Lore of the Wicked Wood

By: Hillary Raymer

Narrated by: Christian Leatherman, Zura Johnson

Atlas Skye is the renowned prince of pleasure with the magical ability to elicit desire. Repulsed by his son's shameless reputation, the kralv issues Atlas an ultimatum. Find a wife or be shipped to a remote camp in the mountains to mine for fire rubies.

Everinne Auvyre is touched by death. She thrives on careless decisions to avoid her volatile magic and the nightmares haunting her. When her brother refuses to aid her destructive habits, she finds employment at the Mystic Obscura, an exclusive parlor full of provocative entertainment, where the price to enter is a single drop of blood.

Yet the gilded streets of Prava are no longer safe. Immortals are being hunted and the wicked wood is awakening. When Everinne's magic is discovered by the kralv, she’s forced into an unjust bargain—become his puppet and marry Atlas, or surrender to her greatest fears. With Everinne entrenched in the clutches of the Mystic Obscura, Atlas struggles to find a way to free her from its grip and uncover the missing immortals. But when Everinne's only friend vanishes, the two must navigate the city's sinister underbelly, before they lose their kingdom, and each other, forever.

Contains mature themes.

©2025 Hillary Raymer

Meh

For such a long book it moved extremely slow. Not just romance portion but the plot. The author used so many descriptive words I sometimes got lost on what she actually describing.

Some parts I really enjoyed and found very interesting. The main mystery is what kept me listening but sadly I’m at chapter 28 and calling it. There is such a thing as creating conflict just create it being stupid and not just unnecessary but bad for story.

My breaking point was the main female lead having such issue with killing a dude who she believed she loved because he was in fact hunting her & tried to kill her. So she defended herself yet decades later (because yeah shes at least like over 70 based off death of parents) she is still extremely affected by this event and is afraid of her gift. I just personally can’t behind this logic so sadly I won’t be learning more.

Narrators were good but the female is way too breathy & made me constantly anxious when I’m pretty sure I shouldn’t be.

Loved the Journey, Wished for a Different Ending!

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and its intriguing characters! The storyline kept me engaged from beginning to end. However, I must admit I was disappointed with the ending. I was really hoping for a happily-ever-after (HEA)!

I’m keeping my fingers crossed that a Book 2 is in the works because I’m not quite ready to say goodbye to these characters. There’s still so much more I’d love to see unfold!

The mystery got me hooked!!!

So far I'm really enjoying it. Great story telling by the narrator 👏👏👏
Loved the mystery and the slow burn.
Loving the characters and character development. Can't wait for the next book!!

Very Mid

DNFd half way. Story is good but the narration left something to be desired. I had to finish the rest of the story via kindle.

It’s not bad

Over descriptive honestly. Could have been shorter or faster without repeating certain things. Like.. ok we get it. Also, plot holes. There are a few. Otherwise if you’re looking for a decent read without a bunch of spice, this one will do. Spice is like..2/10