Wild Howls in the Evergreen Wolves of Legend Forgotten - Roxana Raluca Nedelcu

Overall rating 5/5 stars

A Romanian Fantasy Fiction Interwoven with Culture and Mythology. This book resonated with me in a way I can hardly articulate. It's both stunning and captivating, and although it unfolds at a leisurely pace, I found myself yearning for more with every turn of the page. The story centers around Daciana, a forty-year-old woman from Canada with Romanian roots. Following a heartbreaking experience with her true love, she embarks on a directionless new chapter, merely surviving out of habit. However, her life takes a turn when her job brings her to Romania, alongside a mysterious gift from her long-departed grandmother. As she reconnects with her Romanian roots, Daciana discovers mythical creatures from the realm of fantasy, some kind-hearted, while others are not so friendly, and ultimately finds her life's purpose. Throughout her journey in this unfamiliar land, she is accompanied by her cat, Chocolate, her best friend Annaisha, and Decebal, providing her with the support she needs.

First, I want to highlight that this book may not resonate with everyone. In my view, someone in their twenties might struggle to relate to Daciana's feelings and actions, making her character harder to understand. However, I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone willing to open their minds and hearts to truly experience this story.

This is my first fantasy novel infused with Romanian heritage and culture, and I absolutely loved it! The way the author vividly describes every detail immerses you in the history of the narrative. I appreciate how wolves are featured alongside other fantastical creatures, incorporating Romanian mythology into the fabric of the story. Additionally, I enjoyed learning elements of the language, especially through the use of footnotes at the bottom, which Roxana utilized to provide further explanations. I believe more authors should adopt this technique, particularly when introducing complex names. It was incredibly helpful for grasping names and words—a real lifesaver!

Roxana’s writing is masterfully crafted, painting a striking picture of her world-building. When she describes Daciana’s dream, you can truly feel and experience everything, especially the eerie atmosphere surrounding the Strigoi dream. The Romanian landscape that she intricately and effortlessly depicts aligns perfectly with my own vision of Romania, and the images I later encountered confirmed this. You’re not merely reading a story; you are immersed in every emotion and sight that Daciana experiences.

Gaining a deeper understanding of Daciana and her life reveals a captivating character who evokes a strong desire for her happiness. While some aspects of her personality were somewhat frustrating, particularly her tendency to feel superior to others, likely stemming from her age, she ultimately emerged as a relatable figure that many readers could connect with. Annaisha introduced a fresh energy into the narrative, embodying the fun and adventurous friend archetype. Her unwavering loyalty and understanding towards Daciana were heartwarming. Her eagerness to help, along with her passion for Romanian culture and folklore, enriched the story seamlessly. She represented the youthful spirit of women in their twenties, illustrating the mistakes and challenges we often face while navigating the complexities of life. While Daciana reflects the more seasoned, mature aspect of being a woman, shaped by experiences of heartbreak, trauma, and life lessons. Another character who quickly became my favorite was Decebal. Although a secondary character, he played a pivotal role in advancing the plot. I believe that without him, Daciana might have struggled to uncover what she truly needed. His connection to her late husband brought a sense of closeness even after death, aiding her in the grieving process. I particularly enjoyed his presence throughout the book, especially in his relationship and friendship with Annaisha—yes, I would love to see them together!

The mythology captivated me, leaving me eager for more with every turn of the page. While there were a few plot holes that I assume may be addressed in the second book, I truly enjoyed the bear mythology, the strigoi (vampire in Romanian), the dancing woman (iele), and of course, the wolves. These wolves stand out as unique compared to those in other books, showcasing a richer cultural aspect. The mythology woven throughout this narrative created such a beautiful and eerie atmosphere.

This story is a truly beautiful narrative, and I feel incredibly grateful to have had the chance to read it. If you're looking for something unique, I highly recommend it, especially if you have a passion for culture, mythology, and Romanian lore intricately woven into your books. This one is definitely a must-read.