Bumpy Oak Books

**spoiler alert**

**I was provided with an electronic ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for honest review.**

Actual rating: 2.5 stars

Chantal Gadoury and AM Wright come together in the Hansel and Gretel retelling The Shrike & the Shadows. Hans and Greta’s tale is a dark and twisted version of the fairytale with a warning for sexual content.

I was very much excited by the concepts presented in this story. Loved the werewolf/witch of the woods flair. Was all in with the mythos of the Shrike. The story was very atmospheric and the writing worked well with the overall aesthetic. Unfortunately, I was disappointed by the execution.

My main complaint is that I really, truly wish this novel had been a novella. There was so much repetition that I grew impatient with the story out of desperation for plot progress rather than more Greta chasing Hans. Hans jealous of or defending Greta. Repeat. Repeat again for good measure. Without all of the repetitive nature, this story easily could have been three stars at least.

I also felt the sexual content was a bit gratuitous. Particularly given Hans and Greta’s ages being around 16/17-ish if I recall correctly. Technically still children. And were referred to as children by various characters. I understand that plenty of people have sexual experience at that age, but would simply prefer not to read that content. Especially with Emory’s attempt to approach Greta with their age difference. And Borin too, if I’m honest. Age gap as adults is one thing. Age gap with a child and adult is another.

Overall, well-written, but distinctly not for me.