I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A Forest, Darkly by A.G. Slatter Series: Sourdough Universe
Published by Titan Books on February 10 2026
Genres: Adult, Fantasy
Pages: 368
Format: Finished paperback
Source: Publisher
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The nitty-gritty: A witchy, feminist fairy tale told with dazzling style and wit, A Forest, Darkly is full of unique magic and irresistible characters.
“Witchcraft isn’t just potions and powders and spells. It’s whispers and gentleness, giving folk a sense they’re free to share their secrets with you—a feeling of a door left ajar, open without obligation…It’s knowing that every lie told will eventually reveal itself and the person who told it.”
It’s been several years since I read A.G. Slatter’s All the Murmuring Bones, and I can’t believe I waited so long to once again experience Slatter’s uniquely magical storytelling. A Forest, Darkly is set in the author’s Sourdough Universe, although you do not need to read any previous books to enjoy this one. This is a gorgeously written, magical story that seamlessly blends fairy tales, mythology, emotional moments, humor and tension, and even romance.
Mehrab is a witch who lives deep in the forest, just outside the village of Berhta’s Forge. In her fifties, Mehrab enjoys her mostly solitary life and uses her magic and potions to help the villagers with their various ailments. But one day her peaceful life is upended when her friend Fenna brings a young girl named Rhea to stay with her. Rhea is also a witch and can conjure fire, but she’s being pursued by god-hounds after an altercation with a royal suitor went sideways.
Mehrab isn’t keen on taking on a foster, but Rhea clearly needs her help, and so the two settle in, although at first their personalities clash. Rhea is headstrong and curious, and Mehrab insists on obedience. Although the townsfolk appreciate Mehrab’s talent for healing, there are some who would burn a witch at the stake given the chance, and Rhea must stay out of sight until the danger of being caught is past.
And then a child in the village disappears, and Mehrab is called upon to help find her. When more children vanish she realizes the disappearances might be connected to an entity in the forest who has been tracking her.
A Forest, Darkly is a fiercely feminist story and full of wonderful female characters. Mehrab is intelligent, resourceful and cares deeply for those she loves. She’s also a woman of a certain age who acknowledges her age but doesn’t want to be defined by it. Slatter’s short Author’s Note explains that she wanted to write about a woman going through menopause to show that life shouldn’t end because of it. Slatter touches on themes like motherhood, pregnancy and sex, all of which have affected Mehrab in one way or another throughout her life. Many of the female characters are witches with powers the men don’t possess, and Slatter perfectly captures the sense of sisterhood these women share. Lurking just beneath the surface, though, is the possibility of danger and death. Women with too much power are feared and must be dealt with.
Slatter mixes fairy tale elements with mythology in some fascinating ways. There are strong nods to Little Red Riding Hood, as well as mentions of mermaid lore and other mythologies. Forests and trees play an important part in the story, and it’s no accident that a tree dominates the cover. Not only is Mehrab protected by the forest—many villagers are afraid to enter it—but she honors an entity called the Green Woman whose likeness is carved into doorframes for even more protection. One of my favorite elements is when Mehrab shows Rhea how to create a “summer husband.” I won’t go into detail because it’s such a unique part of the story and I don’t want to spoil too much, but let’s just say it involves a tree, magic and particular attention to, let’s just say, representing the male genitalia just right! Oh how I loved this subplot, which is full of not only humor, but so much unexpected angst and emotion.
A sense of dread and danger permeates the story, as Mehrab is constantly trying to hide from villagers and the supernatural entities she finds in the forest. The missing children plot worked well, especially since it eventually leads to one of the more shocking twists. There are even elements bordering on horror, but don’t let that scare you away. This is quite the layered story with a lot going on, but I loved every second of it, and Slatter is a genius at tying everything together at the end.
I also loved how emotional A Forest, Darkly is. There is a bit of romance between Mehrab and a blacksmith named Faolan, and Slatter gives us flashbacks into what happened between them in the past and how they are able to come together in the present. And I have to go back to the summer husband once more, because there’s a sort of love triangle going on with Mehrab, Rhea and the husband. To say things don’t end well with them is an understatement! This whole storyline is full of heartbreak, although I ultimately loved the way the author resolved things at the end.
I’ve barely scratched the surface—I haven’t even talked about half the characters, and so much more happens than what I’ve mentioned in this review. I loved the hopeful ending and the sense that Mehrab might be starting a new adventure. Grab this immediately, you won’t want to miss it!
Big thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy.
Oh this sounds like an amazing book and something I think I would highly enjoy. Obviously I also love that is has fairy tale and mythology elements. Adding to my TBR now!
She combined all the different elements so well:-)
Okay, this sounds very tempting! I’ll add it to my wishlist.
It’s so much fun, I think you’d enjoy it:-)
Amazing review! This definitely sounds like something I’d enjoy. Off to add it to my TBR…
Thanks Lindsi, I hope you get to check it out:-)
I am so excited for this one!
I hope you love it!
You’ve convinced me! Putting this one at the top of my TBR list. And yay for an author who dares to write an older female character with lots of life still in her. 😀
She writes the best characters!
Wow, a 5 star review from you! I have this book in my anticipated February releases, though with limited reading time I have to prioritize. But now I’m even more intrigued. I wish I had more time to read, lol!!
Me too, there’s never enough time!
5 stars! Glad to hear a non-horror book which rated so highly.
I don’t like all fantasy, but this is definitely my speed:-)
This sounds fantastic!! I’ve only read The Murmuring Bones, and was wondering if there was a particular reading order or if I had to wait to read this one until I’ve read more of the Sourdough books. Thanks for explaining! I can’t wait to grab a copy. Great review!
I definitely want to catch up on the other Sourdough books, I’m curious about how they fit together!
Another winner by an author whose books I haven’t read yet! I won’t bore you with my rant about how I need to change that. On a more serious note, is this the author’s “best book” in this series so far?
You should definitely check out her books! I have only read two books in the series, so I can’t say it’s the best, but I sure loved it!
I live the idea of a heroine in her fifties and with menopause!
I’m glad she wrote this character, I absolutely loved Mehrab!
This sounds incredible and I can’t wait to read. As if a vlend of fairytales, mythology and emotional moments weren’t enough I’m now highly curious to discover the summer husband plot. And I love the sound of Mehrab. Generally there arent enough older FMCs I feel so I’m always excited to discover a new strong one. Lovely review.
I did some research, and I believe the summer husband is also based in mythology. It was so much fun:-)
Am I correct in thinking this has T. Kingfisher vibes with the fairytale mash-ups? It sounds a delight – thank you for a superb review, Tammy:).
Yes, there are definite Kingfisher vibes! I think you would love it:-) Thank you Sarah!
This sounds amazing, it feels like a lot happens in this one but in the best way. I definitely will be adding it to my tbr and I’m very intrigued about this ‘Summer Husband’ business! lol. I also love that it’s a Green Woman the witch honors because I’ve heard of the Green Man but never the Green Woman !
Sounds like there’s a lot going on here, but in a good way. I’d like to try this one. And I love the title.
This has been on my radar and seeing your rating convinces me maybe I need to bump it up. Great review!
Oh, this sounds awesome. Thanks for the note that this can be read without reading anything else in the Sourdough Universe, because I was hoping that it would be possible to start here without getting too confused.
Great review. I loved this and so happy you did too.
I agree that it’s difficult to do it justice although I very much enjoyed reading your thoughts.
Lynn 😀
This book sounds like there is so much to it! Glad you enjoyed it so much. Great review!
https://lisalovesliterature.bookblog.io/2026/02/06/bookish-travel-january-2026/
I’ve made read one or two of her books and I do want to get back into more of her work soon. She writes so gorgeously! This sounds wonderful.
I definitely need to read this one, your review has completely sold me. I love some fairy tale elements mixed with mythology and the sound of everything else going on in this one.
Friday, March 13th on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2pEzdfdUeg