In the shadow of America's founding, a hidden world of magical beings fights its own wars for survival and identity.

“Forest Folk” continues John Hood's sweeping Folklore Cycle, weaving together the lives of magical Folk and pivotal historical figures across decades of early American history. When Har the Tower, a Dwarf ranger, discovers the disturbing truth behind fairy magic—that it's powered by draining energy from captured “monsters”—he and his companions face a moral crisis that threatens to upend their entire society.

As the United States takes its first steps as a nation, the Folk navigate their own political turmoil. The calculating Dwarf king Alberich plots against the Elves, while Prince Veelund of Spirit Forest harbors dangerous ambitions of his own. Meanwhile, ordinary humans with the rare gift of “Sight” find themselves drawn into this hidden world: Junaluska, a Cherokee warrior who saves Andrew Jackson's life only to be betrayed; Sojourner Truth, whose journey from slavery to freedom intersects with magical beings disguised as humans; and Ichabod Crane, a military officer whose experiences inspired a famous ghost story.

From the Battle of Yorktown to the Trail of Tears, from Spirit Forest to the newly formed Washington D.C., the fates of humans and Folk intertwine in unexpected ways. As the young American nation expands westward, so too must the Folk adapt or perish in a rapidly changing landscape.

If you enjoyed “American Gods,” “The Golem and the Jinni,” and “Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell,” you'll love “Forest Folk.”

John Hood

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