A review by thegreatmanda
Oak King Holly King by Sebastian Nothwell

adventurous emotional mysterious medium-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

5.0

I took my time reading this book because it pulls the reader into a dense, fully-formed world and cast of characters so thoroughly. It felt long because there are a number of side-quest storylines that take place over the course of most of a year, but the thing is, all those storylines pay off and contribute to an absolute banger of an ending (iykyk). Shrike and Wren are sweet and lovely and sexy, and I'm buying the sequel of short stories immediately because I need more of them.

Favorite Quotes:

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.

A touch brimming with mercy paired with eyes bereft of pity. Meeting his gaze felt like returning home.

Wren's kiss, as ever, proved a balm for Shrike's wounded heart.