Quick Synopsis – Like everyone else in the settlement of Mistaken, Greer Mackenzie is trapped. Founded by an ambitious lumber merchant, the village 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. 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.

On the day Greer and Ellis are meant to finally begin their lives together, she watches in horror as her beloved disappears beyond the Warding Stones, pursued by a monstrous creature. Determined to rescue Ellis, she figures out a way to defy Mistaken’s curse and begins a trek through the cold and pitiless wilderness. But there, Greer is hunted, not only by the ruthless Bright-Eyeds but by the secret truths behind Mistaken’s founding and her own origins.

Song This Reminds Me Of – Ring the Bells – Johnnyswim and Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors

Publication Date – Sept. 2, 2025

Bookshop Link – A Land So Wide by Erin A. Craig (I get a small commission if you use my link)

Content Notes – This is an adult fantasy novel and there is some sexual scenes. There is blood, gore, death of a parent, violence, violence against women, sexism, and emotional manipulation.

Spice Rating – 🌶️

Overall Rating – ⭐⭐⭐.5 out of 5

Review – This is Erin A. Craig’s adult debut, I’ve actually read a few of her young adult fantasy novels. I will say Erin does angst and gothic undertones really well. Greer and Ellis are in their late 20s and one thing that bothered me is that they both seemed a little too naive for me. Greer seems to have a heightened sense of hearing, and the towns people tolerate her more than accept her. Even though she’s partially an outcast, she still seems way to trusting of people including her father. This book is set in the late 1700s and is mainly told from Greer’s point of view with several historical accounts spread throughout. One of the main issues I had with this book was I couldn’t tell if it was meant to be a stand-alone book or one in a series. I could easily see how there could be both a prequel and a sequel to this book. I almost think the founding of Mistaken would have been a better story.

I did love how the story drew not just from Scottish folklore, but how colonialism displaces native cultures. It’s a smaller part of the story, but I enjoyed the inclusion. I also loved that this isn’t your typical monster story. There was some good nuance, and I liked that near the end of the story (no spoilers) Greer is really struggling with what is her decision and what she is being driven to do. Also, Ellis seems a little like a himbo to me. Like just a sweet gentle idiot. He probably could have done with a little more character building.

If you’re a fan of Erin Craig’s other stories like The House of Salt and Sorrow, you’ll be a fan of this book. I’d say that if you like vampire novels in general, this is a fun entry into the genre. I hope there is a continuation in this storyline because it felt like there was so much more story to tell.

Thanks to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor publishing for the advanced copy, all opinions are my own.