The forest is particularly terrifying and though spiders generally aren’t particularly horrifying for me, anyone with the name Spider King is a little off-putting. It’s definitely a story with action, adventure, and many trials. It’s the true heart of the story.īeyond their love and Sirscha’s well disguised tendency toward compassion, there is plenty of hate and evil threatening to destroy the world as they know it. So many fantasies lean hard into romantic love, but here, the love between two childhood friends glows brightly in the dark and oppressive times they’re facing. The friendship between Sirscha and Saengo sustains her through many difficulties and hardships. Fortunately, the cover doesn’t deceive–the story is also impressive.įorest of Souls features a young woman who has been trained physically and mentally to face many kinds of dangers. Laura Benton and Charlie Bowater did a phenomenal job capturing the essence of the story and presenting Sirscha in such a powerful way. For those unfamiliar with Hmong culture, she will likely be seen as Asian in general, but for other readers, she’ll be distinctly Hmong. There haven’t been many books to give to Hmong teens that would allow them to see themselves on the page so I’m excited to have this one out in the world. Aside from the beautiful illustration and design, the Hmong representation is significant. Sirscha looks intense and gives off vibes that she’s not anyone to mess with if you enjoy being alive. The spiders and branches within the title font are also lovely touches.

You can see the shadows of tree branches lightly across Sirscha’s face and her glowing eyes are fabulous. My review: First off, though you aren’t supposed to judge a book by it’s cover, go ahead and do that in this case. As war looms, Sirscha must master her newly awakened abilities before the trees shatter the brittle peace, or worse, claim Saengo, the friend she would die for.

Now, with the trees growing wild and untamed, only a soulguide can restrain them. For centuries, he has used his influence over the Dead Wood-an ancient forest possessed by souls-to enforce peace between the kingdoms. Unveiled as the first soulguide in living memory, Sirscha is summoned to the domain of the Spider King. After years of training to become the queen’s next royal spy, her plans are derailed when shamans attack and kill her best friend Saengo.Īnd then Sirscha, somehow, restores Saengo to life. Summary: Sirscha Ashwyn comes from nothing, but she’s intent on becoming something. Availability: On shelves now in hardcover/paperback

Forest of Souls by Lori M. Lee