This book kept me hooked and I don't know why.
Well I think I do.
What hooked me most was all this secrecy that the characters had. That there are still many things that were left without answers and many doubts, that surely in the following books I will have the answers(I need to read them like RIGHT NOW)
I loved that everything started quite contemporary but little by little the magic became more and more important in the life of the characters as in the story. I always like it when everything is revealed little by little.
I love Bambi, I love that he is a character far from being perfect as a person. Well, actually Quentin is too, both of them still have a lot to learn, both together and separately.

I was given this book as an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Amelia Faulkner's Jack of Thorns is the first installment in the Inheritance series, a saga that consists of two Seasons: Season One, which includes books 1 to 5; and Season Two, which currently features two books.

The series is an MM Romance with paranormal elements that utilizes heavy themes as motivating forces in the narrative. Psychic phenomena, telekinesis, fertility, addiction, sex and loss are the defining elements of the story, which link to create complex storytelling.

In two words, Bambi Laurence Riley is a florist and a (recovering) addict, who is still dealing with the recent loss of his father. He runs his family's flower shop with his mother, from whom he inherited his ability to have visions and the ability to fertilize and grow plants. However, their abilities are somewhat different and Laurence needs to learn for himself how to navigate these aspects of his life, as well as coping with his addiction and a difficult sexual past.

His counterpart is Quentin, a wealthy earl who is not acquainted with technology, only refers to himself as "one/oneself", and that has a mysterious past filled with secrets that have him hiding from his family. His only fault, truly, is the way he speaks. His POV was hard to get used to, as his dialogue was so ostentatiously posh that at times it was honestly excruciating.

The plot mainly follows Laurence and Quentin as they face Laurence's ex Dan, at first, and then Jack, a pagan fertility God whom Laurence accidentally invoked and who now demands something off him.

In San Diego, the two start to practice their abilities together while attending parties and falling in love.

As far as representation goes Laurence openly identifies himself as bisexual a couple of times on the page and Quentin is to some degree on the Asexual spectrum. Their relationship develops in a very healthy and respectful way throughout the book, defeating the trope of love at first sight. It does not read as forced for a minute and it sets an interest in the reader for the following books.

As far as I am concerned, the book had all the necessary prerequisites to be a captivating read, and to some extent it is. The world of Jack of Thornes is a lot of things but it definitely is not boring. In the epilogue, more doubts are raised for the reader, adding to the numerous ones already existing. Personally, I felt that I just got acquainted with this universe and that the rest of the saga was there to eventually immerse myself into.

Overall, I would recommend this, as a few times I found myself laughing out loud at the odd humor. It was a nice twist on paranormal narratives with the added lgbt+ themes and i enjoyed how addiction became an active part of the characters' stories.

The start of this book grabbed my attention and by the end of the prologue I couldn't put this one down. The author did well with the imagery in the story as I could picture being there and what was happening and by the middle of this one I was wishing I had the rest of the titles in this wondrous series. This book did not leave my hand after I started! I was at work and could not put this title down. It was just that good!!!

The characters in this one. Laurence and Quinn were some of my favorite characters. They weren't perfect and flawless. But I found myself rooting for them all thought the story. The secondary characters were well rounded and there. They fit their roles well.

The POV in this one changed. The author did a really good job with the POVs, the story flowed well and I really enjoyed the two she chose. The overall story was done well. The story in this one was full of action, romance, paranormal, fantasy and again I could not put it down!! I really don't understand how to review this title fully without giving away far too much. I need a support group for this title it was just so good.

Overall, it was hit out of the park and I need the next 5 titles now!! I need them all!!

Go Into This One Knowing: Dual POV, Heavy Drug/Alcohol/Addiction/Overdose, Threat of Rape

I hate to say it, but I DNF'd this book at about 20%. I think the reasoning was more me than the author's work. The beginning of this story is dark and chilling, and due to childhood trauma around drugs it turns me off to the main character. Kudos to the author for bringing out such emotion though, and thank you for giving me the opportunity to read!

Would love to thank netgally and the publisher for approving my request. Jack of thorns was amazing. Love that it represented the LGBTQ community. Love the story itself., and the characters and there struggles. It kept my attention with magic and all of those things going on.

3.5 stars

I received this as an eARC to read for free in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for giving me access.

This is technically not the release day for Jack of Thorns. This is a reprint/revamp of the cover. Jack of Thorns originally came out in 2016.

With that being said, I am a huge fan of the cover change. As someone that judges books by their cover (I know, I'm trying not to) this one drew me in. The original cover would have sent me away as I am not a fan of romance, and it screamed romance.

You might be thinking, If you are not a fan of romance, then why did you read this book? The answer is simple. I am trying to branch out and read genres outside my comfort zone.

At first I thought the story to be slow and there are some editing errors that even I noticed. But as the story progressed, I found myself being drawn, in curious to learn more about the characters. So much so, that I will continue to read the rest of the series.

If you are a fan of smut, contrary to what the synopsis gives hint to, there is absolutely no sex. Maybe 2-3 kisses. There is definitely sexual tension and mention of past sexual encounters, but nothing that will satisfy someones hunger for more.

This was an interesting read. It was hard to follow at times, but I didn’t let that deter me from finishing the book. Overall it was an interesting read. It just left me a little unsettled, like I was missing something.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

Hmmm where to begin..
Firstly I’m not sure what I expected from this book but it wasn’t what I’ve just read 👀 I was expecting a light fantasy with a romantic element but it was way WAY too much! This isn’t something you could read in a room with children who might be looking over your shoulder and I just found it unnecessary..
The relationship between Quentin (British toff who is portrayed with a ridiculously over the top la di da vocabulary - who speaks like that!!!
“Dear boy” being one of his favourite and most ridiculous phrases)
and Laurence (drug addict and bi-sexual who wants to literally sleep with every person he meets) just felt creepy. Without all the unnecessary sexual innuendo and creepy phrasing it wouldn’t have been a terrible story.
I enjoyed the relationship between Laurence and his mother and the story kept me intrigued enough to want to know how the story ended but I REALLY disliked the relationship between Quentin and Laurence. It was almost as if Quentin was being taken advantage of??
Not my cup of tea and I won’t be continuing with the series.

★★,5☆☆ | Original take on Urban Fantasy but tinted with Livejournal type depth…

“He had a god in his fucking shop.”

➽ SUMMARY

> M/M Romance
> Drug & Alcohol Addiction
> Slow Burn
> Poor Boy/ Rich Boy
> Plants
> Paganism

Lawrence saw the future and it’s not looking good. The deal he made with Jack, a pagan god, to get his life under control for the small price of keeping him fed is turning on him quite rapidly and developing a crush on a man he can only dream of does not help at all. Will he get a hold of this mess or will it drag him down once and for all?

➽ WHERE WERE WE??

I think this is the first time I read about a flower shop that wasn’t fanfiction. And, honestly, we need more flower shops in fantasy because I love some druid-like magic. Besides his plant skills, Lawrence can see the future. He inherited those gifts from his mother and they were in his family for quite some time. The world here is quite full of Psychics, actually, but it is rare to have abilities of this kind of strength and in two different areas. This is why a pagan god takes interest in him and propositions him a deal. Pagan gods are weak nowadays. Not many pay attention to them and that is crucial to their survival so Jack is desperate to get what he wants and he wants it now.

➽ MEET THE MEN IN QUESTION

Lawrence — Lawrence is a drug addict. He can’t keep a job so he works for his mother and lives above her flower shop. He’s a fuck up. AND he agrees to make a deal with the first magical weirdo who knocks on his door. Like, I know you’re a desperate dude but come on! You’re supposed to be the street-smart one! He’s a complex character though — he fights with his addiction despite seeing future where he fails anyway, he has intrusive thoughts of harming people because of how he was abused but he doesn’t give in.

Quentin — Quentin is… ugh. A snob. A Brittish noble who thinks the work is above him but will complain that the family he runs away from doesn’t give him enough money. I’m sure there’s more to his story to be revealed in the future books and I didn’t hate him (at least not all the time) but he can be annoying? And, I’m not Brittish but do high born people refer to themselves as ‘one’ all the damn time? He was sweet at times, I can’t say he wasn’t. But still.

➽ A LITTLE ABOUT THE BLOOMING LOVE STORY

Lawrence has fallen for the first guy who was nice to him I guess? It was a bit ‘insta love’ on his side or at least ‘insta fascination’ which rapidly developed into more and more. I liked his pinning but there could be more chemistry that wasn’t so I-want-what-I-can’t-have just for the flavour. As Quentin was so alien to the outside world, he’s pretty much experiencing his first friendship AND crush all at once and I enjoy a good slow-burn like everyone else but… something was missing here.

➽ AM I INTERESTED IN MORE OF IT?

I feel like there’s a hope for the series so I would still like to try the next book because plants and pagan gods is something I would love to see more of in fiction.

The first couple of chapters were a little iffy. The MC is drug addict and the love interest is an over the top British aristocrat, so takes a while to get used to.

Laurence or Bambi is a gay florist and accidentally summons a god. Quentin is an out of control psychic. Jack feeds on sex. There isn’t any in this book, but there is subtle trigger warnings from both main characters. Dan was a nasty piece of work.

Ends on a HFN. Once the story gets going things fall into place. It’s sweet, crazy and full of gods and magic. This one is more hurt/comfort friendship. Great introduction to a new series.

I really wanted to like this and thought the concept was interesting - but I think the author lost me in the delivery. It felt all over the place and while I typically love character and relationship development, this one not only dragged but didn't seem to make much sense. I think overall, that's how I felt about the entire story - confused, a little bored, and underwhelmed. Perhaps things will improve with the forthcoming installments in the series, but unfortunately, my journey with this series ends here.

I honestly haven't read many books in the fantasy genre beyond YA novels. If you take a contemporary story line that includes LGBTQ, M/M Romance, fantasy and magic -- you find the intriguing and delightful, Jack of Thorns. I loved the characters, especially Lawrence and Quentin (Banbury). Author Amelia Faulkner has created an enchanting story that builds from reality, then catapults us into a fantastical situation with ease. I just want to say that even though Lawrence and Quentin are close in age, I kept picturing Quentin as much older because of the way he talks. His proper British kept bringing some well-known British actors to mind. That doesn't matter in regard to the story-- if Quentin was older, it still works perfectly for me. The chemistry between the two is a smoldering, slow-burn delight.

I can't even imagine what direction Faulkner will go in the next book, but it will surely be fascinating.

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

dnfed @ 50%

*I received an eARC of this curtesy of the author and publisher from NetGalley, all thoughts are my own*

I believe this book has been out since 2016 but I guess it’s getting a reprint?? which is smart because the cover is what got me, and the fact that it’s pitched as percy jackson for adults which is a lie.

firstly, I did like the rep in here. the mc is a bisexual-pagan guy who works in a flower shop which truly is all I could ever want. he is also a recovering drug addict which is also some representation I don’t read about much. the book also takes place in San Diego and I enjoyed all the references to the city.

but our second main character, quentin, is part of the british aristocracy who moves to america to escape his past. he is who I had problems with. he talks in third person, he doesn’t understand common american phrases like “let’s hang out” “get in your pants” (he calls pants trousers) etc. he doesn’t even have a phone?? the weird thing is, it seems the author herself is british so I’m very confused. because of him I couldn’t stand reading anymore.

and honestly, the plot wasn’t keeping me entertained in anyway regardless. it’s a no for me. gorgeous cover though.

Laurence Riley is an easy going florist with the power to make things grow. He can also see the future, which manifests one terrifying night when he ODs and is left for dead. Now, he’s trying to keep his life together, which is hard with a stalker ex-boyfriend dogging his heels.

Quentin has been brought up in a life of extreme privilege as an English lord. Now traveling the world and trying to forget his past, a chance encounter with Laurence leads to something more. However, Quentin has secret powers of his own, powers that he’s not even aware of, but protect him violently.

Attracted to Quentin, desperate to improve his life and gain control of his powers, Laurence accidentally summons a fertility god who calls himself Jack. But Jack is darker and more dangerous than Laurence can handle and quickly turns on Laurence. He’s hatched an evil plan that threatens the world. Laurence and Quentin both have to master their powers to face something greater than themselves.

I really enjoyed this book. I felt so hard for Laurence and his struggle with drugs and sobriety and addiction. I wanted to slap his ex-boyfriend who wouldn’t leave him alone. And I loved his dedication to being better than he was before and how he really tried so hard.

I also liked Quentin a lot, but it was a little harder. In the beginning, when he’s formal and unsure, he refers to himself as “one” all the time and it really grated. It was just so annoying because I couldn’t keep track of what he was saying. But as he relaxed and got to know Laurence better, his speech patterns changed and he was easier to deal with. I also liked his insecurities and fears that manifested in phenomenal power that he couldn’t even acknowledge. And I like how uncomfortable he is with even the idea of intimacy and sex; you don’t often come across that in books and it’s almost never a man who has these hang-ups. It made me really like him a lot.

I genuinely couldn’t put this book down at the end. I was so engaged and excited to see what was going to happen next. The villain was scary, the plot compelling, and the characters were great.

This was a crazy premise, I loved the story from the summary and it does not disappoint. The characters were interesting and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

**Disclaimer: I was given an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.**


Initially, I was intrigued by this book based on the book insert summary, and then the first chapter/prologue; it was hard to read because of how real and raw it read.... but it seems these feelings are never incited again in the rest of the book? I don't see Laurence struggling with his addiction and it almost feels that this introduction to Laurence was pointless. (Actually, Chapter 30 is the first instance since the prologue where it’s evident Laurence is still coping with his recovery.)

The book is marketed as LGBTQIA+ and urban fantasy/romance. LGBTQIA+ representation is there with several of the characters, which was one of the selling points for me when choosing to read this ARC. However, I felt the urban fantasy and romance was lacking... There was a paranormal aspect with a Seer-like character, Gods and Goddesses, as well as magic, but none of it made sense in this world??

The book seems to hit its climax and ending at the 50% mark, but then you realize there's still a 2nd half of the book and you're confused where it's leading. I had to force myself to finish, and even around the 80% mark I started skimming and skipping pages because nothing was happening.

Laurence's character could have been really interesting with his past addiction, but there was no consequence or fight with his inner self throughout the story.
Quentin has some dark and mysterious past, but you literally don't care because everything is dragging.


~Other points I notated during my read:~
- How blasé Laurence’s mom is about everything.
- I had actually wanted to read at least one instance where Jack's end of the bargain was fulfilled, even if it was one night. Again, it feels as if there are no true consequences to the bargain and/or magic system.
- Did anyone take a count of how many times Laurence says “Goddess”? lol
- Who is Rodger again?
- Dan's characterization is all over the place.


Again, I will say that AK Faulkner's premise is very promising and the beginning/prologue was amazing. I recommend they revisit this and bring those elements back into the story to make it more gripping. The 2nd half of the story needs to be re-worked, as well.

I was drawn to this book by the gorgeous cover and interesting sounding blurb, but unfortunately it was not for me. I couldn't connect with any characters and the pace was glacial. Add to that the strangely affected speech of one of the main characters and the awkward dialogue and it made for painful reading. I hate giving up on a book but after approx 100 pages this still seemed to be going nowhere.

I received an electronic ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for honest review.

I believe this is a re-publishing from the original 2016 version. The cover is cute and all in the new version however, I honestly just couldn't get into it. It was boring, and all over the place, not to mention the opening scene we find ourselves with the character doing shooting up heroin.
I tried to give this book a chance, and expected something different i guess.

A really enjoyable read, and hopefully the start to a great series with a pair of completely dysfunctional but loveable characters. Quentin might be a little of a cliche for the romance genre (dark secret, scars from his past, unwilling to open up), but there’s a reason that’s a cliche - it really works! Laurence is a great character (as is his super badass mother) and really holds it together throughout.

I confess, the first 20% I wasn’t sure about - it felt very traditional romance - but once the fantasy elements started to come out (and in fact end up as the main aspect of the plot by the end) I really grew to enjoy the book and look forward to reading more!

AL Faulkner is a new voice for me, but offers a compelling narrative in Jack of Thorns. The science fiction and supernatural elements play an effective support role in a character-driven story.