Leanne Olson

Edgewood by Kristen Ciccarelli

Releases March 1, 2022 from Wednesday Books

Edgewood is a beautiful fairy tale about a young musician, Emeline Lark, who is about to head out on tour and land a record deal when her beloved grandfather disappears. 

The people who live in Edgewood, her hometown, say he’s been tithed to the Wood King, a creature who runs a fabled court in the forest beyond Edgewood. Emeline doesn’t believe in superstition but enters the forest to look for him, and discovers a whole world of mysteries (and romance).

At first, this book hit a lot of familiar notes and the story seemed like a typical “can the human girl outsmart the fairie king, and will she fall in love” plot so often seen in YA fantasy. But where this story works for me is in its specificity. Emmeline’s relationship with her grandpa feels real. The creatures are wonderful and terrifying (I want an ember horse so much). The imagery of the forest king with his clothing made from water is gorgeous. 

Thematically, Edgewood operates in many layers: I love the portrayal of family, how Emeline cares for her grandfather, her regrets and nostalgia at visiting home. It reminded me so much of my own grandparents. Emeline sacrifices herself and her career for a grandfather who doesn’t even remember her because of his dementia. I like that Emeline doesn’t hesitate. In a world where we sometimes treat the elderly as less valuable, disposable, no longer people, Edgewood affirms that Emeline is right to see her grandfather as important and worthy. Another major theme is Emeline’s music career and her choice to fit herself into what the industry wants, or embrace her own songwriting. Emeline’s struggles to find her own identity are relatable and interesting.

There was a plot point that I didn’t see coming, involving Emeline’s relationship with Hawthorne, the boy she meets in the forest. I’m very curious to see how readers will respond to a betrayal and forgiveness…I’m still undecided how I feel about the ending.

Edgewood is a great pick for readers looking for a riff on the “kidnapped by the fae king” trope that doesn’t feel cliche or boring, and who are looking for a young adult read with strong themes around family and self-identity. 

I also loved the Canadian representation in this, it’s not often I see YA fantasy stories set (partially) in Montreal!

Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for providing me with a review copy.