In “Forest of Shadows,” seventeen-year-old Zara stumbles upon a hidden portal that thrusts her into a darkly reimagined fairy tale realm. This atmospheric young adult novel blends elements of science fiction, fantasy, and coming-of-age drama as Zara grapples with corrupted versions of classic characters and uncovers shocking family secrets.
Alongside Finn, a shape-shifting trickster, she races to prevent an ominous force from breaching the barrier between worlds. The narrative alternates between Zara’s perilous adventures in this shadowy dimension and her real-world struggles, where her grandmother’s failing health adds urgency to her quest.
As Zara delves deeper into both worlds, she must confront questions of identity, legacy, and the transformative power of storytelling. With its intricate world-building and complex characters, “Forest of Shadows” offers a fresh, contemporary take on familiar tales, challenging readers to reconsider the nature of good and evil.
