The Wraith’s Forest

The Wraith’s Forest is a unique, absorbing tale with fascinating twists and a truly satisfying ending. This is short story is embroiled with magic and mystery, definitely a great read!

Keely, at 17, is considered by most of the valley as too young for the most important responsibility of harvesting the magical fruit from the Tree of Providence. Every 25 years the tree blossoms with fruit that is harvested and brewed into a powerful potion that ensures the balance of good and evil, the prosperity of the valley. All the young women vie for the honor of this task, lots are drawn. Keely received the honor.

Preoccupied by thoughts of aiding her mother, Keely hurried with her task. Sensing her emotions, the tree dropped a piece of fruit early. The golden fruit fell to the ground bruising. Hurrying back to Master Nole, the magician who brews the balance potion, she draws the attention of the Wraith. The Wraith is a dark, scary being who is damned to live in the confines of the forest, forever. Her emotions and her hurried actions draw his attention. When she trips, the Wraith cuts a locket of her hair, but does not harm her. She recovers and returns to Master Nole. Because of her careless emotions and behavior, Keely is sentenced to meet with the village where they determine her punishment. The townspeople sentence her to return to the forest where she must ask the Wraith for the use of the magical blade with which he cut her hair. Terrified, Keely faces her fate and returns to the forest desperate to regain her honor and restore the balance to the valley.

The Wraith’s Forest is an interesting, fast-paced fanciful tale full of compassionate characters that intrigue and pull you into caring about them. I particularly enjoyed the characterization and the unfolding of the storyline of the Wraith. This is a short story that can easily be absorbed in one sitting, fast-paced, enjoyable and a great break from the every day. Check it out. One time may not be enough. You’ll find that you think about how well the author thought out the plot and characterization long after you have finished this great short!

Reviewed by: Izzy