First Line Friday 56 || Beasts in the Woods

It’s time to play “guess that book” and also watch our TBRs weep.

Book Beginnings is hosted by Rose City Reader and is all about the first line of a current/upcoming read. Friday 56 is a meme hosted by Freda’s Voice, where you turn to page 56 (or 56%) in what you’re reading a find a snippet that jumps out at you.

Click To Reveal The Book

A boy who accidentally bonds with a magical Beast must set off on an adventure in the mysterious Woods.

The last thing Barclay Thorne ever wanted was an adventure.

Thankfully, as an apprentice to the town’s mushroom farmer, Barclay need only work hard and follow the rules to one day become the head mushroom farmer himself. No danger required. But then Barclay accidentally breaks his town’s most sacred rule: never ever EVER stray into the Woods, for within the Woods lurk vicious magical Beasts.

To Barclay’s horror, he faces a fate far worse than being eaten: he unwittingly bonds with a Beast and is run out of town by an angry mob. Determined to break this bond and return home, Barclay journeys to find the mysterious town of Lore Keepers, people who have also bonded with Beasts and share their powers.

But after making new friends, entering a dangerous apprenticeship exam, and even facing the legendary Beast of the Woods, Barclay must make a difficult choice: return to the home and rules he’s always known, or embrace the adventure awaiting him.

• “Something’s in the woods” trope in middle grade.
• A world filled with darkness and danger and magic.
• Interesting world filled with cute critters.
• A fun adventure that’ll pull you in.
• Coming-of-age story full of lovable characters.

5 On My TBR is hosted by E. @ Local Bee Hunter’s Nook and is meant to take place on Mondays. But since Fridays tend to be my TBR-focused post, I’ve decided to combine them here. Next Monday’s prompt is: royalty.

               

Redemptor by Jordan Ifueko

I loved Raybearer, and I absolutely can’t wait to pick up this sequel! No doubt that Tarisai is a queen, and I’m looking forward to see what she becomes and where this journey takes her. Also, have you seen that cover? Just when I thought the first one couldn’t be any prettier, bam, they lay this one on us!

A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown

I may very well be the only person who hasn’t read this book yet. Definitely will get to it eventually, though! I actually have no excuses why I haven’t, because I’m sure I’m going to love it. Everything about this descriptions screams, “YES! READ ME!” I am 100% on board with marrying the king to sacrifice him just to rip his beating heart out of his chest … in theory. I mean, it’s a good idea, at the very least, right? I’m looking forward to hopefully picking this one up later this year.

A Dragonbird in the Fern by Laura Rueckert

This book had me at assassins, which, coincidentally, is the third word. Talk about efficiency! The main character also deals with dyslexia and being a stranger in a foreign land, worried about being unable to communicate, which is an aspect of fantasy I haven’t seen explored much, so yes. Absolutely. This is a real thing that people struggle with. Also, there’s murder and ghosts, so obviously I was going to read it anyway.

The Witch King by H.E. Edgmon

A trans witch and tricksy fae and queer romance … check, check, check. I’m pretty sure that about checks everything. I don’t even know what else I can say here. If that doesn’t convince you, I don’t think anything can!

The Thousand Deaths of Ardor Benn by Tyler Whitesides

There’s royalty in this, but it’s mostly about the main character gathering a ragtag team of “heroes” and stealing from the king, which is obviously my favorite kind of book about royalty. I’m also about 259% sure that I’m going to fall in love with Ardor Benn and/or various members of his team. Sorry, can’t help it.

What are you reading this week? Share its first line in the comment below or drop your own First Line links!