On The Edge: Forest and Fae

by M.J. Glenn

4 out of 5

Synopsis

For two years, Ebony Wick has survived alone as an outlaw and highwaywoman in Rundlewood Forest. She doesn’t need people. She only needs to survive. But when Hunter Sparrow breaks into her camp and invites her to join his gang, the Bounty Hunters, she finds herself facing a difficult choice. With a burning desire for revenge against a powerful enemy, Ebony must choose between reason and instinct. But in doing so, she discovers a long-hidden secret that will change her world forever.

Review

Ebony Wick doesn't need anyone; she's made an art of surviving alone, but Hunter wants her to join his Bounty Hunters, and he won't take no for an answer.

This story follows our main character, Ebony, as she goes about her life, settles some grievances, and weighs up the pros and cons of joining a team.

She spends most of her time in Rundlewood Forest, living in harmony with the fae that terrify most folk. Well, that and a red-eyed demon - a feared character that Ebony is more than willing to embrace.

Ebony has become a highly-skilled highwaywoman, and she steals enough to fund the minimalist life she is happy living, but with winter coming, she wouldn't say no to some extra comforts.

Cue Hunter, and all his positivity and stubbornness, that finally starts to wear down Ebony's resolve, that she might possibly be open to the prospect of working with others.

Ebony's reluctance was quite amusing to read. She's a loner, and has no problem with leaving the gang at any moment. She's never needed friends or a connection to anyone else.

She views the Bounty Hunters just like any other potentially-dangerous situation - she's assessed it logically, and already worked out several points of exit.

Throughout the book, you get to learn more about how she got to where she is, but it never felt heavy-handed. It felt true to Ebony's whole persona, that her history and the people she used to know, are logical, to the point, and usually leave you wanting more.

I really enjoyed this debut, and I thought the author did a great job. I really like the writing style - yes, it's Fantasy, but it's written with a lightness and confidence that made the whole book very entertaining. It doesn't get weighed down with going into intricate detail of who's in charge, or the bigger world - instead, it focuses on what Ebony knows, with only a few hints of the bigger picture.

I will definitely be continuing with this series.

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