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devangarri's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ashction's review against another edition
4.0
Another wonderful story from Ashley Poston! I'm so grateful I discovered her a few years ago when Geekerella came out - every story she writes is a balm to my soul.
Among the Beasts and Briars is a standalone fantasy tale that follows Cerys, the royal gardner's daughter, and her friendly local fox - literally - turned human after a woodcurse descends upon her town in the middle of her best friend's coronation as queen. In the years prior, the town had lost their prince, Lorne, his seneschal, Soren, and Cerys' own mother, to the woodcurse. Cerys' life was spared by her mother, but it left her with a powerful secret: a magic that blooms flowers wherever her blood touches. After the coronation goes haywire, that very same power turns her loyal friend, a fox, into a human. Together, the two journey with the kingdom's crown to find a long-lost city that could hold the answer to all their problems and to saving the town.
The beginning of this book was a bit slow and confusing, until the coronation goes south. But once you push past that part, the pacing really picks up and Cerys and Fox's journey is as humorous as it is filled with danger and secrets in the winding woods. Along the way they're guided by a giant bear, Vala, which adds a touch of whimsy to an already fun and fantasy-filled story. I don't want to spoil too much, because a lot of the fun of this story is the mystery (most of which became pretty apparent to me halfway through the book, but I enjoyed the journey all the same!) and it's worth going into it fairly blind and seeing how it all plays out.
I think Ashley sums it up best when she describes the book as two idiots wandering through the woods! She brings her surefire humor to the story, keeping a strong balance between light and cozy with heavy doses of emotional twists and turns. I've enjoyed reading her forays into genre fic as much as I have her contemporary stories, and I can't wait to see what's next!
Among the Beasts and Briars is a standalone fantasy tale that follows Cerys, the royal gardner's daughter, and her friendly local fox - literally - turned human after a woodcurse descends upon her town in the middle of her best friend's coronation as queen. In the years prior, the town had lost their prince, Lorne, his seneschal, Soren, and Cerys' own mother, to the woodcurse. Cerys' life was spared by her mother, but it left her with a powerful secret: a magic that blooms flowers wherever her blood touches. After the coronation goes haywire, that very same power turns her loyal friend, a fox, into a human. Together, the two journey with the kingdom's crown to find a long-lost city that could hold the answer to all their problems and to saving the town.
The beginning of this book was a bit slow and confusing, until the coronation goes south. But once you push past that part, the pacing really picks up and Cerys and Fox's journey is as humorous as it is filled with danger and secrets in the winding woods. Along the way they're guided by a giant bear, Vala, which adds a touch of whimsy to an already fun and fantasy-filled story. I don't want to spoil too much, because a lot of the fun of this story is the mystery (most of which became pretty apparent to me halfway through the book, but I enjoyed the journey all the same!) and it's worth going into it fairly blind and seeing how it all plays out.
I think Ashley sums it up best when she describes the book as two idiots wandering through the woods! She brings her surefire humor to the story, keeping a strong balance between light and cozy with heavy doses of emotional twists and turns. I've enjoyed reading her forays into genre fic as much as I have her contemporary stories, and I can't wait to see what's next!
voldy's review against another edition
3.0
stars off for the predictability of the plot and the underwhelming, rushed, and unrealistically happy ending.
redqueen84's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
featheredpages07's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
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
5.0
Such an enriching, fantastical and imaginative story that dumps you into a beautiful fantastical kingdom where nature rules all. Couldn't put this book down or stop thinking about it for weeks after.
izzykathryn's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Ridiculously cozy but also strangely dark. An adorable read!
writermags's review
4.0
I read "Geekerella" by Ashley Poston and "Among the Beasts & Briars" gave me very similar vibes, even though the genre is completely different. This is a light, fun story that reads like a fairy tale, though I wouldn't call it a retelling. If you're expecting deep lore, you probably won't find it here, and that's okay! This story doesn't need it.
Basically, if you're just looking for something lowkey and short to read between books, this one is a good choice.
Basically, if you're just looking for something lowkey and short to read between books, this one is a good choice.
deluciate's review against another edition
4.0
This book was a very quick read because I couldn't put it down. I started it after dinner and read the whole thing before going to bed. I liked the modern fairytale vibe and was intrigued by the role of magic and mythology in the story, although I would have liked more time on that and possibly less time on some of the relationship elements. These were probably supposed to feel a bit awkward because of the age and immaturity of the characters, but I could have done without them. I suspect a young adult audience would relate to the book a little better and probably enjoy it even more. I like the focus on the female protagonist as hero.
Would happily read other books from this story universe in the future.
Would happily read other books from this story universe in the future.