23 Feb Book Review: Wildwood by Colin Meloy

Diving into Wildwood by Colin Meloy felt like stepping into a hidden world nestled right next to our own—a place where the ordinary brushes up against the extraordinary. Given my love for character-driven stories and well-crafted sentences, I was eager to see how this tale would unfold.

What’s it about?

Wildwood whisks us away to Portland, Oregon, where we meet Prue McKeel, a twelve-year-old with a penchant for nature drawing and a life that’s about to get anything but ordinary. One seemingly typical day, while babysitting her baby brother Mac in a local park, a murder of crows swoops down and, in a scene straight out of a dark fairy tale, carries him off into the mysterious Impassable Wilderness—a dense, uncharted forest that locals avoid and whisper about.

Determined to rescue Mac, Prue decides to venture into this forbidden forest. Her classmate, Curtis Mehlberg, an awkward yet endearing seventh-grader with a love for comic books, insists on joining her, despite her initial protests. As they cross the threshold into the Wilderness, they quickly realize that this is no ordinary forest.

The Impassable Wilderness, known to its inhabitants as Wildwood, is a realm teeming with talking animals, mythical creatures, and distinct societies. The forest is divided into regions like the pastoral North Wood, the industrialized South Wood, and the untamed central area simply called Wildwood. Each area has its own culture, politics, and challenges.

Early in their journey, Prue and Curtis are ambushed by coyote soldiers—bipedal, militaristic canines serving the exiled Dowager Governess, Alexandra, a complex antagonist driven by grief and a thirst for power. In the chaos, Prue and Curtis are separated.

Prue finds herself navigating the bureaucratic maze of South Wood, encountering characters like Lars Svik, the Governor-Regent, and the Crown Prince Owl Rex of the Avian Principality. Through these interactions, she learns about the forest’s intricate politics and the looming threat posed by Alexandra.

Meanwhile, Curtis is captured by the coyote army and brought before Alexandra. She manipulates him, offering a sense of belonging he’s never felt before, and commissions him as an officer in her army. Curtis, initially flattered and eager to prove himself, soon uncovers Alexandra’s sinister plan: to sacrifice baby Mac in a dark ritual that would unleash a malevolent force, allowing her to conquer and reshape Wildwood to her desires.

As Prue seeks allies to thwart Alexandra’s plot, she encounters the enigmatic Bandit King, Brendan, and the wise mystics of North Wood. Through these alliances, she discovers latent abilities within herself, hinting at a deeper connection to the forest than she ever imagined.

The narrative builds to a climactic confrontation where themes of friendship, loyalty, and self-discovery are explored. Prue and Curtis, both transformed by their experiences, must decide where they truly belong and what they’re willing to fight for.

What This Chick thinks:

Wildwood is a rich tapestry of adventure, blending elements of classic fantasy with a modern sensibility. Meloy’s prose is both lyrical and accessible, making the dense world-building feel immersive rather than overwhelming.

Prue is a compelling protagonist—resourceful, brave, and relatable. Her journey from a regular girl to a hero of a hidden world is both believable and inspiring. Curtis provides a nice counterbalance with his initial naivety and subsequent growth, highlighting themes of courage and self-worth.

The supporting cast is vibrant, with characters like Brendan the Bandit King adding depth and intrigue. Alexandra serves as a nuanced antagonist, her motivations rooted in personal tragedy, making her more than just a one-dimensional villain.

However, the plot does meander at times, and certain fantasy tropes feel familiar. The pacing could have been tighter, especially in the middle sections where the narrative occasionally stalls.

The illustrations by Carson Ellis complement the story beautifully, adding a visual charm that enhances the reading experience.

Final thoughts:

Wildwood is a delightful journey into a meticulously crafted world. While it leans on some familiar fantasy conventions, its unique setting and well-drawn characters make it a worthwhile read for both young and adult readers.

Rating: 7.5/10

Try it if you like:

• The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis: A classic series where siblings stumble into a magical land, facing both wonder and danger.
• The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman: A young girl’s adventure in a parallel universe filled with talking animals and complex politics.
• The Secret of Platform 13 by Eva Ibbotson: A hidden portal leads to a magical island, blending the mundane with the fantastical.

These novels, like Wildwood, transport readers to hidden worlds where young protagonists embark on epic quests, discovering themselves along the way.