The drowned woods by Emily Lloyd-Jones

Mereid is running from the prince. The last water diviner in the kingdom of Wales, she unwittingly located wells for the prince, who had them poisoned, killing hundreds of people. She knows that she must disappear or he will use her again, but when Renfrew, the sorcerer who took her from her parents as a young child, appears and offers her one final job - destroy the prince by taking down his magic well – she cannot refuse. Renfrew gathers more allies to his cause, including the fae-cursed Fane, his Corgi, Trefor and Mer's ex-girlfriend thief Ifanna. This motley crew go on a quest to gain peace for the kingdom and freedom for themselves.

Imbued with Welsh mythology and magic, Lloyd-Jones maintains a cracking pace, as this unlikely group set out find the magic well and bring down the prince. Mer is a fascinating character, beset with guilt about how her power has been misused and determined to escape and finally settle down. The growing feeling between her and Fane, and the angst over her failed romance with Ifanna, are handled well by Lloyd-Jones, and the author brings some slippery characters to life as well. Not least is the cute little Corgi Trefor, who provides comic relief and will appeal to dog lovers.

A YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults 2023 and a great escapist read The downed woods is sure to appeal to lovers of adventure and heist novels. Readers may like to read The bone houses, a companion novel or Spindle and dagger by J. Anderson Coats which is also set in Wales.

Themes: Welsh mythology, Heists, Fantasy.

Pat Pledger