Review:

Title: The Drowned Woods

Author: Emily Lloyd-Jones

Release Date: 8/16/22

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Find it here: Goodreads

Synopsis from Goodreads: Once upon a time, the kingdoms of Wales were rife with magic and conflict, and eighteen-year-old Mererid “Mer” is well-acquainted with both. She is the last living water diviner and has spent years running from the prince who bound her into his service. Under the prince’s orders, she located the wells of his enemies, and he poisoned them without her knowledge, causing hundreds of deaths. After discovering what he had done, Mer went to great lengths to disappear from his reach. Then Mer’s old handler returns with a proposition: use her powers to bring down the very prince that abused them both.

The best way to do that is to destroy the magical well that keeps the prince’s lands safe. With a motley crew of allies, including a fae-cursed young man, the lady of thieves, and a corgi that may or may not be a spy, Mer may finally be able to steal precious freedom and peace for herself. After all, a person with a knife is one thing… but a person with a cause can topple kingdoms.

My Review: I absolutely adored this book. I loved the welsh mythology because it is so rarely represented in modern day fiction. The story is essentially a retelling of cantre'r gwaelod, The story of how cardigan bay on the west coast of wales came to be. There has been some evidence that there may be truth to the myth as well. What I loved most about the book was the quest. I am a sucker for a good quest. The story is well written and a very enjoyable read. I will say Mer was not my favorite character but I still loved the story.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All opinions are my own.*