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The Underforest Duology #1
Coil of Boughs
Skilled archer Ryurikov enjoys an unfettered life of thieving and debauchery. He wasn’t expecting to die at the hands of a witch while trying to steal from her. Neither did he expect to be revived by spirits with morally stringent demands. Or to be followed by a demon, hungry for his dreams. Luckily, Ryurikov has plenty of good dreams to trade in exchange for the demon’s help. He also possesses a wealth of denial about his past, his growing feelings for the demon, and the creatures slowly burning kingdoms to ashes. Too bad for Ryurikov, since he has no choice but to face all three.
231 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2024
About the author
Penny Moss
5 books112 followersHi, I'm Moss.
It/Its
I write deeply flawed characters who walk their own paths, and build stories from side to bottom to side to top, with intricacies that are more than a little inconspicuous.
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It/Its
I write deeply flawed characters who walk their own paths, and build stories from side to bottom to side to top, with intricacies that are more than a little inconspicuous.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
October 11, 2024
Happily indulging in the age old October tradition of monster romances for the spooky season.
Okay, so listen, I had a really good time with this book. I don’t think it’s without flaws, but you know when you read a book that has all the right pieces put together with enough charm that all the messy bits just don’t matter? That was this book for me.
Ryurikov is a disgraced prince of a fallen kingdom that is beset by a plague of demons and in his efforts to find his sister he makes a deal with the demon Awimak along with a (very) reluctant alliance with the hag witch Jezibaba and adventures (and romance) ensue.
Ryurikov is that sassy morally grey character that I always enjoy and is delightfully murder happy. Awimak, a demon of the forest (kind of more a forest spirit really), is a gentle giant who can easily tear people to pieces when he wants but is a big cinnamon roll for Ryurikov. To my brain Awimak was very ‘Ancient Magus Bride’ looking but make him big and buff 🫶🏻.
I thought on a few occasions when reading this that someone needs to take the thesaurus off the author cause they had this bizarre habit of dropping in unnecessarily complicated words which pulled me out of the story. And whilst the one on one fights were written well I did at times find myself getting a little lost in the larger battle scenes.
Also this book was very much a ‘dropped in the deep end of the world building and make up the rules as you go’ sort of fantasy. This has some pros and cons- it means the world feels very big and expansive, but also that you don’t know the scope of what you’re working with so new developments can seem random at times and I did find the overarching plot to meander a bit.
It’s worth noting this is part one of a duology, although this story provides sufficient closure I wasn’t cursing the sky when I finished.
Okay, so listen, I had a really good time with this book. I don’t think it’s without flaws, but you know when you read a book that has all the right pieces put together with enough charm that all the messy bits just don’t matter? That was this book for me.
Ryurikov is a disgraced prince of a fallen kingdom that is beset by a plague of demons and in his efforts to find his sister he makes a deal with the demon Awimak along with a (very) reluctant alliance with the hag witch Jezibaba and adventures (and romance) ensue.
Ryurikov is that sassy morally grey character that I always enjoy and is delightfully murder happy. Awimak, a demon of the forest (kind of more a forest spirit really), is a gentle giant who can easily tear people to pieces when he wants but is a big cinnamon roll for Ryurikov. To my brain Awimak was very ‘Ancient Magus Bride’ looking but make him big and buff 🫶🏻.
I thought on a few occasions when reading this that someone needs to take the thesaurus off the author cause they had this bizarre habit of dropping in unnecessarily complicated words which pulled me out of the story. And whilst the one on one fights were written well I did at times find myself getting a little lost in the larger battle scenes.
Also this book was very much a ‘dropped in the deep end of the world building and make up the rules as you go’ sort of fantasy. This has some pros and cons- it means the world feels very big and expansive, but also that you don’t know the scope of what you’re working with so new developments can seem random at times and I did find the overarching plot to meander a bit.
It’s worth noting this is part one of a duology, although this story provides sufficient closure I wasn’t cursing the sky when I finished.
July 3, 2026
3.75 stars
God, this book was wild! It was really well written and the story was incredibly unique. I've never read anything like it before. I feel like it was at the crossroads of fantasy slice of life, epic quest, and journey of self discovery/redemption and it succeeded at all of them. The only reason this doesn't get a higher rating from me is because the one place this didn't feel super successful was the romance. And I read for the romance.
This was the kind of story where you just get dropped in with zero context and have to figure things out at the same time as the MC, while also putting together the pieces of how he got to that point and I thought it worked really well here.
Ryurikov was one of those MCs that's super hard to like in the beginning. He just came off so callous and selfish and fucking messy. So naturally I was very into him (it helped that he was fucking funny). It took a long time for the full picture of how he came to be where he was at the start of the book, but again, I think it worked for the most part. The reader knows there's more to him, and there was a good balance of seeing that side of him while also standing by the fact that he was still a little bit awful at the end lol.
Awimak, the LI, was a cool nightmare-nature-demon-whatever the fuck dude. I liked him but unfortunately he felt too much like a prop for Ruri. It felt like not much effort was made to show his personal motivations or backstory outside of what he could do or be for Ryurikov. This is a duology so perhaps in the second one he'll get more but as it stands he felt as much of a side character as Jezibaba (who was awesome, but like, not love interest level important).
The romance itself came outta nowhere. It seemed like the two of them were hardly aware of each other on a personal level before they had sex and then... I don't know where feelings had time to happen. I actually loved so many of their interactions and how Awimak took care of Ryurikov and eventually how they spoke to and about each other. The pet names and the nest and the declarations were great, but they didn't feel earned. And the sex didn't make up for it. For monster fucking it was kind of lacking for me even just as smut.
Honestly, my favorite relationship might've been between Ruri and Jezibaba. Only because the insults they threw at each other and the death threats were hilarious and resulted in some of my favorite dialogue.
The world itself was amazing. Every side character, every town, every species, were all so interesting. It made me feel like I was playing Dead Space and Skyrim, watching a Hayao Miyazaki film and documentaries on Eastern European, Nordic, and Celtic folklore. This was Alien/Invasion of the Body Snatchers, and Baba Yaga, and kodama all wrapped up in a medieval fantasy.
I didn't realize that the second book had no movement on it, or release date, or author update so that's kind of a bummer. The couple itself are in a HFN situation but the greater plot has a long way to go. This was my first Penny Moss and I'll definitely try more, but I hope they're making some moves on the next one of these!
In the meantime I will still be on the lookout for a high fantasy that has a truly strong central romance.
Pet names: Drury (idk what this means - maybe I missed it?), my love
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Safety (may contain spoilers)
SA/rape: There is an attempted sexual assault on Ryurikov but Awimak stops it. Ruri was kissed and had his pants pulled down while his arms were tied behind his back but it went no further.
Other person drama: Ruri is a fuckboy and it's mentioned but luckily not TOO much. There is a flashback chapter that includes a scene where Ruri fucks some guy - it's on page but not detailed. I hated it because it was late in the book, but the actual moment was well before he met Awi so it's certainly not cheating or anything. Ruri's guard was in love with him (the rapey dude) but Ruri never returned his feelings.
God, this book was wild! It was really well written and the story was incredibly unique. I've never read anything like it before. I feel like it was at the crossroads of fantasy slice of life, epic quest, and journey of self discovery/redemption and it succeeded at all of them. The only reason this doesn't get a higher rating from me is because the one place this didn't feel super successful was the romance. And I read for the romance.
This was the kind of story where you just get dropped in with zero context and have to figure things out at the same time as the MC, while also putting together the pieces of how he got to that point and I thought it worked really well here.
Ryurikov was one of those MCs that's super hard to like in the beginning. He just came off so callous and selfish and fucking messy. So naturally I was very into him (it helped that he was fucking funny). It took a long time for the full picture of how he came to be where he was at the start of the book, but again, I think it worked for the most part. The reader knows there's more to him, and there was a good balance of seeing that side of him while also standing by the fact that he was still a little bit awful at the end lol.
Awimak, the LI, was a cool nightmare-nature-demon-whatever the fuck dude. I liked him but unfortunately he felt too much like a prop for Ruri. It felt like not much effort was made to show his personal motivations or backstory outside of what he could do or be for Ryurikov. This is a duology so perhaps in the second one he'll get more but as it stands he felt as much of a side character as Jezibaba (who was awesome, but like, not love interest level important).
The romance itself came outta nowhere. It seemed like the two of them were hardly aware of each other on a personal level before they had sex and then... I don't know where feelings had time to happen. I actually loved so many of their interactions and how Awimak took care of Ryurikov and eventually how they spoke to and about each other. The pet names and the nest and the declarations were great, but they didn't feel earned. And the sex didn't make up for it. For monster fucking it was kind of lacking for me even just as smut.
Honestly, my favorite relationship might've been between Ruri and Jezibaba. Only because the insults they threw at each other and the death threats were hilarious and resulted in some of my favorite dialogue.
The world itself was amazing. Every side character, every town, every species, were all so interesting. It made me feel like I was playing Dead Space and Skyrim, watching a Hayao Miyazaki film and documentaries on Eastern European, Nordic, and Celtic folklore. This was Alien/Invasion of the Body Snatchers, and Baba Yaga, and kodama all wrapped up in a medieval fantasy.
I didn't realize that the second book had no movement on it, or release date, or author update so that's kind of a bummer. The couple itself are in a HFN situation but the greater plot has a long way to go. This was my first Penny Moss and I'll definitely try more, but I hope they're making some moves on the next one of these!
In the meantime I will still be on the lookout for a high fantasy that has a truly strong central romance.
Pet names: Drury (idk what this means - maybe I missed it?), my love
Jezibaba tutted. “I know a lost soul when I see one. Don’t need a mirror to show me that.” “Get fucked, crone,“ Ryurikov snarled.
“I’m not sure what I’ve done to deserve you,” Ryurikov murmured, “but I’m glad you’re here.” The open palm on his back pushed, encouraging him to climb the stairs. LIKEWISE, MY HUMAN. I WOULD PREFER IT IF YOU DID NOT DIE SO SOON. Ryurikov huffed. “Right back at you.”
“I can’t deal with–with—” WITH WHAT? “With you! And me. And–And this.” Helplessly, he flapped his hand between them. “You disarm me, Awimak, and I don’t know how to handle it! Maybe I am a coward, but at least I won’t get hurt if I run!”
LET ME LOVE YOU, RYURIKOV, IN THE WAY YOU NEVER THOUGHT YOU DESERVED.
TOUCH HIM AND I WILL UPROOT YOUR VERY EXISTENCE
“Don’t threaten me, demon,” the bastard shouted, nudging his horse forward. “You do not belong here, either. Get back to the woods you were banished to!” A frown tugged at Ryurikov’s brows, but the claw coming to rest on his shoulder settled it. “Talk to him like that again and I’ll wreak meticulous havoc on every inch of your body.”
DO NOT WORRY. Awimak nuzzled the side of Ryurikov’s head. I WILL WAIT FOR WHEN YOU ARE READY. “What if I’m never?” THEN I WILL WAIT FOR THE REST OF OUR LIVES. BUT I WILL WAIT.
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Safety (may contain spoilers)
SA/rape: There is an attempted sexual assault on Ryurikov but Awimak stops it. Ruri was kissed and had his pants pulled down while his arms were tied behind his back but it went no further.
Other person drama: Ruri is a fuckboy and it's mentioned but luckily not TOO much. There is a flashback chapter that includes a scene where Ruri fucks some guy - it's on page but not detailed. I hated it because it was late in the book, but the actual moment was well before he met Awi so it's certainly not cheating or anything. Ruri's guard was in love with him (the rapey dude) but Ruri never returned his feelings.
July 17, 2025
July 2025: You read this almost a year ago, are you ever going to write that "big-ass rave review"??
(5 September 2024) Big-ass rave review to come!
(5 September 2024) Big-ass rave review to come!
June 1, 2024
4.5* Almost from the second I picked this up, the story grabbed me and held on with claws around my neck. Talk about unexpected! When something is labeled as a dark romance, I definitely didn't expect an engaging and intense plot, an absolute disaster of a man in Ryurikov, or so be so consistently charmed by the characters and the story in equal measure.
Angry witch hag as a secondary character?? Nightmare queers??, The banter? The consequences of Ruri's actions?! Tiny horrible forest spirits running around hitting guys with sticks? TAIL?! Absolutely incredible.
Along with beautiful forest imagery, excellently-crafted fight scenes, and introspectives into a flawed and sometimes painfully self-flagellant main character, this was everything I could have asked for.
This book read more like a fantasy than a romance, and while elements of the story were dark, I found the actual romance between the main characters to be so deeply emotional. So much of their relationship felt fraught and intense, informed so much by Ruri's trauma that it may as well as been their third.
Do keep in mind that the author uses some unusual vocabulary, but this didn't affect my enjoyment of the book at all, though given that this has lived rent-free in my head since I finished it, I don't think it was too much of an issue.
All in all, I'll be very excited to continue with this series when the second book comes out.
Angry witch hag as a secondary character?? Nightmare queers??, The banter? The consequences of Ruri's actions?! Tiny horrible forest spirits running around hitting guys with sticks? TAIL?! Absolutely incredible.
Along with beautiful forest imagery, excellently-crafted fight scenes, and introspectives into a flawed and sometimes painfully self-flagellant main character, this was everything I could have asked for.
This book read more like a fantasy than a romance, and while elements of the story were dark, I found the actual romance between the main characters to be so deeply emotional. So much of their relationship felt fraught and intense, informed so much by Ruri's trauma that it may as well as been their third.
Do keep in mind that the author uses some unusual vocabulary, but this didn't affect my enjoyment of the book at all, though given that this has lived rent-free in my head since I finished it, I don't think it was too much of an issue.
All in all, I'll be very excited to continue with this series when the second book comes out.
May 27, 2024
I devoured this book. Coil of Boughs leans heavily into hurt/comfort, which I adore. There's just something about a huge, horrifying demon going berserk to protect his man. Ryurikov and Awimak's love burns white-hot...
...not to mention the HAND HOLDING (!!!)
I love the writing. Moss's prose has a satisfying balance of fantasy/romance, plot/spice, and gravity/levity. She uses a few uncommon terms, but these were easy to learn and fit the fantasy setting.
I'm looking forward to the next book in this duology!
Thank you so much to Moss for the chance to read the eARC for free (although I'm ordering this book for my shelf ASAP). I'm leaving this review of my own accord.
...not to mention the HAND HOLDING (!!!)
I love the writing. Moss's prose has a satisfying balance of fantasy/romance, plot/spice, and gravity/levity. She uses a few uncommon terms, but these were easy to learn and fit the fantasy setting.
I'm looking forward to the next book in this duology!
Thank you so much to Moss for the chance to read the eARC for free (although I'm ordering this book for my shelf ASAP). I'm leaving this review of my own accord.
June 3, 2024
Listen, when I think of deep forests, their hidden secrets, MMC complex problems & a whole casts of side characters/ allies I almost always think of Penny Moss.
This book has a full redemption arc as well as a complex fallen royal who is literally always getting into trouble lol. From making deals with demons and running from his past, Ryurikov is an absolute mess.
Awimak is a gentle giant with a very protective nature. He is calm in the face of the storm Ryurikov has brewing in himself and helps guide him along their journey.
This book is packed with tension, weird allies, broken families and villages, action scenes and unexpected enemies.
The world building is gorgeous, the plot is rough and smooth at the same time. You really go through everything with Ryurikov. The book flashes between the present and the past. Showing how unruly Ryuri really was but also how unhappy he was.
If you are looking for an atmospheric world to really throw yourself into this book is it. It has the love connection you want for an MM romance and has the personal inner conflict for the MMCs + past lovers coming back to play.
This book has a full redemption arc as well as a complex fallen royal who is literally always getting into trouble lol. From making deals with demons and running from his past, Ryurikov is an absolute mess.
Awimak is a gentle giant with a very protective nature. He is calm in the face of the storm Ryurikov has brewing in himself and helps guide him along their journey.
This book is packed with tension, weird allies, broken families and villages, action scenes and unexpected enemies.
The world building is gorgeous, the plot is rough and smooth at the same time. You really go through everything with Ryurikov. The book flashes between the present and the past. Showing how unruly Ryuri really was but also how unhappy he was.
If you are looking for an atmospheric world to really throw yourself into this book is it. It has the love connection you want for an MM romance and has the personal inner conflict for the MMCs + past lovers coming back to play.
June 1, 2024
I don't even know where to start with this book. I'll start with the basics. First of all, this book is the brand of fantasy that I've realized I absolutely adore. It's dark fantasy, with magic that isn't completely understood/explained, it's got mysterious spirits that take an unwilling hero and save his life in exchange for their own reasons. This book also has some real moments of just gross stuff, and I loved it. We also have a grouchy witch who gets roped into things and the sweetest, softest demon who also will end people for this sassy hero.
Ryurikov is the grouchy, unwilling Robin hood of my dreams. He so doesn't want to be involved with anything and his own past has him feeling (or not feeling) all kinds of things. I loved watching his character development throughout the book. He grows in a lot of ways but doesn't lose his hard exterior or his sass.
There were so many things I loved about this book, between the monsters and the character relationships. It was easy to follow and I think, because there isn't a huge focus on tons of political or complicated world building aspects it's a book someone could read even if they never read fantasy. It didn't lack worldbuilding or politics, but there weren't any moments that felt like I was just supposed to learn something about the world. All the information felt relevant and easy to understand. I loved how gross and creepy the monsters were.
If you like a Black Cat/Golden Retriever relationship, with a twist cause let's be honest both of these characters are a "touch him and d*e" character, you'll really enjoy this book. Ryurikov is a little feral and he met a demon that just happens to enjoy his brand of feral and matches when necessary.
I am so obsessed with this book I can't wait for the second to come out. Like if it could be out tomorrow I would cry tears of joy. This was everything I am looking for when I say I like kinda gross fantasy books.
Ryurikov is the grouchy, unwilling Robin hood of my dreams. He so doesn't want to be involved with anything and his own past has him feeling (or not feeling) all kinds of things. I loved watching his character development throughout the book. He grows in a lot of ways but doesn't lose his hard exterior or his sass.
There were so many things I loved about this book, between the monsters and the character relationships. It was easy to follow and I think, because there isn't a huge focus on tons of political or complicated world building aspects it's a book someone could read even if they never read fantasy. It didn't lack worldbuilding or politics, but there weren't any moments that felt like I was just supposed to learn something about the world. All the information felt relevant and easy to understand. I loved how gross and creepy the monsters were.
If you like a Black Cat/Golden Retriever relationship, with a twist cause let's be honest both of these characters are a "touch him and d*e" character, you'll really enjoy this book. Ryurikov is a little feral and he met a demon that just happens to enjoy his brand of feral and matches when necessary.
I am so obsessed with this book I can't wait for the second to come out. Like if it could be out tomorrow I would cry tears of joy. This was everything I am looking for when I say I like kinda gross fantasy books.
May 6, 2024
Coil of Boughs is an enchanting story of redemption, peril, death and so much love and magic. This was my first book by Penny Moss and the author is excellent at world building, funny dialogue, and organic romance. The lore and creatures were vividly portrayed, and I was surprised to recognize some of the creatures known to my country. Though there are twists to everything.
Ruri, the MC who is a bratty rogue but you cannot help but love him, stole my heart. He was snarky and funny, but also insecure and in need of acceptance.
Awimak, and who he is, is interwoven through the narrative. He is still a bit enigmatic, but his fierce protectiveness makes you love him even more.
As for the plot, it is solid with some twists and turns and tons of betrayal. It is also a great mixture of action, humour, and romance. There were literally parts where I was at the edge of my seat, and just devouring the fight scenes and I often worried for our MCs – no one is safe! Ever!
There are tons of caretaking, cuddles, touches, and hugging that I just awwwwed at the end. There is some drama between the MCs, but they always talk as soon as possible so it does not turn into anything unnecessary.
The romance is a slow burn, with steamy scenes on page, and the ending was just so well executed. I cannot wait to see more of them.
I received an ARC from the author but all opinions are my own and authentic!
Ruri, the MC who is a bratty rogue but you cannot help but love him, stole my heart. He was snarky and funny, but also insecure and in need of acceptance.
Awimak, and who he is, is interwoven through the narrative. He is still a bit enigmatic, but his fierce protectiveness makes you love him even more.
As for the plot, it is solid with some twists and turns and tons of betrayal. It is also a great mixture of action, humour, and romance. There were literally parts where I was at the edge of my seat, and just devouring the fight scenes and I often worried for our MCs – no one is safe! Ever!
There are tons of caretaking, cuddles, touches, and hugging that I just awwwwed at the end. There is some drama between the MCs, but they always talk as soon as possible so it does not turn into anything unnecessary.
The romance is a slow burn, with steamy scenes on page, and the ending was just so well executed. I cannot wait to see more of them.
I received an ARC from the author but all opinions are my own and authentic!
August 28, 2024
This was such an easy read for me... while there were moments that felt like my heart would break or like i might cry, Penny made everything right again.
Ruri keeps his attitude throughout but the meaning behind his 'F**k you' changes as he slowly opens up and accepts his feelings. Normally closed off and a bit of a loner, Ruri finds his demon, his sister and a few others who become like his family.... begrudgingly.
Awi, the cutest little dream eating demon who is really just a big softy. He makes my heart ache with his kind words and absolute devotion to Ruri.
This ended way too quickly as i couldnt put it down and devoured it in 2 days. Waiting for book 2 is going to be difficult.
Ruri keeps his attitude throughout but the meaning behind his 'F**k you' changes as he slowly opens up and accepts his feelings. Normally closed off and a bit of a loner, Ruri finds his demon, his sister and a few others who become like his family.... begrudgingly.
Awi, the cutest little dream eating demon who is really just a big softy. He makes my heart ache with his kind words and absolute devotion to Ruri.
This ended way too quickly as i couldnt put it down and devoured it in 2 days. Waiting for book 2 is going to be difficult.
December 20, 2024
4.5⭐
What do you do when the gigantic demon with hooves and deer skull face is the best boyfriend ever? Enjoy the ride, I guess.
This is a very interesting dark fantasy story in its own, with a fantastic protagonist. Ryurikov is an entitled prick but I fell in love with him anyway. He was doing his best, poor thing. He's a wonderful anti-hero and his demon BF is so good for him.
The book manages to weave together the dark fantasy adventure, beautiful romance and redemption arc, and nothing really feels out of place. There's plenty of creepy demons and gore, the protagonist maimed to pieces, torture and extreme social injustice. It's definitely rather gruesome at points but not overly dark or bleak.
While this is a first book of the duology, the ending works alright as a stand-alone too, though I definitely want to read the second part.
My thanks to the author for gifting this as a prize on MM Romance Group Anniversary.
What do you do when the gigantic demon with hooves and deer skull face is the best boyfriend ever? Enjoy the ride, I guess.
This is a very interesting dark fantasy story in its own, with a fantastic protagonist. Ryurikov is an entitled prick but I fell in love with him anyway. He was doing his best, poor thing. He's a wonderful anti-hero and his demon BF is so good for him.
The book manages to weave together the dark fantasy adventure, beautiful romance and redemption arc, and nothing really feels out of place. There's plenty of creepy demons and gore, the protagonist maimed to pieces, torture and extreme social injustice. It's definitely rather gruesome at points but not overly dark or bleak.
While this is a first book of the duology, the ending works alright as a stand-alone too, though I definitely want to read the second part.
My thanks to the author for gifting this as a prize on MM Romance Group Anniversary.
May 30, 2024
I absolutely loved this book! I’m in a paranormal/fantasy phase and this was perfect. Initially the blurb caught my attention, but the story really sucked me in from the very beginning.
Ruri is quite the character, a bit accident prone in my opinion. I loved his attitude, though. His witty banter with the witch, who is a side character we see quite a bit of, is hilarious.
Awi is Demon. Though, he’s like a gentle giant but if you mess with Ruri he’ll jack you up, and that’s putting it lightly. Ruri and Awi were so cute together. It’s kind of a slow burn, but not sloooooowwww burn. The spice is good and not too over the top that it detracts from the story.
It was quite the adventurous book! If you love fantastic side characters, witches, demons, skin crawlers and other creatures you’ll enjoy this book. I can’t wait for the next book!
Ruri is quite the character, a bit accident prone in my opinion. I loved his attitude, though. His witty banter with the witch, who is a side character we see quite a bit of, is hilarious.
Awi is Demon. Though, he’s like a gentle giant but if you mess with Ruri he’ll jack you up, and that’s putting it lightly. Ruri and Awi were so cute together. It’s kind of a slow burn, but not sloooooowwww burn. The spice is good and not too over the top that it detracts from the story.
It was quite the adventurous book! If you love fantastic side characters, witches, demons, skin crawlers and other creatures you’ll enjoy this book. I can’t wait for the next book!
May 20, 2024
4.5 stars.
This book was my first by Penny Moss. It´s different in many ways. I liked it a lot
I've been a regular fantasy reader since I was a teenager, and lately I've added romance to my list of favorite genres. The book is full of imagination, not everything is explained from the beginning, the author is giving brush strokes and the reader completes the story .
I´ll to read the second one, because it is an example of high fantasy mixed with mm romance.
This book was my first by Penny Moss. It´s different in many ways. I liked it a lot
I've been a regular fantasy reader since I was a teenager, and lately I've added romance to my list of favorite genres. The book is full of imagination, not everything is explained from the beginning, the author is giving brush strokes and the reader completes the story .
I´ll to read the second one, because it is an example of high fantasy mixed with mm romance.
June 8, 2024
This was good! I’m surprised how much I liked it because of how little information the book purposefully gives you, it really kept you in the dark compared to what the characters themselves knew. Not usually my vibe but I think it worked here.
I do wish we got a little more explanation of why Awi originally chose Ruri before they knew each other, their relationship was great to see develop but girl did you just want to eat his dreams at first or did you already know so much about him? Maybe I just missed this I am not smart.
I do wish we got a little more explanation of why Awi originally chose Ruri before they knew each other, their relationship was great to see develop but girl did you just want to eat his dreams at first or did you already know so much about him? Maybe I just missed this I am not smart.
August 22, 2024
A furry and heavily toned leg curled around him, eased him forward, careful enough that should he put up any resistance, it would stop. Ryurikov’s heart did a thing, a thing he didn’t like. It lurched and stuttered at the same time. His hands connected with Awimak’s torso, fingers splayed against the muscular chest to catch himself. The scent of earth and stone greeted him, drifting into his very soul with a deep, nervous inhale.
Little did I know when I started reading this book how much I would love it. How I would be swept into a place full of demons good and bad, magic, witches, strange beings, monsters, enchanted forests, and a romance that would grip my soul and make me mewl at least every other chapter. Besides being so lush with lore, this story is also full of characters, both lovable and loathsome, a full cast with found-family, found-home vibes exploding off the page. Coil of Boughs has history and secrets and bonds old and new, and it's so WRETCHEDLY good, I want to be friends with everyone who loves this book as much as I do.
When I first started Coil of Boughs, I knew I would like it, but I wasn't sure how much I would as I was presented with an MC, Ruri, who launched himself at a witch's ambling tree house and left the soldiers chasing him to the demons below. Immediately I knew Ruri was a bit of a morally gray character, and that realization was only confirmed as the story unfolded and I journeyed with this character willing to threaten and murder and steal but who, equally, felt the weight of his past and tried to find a way to kill the demons tormenting the kingdom.
Ruri is a bit of a scoundrel with a heart of gold who's more liable to act before he thinks and is careless with his own well-being but achingly protective of those he finds he cares about. And I loved him. I loved his stupid rashness, his endless ability to take a beating without complaint, his churlish snappy attitude, his willingness to have fun and leave a little chaos in his wake, and his clingy protectiveness once he finally allows himself to believe he has and deserves something good. I loved him. I adored him. He is precious boy and no one will ever change my mind.
But, while Ruri is the main character, he's still just one character in a book full of a cast of equally well-written folk with histories and secrets and personalities all their own. One favorite is his sword-weilding, magic-pipe-playing, stained-glass-enchanted-tunic-wearing sister. Another is the grumpy, ancient, squat witch of the forest who kills Ruri twice and tries a third time, full of her own history and reasons and who gives as good as she gets. And, of course, there's Ruri's counterpart, the immensely large, horned, dream-eating, goofy, loyally protective, incredibly powerful, forest demon, Awimak. It's hard for me to even begin describing my love for Awimak other than to say I would die for him. He's precious and silly and giant and ridiculously strong, and he's everything Ruri didn't admit he needed and then some, and I would protect the sweet, darling, tender demon with my life.
Basically? This story has an insane amount of HEART, and every time I picked it up I was sucked in and didn't want to come back out of their world ever again. The writing is gorgeous, rich with strong vocabulary, quick and light and easy to get sucked into. I already can't wait for this tale's sequel while book one has found its way to my Favorites shelf. This is a book I already look forward to coming back to, and I rarely re-read any more, so me wanting to already is saying a lot.
If you like a plotty fantasy M/M romance with incredible world and character building, this is for you. If you're remotely interested, try it out. It's so delicious, it's so much fun, and, just like me, you likely won't want to leave the world once you join it.
July 26, 2024
New to me author.
Interesting fantasy with superb world building.
Intriguing, morally ambiguous MCs.
Dark and gruesome scenes.
Well edited and nicely put together.
Action.
Arcane.
Developing characters.
Part one of a duology.
Blog review to come.
Interesting fantasy with superb world building.
Intriguing, morally ambiguous MCs.
Dark and gruesome scenes.
Well edited and nicely put together.
Action.
Arcane.
Developing characters.
Part one of a duology.
Blog review to come.
October 2, 2025
The fact I still really enjoyed this book despite it being a lot more fantastical than I prefer says a lot about how good it is! Great world building, plenty of plot and harrowing scenes (but not at the expense of smut), and best of all in my opinion is the humor that is liberally sprinkled throughout. If fantasy is your thing and you like monster romance, this is a must read.
Oh and the cover art (also by Moss) is absolutely gorgeous!
"MY DRURY, HEAR ME WHEN I TELL YOU THAT I WILL UPROOT ANCIENT TREES AND MOVE ENTIRE FORESTS FOR YOU. AND WHEN YOU DIE, I WILL LIE DOWN AND BECOME PART OF THE EARTH ALONGSIDE YOU."
😭😭😭
Oh and the cover art (also by Moss) is absolutely gorgeous!
"MY DRURY, HEAR ME WHEN I TELL YOU THAT I WILL UPROOT ANCIENT TREES AND MOVE ENTIRE FORESTS FOR YOU. AND WHEN YOU DIE, I WILL LIE DOWN AND BECOME PART OF THE EARTH ALONGSIDE YOU."
😭😭😭
May 7, 2024
"Coil of Boughs" tells a captivating tale of Ryurikov, an archer caught up in a whirlwind of magic, demons, and a reluctant journey of self-discovery. Through a blend of skilled storytelling and rich folklore elements, the narrative unfurls with Ryurikov's unexpected resurrection and his precarious pact with a dream-hungry demon. As the story unfolds, themes of redemption, forbidden emotions, and the looming threat of crumbling kingdoms add depth to Ryurikov's character, making this a compelling read for fans of fantasy and dark folklore.
May 7, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. The world building was fun for me and the mc had me frustrated but you could see his growth( even if he was reluctant at 1st lol). I don't want to give spoilers so all I will sat is that this is a reread for me!
February 4, 2025
stunning work
Rating: 4.5🌈
Once again, it’s a stunning cover that had drawn my attention to a book and author I hadn’t known about. Coil of Boughs, is the first in a two book dark fantasy series The Underforest by Penny Moss. It’s a fantastic read, full of complex, well written characters and great world building.
The gorgeous cover gives the reader images of the characters and world inside but the imagery and fantasy elements that Moss creates are ones that make the story and themes of morality, redemption and love compelling and intriguing.
The description doesn’t really convey the breadth of this book. It’s an epic dark fantasy adventure which starts with a world where the worst has already happened. We work backwards, through memories, challenges , and conversations with others to explore the events that lead up to the current horrific situation.
It’s a fascinating approach, one where the reader isn’t always sure what to expect from Ryurikov, the complex, morally ambiguous main character whose redemption arc became the driving force for the narrative. Beside him is the magical, wonderful woods demon Awimak, who feeds on dreams. There’s a crafty, mysterious notorious witch who lives in a hut in a walking tree. And so much more. A endlessly burning land, terrifying creatures, and a world that needs saving.
Also this is a dark fantasy so yes, there’s horror and bloodshed and death everywhere. Be warned.
It ends not exactly on a cliffhanger but on the idea that another quest is about to start. I can’t wait for this final book to be released.
Highly recommended for all lovers of dark fantasy.
“Cover Art by: Penny Moss”
Rating: 4.5🌈
Once again, it’s a stunning cover that had drawn my attention to a book and author I hadn’t known about. Coil of Boughs, is the first in a two book dark fantasy series The Underforest by Penny Moss. It’s a fantastic read, full of complex, well written characters and great world building.
The gorgeous cover gives the reader images of the characters and world inside but the imagery and fantasy elements that Moss creates are ones that make the story and themes of morality, redemption and love compelling and intriguing.
The description doesn’t really convey the breadth of this book. It’s an epic dark fantasy adventure which starts with a world where the worst has already happened. We work backwards, through memories, challenges , and conversations with others to explore the events that lead up to the current horrific situation.
It’s a fascinating approach, one where the reader isn’t always sure what to expect from Ryurikov, the complex, morally ambiguous main character whose redemption arc became the driving force for the narrative. Beside him is the magical, wonderful woods demon Awimak, who feeds on dreams. There’s a crafty, mysterious notorious witch who lives in a hut in a walking tree. And so much more. A endlessly burning land, terrifying creatures, and a world that needs saving.
Also this is a dark fantasy so yes, there’s horror and bloodshed and death everywhere. Be warned.
It ends not exactly on a cliffhanger but on the idea that another quest is about to start. I can’t wait for this final book to be released.
Highly recommended for all lovers of dark fantasy.
“Cover Art by: Penny Moss”
January 2, 2026
i took a couple of days break before reading the final 10% of this and i can safely say i barely understood what happened in there.
as much as i enjoyed rainsquall, i don't think the magic was here, but it was also written beforehand so there's that. i might check the following book when it comes out, but i might not. lol.
i'm probably averse to nuanced vocabulary, as it turns out. i don't have anything against beauty for beauty's sake, so to speak, i actually very much enjoy lush writing when it is well done enough not to confuse readers and i really didn't go into this book with any negative preconceptions. i was actually excited, after enjoying rainsquall. but hey, maybe i'm just not fluent enough in english to read penny moss. or maybe i'm too adhd? i dunno. this was kind of a disappointing read.
as much as i enjoyed rainsquall, i don't think the magic was here, but it was also written beforehand so there's that. i might check the following book when it comes out, but i might not. lol.
i'm probably averse to nuanced vocabulary, as it turns out. i don't have anything against beauty for beauty's sake, so to speak, i actually very much enjoy lush writing when it is well done enough not to confuse readers and i really didn't go into this book with any negative preconceptions. i was actually excited, after enjoying rainsquall. but hey, maybe i'm just not fluent enough in english to read penny moss. or maybe i'm too adhd? i dunno. this was kind of a disappointing read.
March 23, 2026
this was so confusing to me.
i really liked the idea and the characters but something felt off? i don't know if that was its intention though.
things were being revealed and we hadn't even gotten a hint about what might come next? also am i the only one who thought jezibaba might actually be valka??
i really liked the idea and the characters but something felt off? i don't know if that was its intention though.
things were being revealed and we hadn't even gotten a hint about what might come next? also am i the only one who thought jezibaba might actually be valka??
February 24, 2025
This book is beautiful. I especially enjoyed the first half, when the MCs are travelling and meeting new people. The candle people and their village were unique and fascinating. The plot slowed a bit when the characters settled in a village, but I am eagerly awaiting the release of the second book.
Did Not Finish
December 6, 2024dnf 20%
Aburridísimo. Paso.
Aburridísimo. Paso.
September 25, 2024
Beautiful chaos!
If you're looking for a love story; I definitely suggest this book. It has a cinnamon roll demon and a VERY morally grey Archer who falls into a lot of hijinx! I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It is a little spicy, so just be aware of that! I'm looking forward to the second book coming out! Prost!
If you're looking for a love story; I definitely suggest this book. It has a cinnamon roll demon and a VERY morally grey Archer who falls into a lot of hijinx! I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It is a little spicy, so just be aware of that! I'm looking forward to the second book coming out! Prost!
August 2, 2025
This is a really interesting book to rate, because it pulled me in a bunch of different directions. On the one hand, it has good bones. The main character is a real bastard whose tragic backstory gives context to his extremely bad personality but doesn't excuse it, and whose growth (which for much of the book is quite literally forced upon him) is very satisfying. The fantasy world has a lot of interesting concepts in play, including some effective horror, and despite the weirdness of things like the Skin Crawlers and the Candescent there's next to no info-dumping. In fact, I could have stood to have more information about the setting. The romance is fun—Awimak is a lot different than I expected him to be, and I enjoyed him a lot. The tone is much darker and grittier than is popular in fantasy romance at the moment, which I found refreshing. It reminded me a lot of the Witcher in terms of the combination of high magic and a difficult, bloody, grimy world.
On the other hand, this is a self-published book that needed a lot more polishing than it got. I appreciated that its impulses were toward complexity and an intentional style (for fantasy in particular I'd rather purple prose than something that reads like juvenile contemporary), but I itched to edit it the whole time I was reading. The prose had many quirks, some of which were immediately obvious (thesaurus abuse, including words that were used straight-up incorrectly), and some of which took longer to put my finger on, like the way action was often written as independent from the actor. For example: "Hooves clomped across stone, bough-like horns ramming into and through the door. Wood splintered, soldiers cried out, and crossbows and cudgels dropped. Claws tore into flesh. Blood splatters plumed. Gurgling screams lost in echoes." This sort of thing can be effective when used precisely, but it permeated the text in a way that made it feel a bit disjointed and removed from the events depicted.
There were also a number of sentences that just weren't grammatically right, e.g. "Ryurikov’s climax resulted in whispered confessions of love to spill from his lips with startling ease." Here, "to spill" is missing an antecedent (don't @ me if that's the wrong term). It should be either "caused whispered confessions of love to spill" or "resulted in whispered confessions of love that spilled." Some of this coincided with the thesaurus abuse, like "upwreath" used as a noun (it's a verb). In fact, the use of words as a different part of speech than they are was pretty common, like "look of distraught." Honestly I think a number of these could be made to work if the prose was more elevated and poetic, but in the text as is they come across as errors, or as an attempt at a style the author didn't have the tools to achieve.
Another thing I think could be improved with editing is the structure and the arc of action in the book. Partly because Ryurikov is being dragged kicking and screaming into a heroic role, the plot feels a bit meandering and unfocused until maybe 60% of the way through. As a reader I didn't realize where things were going until the main character did, which I think was too late. More involvement of the Quinary throughout might have helped. That could have created not only more forward motion, but more tension and dramatic irony around Ryurikov's attempts to avoid his fate.
I think there's real promise here, especially because I'd like to see more fantasy romance that doesn't feel sanitized to within an inch of its life. This book is still quite rough around the edges, but I enjoyed it and I appreciate the things it wants to do as much as the things it does do.
On the other hand, this is a self-published book that needed a lot more polishing than it got. I appreciated that its impulses were toward complexity and an intentional style (for fantasy in particular I'd rather purple prose than something that reads like juvenile contemporary), but I itched to edit it the whole time I was reading. The prose had many quirks, some of which were immediately obvious (thesaurus abuse, including words that were used straight-up incorrectly), and some of which took longer to put my finger on, like the way action was often written as independent from the actor. For example: "Hooves clomped across stone, bough-like horns ramming into and through the door. Wood splintered, soldiers cried out, and crossbows and cudgels dropped. Claws tore into flesh. Blood splatters plumed. Gurgling screams lost in echoes." This sort of thing can be effective when used precisely, but it permeated the text in a way that made it feel a bit disjointed and removed from the events depicted.
There were also a number of sentences that just weren't grammatically right, e.g. "Ryurikov’s climax resulted in whispered confessions of love to spill from his lips with startling ease." Here, "to spill" is missing an antecedent (don't @ me if that's the wrong term). It should be either "caused whispered confessions of love to spill" or "resulted in whispered confessions of love that spilled." Some of this coincided with the thesaurus abuse, like "upwreath" used as a noun (it's a verb). In fact, the use of words as a different part of speech than they are was pretty common, like "look of distraught." Honestly I think a number of these could be made to work if the prose was more elevated and poetic, but in the text as is they come across as errors, or as an attempt at a style the author didn't have the tools to achieve.
Another thing I think could be improved with editing is the structure and the arc of action in the book. Partly because Ryurikov is being dragged kicking and screaming into a heroic role, the plot feels a bit meandering and unfocused until maybe 60% of the way through. As a reader I didn't realize where things were going until the main character did, which I think was too late. More involvement of the Quinary throughout might have helped. That could have created not only more forward motion, but more tension and dramatic irony around Ryurikov's attempts to avoid his fate.
I think there's real promise here, especially because I'd like to see more fantasy romance that doesn't feel sanitized to within an inch of its life. This book is still quite rough around the edges, but I enjoyed it and I appreciate the things it wants to do as much as the things it does do.
August 23, 2024
I need time to figure out better words, but for now I'll just say: exquisite, charming, smart, funny, ghoulish, imaginative, heartwarming. Good. Love. But...need Book 2 like water. Everyone should read.
September 2, 2024
excellent book
I always enjoy a book with a complex plot and good world building and this book had all of that.
I always enjoy a book with a complex plot and good world building and this book had all of that.
January 4, 2025
This was pretty solid. 4 out of 5 stars. I loved Ruri’s redemption arc and the way he allows himself to feel. And Awimak the demon? Loved him too.
The jezibaba and his sister Valka were both delightful and anger inducing.
My only real problem with the story though is is the epic world building wasn’t really that explained. There’s witches, there are demons, there are drakes and dragons… And then there are these weird walking lanterns called Candescent? It just felt really strange and not explained very well.
And the author often used near archaic words when they weren’t needed. Not at all. It’s ok to use common words, even repeatedly.
Anyway I’ll still reread it. The romance between Ruri and Awi was gorgeous.
The jezibaba and his sister Valka were both delightful and anger inducing.
My only real problem with the story though is is the epic world building wasn’t really that explained. There’s witches, there are demons, there are drakes and dragons… And then there are these weird walking lanterns called Candescent? It just felt really strange and not explained very well.
And the author often used near archaic words when they weren’t needed. Not at all. It’s ok to use common words, even repeatedly.
Anyway I’ll still reread it. The romance between Ruri and Awi was gorgeous.
October 8, 2024
Enjoyment: 2 stars
Story: 3.8 stars
This takes place in a fairytale-ish world where there are forest demons and spirits and witches. Whole towns of mythical beings as a matter of course. And adultery and murder and punishable by death.
I think I struggled with the tone of this book. Its cover promises a cool atmospheric fantasy, but the tone is irreverent dark comedy take on a demon romance and slightly Robin Hood-ish fairytale.
Ryurikov is a white bisexual cis man of unknown age, but he refers to a 20 year old young man as a “child.” His sister is around 32 (she left at 19 and that was 13 years ago), and he’s older than her by an unknown number of years. He makes it a habit to sleep with married women and powerful men who can forever change his face with magic. It sounds like the former was his frequent preference but he won’t say no to the latter. He’s killed by a witch and resurrected by forest spirits and owes them a debt, and they tell him to get his act together and steal from the rich to give to the poor. He also stumbles across a demon who follows him around. I did appreciate that Ryurikov is pretty badly scarred on his body and face and he’s still the protagonist and not a villain. I often only see scarring on “bad people” and it’s a problem. He tries to find his sister Valka who left when she was 19. He also apparently slept with her fiancé the prince and “fucked him fifteen different ways that night” so his sister didn’t have to marry him.
Awimak is a demon who prefers the forest but isn’t bound to it. His age and sexuality are unknown. I’m assuming since he’s a demon he’s happy with all gender for sex or eating dreams, but I’m guessing here. He’s very tall with a hugely muscular build, furry legs, draft horse hooves, big horns, a skull for a head, gray skin, the smell of smoke follows him around, and basically what you see on the cover. He talks kind of straight into Ryurikov’s mind with no quotation marks and ALL CAPITAL ITALIC LETTERS throughout the book. He’s helpful and a good bodyguard at times. He eats good dreams and replaces them with nightmares.
The vast majority of the book is Ryurikov wandering around with Amiwak following him, looking for Ryurikov’s sister and trying half heartedly to fulfill his debt to the spirits who saved him. The other main occurance is Ryurikov being injured, losing consciousness, being killed or almost killed, and subsequently being healed or dealing with the pain or both. I think that happens four times by 30%. Or captured and beaten (by his amorous ex-friend Vasili, who loves and hates Ryurikov and also captures him sometimes, and hates that Ryurikov never had sex with him). If you’re one of those people who loves your MC being beaten to a pulp all the time (a very popular fanfiction subset of people) this one is for you.
I don’t know why I didn’t like this book more. It’s frustrating. It’s a redemption tale about a bisexual thief when he’s saved by forest spirits who take issue with the philandering, thieving, sometimes killing he does. He gets a cool demon to follow him around and eat his dreams. All excellent stuff. And normally I’m all good with meandering paces especially in fairy tale type stuff.
I think maybe I was missing a sense of atmosphere? Like, the MC went to some cool places and he just “walked into the haunted woods to find the witch” sometimes. Probably it’s on me with the cover expecting a more atmospheric book. I wanted to FEEL the magic of the world. But it really is more of a modern twist on a ye olde fairy tale world for a bisexual wreck to be redeemed. Again this sounds awesome to me, so I’m frustrated I didn’t enjoy it more. Possibly because it felt like stuff just happened. MC gets beat up, goes to a town, steals a cloak, gets set up and kidnapped, gets away, etc.? It was interesting stuff but felt passive to me for some reason.
Most likely the issue is me. Which is irritating because I was prepared to LOVE the crap out of this book.
Oh well.
Tropes and content warnings:
—large size difference
—death of a whole village(s) by accidental demon summoning
—non con kissing and groping of MC by Vasili after MC is captured
—attempted rape of MC by Vasili after he is captured
—MC spares the life of his would-be rapist but kills a bunch of the townspeople who set him up to be kidnapped
—reference to past abuse by father (MC was physically abused by his dad)
—not taking no for an answer (MC over the years repeatedly told Vasili he wasn’t interested in him sexually, and Vasili ignored this)
—anal sex without lube (it truly is possible and enjoyable for plenty of people, but I know this bothers a lot of readers)
—accidentally demon-married without knowing it
—abrupt ending
—comedic undertones
Other:
—third person single POV
—cheating: not between MCs, but Ryurikov apparently has a thing for married women specifically
—breakup:
—other person romantic drama: no
—kids: no
—sexual roles: Ryurikov is versatile and prefers to top usually with his men and women lovers, but only wants to bottom for Amiwak
—HEA: hard to say since it ends so abruptly, but it’s implied they have an HEA I think. It is the first of a duology, so maybe a HFN?
Story: 3.8 stars
This takes place in a fairytale-ish world where there are forest demons and spirits and witches. Whole towns of mythical beings as a matter of course. And adultery and murder and punishable by death.
I think I struggled with the tone of this book. Its cover promises a cool atmospheric fantasy, but the tone is irreverent dark comedy take on a demon romance and slightly Robin Hood-ish fairytale.
Ryurikov is a white bisexual cis man of unknown age, but he refers to a 20 year old young man as a “child.” His sister is around 32 (she left at 19 and that was 13 years ago), and he’s older than her by an unknown number of years. He makes it a habit to sleep with married women and powerful men who can forever change his face with magic. It sounds like the former was his frequent preference but he won’t say no to the latter. He’s killed by a witch and resurrected by forest spirits and owes them a debt, and they tell him to get his act together and steal from the rich to give to the poor. He also stumbles across a demon who follows him around. I did appreciate that Ryurikov is pretty badly scarred on his body and face and he’s still the protagonist and not a villain. I often only see scarring on “bad people” and it’s a problem. He tries to find his sister Valka who left when she was 19. He also apparently slept with her fiancé the prince and “fucked him fifteen different ways that night” so his sister didn’t have to marry him.
Awimak is a demon who prefers the forest but isn’t bound to it. His age and sexuality are unknown. I’m assuming since he’s a demon he’s happy with all gender for sex or eating dreams, but I’m guessing here. He’s very tall with a hugely muscular build, furry legs, draft horse hooves, big horns, a skull for a head, gray skin, the smell of smoke follows him around, and basically what you see on the cover. He talks kind of straight into Ryurikov’s mind with no quotation marks and ALL CAPITAL ITALIC LETTERS throughout the book. He’s helpful and a good bodyguard at times. He eats good dreams and replaces them with nightmares.
The vast majority of the book is Ryurikov wandering around with Amiwak following him, looking for Ryurikov’s sister and trying half heartedly to fulfill his debt to the spirits who saved him. The other main occurance is Ryurikov being injured, losing consciousness, being killed or almost killed, and subsequently being healed or dealing with the pain or both. I think that happens four times by 30%. Or captured and beaten (by his amorous ex-friend Vasili, who loves and hates Ryurikov and also captures him sometimes, and hates that Ryurikov never had sex with him). If you’re one of those people who loves your MC being beaten to a pulp all the time (a very popular fanfiction subset of people) this one is for you.
I don’t know why I didn’t like this book more. It’s frustrating. It’s a redemption tale about a bisexual thief when he’s saved by forest spirits who take issue with the philandering, thieving, sometimes killing he does. He gets a cool demon to follow him around and eat his dreams. All excellent stuff. And normally I’m all good with meandering paces especially in fairy tale type stuff.
I think maybe I was missing a sense of atmosphere? Like, the MC went to some cool places and he just “walked into the haunted woods to find the witch” sometimes. Probably it’s on me with the cover expecting a more atmospheric book. I wanted to FEEL the magic of the world. But it really is more of a modern twist on a ye olde fairy tale world for a bisexual wreck to be redeemed. Again this sounds awesome to me, so I’m frustrated I didn’t enjoy it more. Possibly because it felt like stuff just happened. MC gets beat up, goes to a town, steals a cloak, gets set up and kidnapped, gets away, etc.? It was interesting stuff but felt passive to me for some reason.
Most likely the issue is me. Which is irritating because I was prepared to LOVE the crap out of this book.
Oh well.
Tropes and content warnings:
—large size difference
—death of a whole village(s) by accidental demon summoning
—non con kissing and groping of MC by Vasili after MC is captured
—attempted rape of MC by Vasili after he is captured
—MC spares the life of his would-be rapist but kills a bunch of the townspeople who set him up to be kidnapped
—reference to past abuse by father (MC was physically abused by his dad)
—not taking no for an answer (MC over the years repeatedly told Vasili he wasn’t interested in him sexually, and Vasili ignored this)
—anal sex without lube (it truly is possible and enjoyable for plenty of people, but I know this bothers a lot of readers)
—accidentally demon-married without knowing it
—abrupt ending
—comedic undertones
Other:
—third person single POV
—cheating: not between MCs, but Ryurikov apparently has a thing for married women specifically
—breakup:
—other person romantic drama: no
—kids: no
—sexual roles: Ryurikov is versatile and prefers to top usually with his men and women lovers, but only wants to bottom for Amiwak
—HEA: hard to say since it ends so abruptly, but it’s implied they have an HEA I think. It is the first of a duology, so maybe a HFN?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2024
This was a delight from start to finish. The characters and creatures are richly detailed and the world building is top notch. I really enjoyed the story and I look forward to seeing more from Penny Moss.
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