Into the Forest

Author: Jennifer Willcock
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Wolf Kingdom #1
Pages: 284
Release Date: October 10, 2022
Publisher: En Pointe Press

What if the Wolf fell in love with Red Riding Hood?

Prince Teowulf, Crown Prince of the Wolf Kingdom, believes the lessons of superiority he’s learned from childhood until a chance encounter with a despised Forester, Jenna “Rider” Hood. Rider is the daughter of Dr. Hood, the premiere pharmacist of Wolf Kingdom, and she turns Prince Teo’s world upside down, making him question everything he’s ever believed about the Foresters. When sickness strikes the Wolf clan, Rider and Prince Teo must work together to save lives. But can they get past their own hate and prejudice to help others? Will the sparks between Rider and Teo fizzle or burst into flame?

---

Reviewer: Trinity Caver

In her remarkable retelling of the classic tale of Red Riding Hood, Jennifer Willcock has crafted a thought-provoking narrative that explores themes of oppression, prejudice, and hate. Her skillful portrayal of these issues within the context of a well-known story adds a layer of depth and nuance that is both captivating and inspiring.

One of the standout aspects of Willcock's version is the presence of Christian themes throughout the book. With mentions of church, a priest, and other references to God and godly things, readers who are Christian will find additional layers of meaning and resonance within the text.

The central conflict of the story revolves around two clans of people: the forest people, of which Jenna Rydell Hood (better known as Rider) is from, and the wolf clan, of which the crown prince, Teo (or Teowulf), is from. The wolves have long oppressed the forest people, teaching their children to hate and fear them. Rider, too, has been taught to mistrust the wolves, leading to a cycle of animosity and conflict that seems impossible to break.

As the story progresses, however, Teo and Rider begin to question the teachings they have been given. They wonder if there might be a way to end the cycle of hate and prejudice and forge a new path forward. Despite their attraction to each other, however, their past experiences make it difficult to trust one another.

Their growing understanding of each other is put to the test when the wolves are afflicted by a mysterious disease, and Teo and Rider must work together to find a solution. Through their shared experiences, they come to see that there is more to each other's clans than they had initially believed, and they begin to consider the possibility of a new, more peaceful future.

In her remarkable retelling of the classic tale of Red Riding Hood, Jennifer Willcock has crafted a thought-provoking narrative that explores themes of oppression, prejudice, and hate. Her skillful portrayal of these issues within the context of a well-known story adds a layer of depth and nuance that is both captivating and inspiring.

One of the standout aspects of Willcock's version is the presence of Christian themes throughout the book. With mentions of church, a priest, and other references to God and godly things, readers who are Christian will find additional layers of meaning and resonance within the text.

The central conflict of the story revolves around two clans of people - the forest people, led by Jenna Rydell Hood (better known as Rider), and the wolf clan, led by the crown prince, Teo (or Teowulf). The wolves have long oppressed the forest people, teaching their children to hate and fear them. Rider, too, has been taught to mistrust the wolves, leading to a cycle of animosity and conflict that seems impossible to break.

As the story progresses, however, Teo and Rider begin to question the teachings they have been given. They wonder if there might be a way to end the cycle of hate and prejudice and forge a new path forward. Despite their attraction to each other, however, their past experiences make it difficult to trust one another.

Their growing understanding of each other is put to the test when the wolves are afflicted by a mysterious disease, and Teo and Rider must work together to find a solution. Through their shared experiences, they come to see that there is more to each other's clans than they had initially believed, and they begin to consider the possibility of a new, more peaceful future.

Through her expertly crafted storyline, Willcock forces us to examine our own biases and preconceived notions, challenging us to confront the things that divide us and find common ground. This tale is a testament to the power of faith, love, and compassion in overcoming even the most deeply ingrained prejudices. Willcock's masterful use of symbolism and themes leaves a lasting impression, making this retelling of Red Riding Hood a must-read for anyone who seeks a fresh perspective on a beloved classic. This powerful narrative will resonate with readers long after they turn the final page.

I received a complimentary copy from the author through Interviews and Reviews, for my honest opinion. 

---

---

Reviewer: Diana Lea

Crown Prince Teo’s life was turned upside down when he met Miss Jenna Rider Hood. Teo was groomed to demand the respect he deserved as part of the Wolf Pack. She was raised to know her place in this wolf-dominated kingdom with the downcast eyes and meek ways of the Foresters. Yet her feisty ‘you do know we really are all alike?’ attitude challenged those beliefs.

This book was a quick read, and I loved everything about it. Jennifer Wilcock’s writing is vividly descriptive. Sights, sounds, and emotions came alive.

The story moved along at a good pace, with alternating points of view from Teo and Ryder. The generational struggles that are revealed later in the story give so much depth to the plotline.

Those who enjoy a coming-of-age fantasy-type adventure with familiar yet all-new characters will want to put this on their reading list. This is the first fairy tale retelling I have read. I am definitely looking forward to reading book two in the Wolf Kingdom series. 

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of the author through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

---

---

Reviewer: Rick Norris

Into the Forest, by Jennifer Willcock, is a fun and fast read.

The story is about Prince Teowulf, the reluctant and rebellious Crown Prince of the Wolf Kingdom, and Jenna “Rider” Hood, daughter of a sect of people called the Forest People, who face discrimination. The story circles around these two young adults as the Kingdom is inflicted with a disease that only Jenna’s father, a doctor, can cure with natural medicines. Though this may seem like a simple plot, it is complicated by King Duko, who hates Jenna’s father and the Forest People.

This very well-written book exposes in interesting detail the friction between the privileged Wolf Class, the discriminated Forest People, and the leaders of other kingdoms.

Though Little Red Riding Hood is a fantasy, this is not. The book’s story is centered in a modern-time monarchy, making it a romance/action-adventure/thriller novel.

I enjoy the writer’s style. Like some books, I didn’t trudge through this, hoping the end would come soon. Instead, Ms. Willcock paced the story very well, alternating between the two main characters’ points of view.

Another tribute to the author is that this story covers several social issues: class struggle, the caste system, homeopathic vs. modern medicine, sexism, monarchy/aristocracy, and unfair trade practices.

Ms. Willcock does an excellent job describing action: “Rider pumped her legs harder, eager to be home where the world sat correctly on its axis.” Other parts of the book paint wonderful pictures of characters’ feelings: “The tendons in Rider’s neck tightened like a marionette.”

If I were to mention one criticism of the story, it is the overuse of clichés. Such phrases like “brushing me off,” “back before you know it,” “my word is my bond," and “What am I, chopped liver?” take a little away from the story’s originality. As mentioned in the former examples, my reading experience is enhanced when the author creates unique wording in scenes.

I recommend this fun and intriguing book to anyone who likes romance and action-adventure.

I received a review copy courtesy of the author through Interviews & Reviews for an unbiased and objective review.

---