Reviews

Tales from Blackthorn Briar by Sebastian Nothwell

sara11_reads's review against another edition

3.0

As usual with short story collections, some are better than others. The longer stories at the end were more interesting to me. The one about Daniel (Miss Fairfield) was like an extended epilogue and it was nice to see how it all turned out for him.

noahhawthorne's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

emilythemarsh's review against another edition

I liked Oak King Holly King well enough that I was interested in more of the world and the characters, but most of the stories in this collection were so slow-paced that it felt like a slog to get through, especially The Holly King's Peril. I was on the last short story and I was planning on finishing the book but I just can't convince myself to push through the rest of it.

ihlonial's review

4.0

As a smaller companion/sequel to one of my new favourite books, I was stoked to get my hands on this and keep reading in this world I was so in love with.

Tales from Blackthorn Briar is a collection of short stories that revolve around the characters we met in the first book. Many of them - correction, most of them - revolve around the sexual relations and experiences of our characters. Which is perfectly lovely if that is what you wanted to read. I certainly enjoyed some of them, but also was hoping for a little more substance.

The world is still just as lush and wonderful as the first book. The characters are still just as loveable (literally cheered when Nell appeared, I love Nell.) And the stories are definitely cosy and cute and endearing to read.

My particular favourites were Mr. Grigsby's Clerk, The Holly King's Peril, and The Ballad of Daniel Durst (I also love Daniel and was so happy to revisit his story).

sarahsupastar's review against another edition

• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

thecaptainand's review against another edition

lighthearted

3.75

wildfaeriecaps's review

4.0

Somehow that wasn't quite what I was expecting. Bear in mind, I'm not a huge fan of short stories, though I adored Oak King Holly King. That said, the last two stories in this collection were my favorites. I enjoyed getting a look into Daniel's past and present quite a bit and I feel like the story about the Wild Hunt added a depth to both Shrike and Wren. The others were fine. Well written, but not much in the way of plot and I didn't feel like anything was overly added to the world--instead they read like indulgent extras? Which is totally fine, just not what I anticipated.

hamalee's review against another edition

2.0

This is just wall to wall smut, much of it nonsensical.  And nobody in this universe has ever heard of a refractory period.

Then there's a forever long convalescence melodrama.  But also a really lovely glimpse into Daniel's life!

retrogirl20's review against another edition

lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Again, good vibes and just ok stories

cirrus_prince's review against another edition

emotional reflective

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

Wonderful sequel, a nice mix of fluff and more story building. I LOVED the final story!!