NOVELLA Silver in the Wood – Book 1 of The Greenhollow Duology by Emily Tesh
BLURB: There is a Wild Man who lives in the deep quiet of Greenhollow, and he listens to the wood. Tobias, tethered to the forest, does not dwell on his past life, but he lives a perfectly unremarkable existence with his cottage, his cat, and his dryads.
When Greenhollow Hall acquires a handsome, intensely curious new owner in Henry Silver, everything changes. Old secrets better left buried are dug up, and Tobias is forced to reckon with his troubled past—both the green magic of the woods, and the dark things that rest in its heart.
This is a lovely, otherworldly read with a strong poetic cadence that chimes well with the magical protagonist, Tobias. I loved his persona and the slow unwinding of the story – though I’m still torn, as I would have preferred to have read a fuller account, which would have probably been a novel, about the events leading up to the instant that we are first plunged into this tale. Highly recommended for fans who enjoy magical, woodland tales.
8/10
SHORT STORY The Hedgeway by Vivian Tuffnell
BLURB: Leading from the overgrown grass and thicket of brambles were the distinct signs of feet passing: small, bare human feet.
A child had walked here, breaking the crisp coating of hoar frost, and had stood only yards from the kitchen window.
Cathy thought: They’re only footprints, so why do I suddenly feel so scared?
Daniel’s grandmother’s house seems only a few years from becoming a ruin but the roof is still sound and unlike his rented accommodation, the whole place is his. It seems the perfect time to ask girlfriend Cathy to move in with him and together they plan to renovate the house. But the old house has secrets that it wants to share with them whether they want to know or not.
(This is a longer short story of around 17,000 words)
I was immediately drawn into this atmospheric short story, which is a poignant ghost story with a tragic backstory. The main characters are engaging and with the vivid, accomplished writing, I was in the neglected, rambling old house alongside the young people as they attempted to rescue it from becoming a ruin and turning it back into a home. I read this one in a single sitting and emerged blinking and slightly disorientated – as you do when you’ve been immersed in a world. A short satisfying read that isn’t too creepy or horrific, but with a definite tingle factor.
9/10
Brainfluff 
Yes, like you, I would have enjoyed a slightly longer version of Silver in the Wood.
Lynn 😀
I am glad I am not the only one! I really loved the story but I did come away with a slight sense that I had only had half the tale.
I enjoyed Silver in the Wood as well, and the sequel. I really loved Emily Tesh’s writing😁
Oh yes. I really enjoyed Silver in the Wood – and I thought the writing was a delight.
The Hedgeway sounds like a perfect story for me: whenever a house becomes almost a living thing, I am fascinated… Thanks for sharing! 🙂
If you haven’t read any of Viv Tuffnell’s books you are missing a treat. She is difficult to categorise but she is a very talented writer.
Noted and added to my ever-growing “wanted” list 😉
I’d certainly like a novel from Tesh based in the Greenhollow world. I liked Silver in the Wood and the second novella, Drowned Country. I think there’s potential to do more with the characters and the world.
I haven’t had the pleasure yet of Drowned Country but it is certainly on my TBR list.
These shorts sound a treat! They’re on Amazon, yes?
Oh yes – and excellent value for money:))
Awesome, thank you!