Title: A Land So WideAuthor: Erin A. Craig
Pages: 368
Publication Date: Sept. 2, 2025
Publisher: Pantheon
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Fantasy / Romantasy
Synopsis:
Like everyone else in the settlement of Mistaken, Greer Mackenzie is trapped. Founded by an ambitious Scottish lumber merchant, the tiny town on the edge of the American continent is blessed with rich natural resources that have made its people prosperous—but at a cost. The same woods that have lined the townsfolks’ pockets harbor dangerous beasts: wolves, bears, and the Bright-Eyeds—monsters beyond description who have rained utter destruction down on nearby settlements. But Mistaken’s founders made a deal with the mysterious Benevolence: the Warding Stones that surround the town will keep the Bright-Eyeds out—and the town’s citizens in. Anyone who spends a night within Mistaken’s borders belongs to it forever.
Greer, a mapmaker and eccentric dreamer, has always ached to explore the world outside, even though she knows she and her longtime love, Ellis Beaufort, will never see it. Until, on the day she and Ellis are meant to finally begin their lives together, Greer watches in horror as her beloved disappears beyond the Warding Stones, pursued by a monstrous creature. Swiftly realizing that the stories she was raised on might be more myth than fact, Greer figures out a way to escape Mistaken for the very first time. Determined to rescue Ellis, she begins a trek through the cold and pitiless wilderness. But Greer is being hunted, not only by the ruthless Bright-Eyeds but by the secret truths behind Mistaken’s founding, as well as her own origins.
Playfully drawing from Scottish folklore, Erin A. Craig’s adult debut is both a deeply atmospheric and profoundly romantic exploration of freedom versus security: a stunning celebration of one woman’s relentless bravery on a quest to reclaim her lost love—and claim her own future.
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I always jump at the chance to read a book by Erin Craig. Rich and atmospheric, her writing style is so beautiful, and it’s easy to get pulled into the unique worlds she creates. In A Land So Wide, I fell, and I fell hard, which is not a surprise considering the lush worldbuilding, mysterious magic and monsters, and the epic love story.
Greer and Ellis have loved each other for most of their lives, and though her father doesn’t approve, they’re determined to marry. So when Ellis disappears and asks that Greer not follow, she refuses to listen. Following her love into the woods where monsters lurk outside the safety of their village, Greer learns more than she expected about her village, the monsters, and herself. I thought Greer was a great FMC. Smart and sharp, with an enhanced sense of hearing, Greer has an indomitable spirit. And Ellis is wonderful too. Strong and steady and so deeply in love with Greer, it’s no wonder she went after him. He is the epitome of goodness in a world of artifice and judgment.
Based on the way the villagers treat certain people and adhere to antiquated traditions, there are some definite messages about blindly following those in authority and the importance of balancing progress and tradition. The author weaves these themes into the story delicately without overpowering the plot. Other messages about fighting for love, embracing change and knowledge, and more are also strong.
There is also a love triangle, which I have mixed feelings about. This isn’t a favorite trope of mine, and I thought the love triangle took away from the initial romance. That being said, I can see why Greer would feel the way she felt and act the way she did. Her mixed-up feelings and confusion paralleled the chaos and upheaval around her well.
An immersive and layered story, A Land So Wide is another thought-provoking read by Craig, and I’m so grateful to NetGalley and publisher for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
“Why would I ever settle for some girl when I have you? I would wait a thousand years if I had to. Happily. Joyfully. It was never a hardship. Never,”
“The truth isn’t always right. And, sometimes, the thing that is right, the thing that makes everything else possible, isn’t true.”
#1 New York Times bestselling author Erin A. Craig has always loved telling stories.
After getting her B.F.A. from the University of Michigan, in Theatre Design and Production, she stage managed tragic operas with hunchbacks, séances, and murderous clowns, then decided she wanted to write books that were just as spooky.
An avid reader, decent quilter, rabid basketball fan, and collector of typewriters, brass figurines, and sparkly shoes, Erin makes her home in West Michigan with her husband and daughter.
To find out more about Erin and the worlds she creates, follow @penchant4words on Instagram and Threads.
Great review. I got really surpirced by this author when I read House of Salt & Sorrows because as you´ve written in this review too the worldbuilding and magic just grips you and never let go 😛 Did not know of this release so thanks for the recommendation!