If youâre in the mood for a dark, atmospheric YA fantasy with creeping vines, dangerous bargains, and complicated relationships, The Redwood Bargain by Markelle Graboâpublished by Page Street YA and featured on a tour with Toppling Stacks Toursâmight be exactly what youâre looking for.
This story pulls you into a haunting world where survival depends on deception, loyalty is constantly tested, and the forest itself feels alive⌠and hungry. While I ultimately landed at a âââ⨠(3.5 stars) rating, thereâs a lot to appreciate hereâespecially if you love gothic vibes and morally messy characters.
Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC and my honest review. Here are five reasons to pick up this eerie tale:
đż 1. The Gothic Atmosphere Is Absolutely Immersive
One of the strongest elements of this book is its mood. From the very beginning, the setting wraps around you like the vines that threaten the manor itself. The story takes place in a sprawling estate surrounded by a dark, oppressive forestâone that doesnât just sit quietly in the background but actively creeps into the lives of the characters.
The imagery is vivid: tangled vines crawling over stone walls, a looming manor filled with tension, and a town overshadowed by something ancient and dangerous. The forest feels like a character in its own right, especially with the looming presence of the mysterious Redwood Man.
If you love books where the setting feels alive and almost suffocating in its intensity, this one delivers.
đ 2. The Central Mystery Keeps You Guessing
At the heart of the story is a layered mystery that pulls you deeper the more you read. Why did Zavieraâs mother run offâand why with Katrienâs boyfriend, Lucca? Why didnât Zaviera go with her? And whatâs really going on behind the bargain with the Redwood Man?
These questions create a strong sense of intrigue that drives the narrative forward. Even when things get confusing (and they do at times), thereâs an underlying pull to keep going, to uncover whatâs really happening beneath the surface.
The book constantly hints that thereâs more to the story than whatâs being revealed, which adds to the tension and keeps readers engaged.
â¤ď¸ 3. The Romance Is Messy and Believable
The relationship between Zaviera and Katrien is one of the highlights of the book. Itâs not neat or predictableâinstead, it feels complicated, emotional, and very human.
Their dynamic develops naturally as they spend time together, starting from a place of necessity and evolving into something deeper. Thereâs tension, vulnerability, and a sense that both characters are trying to navigate their own fears and responsibilities while growing closer.
If you enjoy romances that feel authentic rather than idealized, this one stands out. It doesnât shy away from the messiness of emotions, which makes it all the more compelling.
đ˛ 4. The Concept of the Redwood Man Is Intriguing
The idea of the Redwood Manâand the bargains tied to himâis one of the most fascinating aspects of the story. The notion that girls must impersonate Zaviera and face this mysterious forest lord is both eerie and compelling.
Thereâs a folkloric quality to it that adds depth to the worldbuilding. The bargains, the rules, and the consequences all hint at something ancient and powerful lurking beneath the surface.
That said, this is also where some confusion comes in. The twist involving Zavieraâs sister being able to communicate and bargain with the Redwood Man feels significant, but it isnât fully explained in a way that feels satisfying. Itâs clear thereâs more going onâbut the lack of clarity may leave some readers, like me, wanting more breadcrumbs along the way.
đ¤ 5. Itâs a Thought-Provoking ReadâEven When Itâs Confusing
While I enjoyed many elements of this book, Iâd be remiss not to mention that parts of the plot felt unclear. Certain developmentsâlike the specifics of the bargain, the role of Zavieraâs sister, and even why Katrienâs cousin was in troubleâleft me with questions.
At times, I found myself stopping and going back to re-read sections because I felt like I had missed something. This did slow down my reading experience and made it harder to stay fully immersed.
However, itâs worth noting that some readers may interpret this differently. The story gives the impression that everything might come together in the end, and the ambiguity could be intentional. For me, I just wish there had been a few more hints or clearer connections along the way.
Still, even with the confusion, the book kept me thinkingâand thatâs never a bad thing.
â Final Thoughts
The Redwood Bargain is a moody, atmospheric YA fantasy that excels in its setting and emotional complexity. With its creeping vines, dangerous deals, and layered relationships, it offers a unique reading experience that will ááááĄáááŁáá áááá appeal to fans of gothic storytelling.
While the plot can be a bit difficult to follow at times, the strong atmosphere, compelling romance, and intriguing mystery make it worth the journeyâespecially if you enjoy stories that lean into ambiguity and slow reveals.
Rating: âââ⨠(3.5/5 stars)
If youâre drawn to dark forests, complicated characters, and stories where not everything is immediately clear, this might be one to add to your TBR.
About the book:
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publishing date: April 28, 2026
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound
Rep: Sapphic, LGBT+
Synopsis:
To free her cousin from an indentured contract, Katrien agrees to fulfill their lordâs bargain with the fabled âRedwood Man.â Three maids before her have posed as his stepdaughter, Lady Zaviera, and met this lord of the forest as promised. But Katrien means to be the first to fool himâand live.
Impersonating a Lady is no easy feat, especially one as beautiful and aloof as Zaviera. With one month before sheâs sent off, Katrien is put through endless lessons, even as the Redwood Manâs suffocating vines overtake the manor and threaten its staff.
Zaviera takes a special interest in her training, and their shared interests grow into shared affections. But the Redwood Man awaits his prize. Caught between duty and desire, her future and her past, Katrien must navigate a tricky bargainâor risk failing those she holds dearest.
Meet the author:
Markelle Grabo started writing in 5th grade once she realized her squeamish nature wouldnât lend itself well to a career in Marine Biology. After growing up in Wisconsin, she earned her bachelorâs degree in English from Loyola University Chicago and her masterâs degree in creative writing for children and young adults from Hamline University, where she wrote the first draft of her debut YA novel, Call Forth a Fox.
When not writing, Markelle enjoys hiking, food adventures, and going to the movies. Whatever sheâs doing, sheâs usually listening to an audiobook or a podcast at the same time. She lives in the Greater Chicago Area with her husband and their two very fluffy cats, Matcha and Kava.
Markelle is the author of Call Forth a Fox and The Redwood Bargain (April 2026). She is represented by Tricia Lawrence of Aevitas Creative Management.