Like everyone else in the settlement of Mistaken, Greer Mackenzie is trapped. Founded by an ambitious Scottish lumber merchant, the tiny town on the edge of the American continent is blessed with rich natural resources that have made its people prosperous—but at a cost. The same woods that have lined the townsfolks’ pockets harbor dangerous beasts: wolves, bears, and the Bright-Eyeds—monsters beyond description who have rained utter destruction down on nearby settlements. But Mistaken’s founders made a deal with the mysterious Benevolence: the Warding Stones that surround the town will keep the Bright-Eyeds out—and the town’s citizens in. Anyone who spends a night within Mistaken’s borders belongs to it forever.

Greer, a mapmaker and eccentric dreamer, has always ached to explore the world outside, even though she knows she and her longtime love, Ellis Beaufort, will never see it. Until, on the day she and Ellis are meant to finally begin their lives together, Greer watches in horror as her beloved disappears beyond the Warding Stones, pursued by a monstrous creature. Swiftly realizing that the stories she was raised on might be more myth than fact, Greer figures out a way to escape Mistaken for the very first time. Determined to rescue Ellis, she begins a trek through the cold and pitiless wilderness. But Greer is being hunted, not only by the ruthless Bright-Eyeds but by the secret truths behind Mistaken’s founding, as well as her own origins.

Playfully drawing from Scottish folklore, Erin A. Craig’s adult debut is both a deeply atmospheric and profoundly romantic exploration of freedom versus security: a stunning celebration of one woman’s relentless bravery on a quest to reclaim her lost love—and claim her own future.

Erin A. Craig has become one of my favorite YA fantasy authors, so when I heard she was releasing her adult fantasy debut, I immediately added it to my list. Once again, she delivers the kind of eerie, dark fairytale atmosphere she does so well. The story gave me strong vibes of The Village, but with true fantasy elements woven into the world. I went into the book knowing very little about the plot, which made the experience even better because the story takes readers on a very unexpected and imaginative journey.

I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the narrator’s performance. She brought the haunting tone of the story to life and helped immerse me in the unsettling atmosphere of the world. My only small critique is that her voice sounded a bit younger than the main character, Greer, who is supposed to be 27. At times, it felt more like the voice of a younger protagonist.

This is the perfect read for autumn/fall season and Spooky Season. The book is incredibly atmospheric with a gothic, almost chilling tone that lingers throughout the story. There is some mild language and a small amount of romantic content. It is not graphic, but it goes slightly beyond simple kissing. I would personally rate it around two peppers in terms of spice.

One thing this author consistently excels at is creating vivid settings, and that talent really shines here. The world blends the rugged landscape of early Canadian settlements with elements of Scottish folklore, creating a setting that feels both historical and fantastical at the same time. The sense of unease that hangs over the town and the surrounding woods is wonderfully crafted. The descriptions are so immersive that I often felt like I was walking through the forest alongside Greer, discovering the mysteries of the world beyond her home.

The first half of the book completely hooked me. I loved the strange secrets surrounding the town, and I truly could not predict where the story was headed next. That sense of mystery kept me turning pages and was easily my favorite part of the novel.

When the answers finally began to unfold, I had to admit I was not quite as satisfied as I had hoped. The revelations themselves were interesting, but the final confrontation felt like the weakest moment of the story for me.

My other small criticism is related to the main character. Although Greer is written as a 27-year-old woman, she often felt younger in her thoughts and decisions. At times, her reactions reminded me more of a teenage character, which stood out since this book is marketed as adult rather than YA.

Even with those critiques, I still enjoyed this book quite a bit. The atmosphere, world-building, and mysterious tone made it a compelling read. If you have enjoyed the previous books by Erin A. Craig, I think you will still find a lot to appreciate here.

While it is not my favorite of her novels, it was still a creative and worthwhile read, and I am excited to see what she writes next. Definitely recommend!