(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)

Lady Geiléis, a noblewoman from the northern border, has asked for the prince of Dalriada's help in expelling a howling creature from an old tower on her land - one surrounded by an impenetrable hedge of thorns. Casting a blight over the entire district, and impossible to drive out by ordinary means, the mysterious presence threatens both the safety and the sanity of all who live nearby. As Blackthorn and Grim begin to put the pieces of the puzzle together, it becomes clear that a powerful adversary is at work. Their quest is about to become a life and death struggle - where even the closest of friends can find themselves entangled in intrigue.

This is the second book in the stunningly original Blackthorn & Grim series. The first book, Dreamer's Pool, introduces us to these two exceptional characters and sets in motion a wonderful story that is continued perfectly in this volume.

The characters themselves are perfect together - both are flawed and damaged personalities that blend together as a friendship perfectly. I am not the biggest fan of slow-burning romances but, in this series, it seems to work for some reason. I am okay with that.

The plot itself can be a bit tedious at times - slow, even - but that is balanced pretty well with the character development and introduction of other elements in the story which helps push it along a little more. The story does borrow from fairy tales (I did get a lot of Beauty & the Beast and Sleeping Beauty from this) but that isn't a bad thing as it gives the story a sense of deja-vu, without thinking that "Oh, what a ripoff!"

Overall, I suggest grabbing the first book in this series and giving it a go - I think you will be pleasantly surprised!


Paul
ARH