At OwlCrate, we work with fantastic authors whose books we feature as special or limited editions. The books featured in our monthly boxes are always new releases from a range of diverse authors.
This article is a spotlight on Kell Woods, the author behind the book featured in our September 2023 Adult Fantasy box. Read on to find out more about her!
Kell Woods' Bio
Kell Woods (She/Her) is a bestselling author who published her first novel, After the Forest, in 2023. Currently, she is working on a new fantasy novel that will be published in 2025, and this is only the beginning of her writing career. So far, her books have focused on history and fairy tales.
Woods was born and raised in Australia and currently lives with her husband, two sons, and a cat. Her love for stories led her to do a degree in English literature, and she has worked in libraries for over ten years.
Kell Woods' Books
To date, Kell Woods has published one Adult Fantasy novel, with another coming in February 2025. Her books are historical fantasy retellings of popular and classic stories.
Upon a Starlit Tide (coming 2025)
Her upcoming sophomore novel, Upon A Starlit Tide, is a dark fantasy retelling mixing "The Little Mermaid" and "Cinderella.”
Lucinde Leon is the youngest daughter of one of the wealthiest shipowners in Saint-Malo. Unlike her sisters who want to get married, she dreams of joining a ship's crew, a passion she shares with her smuggler friend, Samuel.
After rescuing Morgan de Chatelaine, the son of the most powerful shipowner in the city, she sees an opportunity to have a different life and wishes to attend the grand ball held in honor of Morgan's safe return home.
However, the city of Saint-Malo is at risk of an attack because of the war with England, and the local fae are leaving Brittany and taking their magic with them. As Luce finds herself in these uncertain times, she begins to discover the truth of her own powers.
OwlCrate Edition of After The Forest
After the Forest by Kell Woods was our September 2023 ‘Follow the Breadcrumbs' Adult Fantasy book choice. A retelling of "Hansel and Gretel," this book is equal parts dark fantasy, romance, and historical fiction, with just a hint of magic.
“Ginger. Honey. Cinnamon. Flour. A drop of blood to bind its power.”
After escaping the witch's gingerbread house fifteen years ago, Greta and Hans are dealing with the aftermath of what happened. Following a war and the deaths of their mother and stepmother, Hans is struggling with gambling debt, while Greta uses a grimoire, which she stole from the witch, to bake magical gingerbread, which keeps them afloat.
However, being surrounded by superstitious people means that Greta's treats become the cause of suspicion in their village. When dark magic returns to the forest, Greta must use her magical abilities to try and save herself before her abilities themselves kill her.
Features for this OwlCrate Edition:
- Signed by Kell Woods
- Exclusive redesigned cover by @julie.reinhart_
- Signature page designed by @divineliterary
- Reversible dust jacket illustrated by @rena.illustration
- Foil hardcover case designs by @littleforestcat_
- Endpages illustrated by @emajarian (different front and back)
- Author letter bound into the book
- Bonus content bound into the book
- Sprayed edges
