The Butcher of the Forest is a novella about Veris Thorn, a woman who once entered into a forest that no one returns from and came out again. Years later, a Tyrant orders her back in to save his children. She must face the horrors she once saw in order to keep those she loves safe.

This book was so unique in its plotting and worldbuilding in its 160 pages. I was pulled in to the imagery and the worldbuilding that Mohamed layered into this book. The descriptions of the various beasts and beings was so refreshing and unique. The imagery they evoke is perfect, and it made me want to see a strange cartoon world built in Mohamed’s words. The magic weaves in and out of the tale, into the settings and characters, and leaving you wanting more.

Overall, I wasn’t always surprised by the motivations, but the turning of the forest and its beasts was fascinating. Mohamed is effective at showing things that unsettle you, to the point where it sometimes felt like I was bordering on a horror novel, unsettling me with the creatures I was meeting. It also often felt like a spin on old fairytales I’ve known. I kept thinking it was going to turn into something that it never did, but I was always happy when I found out I was wrong in what we would see next.

Mohamed does not shy away from what tyranny means to the people outside power, and her perspective is sharp and interesting in the pages. Seeing how desperation can lead you to fates worse than death is amazing, and I am shocked at how well she did this in such a short time. Veris is such a unique and interesting character. I was so excited to see a character who is older and has seen the world, being led into scenarios she never hoped for.

Overall, this was an effective novel with great storytelling. I will say that some of the book felt like it teetered between rules for the world and throwing them away, and I wasn’t always sure how the system worked. But overall that is a small nit for a wonderful novella with atmospheric storytelling.