The Wren in the Holly Library (Deluxe Limited Edition) (Oak & Holly Cycle, 1)
Don't miss out on the stunning DELUXE LIMITED EDITION while supplies last―featuring gorgeous sprayed edges with stenciled artwork, as well as exclusive endpapers and special design features. This breathtaking collectible is only available on a limited first print run, a must-have for any book lover while supplies last in the US and Canada only.
The instant New York Times bestseller
Can you love the dark when you know what it hides?
Some things aren’t supposed to exist outside of our imagination.
Thirteen years ago, monsters emerged from the shadows and plunged Kierse’s world into a cataclysmic war of near-total destruction. The New York City she knew so well collapsed practically overnight.
In the wake of that carnage, the Monster Treaty was created. A truce...of sorts.
But tonight, Kierse—a gifted and fearless thief—will break that treaty. She’ll enter the Holly Library...not knowing it’s the home of a monster.
He’s charming. Quietly alluring. Terrifying. But he knows talent when he sees it; it’s just a matter of finding her price.
Now she’s locked into a dangerous bargain with a creature unlike any other. She’ll sacrifice her freedom. She’ll offer her skills. Together, they’ll put their own futures at risk.
But he’s been playing a game across centuries—and once she joins in, there will be
no escape...
The Oak & Holly Cycle series is best enjoyed in order.
Reading Order:
Book #1 The Wren in the Holly Library
Book #2 The Robin on the Oak Throne
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Community Reviews
The Wren in the Holly Library takes readers to a dystopic New York filled with vampires, monsters, magic, and steamy romance.
The latest from Red Tower Publishing, The Wren in the Holly Library, takes some time to pick up the pace as it develops the story, world, and romance.
Storytelling
Now, don’t get me wrong, I did like The Wren in the Holly Library, but I struggled with it.
For a novel that is supposed to be, in part, about a heist, the first half of the story drags. Kierse is on the job right at the beginning, which directly aligns her with Graves, who is not just your regular run-of-the-mill monster. No, he’s a warlock, which goes against everything Kierse knows. The saying goes, “Monsters, not magic.”
And now she has agreed with him to keep her friends safe and help this dashing and dangerous man steal a spear from an organization of monsters who seek to be back at the top of the food chain.
It’s an exciting plot line, but the pacing lags for the book’s first half. Some high-tension scenes raise the pacing early, but when Kierse moves in with Graves, the story falls flat and struggles to hold my attention.
It is interesting how the story builds up as Graves has assigned her reading to help better prepare her, and the stories and folklore foreshadow much of what happens later in the novel.
However, for a novel classified as romantasy, there is little romance, or romance built up in that first half. Graves and Kierse have limited interactions with one another besides her, noting how attractive he is whenever he enters the room.
I will say, however, that some of the more exciting parts of The Wren in the Holly Library are the interludes that break up the story and give some backstory and insight into the plot without giving anything away.
Final Thoughts
The Wren in the Holly Library is not a bad book, but it does suffer from inconsistent pacing early on. There are some intense moments early on, but the pacing falls flat after that, and the story seems to drag on until that halfway mark. After that, the story takes off and gets into the romance and the nitty-gritty.
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The characters were so well-developed that I felt like I knew them personally. Each one had their own unique personality and backstory, making them feel real and relatable. I found myself deeply invested in their journeys, rooting for their successes and feeling their struggles. The protagonist, in particular, was brilliantly written, with a complexity that made them both flawed and endearing.
The writing style was another highlight for me. The author has a way with words that is both poetic and accessible, painting vivid pictures with their descriptions and bringing the story to life in my mind. The dialogue was natural and engaging, adding to the authenticity of the characters and their interactions.
One of the things I loved most about this story was its ability to evoke a wide range of emotions. There were moments of joy and laughter, as well as scenes that brought tears to my eyes. The themes explored were thought-provoking and resonated with me on a deep level, making me reflect on my own experiences and perspectives.
Overall, this story was an absolute delight to read. It’s one of those books that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page. I absolutely loved it and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a compelling and beautifully written story.
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