Feathers and Thorns

The Oculus Duet #2

by N.J. Rodman

Adriel is on a war path.

The new leader of Anistera never thought he would be betrayed by his own son. After the Oculus is stolen from Thorncrest Manor, he takes matters into his own hands. His thirst for vengeance and retribution knows no bounds as he wages war on the people of Entheas.

Rook is seeking redemption.

As he fights back against his father’s treachery, he must mend things with those he cares about the most. His journey takes him across the provinces in search of allies, where he reconnects with a lost love. Just as their relationship starts to bloom, however, the rest of the world begins to burn down around them. They are running out of time, and Rook will do anything to save her.

Will Rook survive the battle between father and son? Or will Adriel finally bring Entheas to its knees?

Feathers and Thorns is the final installment of the Oculus Duet by author N.J. Rodman. This story includes tropes such as enemies to lovers, touch her and die, fated mates, second chance, and frenemies just to name a few. The epic conclusion to this duet will have you sitting on the edge of your seat and crying into your pillow. If you love sassy heroines and morally grey MMCs, this ones for you.Content Mentions of Physical Abuse, Anxiety, Gore, Death, Grief, Mentions of Sexual Abuse Involving a Minor, Profanity, Torture, and Sexually Explicit Scenes

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Fantasy Romance, Retellings

386 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 11, 2024

About the author

My name is N.J. and I am a
stay at home mom to a three year old pterodactyl ... I mean daughter. Don’t let
my bookish exterior fool you. I do in fact have a dark side. Though I enjoy
writing about love, I also have a slight obsession with serial killers.


My pen name Amara Rose came to be when I began writing my first dark
romance novel, Babydoll. Due to the extreme nature of the content I decided to
separate it from my other works under N.J. Rodman. Amara gives me the space
to explore my inner crazy and to really let it all out. Though I love all of my titles,
I think I will always have a soft spot for the dark little demon living inside me.


So whether you enjoy pitch black MMC’s or golden retrievers, I have written
something for everybody. I hope that through my writing you will experience all
of the feelings that make us human. My stories aren’t for the faint of heart, but if
you are willing to take an emotional trust fall with me, I promise I’ll catch you.

Reviews

[eclecticbychoicereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feathers and Thorns by N. J. Rodman, Book 2 in The Oculus Duet, is a perfect conclusion to a beautifully crafted fantasy. It has made me laugh, cry my eyes out, and shed tears of happiness. The emotions this book provokes are the truest statement of its quality level. I am honored to have been a part of the ARC team and to have been given a chance to experience this story and share my love for it.

Feathers and Thorns follows our main characters on their quest to save their world from a power-hungry god who is led by hatred toward humans, anger toward his former mate, and a deep desire to rule them all. But the road isn't easy, and the characters are faced with many obstacles, including their inner demons. N. J. Rodman has masterfully described each character's struggles, and you truly feel for them and understand them. The relationships are beautifully presented, and we see the growth, both in Soren and Rook as well as Baz and Enara. The heroism each character shows in their own way is both brave and tragic, and my heart ached for them. The friendships, both old and new, feel real and make you connect to the characters.

There are dark themes, but there are also well-timed jokes and quips that add so much depth to the relationships. Everybody has a part in the battle against evil, and they will do whatever they can for the greater good.

Was I left emotionally damaged after The Oculus Duet? Yes, but that is what makes it such a good and compelling story. I felt their emotions and their struggles; I cheered for them, for their growth, their love, and their friendships. I laughed and cried with them, and I'm happy and sad the story is over. I was sad that I had to say goodbye but happy for the way the story unfolded.

What will you find in The Oculus Duet?

❤️ Enemies-to-lovers
❤️ Friends-to-lovers
❤️ Fated mates
❤️ Found family
❤️ Second chance
❤️ Getting to know yourself
❤️ Dealing with inner demons and struggles
❤️ Hidden identities

I urge you to give N. J. Rodman and The Oculus Duet a chance, you won't regret it!

[MsGem · Rating 1 out of 5]

ABSOLUTE TRASH OMG. I was pulling out my hair reading this. The writing sucked, the plot sucked, the romance sucked, and the characters were all horrible. There was genuinely nothing good about this book and it was awful in every way. Would not recommend.

[Lindsey Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

With our returning friends, and new ones to come, N.J. Rodman weaves an amazing story of adventure, friendship, perseverance, heroism, steamy romance, and life changing revelations; all while keeping it light with well timed quips and jokes. Rodman writes in a unique 3rd person narrative that allows us to know the thoughts and feelings of all characters; I truly enjoyed that. As the story progresses, Rodman keeps you enthralled by throwing curve ball revelations that as they come to light, you can immediately see the connections with her story telling prowess and are excited for what it could mean for the future of Entheal. While she definitely causes some emotional damage in this second book, Feathers and Thorns was absolutely a 5 star read for me.

[LaVette LoVe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Almost DNF'd this book. I wanted to know how it concluded. There was a prophecy in the first book that was never mentioned again, and that bothered me. While it was well written, it was very bland. I gave it 3 stars because it has a good plot with a great ending. I think it if was written in a 1st person POV it could have been better.

Format: eBook
Pages: 386
Spicy Scenes: 6
Genre: Dark Fantasy Romance
Tropes: Dark, Fantasy, Enemies to Lovers, Friends to Lovers, HEA, Prophecy, Morally Grey
Ratings:
3⭐
2🌶️

[Alexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 STARS

I really want to give this book 4 ⭐️, however, there were several sections that had errors - grammatical & structural.
This book was a bit rushed, which I had an issue with in the last book, but I will say it was a step up from the previous book - there were more details, especially in regards to action (spicy or not 👀)
The .5 ⭐️ comes from that ending! Emotional! Sweet! Sad! Happy!
All the things that had me shedding tears 🥲

[Veronica Hooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful end to a fabulous duet! I really think I enjoyed this second book even more than the first…and that’s saying a lot!
This book picked up right where book one left off with the same great characters and some great new ones thrown in. I love the adventure, the excitement, and the humor thrown in here and there with the banter that is sure to invoke smiles.
There was a bit more spice in this one, but I felt it was tasteful and added more to the book overall. There is some dark areas, but I feel they were handled in a manner that kept it “light”, but still check the trigger warnings!
Overall, this was a great book! You really must read book one before jumping into this book, though. I am grateful to have been chosen as an ARC reader for this ebook and am happy to leave this honest review!

[Chelsey Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this story to be very bitter sweet. There was a lot of beautiful happy moments sprinkled throughout between the characters, and there was also a lot of really sad moments and events. Overall the story was enjoyable, with great wisdom and life lessons to learn from.

[Cheyenne Caldwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was an emotional roller coaster, but it was so good! I couldn't put it down. The ending was happy and sad all rolled up into one. I still have some questions... but overall a wonderful duet. definitely recommend.

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god that ending. Had me crying so hard. Loved this series

[Skye · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spoilers ahead lol

- [ ] Chapt 4- Adriel says he made up a plan to destroy Entheas when he heard Tara’s morning Calendine (He had come up with the plan to destroy Entheas that same evening)… but the whole reason she left in the first place was because he decided to destroy Entheas… did we forget about that?
- [ ] Chapt 27 felt like an afterthought to add. Important topic but maybe didn’t quite fit. And didn’t add anything to it for the rest of the book, nor the first book and leading up to it. Literally just mentioned and forgot about it.
- [ ] Also Chapt 28 - why is he torturing her when he could tell her to tell him everything since they are supposed to listen to his commands and have to follow them. Like if he so desperately needs to know, then just command her to tell him
- [ ] When did she get free to help the rebellion again?? Right at the end. I can’t tell if I zoned out and didn’t realize it, or if it never said.

Overall much better than the first, but not one I will recommend to my friends. The writing improved, but I really disliked that so much regarding feelings happened in a quick blurb. Like they start a conversation and instead of continuing that into the hard topics it goes “they talked about it and agreed and moved on”. I also hate when they don’t let me figure things out on my own and just say exactly what is going on. There was much less of that in this book compared to the first, and it was for not as many important things

I don’t remember what part of the book it would’ve been in (some in the middle ish) but the fact that they basically walked to a different kingdom, went “sup I’m actually the prince that nobody knows about lol trust me bro” and the KING OF THIS SEPARATE KINGDOM GOES “yeah you pass the vibe check I believe you” LIKE WHAT. HOW HAS HIS KINGDOM NOT FALLEN FROM SPIES OR SHIT YET. This made me incredibly frustrated because there was basically no obstacle where there absolutely should’ve been. It all just felt like nothing was actually in their way until the fight at the end.

[Nancy Mae · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘“Is that why you call me little bird?” She asked. “Yes” he replied, daring to wipe the tears from her cheeks. “Because he wanted you to fly.”’

There are no words. Wow.

I was not expecting to like this book as much as I did. Having gone from the first book only being 3.5 stars, to reading this one! I was hooked.

It took a little while to get back into the storyline again, but after about 25% of the book (of which I feel the could have been shorter) I was HOOKED and finished the book in one sitting.

In Secrets and Songbirds, I felt the characters were underdeveloped. They seemed very surface level when reading the first book. After reading this one, I take it back. There was more Lore told about all the characters throughout this book. We introduced characters, which I feel didn’t need to be introduced but added to the backstory of the main characters. We were given more Lore behind Jai and Adaryn, who in turn took a big chunk of the storyline in this book.

I loved the dive into Enara and Baz’s relationship in this book, and I LOVED the way that Soren and Rook’s relationship was portrayed.

I loved the inclusion of Luicinia! And how her character in the end helped to save Rook. (Personally, I was gutted she didn’t help Baz)

This book would have been a 5 star read for me, if it weren’t for the ending. First of all, BAZ!! I cried actual tears. It was actually heartbreaking to me that he died and I was not ready to mourn him.

The book ending the way it did, didn’t sit right for me. I needed another epilogue where we skip ahead a few years and come back to the characters and where they’re at in life. The epilogue being about going back to a fisherman (which I kind of get to round the story out) but the fisherman had not been mentioned in the storyline since the beginning of the first book… Enara and Baz deserved a better epilogue, quite frankly. So that is the only reason why my rating is lower…

4.25⭐️ for me. A very enjoyable read, apart from the ending!

[Lucie Hillsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

✸ 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀 ✸
Enemies to lovers 🗡
Fated mates 🛡
Forced proximity♟
Friends to lovers 🤍
Second chance 🖤


“𝘐𝘧 𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘯, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳—𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘴, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘴.”


One thing that N. J. does so well is making you feel everything that the characters are going through! There were so many emotions that were so well written and transported me right into the story

It was such an emotional rollercoaster with so many twists and turns that I didn’t see coming, some that I hoped would happen after the cliffhanger of Secrets & Songbirds, and some that I had no clue about and really knocked me off my feet ✨

Like I said in my review of Secrets & Songbirds, I loved the multiple storylines running alongside each other that pulled you into the book and the worlds within. You feel like you’re following everyone’s stories, it’s not just one or two characters, you’re following an entire group. It made the story fly by but also didn’t feel too fast and you really get to connect with the characters and follow them on their individual journeys as well as their whole adventure as a group! ⚔️

Everything was just perfect and I absolutely loved it! It was such a beautiful ending and the epilogue was the perfect end to the story and the duet. I’m so sad that there are no more books in the series but I also don’t think my emotions could handle another book. This book and the whole duet had me sobbing in the best way possible 😭

The ending felt very full circle with the story ending where it began, in Soren’s childhood home, and felt like coming home at the end of a long adventure 🥹

I don’t want to leave Entheas but I’ll never forget these books and these characters, they’ll always have a special place in my heart! 🖤

You really need to read these books and experience them yourselves!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5⭐️ Wowza. I disliked the first half but loved the second half. Up until around 65%, I was convinced this would’ve been better as one big book instead of two making up a duet series. Butttt towards the end I was grateful it was split into two.

Feathers and Thorns is the second book in the Oculus Duet by N.J. Rodman. I’d love to share the premise, but that would spoil the first book—so I’ll just say this wraps up everything left unresolved in book one.

For Rodman’s first published works, I’m pretty impressed with her writing and structure. That said, I’m not sure I’d pick up more of her books unless the plot really grabs me. The plot and world-building are what kept me going here—plus, I was on vacation and had the time. If I’d been busy, I honestly think I might’ve DNF’d this one (and the series), just because it took so long for me to get into it.

As for themes, the Beauty and the Beast parallels are AWESOME. I loved how closely it followed the core plot of Beauty and the Beast, just reimagined with its own twists, characters, and fantasy realms.

The enemies-to-lovers trope was also well done and believable. It didn’t feel forced, and I absolutely loved Soren and Rook’s relationship. They’re like complicated puzzle pieces that somehow just fit.

Don’t ask me about Baz. I’ll cry. (Kidding… not really.)

The battle was epic. I genuinely didn’t expect to enjoy that part—I thought I’d end up speed-reading through it—but it was so good.

Overall, I liked this book even more than the first, and I’d give the series a thumbs up. Is there better fantasy out there? Sure. But did I still enjoy this? Yes.

[Dalmatians_and_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in The Oculus Duet, and it is a remarkable conclusion to the fantasy world N.J. created. I stumbled upon N.J. and Secrets and Songbirds on TikTok, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to ARC read this book so soon after finishing book 1.

The story follows the characters we fell in love with on a quest to save their world from a power-hungry god who is consumed by hatred and a thirst for power. The dynamics between characters, old and new, are beautifully portrayed, showcasing the depths of friendship and heroism as we follow their journey.

While exploring dark themes, the narrative is balanced with well-timed humor, enhancing the richness of the relationships. I enjoyed the unique third-person narrative, which allows readers to intimately know each character's thoughts and feelings, further immersing us in the story. The twists and revelations keep the plot engaging, leaving us eagerly anticipating what will happen to our beloved characters.

"Feathers and Thorns" is a 5-star read that surpasses "Secrets and Songbirds" with its captivating adventure, heartfelt friendships, and steamy romance. The seamless blend of action, humor, and emotional depth makes it a must-read for fans of fantasy.

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot better than the first book!

While reading this, I had the experience that N.J. Rodman's writing style and storytelling had developed making the last installment of The Oculus Duet a more immersive and smooth read than the first book!

It is very rare that book 2 is better than the first installment in a series, but this was a really great read. Many of the things that I felt very a bit clunky or lacking in the first book was smoothed out in this one. The only thing that I still felt is a little lacking for my taste is that I felt like there was still a little too much going on through the plot line hence only the 4 stars.

Book 2 has a little more spice than book 1, but still light in the spice departement.

As I felt N.J. Rodman had improved her writing style from book 1 to 2, I'm very excited to see what she has in store regarding future books!

This is a lovely series with epic battles, celestials vs. Humans, unique world building, found family, fierce love and strong friendships.

[Meg (fantasybook.adventurer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨Feathers and Thorns✨

We are looking at book 2 of the Oculus Duet and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed this! It reads more YA than NA, BUT the emotions it elicits are so good and honestly difficult for many writers. NJ goes even deeper into exploring grief and I was super impressed. I will say: read the trigger warnings!

We begin right where we left off from book one’s cliffhanger. We are lead into a war between kingdoms and celestials, plot twists, hopeless outcomes, second chance love and heartbreak with our core crew. I’ll be 💯: I cried.

I thoroughly enjoyed getting to learn more about Rook. I feel like he REALLY shined in this and I was constantly rooting for him. He and Baz truly got their moments and NJ did such a great job with them.

Tropes within Feathers and Thorns include: forced proximity, second chance love, feminine rage, plot twists, one tent, mental health rep of grief, ptsd, and panic disorder, touch her and die, found family, high language, spice 3.5/5.

This was a perfect finale for the Oculus duet and I’m proud of NJ’s debut duology. Thank you for this gifted arc!!

[Cassidy Bedard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished both books in The Oculus Duet, and I’m still reeling from the emotional rollercoaster this story took me on. The ending left me absolutely wrecked—in the best way possible. I cried, I felt every heartbreak, and I closed the last page feeling emotionally damaged but completely fulfilled. That’s the magic of a good read.
It was also really beautiful to see the author’s growth between the two books. You can tell how much her writing has evolved, and that progression made the story even more rewarding to experience.
That said, there were a few spots that felt a little rushed, and I did notice some minor errors throughout. Personally, I think the story could have been even more immersive if it had been written in first person—it would have deepened the emotional connection with the characters.
Overall, though, I thoroughly enjoyed this duet. It broke my heart, mended it, and reminded me why I love reading stories that make you feel something so deeply.

[ryann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great book that pieced the duology together. 👏👏 I will say get ready to cry at the end with sad and happy tears because that’s what happened to me. 🥹 The characters, the plot, the tropes and the story building of this book made it so much more personal that you are able to really understand the characters and love each character!
Soren and Rook have my whole heart and I wish the best for them. Everything that they have been through just makes me want to protect them. It has wholesome and spicy moments that had me giggling and kicking my feet. 🤭 I love Baz, Enara, Jai, Soren and Rook’s friendship and how all of them saw each other as family. 🫶
I’m so glad and grateful that I got to read this duology! It was such an amazing experience to get to read about Soren and Rook’s story!

[Darkest of Kayem · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer: This review contains spoilers
3 ⭐
2🌶️

Summary:
- Enemies to Lovers
- Forced Proximity
- Second Chance Love
- Morally Grey MMC
- Found Family
- Touch her and die

First off, Feathers and Thorns was a better read for me personally than Book 1, although it did take me a lot longer to finish this book because I only really wanted to finish it off to see how it ended.

The Journey to the final end battle and the preparing for this, I really enjoyed the scenes relating to this. The aphrodisiac party was phenomenal and with Rook turning up, ugh the tension there was to die for. Their romance after that though again fell short. I felt like we lost the enemies to lovers tension, and she forgave him way too quickly.

The ending was bitter-sweet but I love the way that the author paid tribute to the character in the epilogue.

[Hilma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feathers and Thorns by N.J. Rodman is the conclusion of a great fantasy duology and starts after the events of the first book. Once again the writing is fast paced and the story is filled with plot twists which made that I had a hard time putting the book down. Characters from the first book make an appearance, but there are also new characters introduced, each with a new story.

The Oculus Duet is a great fantasy duology, with a good story-line, unexpected twists, wonderful world-building, with adventure, danger, banter between characters, and with a flowing fast paced writing style.

Highly recommended, but start with the first book Secrets and Songbirds.

[kimblah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book with every part of my being. The crew gathers the troops to take down Adriel in this wrap up to the Oculus Duet. It’s a beautifully told story, as Soren & her friends travel around Entheas in order to do what they must to save it.

Between Soren & Rook, Enara & Baz, AND Jai & Adaryn — you’ll get your fill of steam as well. The love they share is moving & I found myself highlighting parts left & right, feeling inspired by their bonds & dedication to one another.

The war was intense, the ending tore my freaking heart out!!!! But it was amazing. I loved every second of it, despite what my tears may say. Read this duet (first book: Secrets and Songbirds) I promise you won’t regret it!

[Dina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE THIS BOOK!! The ROMANCE, the heroism, and the life-changing revelation! Just WOW!! This book has some dark themes, but she kept it light with well-timed quips and jokes. And I love that !! I loved the characters, and I loved going through this crazy adventure with them!!
Did this book cause some emotional damage?? Yes, I love N.J. Rodman's writing style. If you love adventure, romance, friendship, and much more, this book is for you!!!

[Kiara Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Personally enjoyed that everything that was brought to light in the first book had closure in this book. I do feel that maybe the storyline could have been a tiny bit more refined as this book slightly felt a little more thrown together than the first book.

if you want a nice easy read to pass your time, I think this duology is a good option. It is a quick read that gives you just enough to keep you interested.

[Aleesha Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't expect to love this duology so much. There are some crazy plot twists in this second book and by the end of the book I was sobbing. I felt every emotion throughout the story and I loved that there was more so romance than "smut" or spice, yes you had your sex scenes, but all of them were more about romance and love. This duology was great.

[Marissa Atchison · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing end to a wonderful story

This book made me feel all the emotions. I laughed, cried, raged, and felt love and loss. The end of this story had me in tears, and I could feel the heartbreak on the page.

[Meghan Cornwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book & the ending made me tear up 🥺 such a good duet to read. I definitely recommend reading Secrets & Songbirds (the first oculus) immediately before reading the second as the second takes place as a continuation of the first !

[Kaitlyn Guess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page turner couldn’t put it down! I loved this book!

[Jessica Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️. I have big beef with this author after a certain something happened to a certain someone 🥺

[Hillary · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25

[Shyla Whitnack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need more. Amazing thank you.