A LAND SO WIDE

Cecily Bednar Schmidt delivers a captivating performance as listeners are drawn into the isolated village of Mistaken. Warding stones keep its residents inside its borders and the ravenous creatures beyond it, called the Bright-Eyed, at bay. Greer Mackenzie, daughter of a town leader, has always been viewed as "different" by her neighbors. When tragedy strikes, followed by the disappearance of her beloved, Greer races headlong into the woods, determined to prevent Mistaken's dark secrets from claiming him. Schmidt builds on Greer's sense of urgency even as foundational truths of her life are tested throughout her journey. Characterizations of the villagers and creatures add fullness to this folktale-inspired world, as does the well-paced atmospheric tension. J.R.T. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2025]