Lore of the Wilds follows a human healer who becomes entangled in the dangerous politics and forbidden romance of the fae realm. I picked this book up because it promised everything I love—romance, adventure, magic, and a diverse cast—but it fell short of my expectations. Every time I started to feel invested in the storyline, it would abruptly shift, almost like it was trying to cram in every trope from an enemies-to-lovers fae/human romance without giving each moment the time it deserved. I really wanted to love this book, and while it didn’t fully land for me, readers who enjoy all things fantasy, especially with a diverse cast, may still find it worth the read.