Monsters AND Magic! New friends and new discoveries - but who can Kierse trust?

K.A. Linde deepens the world we know by taking the reader on a journey across the pond and under ground! She weaves emotion and realism into characters, breathes life into the fantastical and imaginary.

Choices lie ahead for Kierse - who or where will those choices lead to?

Honored to have been chosen by Entangled to read & review prior to release!

The Robin on the Oak Throne is the second book in K.A. Linde’s Oak & Holly Cycle. This is not a standalone read, as it takes place about five months after the events of The Wren in the Holly Library and builds on what happened and was learned.

The Robin on the Oak Throne finds Kierse and Graves teaming up yet again to break the Monster Treaty, again ala Ocean's 11 style. This time, they bring in several others to help them steal the Cauldron of Dagda, a magical artifact, during none other than Monster Con, an exclusive gathering of some of the most powerful monsters in the world. While preparing for the heist, Graves helps Kierse with her nightmares, which turn out to be suppressed memories. Graves’s sworn enemy, Lorcan, head of the Druids and the Oak King himself, is still trying to convince Kierse that Graves is untrustworthy and that he is who she needs.

The Robin on the Oak Throne fills in some missing pieces regarding Kierse’s life. You also learn more about Lorcan and why he and Graves once friends, became enemies. This is a story of friendship, found family, and unrequited love, with a crazy love triangle. There’s also betrayal and so many surprises. For me, the most shocking part is that K.A. has broken me in the worst way. I’m really not okay. I need the next book now. It’s said that revenge is a dish best served cold. I really hope that Graves becomes the monster everyone says and thinks he is.

~ Favorite Quotes ~

“Books are a singular pleasure. Nothing else in existence can transport you in quite the same way. All you have to do is crack the spine and learn the secrets of the universe.”

“Collecting books and reading books are two different hobbies. Don’t get them mixed up.”

“You’re the only one who can fix your problems.”

“A weapon is only as powerful as its weakness, and you are mine.”

“The what ifs lead to madness.”

I had a little trouble getting into this at first, but once the story picked up, I was completely hooked. The world-building, twists, and emotional stakes pulled me in and didn’t let go. K.A. Linde does such a great job with her characters. You really feel everything they’re going through. Now I’m counting down the days for the next book.

I very much enjoyed this book! The sequel to the Wren in the Holly Library didn’t disappoint. It was the perfect follow up to the first book where we learn of Kierse’s history as a Wisp. There were many swoon worthy moments and lots of Heists. This was absolutely jam packed with action, all from the start of the first chapter! I love how much more of the monster world we get to see in this. I really enjoyed the tension and build-up between Graves and Keirse. The slow build back up of the trust between them felt real and believable. I can’t for the next in the series.

Thank you to Brittany at Entangled Publishing for the eARC via NetGalley!

Honestly, I have no words for this book because it was everything I wanted it to be to the point I am so sad we have to wait for book 3 now. Definitely a top 5 for me this year and this was one of my two most anticipated reads of 2025 when it came to sequels. My only advice as a reader to give other readers is maybe do a refresher read before reading book 2. HOWEVER, Linde does a fantastic job about giving you recaps for those who might not recall details. While they are not super indepth, they are enough to trigger the memory about what happened prior, and who is who. I really appreciated this touch since I personally had a hard time recalling some information for the first time in my life just due to life events going on.

We still have the lovely Beauty and the Beast vibes that book one gave and I was so happy to see these elements still held true for this book and watching the Beast become more “human” through the story unfolding. This book heavily focuses on trust issues and building trust back up among all characters. Both Kierse and Graves have major growth and progression in various ways to the point that even side characters mention and make note of. Linde completely destroyed me at the ending as I was not expecting what happened to happen, even though it had been hinted at the whole book, for some reason I just didn’t expect it.

I can’t wait to see how book 3 unfolds after the events that took place in this story. There are so many things to piece together and details I am betting that I missed, I already know that I am going to need a reread, something I don’t do often. I will be rereading book 1 alongside it for the refresher and to see if there might have been any easter eggs in book 1 that lead to some events in book 2.

Thank you to the publisher for the gifted eARC so I could start reading while waiting for my pre-ordered physical copy to arrive.

Synopsis: After the events of The Wren In The Holly Library Kierse has fled to Dublin to find out more of what she is, but trouble follows and now she has to choose between a soulmate and a lover.

Read this for:
- queer characters
- mythologies
- monsters
- thieving
- bonds
- a goblin market
- memories returning

My thoughts: I was hooked from the first couple of chapters but this one is denser with more information, and Kierse is breaking through the memory and magical blocks that she has which is tough. There’s a lot of things at play so I had to slow down to track the various strings. I kinda felt like a conspiracy theorist untangling all the clues. I really enjoyed the dynamics between Genesis and Kierse, and the introduction of some new players.

Recommend for those seeking some mystery in their romantasy, the romance picks up dramatically in this one. It does leave the reader on a cliffhanger, so I am going to not so patiently wait for the next book.

Rated 4.5 Stars

The Robin on the Oak Throne was quite a ride - high stakes, low angst and magic galore.

It was one of my highly anticipated reads and it didn't disappoint even though I found parts of it slow. It was still awesome.

There were sexy times, action, twists, turns and more. I loved going on this thrilling journey with this quirky cast of characters and the fact that we literally got a look into Kierse's head. I enjoyed getting a deeper understanding of the world, the magic and its wielders. I cannot wait to see what happens next especially with the things that happened. I will be counting down the days until I get my hands on the final book. I loved it and highly recommend.

KA Linde really said "let me ruin this girl's life not one but maybe TWO love interests" and honestly? Mission accomplished because I am in a crisis and don't know what to think or what I want. (Is it so much to want both some how?)

These two books have been revelations and struggle for Kierse, but her journey has brought her beyond the thief she started as into a powerful entity to reckon with. I love seeing that she's still scrappy and tough, yet the moments with her parent's past show us a softer side that's beautifully written in a way was easy to connect with and feel those motions alongside her.

Graves remains the manipulative bastard we love to hate while Lorcan Flynn swoops in as the new Oak King making offers that sound too good to be true because they absolutely are. While I was absolutely furious with Graves, I can't help but understand and empathize with his reasoning.

And outside the romance, you now I love found family and best friends. The friendships that Kierse has forged build the story up rather than feel like convenience. They're all well-rounded, fully dimensional characters that I am rooting for as much as I am for Kierse.

While I am a huge fan of lore woven into stories, I do not know much of Celtic lore and didn't want to potentially ruin the journey KA Linde has us on. I trust the process because she is a phenomenal writer.

4.75 ⭐️

What a great book 2 in this series! The story picks up several months after book 1 ended, and drops you into the action immediately. Kierse was the same badass thief, but this time with more magic. I loved that she learned to depend on her friends instead of always trying to do everything herself, even when it was hard for her to give up control. Graves was extra swoony in the ways he got Kierse to trust him again, and his protective nature was on full throttle, but he was also softer and more trusting of others and it made him much more likable.

The spice was stepped up a notch for this one. It still wasn’t super over the top, but it kicked off early and there were more scenes than in book 1.

One thing I really love that I haven’t seen mentioned about these books is the perfection in the way sexuality is presented as completely fluid. Almost every character is LGBTQ, and it’s totally normal and accepted without anyone batting an eye. So glad I read this one during Pride month! I wish the real world was the same way.

The audiobook narration by Stephanie Nemeth-Parker was stellar! She flawlessly moved between genders and accents for the vast array of characters and locales.

Thanks to NetGalley, Entangled Publishing, and Red Tower Books for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review! I was getting through it a bit too slowly on Kindle so I bought the audio to read along with, and I’m so glad I did.

The Robin on the Oak Throne was a 5 star read for me. K. A. Linde did an amazing job on this one. I absolutely loved the first book too. The emotional roller coaster I was on, was crazy. The betrayal and plot twists had me on the edge of my set. The ending has me in a chokehold. I couldn't put this book down. I now need the third book.

Holy wow. KA Linde has really outdone herself on this one. This is not only a 5 star read, this is a ten star read. No encountering a book 2 slump here, as The Robin on the Oak Throne picks right back up where Wren left off. Out of the gate Kirse is up to something, and Graves is well… Graves. Immediately we are introduced to so many new characters that help to build the story, and the most unexpected of things that they bring to it. I cannot say enough good things here, you just have to read it to experience it.

Also, can we talk about the representation in this book?! It is not tacky, it does not look down on anyone and is done in a manner that is boat tasteful and treated with the utmost of care to those being represented. I thought we got a lot of representation in book one but book 2 really knocked it out of the park.

Book 2 of any series is typically world building and character development in ay series, however KA Linde has managed to do this while also maintaining the story. Also, the twists were twisting, and I did NOT see the end coming at all. I’ll admit it... I was emotionally destroyed and cried. I am also pretty sure I stared at the wall for about 15 minutes after. I cannot recommend this series enough, and I cannot wait for book 3 to be out!

Thank you Entangled and Red Tower for the opportunity to read this ARC early!

When I tell you this book is just as captivating, if not even more captivating, than book 1…..hold onto your seats!!

This has so many revelations, so many discoveries, and a couple of new characters. Niamh….love her!!! Graves and Kierse explore their relationship a little bit more (🌶️🌶️🌶️!!!), and oh my gosh the ending.

I need book 3 already because this is just amazing!!!

The sequel to The Wren in the Holly Library is here! If you loved book 1, you will love book 2 💜

It is full of action, heartbreak, spice, twists, and turns. I love having Kierse and Graves back in my life. Kierse is a badass and I loved seeing her come more into her own in this book. She is fierce and doesn’t let things stand in her way. Graves is the morally gray villain we all love to fall for. I love how much he cared for and protected Kierse and his entrance in this book is one of my all time favorites.

I’m going to need book 3 immediately after that wild ending! So much happened and so much was revealed and I need to know what happens next!

Thank you to Red Tower for a copy of an e-arc.

I loved this book so much!

I was lucky enough to receive an eARC of Robin on the Oak Throne from @entangled_publishing , @redtowerbooks and @authorkalinde . And let me tell you how loud I screamed when I opened my email. 😂

If you haven’t read the Wren in the Holly Library yet you need to put it on your TBR right now.

Graves and Kierce are both such interesting characters to me. Graves sees him as the Villain of his story. He doesn’t try to defend or excuse his actions. And even through two books he still holds so much mystery. Kielce on the other hand is a closed book. Her life as taught her not to trust others. And she has a hard time opening up to anybody except for her two best friends. Her greatest challenge in everything she does is always herself. Letting herself truly go and be vulnerable is something she fights to do.

I really don’t want to give away much of the plot of this book. However If you haven’t read the first book in the series I would do so immediately. I will say that with each reveal and each new mystery I was sucked deeper into the story. It’s definitely one of my favorite books I’ve read in a while and I cannot wait for the next book.

" Can you trust the dark, when you know that it lies?".

The story picks up just a few months after book 1 left us flabbergasted. Who can kierse trust, can trust even be rebuilt? Who even is she or what is this new magic? The action, twists, world building, and secrets continue as kierse gets ready for another hiest, and of course another monstor treaty broken. Yet do we ever find out the true source of her power, and can she reach her potential? We get glimpses into fave characters, as well as more new ones to fall in love with. We dont just follow kierse, but we follow the growth of even her friends. if you thought you disliked Lorcan in book 1, be bracing. Our fave Shadow Daddy, Graves, did not disappoint, and we even see more into his own self/history. The spice was giving, but when that man said "my wife"... I instantly melted, and it never let up 🫠. The plot development made me feel i was reading a movie that I didnt want to end. On that note... Mrs. Linde... that ending! Ma'am, we need book 3 asap.

WOW...just WOW.
I really enjoyed Wren in the Holly Library and didn't know where book 2 in the Oak and Holly Cycle was going to take me, but I am blown away.
Without any spoilers, let me say that I was hooked from the first few paragraphs (Kierse headed to complete her next score -- at Versailles no less). Not knowing when Graves would show up and how she would accept him when he did had my stomach in knots. The uncertainty of what would happen with her relationships with Gen and Ethan made my head spin. What would happen with Lorcan as he was coming into his summer power and how he would respond to her unlocked powers had me on the edge of my seat. The secrets about Kierse 's past that she kept trying to remember were so intriguing. The found family (new and old) throughout was a breath of fresh air and they were all written so beautifully and uniquely that you really felt you knew each one personally. This book through its entirety felt like Oceans Eleven, but make it with all the monsters and magic. The planning was so well done, I have no idea how K A Linde kept everything straight.
I laughed, cried, felt so much angst, confusion, fear, excitement and warmth throughout this book. I really wasn't ready for it to end when it did (and boy, did the ending take me out). All I can say now is that I am eagerly awaiting book 3 and this one isn't even released yet.
Do yourself a solid and read this series if you haven't yet. It's sooo worth it.💜

OMG!! This book was on heck of a ride. I loved it. You had a suspense, anger, anticipation, all the heat, and a lot of wanting to slap Lorcan on the head. We got quite a few answers to questions we were left with in book 1 but those were replaced with more questions. When is book 3 coming out? Asking for a friend. I loved the build up from book 1 to book 2. It was hard to put this one down and adult. Graves is still my fave. I can't wait to see what happens next.

I’d like to report a crime. Her name is K.A. Linde and she writes fantasy like she wants us crying in public.

Like seriously, Linde did not come to play. She came to emotionally gut me and leave me begging for more.

This book took everything I loved from the first in the series—enemies-to-lovers tension, banter, politics, power struggles—and turned the volume ALL the way up. The stakes are higher, the betrayals are sharper, and the emotional damage? Immediate and lasting.

And that ending?? No spoilers but I sat in silence like someone had slapped me with the hardcover.

If you’re reading this because you need a sign to start this series—here it is. But please know: you will not be okay.

5 stars. 3 emotional breakdowns. Zero regrets.

A magically intriguing slow burn romance in this whimsical adventure of gods and lore. An original storyline to capture the interest of the reader, and I loved the continuation of the storyline from book 1 along with the growth of the characters. I love all the twists and turns within the plot.

“A weapon is only as powerful as its weakness, and you are mine.”

Tank you to NetGalley and the publisher Entangled: Red Tower Books for the huge honor of reading this incredible book.

This is book two in the Oak & Holly Cycle series. It can be read alone, but it is best if read after reading book 1, The Wren in the Holly Library.

The story is fantastic. I love the world K.A. Linde creates and how the story doesn't follow a predictable outcome. There are always amazing twists and turns. I love all the new characters and enjoy that we get back stories.

I enjoyed thisbook so much. I highly recommend this series and am so ready for book 3!