Upon re-read, I loved this even more. I think the first time I didn’t appreciate the wholesome familial relationships and particularly Ryn’s grief from losing her father, but both of these really stood out. I thought I would be focused on the gorgeous, whimsically creepy writing and the slow-burn relationship, but I had to start annotating for Ryn’s father as well. Each moment tugged at my heartstrings and I got misty-eyed more than once. You can truly feel the love she had for her father every time she thinks of him.

Slow fantasies are definitely my thing and the atmosphere was so immersive, coming to life as I read. Each time I picked this book up, I was transported to the story and the characters added to that as well. I love the grumpy-sunshine feel of Ryn and Ellis. They work so well as foils to one another and the romance that blooms between them is so sweet and wholesome. Throughout their journey, they become so protective of one another. I loved how Ellis’ chronic pain was talked about, as a part of him, a burden, but he refuses to let it overtake his life.

This held up so well and I definitely need to check out The Drowned Woods now.