#k.a. linde

[wakingupnexttoyou]

Squeezing in a few minutes of reading before I have to go to work!!

[ghostreviewer]

The Wren in the Holly Library by K.A. Linde

3.5/5⭐️

CW: spoilers, sex, abuse

So I finished this book and I have some feelings about it. Overall, first like, 90% of the book is give it a 4.5/5 could’ve done more heisting but oh well. The end though? That’s what brought it down, and because it was the end it really stuck with me. It just threw a bunch of things at the reader out of left field and I felt like the author had a way of foreshadowing it. But let’s back up a little bit and start with what I did like.

The plot itself? Honestly really fun. I’m pretty much always down for a fun heist and this hit that for me. Did I wish it was more heist less relationship? Yeah, but I knew there was romance going into it. The world building was also really cool and being able to figure out Keirse’s powers with her was really cool. Personally my favourite parts were when she was on the third floor doing recon, I live for that stuff. But the parts above ground building her relationships with her friends and Graves was also really cool.

Speaking of Graves, this book definitely contains some more explicit sex scenes and honestly, totally fine with it. I thought they worked well to show how they trusted each other, also I’m always down with them when the writing is good. Wouldn’t recommend reading it in class, though. Also the library, god damn I want that library. And the use of foreshadowing through the books she was reading was really cool. I did have a problem with it, though.

It gets thrown out at the end of the book that Keirse is a whisp, a type of fae, and while fae where mentioned in talking about one of the books she read, whisps weren’t and I feel like it would have made that revelation much less out of left field. And then Gen and Ethan having magic and them being a trinity? Yeah Keirse notices their magic when she heals Ethan but it didn’t feel like trinitys were really mentioned at all throughout the book and it just felt, weird. Luckily, though, all of this is in the end of the book so it didn’t taint my opinion on it too much but I probably won’t read it again anytime soon, maybe just for the theivery.

Would I recommend this book? Yeah, despite not liking the ending the majority of the book I did really like and would read it, but I just hated the ending. Could not get behind it. Overall, good; the end, bad

[judgingbooksbycovers]

The Wren in the Holly Library

By K.A. Linde.

[daisydecay]

[wordsarelifereviews]

Check out these beautiful editions of The Wren in the Holly Library 😍

(Originally posted on my Instagram)

[friendly-neighbourhood-librarian]

The Wren in the Holly Library by K.A. Linde

[bigdreamsandwildthings]

July Wrap-Up

The Wren in the Holly Library (K.A. Linde) ★★★★

The Midnight Feast (Lucy Foley) (audio) ★★★★

Out on a Limb (Hannah Bonham-Young) ★★★★★

Horror Movie (Paul Tremblay) (audio) ★★★★

The Dragon Republic (R.F. Kuang) ★★★★★

A Novel Love Story (Ashley Poston) ★★★1/2

The Ministry of Time (Kaliane Bradley) (audio) ★★★

Mind Games (Nora Roberts) ★★★★

Home is Where the Bodies Are (Jeneva Rose) (audio) ★★★1/2

Vicious (V.E. Schwab) (audio) (reread) ★★★★★

A solid month of reads for me! I had a few middle grade stragglers that I read for work that you can find over on my Goodreads (linked) if you're interested. Onto August!

[bookishbethanyerin]

• the wren in the holly library •

I’m a simple girl: I like pretty libraries and a really great heist story. So when I heard that The Wren in the Holly Library is about a talented thief who gets caught on a job by a mysterious and handsome man, then hired by that man to steal something for him, I was in.

This book sometimes felt like a hodgepodge of story elements: slightly dystopian urban fantasy, a bit of Beauty and the Beast, dollops of Irish folklore, some paranormal gangs, a magical mystery and a magical heist.

It’s a lot to cover all in one book – and though I sometimes felt like there was too much happening, it never felt like an actual mess. It’s clear that K.A. Linde had a plan for this multi-layered story about power and politics and fate, and by the end, when all of the seemingly disparate plot threads start coming together, I was on board.

I definitely am curious about where things will go in the second book!

3.75🌟

[kenna-is-reading]

Kennaisreading's Fall TBR/Recs

Dear Readers,

Happy Mid-August!

Now typically I steadfastly refuse to begin any sort of autumnal celebration until 12:01am on September 1st, but I am trying to plan ahead for my reading for the remainder of this year. This month has truly been sipped away like a bottle of wine, if you will, and preparing to lock in for fall classes has made me more ready to get into the upcoming season. Therefore, here is my long-awaited, (unsolicited), perfectly realistic (desperately ambitious) TBR for the months of September and October!

Fantasy

The Wren in the Holly Library by K.A. Linde (Find my Pinterest board for this book here).

2. Twilight by Stephanie Meyer

Don't kill me! I have never read the Twilight series. You got me. But I did purchase every single book in the series a few months ago, and plan to quickly amend this personal shortcoming by reading as much of the series as I possibly can this fall.

3. Harry Potter

I have only ever read the first 4 books, but I once again recently bought the whole series. (Rest assured that I bought every single book secondhand so as to not give any support to that author.) I read the first four in late middle school/early high school, so I am glad to be getting that same nostalgic feeling that people who read these books in elementary get.

4. Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross

I have heard great things, and I am expecting great things.

5. The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake

I was actually like 30% of the way through this book a couple of years ago and was loving everything about it, but simply didn't have time to finish. It seems like the perfect fall read, so I am looking forward to this one a lot, especially as I reenter the university scene.

6. The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi

Another one I have heard wonderful things about. I hear it has a great found family, which we all know is my most favorite trope of all time, so I hope it lives up to the hype!

7. Once Upon A Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber

Excited to be the last person on earth to read this series. Seemed like a cozy fairy-tale-esque fantasy to read for fall.

8. The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston

I read Ashley Poston's Once Upon A Con series in middle school and loved it, and I've heard nothing but rave reviews about her adult releases, so I have high hopes for this. The vibes seem perfect for fall.

9. The Stolen Heir Duology by Holly Black

Binged the original FotA trilogy in November 2020 when I was sick and delusional from Covid, so I am prepared to take on this duology perfectly well and in my right mind.

10. Powerless by Lauren Roberts

PRAYING y'all are telling the truth about how good this is. I need another fantasy series hyperfixation!!!

11. The Kiss of Deception by Margaret E Pearson

So excited to get into this whole universe. I was convinced to read this series by queen Sunny Kim (@ sunnykimreads on YouTube take your butt to her channel and subscribe NEOW!) and I trust her with my life so let's go!

12. Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

One thing about me I am a sucker for a villain and I did not hesitate to buy this without looking up a singular comment or review.

13. Lightlark by Alex Aster

Heard mixed reviews on this one, so I have to see for myself!

14. Stars & Smoke by Marie Lu

Marie Lu raised me, schooled me, packed my lunches, sent me to college, and is one of the reasons I write. I am so late to this release but SO stoked to read it! What do y'all know about the Legend trilogy and also the Young Elites and also Warcross!!! Get into those!

15. Fable by Adrienne Young

Once again, miss Sunny Kim's love for the prequel novel of this series was influential enough to make me want to read the whole thing.

16. A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid

The aesthetic of this book, as well as that cover, made me SO excited to pick this up! Another great fantasy that looks perfect for fall.

17. Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli

Expecting enemies to lovers fantasy greatness from this based on what I've been told!

18. Swordcatcher by Cassandra Clare

So excited to read my first non-Shadowhunter Cassie book! I love her writing and always get so attached to her characters, plus I met her at the event I went to for this book, so I'm biased.

19. Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson

DID SOMEBODY SAY LIBRARY??? Sign me up!

20. The Infernal Devices Trilogy by Cassandra Clare

Now you know it is not autumn or winter if I do not reread the best series of all time! If you have not read the Infernal Devices (Clockwork Angel, Clockwork Prince, Clockwork Princess), then GET in the car and GET to your local library. And if you're like me and your brain won't let you read stuff out of order, then get through those first 3 Mortal Instruments books (City of Bones, City of Ashes, City of Glass) ASAP! I PROMISE it's worth it! Shadowhunters is such a wonderful universe I could cry. TID contains the best love triangle ever written, and I don't even like love triangles. At all. This series is truly my everything and I think about it every day without fail. There's nothing left to say but Pick This Series Up if you haven't! Perfection for fall reading!

Mystery/Fiction

1 Karen M McManus

I have read One of Us is Lying, The Cousins, and You'll Be the Death of Me and enjoyed all of those, so this fall I am hoping to get through One of Us is Next, Two Can Keep A Secret, Nothing More to Tell, and One of Us is Back.

2. Enola Holmes by Nancy Springer

I love the Enola Holmes movies (putting Henry Cavill and Sam Claflin in the same film right in front of my eyes was crazy work actually), so I read the first book back in winter. I'm looking forward to reading this middle-grade mystery series, because it's something I've lacked since I was much younger!

3. Reign by Katherine McGee

I have procrastinated finishing the American Royals series for such a long time because if it does not end the way I hope it will, I might lose my mind a little. Loved the drama in these books.

4. Games Untold by Her Royal Majesty Jennifer Lynn Barnes

I am reading the Grandest Game right now, and it has only confirmed that the best place to be in life is sitting somewhere binging a JLB book at breakneck speed. This is what life and writing and literature and reading are all about. I was lucky enough to get to meet Jennifer on the book tour for TGG less than 2 weeks ago, and it was such a wonderful time. I cannot wait to read these novellas about my beloved TIG characters even though this book comes out in November and this is technically a Sept/Oct list.

5. We Were Liars by e. lockhart

You know it. You love it. Or you hate it. Either way, I haven't read it yet, and I must decide for myself.

6. The Lovely and the Lost by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Every tongue that rises against JLB shall fall, and this is the last book of hers I have to read.

Romance

Fall is when I'm locking in on SPORTS ROMANCEEEE!!!

Whether you love it or hate it, sports romance is one of the most popular current genres out there, and I love picking up football and hockey romances when football and hockey season returns. I forced myself to leave 2 Elle Kennedy hockey books for myself to read in fall when hockey comes back, and I cannot wait.

The Wall of Winnipeg and Me

I have never read a Mariana Zapata book, so I am excited to see what all the commotion is about.

2. Daydream by Hannah Grace

I <3 Henry and that is all I have to say on the matter.

3. Heartstopper v5

Heartstopper is such a cute and cozy series, so I will be finally picking up the most recent volume this fall.

4. Flawless by Elsie Silver

I am finally diving in to the Elsiverse! I wanna join in on the cowboy summer movement, I just haven't had time! So it is henceforth going to be Yeehaw Fall.

5. Unsteady by Corinne Peyton

Another Sunny Kim rec that I need to get my hands on immediately.

6. The Wingman by Stephanie Archer

Get into the Vancouver Storm series if you haven't!!! The Fake Out was one of the best hockey romances I've ever read in my life. I am SO READY for this book!

7. Offside by Avery Keelan

Has been on my KU TBR forever and a day. Will be devouring as many hockey romances as possible I fear.

Recs!!!

Now that we've covered the books I'm planning to read this fall, most of which I've never read, let's get into what YOU should read this fall!

Fantasy

ACOTAR by Sarah J Maas

I had to get this one out of the way if you somehow have never read ACOTAR. I think it's written somewhere in my nonexistent reader/blogger contract that I must mention this. Fall and winter are a perfect time to dive into this universe and hop on this bandwagon.

2. The Grishaverse by Leigh Bardugo

Shadow and Bone trilogy and the Six of Crows duology, if you somehow have not heard of them, are excellent. Or if you have heard of them and haven't read, take this obscure blog post as your sign to pick them up! This universe is so immersive and amazing when you don't have somebody in your ear whining about ship wars. I had a book hangover for weeks my freshman year after finishing these books, which I hardly ever get, but I still think about them regularly to this day.

3. The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

There is nothing remotely fall-like about these books at all, but if you're looking for a fantasy series with a found family and fairy-tale callbacks, get into Cinder! Truly such a beloved and nostalgic series to me. I am in the process of rereading them, and I absolutely love the characters so much. For being considered a "classic YA throwback series", we really don't talk about it enough.

4. Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo

LOOK UP TRIGGER WARNINGS! This is an adult novel that deals with some very dark themes, so be aware of that going in. A lot of dark academia/fantasy/mystery vibes going on here, but definitely read at your discretion.

5. The Cruel Prince Trilogy by Holly Black (Folk of the Air)

Perfect fall fantasy vibes, enemies to lovers, pretty quick reads. There's a lot of politics involved in this series, and a very immersive setting, in my opinion. You kind of have to get past the "hey what is going on btw" and just go with it! Great reads.

6. Sisters of the Salt Duology by Erin A Craig

House of Salt and Sorrows and House of Roots and Ruin are wonderful spooky fantasy books to get you through the fall/winter. A murderous retelling of the 12 Dancing Princesses set in a seaside manor with a horror twist! I loved it simply for how unique and original the plot was (despite it obviously being a retelling, it was just a fresh take okay?).

7. Shadowhunter Chronicles by Cassandra Clare

Just trust me, okay? They really are amazing. I'll give you the reading order; don't be intimidated I know it's a lot of books just walk with me.

8. Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge

YA fantasy that I read in a day and really enjoyed. It is a Beauty and the Beast retelling; arranged marriage enemies to lovers vibes.

9. The Beautiful Quartet by Renee Ahdieh

VAMPIRES! In New Orleans! In 1872! That is all I shall say as I have not finished the series yet!

10. Kerri Maniscalco

Her books are perfect for fall, whether you pick up the Kingdom of the Wicked series or, my personal favorite, the Stalking Jack the Ripper series. These have mystery, supernatural elements, fantasy, and romance, so there's something for everyone.

11. A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer

This is another Beauty and the Beast retelling, and the perfect fantasy series for fall and winter.

12. Caraval by Stephanie Garber

Excellent fantasy for fall and I know I keep saying that, but this series just screams October to me; idk why.

13. Three Dark Crowns Series by Kendare Blake

SOOOO not talked about enough. I loved this series when I read it. It is spooky and dark, with really interesting female characters set in a very intriguing matriarchal setting.

Classics

Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery

Greatest love story of all time literally I wish Gilbert Blythe was real! Wholesome, dreamlike, cozy series perfect for fall. I have never loved a classic more. And when you're done reading, you get the pleasure of going to watch the 1985 movies starring Megan Follows and Jonathan Crombie. This book literally gave us the "I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers" quote like come on!

The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

I read this book once in middle school and it was the only thing I ever genuinely enjoyed reading for school. This was the original Knives Out/Inheritance Games I fear.

Mysteries

1 Charlotte Holmes Series by Brittany Cavallaro

2. A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

3. The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

4. The Naturals Series by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

5. The Debutantes Duology by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

6. The Dead Queen's Club by Hannah Capin

Romances

Off-Campus/Briar U Series by Elle Kennedy

Hockey Romance Essential Viewing

2. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

For nostalgic fall vibes

3. Once Upon A Con Series by Ashley Poston

4. Vancouver Storm Series by Stephanie Archer

Fiction

Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Mother Daughter Book Club Series by Heather Vogel Frederick (Middle grade but please read it anyway)

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

Another middle grade for nostalgic vibes

And that is it! The longest discussion about fall books I've ever done. If you have any other recommendations please feel free to let me know! As you can see my TBR is obviously not at all long enough.....

Anyway! Thank you so much for reading, and definitely let me know what you are reading this fall if you feel like it/if you even care fr omg. I hope y'all have a fantastic end of summer and that you're ready to have an amazing, vibey Gilmore Girls-esque autumn! Queuing up the Norah Jones as we speak, and until the next time I find time to scribble my literary thoughts down!

Xoxo,

Kenna

Pinterest Boards!

The Infernal Devices

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The Cruel Prince

Off Campus/Briar U

Daisy Jones & The Six

The Lunar Chronicles

Grishaverse

ACOTAR

[littlereadsandteas]

October 2018

The Affiliate by K.A. Linde is a captivating read for fans of young adult fantasy romance, particularly those who delight in forbidden love stories, adventurous escapades, and the thrill of enemies-to-lovers relationships.

Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline is a heartwarming and captivating novel that will resonate deeply with readers who appreciate stories of unlikely friendships, historical fiction, and the resilience of the human spirit, making it a perfect fit for fans of character-driven narratives that explore themes of identity, community, and the power of connection.

For fans of epic fantasy adventures with a dash of humor, magic, and swashbuckling action, Theft of Swords by Michael J. Sullivan is a stirring tale of self-discovery and camaraderie that will captivate readers who delight in the exploits of lovable rogues and heroic swordsmen.

Sky Without Stars by Jessica Brody, Joanne Rendell is a captivating read for fans of provocative science fiction and fantasy, particularly those who appreciate stories of rebellion, social justice, and self-discovery, as it masterfully weaves together themes of poverty, revolution, and the power of the human spirit.

Empress of All Seasons by Emiko Jean is a captivating read for fans of strong, complex female protagonists and Japanese mythology, who will be swept away by the lush world-building, intricate plot, and forbidden love that unfolds in this beautifully written young adult fantasy.

Rise of Empire by Michael J. Sullivan is a electrifying and immersive read that will captivate fans of epic fantasy adventures, magic, and redemption, making it a perfect fit for readers who crave action-packed journeys with complex characters and intricate world-building.

Oracle by Jackie French is a captivating tale that will resonate with young readers who crave adventure, bravery, and self-discovery, as it weaves together historical and mythological elements with a strong focus on sibling love, courage, and the power of one person to shape the course of history.

[maepolzine]

My Thoughts on The Wren in the Holly Library (The Oak & Holly Cycle, Book 1) by K.A. Linde

Sharing my thoughts on The Wren in the Holly Library, the first book in the The Oak & Holly Cycle series by K.A. Linde

I went into The Wren in the Holly Library, the first book in The Oak & Holly Cycle, by K.A. Linde, with no information. I picked up this book purely because it looked gorgeous, with decorative sprayed edges and artwork on the inside cover. The dedication, “To the girls who fell for the library before the beast,” should have alerted me to the book’s inspiration from Beauty and the Beast. However,…

[lalacliffthorne]

okay decide for me please cuz I just can't 🙈💕

[lovelyloveday]

There are legends in our world, tales of beasts and beauties. Creatures and stories that would keep you up at night. Of monsters born. All those stories you've heard come from a kernel of truth. Can you love the dark when you know what it hides? 

The Wren in the Holly Library by K.A. Linde https://bit.ly/3x1s1Rs

[allthingsdarkanddirty]

 NEW RELEASE

We are excited to celebrate THE WREN IN THE HOLLY LIBRARY by K.A. Linde is LIVE!

#1ClickHere

✦ Amazon → https://geni.us/AmazonWren ✦ B&N → https://geni.us/NookWren ✦ Apple → https://geni.us/AppleWren ✦ Kobo → https://geni.us/KoboWren ✦ Google Play → https://geni.us/GoogleWren ✦ Audible→ https://geni.us/AudibleWren

Can you love the dark when you know what it hides?

Some things aren’t supposed to exist outside of our imagination.

Thirteen years ago, monsters emerged from the shadows and plunged Kierse’s world into a cataclysmic war of near-total destruction. The New York City she knew so well collapsed practically overnight.

In the wake of that carnage, the Monster Treaty was created. A truce...of sorts.

But tonight, Kierse—a gifted and fearless thief—will break that treaty. She’ll enter the Holly Library...not knowing it’s the home of a monster.

He’s charming. Quietly alluring. Terrifying. But he knows talent when he sees it; it’s just a matter of finding her price.

Now she’s locked into a dangerous bargain with a creature unlike any other. She’ll sacrifice her freedom. She’ll offer her skills. Together, they’ll put their own futures at risk.

But he’s been playing a game across centuries—and once she joins in, there will be

no escape...

[sandythereadingcafe]

The Wren in the Holly Library by K.A. Linde

Thank you so much for agreeing to share my release! I’ve attached links to my socials where I’ll have posts that you can just reshare if you prefer. I’ve also included all of that information below. Feel free to do whatever is easiest for you!

The Wren in the Holly Library by K.A. Linde is ✨HERE✨

✦Amazon US: https://amzn.to/4bYQQgd ✦ B&N → https://geni.us/AmazonWren ✦ Apple → https://geni.us/AppleWren ✦ Kobo → https://geni.us/KoboWren ✦ Google Play → https://geni.us/GoogleWren ✦ Audio → https://geni.us/AudibleWren ✦ Goodreads → https://geni.us/GoodreadsWren

Tropes: ✔️forced proximity ✔️heist ✔️romantasy ✔️Beauty and the Beast retelling ✔️monsters in NYC ✔️enemies to lovers ✔️spicy! ✔️Celtic mythology ✔️roommates ✔️touch her and die ✔️tortured hero

Blurb: Receive the stunning DELUXE LIMITED EDITION while supplies last―featuring gorgeous sprayed edges with stenciled artwork, as well as exclusive endpapers and special design features. This breathtaking collectible is only available on a limited first print run, a must-have for any book lover while supplies last in the US and Canada only.

Can you love the dark when you know what it hides?

Some things aren’t supposed to exist outside of our imagination.

Thirteen years ago, monsters emerged from the shadows and plunged Kierse’s world into a cataclysmic war of near-total destruction. The New York City she knew so well collapsed practically overnight.

In the wake of that carnage, the Monster Treaty was created. A truce...of sorts.

But tonight, Kierse―a gifted and fearless thief―will break that treaty. She’ll enter the Holly Library...not knowing it’s the home of a monster.

He’s charming. Quietly alluring. Terrifying. But he knows talent when he sees it; it’s just a matter of finding her price.

Now she’s locked into a dangerous bargain with a creature unlike any other. She’ll sacrifice her freedom. She’ll offer her skills. Together, they’ll put their own futures at risk.

But he’s been playing a game across centuries―and once she joins in, there will be no escape...

[capinejghafa]

I'm currently reading at least 2 - Karina Halle (finished 2), 2 - K.A. Linde (begrudgingly, I will finish gdi), 1 - Kristen Callihan, 1 - Lauren Layne (1 finished earlier) books.

I've realized I hate spots books, specifically football and rugby (you can explain the rules and oh no pls don't I don't care); not a fan of Character A insulting Character B for no reason (forced enemies to lovers is the worse); weird nicknames/pet names (what am I supposed to do with this), Pick me / I'm not like the other women energy bc they don't like xyz or they do things out of the "norm" (you are not that special be quiet); and books labeled romcoms but there's more drama than comedy. Exception with the drama - if it's written well... that 3rd act conflict better be worth it.

I'm not picky *side eyes*