A Land So Wide

I went into *A Land So Wide* expecting a cozy fairytale retelling, but Craig delivered something far more sinister—and far more compelling. The town of Mistaken isn’t just a setting; it’s a character, and Schmidt’s narration makes it feel alive, from the creak of its boardwalks to the whisper of its secrets. The love story at the center is messy and human, which makes its fairy-tale stakes hit harder. My only critique? The world-building occasionally trips over its own lore, leaving a few threads dangling by the end. Still, the payoff—a love that defies curses and a heroine who refuses to be a victim—lands with satisfying force. Pacing-wise, Schmidt keeps the momentum relentless, even when the plot meanders into smaller towns or side quests. The production is crisp, with no audible distractions, and Schmidt’s range is impressive. She nails the duality of the story: one moment, she’s a soothing guide through a dark forest; the next, her voice drips with venomous sarcasm during a villain’s monologue. My biggest quibble? The ending wraps up a bit too neatly, as if Craig (or her editors) feared leaving too much unresolved. Still, by the final chapter, I was too invested to care. If you love fairytales with teeth, this is your book—just don’t expect a gentle lullaby.