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sages_books's review against another edition
5.0
I was sent a copy of this book by Sebastian Northwell’s agent in exchange for an honest review!
Oak King, Holly King is a lovely story of queer love and resistance set in an atmospheric and engrossing light fantasy world. The story takes place in pre-industrial England, but it also has lots of scenes set in a parallel world based off fae lore.
This is a wonderful read if you’re looking for something like Holly Black’s books but queer. I really enjoyed that the author explored the sodomy laws that were present at the time but gave his characters a queer realm where they could be themselves without fear of persecution. When I picked up this book, I was pleasantly surprised by the themes of queer love that were so present, Oak King, Holly King is a definite celebration of queer love stories and I really enjoyed that aspect of the story.
Another thing I liked about this book was that the fantasy aspects weren’t too hard to grip. At the beginning I was slightly confused about the politics of the fae world, but after a bit I was able to grasp it better! Plus, all the fluffy scenes of the two mcs just living their lives were so cute and exactly what I needed!
Overall, I really liked Oak King, Holly King, I thought the mix of fantasy and historical fiction was really well done, and the exploration of queer love was *chefs kiss*! The only thing I wish had been different is the lack of BIPOC and female characters! If you’re looking for a light, gay story about fae and pre-industrial England, this book is for you!
Oak King, Holly King is a lovely story of queer love and resistance set in an atmospheric and engrossing light fantasy world. The story takes place in pre-industrial England, but it also has lots of scenes set in a parallel world based off fae lore.
This is a wonderful read if you’re looking for something like Holly Black’s books but queer. I really enjoyed that the author explored the sodomy laws that were present at the time but gave his characters a queer realm where they could be themselves without fear of persecution. When I picked up this book, I was pleasantly surprised by the themes of queer love that were so present, Oak King, Holly King is a definite celebration of queer love stories and I really enjoyed that aspect of the story.
Another thing I liked about this book was that the fantasy aspects weren’t too hard to grip. At the beginning I was slightly confused about the politics of the fae world, but after a bit I was able to grasp it better! Plus, all the fluffy scenes of the two mcs just living their lives were so cute and exactly what I needed!
Overall, I really liked Oak King, Holly King, I thought the mix of fantasy and historical fiction was really well done, and the exploration of queer love was *chefs kiss*! The only thing I wish had been different is the lack of BIPOC and female characters! If you’re looking for a light, gay story about fae and pre-industrial England, this book is for you!
purely_romantic's review against another edition
5.0
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.
cewritespoems's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
erinnharper's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
authorofthings's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
rumplled's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
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? Yes
3.75
Sometimes it's nice to read a slow and sweet queer romance.
Like these boys are steadfastly together; it is all external conflict.
Like these boys are steadfastly together; it is all external conflict.
tesch18's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
dnf @ 79%
amyaislin's review against another edition
DNF at 22%. I wanted to love this (that cover!), but the pacing was completely off. It was too slow plot-wise and too fast romance-wise. The characters jump into bed with each other much too soon, before they had any sexual chemistry. Plus, the human somehow being able to make a sigil on his first try, without any explanation as to why this is, made no sense. I haven't picked this up since March 8 (it's now the 17th), so I'm officially calling it.
sierrajwrites's review against another edition
5.0
I don’t think I’ll ever run out of words to describe how much this book means to me. Like the quote above, these words are a home I love returning to. A rich world switching between the fae realm and Victorian London, captivating and relatable characters whose connection blooms between sweet and burning passion, plot laced with Celtic wheel of the year, folklore, and steamy sex rituals.
I’ve been lucky enough to get opportunities like beta reading the collection of sequel stories and getting to know the author. @sebastiannothwell is both an incredible author and a lovely human who I will read until I die.
mina07's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-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? Yes
4.0