Silver in the Wood by Emily Tesh

Tom Doherty Associates, 2019. ISBN: 9781250229793.
(Age: Senior secondary - Adult) Recommended. Themes: Fantasy, Folklore, Secrecy, Magic, Recluses, Diversity. What an impact for a slim volume of just 109 pages, which can be read in one sitting! Tobias is a wild man who lives alone in the forest. When Henry Silver, the new owner of Greenhollow Hall, comes to visit, old secrets are stirred up as the woods seem to come alive.
Reminiscent of the Green Man myths, the author's details about the lush green of the woods and the trees, the cottage where Tobias lives and the strange dryads who are his friends provide an eerie background to the story of how Tobias has become the Wild Man of the woods and the impact that Henry Silver will make on his life. Interesting supporting characters like Pearl the cat, Henry's mother and a young woodsman, add depth to the magic of the story.
Silver in the wood is perfect for fantasy and folklore lovers who want to escape briefly into a magical green world with fascinating people. I can see it being nominated for a Hugo Award in 2020.
Pat Pledger