Official synopsis:

In this spellbinding sequel to Kathryn Purdie’s bestselling dark fairy tale, Clara and Axel must return to the forest—and its monsters—if they have any hope of finally breaking the curse on their village.

Emerging from the shadows of the Forest Grimm, Clara and Axel return to their village, the one place they can be safe behind the forest’s border. But when the woods begin luring villagers into the forest, it becomes clear that the darkness they battled was merely a whisper of the true horror lurking there.

Burdened by unsettling visions and bound by a love as perilous as the cursed woods that call to them, Clara and Axel must once again enter the forest to unearth the sinister secret at its heart. As they fight murderous woodsmen wielding riddles sharp as blades, spectral maidens who threaten to drag them into an eternal dance, and phantoms able to use the very essence of the forest against them, Clara and Axel realize the stakes are higher than ever. If they can’t break the curse once and for all, they may not have a home to return to…

My review:

This was a great conclusion to The Forest Grimm duology. I love the creative direction and twists on well-known fairytales. The fantasy aspect really appeals to my inner child, growing up with these stories it just added a cozy feeling to the overall experience for me.

Clara went through a lot of growth in this book and came into her own magic. The murder mystery on top of all the riddles and curses created an explosive finale. The last quarter of the book was fast paced with a satisfying happy ending and I couldn’t ask for more.

Narration by Sarah Ovens had a great atmosphere that complemented the story very well. I really enjoyed her accent and delivery for various characters. It was clear, whimsical, and captivating.

Thanks to Wednesday Books and Macmillan Audio for the free review copies.

Publishes March 25, 2025

Title: The Deathly Grimm
Author: Kathryn Purdie
Genre: YA Fantasy, Retellings
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️