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A review by king_lefay
Oak King Holly King by Sebastian Nothwell
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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
5.0
I had a feeling that from the opening paragraphs that Oak King Holly King would become a new favourite for me. I ended up quite right. Quick warning, this is going to be a fairly rambling review because I stayed up late to finish this wonderful story and then couldn't sleep after because I couldn't stop thinking about.
It is a beautifully written book that deftly weaves together two enticing worlds; one, an utterly breathtaking land of fae and magic and exceptional danger, the other, a smoggy Victorian London with no shortage of its own threats to our lead characters, Wren and Shrike.
I love these two with everything I have. I saw much of myself in Wren and adored reading the love he shared with Shrike. Shrike, who might at first appear a typical dark-haired, brooding fae love interest, but as we come to learn, carries so much depth and gentleness within him. Even the side characters are incredibly vivid and interesting (especially Mr. Grigsby who I also adore with my whole heart).
It's one of the most romantic books I have ever read, it had so much in it that I personally love from the actually frightening fae creatures to Arthurian legend to just the incredible queerness of it all.
I just can't get over amazing the writing is. I was totally swept away to both worlds.
My only complaint would be that it does end slightly abruptly. For a book of it's length, I certainly wouldn't have minded a few more chapters before the finale or maybe an extended final chapter
I know in the long run I'm going to be rereading this book time and time again, and absolutely will be picking up the sequel (collection?) as well as other titles by this author who has swiftly become a new favourite of mine as well.
It is a beautifully written book that deftly weaves together two enticing worlds; one, an utterly breathtaking land of fae and magic and exceptional danger, the other, a smoggy Victorian London with no shortage of its own threats to our lead characters, Wren and Shrike.
I love these two with everything I have. I saw much of myself in Wren and adored reading the love he shared with Shrike. Shrike, who might at first appear a typical dark-haired, brooding fae love interest, but as we come to learn, carries so much depth and gentleness within him. Even the side characters are incredibly vivid and interesting (especially Mr. Grigsby who I also adore with my whole heart).
It's one of the most romantic books I have ever read, it had so much in it that I personally love from the actually frightening fae creatures to Arthurian legend to just the incredible queerness of it all.
I just can't get over amazing the writing is. I was totally swept away to both worlds.
My only complaint would be that it does end slightly abruptly. For a book of it's length, I certainly wouldn't have minded a few more chapters before the finale or maybe an extended final chapter
I know in the long run I'm going to be rereading this book time and time again, and absolutely will be picking up the sequel (collection?) as well as other titles by this author who has swiftly become a new favourite of mine as well.