A Forest, Darkly by A.G. Slatter
Sourdough Universe
Dark Fantasy
February 10, 2025 by Titan Books

Review by Angela

A.G. Slatter has quickly become one of my favorite dark fantasy authors, her Sourdough Universe, one of my favorite dark fantasy worlds. Each story is unique within the world but are connected through their strong female protagonists whose ongoing struggle to survive takes them to extraordinary places.

This is the story of Mehrab, a witch who lives in a cabin in the woods, whose solitary existence is only interrupted by her occasional trips to the local village. Until one day she is brought a young woman, who has fled her homeland, needing sanctuary and a place to hide. Rhea has a gift with fire magic but has no idea how to hone her talent. Mehrab, against her judgement, agrees to take the young lady in and teach her to control her powers. Their relationship is tentative at first, with Rhea being young, naive, and unexperienced. Yet she and Mehrab soon develop a tentative friendship of sorts, with Mehrab being her teacher and offering her knowledge and stories of heritage and traditions passed down through word of mouth.

When a child goes missing from the neighboring village, Mehrab is sought out by her parents, hoping she can help with locating their young daughter. Mehrab does search, and scry for her whereabouts, but the child reappears unexpectedly but changed. Then more children go missing and a sinister presence appears in the forest, hunting Mehrab and threatening to topple her safe haven, and newfound family.

This is a dark fantasy, bordering on horror. While it might seem to be a stand-a-lone within the world, there are mentions of past characters and the overall feel of this book fits in well with the series. This story is full of magic, and the wonder of nature, while also offering a sense of foreboding and darkness. There are changelings, godhounds, witches, and demons of the forest. There really is a sense that this is an old school, dark fairy tale.

I loved Mehrab, she is a grouchy middle-aged woman who has had her heart broken, lived through wonders and horrors, and come out the other side to settle in her safe space. She is messy, admitting her jealousies and annoyances, while also caring for people who don’t appreciate her sacrifices and burdens. She goes through incredible lengths to save the village, and the forest that she loves so much, even after their prejudices and outright hostilities.

If you haven’t yet delved into the Sourdough Universe, give it a try. I would recommend starting with All the Murmuring Bones and working your way through to A Forest, Darkly. You won’t regret it.

Final grade- B+