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Nightshade and Oak
Not yet published
Expected 3 Feb 26An Iron Age goddess must grapple with becoming human in this delightful historical fantasy of myth and magic from the author of the instant hit Greenteeth.
When Malt, the goddess of death, is accidentally turned human by a wayward spell, she finds she's ill-equipped to deal with the trials of a mortal life. After all, why would a goddess need to know how to gather food or light a fire?
Unable to fend for herself, she teams up with warrior Bellis on a perilous journey to the afterlife to try to restore her powers. Frustrated by her frail human body and beset with blisters, Malt might not make the best travelling companion.
But as animosity slowly turns to attraction, these two very different women must learn to work together if they are to have any hope of surviving their quest.
When Malt, the goddess of death, is accidentally turned human by a wayward spell, she finds she's ill-equipped to deal with the trials of a mortal life. After all, why would a goddess need to know how to gather food or light a fire?
Unable to fend for herself, she teams up with warrior Bellis on a perilous journey to the afterlife to try to restore her powers. Frustrated by her frail human body and beset with blisters, Malt might not make the best travelling companion.
But as animosity slowly turns to attraction, these two very different women must learn to work together if they are to have any hope of surviving their quest.
315 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 3, 2026
17 people are currently reading
3699 people want to read
About the author
Molly O'Neill
2 books326 followersMolly O’Neill is a fantasy author and engineering geologist. She was born and raised in the Cotswolds and moved to Australia in 2019. She now lives in Sydney, on the land of the Gadigal People.
Molly writes fantasy books inspired by the beautiful landscapes of her two countries, and by the folklore of the British Isles. She particularly loves the darker Arthurian legends and the Welsh myths of the Mabinogion and often uses them as a foundation for her stories.
Her first novel, Greenteeth, is out now. Her next book, Nightshade and Oak, is coming Feb 2026.
Molly writes fantasy books inspired by the beautiful landscapes of her two countries, and by the folklore of the British Isles. She particularly loves the darker Arthurian legends and the Welsh myths of the Mabinogion and often uses them as a foundation for her stories.
Her first novel, Greenteeth, is out now. Her next book, Nightshade and Oak, is coming Feb 2026.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
November 30, 2025
Hugeee thanks to NetGalley & the publishers for a chance to review this arc!!
4.25✨
I want to say this was a delightful read as much as it was heartbreaking. It pulled at my heartstrings and just made me ponder about how wonderfully complex it is to be a human being.
Malt, the goddess of death - is accidentally turned mortal by a spell gone wrong. She has to team up with Bellis, a warrior princess - in order to right the wrongs.
This was a perfect blend of historical fantasy mixed with mythology. I loved every second of it and binged in 2 sittings.
Malt & Bellis were both such strong FMCs. They had depth, complexity and were just amazing characters to follow. I immediately loved them and couldn’t get enough. Malt was so used to being the best at everything (being a goddess and all), that turning human was actually quite hard for her (obviously). There’s a few instances that made me laugh in the first half of the book because she is just so dramatic (within reasons but it was still funny). Both Malt & Bellis go through amazing character development through this book and it was wonderfully done.
The main plot never wavers and the subplots were really interesting as well. There’s a slow burn sapphic romance as a subplot and I absolutely devoured it.
The pacing was perfect for this story and I really loved the writing. This was a very unique concept. The ending was fitting for the story.
I will read everything this author writes.
4.25✨
I want to say this was a delightful read as much as it was heartbreaking. It pulled at my heartstrings and just made me ponder about how wonderfully complex it is to be a human being.
Malt, the goddess of death - is accidentally turned mortal by a spell gone wrong. She has to team up with Bellis, a warrior princess - in order to right the wrongs.
This was a perfect blend of historical fantasy mixed with mythology. I loved every second of it and binged in 2 sittings.
Malt & Bellis were both such strong FMCs. They had depth, complexity and were just amazing characters to follow. I immediately loved them and couldn’t get enough. Malt was so used to being the best at everything (being a goddess and all), that turning human was actually quite hard for her (obviously). There’s a few instances that made me laugh in the first half of the book because she is just so dramatic (within reasons but it was still funny). Both Malt & Bellis go through amazing character development through this book and it was wonderfully done.
The main plot never wavers and the subplots were really interesting as well. There’s a slow burn sapphic romance as a subplot and I absolutely devoured it.
The pacing was perfect for this story and I really loved the writing. This was a very unique concept. The ending was fitting for the story.
I will read everything this author writes.
July 14, 2025
Really looking forward to this next book since I adored Greenteeth! Will update my review once it is released.
December 8, 2025
A bittersweet fairytale wrapped in the brutal realities of war, Nightshade and Oak is a journey through conflict, gods, and grief, led by a stubborn fallen goddess and the warrior who broke her.
Mallt Y Nos is a goddess of the dead and dying, helping lost souls find their way to the afterlife. In a region ravaged by war, she has her work cut out for her, laying battlefields of thousands to rest. When her hurried pace leads to a careless mistake, she is cursed by a bungled spell and reduced to a frail human body. The caster of the wayward spell is Belis, a rebellious warrior attempting to heal her dying sister. With Mallt clueless about what mortality truly entails and Belis willing to do anything to rescue her sister’s soul from the limbo it now lies in, they strike a deal to travel together to the afterlife, to restore Mallt’s godhood and return the soul of Belis’s sister. But the horrors of war only add to the perils of their journey, and they must fight through monsters, both man and beast, to reclaim what they have lost.
This immediately started off strong with an incredible first chapter showing the aftermath of a battlefield through the eyes of a benevolent goddess. After the aforementioned magic misfire, the journey Mallt and Belis take feels fresh, hopeful, and almost fairytale-like, despite the bursts of action that pop up along the way. Things are a bit meandering, but all-around solid. I loved seeing the world through Mallt’s eyes, unaccustomed to the pains of survival in a body with limits and hungers, yet mesmerized by the fleeting beauty of love and joy that come with it. I especially adored the traveling and camping sequences, Mallt and Belis’s petty power struggles, and the descriptions of this beautiful but troubled land.
Around the 40% mark, the plot takes a darker turn, and so does the tone. No longer a whimsical journey to right their wrongs, things become grim and gory, and the story shifts its focus to the harsh realities of war and pain. I obviously can’t spoil what this section entails, but as a whole, it felt a little disconnected from how the story had previously presented itself. The beginning of the book almost had me thinking this was a cozy fantasy, while the second half is bleak and despondent in a way that feels detached from where we started. I think this section ultimately ties well into the themes and overarching story, but it did feel jarring and, at times, frustrating, as it is not where I necessarily wanted the narrative to go. The final quarter struggles to reconcile these two disparate halves and ends up flip-flopping between tones, but it does settle into a conclusion that I really appreciated, and I felt that it tied everything together nicely.
There were also some hiccups with the characters, though they were overall solid as well. Mallt is sort of this little fawn, stumbling through the mortal world without any real strength and with her eyes wide to the full gamut of human emotion. She has a bit of a hot temper too; she has this intense ego to her (and why shouldn’t she, when she’s used to humans deferring to her godly power), but it’s never done in a way that feels irritating to the reader. It strikes a perfect balance where you can objectively recognize how annoying she can be, but it’s all delivered with so much over-the-top drama that I found myself enjoying her attitude even when it was demeaning and quite rude.
Unfortunately, this also made Mallt a much stronger character than Belis, especially given that nearly the entire book is from Mallt’s point of view. While I found myself sympathizing with Mallt’s struggles adjusting to mortality, Belis came across as a more typical strong warrior archetype with no weaknesses or defining traits for me to gravitate towards. Even with the inclusion of her "Belis Before" chapters, I had a hard time connecting with her and found her to be a bit plain. In theory, I love the idea of a hot, tall, buff, and gruff warrior girlfriend, but in practice, I wanted more from her character, especially when Mallt was right beside her shining like a star.
One thing I don’t necessarily have strong feelings about but do want to note is that going into this, I didn’t realize there was a historical fiction/retelling aspect. Mallt-y-Nos is a figure from Welsh mythology, while Belis is the imagined daughter of the real queen Boudica of the British Iceni tribe. Boudica’s failed uprising against the Romans is a real historical event and is heavily featured in this book, and because we know very little about her daughters, not even their names, that is where O’Neill expands into fiction. I didn’t know much about this subject beforehand and only briefly researched it after recognizing Boudica’s name in a flashback chapter, so I can’t speak to the historical accuracy. I feel fairly neutral about its inclusion, but it is worth mentioning!
Overall, I really enjoyed this cozy-yet-dark fairytale, and it was a lovely introduction to O’Neill’s work. I fell for the first half so hard that I actually went to my local bookstore mid-read to pick up Greenteeth. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone who enjoys cozy fantasy, a good old-fashioned redemption journey, or is interested in fantasy set within this specific historical period.
Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Mallt Y Nos is a goddess of the dead and dying, helping lost souls find their way to the afterlife. In a region ravaged by war, she has her work cut out for her, laying battlefields of thousands to rest. When her hurried pace leads to a careless mistake, she is cursed by a bungled spell and reduced to a frail human body. The caster of the wayward spell is Belis, a rebellious warrior attempting to heal her dying sister. With Mallt clueless about what mortality truly entails and Belis willing to do anything to rescue her sister’s soul from the limbo it now lies in, they strike a deal to travel together to the afterlife, to restore Mallt’s godhood and return the soul of Belis’s sister. But the horrors of war only add to the perils of their journey, and they must fight through monsters, both man and beast, to reclaim what they have lost.
This immediately started off strong with an incredible first chapter showing the aftermath of a battlefield through the eyes of a benevolent goddess. After the aforementioned magic misfire, the journey Mallt and Belis take feels fresh, hopeful, and almost fairytale-like, despite the bursts of action that pop up along the way. Things are a bit meandering, but all-around solid. I loved seeing the world through Mallt’s eyes, unaccustomed to the pains of survival in a body with limits and hungers, yet mesmerized by the fleeting beauty of love and joy that come with it. I especially adored the traveling and camping sequences, Mallt and Belis’s petty power struggles, and the descriptions of this beautiful but troubled land.
Around the 40% mark, the plot takes a darker turn, and so does the tone. No longer a whimsical journey to right their wrongs, things become grim and gory, and the story shifts its focus to the harsh realities of war and pain. I obviously can’t spoil what this section entails, but as a whole, it felt a little disconnected from how the story had previously presented itself. The beginning of the book almost had me thinking this was a cozy fantasy, while the second half is bleak and despondent in a way that feels detached from where we started. I think this section ultimately ties well into the themes and overarching story, but it did feel jarring and, at times, frustrating, as it is not where I necessarily wanted the narrative to go. The final quarter struggles to reconcile these two disparate halves and ends up flip-flopping between tones, but it does settle into a conclusion that I really appreciated, and I felt that it tied everything together nicely.
There were also some hiccups with the characters, though they were overall solid as well. Mallt is sort of this little fawn, stumbling through the mortal world without any real strength and with her eyes wide to the full gamut of human emotion. She has a bit of a hot temper too; she has this intense ego to her (and why shouldn’t she, when she’s used to humans deferring to her godly power), but it’s never done in a way that feels irritating to the reader. It strikes a perfect balance where you can objectively recognize how annoying she can be, but it’s all delivered with so much over-the-top drama that I found myself enjoying her attitude even when it was demeaning and quite rude.
Unfortunately, this also made Mallt a much stronger character than Belis, especially given that nearly the entire book is from Mallt’s point of view. While I found myself sympathizing with Mallt’s struggles adjusting to mortality, Belis came across as a more typical strong warrior archetype with no weaknesses or defining traits for me to gravitate towards. Even with the inclusion of her "Belis Before" chapters, I had a hard time connecting with her and found her to be a bit plain. In theory, I love the idea of a hot, tall, buff, and gruff warrior girlfriend, but in practice, I wanted more from her character, especially when Mallt was right beside her shining like a star.
One thing I don’t necessarily have strong feelings about but do want to note is that going into this, I didn’t realize there was a historical fiction/retelling aspect. Mallt-y-Nos is a figure from Welsh mythology, while Belis is the imagined daughter of the real queen Boudica of the British Iceni tribe. Boudica’s failed uprising against the Romans is a real historical event and is heavily featured in this book, and because we know very little about her daughters, not even their names, that is where O’Neill expands into fiction. I didn’t know much about this subject beforehand and only briefly researched it after recognizing Boudica’s name in a flashback chapter, so I can’t speak to the historical accuracy. I feel fairly neutral about its inclusion, but it is worth mentioning!
Overall, I really enjoyed this cozy-yet-dark fairytale, and it was a lovely introduction to O’Neill’s work. I fell for the first half so hard that I actually went to my local bookstore mid-read to pick up Greenteeth. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone who enjoys cozy fantasy, a good old-fashioned redemption journey, or is interested in fantasy set within this specific historical period.
Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 18, 2025
Quite possibly the finest book ever written (I assume)
December 4, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for the e-arc!
I enjoyed this! This was a cozy, historical fantasy with folklore and adventure. I loved our main character, Mallt Y Nos, the Nighshade and Goddess of Death and her learning what it means to be human.
The pacing was a little inconsistent for me, but I was so invested in Mallt and Belis’s journey.
I will definitely keep reading what Molly O’Neill writes!
I enjoyed this! This was a cozy, historical fantasy with folklore and adventure. I loved our main character, Mallt Y Nos, the Nighshade and Goddess of Death and her learning what it means to be human.
The pacing was a little inconsistent for me, but I was so invested in Mallt and Belis’s journey.
I will definitely keep reading what Molly O’Neill writes!
November 21, 2025
Mallt Y Nos is the Nightshade Goddess of Death. She roams battlefields in search of lost souls that need help reaching the afterworld. Until the day a witch’s spell misfires and turns her into a human.
The culprit is Princess Beliscena, the daughter of Boudica, who was trying to save her younger sister's life. They agree to work together to reach the entrance to the afterworld—in search of a solution to both their problems. It's a perilous journey that forces them to face Roman soldiers, corrupted magic, and their own flaws.
🌳Adult Fiction
🗡️Mythology Fantasy
🌿Magic & Adventure
🌳Ex-Goddess x Warrior
🗡️Sapphic Romance Subplot
'Nightshade and Oak' is a magical adventure that reimagines the aftermath of Queen Boudica's death. It's set in a fantasy version of the late Iron Age with Romans, Britons, Gods, fae, dragons, and other beasts. This story depicts a brutal time period and highlights how war makes everyone suffer.
Mallt is a grouchy goddess who doesn't think much of humans but does think highly of herself. She's hilarious as she experiences life for the first time (with plenty of complaining and bickering involved). At its core, this book is about her evolution as she embraces humanity, love, and empathy.
Belis is harder to get to know. She unravels slowly as a grieving warrior who’s loyal to her family above all. I enjoyed the fact that she didn’t have an instant connection with Mallt, and that they truly disliked each other at first. Their dynamic was set-up perfectly to remind the reader that romance isn’t the point of their relationship.
The first half of this story is a steady quest that focuses on the characters. After that it pivoted in a different direction, which slowed the pacing and felt disjointed. The ending was a little unsatisfying and was missing something.
Overall, this was sort of like a literary version of 'Xena: Warrior Princess.' I also learned quite a bit about Boudica and the Britons through the flashback scenes.
Thank you to Netgalley and Orbit Books for providing an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
The culprit is Princess Beliscena, the daughter of Boudica, who was trying to save her younger sister's life. They agree to work together to reach the entrance to the afterworld—in search of a solution to both their problems. It's a perilous journey that forces them to face Roman soldiers, corrupted magic, and their own flaws.
🌳Adult Fiction
🗡️Mythology Fantasy
🌿Magic & Adventure
🌳Ex-Goddess x Warrior
🗡️Sapphic Romance Subplot
'Nightshade and Oak' is a magical adventure that reimagines the aftermath of Queen Boudica's death. It's set in a fantasy version of the late Iron Age with Romans, Britons, Gods, fae, dragons, and other beasts. This story depicts a brutal time period and highlights how war makes everyone suffer.
Mallt is a grouchy goddess who doesn't think much of humans but does think highly of herself. She's hilarious as she experiences life for the first time (with plenty of complaining and bickering involved). At its core, this book is about her evolution as she embraces humanity, love, and empathy.
Belis is harder to get to know. She unravels slowly as a grieving warrior who’s loyal to her family above all. I enjoyed the fact that she didn’t have an instant connection with Mallt, and that they truly disliked each other at first. Their dynamic was set-up perfectly to remind the reader that romance isn’t the point of their relationship.
The first half of this story is a steady quest that focuses on the characters. After that it pivoted in a different direction, which slowed the pacing and felt disjointed. The ending was a little unsatisfying and was missing something.
Overall, this was sort of like a literary version of 'Xena: Warrior Princess.' I also learned quite a bit about Boudica and the Britons through the flashback scenes.
Thank you to Netgalley and Orbit Books for providing an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 23, 2025
Molly did it once again! I found Greenteeth early this year before the release and it was my most surprising find of the year.
When Molly mentioned on her insta her new book I've been keeping an eye out here for the arc. Super happy I was allowed to read it again so early before the release!
And I've not been let down. Nightshade and Oak is, just like Greenteeth, a very fun standalone that is a lovely read.
We follow Mallt y Nos, Nightshade, she who guides souls to the next step and she gets wrapped up in something that turns her into a human! What the heck, why does my feet hurt and am I feeling like I can't breath- what do you mean I am only tired?? What is this torture humans go through each day.
I love this aspect of the book so much, I gobbled up all the (side-)quests she and Belis embarked on and didn't expect more high stakes later on in the book even. The ending was very sweet, it was actually perfect for the book and really appreciated it. Here and there the pacing was suddenly a bit off, but other than a 'huh' we vibed on, as it was not something that tossed me out of the story.
Everyone, get this book, it's perfect inbetween bigger series, or for those who want to start with some fantasy and a few drops of sapphic love.
When Molly mentioned on her insta her new book I've been keeping an eye out here for the arc. Super happy I was allowed to read it again so early before the release!
And I've not been let down. Nightshade and Oak is, just like Greenteeth, a very fun standalone that is a lovely read.
We follow Mallt y Nos, Nightshade, she who guides souls to the next step and she gets wrapped up in something that turns her into a human! What the heck, why does my feet hurt and am I feeling like I can't breath- what do you mean I am only tired?? What is this torture humans go through each day.
I love this aspect of the book so much, I gobbled up all the (side-)quests she and Belis embarked on and didn't expect more high stakes later on in the book even. The ending was very sweet, it was actually perfect for the book and really appreciated it. Here and there the pacing was suddenly a bit off, but other than a 'huh' we vibed on, as it was not something that tossed me out of the story.
Everyone, get this book, it's perfect inbetween bigger series, or for those who want to start with some fantasy and a few drops of sapphic love.
November 25, 2025
Grumpy death Goddess and a Princess with a very large sword? Sign me up!
This is a very charming adventure story about grief and doing the right thing even when you don't have to. If you are a fan of Greenteeth you will enjoy this. I feel that it was slightly more disjointed but the characters make up for it.
Mallt Y Nos, a goddess of death, somehow is loses her immortality and her powers and now must learn how to be human with the assistance of a warrior princess by her side. She is so grumpy and mean and funny while trying to get her human legs under control, it actually had me giggling at certain points. Lucky for her Princess Beliscena, the daughter of Boudica, is there to protect/teach her as they try to make it to the gates of Annwn to save her sister.
The one thing I really didn't like is a mention of SA, that just felt unnecessary? It was to show the brutality of the Romans but I think the reader is able to tell that without needing to heavily imply SA. It's also never mentioned again or discussed in the main story. I also wish her hounds were included more in the story, they sound like a large part of her lore that would have been really cool to explore.
This was a fun sapphic adventure story! It explores and teaches the reader about the Welsh / Celtic mythology that has a severe lack of options in the fantasy space. I want a whole book with just the witch Vatta, she stole the story in less than 20 pages.
Thank you NetGalley and Orbit for an advance copy of this title in exchange for a honest review.
This is a very charming adventure story about grief and doing the right thing even when you don't have to. If you are a fan of Greenteeth you will enjoy this. I feel that it was slightly more disjointed but the characters make up for it.
Mallt Y Nos, a goddess of death, somehow is loses her immortality and her powers and now must learn how to be human with the assistance of a warrior princess by her side. She is so grumpy and mean and funny while trying to get her human legs under control, it actually had me giggling at certain points. Lucky for her Princess Beliscena, the daughter of Boudica, is there to protect/teach her as they try to make it to the gates of Annwn to save her sister.
The one thing I really didn't like is a mention of SA, that just felt unnecessary? It was to show the brutality of the Romans but I think the reader is able to tell that without needing to heavily imply SA. It's also never mentioned again or discussed in the main story. I also wish her hounds were included more in the story, they sound like a large part of her lore that would have been really cool to explore.
This was a fun sapphic adventure story! It explores and teaches the reader about the Welsh / Celtic mythology that has a severe lack of options in the fantasy space. I want a whole book with just the witch Vatta, she stole the story in less than 20 pages.
Thank you NetGalley and Orbit for an advance copy of this title in exchange for a honest review.
Want to read
November 18, 2025I GOT THE ARCCCCC
November 28, 2025
Nightshade & Oak is a standalone historic fantasy, with a sapphic romance subplot. Now that I've finished it, I understand why it's categorised only as Sci-Fi/Fantasy and not as a romance, as it doesn't have a HEA for our two main characters, Mallt and Belis. It was definitely bittersweet, and I'll admit that it took me by surprise as I was expecting them to stay together. I enjoyed the plot and the characters, particularly Mallt who initially doesn't respond well (physically or emotionally) to losing her goddess form and being trapped within a mortal body. Her sort of superiority as a former-Goddess was funny without being irritating, which is a difficult balance!
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley but this is my voluntary and honest review.
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley but this is my voluntary and honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2025
Nightshade and Oak by Molly O'Neill is a strong, compelling read that masterfully blends Welsh folklore and Iron Age history. The premise of the Goddess of Death being turned human and embarking on a quest to the Afterworld is fantastic.
I loved the rich world-building and the expertly handled slow-burn romance between the goddess and the fierce Iceni warrior, Princess Belis. The genuine character moments are a highlight.
My only reason for four stars instead of five is that the pacing occasionally dipped in the middle section. Overall, it's an excellent historical fantasy that I highly recommend for its heart, magic, and engaging queer love story.
I loved the rich world-building and the expertly handled slow-burn romance between the goddess and the fierce Iceni warrior, Princess Belis. The genuine character moments are a highlight.
My only reason for four stars instead of five is that the pacing occasionally dipped in the middle section. Overall, it's an excellent historical fantasy that I highly recommend for its heart, magic, and engaging queer love story.
December 15, 2025
Rating: 3 stars
A goddess forced to become human. A warrior trying to save her sister. A journey to the Celtic underworld.
Nightshade & Oak is a historical fantasy, featuring Celtic/Welsh mythology, set during the Boudican revolt against Roman invasion (~60 AD). Kind of gives cozy adventure with stakes, or a mix between cozy fantasy and epic fantasy. Reminds me of The Hobbit in that way. I don’t think the blurb really captured the essence of the story, more so the setup. By 40% the blurb was pretty much exhausted; it needed just a hint of what was coming after.
I liked both Mallt and Belis, and generally all the side characters. Mallt and Belis’ journey to friendship was lovely and I think they really brought out the best in each other. I also loved their character growth by the end. As for the attraction/romance—I was left a little wanting there. I think the blurb advertised this book as a fantasy romance when it wasn’t.
The chapters about Belis felt a bit out of place, and I’m not sure they added that much to the story. Since they were present throughout the book I was honestly expecting a chapter explaining the events leading up to Belis and Mallt meeting in her perspective.
O’Neill’s writing style is very engaging and I think she did quite well with the action portions as well. The Belis plot twist was super interesting, though I would’ve loved if O’Neill did a little more with it honestly. The explanation of the main issue was questionable to me, but it did provide interesting adversaries. I was slightly confused on the timeline/pacing. At one point the main character mentioned her human body was months old, but I would’ve thought a month, maybe a month and a half MAX, had passed.
Overall, this was an enjoyable cozy fantasy adventure standalone. (Obviously) the story concept is amazing and I think Molly O’Neill did a good job with the story and the characters. Thank you to Orbit for this ARC!
tiktok | instagram
A goddess forced to become human. A warrior trying to save her sister. A journey to the Celtic underworld.
Nightshade & Oak is a historical fantasy, featuring Celtic/Welsh mythology, set during the Boudican revolt against Roman invasion (~60 AD). Kind of gives cozy adventure with stakes, or a mix between cozy fantasy and epic fantasy. Reminds me of The Hobbit in that way. I don’t think the blurb really captured the essence of the story, more so the setup. By 40% the blurb was pretty much exhausted; it needed just a hint of what was coming after.
I liked both Mallt and Belis, and generally all the side characters. Mallt and Belis’ journey to friendship was lovely and I think they really brought out the best in each other. I also loved their character growth by the end. As for the attraction/romance—I was left a little wanting there. I think the blurb advertised this book as a fantasy romance when it wasn’t.
The chapters about Belis felt a bit out of place, and I’m not sure they added that much to the story. Since they were present throughout the book I was honestly expecting a chapter explaining the events leading up to Belis and Mallt meeting in her perspective.
O’Neill’s writing style is very engaging and I think she did quite well with the action portions as well. The Belis plot twist was super interesting, though I would’ve loved if O’Neill did a little more with it honestly. The explanation of the main issue was questionable to me, but it did provide interesting adversaries. I was slightly confused on the timeline/pacing. At one point the main character mentioned her human body was months old, but I would’ve thought a month, maybe a month and a half MAX, had passed.
Overall, this was an enjoyable cozy fantasy adventure standalone. (Obviously) the story concept is amazing and I think Molly O’Neill did a good job with the story and the characters. Thank you to Orbit for this ARC!
tiktok | instagram
December 10, 2025
I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
First off, if you’ve never read a Molly O'Neill book, you’re in for a treat. Greenteeth was a lot of fun, so I had high hopes for this one too. I wasn’t disappointed.
Greenteeth’s biggest trope for me was the found family, which I love! It was cute and fun and I really enjoyed the journey. This one had a great journey too, but was more of a sapphic love story.
We follow Mallt as she runs about doing her duty, sending souls on to Annwn and minding her business until she sense some curious magic nearby. She stumbles upon an Iceni family, and before she knows what hit her, she’s laid out. When she comes to, something is decidedly different, and she has to learn how to navigate a mortal human body alongside the girl that put her in it, Belis. This plot is full of journeys and hiccups and monsters, but tells a beautiful story of how it is to feel. Mallt slowly comes to terms with her new body and the emotions that come with being human. I won’t say much else so as not to spoil the fun!
These characters are quite fun. Belis and Mallt have a tumultuous start, but their relationship development is probably my favorite part of this book. Even side characters resonate and are memorable.
The writing is great for this book, it flows but is written in a whimsical yet almost comedic tone. I found myself chuckling plenty of times along the journey.
I know little of Welsh lore, but from what I know, O’Neill didn’t change much. I always appreciate when fae and immortals aren’t complete dicks to humans, so this was refreshing with respect to that. The ending made me sad, but it was the most fitting ending for the book. 🥹 4.5⭐️
First off, if you’ve never read a Molly O'Neill book, you’re in for a treat. Greenteeth was a lot of fun, so I had high hopes for this one too. I wasn’t disappointed.
Greenteeth’s biggest trope for me was the found family, which I love! It was cute and fun and I really enjoyed the journey. This one had a great journey too, but was more of a sapphic love story.
We follow Mallt as she runs about doing her duty, sending souls on to Annwn and minding her business until she sense some curious magic nearby. She stumbles upon an Iceni family, and before she knows what hit her, she’s laid out. When she comes to, something is decidedly different, and she has to learn how to navigate a mortal human body alongside the girl that put her in it, Belis. This plot is full of journeys and hiccups and monsters, but tells a beautiful story of how it is to feel. Mallt slowly comes to terms with her new body and the emotions that come with being human. I won’t say much else so as not to spoil the fun!
These characters are quite fun. Belis and Mallt have a tumultuous start, but their relationship development is probably my favorite part of this book. Even side characters resonate and are memorable.
The writing is great for this book, it flows but is written in a whimsical yet almost comedic tone. I found myself chuckling plenty of times along the journey.
I know little of Welsh lore, but from what I know, O’Neill didn’t change much. I always appreciate when fae and immortals aren’t complete dicks to humans, so this was refreshing with respect to that. The ending made me sad, but it was the most fitting ending for the book. 🥹 4.5⭐️
December 28, 2025
Mallt Y Nos, the Nightshade, Goddess of Death, roams across lands and fresh battlefields collecting the souls of the dead and ushering them on to Annwn, the afterworld. While performing her duty she is swept up in a princess's magic spell to save her sister and Mallt is stripped of her powers so thoroughly she becomes human. The two unlikely companions must traverse dangerous roads to seek the aid of the Lord of the Afterworld in order to set things right, if they even can be.
The premise of the book was so intriguing and I loved the idea of the grumpy sunshine character as our goddess of death. It has the makings to be a wonderful cozy adventure. Ultimately I felt the book fell a little short for me. The prose especially in the first half of the book felt super bland. I wanted more subtleties to Belis and Mallt's interactions at the start where I felt there was a lot of telling exactly what happened. I felt the romance at the end of the book could've been built up better if there'd been more breadcrumbs or tension earlier in the book. While I understand the book is definitely meant to be a little on the fun and cozy side, I felt the plot was very linear and there wasn't enough stakes or struggle for our main characters. I loved the portrayal of the afterlife and felt this was where the book really found its stride. The final conflict and the falling action at the end were so wonderful in plot and in how well it was written. The language felt more lush and this part of the book was by far the most enjoyable. I just wish this was more how the rest of the book felt.
I came in with high expectations and ultimately was a little disappointed that the book felt underdeveloped. Because the ending was so wonderful though I would still softly recommend to those who love a cozy tale about discovering the depths inside yourself and things working out even if it might not be what you'd expected.
Thanks to Net Galley, Orbit Books, and the author for the opportunity to read and review the book. All opinions are my own.
The premise of the book was so intriguing and I loved the idea of the grumpy sunshine character as our goddess of death. It has the makings to be a wonderful cozy adventure. Ultimately I felt the book fell a little short for me. The prose especially in the first half of the book felt super bland. I wanted more subtleties to Belis and Mallt's interactions at the start where I felt there was a lot of telling exactly what happened. I felt the romance at the end of the book could've been built up better if there'd been more breadcrumbs or tension earlier in the book. While I understand the book is definitely meant to be a little on the fun and cozy side, I felt the plot was very linear and there wasn't enough stakes or struggle for our main characters. I loved the portrayal of the afterlife and felt this was where the book really found its stride. The final conflict and the falling action at the end were so wonderful in plot and in how well it was written. The language felt more lush and this part of the book was by far the most enjoyable. I just wish this was more how the rest of the book felt.
I came in with high expectations and ultimately was a little disappointed that the book felt underdeveloped. Because the ending was so wonderful though I would still softly recommend to those who love a cozy tale about discovering the depths inside yourself and things working out even if it might not be what you'd expected.
Thanks to Net Galley, Orbit Books, and the author for the opportunity to read and review the book. All opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and Orbit for the ARC!
3.75⭐ This was a short, cute historical fantasy standalone where the goddess of death is accidentally made mortal and then goes on a quest to get her immortality back, and help her new human companion save her sister.
I went into this knowing nothing really about the author or the book and I was pleasantly surprised! I was very much in the mood for something short and light and this was perfect for that. The journey that Mallt and Belis go on is fun to follow, mostly for their character growth throughout. You really see them grow and I absolutely loved that. The actual plot is just okay, nothing crazy but it worked well as a way to shape their characters.
There wasn't much world building to be had, but I wasn't expecting a super well flesh out world from a such a short book. It was just enough to fit the story, but I do wish we'd learned more about the gods and goddess of the world. We meet a few immortals, witches and fae but I wish their roles and what they could do had been better fleshed out.
I also enjoyed the relationship between Mallt and Belis. I felt like it was developed and grew really well, and I enjoyed them as characters. I do wish the ending had been a bit different, but it made sense with their character growth.
Overall I did enjoy this for what it was, a cute little standalone. I was pleasantly surprised by the writing style and that was definitely better than I was expecting. Overall I would definitely recommend this!
3.75⭐ This was a short, cute historical fantasy standalone where the goddess of death is accidentally made mortal and then goes on a quest to get her immortality back, and help her new human companion save her sister.
I went into this knowing nothing really about the author or the book and I was pleasantly surprised! I was very much in the mood for something short and light and this was perfect for that. The journey that Mallt and Belis go on is fun to follow, mostly for their character growth throughout. You really see them grow and I absolutely loved that. The actual plot is just okay, nothing crazy but it worked well as a way to shape their characters.
There wasn't much world building to be had, but I wasn't expecting a super well flesh out world from a such a short book. It was just enough to fit the story, but I do wish we'd learned more about the gods and goddess of the world. We meet a few immortals, witches and fae but I wish their roles and what they could do had been better fleshed out.
I also enjoyed the relationship between Mallt and Belis. I felt like it was developed and grew really well, and I enjoyed them as characters. I do wish the ending had been a bit different, but it made sense with their character growth.
Overall I did enjoy this for what it was, a cute little standalone. I was pleasantly surprised by the writing style and that was definitely better than I was expecting. Overall I would definitely recommend this!
November 24, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, Molly O'Neill, and Orbit Books for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
This is a difficult one for me to review. I loved the first 50% of the book, then the next 30% wasn't my favorite, and the last 20% wasn't bad. I know that is oddly specific, but this book was a roller coaster of thoughts. For the first 50%, I was prepared to give it a higher rating. The most significant aspect is the way the book is structured. I was expecting the story to go one way, which I would have loved. But the story went in a different direction. The biggest thing that took me out of the story was the conflict that was going on when they got to their destination. I wasn't a fan of those scenes. I did, however, enjoy those new characters.
Malt is an interesting character, being the goddess of death. She has her immortality taken from her, making her a mere mortal. She has to learn that her body is now fragile. Bellis has made some questionable choices throughout her life, which makes her more guarded. Her character is difficult to get to know. She slowly breaks down her walls while getting to know Malt. But it still never fully revealed who she is. Their slow-burning romance did hit. I personally loved their travelling time together. We get to know the characters while they get to know each other. I was not expecting that ending. I understand the decision, but it was disappointing. I would recommend this book.
This is a difficult one for me to review. I loved the first 50% of the book, then the next 30% wasn't my favorite, and the last 20% wasn't bad. I know that is oddly specific, but this book was a roller coaster of thoughts. For the first 50%, I was prepared to give it a higher rating. The most significant aspect is the way the book is structured. I was expecting the story to go one way, which I would have loved. But the story went in a different direction. The biggest thing that took me out of the story was the conflict that was going on when they got to their destination. I wasn't a fan of those scenes. I did, however, enjoy those new characters.
Malt is an interesting character, being the goddess of death. She has her immortality taken from her, making her a mere mortal. She has to learn that her body is now fragile. Bellis has made some questionable choices throughout her life, which makes her more guarded. Her character is difficult to get to know. She slowly breaks down her walls while getting to know Malt. But it still never fully revealed who she is. Their slow-burning romance did hit. I personally loved their travelling time together. We get to know the characters while they get to know each other. I was not expecting that ending. I understand the decision, but it was disappointing. I would recommend this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley and Little Brown Book/Orbit for the eARC
3,5/5
A mix of fun story and darker tones. We follow the Nighshade, goddess of Death who becomes trapped in a human body. She travels with one of Boudicca's daughters, Beliscena, to seek help but also get a soul back into a body. The thing is, Beliscena is the one responisble for Mallt Y Nos trouble, so of course their relationship is a little strained. That Mallt hasn't talked to a living for a very long time doesn't help either.
This story is not especially quick, but still flows nicely despite a few issues. The first 40% of the book are quite soft, despite the danger of the roads and the Roman army, but once our characters reach a certain realm, things take a darker turn.
It was a nice read. Grouchy goddess and grouchy princess does work quite well for this tale, and the setting was nice. It had a sense of old magic that I enjoy, despite not having that much magic use in the story (I mean there is, but there is also a lot of walking and complaining).
I have to say I didn't find the love story that convincing, mainly becaue we don't see a lot of what draw them together beside their quest. I didn't feel an alchemy and couldn't really believe in a long term relationship (which make sense, given the ending too).
3,5/5
A mix of fun story and darker tones. We follow the Nighshade, goddess of Death who becomes trapped in a human body. She travels with one of Boudicca's daughters, Beliscena, to seek help but also get a soul back into a body. The thing is, Beliscena is the one responisble for Mallt Y Nos trouble, so of course their relationship is a little strained. That Mallt hasn't talked to a living for a very long time doesn't help either.
This story is not especially quick, but still flows nicely despite a few issues. The first 40% of the book are quite soft, despite the danger of the roads and the Roman army, but once our characters reach a certain realm, things take a darker turn.
It was a nice read. Grouchy goddess and grouchy princess does work quite well for this tale, and the setting was nice. It had a sense of old magic that I enjoy, despite not having that much magic use in the story (I mean there is, but there is also a lot of walking and complaining).
I have to say I didn't find the love story that convincing, mainly becaue we don't see a lot of what draw them together beside their quest. I didn't feel an alchemy and couldn't really believe in a long term relationship (which make sense, given the ending too).
December 12, 2025
I need SO much more of Molly O’Neil’s writing. PS thank you NetGalley for the ARC read.
From the first chapter I was hooked and read about 50% in the first night. It’s an incredibly easy read with smooth world building. No crazy names to get stuck on, no characters you don’t understand. Just a goddess and her dogs <3
(Love that BTW)
SPOILER**
I didn’t see that this was LGBTQ+ but I really don’t care either way. The love story was so beautiful. The only thing I wished for was more build up to the first time. It just seemed like a one sentence moment. While I didn’t need all the details, it literally was one sentence and then it was over…
Also I would have loved to hear a little more about like were they lesbians their whole life? Or did this happen just for each other? There wasn’t much mental dialogue about that so it would have been cool to read about.
Honestly a chapter from Belis would have been SWEET!
I could read this over and over really. It could be turned into a HUGE book/series if you really wanted but knowing it was a pretty short (comparatively) book was actually what drew me in to begin with.
Please keep going Molly, you’re an amazing writer!
From the first chapter I was hooked and read about 50% in the first night. It’s an incredibly easy read with smooth world building. No crazy names to get stuck on, no characters you don’t understand. Just a goddess and her dogs <3
(Love that BTW)
SPOILER**
I didn’t see that this was LGBTQ+ but I really don’t care either way. The love story was so beautiful. The only thing I wished for was more build up to the first time. It just seemed like a one sentence moment. While I didn’t need all the details, it literally was one sentence and then it was over…
Also I would have loved to hear a little more about like were they lesbians their whole life? Or did this happen just for each other? There wasn’t much mental dialogue about that so it would have been cool to read about.
Honestly a chapter from Belis would have been SWEET!
I could read this over and over really. It could be turned into a HUGE book/series if you really wanted but knowing it was a pretty short (comparatively) book was actually what drew me in to begin with.
Please keep going Molly, you’re an amazing writer!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2025
Nightshade and Oak is a beautifully dark and immersive fantasy that draws you into a world brimming with mystery, magic, and emotional depth. Molly O’Neill’s writing is lyrical and atmospheric, perfectly capturing the tension between light and shadow, hope and danger.
The characters are richly drawn and compelling, each carrying their own secrets and desires that make their journey feel both personal and epic. The relationships are layered and emotionally resonant, giving weight to every decision and twist. O’Neill’s worldbuilding is vivid and enchanting, creating a setting that feels alive and full of hidden wonders.
The story balances suspense, emotion, and intrigue, pulling you through page after page with a sense of inevitability and awe. By the final chapters, the stakes feel immense, the characters unforgettable, and the story lingers long after the last page.
If you love atmospheric fantasy, morally complex characters, and a touch of dark enchantment, Nightshade and Oak is an absolute must-read.
The characters are richly drawn and compelling, each carrying their own secrets and desires that make their journey feel both personal and epic. The relationships are layered and emotionally resonant, giving weight to every decision and twist. O’Neill’s worldbuilding is vivid and enchanting, creating a setting that feels alive and full of hidden wonders.
The story balances suspense, emotion, and intrigue, pulling you through page after page with a sense of inevitability and awe. By the final chapters, the stakes feel immense, the characters unforgettable, and the story lingers long after the last page.
If you love atmospheric fantasy, morally complex characters, and a touch of dark enchantment, Nightshade and Oak is an absolute must-read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of Nightshade and Oak by Molly O'Neill. This story follows Mallt, the Goddess of Death, after a spell-gone-wrong causes her to lose her powers and be stuck in a human body. The spell was cast by Belis, Princess of the Iceni.
The book was filled with moments of humor, battle, and reflection, and did a nice job showing the progression of the main characters' personal growth. The mythology included helped me to feel like I learned something while also finding myself becoming invested in the characters. However, I found myself not feeling engaged with pieces of the author's writing style along with the Belis Before chapters. I was hoping they would lead to more of her perspective with the opening events and when it didn't, I found myself confused about their presence in the story. Additionally, the romance that was put forward in the description fell flat for me.
Overall it was an enjoyable book with a wonderful concept and interesting characters!
The book was filled with moments of humor, battle, and reflection, and did a nice job showing the progression of the main characters' personal growth. The mythology included helped me to feel like I learned something while also finding myself becoming invested in the characters. However, I found myself not feeling engaged with pieces of the author's writing style along with the Belis Before chapters. I was hoping they would lead to more of her perspective with the opening events and when it didn't, I found myself confused about their presence in the story. Additionally, the romance that was put forward in the description fell flat for me.
Overall it was an enjoyable book with a wonderful concept and interesting characters!
November 30, 2025
Molly O'Neill blasts another one out of the park with the fantasy/romance Nightshade and Oak.
When Mallt, the goddess of death, is accidentally turned human by a wayward spell, she finds she's ill-equipped to deal with the trials of a mortal life. After all, why would a goddess need to know how to gather food or light a fire?
YA with a hint of romance.
A goddess trying to regain her lost powers
A warrior princess trying to save the soul, and life, of her sister.
A shadow realm being overtaken by a plague.
A quest to save and restore what has been lost.
All the elements of a fun read and with O'Neill's Celtic signature folklore as a backdrop.
Holding at 4 stars because it was a little word-y in places, and because the romance didn't quite hold me enthralled.
As always, my enduring gratitude to NetGalley and Orbit Books for allowing me to read this in advance of publication date.
When Mallt, the goddess of death, is accidentally turned human by a wayward spell, she finds she's ill-equipped to deal with the trials of a mortal life. After all, why would a goddess need to know how to gather food or light a fire?
YA with a hint of romance.
A goddess trying to regain her lost powers
A warrior princess trying to save the soul, and life, of her sister.
A shadow realm being overtaken by a plague.
A quest to save and restore what has been lost.
All the elements of a fun read and with O'Neill's Celtic signature folklore as a backdrop.
Holding at 4 stars because it was a little word-y in places, and because the romance didn't quite hold me enthralled.
As always, my enduring gratitude to NetGalley and Orbit Books for allowing me to read this in advance of publication date.
December 2, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, Molly O'Reilly and Orbit books for the advanced reader copy of Nightshade and Oak.
I thoroughly had a great time with this read! The story concept of a goddess turning mortal and going through the challenges of being human was unique and not something Ive seen much of. It wasnt fast paced or super action packed but I liked that. The slower pace let me feel more of the story and connect with the characters.
I really enjoyed Malt and Belis and the growth that they have both individually and towards each other. All the feels.The slooooooooooow burn romance was SO romantic, I just wanted so much more!!
Overall, I am very happy with this read. was so excited to read this since I REALLY enjoyed Greenteeth and this was no different. I enjoy the soft spoken writing of this author and i cant wait for more. What a sweet, cozy, heart felt read.
I thoroughly had a great time with this read! The story concept of a goddess turning mortal and going through the challenges of being human was unique and not something Ive seen much of. It wasnt fast paced or super action packed but I liked that. The slower pace let me feel more of the story and connect with the characters.
I really enjoyed Malt and Belis and the growth that they have both individually and towards each other. All the feels.The slooooooooooow burn romance was SO romantic, I just wanted so much more!!
Overall, I am very happy with this read. was so excited to read this since I REALLY enjoyed Greenteeth and this was no different. I enjoy the soft spoken writing of this author and i cant wait for more. What a sweet, cozy, heart felt read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⋆⁺₊⋆ ☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆
Publication date: 3rd February 2026
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Review rate: 3.5/5 (rounded up)
⋆⁺₊⋆ ☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆
Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
From the very beginning, the vibe was there — mystic hounds, bloodied bodies, and the aftermath of war. This is where our goddess loses her divinity and is turned into a mortal, or more accurately, something like a newborn mortal. I found her immediately relatable, especially when she compares exhaustion from nonstop walking to dying (which I experience every time I decide to go hiking 😅).
I loved watching her experience everything for the first time, and seeing the world through her perspective brought me a lot of enjoyment. The relationship between the goddess and Belis was particularly engaging, especially when you compare how it began to how it ultimately ended.
I also appreciated when the story veered into darker territory, where the characters are confronted with harsh realities and a bittersweet tone lingers on every page. That said, I can’t fully overlook the dialogue — many conversations felt stiff, which slowed down my reading progress.
Publication date: 3rd February 2026
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Review rate: 3.5/5 (rounded up)
⋆⁺₊⋆ ☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆
Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
From the very beginning, the vibe was there — mystic hounds, bloodied bodies, and the aftermath of war. This is where our goddess loses her divinity and is turned into a mortal, or more accurately, something like a newborn mortal. I found her immediately relatable, especially when she compares exhaustion from nonstop walking to dying (which I experience every time I decide to go hiking 😅).
I loved watching her experience everything for the first time, and seeing the world through her perspective brought me a lot of enjoyment. The relationship between the goddess and Belis was particularly engaging, especially when you compare how it began to how it ultimately ended.
I also appreciated when the story veered into darker territory, where the characters are confronted with harsh realities and a bittersweet tone lingers on every page. That said, I can’t fully overlook the dialogue — many conversations felt stiff, which slowed down my reading progress.
December 5, 2025
Thank you to Orbit books for the ARC of Nightshade and Oak.
If you liked Greenteeth I think you will like this book.
I love how we start out with a goddess who loses her power of not her own free will or as a direct punishment. This is such a well written story and I love the way Molly Oniell captures you with perfectly imperfect characters.
The twist of adventure in the middle really got me and drew me in. If you like stories about witches, fae, gods fantasy with lots of adventure I think this book will be for you.
I think where I felt Greenteeth dragged on in parts where they were travelling this did a great job of continuing the story and not making it feel like too much of a slog.
I loved this a lot, I am trying so hard to leave spoilers out - but it was so beautiful
If you liked Greenteeth I think you will like this book.
I love how we start out with a goddess who loses her power of not her own free will or as a direct punishment. This is such a well written story and I love the way Molly Oniell captures you with perfectly imperfect characters.
The twist of adventure in the middle really got me and drew me in. If you like stories about witches, fae, gods fantasy with lots of adventure I think this book will be for you.
I think where I felt Greenteeth dragged on in parts where they were travelling this did a great job of continuing the story and not making it feel like too much of a slog.
I loved this a lot, I am trying so hard to leave spoilers out - but it was so beautiful
December 5, 2025
Excuse me while I cry.
Nightshade and Oak is a beautiful slow-burn sapphic romantic fantasy rooted in Welsh mythology. It follows Mallt-y-Nos (Mallt) the goddess of death, who is accidentally turned human in a spell gone wrong and teams up with Bellis, a warrior princess, who is on a mission to save her sister.
This was beautifully written, the romance was very much a subplot and didn’t overpower the story, yet managed to entirely captivate me, and I loved the elements of historical fantasy.
Tender and heartbreaking, yet punchy and humorous. Nightshade and Oak was a fabulous read, and I’m desperate to read Greenteeth after this! Thank you endlessly to the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advance copy.
Nightshade and Oak is a beautiful slow-burn sapphic romantic fantasy rooted in Welsh mythology. It follows Mallt-y-Nos (Mallt) the goddess of death, who is accidentally turned human in a spell gone wrong and teams up with Bellis, a warrior princess, who is on a mission to save her sister.
This was beautifully written, the romance was very much a subplot and didn’t overpower the story, yet managed to entirely captivate me, and I loved the elements of historical fantasy.
Tender and heartbreaking, yet punchy and humorous. Nightshade and Oak was a fabulous read, and I’m desperate to read Greenteeth after this! Thank you endlessly to the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advance copy.
December 19, 2025
Greenteeth by this author was one of my best books of this year. I read it twice in five months as it was so brilliant and it stood up on re-read. So I was really excited to read more from this author with her new book Nightshade and Oak. I read an eARC of this book on NetGalley so thank you to the author and the publisher.
We see more of the author’s style from Greenteeth here; a deep love of folklore, prickly and supernatural main characters that learn humanity, strong female bonds. This story focuses on Mallt, a goddess who shepherds the dead and one of Boudicca’s daughters. The two finds their fates entwined when a spell goes horribly wrong. They have to work together to each get something back that is precious to them, on a journey that will see them fleeing Roman soldiers, travelling to lands of the dead and learning more about themselves and each other on the way.
There’s a lot to like in this novel. The folkloric and historical elements provide so much richness to this tale. It’s a fascinating setting, particularly the parts that take place in a different realm. I was rooting for the main character and I really felt for her as she tried to grapple with her change in life and dealing with the restrictions being human brings.
We see more of the author’s style from Greenteeth here; a deep love of folklore, prickly and supernatural main characters that learn humanity, strong female bonds. This story focuses on Mallt, a goddess who shepherds the dead and one of Boudicca’s daughters. The two finds their fates entwined when a spell goes horribly wrong. They have to work together to each get something back that is precious to them, on a journey that will see them fleeing Roman soldiers, travelling to lands of the dead and learning more about themselves and each other on the way.
There’s a lot to like in this novel. The folkloric and historical elements provide so much richness to this tale. It’s a fascinating setting, particularly the parts that take place in a different realm. I was rooting for the main character and I really felt for her as she tried to grapple with her change in life and dealing with the restrictions being human brings.
December 15, 2025
It was a fine read, but I just think it wasn’t really for me. It was a bit too slow-paced and did not manage to pull me in. I felt a distance between the characters and me throughout my reading experience. It was well-written though, and the atmosphere was successfully created. But I did not connect with it enough. Also, I believe there was more potential with the romantic plot.
I would still recommend it of course, it’s definitely a novel that will find its audience; I’m not a part of it and that’s okay. I’m still glad I read it.
Thank you to Netgalley for an e-ARC in exchange for a honest review.
I would still recommend it of course, it’s definitely a novel that will find its audience; I’m not a part of it and that’s okay. I’m still glad I read it.
Thank you to Netgalley for an e-ARC in exchange for a honest review.
December 22, 2025
received this book in the Goodreads giveaway and this is my honest opinion.
This story is about Malt, The goddess of death and while she is doing her job she get turned into a human and she has to learn how to cope and deal with her new body while also traveling along with someone. They both have to get to Annwn, the afterworld because Malt and Belis both need to receive help and retrieve Belis sister’s soul back. I truly enjoyed this book but I’ve always enjoyed reads like these! So glad for this opportunity.
“for I am Mallt Y Nos, the Nightshade, Goddess of Death, and no soul on this island has ever escaped me.”
This story is about Malt, The goddess of death and while she is doing her job she get turned into a human and she has to learn how to cope and deal with her new body while also traveling along with someone. They both have to get to Annwn, the afterworld because Malt and Belis both need to receive help and retrieve Belis sister’s soul back. I truly enjoyed this book but I’ve always enjoyed reads like these! So glad for this opportunity.
“for I am Mallt Y Nos, the Nightshade, Goddess of Death, and no soul on this island has ever escaped me.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley and Orbit books for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of Nightshade and Oak by Molly O'Neill.
Imagine what it would be like for Mallt, the goddess of death, to lose her power and become human when a spell goes wrong. An unlikely teamwork comes together for Mallt and Belis, the witch who cast the spell, to find a way to restore both Mallt's power and Belis's sister's soul.
I was so excited to read this book after so enjoying Molly O'Neill's first book - Greenteeth. While this book is interesting and enjoyable, it didn't quite have the same magic or hold my attention in the same way. I give the book 3.25 stars.
Imagine what it would be like for Mallt, the goddess of death, to lose her power and become human when a spell goes wrong. An unlikely teamwork comes together for Mallt and Belis, the witch who cast the spell, to find a way to restore both Mallt's power and Belis's sister's soul.
I was so excited to read this book after so enjoying Molly O'Neill's first book - Greenteeth. While this book is interesting and enjoyable, it didn't quite have the same magic or hold my attention in the same way. I give the book 3.25 stars.
December 28, 2025
The idea of the book was great but the execution was a bit lack luster. I personally love books under 500 pages but I feel like this one definitely could’ve been longer. I would’ve enjoyed a dual point of view of both Belis and Mallt. I also think some of Belis’ back story wasn’t entirely explained and I think that would’ve helped too. I really liked this author’s other book, Greenteeth, but this one fell a bit flat for me. I think it need more details to really help develop the story and characters.
Thank you to Molly O’Neill, Orbit Books, and NetGalley for this eARC!
Thank you to Molly O’Neill, Orbit Books, and NetGalley for this eARC!
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