A Forest, Darkly

Returning to the twilit world of Slatter’s Sourdough Universe, last visited in The Crimson Road, this sparkling standalone fantasy follows Mehrab, a solitary old enchantress who reluctantly takes on a “fosterling,” Rhea, a younger witch fleeing persecution. Rhea arrives at the same time a shadow descends upon both Mehrab’s woodland home and the nearby town. Children go missing and either return changed or not at all. Meanwhile, a mysterious figure stalks Mehrab in the forest. As Mehrab works to balance teaching Rhea her craft and vanquishing the troubles plaguing the town, things are further complicated by the townspeople’s reluctance to turn to a witch for help, the secrets between her and Rhea, and her lingering feelings for her lost love, a blacksmith. Slatter skillfully spins these threads into a hauntingly enchanting fairy tale led by a striking, older heroine. It’s a perfect point of entry to the Sourdough world for new readers and a treat for returning fans. (Feb.)