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Oak King Holly King #1
Oak King Holly King
Shrike, the Butcher of Blackthorn, is a legendary warrior of the fae realms. When he wins a tournament in the Court of the Silver Wheel, its queen names him her Oak King - a figurehead destined to die in a ritual duel to invoke the change of seasons. Shrike is determined to survive. Even if it means he must put his heart as well as his life into a mere mortal’s hands.
Wren Lofthouse, a London clerk, has long ago resigned himself to a life of tedium and given up his fanciful dreams. When a medieval-looking brute arrives at his office to murmur of destiny, he’s inclined to think his old enemies are playing an elaborate prank. Still, he can’t help feeling intrigued by the bizarre-yet-handsome stranger and his fantastical ramblings, whose presence stirs up emotions Wren has tried to lock away in the withered husk of his heart.
As Shrike whisks Wren away to a world of Wild Hunts and arcane rites, Wren is freed from the repression of Victorian society. But both the fae and mortal realms prove treacherous to their growing bond. Wren and Shrike must fight side-by-side to see who will claim victory - Oak King or Holly King.
Wren Lofthouse, a London clerk, has long ago resigned himself to a life of tedium and given up his fanciful dreams. When a medieval-looking brute arrives at his office to murmur of destiny, he’s inclined to think his old enemies are playing an elaborate prank. Still, he can’t help feeling intrigued by the bizarre-yet-handsome stranger and his fantastical ramblings, whose presence stirs up emotions Wren has tried to lock away in the withered husk of his heart.
As Shrike whisks Wren away to a world of Wild Hunts and arcane rites, Wren is freed from the repression of Victorian society. But both the fae and mortal realms prove treacherous to their growing bond. Wren and Shrike must fight side-by-side to see who will claim victory - Oak King or Holly King.
521 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 14, 2022
159 people are currently reading
3374 people want to read
About the author
Sebastian Nothwell
8 books358 followersSebastian Nothwell writes queer romance. When he is not writing, he is counting down the minutes until he is permitted to return to writing. He is absolutely not a ghost and definitely did not die in 1895.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews
April 15, 2023
There’s an interesting through line throughout the book where our main characters, Wren and Shrike, would meet under a statue of Achilles, a demigod whose legend came from the love he had for a Patroclus, a mortal. Not only is this an incredibly fitting comparison to Wren and Shrike, but it’s also just lovely imagery. I loved this book, and at first, I thought that the story would be a non-stop roller-coaster of danger and violence, but it was actually more similar to a slice-of-life, as the focus for most of it was on the tender and low-key romance between the two leads. There would be large swaths of the novel where it was just the characters going about their lives, business as usual, and what action there was to be had was used to great effect because of how short it was in its visceral and brutal nature. I think this story’s greatest strength is in its patience. It takes the time necessary to set up the dangers of both realms without it feeling too “text book-y.” Before starting, I originally imagined that the Fae realm would simply work as a metaphor for escapism and delusion that Wren would have to eventually reject by the end in order to get back to the real world of 19th century London. Thankfully, this book had a different and arguably more interesting take in that both Wren and Shrike were outsiders and felt suffocated in their respective realms. And through the events of the story, they were able to find refuge in each other. What a pretty message to have in a book!
Anyway, Wren and Shrike get together pretty early in the book, though I never saw it as “insta-love,” but rather two people who had been painfully lonely for a long while and hadn’t realized how palpable that loneliness was until they were finally in each other’s lives. They made a lovely pairing, and them being together for most of the novel only meant that we got to spend a lot more time with them! Honestly, I thought that Shrike would be joining the pantheon of edge-lord characters that always make my eyes roll, but he ended up being my favorite character because of how sweet he was, especially in his interactions with Wren! Oh yeah, also he can turn into a raven, which is adorable. And what’s more… this book is just a lot of fun! I mean, there’s even a training montage tucked away in the second half of the book. Finally, I think what stood out to me the most was this book's sincerity. It’d be so easy to adopt a “wink-and-a-nod” type of humor (where nothing is taken seriously) when dealing with the differences between the Fae realm and the human realm. For example, like having Wren constantly calling out how alien the Fae realm is to him and being all like, "did that just happen!?" And while I understand that that type of humor lends itself well to this genre, I much prefer to have a story that isn’t afraid to mean and say something. And I’m always going to be more appreciative of earnestness in stories.
“The constellations of his freckles more than made up for the lack of stars in London’s clouded night sky.”
Miscellaneous Thoughts-
Speaking of Achilles, talking about him reminded me of how much I hated Troy (2004)!! They made Achilles and Patroclus cousins. Terrible movie, and I’ll die on that hill (then again, I’d literally die on any hill, so take that with a grain of salt). Oh! Also, I like Shrike’s name because that’s my second favorite Hozier song! My favorite is Would That I.
Anyway, Wren and Shrike get together pretty early in the book, though I never saw it as “insta-love,” but rather two people who had been painfully lonely for a long while and hadn’t realized how palpable that loneliness was until they were finally in each other’s lives. They made a lovely pairing, and them being together for most of the novel only meant that we got to spend a lot more time with them! Honestly, I thought that Shrike would be joining the pantheon of edge-lord characters that always make my eyes roll, but he ended up being my favorite character because of how sweet he was, especially in his interactions with Wren! Oh yeah, also he can turn into a raven, which is adorable. And what’s more… this book is just a lot of fun! I mean, there’s even a training montage tucked away in the second half of the book. Finally, I think what stood out to me the most was this book's sincerity. It’d be so easy to adopt a “wink-and-a-nod” type of humor (where nothing is taken seriously) when dealing with the differences between the Fae realm and the human realm. For example, like having Wren constantly calling out how alien the Fae realm is to him and being all like, "did that just happen!?" And while I understand that that type of humor lends itself well to this genre, I much prefer to have a story that isn’t afraid to mean and say something. And I’m always going to be more appreciative of earnestness in stories.
“The constellations of his freckles more than made up for the lack of stars in London’s clouded night sky.”
Miscellaneous Thoughts-
Speaking of Achilles, talking about him reminded me of how much I hated Troy (2004)!! They made Achilles and Patroclus cousins. Terrible movie, and I’ll die on that hill (then again, I’d literally die on any hill, so take that with a grain of salt). Oh! Also, I like Shrike’s name because that’s my second favorite Hozier song! My favorite is Would That I.
February 15, 2025
Do you ever just read a book and you can recognise that there is absolutely nothing wrong with it, that it delivers on its premise completely, but that something about it just doesn't quite click for you? That was this book for me.
This was a cozy, historical fae romance featuring Shrike, a handsome fae warrior and Wren, a London based Clerk. Normally, cozy historical romances are my drug of choice, but I hesitate to say that perhaps this one was too cozy? Like periodically I would think that the plot was trying to achieve one thing, only for it to pivot and focus on something else completely different for a while and it just kind of meandered back and forth a bit aimlessly for me?
I listened to this one by audiobook and although Gary Furlong is one of my favourite narrators (and I thought he did a great job here) I would find myself drifting while listening to it at times. Then I would realise that it didn't actually matter all that much if I missed a bit here and there cause it wasn't making a difference to my overall understanding of the plot anyway.
I think some of my ambiguity on this one comes from my personal preferences and how much of the plot focused on period specific homophobia and a blackmail material storyline and the mystery behind who possessed it. That's just a source of story conflict and stress that I don't really enjoy. I'm also still a little bit loosey goosey on some of the world building, for example, my understanding as to how and why Wren is able to do magic(?) for Shrike? I don't know if I missed it but that never really felt clear to me and considering how critical it was to the story I feel like I should be much clearer on it.
I thought that the conclusions of some of the sub plots were great, especially the Miss Flora story line, and if more of the story followed that vibe I would have been more invested overall. I did think that the conclusion to the main story, whilst a clever ending, was unexpected enough I laughed out loud while listening to it. I'm not entirely convinced it was consistent with what we had seen from the characters, but it was certainly A WAY to conclude things lol, just not really to my tastes.
I think that Northwells writing skill is lovely and I enjoyed his narrative voice but I almost wish the main storyline was separated from the sub plots. I think this is a pretty 3.5 star read for me, at times it would swing up, and other times it would swing down, but I think ultimately I didn't have an overall 4 star time with this one so I need to round down.
This was a cozy, historical fae romance featuring Shrike, a handsome fae warrior and Wren, a London based Clerk. Normally, cozy historical romances are my drug of choice, but I hesitate to say that perhaps this one was too cozy? Like periodically I would think that the plot was trying to achieve one thing, only for it to pivot and focus on something else completely different for a while and it just kind of meandered back and forth a bit aimlessly for me?
I listened to this one by audiobook and although Gary Furlong is one of my favourite narrators (and I thought he did a great job here) I would find myself drifting while listening to it at times. Then I would realise that it didn't actually matter all that much if I missed a bit here and there cause it wasn't making a difference to my overall understanding of the plot anyway.
I think some of my ambiguity on this one comes from my personal preferences and how much of the plot focused on period specific homophobia and a blackmail material storyline and the mystery behind who possessed it. That's just a source of story conflict and stress that I don't really enjoy. I'm also still a little bit loosey goosey on some of the world building, for example, my understanding as to how and why Wren is able to do magic(?) for Shrike? I don't know if I missed it but that never really felt clear to me and considering how critical it was to the story I feel like I should be much clearer on it.
I thought that the conclusions of some of the sub plots were great, especially the Miss Flora story line, and if more of the story followed that vibe I would have been more invested overall. I did think that the conclusion to the main story, whilst a clever ending, was unexpected enough I laughed out loud while listening to it. I'm not entirely convinced it was consistent with what we had seen from the characters, but it was certainly A WAY to conclude things lol, just not really to my tastes.
I think that Northwells writing skill is lovely and I enjoyed his narrative voice but I almost wish the main storyline was separated from the sub plots. I think this is a pretty 3.5 star read for me, at times it would swing up, and other times it would swing down, but I think ultimately I didn't have an overall 4 star time with this one so I need to round down.
September 20, 2022
4.5 Stars
Review:
*I received an advanced ecopy of this book from the author. This has not influenced my review.*
This was such a lovely, sweet, gentle romance about two lonely but good-hearted men being thrown together, realizing their mutual attraction, and growing closer and closer over time until being with each other felt like home. I especially loved how, despite having a lot of differences, mostly due to one being human and one being fae, they never tried to change each other or pressure the other to “fit in” with their people. Shrike got stared at every time he wore his outfit around London, but Wren never asked him to dress differently. Wren was shy and wary about openly displaying affection in public with Shrike, even though the fae didn’t care about two men being together, and Shrike just let Wren have however much time he needed to get accustomed. Shrike was always patient with Wren when he questioned magical things. That sort of thing. It was such a healthy relationship, and they were always a team. Also, anytime a character does something gross or kinda disturbing to help their love interest, I’m like, “That’s true love, right there.” In this case, it was Wren cleaning the gory remains of velvet from Shrike’s shedding antlers.
The plot had two threads to be resolved and kind of strayed on some winding side paths, but all the while, Wren and Shrike were growing closer and dealing with any problems that came up together. And I think that was the true point of the plot, to be the catalyst for their meeting and to give them some things to do that brought them closer, but I don’t say that as a bad thing. There were small bursts of action here and there, moments of discovery and fun, hints of danger, a bit of mystery, a looming threat, but this was overall a calm, gentle story, the kind you sink into slowly. It wasn’t something that really sank its hooks into me right away, but I found myself getting more and more into it, just enjoying it more and more, as it went on. And I have to say, their solution to the main problem was so clever!
I don’t normally talk about covers in my reviews, but this is one of those covers that got it exactly right. It perfectly captures the characters, the relationship, and the whole vibe. Not to mention it’s also gorgeous! (Alt text description at the end of the review.)
I loved how fantastical the fae element was. Traveling through fairy rings. Riding on magical stags. Attending festivals and battles and markets. Seeing and meeting fae of all kinds with such unique and interesting appearances. Doing magic rituals in the forest.
The ending felt a little sudden, in a, “Wait, that was the last line?” sort of way. Nothing was rushed, everything was concluded satisfactorily (and I can extrapolate anything that wasn’t explicitly stated), but it just felt like it would’ve benefited from another paragraph to feel a little less abrupt. (Unless the final copy has a bit more, since I had an ARC.) *Update: There's now a collection of short stories that takes place after this ends.*
Overall, reading this was liking sinking into a big chair with a warm drink, comfy and soothing, and I loved this book with its fantastical fae, lonely but good-hearted characters, and sweet, gentle romance!
*Rating: 4.5 Stars // Read Date: 2022 // Format: Ebook via TTS*
Cover Description: Illustration of two men standing close, almost nose to nose, gently holding/touching each other, in a forest clearing, under an arch of branches and leaves. One is human with almost shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a long coat and cravat with slacks and nice shoes. The other is fae, slightly taller, with pointy ears and long, wavy black hair, wearing boots, a sort of tunic with intricate designs, and a cloak that reaches to the ground with a fur-lined hood resting on his back.
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes sweet and gentle romances in which the characters tackle problems together, m/m romance, Victorian England, fantastical and interesting fae, and fairly calm books.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Review:
*I received an advanced ecopy of this book from the author. This has not influenced my review.*
This was such a lovely, sweet, gentle romance about two lonely but good-hearted men being thrown together, realizing their mutual attraction, and growing closer and closer over time until being with each other felt like home. I especially loved how, despite having a lot of differences, mostly due to one being human and one being fae, they never tried to change each other or pressure the other to “fit in” with their people. Shrike got stared at every time he wore his outfit around London, but Wren never asked him to dress differently. Wren was shy and wary about openly displaying affection in public with Shrike, even though the fae didn’t care about two men being together, and Shrike just let Wren have however much time he needed to get accustomed. Shrike was always patient with Wren when he questioned magical things. That sort of thing. It was such a healthy relationship, and they were always a team. Also, anytime a character does something gross or kinda disturbing to help their love interest, I’m like, “That’s true love, right there.” In this case, it was Wren cleaning the gory remains of velvet from Shrike’s shedding antlers.
The plot had two threads to be resolved and kind of strayed on some winding side paths, but all the while, Wren and Shrike were growing closer and dealing with any problems that came up together. And I think that was the true point of the plot, to be the catalyst for their meeting and to give them some things to do that brought them closer, but I don’t say that as a bad thing. There were small bursts of action here and there, moments of discovery and fun, hints of danger, a bit of mystery, a looming threat, but this was overall a calm, gentle story, the kind you sink into slowly. It wasn’t something that really sank its hooks into me right away, but I found myself getting more and more into it, just enjoying it more and more, as it went on. And I have to say, their solution to the main problem was so clever!
I don’t normally talk about covers in my reviews, but this is one of those covers that got it exactly right. It perfectly captures the characters, the relationship, and the whole vibe. Not to mention it’s also gorgeous! (Alt text description at the end of the review.)
I loved how fantastical the fae element was. Traveling through fairy rings. Riding on magical stags. Attending festivals and battles and markets. Seeing and meeting fae of all kinds with such unique and interesting appearances. Doing magic rituals in the forest.
The ending felt a little sudden, in a, “Wait, that was the last line?” sort of way. Nothing was rushed, everything was concluded satisfactorily (and I can extrapolate anything that wasn’t explicitly stated), but it just felt like it would’ve benefited from another paragraph to feel a little less abrupt. (Unless the final copy has a bit more, since I had an ARC.) *Update: There's now a collection of short stories that takes place after this ends.*
Overall, reading this was liking sinking into a big chair with a warm drink, comfy and soothing, and I loved this book with its fantastical fae, lonely but good-hearted characters, and sweet, gentle romance!
*Rating: 4.5 Stars // Read Date: 2022 // Format: Ebook via TTS*
Cover Description: Illustration of two men standing close, almost nose to nose, gently holding/touching each other, in a forest clearing, under an arch of branches and leaves. One is human with almost shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a long coat and cravat with slacks and nice shoes. The other is fae, slightly taller, with pointy ears and long, wavy black hair, wearing boots, a sort of tunic with intricate designs, and a cloak that reaches to the ground with a fur-lined hood resting on his back.
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes sweet and gentle romances in which the characters tackle problems together, m/m romance, Victorian England, fantastical and interesting fae, and fairly calm books.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
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January 6, 2025
MM Romance
Fantasy
5 Stars ⭐️
🎵Narrated by Gary Furlong🎵 Absolutely love this narrator but I always forget he’s a favorite. Hopefully I won’t forget after this one because it was epic! Loved all the character voices he did. I knew from their voice alone who was talking before the book told me and it made this book even better. It was a whole experience and I loved it.
I’m kind of speechless right now because I am not usually a fantasy girl but because the blurb and the low sale price lured me in, I bought this from Chirp and I loved it. I was not prepared for how much I’d love this book and when I told my husband that I couldn’t believe how much I liked a fantasy book when fantasy isn’t my thing, he said “well, it obviously is your thing because you’re reading it and loving it” 🤔 Yah I guess he’s right 😂 Don’t hold it against me how long it took me to listen to this either. I loved it and yet the holidays kept getting in the way and blocked me from spending the time with it that I wanted to.
So, I’m not even going to try to properly review this because there’s too much world, myth and lore and it hurts my brain to even think about breaking it down. What I will say though is that I absolutely loved the main characters, Wren and Shrike, as individuals and a couple. This takes place in 1800s England and in the Fae Realm where both places have very different rules. Wren is suffocating in 1800s England, unable to be his true self due to the sodomy laws at the time and feels like he doesn’t belong there. Even though Shrike is in the fae realm and there’s less rules than England, he’s still an outcast like Wren. When these two meet they find solace and understanding in the other and their relationship gave each of them something that they needed but never expected to find. Even though they meet and fall for each very quickly it read as a slow burn and I really enjoyed spending so much time with them. However, this book had so much more going on than the relationship. There’s strife in both realms and this had plot twists on top of plot twists. For a while there didn’t seem like a path forward and last hour of this book had me on pins and needles because I was so anxious trying to figure out how everything would fall into place. However, while there was a HFN and everything was wrapped up, it did end a bit abruptly imo. That said, there is a sequel and once that audio drops I look forward to listening to it.
I’m glad I took a chance and branched out to a new genre because this was amazing and I’d been missing out.
Lastly, and this has nothing to do with this book but everything to do with Chirp. Their built-in audiobook player is absolute shit. No matter what I did or how I tried to tweak with it, the audiobook would reset back to the start when I reopened it. Every. Single. Time. My friend 🫶🏻 suggested bookmarking the page I was on and while that seemed to work initially, when I closed and opened the app the next day, it didn’t save my bookmarks. Luckily I had gotten used to writing it down but one of the reasons this took me so long to read was due to this shit player and always trying to find my place. I sometimes stop mid chapter and trying to find my place almost always had me listening to the same parts I had already listened to while trying to find the right part I stopped at. It was really annoying and I’d highly recommend trying to get it somewhere else.
Fantasy
5 Stars ⭐️
🎵Narrated by Gary Furlong🎵 Absolutely love this narrator but I always forget he’s a favorite. Hopefully I won’t forget after this one because it was epic! Loved all the character voices he did. I knew from their voice alone who was talking before the book told me and it made this book even better. It was a whole experience and I loved it.
I’m kind of speechless right now because I am not usually a fantasy girl but because the blurb and the low sale price lured me in, I bought this from Chirp and I loved it. I was not prepared for how much I’d love this book and when I told my husband that I couldn’t believe how much I liked a fantasy book when fantasy isn’t my thing, he said “well, it obviously is your thing because you’re reading it and loving it” 🤔 Yah I guess he’s right 😂 Don’t hold it against me how long it took me to listen to this either. I loved it and yet the holidays kept getting in the way and blocked me from spending the time with it that I wanted to.
So, I’m not even going to try to properly review this because there’s too much world, myth and lore and it hurts my brain to even think about breaking it down. What I will say though is that I absolutely loved the main characters, Wren and Shrike, as individuals and a couple. This takes place in 1800s England and in the Fae Realm where both places have very different rules. Wren is suffocating in 1800s England, unable to be his true self due to the sodomy laws at the time and feels like he doesn’t belong there. Even though Shrike is in the fae realm and there’s less rules than England, he’s still an outcast like Wren. When these two meet they find solace and understanding in the other and their relationship gave each of them something that they needed but never expected to find. Even though they meet and fall for each very quickly it read as a slow burn and I really enjoyed spending so much time with them. However, this book had so much more going on than the relationship. There’s strife in both realms and this had plot twists on top of plot twists. For a while there didn’t seem like a path forward and last hour of this book had me on pins and needles because I was so anxious trying to figure out how everything would fall into place. However, while there was a HFN and everything was wrapped up, it did end a bit abruptly imo. That said, there is a sequel and once that audio drops I look forward to listening to it.
I’m glad I took a chance and branched out to a new genre because this was amazing and I’d been missing out.
Lastly, and this has nothing to do with this book but everything to do with Chirp. Their built-in audiobook player is absolute shit. No matter what I did or how I tried to tweak with it, the audiobook would reset back to the start when I reopened it. Every. Single. Time. My friend 🫶🏻 suggested bookmarking the page I was on and while that seemed to work initially, when I closed and opened the app the next day, it didn’t save my bookmarks. Luckily I had gotten used to writing it down but one of the reasons this took me so long to read was due to this shit player and always trying to find my place. I sometimes stop mid chapter and trying to find my place almost always had me listening to the same parts I had already listened to while trying to find the right part I stopped at. It was really annoying and I’d highly recommend trying to get it somewhere else.
dnf
March 15, 2022dnf @40%
Yeah, I'm not seeing any importance of the story that is happening at this point. The couple is together, they're sweet and I'm just not interested in the rest.
Yeah, I'm not seeing any importance of the story that is happening at this point. The couple is together, they're sweet and I'm just not interested in the rest.
September 25, 2023
Just what the doctor ordered.
No, really. I've been overrun with a nasty cold and this book singlehandedly cured any bitterness I may have harbored towards having to stay sequestered in my room for days.
There's so much to love about this book. I first want to point out Sebastian's fantastical prose - not only did it absolutely make the book, but it also confirmed my theory that his writing is right up my alley. I'm sure it seems superfluous to find appreciation in reading Victorian speech in a book set in Victorian England. Still, I find it all too common that some authors, while setting their stories in noncontemporary time periods, have their characters speaking with contemporary vernacular. This was a breath of fresh air in addition to being a bit of a vocabulary lesson. So thank you, Sebastian, for I am officially adding the word "onanism" to my mental lexicon and will subsequently be finding any excuse to work it into a casual conversation just for the sake of being questioned as to its meaning.
Now on to the reason we're all here: Wren and Shrike. The two sweetest, softest boys who ever did live. The love and trust they have for each other knows no bounds. You can shout "insta-love" all day if you want, and it will fall upon deaf ears because, frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn. There's something gratifying in having two people meet and face external trials together instead of trials within their relationship. They just fit, like two beautiful puzzle pieces - it's perfect and lovely and warms my heart. Albeit, I would give anything to see more of their thoughts towards each other during the actual falling in love, but that's just me being greedy.
There are a few different threads of mystery to follow, with the narrative playing out in both the mortal and fae realms. And both evidently had me in a viselike grip because I was reeling (in the best way) until the last few chapters. SPEAKING OF WHICH. That final scene. Wow. Two words, babe: combative foreplay.
Overall, this was a magical and cozy read - I have so many questions, but I'm sure they'll be answered in book two, which I am reading immediately (edit: literally started reading Book 2 before I even finished this review. Impatience, thy name is Sarah.)
✧While I received a free ARC of this book from the author, all thoughts are my own.✧
No, really. I've been overrun with a nasty cold and this book singlehandedly cured any bitterness I may have harbored towards having to stay sequestered in my room for days.
There's so much to love about this book. I first want to point out Sebastian's fantastical prose - not only did it absolutely make the book, but it also confirmed my theory that his writing is right up my alley. I'm sure it seems superfluous to find appreciation in reading Victorian speech in a book set in Victorian England. Still, I find it all too common that some authors, while setting their stories in noncontemporary time periods, have their characters speaking with contemporary vernacular. This was a breath of fresh air in addition to being a bit of a vocabulary lesson. So thank you, Sebastian, for I am officially adding the word "onanism" to my mental lexicon and will subsequently be finding any excuse to work it into a casual conversation just for the sake of being questioned as to its meaning.
Now on to the reason we're all here: Wren and Shrike. The two sweetest, softest boys who ever did live. The love and trust they have for each other knows no bounds. You can shout "insta-love" all day if you want, and it will fall upon deaf ears because, frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn. There's something gratifying in having two people meet and face external trials together instead of trials within their relationship. They just fit, like two beautiful puzzle pieces - it's perfect and lovely and warms my heart. Albeit, I would give anything to see more of their thoughts towards each other during the actual falling in love, but that's just me being greedy.
There are a few different threads of mystery to follow, with the narrative playing out in both the mortal and fae realms. And both evidently had me in a viselike grip because I was reeling (in the best way) until the last few chapters. SPEAKING OF WHICH. That final scene. Wow. Two words, babe: combative foreplay.
Overall, this was a magical and cozy read - I have so many questions, but I'm sure they'll be answered in book two, which I am reading immediately (edit: literally started reading Book 2 before I even finished this review. Impatience, thy name is Sarah.)
✧While I received a free ARC of this book from the author, all thoughts are my own.✧
November 1, 2024
“The warm rough palm laid against his own as if, like pages from a book, they were meant to nestle together for centuries, with their interlaced fingers as binding. Wren had lost count of how oft he touched Shrike whilst in the fae realms. Every instance gave him the same thrill settling into comfort, like a wave crashing over the shore followed by the gentle lapping of the tide. How happily Wren could sink beneath that sea and sleep in bliss.”
A whimsical and cozy romance that was the escapism that I needed right now. Shrike is a formidable warrior from the fae realm while Wren is a clerk from the mortal realm. The very definition of a long distance relationship and they manage to make it work ❤️(despite the machinations of a petty fae queen in one realm and a blackmailing villain in the other)
Also that last chapter was 🔥. We love a sexy loophole.
A whimsical and cozy romance that was the escapism that I needed right now. Shrike is a formidable warrior from the fae realm while Wren is a clerk from the mortal realm. The very definition of a long distance relationship and they manage to make it work ❤️(despite the machinations of a petty fae queen in one realm and a blackmailing villain in the other)
Also that last chapter was 🔥. We love a sexy loophole.
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November 25, 2022DNF @49%
I’d been skimming since 30%. Nothing happens. You know how they say that time passes different in the land of the Fae? I felt that here. I tried reading this off & on for a week but it felt like 10 years. I was bored to tears
There’s zero chemistry between the MC’s. Insta-love for no discernible reason. The dialogue is simple but the scene descriptions are long winded & tedious. Lots of descriptions of dead animals which is a pet peeve.
I’d been skimming since 30%. Nothing happens. You know how they say that time passes different in the land of the Fae? I felt that here. I tried reading this off & on for a week but it felt like 10 years. I was bored to tears
There’s zero chemistry between the MC’s. Insta-love for no discernible reason. The dialogue is simple but the scene descriptions are long winded & tedious. Lots of descriptions of dead animals which is a pet peeve.
Want to read
November 27, 2021I'm so fully invested in these two men on the cover you don't understand
March 4, 2022
I really don't understand the excitement around this book. Firstly, the old-style writing and dialogues were a bitch to read. But it's more my preference than the authors flaw. The world-building of the fae-realm was not much of building but describing numerous fae-creatures. It made the book very long and the descriptions very boring. We don't see many rules of this world and even the common rules like not to eat and drink in fae-realm are not applied when Wren starts visiting Shrike in Blackthorn. Fae-realm lacks magic. Fae live too much like humans. And we don't know how Wren has magic, why his sigils work. Why Shrike had antlers and why the fell off. And we have so much text dedicated to the antlers. There was too much information that was just left there unexplored and rising many questions. Unless there will be a second book explaining everything.
The plot-line in the human realm was too dragged-out boring as well. It felt like a filler.
And the smut. Those euphemisms the author employs to describe sex were hilarious. And Wren being so self-conscious about being in an undershirt near Nell fucking before hundreds of people? Really?
The plot-line in the human realm was too dragged-out boring as well. It felt like a filler.
And the smut. Those euphemisms the author employs to describe sex were hilarious. And Wren being so self-conscious about being in an undershirt near Nell fucking before hundreds of people? Really?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2022
Wow. This book. What a RIDE. I went in thinking it was going to be a short, spicy Victorian romance. Silly me.
Sebastian freaking gave me whiplash. The writing was so good and my jaw hurts from picking it up off the floor so much. This book has very strong Enchantment of Ravens, Agatha Christie, and KJ Charles vibes! 1850s fantasy romance mystery. Sebastian really said hold my beer.
Shrike is a fae cursed with the crown of Oak king, fated to duel the Holly King to the death for the favor of the queen and the changing of the seasons.
He seeks out help to help defeat his rival and it led to Wren, our precious human and a clerk. He has the gift of letters so he must be able to help preform a ritual of protection! In the first 50 or so pages Wren is convinced Shrike is an actor attempting a prank! Once taken upon that Wild Hunt he quickly realizes there’s a realm of wonders he’s been blind to!
I adore the chemistry and dialogue between our main characters. Their mutual affection melted me and was such a steady, soothing balm. They’ve done all they can to prepare for the upcoming solstice fight; very sexy things might I mention. I really admired their quiet affection for each other. I’m mutual affection, they took care of each other and respected one another greatly. Shrike is a bit of a himbo and I’m living for it. I was so impressed with the writing and character depth. While it was a bit of an ‘instant love’ situation it was still gentle and soft and comforting.
But back in the mortal realm, what do you do when your boss’ ward and your client goes missing in the fae realm, recovers, and then disappears for good? Oh, and your incriminating nude male drawings and writings also go missing, and said client’s uncle and fiancé are being shady as hell?
Only for the fiancé to ALSO go missing all the while your fae lover defeats the holly king and the new one named is the final nail in the coffin.
Wow who else needs to lie down? I LOVED THIS BOOK. It remains very steady up until the last hundred pages. I adored all the plot twists and shocks, the three delicious spicy scenes sprinkled throughout and the MYSTERY.
* historical romance
* Fae
* Soft shy boys; himbo fae lover
* Spice
* Transgender rep
* Sex fighting? WHO 👏🏻 KNEW 👏🏻
Sebastian freaking gave me whiplash. The writing was so good and my jaw hurts from picking it up off the floor so much. This book has very strong Enchantment of Ravens, Agatha Christie, and KJ Charles vibes! 1850s fantasy romance mystery. Sebastian really said hold my beer.
Shrike is a fae cursed with the crown of Oak king, fated to duel the Holly King to the death for the favor of the queen and the changing of the seasons.
He seeks out help to help defeat his rival and it led to Wren, our precious human and a clerk. He has the gift of letters so he must be able to help preform a ritual of protection! In the first 50 or so pages Wren is convinced Shrike is an actor attempting a prank! Once taken upon that Wild Hunt he quickly realizes there’s a realm of wonders he’s been blind to!
I adore the chemistry and dialogue between our main characters. Their mutual affection melted me and was such a steady, soothing balm. They’ve done all they can to prepare for the upcoming solstice fight; very sexy things might I mention. I really admired their quiet affection for each other. I’m mutual affection, they took care of each other and respected one another greatly. Shrike is a bit of a himbo and I’m living for it. I was so impressed with the writing and character depth. While it was a bit of an ‘instant love’ situation it was still gentle and soft and comforting.
But back in the mortal realm, what do you do when your boss’ ward and your client goes missing in the fae realm, recovers, and then disappears for good? Oh, and your incriminating nude male drawings and writings also go missing, and said client’s uncle and fiancé are being shady as hell?
Only for the fiancé to ALSO go missing all the while your fae lover defeats the holly king and the new one named is the final nail in the coffin.
Wow who else needs to lie down? I LOVED THIS BOOK. It remains very steady up until the last hundred pages. I adored all the plot twists and shocks, the three delicious spicy scenes sprinkled throughout and the MYSTERY.
* historical romance
* Fae
* Soft shy boys; himbo fae lover
* Spice
* Transgender rep
* Sex fighting? WHO 👏🏻 KNEW 👏🏻
September 26, 2025
Well, I am a bit disappointed I didn't love this book.
I wanted to read it because of the cover +title +Gary Furlong convo, but it just felt a bit meh.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with the book; the writing is good, the story is nice, but it just felt too long and like too much and too little was happening at the same time. Shrike and Wren spend pages and pages doing the same thing over and over, plus randomly investigating the mystery of Felix and Lady Flora.
This also features an evil uncle, which I find quite funny, as it seems it's a recurring theme in historical fiction books set in the UK.
I wanted to read it because of the cover +title +Gary Furlong convo, but it just felt a bit meh.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with the book; the writing is good, the story is nice, but it just felt too long and like too much and too little was happening at the same time. Shrike and Wren spend pages and pages doing the same thing over and over, plus randomly investigating the mystery of Felix and Lady Flora.
This also features an evil uncle, which I find quite funny, as it seems it's a recurring theme in historical fiction books set in the UK.
February 21, 2022
Well kudos to the author who has moved beyond period M-M romance into the fantasy realms ... and quite successfully too if I may say. This is not an 'Alice falling through a fae looking-glass' situation, both MCs spend almost an equal amount of page time in middle class Victorian era London as well as faerie-land (with it's many courts and dazzling denizens). This is largely due to the MCs having to devise an escape from a fated demise in the Silver Wheel Court but also tackling a conundrum involving a dissolute youth with an eye on his hapless betrothed's legacy/funds. Both Wren and Shrike proved to be endearing characters.
Woven quite seamlessly in amongst Shrike and Wren's attempts at magic-making are folktales, Arthurian/chivalric tales, pagan rites and rituals - I was really quite diverted. The author also featured quite a few fascinating secondary faerie characters (the spider ambassador being my firm favorite). My biggest peeve - which knocked a whole star off the rating - was a truncated and rushed ending to things - anxiety levels rose around the 82% mark as so much was yet to be resolved regarding the dreaded summer equinox! 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
Woven quite seamlessly in amongst Shrike and Wren's attempts at magic-making are folktales, Arthurian/chivalric tales, pagan rites and rituals - I was really quite diverted. The author also featured quite a few fascinating secondary faerie characters (the spider ambassador being my firm favorite). My biggest peeve - which knocked a whole star off the rating - was a truncated and rushed ending to things - anxiety levels rose around the 82% mark as so much was yet to be resolved regarding the dreaded summer equinox! 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
August 20, 2025
Reread 2025, the below stil stands. There is a lot to love there, but structurally, it's a mess.
(If you love this book, go away now, I'm going to rant)
Sigh. It took me almost seven months to finish this book. I read dozens of other books in the meantime as I slogged through it. (No, I couldn't DNF because I need it for my dissertation.)
The editor of this book (if there even were any) should have told Nothwell that what he had there is very much not a romance but two rather good side plots that would work well in separate books with a proper romance plot. Or, alternatively, that he should cut at least a third of the book, tie the plots actually together and move the romance further.
Seriously, the main characters get together in the first few pages without any struggle or disbelief on Wren's side that fae actually exist, and they are together ever since. The book has almost 500 pages and they are just... together in perfect harmony. The whole thing reads like fanfic where the author keeps adding pseudo-events just to write about domestic bliss. I loved both characters but, jesus wept, give me some tension!
The two side plots are not connected at all, the London one in particular is totally redundant. It's rather a shame because Nothwell writes extremely well, his language is perfect for the early 19th century / medieval-like fae land. He just loves his words too much to cut the unnecessary ones out.
The cover by ThistleArt is stunning though!
(If you love this book, go away now, I'm going to rant)
Sigh. It took me almost seven months to finish this book. I read dozens of other books in the meantime as I slogged through it. (No, I couldn't DNF because I need it for my dissertation.)
The editor of this book (if there even were any) should have told Nothwell that what he had there is very much not a romance but two rather good side plots that would work well in separate books with a proper romance plot. Or, alternatively, that he should cut at least a third of the book, tie the plots actually together and move the romance further.
Seriously, the main characters get together in the first few pages without any struggle or disbelief on Wren's side that fae actually exist, and they are together ever since. The book has almost 500 pages and they are just... together in perfect harmony. The whole thing reads like fanfic where the author keeps adding pseudo-events just to write about domestic bliss. I loved both characters but, jesus wept, give me some tension!
The two side plots are not connected at all, the London one in particular is totally redundant. It's rather a shame because Nothwell writes extremely well, his language is perfect for the early 19th century / medieval-like fae land. He just loves his words too much to cut the unnecessary ones out.
The cover by ThistleArt is stunning though!
February 14, 2022
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.75 stars
The story of the Oak King and the Holly King is an old one. Stemming from Celtic and pagan myths, it’s ultimately an explanation for seasonal change and the stark opposition of winter from summer. Author Sebastian Nothwell has given readers a sweet but serious version of this centuries old myth.
The story on the whole is a bit bonkers and I’m not sure the author ever fully explains how Wren and Shrike hope to skirt the Queen’s plan, but sufficed to say, their final “battle” is decidedly public and eye opening. It was an unusual solution and left me laughing at the boldness of it. Really, my only complaint with the book is that the overall ending felt rushed. Given how relaxed the pacing is throughout the rest of Oak King Holly King, the end seemed crammed into place and lacking in the grace and ease I’ve come to expect from this author.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
4.75 stars
The story of the Oak King and the Holly King is an old one. Stemming from Celtic and pagan myths, it’s ultimately an explanation for seasonal change and the stark opposition of winter from summer. Author Sebastian Nothwell has given readers a sweet but serious version of this centuries old myth.
The story on the whole is a bit bonkers and I’m not sure the author ever fully explains how Wren and Shrike hope to skirt the Queen’s plan, but sufficed to say, their final “battle” is decidedly public and eye opening. It was an unusual solution and left me laughing at the boldness of it. Really, my only complaint with the book is that the overall ending felt rushed. Given how relaxed the pacing is throughout the rest of Oak King Holly King, the end seemed crammed into place and lacking in the grace and ease I’ve come to expect from this author.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
October 18, 2024
Absolutely fantastic. Hands down the best book I've read this year. I recommend it to everyone.
I read the audio version, and the narration was incredible - worth the wait!. I think it really added depth to the story. Other reviews mention it getting a bit slow in the middle but I didn't notice it at all - possibly, the audio helped with that. It had the classic, Sebastian Nothwell "how the heck can this end well?!" bit at about half way to two thirds through. I loved the complementary plots woven between the fae realm and the human realm. And I loved the wonderful side characters - Wren's boss and Ms. Flora (I'm probably messing up the names, because I listened on audible) were particular standounts. (I am deliberately obfuscating some of that for Plot Spoiler reasons, apologies to one character in particular for that, because the reveal is just so wonderful I refuse to spoil it in the review).
Loved this. Plan on reading again.
I read the audio version, and the narration was incredible - worth the wait!. I think it really added depth to the story. Other reviews mention it getting a bit slow in the middle but I didn't notice it at all - possibly, the audio helped with that. It had the classic, Sebastian Nothwell "how the heck can this end well?!" bit at about half way to two thirds through. I loved the complementary plots woven between the fae realm and the human realm. And I loved the wonderful side characters - Wren's boss and Ms. Flora (I'm probably messing up the names, because I listened on audible) were particular standounts. (I am deliberately obfuscating some of that for Plot Spoiler reasons, apologies to one character in particular for that, because the reveal is just so wonderful I refuse to spoil it in the review).
Loved this. Plan on reading again.
September 23, 2023
oh this was wonderful.
oak king holly king was like a very low-stakes, cozy fantasy/romance. our main characters are from two different worlds, living two very different lives, and by chance they come together as one of them asks to be led to someone who will secure his victory in an upcoming duel. when they meet... instructions unclear... but shrike and wren find companionship in each other's company and find even more reason to see one another whenever they can.
I thought shrike was going to be Mr tall, dark, and handsome with a side of broodiness but he was just as heart eyes over his partner as wren was. watching the two acknowledge their bond was so special and I just felt like parts of it were so soft and intimate that you can't help but smile.
very happy that this ended up being as good as it sounded.
also do not tell me that the characters on the cover do not look like tom hiddleston as himself and as loki. they absolutely do
oak king holly king was like a very low-stakes, cozy fantasy/romance. our main characters are from two different worlds, living two very different lives, and by chance they come together as one of them asks to be led to someone who will secure his victory in an upcoming duel. when they meet... instructions unclear... but shrike and wren find companionship in each other's company and find even more reason to see one another whenever they can.
I thought shrike was going to be Mr tall, dark, and handsome with a side of broodiness but he was just as heart eyes over his partner as wren was. watching the two acknowledge their bond was so special and I just felt like parts of it were so soft and intimate that you can't help but smile.
very happy that this ended up being as good as it sounded.
also do not tell me that the characters on the cover do not look like tom hiddleston as himself and as loki. they absolutely do
October 20, 2024
One of those books that makes you wonder how it can't possibly be better known. It's fantastical, grim, whimsical, picturesque, romantic...
I loved reading this and that although I had to take my time since it isn't dialogue-heavy like a lot of romances I read. I enjoyed the dual plotlines in historical London and in the fae realm and loved how Nothwell brought it all to a close. I didn't even mind that there was no spoken I love you since the unspoken I love yous were so loud!
Recommend and really looking forward to listening to the audiobook now :)
Too many quotes, so I propose checking out Nothwell's Social Media for posts instead :D
NSFW infos:
- 30-year-old human clerk who was kicked out from home at a young age for his drawings of men, virgin
- Fae (no age given but it's been a while) who can become a bird
I loved reading this and that although I had to take my time since it isn't dialogue-heavy like a lot of romances I read. I enjoyed the dual plotlines in historical London and in the fae realm and loved how Nothwell brought it all to a close. I didn't even mind that there was no spoken I love you since the unspoken I love yous were so loud!
Recommend and really looking forward to listening to the audiobook now :)
Too many quotes, so I propose checking out Nothwell's Social Media for posts instead :D
NSFW infos:
- 30-year-old human clerk who was kicked out from home at a young age for his drawings of men, virgin
- Fae (no age given but it's been a while) who can become a bird
January 4, 2023
There are some parts of this book that genuinely confused me. To the point where I had to set my phone down and out loud say "what. did i just. read." Which I think added to the overall experience of reading this book. There were two main plots. Which did Not. have an equal amount of explanation. At one point. One of the main characters grew antlers. I wish I could tell you why. I can't tho. They were just there. Then! When the book ended! They were gone! I think they fell off? Will he get them again? Who's to say. It really took me a bit to get with the writing style of this book as well. It was exhausting to read at first, but much like my ancestors before me, I adapted. Love the relationship between the two main characters bc they're just so cute together. They're always like "My beloved" like awwww that's so cute. Thought the ending was weird but it's just not my taste tbh nothing wrong with it. The things I liked about this book were the plot twist, the worldbuilding, the relationship, and Mr Grigsby (he's just a little guy). everything else was just. something. it was certainly. a book. that i read. and it had scenes. that ill certainly never forget. i should've expected this going into it, but alas.
February 17, 2022
A fae must seek assistance in the mortal realm, specifically 1840s England. I’ve been eagerly awaiting this since Nothwell first mentioned he was writing it, and it did not disappoint. This was equally a fantasy and a romance, instead of one with a garnish of the other. The fae world was magical and I loved spending time there and seeing the various locations and festivals. The mortal world has the same sense of historical realism as Nothwell’s Aubrey & Lindsey books, and both worlds have a great cast of side characters. And Shrike and Wren are lovely together, naturally complementing each other, and supporting each other wholly and without question. I would have liked an epilogue, but that’s a minor complaint. This book captivated me in a way that I haven’t been in a long time, and I can’t recommend it highly enough.
August 15, 2024
4.25 stars!
A really solid romance that I enjoyed throughout :) I will have a video review for this one since it’s a SPFBO read
A really solid romance that I enjoyed throughout :) I will have a video review for this one since it’s a SPFBO read
February 13, 2022
As Nothwell is a new to me author, I didn't know what to expect when I started this read. It was a very fantastical historical romance. Multiple plot lines played out in both the human world and the land of the fae. At times it felt a bit long to me, but that might be because I wanted more couple time between Shrike and Wren instead poor Wren working his day to day. Homosexuality can be penalized with death in historical London so I really loved when they spent time in the fae realm. Wren could relax more there. He didn't need to worry about being so uptight and proper. It was also adorable watching Shrike the Butcher fall for the shy gentleman Wren. They both seemed to come out of their shells when they spent time together. Their love was a slower burn, but very sweet. The ending definitely surprised me, but in a really good way. I wasn't expecting it to play out the way it did. However, I would have really loved an epilogue. Once the major climax of the plot happened, the book sort of just ends. The author did not leave any true loose ends, so basically I just wanted a little more time with Wren and Shrike enjoying life together. I love discovering a new author and look forward to checking out their backlist and future releases.
September 5, 2022
500 pages of tedium. There is, quite literally, zero romantic tension in this story. If I don't care about the couple hooking up, it kind of defeats the purpose of a romance novel. Also, the plotting is all over the place. There's two stories going on here, one in 1844 London and the other in the fae realm. I was much more engaged in the drama Wren finds himself roped into with his boss's wards then the fae stuff, but YMMV. As a fantasy this might work better (admittedly I don't read much fantasy so grain of salt here...) but it most certainly does not as a romance. I was bored and it was 500 pages long....
April 30, 2022
Sigh..it really ruins the romantic tension when you don't let them HAVE ANY.
The rest of the plot would have been more effective had there been more to root for.
The rest of the plot would have been more effective had there been more to root for.
May 20, 2025
I finished this over a week ago but I've been slightly tangled up, ahem ahem hockey playoffs ahem ahem... anyway, I will forgive the abrupt ending because that last chapter was the MOST INSANELY FABULOUS REPRESENTATION OF HOMOEROTIC SPARRING/DUEL EVER and I am nothing but a WH*RE for homoerotic sparring/duel.
AMAZING! 10/10. NO ADDITIONAL NOTES.
THANK YOU, SEBASTIAN NOTHWELL!!!
P.S. If you have the chance to do the audiobook, do it!! Nothwell's prose with Furlong's narration is a match made in audiobook heaven😌😌😌
AMAZING! 10/10. NO ADDITIONAL NOTES.
THANK YOU, SEBASTIAN NOTHWELL!!!
P.S. If you have the chance to do the audiobook, do it!! Nothwell's prose with Furlong's narration is a match made in audiobook heaven😌😌😌
January 7, 2023
M/M, hea, magic, mystery,fae/mortal
First let me say that the language this is written in is just not for me. This book helped me realize that. I also have no real conceptualization of the 1800s so I was having to look up far more than probably most people. Even given all of that? This was incredible. Not going to lie it took me a minute to become acclimated. But once I did? My what a fun journey. I found myself reading faster and faster. I needed to know what would happen next and almost all of that was a surprise. So many times I would finish a book having correctly guessed how things would pan out but this? I was just wrong wrong wrong.
First let me say that the language this is written in is just not for me. This book helped me realize that. I also have no real conceptualization of the 1800s so I was having to look up far more than probably most people. Even given all of that? This was incredible. Not going to lie it took me a minute to become acclimated. But once I did? My what a fun journey. I found myself reading faster and faster. I needed to know what would happen next and almost all of that was a surprise. So many times I would finish a book having correctly guessed how things would pan out but this? I was just wrong wrong wrong.
February 10, 2022
When I was in college one of my favourite courses was a Shakespeare class and, as we read plays like *As You Like It* and *A Midsummer Night’s Dream*, we discussed the concept of the “green world” and the “closed world”. The green world being the forest, the world away from human laws and conventions, where rigid traditions are turned on their heads, the impossible is possible, and where magic and fantastical elements allow characters to understand themselves on much deeper levels. Sebastian Nothwell’s novel felt much like an examination of such concepts as it following the story of simple London clerk Wren Lofthouse from Victorian London and his discovery of the magical fae realm and his gentle fae prince, Shrike.
What I think most fascinated me about Nothwell’s novel and his writing is his meandering prose. The book is in absolutely no rush and leisurely guides the reader through a story that, much like what was happening to Wren, travels at a dreamlike pace; sometimes full of action and sometimes lingering over rich descriptions and measured plot points. I don’t find this type of writing in romances often—even amongst fantasy—and after a while it was easy to sink into the robust atmosphere of the world. Both Wren and Shrike have separate challenges in the human world and the fae world and the story follows them as they assist each other in overcoming their respective situations, all the while exploring their growing relationship. The scenes between them were gentle and delicate, with a tender intimacy to them that matched the tone of the book, and I found myself really invested in the possibility of their future together.
For readers who love unhurried storytelling and the kind of book that both occupies and thematically portrays liminal spaces, I could not recommend this more. I was delighted to receive an ARC of *Oak King, Holly King* from the author and very much enjoyed reading it.
What I think most fascinated me about Nothwell’s novel and his writing is his meandering prose. The book is in absolutely no rush and leisurely guides the reader through a story that, much like what was happening to Wren, travels at a dreamlike pace; sometimes full of action and sometimes lingering over rich descriptions and measured plot points. I don’t find this type of writing in romances often—even amongst fantasy—and after a while it was easy to sink into the robust atmosphere of the world. Both Wren and Shrike have separate challenges in the human world and the fae world and the story follows them as they assist each other in overcoming their respective situations, all the while exploring their growing relationship. The scenes between them were gentle and delicate, with a tender intimacy to them that matched the tone of the book, and I found myself really invested in the possibility of their future together.
For readers who love unhurried storytelling and the kind of book that both occupies and thematically portrays liminal spaces, I could not recommend this more. I was delighted to receive an ARC of *Oak King, Holly King* from the author and very much enjoyed reading it.
July 17, 2022
4.5 stars rounded up from me. Loved this one, the prose was almost poetic, the story was charming and the fae lands and their inhabitants very descriptive.
My guess as to the thief was proved correct, and his eventual demise was not a great loss. I did think that the ending was rather abrupt, but count me in for another story set in Wren and Shrike's world. Well done Sebastian Nothwell.
My guess as to the thief was proved correct, and his eventual demise was not a great loss. I did think that the ending was rather abrupt, but count me in for another story set in Wren and Shrike's world. Well done Sebastian Nothwell.
April 23, 2022
Ok, I absolutely loved this! Amazon suggested it to me and I thought why not? Amazon hasn't always suggested the greatest books to me, but this one was great. The reason it wasn't a 5 star was because I felt it lacked a bit more explanations with the world building for those of us not familiar with fairies, and the abrupt ending. I wish there had been epilogue or something!
December 25, 2023
It’s my first book by this author and I really enjoyed the writing style, it really hit the swoon button many times. I loved the atmosphere, both in the human world and the fae world. It was a bit slow paced in the middle and, for such a long book, it sometimes challenged my attention span, but overall it’s lovely.
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