Review ✎ For the Wolf

For the Wolf is a dark fantasy novel written by Hannah Whitten and published in 2021.

The novel features unique characters and phenomenal world building. I regret that it took me more than a year to finish the book, but I was legitimately afraid of finishing it. I handle a good story’s conclusion in such an awful manner, which is a testament to how attached I had grown to For the Wolf.

I found the book during a spur of the moment visit to my local Target, and I was intrigued by the parallels to the Little Red Riding Hood fable. They were only distantly connected; Whitten created a wonderful world, entirely new a full of all sorts of dark twists and turns that I am thankful I got to experience.

As mentioned above, I took longer than a year to finish reading this amazing book. I procrastinated. It shames me to admit that I didn’t want to finish it.

Throughout the year of on-off reading, I thought about the world, characters, and the overarching conflicts that defined Whitten from every other author I read. The novel remained at the forefront of my mind despite all the distractions, and I purchased the sequel January 17th, 2023—nearly 7 months prior to finishing the first.

The dark pieces of the story were excellently crafted, and I loved every moment of foreboding suspense that was presented. The line between good and evil were beautifully obscured. The Wolf is no evil beast (as mentioned in the summary), and I empathized with both Red and Neve’s chosen actions despite the consequences they reaped. Everyone had their reason for choosing their twisted paths, and I understood. I loved being able to see why I might make the same choice if I was in their shoes.

The underlying romance between Red and the Wolf had me in a vice. It pained me when there were so many reasons they couldn’t act on their growing attraction in the beginning. When that moment finally arrived, it was wonderful. Only one scene was adult in nature, but it was tame in a “fade to black” way.

I enjoyed how their love became a key part in the story without being a distraction, even if it drove them to do things that pained each other and me as a reader to witness.

The way the book ended, and the suggestion of the its sequel, For the Throne, I’m curious how Whitten will continue the story, and I’m curious how things will fare for Neve as the focus appears to shift onto her story.

♕ This book earned its crown and placement as one of my favorite reads.