Edgewood A Novel

Kristen Ciccarelli — 2022

"Darkly gorgeous and moving, Edgewood is full of curses and fae magic that will capture your heart and wrap it in thorns before setting you free again, forever changed. I devoured Edgewood whole and couldn't put it down." - Evelyn Skye, New York Times bestselling author of The Crown's Game Can love survive the dark? No matter how far she runs, the forest of Edgewood always comes for Emeline Lark. The scent of damp earth curls into her nose when she sings and moss creeps across the stage. It’s as if the woods of her childhood, shrouded in folklore and tall tales, are trying to reclaim her. But Emeline has no patience for silly superstitions. When she learns her grandfather disappeared from his nursing home, leaving only a milky orb in his wake, the stories Emeline has always scoffed at suddenly seem less foolish. After searching for him almost everywhere, Emeline finally succumbs to the call of Edgewood, entering the forest she has spent years trying to escape. Emeline finds herself in the court of the fabled Wood King himself. She makes a deal—her voice for her grandfather’s freedom. Little does she know, she’s stumbled into the middle of a curse much bigger than herself, one that threatens the existence of a life she has worked so hard to forget. With the help of a handsome and brooding tithe collector, a surly blacksmith, and a lost childhood friend, Emeline sets out to not only save her grandfather’s life, but to right past wrongs, and in the process, discover her true voice. Haunting and romantic, Kristen Ciccarelli's Edgewood is an exciting novel from a bold, unforgettable voice in fantasy.

Reviews

Holly@hollyck

Sep 1, 2022

I have mixed feelings on some parts of this, but I overall enjoyed it. This is teetering between upper-YA and NA territory, as there are some explicit parts. I had no problem with them until there is a scene where both the MC and the love interest are minors and engaging in sexual acts--that being said, as this takes place in Canada, the MC and love interest are of the age of consent. I found Emeline's relationship with her grandfather endearing, and overall I felt the pacing was really consistent and the concept was interesting. Although, it doesn't seem clear why Ewan tithed himself? I was kind of confused over whether that was Hawthorne trying to make Emeline leave or if he was being genuine. This book hasThe Cruel Princeish vibes, but sans bullying (and tail). The one thing that I called (and have voice note receipts to prove it) is that Hawthorne is the tree. The love interest is a tree. I can't believe I wrote that sentence. He is obviously not in tree form for most of the book, but when I realized it, I just started cackling. So overall this was enjoyable, but I think there were some questionable aspects that could potentially lead into more discussions about explicit content in YA books.

This review contains a spoiler

Steph L @paigesofnovels

Aug 14, 2022

I received an ARC of this. I loved the characters- they were interesting, and I really enjoyed their interactions. I loved the story, the mix of Contemporary and Fantasy made me happy. The writing in this novel was excellent. I loved the romance between the main character and the love interest. I recommend this for people who enjoy a different kind of Fantasy.

courtofkayla @courtofkayla

Mar 19, 2022

Hauntingly beautiful, Edgewood is a tale about a young girl making her way in the world, well— the fae and human worlds I should say. Poetic, vibrantly written, and simply plotted, Edgewood delivers an all-encompassing novel you can jump into and enjoy until the very last page. Edgewood reminds us that all that is forgotten is not lost, stories can be retold, and it is never too late to change. Edgewood follows Emeline, an inspiring singer about to land her first record deal by embarking on a three-week tour. However, she gets news that her grandfather has disappeared, and her quick search leads her back to her childhood home, the Edgewood’s. She soon realizes her grandfather has been tithed and taken by the mad king. She must venture deep into the cursed kingdom, trust new allies, and survive in order to save her voice and grandfather. The tale told soon gets twisted, and Emeline realizes she plays a bigger role in undoing the curse and saving not only everyone around her but also herself. If you love Holly Blacks’ books, you’d definitely like Edgewood! It’s a fast-paced urban fantasy with a surprising ending that kept me on the edge of my seat. ✨ * Thank you to Wednesday Books for providing me with a finished copy. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and an honest review. *

Courtney Passio@nightc0urt

Dec 27, 2021

An amazing standalone fantasy full of lore, magical forests and *gasp* even a dragon?! This story has all of the epic makings of a magical and whimsical world full of wonder that also still takes place in the human world! It’s very rare that I enjoy standalone fantasies but I freaking love this one so much! It was so whimsical and heart felt with little twists I honestly didn’t see coming and just full to the brim with so much emotion that I teared up while reading it! I can’t say enough kind things about this Edgewood and all I can really say is, don’t sleep on this book! Set in a town on the edge of a forest that’s said to be controlled by a wicked fae king, Emeline who has escaped her small town to live her BIG dreams finds herself being lured back by.. the woods?! But that can’t be? But her grandfather has disappeared and she must search the woods to find him but what she finds is SO much more. Do yourself a favorite and go into this book knowing as little as possible. This story has taught me to love, to love fiercely and to never let go— you never know how long you have the people you love in your life.

Kaeli Wolf @kjwolf

Sep 27, 2021

I love the idea behind this novel, it is something that a lot of people should have some experience in. This was well written and definitely something I will recommend to my reader friends!

Rachel Kelt@rachie8888

May 9, 2022

Frida Kahlo@fridathequeen

Jun 28, 2022

ashley larsen@bookqueen

Jun 21, 2022

ashley larsen@bookqueen

May 1, 2022

Caitlin Johnson@cait_reads2024

Oct 14, 2021

Highlights

Courtney Passio@nightc0urt

I knew a girl once, HAWTHORNE’S VOICE FLICKERED THROUGH HER. Singing was like breathing for her. When she sang, she went somewhere no one could touch her.

Courtney Passio@nightc0urt

But as she moved to do it, all she could think about was the man at the pump and his poetry-loving wife. He spoke of her like she was a radiant sun. One that had set but, like the dusk, still lingered on the horizon where he kept his gaze fixed.

Courtney Passio@nightc0urt

She shouldn’t like this boy. Shouldn’t like the sound of his stubborn voice, or the startling gentleness of his touch, or the heady strength of his presence.

👀🔥

Courtney Passio@nightc0urt

When people underestimate you, it was easy to turn the tables on them.