Overall I'm just left feeling a little underwhelmed by The Forest King's Daughter. Although the writing is nice, and atmospheric too, I just didn't really get on board with the romance. It's not really enemies to lovers, but it's also not really friends to lovers. It's more of a confused mixture which starts off as a promising slow burn but ends up feeling really rushed.

I also thought the overall world building was just missing something, or needed expanding and exploring more, to really pull me in. There was nothing that really stood out for me or felt unique about it that could make it memorable. Backstory involving these two distinct races, building up to why there's so much tension between them, really would have helped. I know this was the first in a series, and there's definite scope to expand the plot and world, but I still think more could have been developed here.

Some interesting plot points, and great writing, but this just fell a bit flat for me.

This book had me hooked at childhood friends turned enemies, a cursed ring, and a broody demon boy kidnapping a warrior princess. The opening was eerie and atmospheric, and Elly Blake’s writing is undeniably gorgeous. But somewhere along the way, things got messy.

The romance—while full of tension and angst—felt rushed, crammed between battles, quests, and a looming war. The tone kept shifting between epic fantasy and cozy adventure, making it hard to settle into the story. And I really needed more of Zeru’s POV.

That said, if you love forbidden romance with a side of chaos, you’ll probably have fun with this. I’ll still check out Blake’s next book.

Years ago I read and loved the Frostblood Saga by Elly Blake so when I saw that the author had a new book coming out I was really excited. Despite the beautiful writing and the atmospheric setting, I had a bit of a slow start with this novel and it took me a while to get into it. It all starts with two children, a powerful ring, and a war that puts them against each other. Years later, they find each other again in an enemies-to-lovers relationship which also includes a kidnapping and while I enjoyed their romance, I felt that it was often rushed as many other things were happening at the same time. Overall, even if I didn’t love it as much as the Frostblood series, I enjoyed this novel, I liked the two protagonists, and I am looking forward to reading the author’s next novel!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an eARC of The Forest King’s Daughter to review.

Unfortunately I ended up DNF-ing this one at 20% and I’m really sad about it. The prologue was really creative and interesting, but after that everything just felt very juvenile and similar to other things I’ve read. I did like the lore of the Sylvans and Dracu that I got in my time reading it, but that was just overshadowed by the writing and how young the main characters felt. The characters felt on the younger end of YA, and I’m definitely not the target audience there. The writing style also didn’t grip me at all.

The journey to the ancient city sounded like it could have pulled me in, but in the short journey time I read, the main characters were just bickering and insulting each other, which left me feeling frustrated very quickly, to the point that I didn’t want to pick it back up again just to watch them squabble more.

Overall I’d say this is a good book for younger audiences and younger fantasy readers, but unfortunately it just wasn’t for me!

2.5 stars
Content warning: death, murder, manipulation, body transformation, toxic parenting

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital copy to review. All thoughts are my own.

After a fabulously engaging prologue, I was eager to dive deeper into this strange world of warring tribes and forbidden alliances. However, I'm not quite sure what I stumbled into. My biggest complaint about this story was that it didn't ever develop a core placement in my mind. The characters, whilst set at an upper YA age, felt immature and better suited to a middle-grade fantasy quest tale, if only the storyline lacked some of its darkness. There's a whole realm that entirely feels like it was a cosy fantasy story, and for the time spent there, the low-stakes felt that's where it would remain so I started to adjust that my expectations that had been set were no longer the same. But then it shifts back into a more epic fantasy story, with the ongoing conflicts between Dracu and Sylvan. The main characters, once bonded as childhood friends, then turned enemies thanks to their allegiances, are thrust together because of a magical ring, only to then find themselves at the center of peace and balance with a forbidden romance.

If this doesn't sound like a lot already, there's also an evil character who causes a lot of harm to both main characters, especially Cassia. It all felt discombobulated and unfortunately fell rather flat despite the sometimes lyrical prose and intriguing start. I would have enjoyed this more had there been more of Zeru's POV. The way this book started was so good, but being stuck in Cassia's viewpoint for the majority of the story was a true disservice.

Whilst their romance subplot was wholesome and sweet - once they stopped throwing things at one another - I couldn't buy into it as it felt really convenient at times, and strangely placed within the ongoing storylines. I think if this book had a clearer path of what it was, it would be less of an issue.

Younger readers may enjoy this, but as it is, I don't really know what I just finished reading, and what this story was trying to convey. I don't feel like this read as a first in a series, and it wrapped up enough to feel like a standalone. For that reason, along with the strange experience this book left upon me, I won't be reading further in this series.

There was a lot to unpack in this book, so I must admit I didn't enjoy it as much as I'd expected to. There was lots of slow world building that meant it dragged somewhat, and I didn't feel any real connection to the characters. I still enjoyed it, but I could have loved it much more with a lot less filling.

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

When a forest princess and a demon become childhood friends they never expect a simple exchange of gifts to lead to war, but Zeru has given away a ring that holds the power to destroy his people and, years later, he is determined to get it back at any cost. Cassia wants to make her father proud of her by wielding her ring in battle, but no matter what she tries, she can't make it do more than glow. An unlikely alliance with Zeru might help her to uncover the secrets of the ring, but only if she can stop him from stealing it first.

The Forest King's Daughter is filled with brilliant world building and a great friends-to-enemies-to-lovers storyline. I loved Cassia and Zeru's relationship, as well as Cassia's growth over the course of the novel.

This was an enjoyable read, but if I'm honest I was expecting to like it more than I did.
Found it a little slow in places. But I would still be interested in more from this author as the potential was great.

I thank Netgalley, Hodder and Stoughton and Elly Blake for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest opinion

Rating: 3.5 - 4 ⭐

I liked the world building, it was interesting and original. There were many creatures, some well known (elves, imps) and others original. Magic and it's use was also nicely explained. To read about the different realms and folks was entertaining. (There was a bit of info dumping, but nothing too bad.)

What I didn't like were the pacing (way too slow for the plot and it was hard to keep being focused at times) and the characters. I couldn't relate to any of them, the female protagonist was simply annoying and the male one was just, dark and mysterious. The villain felt one dimensional.

The ending was very satisfying. I saw it's part of a series (a trilogy?) but for me, everything ended here.

I was so bored reading this.

Too much exposition/worldbuilding dumps, the romance turned from enemies to lovers far too quick with no reasonable explanation, every character was flatter than cardboard, and the prose was so mind-numbing my head actually started to hurt while I was reading.

My time could have been better spent doing anything else.

Elly Blake’s "The Forest King’s Daughter" is a lush, romantic fantasy that explores the delicate threads of fate, love, and war. At its heart is the story of Cassia, a fierce warrior princess wielding a powerful ring, and Zeru, the demon boy whose childhood mistake sparked a devastating conflict. Their journey from former friends to bitter enemies—and then to something far more complicated—unfolds against a beautifully crafted world steeped in magic and legend.

The novel shines in its descriptions, pulling readers into its enchanted forests and war-torn landscapes. Blake’s lyrical prose brings a dreamlike quality to the storytelling, making the atmosphere a highlight. The dynamic between Cassia and Zeru is a slow burn filled with tension, regret, and reluctant understanding, which makes for an emotionally satisfying arc.

That said, while the book is undeniably immersive, the pacing falters in the middle, as new conflicts and lore are introduced in rapid succession. Some readers may find these additional layers of world-building intriguing, while others might feel they dilute the central romance and character development. Zeru’s perspective, in particular, feels underexplored, and a deeper dive into his struggles and emotions could have added even more depth to the story.

Despite these minor drawbacks, The Forest King’s Daughter remains an engaging read, especially for fans of romantic fantasy who enjoy slow-burn tension, forbidden love, and high-stakes adventure. With hints of an expanding world and more secrets to uncover, the book sets the stage for what could be a compelling continuation in future installments.

Perfect for readers who love lush settings, star-crossed romance, and a touch of magic. If you’re looking for a fantasy that balances romance with mythology and political intrigue, The Forest King’s Daughter is worth the read.

"The Forest King's Daughter" boasts vivid world-building and an enchanting forest setting that draws you into its mystical realm. The characters offer charming moments, though some remain underdeveloped, leaving their motivations a bit unclear. While the plot does feature intriguing twists, it didn't enrapture me, as it wasn’t thrilling enough and instead came off as more of a light read. Additionally, the pacing—especially in the middle section—felt slightly off, leading to some moments of boredom. Overall, it’s a pleasant atmospheric fantasy that may suit readers looking for a gentle escape, but it falls short of delivering a more captivating experience.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for gifiting me a copy of this book

It is the story of Cassia and Zeru who were childhood friends but when Zeru gifted her the Solis Gemma- a ring that was prophesised to bring war to an end. Zeru did not know how important this ring was and just wanted to gift his friend this ring. The parents found out and it fuelled even more hate between the families. Years later, they find themselves forced to travel together because of this ring.

The book sounded amazing, but the premise did not live up to my expectations. I was not captivated or wanted to keep on reading.

This book was not for me, but I feel like other could enjoy it!

i was unfortunately unable to get to this before the release date for this title. life got ahead of me and i realized i had never left s review for this title, and will not post a public one- thank you!

Well, the first part was straightforward and I was enjoying the conflict between Cassia and Zeru as they are forced together because of the ring and trying to figure out how to use it, it did get a bit convoluted midway through with new conflicts between the Ancients and what they wanted at the cost of everyone else. It threw me with the added new revelations and plots, all to get the Solis Gemma ring and use its power for destruction (though that is not what it was originally created to do and I am glad Cassia finds that out!).

While it is pretty good from Cassia's point of view, I think it would have been fascinating from Zeru's point of view, especially with the changes that happen. But, bonus points for the fox spirit Voz who showed up. It was totally awesome cool. And I love Cassia's sisters who stuck with her no matter what their awful father decreed. And of the three places explored so far, I would definitely want to go to Welkincaster. That place sounds wonderful, at least after Cassia and Zeru visit.

As this is the first book in a series, I guess all the extra was a build up to expand the world more later so all in all this was an enjoyable read and I would like to see what happens next! And I think it would be so cool if the next book was from the viewpoint of Zeru. It would be a nice counterpoint to the first book.

I loved it ! This is what i call an enemies to lovers : it has the most fun and enganging banter that i haven’t read in a while, plus i loved the worldubuilding and characters!