Book Review: After the Forest by Kell Woods

I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.

After the Forest by Kell Woods

Mogsy’s Rating: 3 of 5 stars

Genre: Fantasy

Series: Stand Alone

Publisher: Tor (October 3, 2023)

Length: 375 pages

Author Information: Website

After the Forest by Kell Woods is the latest addition to my extensive list of fairy tale retellings, yet despite its fresh take on a bunch of traditional elements, I may have just hit my saturation point with this genre. Really, it’s not the book, it’s me—in this crowded landscape where stories can start to blend together, this one was a solid entry but didn’t quite leave a lasting impression.

Following a recent trend in “what if” retellings, After the Forest imagines the aftermath of the classic Hansel and Gretel tale by taking a rather cynical view of the two siblings’ lives after they defeat the wicked witch and escape from her gingerbread house. The trauma they’ve endured is evidenced fifteen years later, in the aftermath of a long and arduous war that has left most of the countryside a smoking ruin. Hans is deeply in debt from his out-of-control drinking and gambling, and Greta is working herself to the bone to support them both. Relying on a recipe found in a secret grimoire, she bakes irresistible gingerbread cookies to sell which barely keeps them afloat.

But even then, she and her brother face the threat of losing everything as Greta’s deliciously addictive cookies have made her the target of the superstitious townsfolk and unpleasant whispers speculating about what happened to her all those years ago. As Greta struggles to come to terms with her secret and the powers that seem both a curse and blessing, a dark magic in the forest is stirring. At this point, the story becomes less of a retelling and more of a historical fantasy inspired by multiple fairy tales as the author weaves together several narratives to form a rich tableau of inspiration, pulling from many different sources. Gradually, these threads converge to shape Greta’s destiny, taking her through a series of challenges that will not only shape her personality but also show her the true extent of her potential.

There’s a lot to like here. Woods excels in writing characters you can easily sympathize with, capturing Greta’s predicament in dealing with Hans as well as the prejudices of the town, which can spell death for her if the rumors get out of hand (though the people seem to enjoy her baking well enough). The prose is gorgeous, evocative, and well suited to the type of story being told—a heady concoction of fairy tale and folk magic, historical fiction, and even a generous side helping of sweet romance.

But in this sense, it is also treading familiar ground, echoing the similarly themed works of Naomi Novik (Uprooted and Spinning Silver), Katherine Arden (The Winternight trilogy), Hannah Whitten (For the Wolf), Juliet Marillier (Sevenwaters series), and I could go on. Needless to say, it’s a saturated market, and authors will need a bolder style or narrative to stand out. Don’t get me wrong—for many readers, After the Forest will likely make a splash, though for me, it didn’t quite resonate. Despite—or perhaps because of—the esteemed company it keeps, much of the novel makes me feel like I have been/here done that before.

That said, my reservations notwithstanding, I would still recommend giving After the Forest a chance, especially if the premise intrigues you or if you are a fan of any of the books mentioned above. Honestly, this was an impressive debut, and I would read another book by Kell Woods in a heartbeat as I was blown away by the writing and I see great things in her future. Plus, while my personal experience may have left me somewhat critical of this new wave of fairy-tale inspired fiction, the allure of this genre is absolutely subjective; others might appreciate in this one the enchantment that I found difficult to fully embrace. So definitely don’t let my review dissuade you! There’s a distinct possibility that After the Forest holds the magic you’re seeking within its pages.