Gentlest of wild things by Sarah Underwood

One for fantasy lovers, this latest book by Sarah Underwood mixes in Greek mythology, mystery and LGBTQI+ romance. Roughly drawing on the myth of Eros and Psyche, and adding in the monstrosity of a lurking empousa, a shape-shifting creature that feeds on the blood of humans, this story will have readers held until the last page. But the real evil in the story is Leandros, a descendent of the gods, who cruelly abuses the gifts of his trusting daughter Lamia to create a potion that causes imbibers to desire the person before them. In this way he manipulates all around him and maintains his power.

Early on we learn that Alexandra, wife of Leandros, has died a horrifying death, all blood drained from her body. Now, Leandros’ attention turns to the beautiful young Phoebe to become his next wife. However Eirene, Phoebe’s strong-willed twin sister, is determined to prevent that happening and undertakes four seemingly impossible challenges, in order to secure her sister’s freedom. In the process she seeks to find out the secret to Leandros’s magic, and put an end to his malevolent influence. It soon becomes apparent that his sweet disabled daughter Lamia may hold the key.

Underwood includes some content warnings at the beginning: emotional and physical abuse, consumption of blood, ableism, mild gore etc. but surprisingly does not mention self-harm. Lamia repeatedly cuts herself in order to induce tears and emotional angst. It is only through her tears that she is able to wield her magical powers. I found this aspect of her character to be troubling, particularly in light of growing evidence of self-harm among teenagers, and there is not a satisfactory resolution of this issue in the novel. However it is reassuring to see Lamia’s development from a scared and naive girl to become a more independent person confident in her powers, as she learns from her relationship with the headstrong Eirene.

Underwood's combination of mystery and romance is sure to attract readers of mythological fantasy, but for those who prefer a more faithful adaptation of Greek myths I would recommend the feminist retellings by Jennifer Saint and Laura Shepperson.

Themes: Mythology, Fantasy, Mystery, Self-sacrifice, Abuse, Power, LGBQTI+.

Helen Eddy