The Woodcutter by Kate Danley

Last updated on: January 18, 2016 at 9:09 am by Joseph Reninger

The Woodcutter by Kate Danley 2016-01-12T09:11:30-06:00 Joseph Reninger

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

The Wood is a magical place full of Fae creatures, some of whom wish to harm and others who wish to help visitors. The Wood is taken care of (he doesn’t really rule) by the Woodcutter, who whispers to the plants and has never felled an unwilling tree. His other duty is to maintain the peace between the Twelve Kingdoms of Men and the Realm of the Faerie. Things are amiss when he discovers a maiden murdered in the woods. Her glass slippers are chipped but she has no other injuries. Was she frightened to death? The Woodcutter must solve the mystery since she was fated to marry a prince from one of the Twelve Kingdoms. More trouble arise. He discovers another maiden being stalked by one of Odin’s hellhounds. Pixies being harvested for their potent dust (a mythical parallel to the drug trade). All the while, the Woodcutter longs to return to his wife and provide for her a son who will one day inherit his duties.

The story starts slow but builds up to a good conclusion. Where it really shines is its masterful blend of a myriad of fairy tales and myths. These elements are woven together quite seamlessly and to great effect, reminding me of the first half of the Broadway musical Into the Woods. The material is familiar but well-written and has enough differences to make it feel fresh and enjoyable. The Woodcutter is a quick and delightful read.

Review

Previous Post

January 12, 2016

Review - Mark: A Commentary

Next Post

January 21, 2016 Review – The Lost Mandate of Heaven

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Art Bible Study Bulletin Board Catholic Church Excerpt Faith-y Stuff Funny Stuff Good Deals Listening Now Patheos Book Club Personal Reading Challenge Podcast Alert Random Bookishness Resources Review Uncategorized Well Said What I'm Reading

Select a Month January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 January 2016 December 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz