In this sequel to The Wren Hunt, Mary Watson continues to create this hauntingly addictive atmosphere that leaves me in awe of the magic that works in the town of Kilshamble. It brings together old characters and new, shows us new antagonists, and just how deep those still waters can run. Both main characters in this story are harbouring dark feelings underneath the surface, and it was fascinating to get to know them. If you loved The Wren Hunt and want to continue your journey, you should definitely pick this up. I’ve read so many books this year, but none quite like this one. There’s something that inexplicably draws you in…nothing big necessarily. Usually it’s a small action. Something you don’t quite think about until pages later it comes up again. Then you’re urged on by this sense of unease you can’t shake, that you need to finish this story in order to find that missing piece. It’s a truly spellbinding story.
In this second story, we follow Zara, who’s recent move to Kilshamble was supposed to be a new beginning. Unfortunately, that new beginning was destroyed when her sister was found dead on the village green. Two months later, Laila’s death is a mystery that no one in town seems to want to solve. Questions like where her injuries were, why she was so obsessed with the local folklore, and how is this all connected to the boy that lives in the big house go unanswered. As Zara begins delving deeper into the secrets that her sister was keeping, she too will become drawn into the same magical feud that drew her sister in. She just needs to make sure she’s not the next victim.
When I first opened this book, I was surprised to see who the narrators were. We have Zara, and then there’s David. Who (SPOILER IF YOU HAVEN’T READ THE WREN HUNT) was sort of an antagonist for Wren in the first book. If you’re wondering if we’ll get to see what happens after the first book, you are indeed correct. He suffers the consequences of his actions and we also get to see a deeper dive into his personality. I loved seeing what drove this young man to do the things that he did. Not only did I grow to love him toward the end of the story, I’m pretty sure all readers will too. Zara is also fascinating. Despite still grieving her sister’s death and puzzled at the secrets her sister kept from her, she’s also keeping some of her own, particularly regarding her family life.
Let’s be real, the magic system at work in this story is truly fascinating to see. I love seeing all of the little rules and things that come up as you’re reading, as well as the little tidbits that Zara finds out along the way. Getting that outsider perspective really helps drive the story along, particularly in regard to the feud. Each chapter progresses in a way that leaves readers on edge, unsure of what to expect in the next chapter.
Since this story is told in both David and Zara’s perspective, I liked getting to see how each one was thinking, especially when it came to thinking about each other. I wasn’t expecting their romantic development to be as sweet as I found it to be, especially considering some of the circumstances they’re in. There’s nothing sweeter than relationships founded on mutual respect and understanding.
The grief experience is something that we see tackled repeatedly in The Wickerlight. We see the invasive nature of grief and how it can affect families and daily living, along with how it can drive the actions of people, just like it did for Zara. Ultimately, this story is about finding some sort of closure over the death of a family member, but becomes a transformative journey that affects the heart and soul.
I’m not sure how I got through this story in just an evening, because it certainly felt longer than that. The pacing of the story is just right, with enough momentum to catapult the reader right into the next chapter without looking back. I think part of what kept me going is that building anticipation that makes it near impossible to put down. While the ending of this story felt very definite, I hope that we might get to see another story set in the town of Kilshamble. I would love to see what happens with these characters.
It’s definitely a 10/10 for me. You should pick this up if you’re looking for a fall/winter read with a dark and haunting atmosphere. Come for the Irish magic and stay for the soft and sweet romance between two life hardened characters.
The Wickerlight is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers.
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Synopsis | Goodreads
It’s been two months since Laila was found lifeless on Kilshamble village green, not a mark on her. Rumour says she died of an overdose. Or maybe it was suicide? The autopsy found nothing, but somebody must know what happened.
Now Laila’s sister Zara is ready to pick up the trail. But retracing her sister’s footsteps takes her to David, a Judge at the dangerous heart of an ancient magical feud. All too unwittingly, she begins to tread the same path that led her sister to the village green .
Mary Watson’s sequel to The Wren Hunt is an eerie, magical thriller about a dead girl, her sister and the boy who can unlock the truth of what happened the night she died. Perfect for fans of Frances Hardinge and Emily Bain Murphy’s The Disappearances
