Review of Gentlest of Wild Things by Jess Underwood
When I first stumbled upon Jess Underwood’s Gentlest of Wild Things, I was immediately drawn in by its promise of mythological retelling with a sapphic twist. The lure of Psyche’s story, combined with a new lens of love and struggle, felt ripe with potential. After all, who doesn’t get excited about diving into a world where ancient tales are reimagined? However, while the concept was enchanting, the execution fell short, leaving me with mixed feelings as I closed the book.
At its heart, Gentlest of Wild Things weaves a narrative that centers around Eirene’s quest to save her sister, Phoebe, while navigating a series of tasks set by Lamia’s father. This quest draws heavily from the myth of Psyche and Eros, yet it misses the mark in capturing the essential emotional depth found in the original tale. Eirene’s motivation is primarily rooted in sisterly love, which, while noble, diminishes the romantic stakes between her and Lamia. By the end, I found myself questioning whether their relationship was genuinely intended as romantic—or perhaps merely a poorly cast shadow of it.
Underwood’s writing style, unfortunately, struck me as rather bland. Scenes that could have brimmed with tension or emotion felt flat and uninspired, contributing to a narrative that meandered more than it captivated. The pacing hampered any momentum, and I often found my interest waning, especially during passages that seemed more like filler. The characters, while possessing potential, lacked the dynamic chemistry necessary to support a romance. Eirene’s fierce determination and Lamia’s sheltered demeanor often felt mismatched; I often felt as though I was watching a caretaker and a child rather than two lovers United by fate.
As I read, I couldn’t shake the impression that if you stripped away a couple of moments between Eirene and Lamia—like the solitary kiss that seemed more obligatory than heartfelt—their bond could easily be interpreted as one of familial affection. Rather than a budding romance, I sensed something far more platonic, decreasing the impact of what was meant to be a sapphic retelling. This disconnection is further emphasized by the reality that the stakes revolving around Eirene’s tasks never truly felt like they were about winning Lamia’s heart, but rather about saving her sister. It was a jumbled interpretation of the myth that left me feeling disappointed.
Despite these shortcomings, Gentlest of Wild Things may resonate with readers who appreciate noble quests and sisterly bonds. If you’re looking for a straightforward fantasy adventure without the weight of deep emotional connections, this might just be your cup of tea. However, if you’re after a compelling romantic retelling with genuine chemistry, you might ponder whether this particular journey aligns with your literary desires.
In closing, while Gentlest of Wild Things offered an intriguing premise, the execution ultimately left me wanting more. The heart of the Psyche myth, intertwined with the complexities of love and trust, felt largely ignored. Perhaps, in another world, with different choices, Eirene and Lamia could have captured the magic they were meant to embody. For now, this retelling remains a missed opportunity among a sea of enchanting tales waiting to be told. Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC for early review—I’m grateful for the chance to explore new stories, even when they don’t quite hit the mark.