Daughter of the Pines

by Maria A. Eden

There could never be a thirteenth Ledes cousin, not when the Devil himself promised to claim them as his own.

The mist-shrouded town of Galloway needs every ounce of protection from the demons lurking in the Barrens. Harper Ledes longs to escape the cursed village her family rules. As the youngest Ledes cousin, she’s always been an outcast, despite her noble name.

When two militia officers blackmail her into helping them solve a crime, the secret of Harper’s mindspeaking magic is put at risk. Lieutenant Logan Greer’s weapons were stolen from right under his nose, and Captain Jacob Miller will do whatever it takes to help him solve the crime. As Harper gets closer to the Barrens—and the men who threaten her—she realizes her life is intimately entangled with forbidden secrets held in the pines.

Now, Harper must save a town she once wished to abandon, even if it means ripping a hole between realms to do it.

Daughter of the Pines is a romantic fantasy inspired by one of America's most infamous folktales. An atmospheric, gothic tribute to the Pine Barrens, the story will appeal to fans of Rachel Gillig and Kristen Ciccarelli.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal, Adult

403 pages, ebook

Published February 17, 2026

About the author

Maria has been reading, illustrating, and writing fantasy stories since childhood. Fantasy romance became the escape that saved her life while working as a frontline healthcare worker during the pandemic. Nothing brings her more joy than providing a cozy escape for others.

She is the author of the award-winning Elemental Realm series.

She strives to blend fantastical elements into our world with dark humor and heart-wrenching backstories to bring her characters to life.

Reviews

[Leanna Streeter · Rating 4 out of 5]

hank you to NerdFam for the ARC! My opinions are my own.

Daughter of the Pines by Maria A. Eden was a really enjoyable and unique read.

I loved the eerie, folklore inspired atmosphere and the way the Pine Barrens setting felt so alive and mysterious. The town of Galloway had a gothic, misty vibe that pulled me in right away, and the author does a great job reshaping familiar legends into something fresh and immersive.

Harper was a strong, grounded FMC, and I appreciated the focus on family, secrets, and hidden magic. The magic system was creative without being overwhelming, and the romance worked nicely as a subtle layer alongside the mystery and worldbuilding.

Overall, this was a solid, atmospheric fantasy that I truly enjoyed. I’d definitely recommend it to readers who love folklore inspired worlds, moody settings, gaslamp fantasies, and romantic fantasy with a strong sense of place.

[Dawn.mg3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for selecting me to ARC read this book, big thanks to The Nerd Fam

Twists, turns and atmospheric!
The setting was gorgeously creepy and the FMC was well written with unique magic systems, there was always a lot going on in this fast paced story! I did definitely warm to Logan too!!
Overall worth a read if you enjoy atmospheric folklore!

[Jennifer Book Dragon · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was incredibly atmospheric and the pine Barrons came alive. The scenery and colonial era vibes were in stark contrast to the demons and elemental magic. Yet somehow it all worked together well. This book gave me family politics, eerie magic, and cozy gothic. If you like one dark window and two twisted crowns this would be for you.
I did not rate this higher because for me, the pacing drags and the story does not even get interesting until 40% and some of the conflicts feel stretched thinner than they needed to be. The spacing of this book tried to focus equally on the romance and the gothic/demon aspect and failed to hit with a punch in either department. I would have loved this more if the story picked one lane!

[Kate Pace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was perfection! I went on a journey - that was haunting yet filled with such hope. Ugh- I need everyone to read it.

[Hailey Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quote: “We must not fight the fabric from unraveling. Rather, we can become the threads themselves. When we tie the fiber together we can weave something new, something stronger.”

Review: A stunning work of art! There could never be a thirteenth Ledes cousin, not when the Devil himself promised to claim them as his own. In the mist-shrouded town of Galloway demons lurk in the Barrens. Harper ledes longs to escape the curse village her family rules. When militia officers blackmail her into helping her solve a crime her secret is put at risk. Daughter of the Pines is a romantic fantasy inspired by the infamous folktale the Jersey Devil, as someone who grew up in this area I absolutely loved seeing the little references dropped in. While reading this book I had so many theories, some were way off the mark but some I got right and watching them unfold was a great experience for me. The writing was captivating and flow really well. The plot and characters were well structured I never wanted to put the book down. You can definitely tell that the author took the time and did a ton of research to bring this story to life which I appreciate greatly. Another added bonus for me was that it had the perfect balance of romance and fantasy, neither one took away from the other. I will definitely be adding more of Maria A. Eden to my TBR.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️

The first 5⭐️ read of the year!

I absolutely loved this, what an amazing, atmospheric book! The eerie setting had me sucked in from very early on, it felt so alive and captivating, I could not put it down!

Harper is a brilliant character, she’s strong and grounded, she felt very real and relatable throughout. There is a lovely romance subplot, which supports Harper through the challenges she has to face.

The magic system felt unique, the connection to folklore made it all the more interesting. It wasn’t overly complicated though, so didn’t distract from the story.

The is a brilliant standalone, for fans of One Dark Window and The Crimson Moth.

Thank you to Maria A Eden and The Nerd Fam for an ARC.

[Jessica Hockaday · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maria Eden has done it again! 

This story is fast paced with characters that you truly feel every emotion with. Maria's ability to write beautifully crafted characters is top tier. 
The family dynamics, the strong love and bonds are heart warming. Not just between siblings, but cousins as well. 
There is not a single thing I could critique! At all.

I legit consumed this book in a smidgen over 12 hours!

[Char Kramer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blurb 🖊️:
In the mist covered village of Galloway, there will only ever be 13 Ledes cousins. The Devil himself would claim the 13th cousin as its own if one was ever born. Harper, the youngest Ledes cousin, wants to escape the life that she lives in Galloway. Her plans are destroyed when two militia officers blackmail her to help their investigation into missing weapons that have dissapeared right under everyone’s nose. As they investigate deeper, they realize that Galloway and the Lesdes family have many secrets of their own. Secrets that could destroy Galloway, unless Harper uncovers them.

What to expect 🧐:
🔥 New Jersey Devil/Pine Barrens retelling
🔥 Magic and demons 😈
🔥 A lady and her guard 🩷
🔥 Romantasy 🌶️.5

Review 💭:
Many thanks to The Nerd Fam for providing me with an ARC of Daughter of the Pines in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fast paced, suspenseful read that I couldn’t put down! The mysterious twists and turns really kept me hooked. The romance was kind of typical, but I honestly didn’t even mind.

Totally recommend for those that want a fun, twisty romantasy in a spooky setting, 🔥

Pub Date: February 17, 2026

[Meghan JaMonkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great stand-alone retelling of The Jersey Devil/Thirteenth Child. While some of the twists I was expecting, some had my mouth dropping open. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Maria A. Eden paints a gothic setting with an interesting look at demons.

My only complaint is that Mira should have been fed to the demons.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the ARC.

[Elesia · Rating 5 out of 5]

He slid his hand over my spine. “I want everyone to know who you belong to. No matter what number is branded on your skin, you’re mine, and I’m yours.”
My words came out breathless. “I belong to no one.”

This book completelyyyyy surprised me! The atmosphere was one of my favorite parts. There’s this haunting, almost ethereal forest energy that lingers in every chapter. The setting feels alive — heavy with magic, secrets, and quiet danger and of course that mystical mist — and it made the whole reading experience immersive and cinematic.
And the romance! I adored it. It felt tender but intense, with just the right amount of longing and emotional pull. The chemistry built in a way that made every interaction meaningful, and I found myself fully invested in their connection.
This was such a captivating blend of folklore, atmosphere, and romance, overall an unforgettable read. Definitely a 4.5 read for me.

*thank you to The Nerd Fam for providing me a copy of the e-ARC!

[Alicia Rosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this!!

I’ve loved all of Maria A. Eden’s books but this was my favorite! It really was so good. The characters were so likable (some were really hate-able too). I was sucked in from the start and couldn’t put it down. Fantasy, romance, suspense, all in one!

[Alicia Griffin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a colonial retelling of the Jersey Devil in which three brothers are born with fire magic so intense that their birth locks away the Devil, closing the thin place between realms. It is foretold on that day that should the Ledes brothers have a 13th child that they would be the Devil’s own.

Enter our FMC Harper, the 12th Ledes cousin and the only one who doesn’t have an accompanying brand marking her as such. Not only is Harper set apart in this way, but the finicky fire magic that speckles her fellow cousins has skipped her brother and her and instead they’ve been bestowed with rare mindspeaking abilities. But everything is not as it appears in the walled city Harper calls home and once arms begin disappearing from the militia, Harper may need to rely on more than just her mindspeaking and the help of the good-looking new lieutenant to help solve this mystery.

This story starts off strong. I was hooked on page one and felt immediately invested in Harper’s mission to help find the thief in Galloway. This book has family dynamics aplenty with three brothers, their wives, and their 12 children being the center of the plot. In addition to several other main characters its quite the cast. I think the world is nicely built and intensely atmospheric. The author’s descriptions were detailed enough that it was very easy for me to picture everything without spending paragraphs describing rocks.

However, I’m landing on 3 stars because as good as the front half is, the back half falls apart just as much. I think overall there are two main issues affecting the book: lack of tone and inconsistency. With such a large and diverse cast of characters it should have been easier to tell who was speaking but because there was no developed tone for really anyone but Harper, at a certain point in the story’s emotional culmination things started to fall flat. Secondly, I think the magic system falls into the trap of all soft magic systems which is that when there are not hard rules, its easy to make your magic system do things that contradict themselves. For example, there are numerous occasions when Harper is mindspeaking and mentions that someone else has “walls up” so that she cannot read them, but then Harper never really thinks through or explains putting up shields of her own or how one would guard against mindspeaking. More saliently, there are also times where Harper will say things like “I could sense nothing” or “I could only sense the general emotion” but then within two to three sentences be talking into that person’s mind and having a conversation. That really started to take me out of the book as time went by.

Spoilers ahead! Ultimately, the last nail in the coffin was the Ledes cousin meeting under the tavern. The cousins unanimously accept Harper as cousin 13 (except Mira obv) and agree to support her and get their long lost cousin they just found out about minutes ago off death row – and no worries about the secret illegal gambling hall that was just exposed in them having the meeting under the tavern. Coming off the back of their father telling Harper’s brother that he actually has no issue with him calling off his engagement and being gay and matteroffact, why don’t you two take the townhouse Harper and dad live in too and they’ll just find somewhere else to live? And right off the back of discovering that the Devil actually isn’t a bad guy and just wants to be friends with Harper probably. And right off the back of discovering that the demon horse was only ever trying to protect everyone and isn’t evil at all…I hope you catch my drift.

Final thoughts: There are too many things that are directly tied to the tension and the stakes of the book that by 75% completion have been not only resolved, but almost cheekily resolved with garish happy endings which feels incredibly off. Coupled with the tone and magical inconsistencies, I would not in good faith recommend this to a fantasy reader in its current state. I think romance readers would probably not have some of the same issues that I did and would recommend to that audience.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Daughter of the Pines” by Maria A. Eden is an action-packed fantasy with a fascinating and unique concept that offers something new to the genre. Readers will love this book for its unexpected twists and turns, strong family core, and sharp, witty remarks!

Harper Ledes wants nothing more than to leave the cursed village of Galloway, where her family rules. Shrouded in mist, the residents need all the protection they can get from the demons that lurk in the Barrens. But when their only weapons against these beasts are stolen, Harper finds herself blackmailed by two militia men to help them discover who’s been stealing from the armoury. Helping them means she’s at risk of people discovering she can mindspeak. As she gets closer to the Barrens and works closely with the men who threaten her, she realizes her life is entangled with the secrets held in the pines, and only she can save the village she wanted to abandon.

“Daughter of the Pines” is a fun read that easily captivates and holds the reader’s attention throughout. A lot of this is due to the pacing, which unfolds rapidly without being overwhelming, and the characters, who are highly entertaining. Though the ending seems predictable, Eden delivers a twist that’s impossible to predict and throws off whatever outcome the reader imagined. Not to mention, Eden impressively weaves familiar folktales into a tale in a way that feels original and unexpected.

Harper is a great lead for the story because she’s fully capable of standing her ground against anyone. Though she has a big heart, she’s guarded in who gets to not only see that side of her, but who receives the fierceness of her love. Despite being the youngest Ledes in the family, she’s got a sharp tongue, and she’s very headstrong but in a quiet, reserved way. Her relationship with her cousins and brother, and especially Logan, provides a lot of humour to an otherwise serious and intense story where a lot of lives are on the line. At the heart of the story is a tight-knit family bond that is so appreciated in a genre where there is often a lot of animosity or tension between family members. Seeing the resilience of the Ledes family sticking together is truly touching.

The world-building is incredibly done. There’s enough information in the beginning to immerse the reader in Galloway without it being overwhelming or overshadowing the actual story. As things progress, readers learn more about the magical systems, the mist, and the demons lurking on the edges of the village. Not too much is given away to prevent the ending from being spoiled, but enough to keep readers motivated in the characters and their goals.

While I enjoyed the love interest between the two main characters, I did find that the denial of their feelings for one another became a bit repetitive. Had the feelings developed over the course of the story, it would’ve been more effective than something that occurs quickly and is then repressed as they find reasons not to take things further and question their feelings entirely. On top of that, I had a hard time with Mia, Harper’s cousin, who fits the “mean girl who’s jealous” stereotype. Her scenes took me out of the story because nothing felt realistic or relatable about her. It would’ve helped if her actions could be better justified from her perspective, but all her reasons for being mean fell short for me. Despite these small bumps, I still enjoyed the story.

“Daughter of the Pines” by Maria A. Eden is a fantastic romantic fantasy readers must get their hands on if they love a fast-paced romantacy with a spooky setting and inspired by folktales. Add this book to your TBR’s! “Daughter of the Pines” is expected to be published on February 17th, 2026. Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op for providing me with an e-arc of this book and the opportunity to share my honest opinion in this review.

[Belinda Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such a unique, atmospheric adventure 🌲✨—one that pulled me in even before the story officially began. The author opened with a note explaining that this book was inspired by a real place in New Jersey—the Pine Barrens—and the legend of the Jersey Devil 😈🌫️, and I was immediately hooked.

The town of Galloway felt misty, cursed, and oddly charming, with strong Victorian vibes. If you love elegant balls, social hierarchy, and small-town secrets wrapped in a gothic aesthetic, this world delivered. Fans of Bridgerton will absolutely enjoy the atmosphere and aesthetics 💃🖤. The lore surrounding the Barrens, the wall, and the ever-present threat of the Devil was fascinating and immediately drew me in from the start.

The magic system was another highlight 🔥🧠. Magic manifested as “gifts” based on where someone was born, and the two we focused on—mindspeaking (SO cool!) and fire elemental magic—were very well explained and easy to follow. Nothing felt overly complicated, and I appreciated how naturally it was woven into the story.

Plot-wise, the pacing stayed fairly quick, which meant I was never bored ⏳✨. Harper Ledes, our FMC, was refreshingly independent and capable 💪👗. She could stand her ground against anyone—including the MMC, Logan—while still loving pretty dresses and embracing her femininity, which I adored. She felt relatable in that quiet, determined way. Logan initially came across as snarky 😏, but once his walls came down, he was genuinely sweet, protective, and a solid love interest 🥰🛡️. Their chemistry was soft and earnest, though I do wish we’d had more time with their romance—it felt a bit rushed, and a slightly longer book would’ve allowed their relationship to fully bloom 💔➡️❤️.

The side characters—James, Jacob, and Cade—were also well done 👏. They felt fleshed out and purposeful, which isn’t always easy to achieve. That said, I did struggle at times to feel deeply invested in everyone. There was so much happening—crime-solving, curses, blackmail, secrets, demons, magic—that it occasionally felt a bit convoluted 😵‍💫. The ambition was impressive, but it sometimes came at the cost of emotional connection.

Still, this story delivered major vibes 🌫️🖤. Between the cursed village, stolen weapons, dangerous secrets in the pines, and Harper being forced to confront a destiny she once wanted to escape, the stakes stayed high. Watching her slowly realize she might have to save the very town she wished to leave—possibly at the cost of tearing open realms—was compelling and emotional.

🌲 Tropes & Vibes You’ll Find:
🌫️ Gothic, Atmospheric Small Town
😈 Folklore-Inspired Fantasy (Jersey Devil vibes)
🧠 Secret Magic / Mindspeaking
🔥 Elemental Powers
🕵️ Crime-Solving & Blackmail
🖤 Cursed Village & Hidden Lore
💕 Sweet Romance
👗 Feminine yet Fierce FMC

✨ Perfect for readers who enjoy moody, folklore-inspired fantasy and atmospheric worlds similar to Rachel Gillig or Keri Lake.

Overall, Daughter of the Pines felt incredibly original, vibey, and thoughtfully imagined, even if it was a little crowded at times 🌲🖤.

💌 Thank you so much to the author and The Nerd Fam for the ARC opportunity!

[Havok · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daughter of the Pines by Maria A. Eden is the kind of book that sinks into your bones and stays there. I did not just read it. I felt hunted by it. The atmosphere alone deserves applause. Galloway is drenched in mist and menace, a town that feels like it is holding its breath. The Barrens are not just a setting off in the distance. They feel alive. Watching. Waiting. Every time the story drifted toward those demon infested woods, I could feel the tension tighten in my chest.

The demons themselves are not cheap thrills or background monsters. They are a constant, looming threat woven into the town’s survival. They shape the laws, the fear, the sacrifices. There is a history there, something old and rotten at the roots, and Eden does not spoon feed it to you. She lets you uncover it piece by piece. The horror feels intimate, almost sacred in its darkness, especially with the promise hanging over the Ledes family and the idea that something far worse than the Barrens might be waiting to claim what it is owed.

Harper is such a refreshing main character. She is not polished or overly heroic. She is tired of being the outcast in her own powerful family. The weight of being the unwanted thirteenth cousin lingers over her in quiet, painful ways. Her blunt honesty and sharp tongue make her feel real, but it is her vulnerability that hit me hardest. Especially when her secret mindspeaking magic comes into play.The way Eden portrays that ability is subtle and unsettling. It feels invasive and powerful at the same time, like standing too close to the edge of something forbidden.

The crime investigation thread adds another layer of intensity. Stolen militia weapons in a town already bracing against demons is not a small problem. It is a spark near dry timber. Watching Harper get pulled into that mess, forced to risk exposure and confront parts of herself she would rather hide, kept the momentum strong. And the way the secrets are buried in the pines, tied to bloodlines and bargains, is written with such control. Nothing feels random. Everything feels intentional.

Eden’s writing is vivid without being overdone. Her prose carries this dark, lyrical weight that matches the story perfectly. She balances action with quiet dread. Dialogue feels sharp and natural. Emotional moments are not melodramatic, they are earned. The twists are layered in a way that makes you question your instincts. I guessed one reveal, and when it came, it still felt like the ground shifted beneath me.

And yes, Logan deserves his moment. Loyal, steady, willing to stand in the fire beside Harper. Their connection does not overshadow the plot, it strengthens it. It adds stakes. It gives the darkness something to fight against.

This book feels like a storm rolling in from the trees. It is eerie, emotionally charged, and deeply rooted in its own mythology. Maria A. Eden did not just write a story about demons in the woods. She built a cursed town, a fractured family, and a heroine forced to decide whether to save a place that never made room for her.

I closed the book feeling breathless and slightly unmoored, which is exactly how a story like this should leave you.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.75

Daughter of the Pines took me a while to get into. At the beginning I was quite confused about what was happening, who was who (the family is very large), and how the magic system worked. Thankfully, that confusion does smooth out over time. Once the story settled, I became much more interested and started to appreciate the ways it differs from other books in the genre.

One of the strongest parts of the book is the family dynamic. I really enjoyed the scenes where the family members interact with each other - those moments felt lively and engaging. That said, I did find it a little disappointing that the FMC didn’t have many positive relationships with other women. Mira clearly hates her, and aside from her aunts, almost all of her interactions throughout the book are with men.

The worldbuilding and magic system are a bit underdeveloped, though. At times you just have to accept things as they are. For example, the mind-speaking ability felt inconsistent and confusing - sometimes it was small snippets of thoughts, sometimes full thoughts, sometimes emotions, and sometimes people seemed to be able to block her power. I never felt like the rules were clearly established.

I also struggled with the central motivation involving the FMC’s brother. The idea that the only way he could escape his marriage was to leave the city felt weak, especially since their father is portrayed as deeply caring and willing to do anything for his children. It seemed obvious that he would support them, so I spent most of the book waiting for them to just tell him.

That said, I really liked the FMC. She’s a black sheep and fully owns it. She’s witty, confident, and doesn’t let the men in the story walk all over her. Even when she has confrontations with Mira, she doesn’t behave childishly - she either walks away or stands up for herself.

The romance was also really enjoyable. I’m always a fan of a devoted (slightly pathetic) MMC, and he was basically all green flags.

Unfortunately, the ending really dragged for me. Once the truth is revealed, the FMC keeps thinking that they need to tell the lords, but then doesn’t actually do it for ages. Instead, she keeps turning the situation over in her head, which became frustrating, especially when someone’s life is literally on the line 🤦🏽‍♀️ It felt like the author was artificially delaying the obvious solution just to create tension.

By the end, the repetition really got to me. The FMC keeps cycling through the same thoughts, doubts, and “what ifs,” and the same truths are revealed over and over again to different characters 😫🥱

The final confrontation and resolution also felt a bit flat, including the meeting with the devil 😈 👎

Overall, the writing itself is quite good. It flows well and seems to get stronger as the book progresses. There are even some beautifully written passages toward the end, and the story does wrap up in a satisfying way despite the pacing issues.

I think if the beginning had been tighter and the ending less drawn out, this could easily have been a four-star read for me because I really loved the middle section.

[TheNovelNomad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daughter of the Pines is a richly atmospheric standalone romantic fantasy steeped in folklore, secrecy, and longing. Drawing inspiration from one of America’s most infamous legends, Maria A. Eden crafts a story that feels both timeless and intimate—a gothic tribute to the Pine Barrens where mist, memory, and magic cling to every page.

At the center of the novel is Harper Ledes, the youngest—and supposedly impossible—thirteenth cousin in a family bound by an ancient bargain with the Devil himself. Harper’s desire to escape Galloway is deeply relatable; she is marked not by power or privilege, but by exclusion. Her outsider status within her own family gives the story its emotional backbone, grounding the larger mythic stakes in something deeply human: the need to belong.

Galloway itself is vividly realized. The cursed town feels alive, hemmed in by the Barrens and protected by traditions that are as dangerous as the threats they guard against. Eden’s worldbuilding is immersive without being overwhelming, weaving folklore, magic, and history into the narrative in a way that feels natural and cohesive. The mindspeaking magic in particular is thoughtfully handled—both a gift and a liability—raising the stakes each time Harper is forced closer to the truth hidden in the pines.

The plot unfolds through mystery and coercion rather than destiny alone. Harper’s reluctant involvement with militia officers Logan Greer and Jacob Miller introduces tension, moral complexity, and momentum. The stolen weapons investigation serves as an effective entry point into deeper secrets, gradually revealing how entangled Harper’s fate is with the land she wishes to leave behind. The romance develops alongside the mystery, offering warmth and banter without overtaking the story’s darker edges.

What stands out most is the novel’s thematic arc. Daughter of the Pines is not just about curses and demons—it’s about inheritance, choice, and the cost of protection. Harper’s journey from self-preservation to reluctant guardianship feels earned, shaped by difficult truths rather than sudden revelation. When the story turns toward sacrifice and consequence, it does so with emotional clarity rather than spectacle.

This is a moody, folkloric romantasy that will appeal strongly to readers who enjoy gothic atmospheres, slow-building tension, and myth-inspired fantasy with heart. Daughter of the Pines delivers a compelling blend of romance, mystery, and dark legend—an evocative standalone that lingers like fog long after the final page.

[KMart Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. It immediately gave me One Dark Window vibes, but with its own voice and emotional weight. The history, folklore, and inherited fear all layered together beautifully in a way that leaned into the gothic vibes perfectly.

The atmosphere is gorgeous: misty, eerie, steeped in folklore, with a setting that feels tied to our own, given its Jersey Devil backbone. I especially loved how fire is a major part of the story. It's not just about destruction, but as part of renewal and balance. As someone who finds that idea fascinating on an environmental level, that really worked for me thematically. And because a major theme of this story was renewal following the destruction of change, it was perfect.

Another big theme for me was how things aren’t always what they seem. Protection can become a kind of cage. Fear can masquerade as wisdom. And sometimes the stories we’ve been told aren’t the truth, just the version meant to keep everyone “safe.” That tension between safety and freedom is explored in a really thoughtful way.

Harper and Logan’s romance was so good. Sharp banter, slow-burn tension, and that gradual shift from guarded to emotionally open felt so natural. But honestly, what I loved even more were the family dynamics. Harper’s bond with her family, the shared grief over her mother, and the way secrets are kept out of love rather than malice made the emotional core feel incredibly well-grounded.

My only real complaint is that the ending felt just the tiniest bit rushed. The antagonist was more subtle, and the revelations didn’t land with quite the weight I wanted. A few threads, especially around the Devil, felt slightly unresolved. It’s satisfying overall, but you can feel that this was a standalone trying to wrap everything up neatly, which is always a tough balance. Still, I stayed up past my bedtime to finish it, which basically never happens. I was fully enraptured. I’m especially impressed by how emotionally invested I felt in these characters, given that this is a standalone; usually I need multiple books for that kind of attachment.

Engaging, atmospheric, and powerful. A beautiful folklore-inspired fantasy about grief, love, fear, and the stories we tell to survive; even when they start to hold us hostage. Knowing it was written during the author’s process of grief makes so much sense, because that tenderness is everywhere. This story resonated with me so deeply.

Thanks so much to The Nerd Fam and the author for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.

[Fabiola Meza C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 out of 5 stars)
------------------
Summary

Right off the bat, this starts with an interesting Devil’s curse on triplets being born and their bloodline. We then fast forward to Harper, the youngest of the Ledes family. She’s slightly different than the rest because she was never branded at birth, but she’s smart, has a sassy mouth and has an I can do anything attitude. Since she is found where she shouldn’t be, she gets blackmailed into helping find a thief with her magic powers that nobody knows about. We then follow her adventures with her bodyguard and just perfect fictional man, Logan. Logan is a lieutenant who is basically willing to go to hell and back to protect Harper while solving the mystery of what is happening in the Pines.
------------------
What I Liked

• The fire magic and the curse on the Ledes family.
• Balance between plot & character development.
• Although fire magic, demons and the Devil are not new elements in books, the plot felt original.
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What I Didn't Like

• Raina’s death seemed completely unnecessary. I didn’t feel like it bought Jacob more time and it didn’t really help take the blame off of Harper like she said it would.
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Tropes:

• Bodyguard trope
• High stakes Good vs Evil
• The Reluctant Hero
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Favorite Quotes/Phrases

"Things fall apart, Harper. They fall apart whether confined within stone walls or layered between realms. We must not fight the fabric from unraveling. Rather, we can become the threads themselves. When we tie the fibers together, we can weave something new, something stronger."
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My Review

I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wow! Just wow! I started reading this at the airport and all during my flight. Then after getting some much needed sleep, I continued with the book because I just couldn’t put it down. This book checks so many of my boxes for being a great book.

Plot twists throughout the book that aren’t so easy to guess, magical creatures, magical powers, and did I mention the perfect fictional man Logan?
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Would I recommend this book?

Yes - if you enjoy fantasy books with prophecies/curses and the FMC being the chosen one.

[Kristen Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

“We must not fight the fabric from unraveling. Rather, we can become the thread themselves. When we tie the fibers together, we can leave something new, something strong stronger.”

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


In the town of Galloway, New Jersey was the Ledes family. The Ledes family could not have a 13th cousin or else the devil claimed them for himself. Harper Ledes is the youngest of the Ledes cousins. Always the outcast of her family, she dreams to escape Galloway. Weapons from the town’s infirmary start going missing and two militia officers, Logan Greer and Jacob Miller, blackmail her into helping find the thief. She quickly learns that the Barrens hold many secrets and it puts her, her community, and everyone she loves in danger. She must now save the town she so desperately wanted to leave.

Oh my goodness! This was exactly the book I needed. This has been one of my most anticipated reads since Maria posted that she was writing this book. Growing up in the Pine Barrens, I have heard the folklore of the Jersey Devil for as long as I can remember. My father used to own a home in the heart of it when I was little. The Pine Barrens holds a special place in my life and so many memories have been created there over the last 29 years. The Pine Barrens are widely known for the creepy feel of them. There is over 1 million acres in the Pine Barrens and it was the perfect location for this book. While this is not a historical book, it does tie a lot to the folklore. I loved the complexity of the characters and the plot kept me intrigued the entire time. I literally was audibly gasping at the end of most chapters. There were also a lot of Jersey references in regards to real places in New Jersey and I thought that was so cool. Even though it is not set in Batsto Village, that was what I pictured reading Daughter of the Pines. This is the third time I have advanced read one of Maria’s books and this is by far my favorite! I loved her Elemential series, but this story just was so perfect. It had the perfect ratio of folklore and romance! Getting to watch Maria grow as an author had been such an awesome experience. Daughter of the Pines gets release on February 17th! Don’t miss out of this romantic fantasy inspired by one of America’s most infamous folktales!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The misty, gothic atmosphere seeped into every page and had me ready to light a candle and dramatically stare out a foggy window 🕯️

I loved this book and the way it retold the Jersey Devil legend. As a Delaware resident (not New Jersey, but spiritually and geographically adjacent), I was really excited to see how the author would warp the story, and while it wasn't what I expected, I still loved it!

This story has the best gothic vibes and eerie atmosphere. Set in a small town surrounded by a wall, shrouded in a mist and the threat of fire and devil creatures, with stone roads and a looming manor that can be seen from anywhere in town was just *chef’s kiss* perfection.

The story itself was a highlight for me. The family dynamics felt authentic and I really appreciated the cousins’ banter alongside their genuine loyalty to one another. I also loved the romance between the FMC and MMC, the push and pull in the beginning was fun to read and his commitment to protecting her was admirable - though I didn’t always fully feel the love between them.

That said, I did have a few small quibbles. With so much happening in the story, some plot points were occasionally hard to follow and it was difficult to fully invest in everything and everyone emotionally. The side characters were great but there were SO many of them, and the realm-jumping and series of events at the end was a bit tricky to follow. I also felt the magic system and prophecy could have been explained more clearly, as some elements of how everything unfolded and concluded didn’t fully make sense to me.

All in all, this was a great book! The gothic, misty atmosphere was beautifully written, the family dynamics felt authentic, and the side characters were fun (even if there were a lot of them). I also loved the author’s unique spin on the Jersey Devil folklore.

[Kianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Upon the birth of the triples Ledes lords, the town of Galloway changed forever as their fire magic proved powerful enough to keep the monsters plaguing the public at bay. The only caveat was that a thirteenth child amongst the triplets children could not be born, lest that child be promised to the Devil himself as retribution for the Lords' magic. Harper Ledes is the youngest of their children, yet only the twelfth. Though she longs to leave Galloway, as it's become stifling of late, she is determined to include her older brother and father in this plan. Two officers enlist her help in solving a crime amidst Harper's work to secure more money to leave Galloway, forcing her to stick around until the crime is solved.

This story is atmospheric and really encapsulates the feeling of a small, isolated town. The area itself is enshrouded in a mist, which kept this story feeling small and intimate. Harper is an interesting protagonist, shifting a lot as the tale progresses. Though she is disgruntled at putting her initial plans on pause, her tune changes quickly as this story progresses into one of great complexity and mystery. The magic in this world is quite unique, showcasing multiple realms and centering on the doorways between them. However, actual displays of magic are kept to a bit of a minimum in the book, which was not exactly what I was hoping for. This was such a fun read and a really compelling story. Readers who enjoy smaller settings, complex mysteries, and low-grade but intriguing magic will find this book right up their alley!

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘧𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘺 • 𝘮𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘧𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘺 • 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘬𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘦 • 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘺 • 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦 • 𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘦𝘴-𝘵𝘰-𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴

[Javin Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing up, my mother always used to tell me stories about the Pine Barrens and the Jersey Devil, so when I saw DAUGHTER OF THE PINES played with this story, I was intrigued. Not only did I get a dose of nostalgia, but I also got a fresh take on romantic fantasy, with demons and magic and alternative history, all with a touch of spice.

Harper isn’t afraid to speak her mind, and I appreciated her fiery nature. There’s some forced proximity (yes, please) with the spirited militia officer Logan Greer, and this sparks a push-pull tension between him and Harper. Though she claims she can’t stand him, there’s a yearning underneath that says otherwise. And maybe, just maybe, he’s not as indifferent to her as he seems.

DAUGHTER OF THE PINES plays with the idea of good versus evil, especially when it comes to the demons. Even though there are things that the people of Galloway fear, it doesn’t make them inherently evil, and I liked that shift of perspective.

I loved that Harper’s family backed her up when she faced her uncertain future. I don’t know if I’m jaded by other stories where the main character has an awful family (or no family at all), but it was really refreshing. She didn’t have to face the future alone, and that gave me the warm fuzzies! I could absolutely feel the love and acceptance that her father felt for his children. He loved them just as they were.

Even though DAUGHTER OF THE PINES deals with demons and magic, there are some incredibly relatable aspects to the story, and the end left me feeling all warm and cozy. I’ll definitely read another book by Maria A. Eden!

I had the opportunity to read a free advance review copy of DAUGHTER OF THE PINES with thanks from Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op. My review is honest and given freely.

[☾arina⭐︎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This definitely had that One Dark Window vibe. Harper and Logan reminded me of Elspeth and Rayvn. Harper is a mindspeaker, able to listen to thoughts and communicate through the mind. This type of magic is frowned upon, which is why she keeps it a secret. Logan is a Lieutenant seeking her help in finding the stolen armory, using her mindspeaking abilities to suss out the culprit. There’s a voice in the mist she can hear that frightens her but also piques her curiosity after she finds out it knew her mother.

I’ve heard of the Jersey Devil but didn’t know the lore about it. I don’t think you need to know the background, but it did enhance my reading experience. I was invested in the mystery involving the Devil, the mist, and Harper’s family history. There are some twists I didn’t see coming, which I love.

I loved the story, characters, and the magic. Her familiar bond was one of my favorite aspects of the story. They all love each other and would do anything for each other, well, except Mira. Even when they discover what Harper is, they don’t turn their backs. Her father is such a sweetheart, and I love how caring and loving he is. His children are his whole world, and it shows.

Harper and Logan’s relationship doesn’t start on the right foot, but they begin to understand each other and form an unbreakable bond. I love their banter and how much she tries to get under his skin. He’s so protective of her but not in a suffocating way. He doesn’t agree with some of her decisions but is willing to stick by her side no matter what.

If you enjoy folklore, family dynamics, and a sprinkle of romance, I think you will like this one.

Thank you The Nerd Fam and Maria A. Eden for the ARC.

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Gothic vibes
Folklore
Inherited magic
Isolated village
Familial legacy
Prophecy
Bodyguard X body guarded
Standalone

The village of Galloway lives in fear of the demons that surround it, and no one is more caged within those walls than Harper Ledes, the 12th Galloway grandchild, and the only one unbranded. The village has been isolated and in fear since her father and his two brothers were born and gifted with fire magic that has trapped the demons within our realm - and prevented the demon king from opening the veil to connect the realms. And the 13th grandchild is the one foretold to have the power to do so.

I have a wee bit of an obsession with liminal spaces and liminal times. The concept of the space between is so beautiful to me. There’s something inherently magical about thin spaces and doorways and twilight and this story - and the focus on those spaces - grabbed me from the beginning.

It’s eminently readable in ALL ways - the world building is easy to follow and flows with the narrative. The primary side characters - let’s call them main cast - of Jacob, Logan and James are all so engaging and each of them have their own stories that propel the narrative forward and never take away from the main plot. Even the characters we hate, like Mia, are absolutely a blast to read. Cousin Mia is so openly jealous and petty and watching Harper’s reactions to her is FUN.

I also loved the mystical elements, including the magical background of how the world came to be this way and shaped Harper’a destiny. Of course, my favorite is her magical (demonic?) animal sidekick. I wish all stories had animal companions.

Thanks so much to Maria Eden and the Nerd Fam for the eARC. All opinions are my very own honest ones.

[Courtney|the.bookcourt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to TheNerdFam and Maria A. Eden for the eARC in exchange for my review. All opinions that follow are honest and my own.

A gothic romantasy with folklore ties? Oh yeah I am so here for that.

Harper is the youngest of the Ledes cousins, treated as an outcast and that’s even without everybody knowing about her mind speaking powers.
Now someone has been stealing iron from the armoury and two of her uncles men from the militia have enlisted her mind speaking abilities to help find the culprit.
But as Harper gets closer to the wall that protects the town from demons and the fire realm, she realizes that there is more to her story than was ever told to her. And that she might be the only one to save the town and her family from the demons that seek to destroy it.

I was definitely intrigued by this storyline. I love a good gothic fantasy especially with a splash of romance and the idea of a folktale being tied into as well was very interesting. I will say the book captured my attention from the beginning. I liked the history, and connecting all the dots between the past and the present was a fun little puzzle.
However, I am left feeling like I missed half the story. Nothing really stood out to me as perilous and maybe that was the intention as a more low stakes fantasy but I feel like there was so much more that could’ve been added to this story to really make it wow.
The insta love was one of these, sure Harper fought it a bit but overall it happened way too quickly for me. And for a book describing these fire powers that a few of the cousins had, we barely even saw them!
Overall, I enjoyed this book, it kept me captivated and hopeful but honestly I just needed more.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Our main character Harper can speak mind to mind, when commissioned to do a painting on the outer wall as a rouse so she can help the lieutenant find who is stealing from the armory.
Overall the plot was a bit too predictable and felt familiar to me, I also had some issues with the overall writing. Lines like “his voice dropped to only a whisper” while they’re speaking mind to mind, that doesn’t make any sense and I see as a pretty big issue with the writing.
I don’t understand why Harper having the brand or admitting to the village she’s the 13th child would change anything it does not make sense, you would think a powerful entity like the devil would know she exists.
I knew from the moment Jacob’s character was introduced and he could mind speak that he was the true 12th Ledes child and Harper is the 13th, extremely predictable plot.
Finding out that all this fear behind the 13th child wasn’t even warranted because it actually was a good thing and would heal their world and rid it of the demons plaguing them was incredibly frustrating. Like you mistook something some mystic said 50+ years ago and basically made it taboo for your family to have a 13th child. Also for it to be as simple as tear the wall down, come on, let’s get more creative.

Things I did like, I liked the characters overall, especially the male cousins and the overall family dynamic. I also enjoyed the romance in the story, guard romance with a side of a jealous bitchy family member? Yes please.
This book wasn’t bad but I just felt like the plot overall was something I’ve read before and the confusing writing and language at times bothered me.

[Katie Rodney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this standalone by Maria A. Eden! The world building was amazing!

Harper is the 12th Ledes cousin. She's unmarked unlike the rest of the cousins and brother because the midwife who delivered her murdered her mother and ran off.

She just wants to leave Galloway. She wants to study art and protect her brother from being unhappy in an arranged marriage. She's almost ready to leave when she's caught by the military police coming home from her cousins illegal gambling den. Instead of going to jail the police blackmail her into helping them find a theif who's been breaking into their armory and stealing their iron weapons. Oh and they happen to know she's a mind speaker and threaten to tell everyone about it.

Her cover story for being around the police station is she's there to paint a mural. There she meets a demon who tells her all is not as it seems. That she should start asking questions and that he was friends with her mother.

Cue all kinds of questions and of course an investigation were the police Lieutenant offers to help. They grow close throughout the investigation and she tries her best to resist him. 😏

They find some very concerning evidence and she needs to make some tough decisions, but then all hell breaks loose and she has to make those decisions fast. As much as I wished there was more I did really like the ending.

Harper's character was so refreshing. She isn't a superhero or a badass. She's just a normal girl who wants what everyone wants. A life where she's accepted as she is. She also happens to be super blunt and sarcastic. I happen to love that. 🤣

[Lauren Head · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was nothing short of electrifying. An absolute whirlwind of deception, danger, and dizzying plot twists that blindsided me at every turn. Just when I thought I had my footing, the story ripped the ground out from under me. Harper, the twelfth Ledes cousin and the only one without the brand, was impossible not to root for. Branded as the outsider in her own bloodline, she was made to feel like an intruder in a family that should have been her sanctuary. Harper’s grief lingered like a shadow; her mother’s mysterious death at her birth haunted her, fueling her desperate need to escape Galloway and its suffocating secrets. But fate had other plans. When Jacob and Logan manipulate her into joining their search for the missing weapons, she’s pulled into a conspiracy far more dangerous than she ever imagined. Logan began as insufferably arrogant, but beneath the sharp edges was something far more compelling. The tension between him and Harper crackled every biting remark and heated exchange thinly veiled the undeniable spark growing between them, and I devoured every second of it. The world-building was immersive and richly layered, the pacing relentless, the stakes razor-sharp. I was so completely enthralled that I read it in one breathless sitting. And Jacob, without spoiling a thing, had me silently cheering when the truth finally came to light. This story delivered it all with ruthless precision. Utterly gripping and deeply satisfying, it’s a read that lingers long after the final page. Highly recommended!

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gothic fantasy retelling

“The thirteenth Ledes child will be a devil unto themself. Only then will the demon master return to these Barrens.”

The triplet Lords and their families protect the town from the demons that fill the surrounding Pine Barrens. Harper is the twelfth child of the Ledes family. Living in the walled, mist covered town of Galloway, she has never seen the sky. Despite the closeness of her family, she has never felt like she fits. The rules that protect the town and her family feel suffocating, and she is desperate to leave.

When she is blackmailed into helping two of the local militia into solving a mystery, multiple secrets begin to unravel - hers, her family’s, and the secrets of the Barrens. As Harper searches for her identity amongst the remaining truth, she discovers that the mist that shrouds her town is covering more than just the sky…

I found this book fascinating. Set just before the American Revolution, it is a retelling of the Jersey Devil myth - which I am completely unfamiliar with. Despite this, it was very easy to enjoy the story. I particularly loved the gothic tones and the use of symbolism throughout the story.

To me, it told the story of the problems that arise when the connection to the spirits and history of a place is lost. The idea of a multigenerational magical family with an outcast gave me Encanto vibes. I loved the use of the bodyguard trope, which opened the door to some wonderful banter.

The romance of the story is a slow burn, open door deal. It deals with expectations of family and feeling trapped by your identity, death of a parent, bullying, witch hunt style behaviour and a whole lot of 18th century repression. There is a gay character that feels obliged to submit to a heterosexual marriage for the sake of family.

Truly, this was a great read. I highly recommend it to fans of gothic fantasy and retellings, and I know I’ve found a new one-click author.