A Far Wilder Magic

My mother gifted me “A Far Wilder Magic” by Alison Saft on my 17th birthday. Though, I have not touched that book until one year later after my exam when I was browsing my cubicle bookshelf for my next read. I love fantasy. Especially the one with romance as the subgenre.

Although, this had more alchemy than fantasy but it does have fantasy elements. Halfway through the book. I was called for dinner by my mother. After eating, I began reading the book once more. Therefore, it was so immersive that I had not realised when it was already late at night, past my usual bedtime. So, I had to abandon the book to catch up on some sleep before the elders in my family noticed my awakeness.

In the morning, I was back to reading. Because I wanted to know the ending as soon as possible. It brought me into the world, right after I had flopped the pages. The weather was perfect for this book. With not too much cold and not too warm. Just right.

The story follows Margaret “Maggie” Welty, a sharpshooter. Living with her golden retriever with floppy ears named Trouble. While doing her daily chores, she spots the legendary Hala.

The Hala appears as a snow-white fox with pupils so white it almost makes it seem blind. The Hala is dangerous and brings disaster upon the small town of Wickdon.

To be rid of the Hala. The town has prepared the Halfmoon Hunt. Many rich sons and daughters took part in the hunt not just because of the prize money but because killing the Hala meant glory upon the hunter.

The Katharists regard the Hala as an evil creature to be killed, whereas the Yu'adir and Sumic traditions associate it with divinity. This makes the Halfmoon Hunt more than a competition. It creates a conflict between cultural beliefs, religious authority, and personal conviction.

To compete, Maggie needs an Alchemist. Because the hunt requires one sharpshooter and one Alchemist. And that is where Weston “Wes” Winters comes in. Weston wanted to be Maggie's mother's disciple in Alchemy.

The two of them form an unlikely partnership which began their preparations for the Halfmoon Hunt. And even though Maggie was skeptical about Wes, their romance develops naturally, through their partnership and shared nights where Wes stays up perfecting the tools to be used for the hunt.

The beautiful romance, the hunt and the dangers posed by the Hala are not the only elements shaping the story. The novel also explores heavy themes like racism, religious prejudice, and xenophobia.

Yu'adir: Margaret's father's religious and cultural heritage. The Yu'adirs are seen as one of the most hated religions because of which Margaret faces antisemitism and prejudice because of her heritage. Often getting called racial slurs. Prejudice is not limited to individual insults. It also appears through ideas about who belongs in the country and who deserves opportunities.

Banvish and Sumic: Weston's family are Banvish immigrants who follow the Sumic faith. These groups evoke Irish immigrants and Irish Catholics, respectively. Wes experiences xenophobia and discrimination, including barriers to apprenticeships and opportunities. Which made him jump from master to master in Alchemy. And his main reason for seeing Maggie's mom as his last resort.

Katharist: The dominant religion in New Albion. The fictional society evokes Protestant-majority America, with religious prejudice against people outside the dominant culture.

Margaret's mother, Evelyn Welty, a famous alchemist who repeatedly leaves for research trips. Margaret desperately wants her mother's approval and hopes that winning the hunt will finally bring her home.

Evelyn's emotional neglect leaves Margaret feeling unwanted and unworthy.

Margaret's father left her life, and her memories of him are closely tied to her Yu'adir heritage. His absence also leaves Margaret disconnected from much of that cultural background.

Margaret's brother died before the main events, and his death is connected to Evelyn's alchemical pursuits and the family's grief.

Wes's father has died, leaving Wes feeling responsible for helping support his large family. Unlike Margaret, Wes has a loving, lively family, but financial pressure and expectations weigh heavily on him.

After finishing the book, I was left with mixed feelings. I enjoyed the experience overall, but the anticlimactic ending kept it from becoming a favourite. In the end, it was a solid three-star read for me.

Since, the entire book was about preparing for the hunt and the actual hunt lasted about a hundred pages and the end was slightly anticlimactic.