Review of ‘Darkly Wood’ by Max Power

I was drawn into Darkly Wood, lured in by a need to know, to discover its secrets. Intrigued from the start, I really had no idea where the story was going as the clever writing kept me guessing throughout. The suspense continued as each twist in the plot revealed the dark layers but created more questions. It’s difficult to label this book with a genre as it expertly intertwines horror, suspense, paranormal, romance and so much more.

The main characters were perfect for the story. It was easy to slip into Daisy May’s character following her through the range of emotions the book provokes. First enchanted by an innocent love story as she experiences the flutterings of falling in love for the first time, then sharing her terror and desperation as she encounters the dark horrors at the heart of the wood. You feel rather than read the developments in the characters and the swirl of emotions is as tangled as Darkly Wood itself.

Woven around Daisy May’s story is a book within the book. Each short chapter provides a brief reprieve from the suspense as colourful characters with fabulous names are introduced. As each of their stories unfold they add clarity to the main story, yet build on the mystery of Darkly Wood. Even as you are given answers, you are still left with doubts and uncertainties. I loved that through all of the rich description it left room for my own imagination to run wild. I am eagerly awaiting a sequel.

You can buy ‘Darkly Wood‘ on Kindle at Amazon.