✷ 3.5 // 5

"People with power resent losing it, and too much power for too long a time can make a villain of anyone."

For background/ retelling info: For the Wolf is inspired by Little Red Riding Hood with a dark, grueling twist, but also many people mention Rose Red and Snow White because of Red and Neve’s (means snow) relationship. The end, I'd argue, is very indicative of this comparison particularly because of what happens to Neve and Red. I'm not going to spoil specifically, but with the direction I think we are heading... More chaos!
Anyway, I was in love with this cover the moment I laid eyes on it, and upon delving between the pages, the story did not disappoint. It contains a sentient, ravenous forest; an intriguing yet gruesome magic system; and lots of chaos to put it simply. All things a fantasy reader, like me, could ask for! The end was my absolute favorite part of the story. The whole last act is just *chefs kiss* to die for. I wish it had been longer because I was eating it up left and right. Plus, the character arcs rose to new levels, and the ~transformation~ was... WOW. I can’t wait to see what happens in the sequel after that end.
As mentioned above, the writing was pure lush. Hannah was wonderful with her descriptions and mastery of writing. I did find a couple awkward spots where the pacing shifted too fast or the characters' relationships (Neve's particularly) felt rushed, but I was never let down by the prose itself. If I could read Hannah's forest descriptions for hours on end, I would 110%.

"People created stories to fill the gaps they didn't understand, and religion grew up around it like rot on a fallen tree."

While I've been talking about a lot of my positive thoughts, I am torn with my rating. I'm simultaneously delighted by this book while also disappointed. The disappointment stems from the contrast of the entirety of the book to the last, major scene of the book. When I compare them in my head, the end just ranks so much higher and better than anything else.
I found Eammon and Red's relationship to be endearing at times, but then they'd do/ say a few cringey lines that completely took me out of the reading experience. For the Wolf is an Adult novel, but at times I felt as if some YA elements seeped in, making me categorize this more along New Adult if that makes any sense. It's a really good option for those transitioning from YA to more Adult fantasies for sure.
If you were a big fan of Uprooted, then I’d recommend you look into this book. In my opinion, For the Wolf will lack the controversy of the Dragon because Eammon is a self sacrificing sweetheart, who wouldn’t hurt a fly unless they were about to hurt his loved ones. I think a lot of people, Tik Tok book lovers to be honest haha, will adore their relationship, especially because he does fit into the immortal trope.

"It always ends in roots and bones."

Overall, thank you to Orbit Books for gifting me a finished copy to review. I cannot wait to dive into the sequel and see what's in store for this cast of characters. All thoughts and opinions are my own.