Review: The Wren in the Holly Library (The Oak and Holly Cycle #1)

The Wren in the Holly Library (The Oak and Holly Cycle #1) by KA Linde

Published By: Tor Books (UK) / Red Tower Books (US)
Publication Date: June 4, 2024
Date Read: August 13, 2024
Genre: Adult – Romantasy
Source: Bought
Format: Hardback
Pages: 400

From Goodreads:
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 Wren in the Holly Library has been one of my most anticipated releases of 2024. I mean just look at that cover… who wouldn’t want to read that? I have known KA Linde online for years and years but had only read one of her previous books so I was really excited for this new series. I’m super intimidated by completed series (I know, I’m weird) because it feels like a big commitment, but I love new series that are just starting that I can read as they release. I loved The Wren in the Holly Library so much and this is one of my favourite reads of the year so far.

The Wren in the Holly Library starts as a bit of a Beauty and the Beast retelling… just imagine that Belle is a pickpocket and after trying to steal from the Beasts library, impressed by her prowess, the Beast hires her to work with him on a dangerous heist. Sound awesome right? Because it is.

Right from the start, I was absolutely obsessed with this book. It was absolutely fantastic and I couldn’t put it down. KA Linde’s writing style is honestly just fantastic. It’s so easy to just fall into this book and forget about the real world. I truly felt like I was pickpocketing across the streets of New York along with Kierse. I just loved how easy it was to be so absorbed into this world. I think one thing that made it easier, is the fact that it’s very much urban fantasy. It is set in our world, so this would be the perfect book for new readers of fantasy as well.

The more I read of this book, the more I was obsessed. This book is honestly just so good and addictive. I love the characters, the magic system and the mystery of waiting to find out just what is Kierse, and why can she do the things that she can do. Let me tell you the wait to find out is worth it! I did not guess it at all and was completely taken aback by that revelation. It was honestly fantastic!

I truly cannot wait to read more of this series, and more from KA Linde completely. I loved every single second of this book and I cannot recommend it enough. If you’re looking for an amazing Romantasy, but a slow burn enemies to lovers and the perfect sprinkling of spice, this book is definitely for you! I can’t wait for more people to read this masterpiece. The new Romantasy of the year!