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julian7's review
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Blood, and Deadnaming
Moderate: Murder, Homophobia, and Violence
Minor: Abandonment and Pedophilia
purrson's review
adventurous
dark
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I enjoyed reading this so much and was really pleased with how the characters and story was handled—not that I should be surprised, having read some of the author’s other work before this one. The beginning, of the Oak King’s predicament and how he comes for Lofthouse’s help, is a strong starting point; a natural halfway point forms in the story when we meet the Holly King, and the finally the book wraps up resolving things for both Kings. Those three events make for very strong anchors for the story to weave itself around as the characters grow. In between the main plotpoints, smaller storylines naturally emerge as our characters get to know one another and have various adventures in both the human and fae realms. It works together very nicely, and even when the story meanders, it does so pleasantly, so you get lots of time with the two main characters as they grow truly comfortable together, enjoying their romance, and begin to hope for new futures. The ending is very satisfying, nicely resolving not only smaller plots but the main ones as well. However, I’m quite happy Book 2 of short stories was there for me to jump into—I wasn’t ready to leave this world or it’s characters yet.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Classism, and Sexual content
Minor: Murder, Violence, Abandonment, and Grief
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