The Redwood Bargain by Markelle Grabo
A clever, grown-up Grimms’ tale with duty, desire, and a forest that bites back.
Pre-Reading Thoughts
The blurb promises bargains, mysterious lords, and fabled forests, so I’m expecting intrigue, careful plotting, and a protagonist who’s clever enough to outwit supernatural expectations. I’m hoping for a darkly whimsical tone with a sense of slow-build tension.
Post-Reading
As I thought… The tone is spot-on—Grimm-like, a little sinister, and utterly compelling. The characters feel real, even the ones whose behaviour can be frustrating, because their motives are clear. Katrien is clever and empathetic, and her training period is more engaging than I expected, full of clever lessons and quiet tension.
It surprised me by… …how much I enjoyed the careful pacing. Even though I misread the blurb and wanted faster forest action, the story’s focus on preparation and the relationships built during that time works beautifully. The romantic tension with Zaviera is delicate and earned, and the looming presence of the Redwood Man keeps the stakes high without rushing the narrative.
Music Pairing
🎵 Featured Song: “Breathe Me” – Sia 🎶 Vibe Album: Dark Fairy Tales: Strings & Shadows (imaginative mix!) 🎧 Artist Recommendation: Florence + The Machine (for the ethereal, tense energy)
Vibe Check
Colour Palette: Deep forest greens, muted browns, and soft candlelight gold Soundtrack: Darkly whimsical, suspenseful, a touch romantic Season: Late autumn – crisp, shadowy, and mysterious Mood: Clever, tense, quietly romantic Scent: Damp earth and old parchment
Tarot Pull
The High Priestess – Katrien embodies intuition, careful planning, and inner strength. Like the High Priestess, she navigates the unknown with wisdom, slowly uncovering secrets, balancing duty with desire, and trusting her instincts to guide her through the Redwood bargain.
For Fans Of
Book: The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert (for the fairy-tale-with-edge vibe)
TV/Film: Pan’s Labyrinth (for grown-up fairy-tale tension and clever protagonists)
The Redwood Bargain publishes on 26th April. I received a free copy and am giving an honest review.
