Spirit of the Wood {Review}

Spirit of the Wood by Kristen Britain
Series: Green Rider #7.5
Publisher: Penguin Random House, Penguin, Daw (2023 (November 7))
ARC, eARC (208 pages)
Via: NetGalley
Rating:
Also by this author: Green Rider, First Rider's Call, The High King's Tomb
Also in this series: Green Rider, First Rider's Call, The High King's Tomb

Synopsis

This short novel set in the world of the New York Times bestselling Green Rider series tells the backstory of fan-favorite character Laren Mapstone

Perfect for longtime Green Rider fans eager for more of the world or new readers discovering the realm of Sacoridia for the first time, this action-packed, feminist fantasy is a must-read for lovers of the genre.

After years of leading the battle against the vicious Darrow Raiders, Lieutenant-Rider Laren Mapstone has built a fortress around herself to conceal her emotions and the deep scars she carries. When she is made mentor to Tavin Bankside, a Green Rider trainee on his first message errand, her cold and brooding exterior quickly earns her the moniker the “Ice Lady.”

Only after Laren is severely wounded in an attack on the North Road by a gang of bandits—including some former Darrow Raiders with vengeance on their minds—do the fortress walls fall. Even as they seek refuge from danger in a Rider waystation, Tavin’s natural empathic gift leaves him vulnerable to the assault of the lieutenant’s emotions. Tavin must save Lieutenant Mapstone’s life and master his empathic gift before it destroys them both.

However, an ancient power lurks deep within the Green Cloak, and its aid or hindrance could mean survival for the Riders or the downfall of Sacoridia and all the free lands.

Find the book: Goodreads, Amazon

My Review

Spirit of the Wood is a wonderful addition to the Green Rider series. It tells the story of Laren Mapstone and Tavin Bankside that is mentioned in Green Rider when Karigan sees an entry in the logbook at the North Way Station. This is the book that tells the story of that entry.

I found this short story highly enjoyable it definitely made me feel I have a better understanding of Mapstone in the current storyline as this is a snapshot into what has happened in the past. I really loved the character of Tavin and I am now a bit sad that he is not in the main books of the series. I think he and Karigan could have had a lot to talk about together.

If you love the Green Rider series and want to see a different side to the world, I highly recommend this book.

How do you feel about short stories that add onto an existing world?

I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley for
review consideration. This in no way affects my opinion of the title
nor the content of this review.