Reviews

This book introduced me to the cozy fantasy term, I didn't know it had a name, but I've been reading it and loving it long ago.

I think about Wren and Shrike all the time, they were lovely from beginning to end.

kabrahams's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I absolutely loved how this brought two of my favorite genres, historical romance and fantasy together. Our world becomes mixed out with the fae world when Shrike, a fae warrior, comes to Victorian London in search of the man who will supposedly help him win against the Holly King. Wren Lofthouse is just a simple clerk with his own problems, like hiding his queer manuscripts and keeping his employer's ward out of trouble. However, Shrike is strikingly handsome and Wren isn't mad at all about whisked away to the fae realm every now and then to enjoy the gay romance he could never openly have in England.

Things heat up when the fae queen declares Wren as the Holly King that Shrike as her Oak King is supposed to kill or be killed by. However, they find a way around that as well as their complications in the mortal realm. I have to say, the whole subplot with Felix and Miss Flora got old and seemed a bit unnecessary. The writing is very descriptive, some might say overly so, but I loved how it brought the world to life. I could really visualize everything and enjoyed this take on Faerie.

wickedwitchofthewords's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

3.0

izzymmcfarland's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

More...