The Demon in the Wood Review

The Demon in the Wood by Leigh Bardugo (68 pages)
Date Read: 12 August 2016
My Rating: 4 Stars

Synopsis:

Limited collector’s edition of the final book features an exclusive Darkling prequel story!

Before he became the Darkling, he was just a lonely boy of extraordinary power. Get a look into the past that forged a brutal and brilliant leader.

My Review:

"Fear is a powerful ally, but feed it too often make it too strong, and it will turn on you."

Can I just say that I love Leigh Bardugo for giving us all of these short stories to keep us in the world of the Grisha? If you read this, thank you so much for writing it!!

Okay, now onto the review (which will include spoilers, so read at your own risk):

This is a very interesting and kind of unexpected view into the Darkling's past and childhood. It's strange to see him any less than what he is painted as in the novels. Now, it has been a while since I read the Grisha trilogy, but I feel like I appreciate why the Darkling did what he did more after reading this. Not that I am condoning his behavior at all, I am not. His past does not negate the horrors he was responsible for, but to see the sudden shift from being innocent and trusting and, most surprising of all, scared, it made me look at him differently.

I hated that the one friend he made turned on him and tried to use him for his power. Annika just had to ruin this adorable, innocent little child, didn't she? He trusted her and she betrayed him. I can understand why he did what he did, even if it was cruel, she started it. (Wow, I sound like I'm five years old...oh well)

Also, can we note that he started his craziness because he wanted to create a safe place for the Grisha? Because that is actually very honorable!!

I think I am able to appreciate and understand the other nations a lot more after reading Six of Crows where we get more interactions with people from the other countries. Instead of only being introduced to Ravkans, we get people from Kerch, Fjerda, and some Shu as well. I like the hints at the rest of the world in this story that we don't necessarily get too much of in the Grisha trilogy.

I loved the descriptions in this story. Just like everything Leigh Bardugo writes, it was stunning, cinematic, and so freaking detailed.

Overall, this story is a great addition into the series and will help you get more of a glimpse into the reasons and mind of the Darkling.