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Fallen Thorns
‘A great death is in the air.’
Arlo is lost. He thought he had everything figured out. Go to university, fall in love, get a job.
But life doesn’t always work like that, and before he has a chance to figure it out, he dies.
In the space of a night, Arlo is plunged into a world of blood and immortality and finds a group of people who swear to always have his back.
Dying is never easy, and they promise him eternal safety.
But something is after him, something no one could have ever predicted.
He craves to figure out his purpose before he falls into something he can never come back from.
Arlo is lost. He thought he had everything figured out. Go to university, fall in love, get a job.
But life doesn’t always work like that, and before he has a chance to figure it out, he dies.
In the space of a night, Arlo is plunged into a world of blood and immortality and finds a group of people who swear to always have his back.
Dying is never easy, and they promise him eternal safety.
But something is after him, something no one could have ever predicted.
He craves to figure out his purpose before he falls into something he can never come back from.
404 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 29, 2024
80 people are currently reading
6960 people want to read
About the author
Harvey Oliver Baxter
5 books108 followersHarvey Oliver Baxter is the author of dark queer fiction, their debut series Fallen Thorns out now.
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June 11, 2024If vampires, biblical/mythological creatures, an aroace neurodivergent MC, queer found family, and a dark academia setting sound like something you might love, you should read FALLEN THORNS.
Arlo struggles to fit in. He's tall and awkward and nervous and doesn't really understand how to connect with people. The only person in his life who he can be himself with is his best friend Rani. But one day, he finds himself being asked on a date. And though he doesn't really get the whole relationship thing, he decides to give it a go. But branching out doesn't seem to work too well for Arlo, especially when his dating life meets a fatal end. Quite literally. Who knew one kiss could change someone so fundamentally?
After finding himself rescued and taken in by a family of vampires, Arlo has to learn how to live all over again. His body has changed, his appetite has changed, his perspective has changed, but most of all, his physical ability to support himself has changed. He finds himself needing to open up and rely on those around him, forcing him out of his shell and forcing him to confront parts of himself that he's been too scared to look at directly. But along with his unexpected rapid coming-of-age, Arlo finds something else growing inside of him. Another voice that's been a part of him for longer than he's known.
This is a book that sneaks up on you in more ways than one. The characters just worm their way into your heart, nestling themselves inside crevices when you're not looking. They were so easy to love and relate to, and I felt like I was just as wrapped up in the arms of this precious and ferocious found family as Arlo. And the pacing follows this path as well, as it eases you into a steady and consistent pace, the motions of the story gliding comfortably along until you're deep into the thick of it before you know it. I would definitely call the majority of this book leisurely-paced or quiet, until suddenly it’s not. Without even realizing, the stakes become suddenly high and you're screaming and crying and clutching your chest with anticipation.
There's so many fascinating moving parts to this world and to these characters and I'm left with the perfect amount of questions and confusion and desperation. I cannot WAIT to see where Harv takes us for book 2.
CW: blood & gore, death, murder, self-inflicted wounds, dismemberment (off-page), torture, mutilation, eye horror, character death, grief, suicide (mention), panic attacks, death of parents (past), death of sibling (past), sexual harrassment, alcohol consumption, emesis
Arlo struggles to fit in. He's tall and awkward and nervous and doesn't really understand how to connect with people. The only person in his life who he can be himself with is his best friend Rani. But one day, he finds himself being asked on a date. And though he doesn't really get the whole relationship thing, he decides to give it a go. But branching out doesn't seem to work too well for Arlo, especially when his dating life meets a fatal end. Quite literally. Who knew one kiss could change someone so fundamentally?
After finding himself rescued and taken in by a family of vampires, Arlo has to learn how to live all over again. His body has changed, his appetite has changed, his perspective has changed, but most of all, his physical ability to support himself has changed. He finds himself needing to open up and rely on those around him, forcing him out of his shell and forcing him to confront parts of himself that he's been too scared to look at directly. But along with his unexpected rapid coming-of-age, Arlo finds something else growing inside of him. Another voice that's been a part of him for longer than he's known.
This is a book that sneaks up on you in more ways than one. The characters just worm their way into your heart, nestling themselves inside crevices when you're not looking. They were so easy to love and relate to, and I felt like I was just as wrapped up in the arms of this precious and ferocious found family as Arlo. And the pacing follows this path as well, as it eases you into a steady and consistent pace, the motions of the story gliding comfortably along until you're deep into the thick of it before you know it. I would definitely call the majority of this book leisurely-paced or quiet, until suddenly it’s not. Without even realizing, the stakes become suddenly high and you're screaming and crying and clutching your chest with anticipation.
There's so many fascinating moving parts to this world and to these characters and I'm left with the perfect amount of questions and confusion and desperation. I cannot WAIT to see where Harv takes us for book 2.
CW: blood & gore, death, murder, self-inflicted wounds, dismemberment (off-page), torture, mutilation, eye horror, character death, grief, suicide (mention), panic attacks, death of parents (past), death of sibling (past), sexual harrassment, alcohol consumption, emesis
Want to read
September 17, 2023Aroace neurodivergent MC!? Say less!!
November 6, 2023
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I have so many thoughts, but to put it simply; Oh my god. What did I just read?
I loved this book so unbelievably much, and I honestly had a hard time putting it down. Firstly, I felt so seen in Arlo and his aroaceness. Reading about his struggles and finally realising that he is, in fact, not broken was so nice because that's me right there. I've sat with those exact feeling. Feeling alienated and broken and unlovable until you realise just how much your friends love you, and you them. It was almost healing, in a weird way. Also having a character explicitly say that they are aroace. Wow. Just wow. I did not only adore his relationship with Rani, but also his relationship with Mars. Heartwarming. We need more books putting such a heavy focus on platonic relationships.
Secondly, I loved the characters, and how three dimensional they were. Arlo especially was such a complex character. I am a found family lover and this book just HIT. I want to give them all a hug and secure them in a safe happy bubble. Another thing I really enjoyed about these characters where the fact that may of them had a backstory we heard about from time to time. I would LOVE to hear more about the individual Thorns. Especially Mars, Casper and Ben.
Thirdly, the pacing was just so good, and combined with the plot it had me hooked from the very beginning. I was immediately invested in the characters, the plot and the setting. *Chefs kiss*. I've never read anything with vampires, and my only encounter with them has been Twilight, which I'm not exactly fond of, but the way the author put a spin on the supernatural being was right up my alley. I was a big fan. They made me want to read more about the Thorns, how they came to be, and how they operate. I hate to compare authors as they are their own people, but this honestly felt like a perfect combination between Donna Tartt/ M.L.Rio and Andrew Joseph White. The academic setting mixed with religious imagery and horror elements? Chills. Also just almost everyone being some form of queer? Uhm YES PLEASE!
And lastly, WHAT WAS THAT ENDING? ARLO? CASPER AND BEN? THE REVEALE? I AM IN DESPERATE NEED OF A SEQUEL RIGHT THIS SECOND AND THE BOOK IS NOT EVEN OUT YET. I CRIED let me tell ya'll that. Please do yourself a favour and read this book when it comes out, you don't wanna miss out.
I have so many thoughts, but to put it simply; Oh my god. What did I just read?
I loved this book so unbelievably much, and I honestly had a hard time putting it down. Firstly, I felt so seen in Arlo and his aroaceness. Reading about his struggles and finally realising that he is, in fact, not broken was so nice because that's me right there. I've sat with those exact feeling. Feeling alienated and broken and unlovable until you realise just how much your friends love you, and you them. It was almost healing, in a weird way. Also having a character explicitly say that they are aroace. Wow. Just wow. I did not only adore his relationship with Rani, but also his relationship with Mars. Heartwarming. We need more books putting such a heavy focus on platonic relationships.
Secondly, I loved the characters, and how three dimensional they were. Arlo especially was such a complex character. I am a found family lover and this book just HIT. I want to give them all a hug and secure them in a safe happy bubble. Another thing I really enjoyed about these characters where the fact that may of them had a backstory we heard about from time to time. I would LOVE to hear more about the individual Thorns. Especially Mars, Casper and Ben.
Thirdly, the pacing was just so good, and combined with the plot it had me hooked from the very beginning. I was immediately invested in the characters, the plot and the setting. *Chefs kiss*. I've never read anything with vampires, and my only encounter with them has been Twilight, which I'm not exactly fond of, but the way the author put a spin on the supernatural being was right up my alley. I was a big fan. They made me want to read more about the Thorns, how they came to be, and how they operate. I hate to compare authors as they are their own people, but this honestly felt like a perfect combination between Donna Tartt/ M.L.Rio and Andrew Joseph White. The academic setting mixed with religious imagery and horror elements? Chills. Also just almost everyone being some form of queer? Uhm YES PLEASE!
And lastly, WHAT WAS THAT ENDING? ARLO? CASPER AND BEN? THE REVEALE? I AM IN DESPERATE NEED OF A SEQUEL RIGHT THIS SECOND AND THE BOOK IS NOT EVEN OUT YET. I CRIED let me tell ya'll that. Please do yourself a favour and read this book when it comes out, you don't wanna miss out.
July 23, 2025
‧₊˚ 🍂 ᭪ started 13.05.25
˖ finished 14.05.25
❝our minds are never just our
own. but we can take control.❞
˖ finished 14.05.25
❝our minds are never just our
own. but we can take control.❞
July 3, 2024
This book man. It’s is a dark academia with vampires and wonderful main characters. I want to eat them, they're those kinds of characters.
The setting and atmosphere were so good. I don't think I've read a book where I've loved the university setting so much ? The way it was written... so atmospheric😭 Anyway, the found family was perfect. I loved all the characters so much. They deserve the world. The representations of the characters are just lovely and the main character, being aro/ace and neurodivergent was wonderfully written, and I loved reading about him.
If you like a book with dark vibes, character-driven stories, and with a mysterious vampire plot with LGBTQ+ rep, read it. Please. And I want to give a big thank you to the author for an e-arc.
I read this a while ago and I kinda want to reread it now, but I really shouldn’t do that to myself.. really excited for the next book though !
Make sure you check the trigger warning before reading 🙏I think they’re on the authors instagram
The setting and atmosphere were so good. I don't think I've read a book where I've loved the university setting so much ? The way it was written... so atmospheric😭 Anyway, the found family was perfect. I loved all the characters so much. They deserve the world. The representations of the characters are just lovely and the main character, being aro/ace and neurodivergent was wonderfully written, and I loved reading about him.
If you like a book with dark vibes, character-driven stories, and with a mysterious vampire plot with LGBTQ+ rep, read it. Please. And I want to give a big thank you to the author for an e-arc.
I read this a while ago and I kinda want to reread it now, but I really shouldn’t do that to myself.. really excited for the next book though !
Make sure you check the trigger warning before reading 🙏I think they’re on the authors instagram
Want to read
August 19, 2023cover reveal just came out and i’m 👀
February 6, 2024
There are so many things I loved about this book. First of all, the prologue. In my opinion, it is one of the fundamental elements of a book: it allows you to enter the atmosphere of the book, it's a first approach to the author's writing style, and often already from the prologue you can understand whether you will like the book or not. And the prologue of Fallen Thorns immediately promises an outstanding book. The first thing that certainly captured me right away was the atmosphere. Baxter's style perfectly reflects the mood they wanted to create in the book, making the entire reading immersive. The story is well developed, but sometimes it slows down the pace in order to deeply develop the psychology of the characters, making the reading even more exciting and intriguing. The supernatural component is what kicks off the book, which makes you unable to stop reading it and which leaves you glued to the pages until the end. But the strongest points of the book are the characters, especially Arlo, our protagonist. Arlo can speak to many readers in many different ways. Aroace and neurodivergent, he approaches university life with anxiety, desperately seeking his way in the world. Finally, the other characters add what is needed to make this story perfect: they are realistic, different from each other, and you can empathize with each of them. A very enjoyable read, highly recommended!
November 27, 2023
WOW this book seriously blew me out of the water!! I knew I was in for a lot, but just exactly HOW intense everything got, especially in the third act of the book, just kinda blew my mind. I freaking loved it!!
Arlo, oh, poor, sweet Arlo. I could relate so much with his overthinking, how he analyzed everything and every social situation, worried about what people thought of him. He was so precious. All the supporting characters, and I mean ALL of them, were so lovely. They all were like the sweetest found family and the author was so careful with every relationship within the group. Casper and Ben, specifically?? My heart... That's all I can say. 🥺💕💖
I am usually a romance reader, so honestly this was a different sort of read for me, with an MC who was aroace. But that didn't matter! I freaking loved Arlo to my core, and now I just want MORE!! I CANNOT wait for the next book, and the prequel too!! 💕💖💕
Arlo, oh, poor, sweet Arlo. I could relate so much with his overthinking, how he analyzed everything and every social situation, worried about what people thought of him. He was so precious. All the supporting characters, and I mean ALL of them, were so lovely. They all were like the sweetest found family and the author was so careful with every relationship within the group. Casper and Ben, specifically?? My heart... That's all I can say. 🥺💕💖
I am usually a romance reader, so honestly this was a different sort of read for me, with an MC who was aroace. But that didn't matter! I freaking loved Arlo to my core, and now I just want MORE!! I CANNOT wait for the next book, and the prequel too!! 💕💖💕
pending
February 23, 2024dark coming-of-age story with an aro/ace neurodivergent main character, perfect for fans Olivie Blake and Andrew Joseph White
-I am always here for queerness, horror and a bunch of religious imagery
-I am always here for queerness, horror and a bunch of religious imagery
November 15, 2023
Thank you to the author for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is essentially packed with everything I look for in a story: an interesting and amazing cast of characters, even better rep (aroace fans, hello!), beautiful writing, and a riveting storyline. I had high expectations, and somehow, Baxter exceeded all of them.
Arlo is a unique and relatable main character who is also aroace. As an ace person, this made me so happy, and I'm enthralled to see how carefully this was handled throughout the story. His arc throughout the story is so heartbreaking yet empowering to read about. I felt for him on levels that I did not know I could because it felt like I was looking into a mirror. All the characters are so greatly developed and complex (Rani and Mars are my second and third favorite, of course).
The vibes in this book felt very much like taking a walk through London (and as someone who has never stopped foot in London, that is impressive.) It didn't feel like a movie but like I was dreaming; I could've stepped into the pages of this book and wouldn't even care to leave. It was so comforting yet still somber and somewhat cozy.
Baxter shows their talent as a writer as well as a storyteller with Fallen Thorns, and I'm so excited to see how far they go!
AKA go read this when it releases!
This book is essentially packed with everything I look for in a story: an interesting and amazing cast of characters, even better rep (aroace fans, hello!), beautiful writing, and a riveting storyline. I had high expectations, and somehow, Baxter exceeded all of them.
Arlo is a unique and relatable main character who is also aroace. As an ace person, this made me so happy, and I'm enthralled to see how carefully this was handled throughout the story. His arc throughout the story is so heartbreaking yet empowering to read about. I felt for him on levels that I did not know I could because it felt like I was looking into a mirror. All the characters are so greatly developed and complex (Rani and Mars are my second and third favorite, of course).
The vibes in this book felt very much like taking a walk through London (and as someone who has never stopped foot in London, that is impressive.) It didn't feel like a movie but like I was dreaming; I could've stepped into the pages of this book and wouldn't even care to leave. It was so comforting yet still somber and somewhat cozy.
Baxter shows their talent as a writer as well as a storyteller with Fallen Thorns, and I'm so excited to see how far they go!
AKA go read this when it releases!
November 12, 2023
I need time to process this…. Okay I’ve had time, here’s my thoughts:
Where to even start. I’ve needed some time to process this because…. Wow. This book is absolutely incredible. The plot, the characters, the writing 🫢🫢😍😍. I struggle to put into words how amazing these all were, but I will try.
.
Firstly the writing, so poetic, beautiful, whimsical. Just 😍😍
The characters: in this book we have an amazing cast of characters. We follow Arlo, but we meet some truly amazing characters. Ben (my fav), Casper, Mars (also a fav), Rani (also a fav), Lawrence, Marianne and that’s just a few. We follow Arlo on his journey after his death but also while he figures himself out. He’s navigating such a difficult time (being in university, the age 19) and the author did such an incredible job portraying all of this and you really feel right there beside Arlo, and watching him grow and learn and just accept who he is, truly beautiful! (Side note: the amount of representation for the LGBTQIA+ community is the best I have ever seen, and it’s so important that there is so much representation!!)
I guess I mixed the plot in there with my discussion on the characters. But I will say, be warned when you start act 3 you will not be able to put the book down! I mean I couldn’t in act 1 and 2 but act 3 hit different and I literally couldn’t stop no breaks, just all at once.
I truly cannot wait for the next book, like I need it right this second!!!
(Thank you to Harvey Oliver Baxter for the advanced copy, I’ve throughly enjoyed watching your journey as an author and cannot wait to read more from you!!)
Rating: 5⭐️
Where to even start. I’ve needed some time to process this because…. Wow. This book is absolutely incredible. The plot, the characters, the writing 🫢🫢😍😍. I struggle to put into words how amazing these all were, but I will try.
.
Firstly the writing, so poetic, beautiful, whimsical. Just 😍😍
The characters: in this book we have an amazing cast of characters. We follow Arlo, but we meet some truly amazing characters. Ben (my fav), Casper, Mars (also a fav), Rani (also a fav), Lawrence, Marianne and that’s just a few. We follow Arlo on his journey after his death but also while he figures himself out. He’s navigating such a difficult time (being in university, the age 19) and the author did such an incredible job portraying all of this and you really feel right there beside Arlo, and watching him grow and learn and just accept who he is, truly beautiful! (Side note: the amount of representation for the LGBTQIA+ community is the best I have ever seen, and it’s so important that there is so much representation!!)
I guess I mixed the plot in there with my discussion on the characters. But I will say, be warned when you start act 3 you will not be able to put the book down! I mean I couldn’t in act 1 and 2 but act 3 hit different and I literally couldn’t stop no breaks, just all at once.
I truly cannot wait for the next book, like I need it right this second!!!
(Thank you to Harvey Oliver Baxter for the advanced copy, I’ve throughly enjoyed watching your journey as an author and cannot wait to read more from you!!)
Rating: 5⭐️
June 10, 2025
(I was provided an eARC by the author in exchange for an honest review.)
Fallen Thorns is a dark and gloomy exploration of identity, change, and love in all its wonders. With its lovely characters, an interesting storyline that glues the book to your hands, and a jaw-dropping ending that had me frozen for a month, Fallen Thorns was a bloody lovely reading experience. It was just the urban vampire book I was looking for and I am very happy to have read it. An autistic aroace main character in a vampiric coming-of-age setting was very refreshing to read and what the genre needed. I have always wanted to read a vampiric and tragically posed adult coming-of-age story and Fallen Thorns was just the book. It has everything the urban vampire enjoyer is looking for and much more. With the way this book made me feel, I can't help but have many personal thoughts about it.
To start, the writing is casually poetic which makes the narration simple yet captivating. The prose was casual but had a dreary poeticness to itself. It was fresh and familiar at the same time which both felt comfortable and exciting at the same time. From Arlo's inner talks to the other's perspective, it slammed me by the throat and had me going. Arlo was an excellent point of view to read from. He has a skeptical yet eternally emotional nature. While trying to reason with things, he is dragged by his past and his unpredictable future as things turn further below.
I loved Arlo and I need to talk about him more. He is just a kid going to university for the first time with many hopes and dreams only to have it all be shattered. He wants to do things the way they should be done, without giving himself the time to realize what is the right thing for himself. He is relatable and it hurts that he is. The way things broke down for him wrecked me because of how normal he was. He was just a guy who wanted to go about his life. After all the life-shattering events he goes through, all he thinks about is what he'll say to his mom and if his dog will keep liking him. He worries about his friend Rami and tries to stay human through it all even though he needs to take blood. He tries to keep things low but doesn't realize that for once he doesn't need to do so. He realizes things about himself that put his whole life into perspective (like the fact that he is aroace) but tries to hide it all to not hurt people when the people in question value him no matter what happens.
Talking about him I also want to talk about how him being autistic made me feel. This was the first time I've read an autistic MC as an autistic person myself and it felt great to read. It was great to see someone who thinks the way I do and is trying to make sense of the world like me. His time with Lucy was extremely hard-hitting to read about for how familiar it was. Constantly wondering how you should feel, what you should do, what you should ask... It's all too personal for the autistic asexual spectrum reader. I had to read those parts several times and stare at the wall. A recipe for disaster for Arlo and a 4 am crisis session for me, the reader.
The characters all made a place in my heart which made it all the harder to see all the awful things they went through. I loved the Thorns and their broken-found family dynamic. The characters were people who I automatically thought that I would die for. They were all interesting to read about in their own ways and left me curious about what their lives were like before and after all that took place. Mars has my heart especially but Ben and Casper have a special place for me. I want to know more about them all.
That would also be where I come to talk about the way the ending made me feel... It will never leave my mind and I am itching for the sequel. It took a very harsh turn from what I thought the story would go for and left me shocked. I still feel a little empty the more I think about it. It's the type of feeling that makes you remake the ending in your head a million times before bed cause of how sad it makes you feel. But other than the sad part, I am SO CURIOUS about the star part.
Fallen Thorns, starting out like the vampire story of my dreams ended like the book that would haunt me until the sequel comes. It quickly became a new favourite and I cannot wait to read more from Harvey Oliver Baxter because I just know they will be making yet another story that will be haunting me and my gay vampire bones to eternity.
Fallen Thorns is a dark and gloomy exploration of identity, change, and love in all its wonders. With its lovely characters, an interesting storyline that glues the book to your hands, and a jaw-dropping ending that had me frozen for a month, Fallen Thorns was a bloody lovely reading experience. It was just the urban vampire book I was looking for and I am very happy to have read it. An autistic aroace main character in a vampiric coming-of-age setting was very refreshing to read and what the genre needed. I have always wanted to read a vampiric and tragically posed adult coming-of-age story and Fallen Thorns was just the book. It has everything the urban vampire enjoyer is looking for and much more. With the way this book made me feel, I can't help but have many personal thoughts about it.
To start, the writing is casually poetic which makes the narration simple yet captivating. The prose was casual but had a dreary poeticness to itself. It was fresh and familiar at the same time which both felt comfortable and exciting at the same time. From Arlo's inner talks to the other's perspective, it slammed me by the throat and had me going. Arlo was an excellent point of view to read from. He has a skeptical yet eternally emotional nature. While trying to reason with things, he is dragged by his past and his unpredictable future as things turn further below.
I loved Arlo and I need to talk about him more. He is just a kid going to university for the first time with many hopes and dreams only to have it all be shattered. He wants to do things the way they should be done, without giving himself the time to realize what is the right thing for himself. He is relatable and it hurts that he is. The way things broke down for him wrecked me because of how normal he was. He was just a guy who wanted to go about his life. After all the life-shattering events he goes through, all he thinks about is what he'll say to his mom and if his dog will keep liking him. He worries about his friend Rami and tries to stay human through it all even though he needs to take blood. He tries to keep things low but doesn't realize that for once he doesn't need to do so. He realizes things about himself that put his whole life into perspective (like the fact that he is aroace) but tries to hide it all to not hurt people when the people in question value him no matter what happens.
Talking about him I also want to talk about how him being autistic made me feel. This was the first time I've read an autistic MC as an autistic person myself and it felt great to read. It was great to see someone who thinks the way I do and is trying to make sense of the world like me. His time with Lucy was extremely hard-hitting to read about for how familiar it was. Constantly wondering how you should feel, what you should do, what you should ask... It's all too personal for the autistic asexual spectrum reader. I had to read those parts several times and stare at the wall. A recipe for disaster for Arlo and a 4 am crisis session for me, the reader.
The characters all made a place in my heart which made it all the harder to see all the awful things they went through. I loved the Thorns and their broken-found family dynamic. The characters were people who I automatically thought that I would die for. They were all interesting to read about in their own ways and left me curious about what their lives were like before and after all that took place. Mars has my heart especially but Ben and Casper have a special place for me. I want to know more about them all.
That would also be where I come to talk about the way the ending made me feel... It will never leave my mind and I am itching for the sequel. It took a very harsh turn from what I thought the story would go for and left me shocked. I still feel a little empty the more I think about it. It's the type of feeling that makes you remake the ending in your head a million times before bed cause of how sad it makes you feel. But other than the sad part, I am SO CURIOUS about the star part.
Fallen Thorns, starting out like the vampire story of my dreams ended like the book that would haunt me until the sequel comes. It quickly became a new favourite and I cannot wait to read more from Harvey Oliver Baxter because I just know they will be making yet another story that will be haunting me and my gay vampire bones to eternity.
August 13, 2024
I know this was probably the author’s labour of love, but after the 20% mark, I was so painfully bored that being slowly run over by a steam roller seemed the better alternative
I’ll start off with what I liked:
- marianne was a really interesting character and if the whole book was from her pov, it might’ve managed to reach two stars instead of one. also she can step on me anytime she wants ;)
- the representation was great and I deeply enjoyed the conversation between Marianne and Arlo about asexuality. It made me feel so seen
- the beginning was really solid. i was intrigued about how becoming a vampire would impact arlo and i was excited for him to get revenge on lucy
now onto the bad stuff
I think the problem with this book is that it didn’t have a clear direction. it started with arlo adjusting to life as a vampire and how he struggled, denied help from the thorns but then eventually gave in to their help when things spiralled for him.
then it meandered onto arlo’s struggle with this ‘demon’ or creature following him. I was sort of intrigued at first as to what it was but slowly became less and less interested the more the book padded out. it was so painfully boring and confusing at times, I took breaks for days because I couldn’t even force myself to read another line of this shit
the writing was another issue for me. It was like if shakespeare got high and then ghost wrote for robert louis stevenson. it read like a half play/half poetry anthology and I hated every second of it. especially how arlo would say something and have that line of dialogue followed by a line of his thoughts which basically added nothing to the narrative. and the bold text pissed me off too. I get it was to indicate Michael’s voice but stop. it doesn’t work and I wanted to throw the book into a fire pit everytime it happened
In the beginning, it was an easy enough plot to follow, but by the middle, it became this jumbled mess and majority of the time I had no idea what was going on or who was speaking. I know it’s supposed to be like that because ‘arlo is losing himself’ but I call bullshit on that excuse. Rin lost herself in the burning god but the writing didn’t lose itself too like it does in this one. It does get better in the third act, but it wasn’t enough to save it unfortunately
also some of the more serious scenes made me actually chuckle when they definitely shouldn’t have. arlo has a seizure at one point and when he comes back, he says it was because his mum brought out the baby photos of him and both his mum and mars accept that excuse and it’s never brought up again. i’m sorry, what the fuck?
the characters were fine. casper and ben were a cute couple, mars was pretty damn good and I loved them, lawrence was forgettable and marianne was my favourite as i’ve already said. maybe im just a sucker for badass women who look dainty but could kill you in an instant
I wanted to dnf the book so many times, but I wanted to at least see the reveal. plus I didn’t put myself through all that just to give up
the ending was fine. I won’t go into the spoilers but it sort of intrigued me. though when I saw ‘to be continued’ I laughed so hard knowing I will NOT be picking up the sequel
1.5 rounded down
I’ll start off with what I liked:
- marianne was a really interesting character and if the whole book was from her pov, it might’ve managed to reach two stars instead of one. also she can step on me anytime she wants ;)
- the representation was great and I deeply enjoyed the conversation between Marianne and Arlo about asexuality. It made me feel so seen
- the beginning was really solid. i was intrigued about how becoming a vampire would impact arlo and i was excited for him to get revenge on lucy
now onto the bad stuff
I think the problem with this book is that it didn’t have a clear direction. it started with arlo adjusting to life as a vampire and how he struggled, denied help from the thorns but then eventually gave in to their help when things spiralled for him.
then it meandered onto arlo’s struggle with this ‘demon’ or creature following him. I was sort of intrigued at first as to what it was but slowly became less and less interested the more the book padded out. it was so painfully boring and confusing at times, I took breaks for days because I couldn’t even force myself to read another line of this shit
the writing was another issue for me. It was like if shakespeare got high and then ghost wrote for robert louis stevenson. it read like a half play/half poetry anthology and I hated every second of it. especially how arlo would say something and have that line of dialogue followed by a line of his thoughts which basically added nothing to the narrative. and the bold text pissed me off too. I get it was to indicate Michael’s voice but stop. it doesn’t work and I wanted to throw the book into a fire pit everytime it happened
In the beginning, it was an easy enough plot to follow, but by the middle, it became this jumbled mess and majority of the time I had no idea what was going on or who was speaking. I know it’s supposed to be like that because ‘arlo is losing himself’ but I call bullshit on that excuse. Rin lost herself in the burning god but the writing didn’t lose itself too like it does in this one. It does get better in the third act, but it wasn’t enough to save it unfortunately
also some of the more serious scenes made me actually chuckle when they definitely shouldn’t have. arlo has a seizure at one point and when he comes back, he says it was because his mum brought out the baby photos of him and both his mum and mars accept that excuse and it’s never brought up again. i’m sorry, what the fuck?
the characters were fine. casper and ben were a cute couple, mars was pretty damn good and I loved them, lawrence was forgettable and marianne was my favourite as i’ve already said. maybe im just a sucker for badass women who look dainty but could kill you in an instant
I wanted to dnf the book so many times, but I wanted to at least see the reveal. plus I didn’t put myself through all that just to give up
the ending was fine. I won’t go into the spoilers but it sort of intrigued me. though when I saw ‘to be continued’ I laughed so hard knowing I will NOT be picking up the sequel
1.5 rounded down
December 15, 2023
4.5
Oh how I loved this book.
First of all, I have to talk about how incredible the prologue is because every time I read it, I get chills! CHILLS! It sets the tone perfectly right from the start. The writing is so poetic and eerie throughout the entire book, and there were many passages that I took note of along the way. Pacing wise, I did think that it felt a bit slow at times, but the in depth development of the lore and characters did allow for a more immersive experience once the pace started to pick up.
Each of the characters were well developed and I loved the dynamics between them all, especially the friendship between Arlo and Rani, and the relationship between Ben and Casper. Arlo was an MC that I found myself really relating to and every time he had an inner monologue I was nodding along like yeah me too bestie. My favourite character overall though has to be Ben, for so many reasons, but I’ll let you find them out for yourself. I also really appreciated the aro/ace rep throughout this book, I thought the discussions of asexuality and identity were handled really well and I related to a lot of Arlo’s thoughts and feelings about his sexuality.
The atmosphere and religious imageries are some of my favourite things about Fallen Thorns, I liked the way that the author delves into the gore and explores the darker themes of this supernatural world. I particularly love how this story provides a very dark and unique take on vampires which is different from anything i’ve read before, and it was divine!
Okay now can we talk about that ending because HELLO?? INCREDIBLE! I have so many thoughts that I can’t properly talk about without spoiling things, but the final chapters were truly everything! Just beautiful! There’s a certain scene that I can not stop thinking about which will be living rent free in my brain for the foreseeable future, I fear (Harvey Oliver Baxter you know what you did). What I will say is this.. be prepared to feel emotions!!
If you’re looking for a dark academia book with queer vampires, religious imagery and found family along with some absolutely stunning illustrations, look no further. Fallen Thorns is such a strong and utterly unique debut novel, and I genuinely can’t wait for more!
Thank you so so much to my friend, the author of this book, for sending me an ARC, I am forever grateful.
Oh how I loved this book.
First of all, I have to talk about how incredible the prologue is because every time I read it, I get chills! CHILLS! It sets the tone perfectly right from the start. The writing is so poetic and eerie throughout the entire book, and there were many passages that I took note of along the way. Pacing wise, I did think that it felt a bit slow at times, but the in depth development of the lore and characters did allow for a more immersive experience once the pace started to pick up.
Each of the characters were well developed and I loved the dynamics between them all, especially the friendship between Arlo and Rani, and the relationship between Ben and Casper. Arlo was an MC that I found myself really relating to and every time he had an inner monologue I was nodding along like yeah me too bestie. My favourite character overall though has to be Ben, for so many reasons, but I’ll let you find them out for yourself. I also really appreciated the aro/ace rep throughout this book, I thought the discussions of asexuality and identity were handled really well and I related to a lot of Arlo’s thoughts and feelings about his sexuality.
The atmosphere and religious imageries are some of my favourite things about Fallen Thorns, I liked the way that the author delves into the gore and explores the darker themes of this supernatural world. I particularly love how this story provides a very dark and unique take on vampires which is different from anything i’ve read before, and it was divine!
Okay now can we talk about that ending because HELLO?? INCREDIBLE! I have so many thoughts that I can’t properly talk about without spoiling things, but the final chapters were truly everything! Just beautiful! There’s a certain scene that I can not stop thinking about which will be living rent free in my brain for the foreseeable future, I fear (Harvey Oliver Baxter you know what you did). What I will say is this.. be prepared to feel emotions!!
If you’re looking for a dark academia book with queer vampires, religious imagery and found family along with some absolutely stunning illustrations, look no further. Fallen Thorns is such a strong and utterly unique debut novel, and I genuinely can’t wait for more!
Thank you so so much to my friend, the author of this book, for sending me an ARC, I am forever grateful.
December 30, 2023
I'm screaming... I'm legit screaming.
I need a few days to process.
THAT ENDING WILL HAUNT ME FOREVER
Representation: white autistic aroace main character + multiple queer and BIPOC side characters
Content Warnings: frequent depressive and self-deprecating thoughts, talks of suicide, body horror, self-inflicted injuries, blood, vomit, attempted sexual assault, manipulation, possession, physical torture (mostly off-page), ignorance to touch aversion.
I need a few days to process.
THAT ENDING WILL HAUNT ME FOREVER
Representation: white autistic aroace main character + multiple queer and BIPOC side characters
Content Warnings: frequent depressive and self-deprecating thoughts, talks of suicide, body horror, self-inflicted injuries, blood, vomit, attempted sexual assault, manipulation, possession, physical torture (mostly off-page), ignorance to touch aversion.
March 19, 2025
3.5!
First, thank you so much to Harvey Oliver Baxter for an early review copy in exchange for an honest review!
“I chose you for a reason. You were never meant to be like them.”
Fallen Thorns is a debut dark-academia following the story of Arlo, a teenager trying to find his way in the world at university. But just a few months in, he’s attacked by a local vampire and transforms into a creature he only believes to exist in legends. Thereafter, we follow his journey as an underground organisation attempts to find the culprits attacking and turning people in the city, which leads to a vengeance-plot years in the making. There’s also something following Arlo, and it’s more dangerous than anyone could have thought …
Overall, I felt this was a good debut, which has a lot of promise, a good take on the vampire condition and a cast of interesting characters! I loved that it was queernormative, and explored self identity as well as a darker plot about supernatural entities.
Plot/Pacing
Personally I found that I really enjoyed the twist on the traditional vampire story - I loved the complexity of there being unidentified presences stalking Arlo, it added a nice tension. I also enjoyed the fact that Arlo himself becomes tormented, less and less like himself as the story progresses and we see that on the page. Occasionally the perspectives on-page were a little tricky to keep track of, (maybe it was just me!) especially when Arlo is struggling with the presence inside him, but I found it added a complexity to the story that ‘trad’ vampire narratives don’t have and I loved the addition of an all-powerful antagonist working towards a wider purpose, making Arlo integral to that darker plan…
The start was a little slow for me, but it allowed us a chance to really be immersed in the atmosphere of the setting - perfectly captured! It was like I was in the streets of Durham, walking the misty evenings and glancing worriedly over my shoulder in the lamplight night. The pacing picked up for me around 1/3 in and I felt more compelled to find out what would happen next.
But the very END? HELLO? Truly grabbed my heart and yanked, and I’m SO intrigued as to what will happen to Arlo and everyone else following the surprise, the betrayal, and that devastating loss 🥲🥲
Characters
Arlo is our aroace protagonist, and it was wonderful to see a narrative that explores accepting himself, the representation is so important! It was so good to read a story not centred around romantic love, too. Arlo is at first unassuming, and there were many times where his spiralling thoughts added another layer of anxiety to the narrative. But he grows as we follow the story, developing connections with university friends and other vampires alike. I found him engaging, the style of his narrative fitting well with the dark academia genre. I would have loved to see a little more depth in some of his connections though, to get an even better experience of these found family relationships. I felt at times that while his narrative successfully held the reader at arms length as an unreliable narrator, it sometimes made the other side characters a little ‘too’ distant to form in depth connections to them as a reader. I loved his internal battle though, as external entities begin to integrate with him, and found that one of the most enjoyable aspects of the story for sure!
I loved Mars from the get go, and their desire to protect Arlo after finding him after his attack. They’re loyal, fierce and determined and I admire that so much! I would however have liked a little more depth from them in terms of how they interact with the plot events, especially when Arlo withholds information from them (unintentionally or not.) I found them a little too trusting of our unreliable narrator. I wanted more Mars backstory!
Rani was also a great addition to the story, as someone who anchors Arlo this “normal” life. She’s a great presence - though I felt she disappeared off-page about 3/4 of the way through the story - and brings a human depth to the story. I would have loved a little more on-page processing to bring her more in line with the other characters. She’s described as agile and unfazed, but I’d have liked a bit more turmoil from her considering she’s chucked into an underground organisation and learns her friend turns immortal!
I LOVED Ben and Casper! They felt really fleshed out in terms of backstory, and I really got a sense of emotional depth from them - I’m so excited that we as readers will get more of them and their story as I was so attached. Their relationship was so believable and I loved them, and Ben’s connection to Arlo felt so genuine.
I look forward to continuing the story!!
First, thank you so much to Harvey Oliver Baxter for an early review copy in exchange for an honest review!
“I chose you for a reason. You were never meant to be like them.”
Fallen Thorns is a debut dark-academia following the story of Arlo, a teenager trying to find his way in the world at university. But just a few months in, he’s attacked by a local vampire and transforms into a creature he only believes to exist in legends. Thereafter, we follow his journey as an underground organisation attempts to find the culprits attacking and turning people in the city, which leads to a vengeance-plot years in the making. There’s also something following Arlo, and it’s more dangerous than anyone could have thought …
Overall, I felt this was a good debut, which has a lot of promise, a good take on the vampire condition and a cast of interesting characters! I loved that it was queernormative, and explored self identity as well as a darker plot about supernatural entities.
Plot/Pacing
Personally I found that I really enjoyed the twist on the traditional vampire story - I loved the complexity of there being unidentified presences stalking Arlo, it added a nice tension. I also enjoyed the fact that Arlo himself becomes tormented, less and less like himself as the story progresses and we see that on the page. Occasionally the perspectives on-page were a little tricky to keep track of, (maybe it was just me!) especially when Arlo is struggling with the presence inside him, but I found it added a complexity to the story that ‘trad’ vampire narratives don’t have and I loved the addition of an all-powerful antagonist working towards a wider purpose, making Arlo integral to that darker plan…
The start was a little slow for me, but it allowed us a chance to really be immersed in the atmosphere of the setting - perfectly captured! It was like I was in the streets of Durham, walking the misty evenings and glancing worriedly over my shoulder in the lamplight night. The pacing picked up for me around 1/3 in and I felt more compelled to find out what would happen next.
But the very END? HELLO? Truly grabbed my heart and yanked, and I’m SO intrigued as to what will happen to Arlo and everyone else following the surprise, the betrayal, and that devastating loss 🥲🥲
Characters
Arlo is our aroace protagonist, and it was wonderful to see a narrative that explores accepting himself, the representation is so important! It was so good to read a story not centred around romantic love, too. Arlo is at first unassuming, and there were many times where his spiralling thoughts added another layer of anxiety to the narrative. But he grows as we follow the story, developing connections with university friends and other vampires alike. I found him engaging, the style of his narrative fitting well with the dark academia genre. I would have loved to see a little more depth in some of his connections though, to get an even better experience of these found family relationships. I felt at times that while his narrative successfully held the reader at arms length as an unreliable narrator, it sometimes made the other side characters a little ‘too’ distant to form in depth connections to them as a reader. I loved his internal battle though, as external entities begin to integrate with him, and found that one of the most enjoyable aspects of the story for sure!
I loved Mars from the get go, and their desire to protect Arlo after finding him after his attack. They’re loyal, fierce and determined and I admire that so much! I would however have liked a little more depth from them in terms of how they interact with the plot events, especially when Arlo withholds information from them (unintentionally or not.) I found them a little too trusting of our unreliable narrator. I wanted more Mars backstory!
Rani was also a great addition to the story, as someone who anchors Arlo this “normal” life. She’s a great presence - though I felt she disappeared off-page about 3/4 of the way through the story - and brings a human depth to the story. I would have loved a little more on-page processing to bring her more in line with the other characters. She’s described as agile and unfazed, but I’d have liked a bit more turmoil from her considering she’s chucked into an underground organisation and learns her friend turns immortal!
I LOVED Ben and Casper! They felt really fleshed out in terms of backstory, and I really got a sense of emotional depth from them - I’m so excited that we as readers will get more of them and their story as I was so attached. Their relationship was so believable and I loved them, and Ben’s connection to Arlo felt so genuine.
I look forward to continuing the story!!
January 2, 2025
This definitely FELT like a debut if yk what I mean
October 28, 2023
Thanks to the author for an ARC!
My Rating: 4.25 Stars
CW: depression, allusions to suicide, self-inflicted injuries, manipulation, torture, blood
My thoughts:
There are some mild spoilers in here.
First of all the story: Great.
There’s the main story: Arlo turns into a vampire, makes new friends and a villain that tries to do them harm. Classic, cool story and lovable characters but nothing too special here.
Then there’s the secondary story that is parallel to the first (I don't know how to better describe it): something is after Arlo, trying to take over. And damn that’s cool. Now I won’t go into much detail here because the less you know the better but it is the reason Arlo is an unreliable narrator. Personally I haven’t read anything like it yet and it was so cool. A bit confusing at points but I’m into that.
Maybe also note that this is the first book in a series and there is a bit of a cliffhanger at the end.
Now the characters: Pretty much everyone is queer, love that. But most importantly our MC Arlo is aroace, which he partially figures out during the book. I could relate to him so much, it's ridiculous. Knowing you don't want any of that but believing that you should want these things, that you're broken for not feeling any of it. And forcing yourself to do things and thinking you're a bad person for /leading/ others on even though you're not doing anything wrong. And being so incredibly relieved when it finally clicks: there is nothing wrong with you and you're not alone. Yeah, that broke me a bit.
Lastly the writing: The more I think about it, the more impressed I am. About half way through the book I noticed that I was starting to feel a bit disconnected to Arlo and the others but this went hand in hand with the something slowly taking over Arlo. And that something does not care about the other characters. So looking back at it this was really impressive. However while I was reading it I didn't really grasp what was going on there so it felt more like the writing suddenly went a bit downhill. There were some other things that felt weirdly written but looking back were good. I don't really know what to do with that.
My Rating: 4.25 Stars
CW: depression, allusions to suicide, self-inflicted injuries, manipulation, torture, blood
My thoughts:
There are some mild spoilers in here.
First of all the story: Great.
There’s the main story: Arlo turns into a vampire, makes new friends and a villain that tries to do them harm. Classic, cool story and lovable characters but nothing too special here.
Then there’s the secondary story that is parallel to the first (I don't know how to better describe it): something is after Arlo, trying to take over. And damn that’s cool. Now I won’t go into much detail here because the less you know the better but it is the reason Arlo is an unreliable narrator. Personally I haven’t read anything like it yet and it was so cool. A bit confusing at points but I’m into that.
Maybe also note that this is the first book in a series and there is a bit of a cliffhanger at the end.
Now the characters: Pretty much everyone is queer, love that. But most importantly our MC Arlo is aroace, which he partially figures out during the book. I could relate to him so much, it's ridiculous. Knowing you don't want any of that but believing that you should want these things, that you're broken for not feeling any of it. And forcing yourself to do things and thinking you're a bad person for /leading/ others on even though you're not doing anything wrong. And being so incredibly relieved when it finally clicks: there is nothing wrong with you and you're not alone. Yeah, that broke me a bit.
"I'm not like that. I didn't have needs. I'm just me. A little bit broken."
Lastly the writing: The more I think about it, the more impressed I am. About half way through the book I noticed that I was starting to feel a bit disconnected to Arlo and the others but this went hand in hand with the something slowly taking over Arlo. And that something does not care about the other characters. So looking back at it this was really impressive. However while I was reading it I didn't really grasp what was going on there so it felt more like the writing suddenly went a bit downhill. There were some other things that felt weirdly written but looking back were good. I don't really know what to do with that.
March 20, 2024
My feelings on this one are kinda mixed, but they mostly lean positively.
Firstly, I really liked the prose. The gloomy atmosphere of England was certainly captured very well here. I also was getting Ib (2014) vibes from it, too, with the horror/gothic-esque analyzation of life and death through art. The poetry aspects didn't intrigue me as much, but the use of italics, especially when they're bold, was interesting.
The character cast was good. The found family aspect of the vampires was cute at times, but the main gripe I had was how rushed and forced the bonding/closeness was. Arlo is characterized instantly as someone who's very closed off and difficult to talk to, yet he seemingly becomes super close with people in a short amount of time. I think it's because there are a lot of passages describing the bonding time rather than showing it. Like, apparently Arlo played piano for a couple people off screen and they bring up how much they loved it later. I would've liked to see that! Besides that, there are a good few scenes where we do see moments, like whenever Arlo is with Rani or Mars.
But I think the biggest thing holding me back from liking this book more is the story. Despite it primarily being about Arlo becoming a vampire and having a crisis over it, the story gradually dives far off than what I initially anticipated.
Overall, this was a good read. I dunno if I will read the prequel featuring the side mlm couple or the coming sequel, but I will say I fairly enjoyed what I got here.
Firstly, I really liked the prose. The gloomy atmosphere of England was certainly captured very well here. I also was getting Ib (2014) vibes from it, too, with the horror/gothic-esque analyzation of life and death through art. The poetry aspects didn't intrigue me as much, but the use of italics, especially when they're bold, was interesting.
The character cast was good. The found family aspect of the vampires was cute at times, but the main gripe I had was how rushed and forced the bonding/closeness was. Arlo is characterized instantly as someone who's very closed off and difficult to talk to, yet he seemingly becomes super close with people in a short amount of time. I think it's because there are a lot of passages describing the bonding time rather than showing it. Like, apparently Arlo played piano for a couple people off screen and they bring up how much they loved it later. I would've liked to see that! Besides that, there are a good few scenes where we do see moments, like whenever Arlo is with Rani or Mars.
But I think the biggest thing holding me back from liking this book more is the story. Despite it primarily being about Arlo becoming a vampire and having a crisis over it, the story gradually dives far off than what I initially anticipated.
Overall, this was a good read. I dunno if I will read the prequel featuring the side mlm couple or the coming sequel, but I will say I fairly enjoyed what I got here.
March 26, 2024
Fucking Beautiful Book!!! BEWARE, I’m about to ramble. I loved this book. I knew when I opened this book and flipped through it to see there was a playlist listed at the end and illustrations of the characters throughout that this book was someone’s baby.
And it delivered more than I could have imagined it would. It was so cool the whole time. I love Vampires!! I love casual representation!! I love body horror, I love biblical allusions and biblical mythology! This book was written for ME! Target audience of Beck!!! I wanna read that Forever Red book NOW. Did I mention I love vampires?? And one of these Vampires is from Louisiana? Thank you.
I’m glad I could feel the author’s love for these characters and I’m so glad I watched a tiktok that recommended it and now I get to love these characters to. I just have to find out who I can force to read this now.
Aro Ace main character!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not just one Aro Ace character!!!! Beautiful touching moments for anyone on that spectrum. As well as more gay stuff, but that was really stand out to me.
I think if you liked “If We Were Villains” and “Hell Followed With Us” but wished the Hell Followed with us cast has more fully developed brains this is the book for you. But even if you’ve never read those or they weren’t exactly your taste, this book just has so much love and it has Vampires which does automatically get it at least 4 stars(/j).
And it delivered more than I could have imagined it would. It was so cool the whole time. I love Vampires!! I love casual representation!! I love body horror, I love biblical allusions and biblical mythology! This book was written for ME! Target audience of Beck!!! I wanna read that Forever Red book NOW. Did I mention I love vampires?? And one of these Vampires is from Louisiana? Thank you.
I’m glad I could feel the author’s love for these characters and I’m so glad I watched a tiktok that recommended it and now I get to love these characters to. I just have to find out who I can force to read this now.
Aro Ace main character!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not just one Aro Ace character!!!! Beautiful touching moments for anyone on that spectrum. As well as more gay stuff, but that was really stand out to me.
I think if you liked “If We Were Villains” and “Hell Followed With Us” but wished the Hell Followed with us cast has more fully developed brains this is the book for you. But even if you’ve never read those or they weren’t exactly your taste, this book just has so much love and it has Vampires which does automatically get it at least 4 stars(/j).
March 30, 2024
SOOO EXITED !!! 🫂
edit: estoy destruido. (4'5⭐)
edit: estoy destruido. (4'5⭐)
March 6, 2024
Review TL;DR: no
Dnf @ 208
Dnf @ 208
February 8, 2024
"You owe the world nothing. You are perfect just the way you are. Never forget that."
Beautiful, heart-wrenching coming-of-age story of a boy named Arlo who unexpextedly finds himself among a group of vampires.
I really enjoyed the overall story (drama, mystery & moody vibes) and the loveable, diverse characters, Arlo's very relatable perspective + the plot that made me "oh" and "ah" a few times (that ending!!!) - all in all a very solid 4 stars! Would recommend. 💖
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 29, 2026
4.25*?
Okay uhm, I‘ll try to summarize my thoughts and feelings.
I‘m currently deliberately seeking out books with aroace mcs (for reasons ahem) but I‘m always down for queer rep, neurodivergence and vampire/fantasy worlds. This is all I could have asked for and more. All the characters are well written, with so much care and love. The twists on known fantasy creatures are refreshing af. Arlo is soo relatable I had to pause at times, mark and reread. The last 10% hit you like a truck and I can‘t wait to read what‘s to come.
Okay uhm, I‘ll try to summarize my thoughts and feelings.
I‘m currently deliberately seeking out books with aroace mcs (for reasons ahem) but I‘m always down for queer rep, neurodivergence and vampire/fantasy worlds. This is all I could have asked for and more. All the characters are well written, with so much care and love. The twists on known fantasy creatures are refreshing af. Arlo is soo relatable I had to pause at times, mark and reread. The last 10% hit you like a truck and I can‘t wait to read what‘s to come.
November 9, 2023
Disclaimer: part of the authors beta team and received an early physical arc, all my own honest thoughts.
You know I wouldn’t recommend anything less than what I think is incredible regardless of who wrote it. But this? Was phenomenal. Once I got into the book I was totally mesmerised by the original world, characters and plot. I’ve known Harvey a long time and am proud to call them my friend. But reading this from them as their author self was a truly eye opening experience.
The characters! Arlo just absolutely stole my heart and he goes through so much in this book I’m almost mad. I felt like there’s something about Arlo that all readers can relate to. I’ll let you decide what that is. Him struggling with identity and feeling unlovable and like something is wrong with him? Yeah I get that. I absolutely love his relationship with his friends especially Rani. The emphasis on different kinds of love too and one of my absolute favs is platonic love and friendship. I also really liked the character of Marianne.
I also really enjoyed the pacing. At the start it felt a little slow for me but I think that was just to develop character and scene and I’m so glad it did because I just then grew more attached to characters. This supernatural world is different and I honestly dig it so much.
The plot too was so immersive. I could not put the book down. And then as things started to tie together and finally as the reader you understand what’s going on. That realisation had me reeling. There was such a big confrontation which was so hard to read. And the ending! Oh my god the ending! I couldn’t believe what I read it was incredible. And the slight cliffhanger was unfair. BUT THE ENDING. I need book 2 right now.
You know I wouldn’t recommend anything less than what I think is incredible regardless of who wrote it. But this? Was phenomenal. Once I got into the book I was totally mesmerised by the original world, characters and plot. I’ve known Harvey a long time and am proud to call them my friend. But reading this from them as their author self was a truly eye opening experience.
The characters! Arlo just absolutely stole my heart and he goes through so much in this book I’m almost mad. I felt like there’s something about Arlo that all readers can relate to. I’ll let you decide what that is. Him struggling with identity and feeling unlovable and like something is wrong with him? Yeah I get that. I absolutely love his relationship with his friends especially Rani. The emphasis on different kinds of love too and one of my absolute favs is platonic love and friendship. I also really liked the character of Marianne.
I also really enjoyed the pacing. At the start it felt a little slow for me but I think that was just to develop character and scene and I’m so glad it did because I just then grew more attached to characters. This supernatural world is different and I honestly dig it so much.
The plot too was so immersive. I could not put the book down. And then as things started to tie together and finally as the reader you understand what’s going on. That realisation had me reeling. There was such a big confrontation which was so hard to read. And the ending! Oh my god the ending! I couldn’t believe what I read it was incredible. And the slight cliffhanger was unfair. BUT THE ENDING. I need book 2 right now.
Read
November 24, 2024DNF
Look, as much as I want a book about an aroace neurodivergent baddie and found family, the writing style here just didn't appeal to me.
I enjoyed some of Fox and Wit's previous book picks, but it's really hit or miss whether I can really get into them. This one is on the miss-list sadly along with Beyond the Aching Door. I'll try to get back to this, but I was not wowed or incentivized to keep going.
Look, as much as I want a book about an aroace neurodivergent baddie and found family, the writing style here just didn't appeal to me.
I enjoyed some of Fox and Wit's previous book picks, but it's really hit or miss whether I can really get into them. This one is on the miss-list sadly along with Beyond the Aching Door. I'll try to get back to this, but I was not wowed or incentivized to keep going.
October 31, 2024
Who doesn't want to read an atmospheric autumn novel with vampires, queerness and an incredible (somewhat relatable) aroace main character?
Fallen Thorns builds a world of its own, engaging with the ideas of living and death, meaningful relationships, hyper independence and being part of something bigger.
Looking forward to checking out Forever Red and other works by Harvey Oliver Baxter
Fallen Thorns builds a world of its own, engaging with the ideas of living and death, meaningful relationships, hyper independence and being part of something bigger.
Looking forward to checking out Forever Red and other works by Harvey Oliver Baxter
December 26, 2025
i LOVED this one. so much. oh god. speechless right now, after finishing this one actually. i feel so conflicted. beautiful story, i love almost all the characters so much.... but that ending???? i am in so much pain. i don't really ever cry when reading, but let me tell you... i CRIED. damn. i NEED a part 2.
what a pleasure it was to read a story with an ace main AND its a vampire story???? so happy i loved this story as much as i hoped i would.
arlo, you'll always be famous, i love you my ace king 🫶🏼
what a pleasure it was to read a story with an ace main AND its a vampire story???? so happy i loved this story as much as i hoped i would.
arlo, you'll always be famous, i love you my ace king 🫶🏼
April 15, 2024
2.75 ⭐️
arlo’s inner monologue annoyed me sometimes. i didn’t know who was speaking sometimes because the switching back and forth was too confusing. i really liked mars. super good representation! didn’t even get to care about all the characters because it was so centred around arlo’s tragedy although we didn’t even get into his tragedy. it was all so surface level. the ending was meh. this novel had so much potential that was wasted in my eyes.
arlo’s inner monologue annoyed me sometimes. i didn’t know who was speaking sometimes because the switching back and forth was too confusing. i really liked mars. super good representation! didn’t even get to care about all the characters because it was so centred around arlo’s tragedy although we didn’t even get into his tragedy. it was all so surface level. the ending was meh. this novel had so much potential that was wasted in my eyes.
September 9, 2024
This is a reread and what can I say but I am absolutely enthralled by both the world building, characters and also how dark and emotional the last portion of the story got. I need the next book and cannot wait for the prequel Forever Red, although again I think I would be overwhelmed with FEELS with the prequel because *descending into incoherent crying*
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