The Wren in the Holly Library is a fun fantasy adventure novel with forced proximity, enemies to lovers-ish, thievery, magic, betrayal, love, friendship, laughter and old feuds sparked anew. Monsters abound, trying to take over the cities, as we learn quickly that magic is real, but that it has remained hidden. What we read truly has grains of truth in the stories if you pay close attention. We are placed into an uncomplicated world of magic and monsters built in the real world (NYC), not exactly present day but dystopian. Kierse is a thief for hire who finds herself bound with and to Graves, a Warlock, to steal a powerful treasure that’s so hard to obtain, and alluring, she can’t say no. However, can Graves and Kierse find enough trust between them to pull off the heist? The author plays the question for a question game throughout the entire book, doling out info and secrets in small morsels, but it’s crafted well and not annoying as it moves you tantalizingly forward. It’s almost a game of flirtation I appreciated. I loved the mythology the author brought to life from Celtic and Druidic stories and mythology. There are twists and turns, more characters woven throughout the story and intersecting the main characters, story arcs and deceit than I imagined. I found myself thinking, but wait, there are more pages to go! What’s going to happen next?! I am very happy with this book and can’t wait to see what Kierse and Graves have in store for us next.
After reading the book and admiring the sprayed edges version I was able to obtain to read, I loved the sprayed book edges even more. We learn in the book that Graves' unique signature in his wards is hidden holly leaves wrapped within his magic codes. It’s like opening this book is breaking one of his wards or maybe he coded it to just allowing us in as the dear reader thirsting for more knowledge as he does?
For fans of Debrah Harkness’ A Discovery of Witches, this has excellent fan fiction vibes. I was a big fan of it when I picked up the thread a little ways into the novel. I remember being like, “OH! OH! That’s like Diana and Matthew!!!” Enjoy, as we wait impatiently for Harkness’ long awaited next installment, out in July 2024!
