she’s just so determined to escape, she refuses to not find a way out.
My favorite part was probably the last third. The tension was built so well that when she does find the kids and they’re racing to get out, it paid off. It was also heartbreaking when your realized she cheated on the bet that would have saved both the children so she could only go back with one. It’s terrible, unfortnuately relatable, and so well done.
To top it all off, the story is only 150 pages, so it doesn’t overstay it’s welcome. And despite all the creepy creatures, it doesn’t feel grotesque. It’s chilling in the best way and I hope this isn’t Premee’s last time writing in this genre.
I hope you enjoyed The Butcher of the Forest! I'll be sharing all my thoughts and feelings on the upcoming IG live with founder, Jessica Wise. Feel free to comment your thoughts below. Until next time, don’t forget to read audaciously!
