entwifereads 's review for:

Among the Beasts & Briars by Ashley Poston

2.5

adventurous funny mysterious fast-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

---

I enjoyed reading this fun fairytale-esque romp. It had cute characters, an easy plot, and all the elements of a modernized fairytale. That being said, sadly the writing wasn't very good, the bones were thin, the world building was sparse, and not much actually happens. It felt like the kernel of an idea that needed more work, or else a predecessor of the cozy fantasy that has taken off since this was written since it was so light on plot and the conflict resolved easily (too easily). We get our happily ever after, but it doesn't feel earned. It also felt more middle grade in scope and themes covered, so the inserted curse word or two and side references to sexy times felt shoehorned in to "up" the reading age to the more marketable YA audience this book was sold to. A mismarket of a book that could have been much better if it just knew what it wanted to be.