Introduction to “Before the Forest”

Kell Woods, the acclaimed author of the bestselling novel “After the Forest,” returns with “Before the Forest.” This standalone narrative provides an in-depth look into the backstory of a young witch caught in the chaos of the Breisach siege, years prior to becoming infamous for her gingerbread cottage and her alarming cravings.

Author’s Note: The story includes themes of domestic violence, sexual assault, animal harm, and cannibalism.

The Setting: Breisach and the Onset of War

The narrative begins against the backdrop of a Holy Roman Empire overshadowed by war, sparked by the ominous sight of a comet that many believed prophesied disaster. Just ten years old, Junia, the protagonist, faces familial loss with the death of her parents due to plague, leading her to reside with her Uncle Johannes and cousin Cord in Breisach. As war engulfs the region, marked by predictions of divine retribution for the sins of the people, Junia comes to understand that their suffering is only just beginning.

Junia’s Complicated Relationship with Cord

Initially, Cord shows care for Junia, but over time, he undergoes a troubling transformation. As her physical maturity unfolds, so does Cord’s darker side. Uncle Johannes, a figure of kindness and strength, passes away, leaving Junia under Cord’s increasingly controlling and abusive influence.

Despite flourishing in the kitchen, mastering the art of baking, Junia finds herself trapped in a life of hardship, caught between familial duties and Cord’s violent tendencies.

Survival Amidst Chaos

Junia’s life takes a bleak turn as war escalates, and hunger begins consuming Breisach. With food supplies dwindling and Cord becoming more volatile, Junia faces the terrifying reality of her circumstances. The toll of the siege weighs heavily on the citizens, leading to desperate measures as starvation sinks in.

The Siege of Breisach

As the Protestant general Bernard of Saxe-Weimar sets his sights on Breisach, the city braces for siege. With the walls fortified and soldiers gathered, hope dwindles in the face of relentless hunger. Rumors circulate throughout the city about the gruesome lengths some have gone to in order to stave off starvation.

Junia navigates these harrowing realities, dealing with Cord’s escalating brutality while attempting to protect her children and survive against overwhelming odds.

The Climactic Struggle

In a desperate struggle against both external and internal demons, Junia ultimately confronts the monstrous evolution of her cousin. As she is pushed to the brink, a dark transformation awakens within her—she taps into the very witchcraft that the town has long feared.

This shift marks a pivotal point in the narrative, where survival instincts drive Junia toward unthinkable actions linked to her growing powers and the desperate desire to protect herself and the remnants of her family.

The Aftermath

By December, the city capitulates under the strain of prolonged siege warfare. With the surrender, the reader witnesses both a tragic conclusion and a haunting adventure into the depths of hunger and human desperation.

In the end, Junia’s journey becomes one of transformation, touching on themes of motherhood, survival, and the consequences of dark deeds.

Availability of “After the Forest”

After the Forest is currently available in hardcover at major retailers and can be pre-ordered as a trade paperback edition set for release on August 27, 2024.

Conclusion

Kell Woods’ compelling tale in “Before the Forest” sheds light on the backstory of a witch forged in the fires of adversity. The vivid imagery and profound emotional journeys faced by Junia resonate with readers, encapsulating a dark, lyrical narrative set against the devastating backdrop of war.