wkooijman

3.5 stars When a mysterious mute, wood carver visits Maddie's village, she can't help but be drawn to him. Getting his attention is going to be harder than Maddie realizes. After her village has given up on him and deemed him an idiot, Maddie can't help herself and she wants to know more about him. Not one for words, this piercing green eyed, angst stranger isn't willing to give away his secrets. After a turn of events and an attack from an evil shadow like creature, Carver, as Maddie calls him, ends up being taking care of by her mother. During his recovery Carver begins to slowly open up to Maddie about what he is, and the danger she and her village are in. Maddie and Carver aren't in-depth characters, but with the story reading more like a folklore, I felt I got to know them enough to understand them and the choices they make. Both are similar, as both are like outsiders to those around them. Maddie is one of the few younger people who live in small remote village and Carver has a dark secret that keeps him from getting close to anyone. It wasn't hard to see why these two felt drawn to each other. I liked seeing how the two of them became closer and learned to trust each other. I also like that the werewolf isn't like traditional wolves, but is more of shadow creature that lurks in the darkest places of the night during the full moon, which makes this creature dark and erie. What I enjoyed most about Clare Dunkle's These Ten Books is the unique werewolf mythology and it's beautiful setting. Set in medieval Scotland among it's highlands gives an air of mystery and intrigue to the book. Truthfully, the setting and lore are what made me want to read the book, and kept my interest through out the story. These key elements play just as big of a role in the story as the characters do, and really set the tone for the book. I enjoyed this fascinating spin on werewolf mythology and I recommend picking it up. It's a good read.

2022-11-14 13:26