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The Oak and Holly Cycle #3
The Raven at the Ash Door
Not yet published
Expected 16 Jun 26Win a free print copy of this book!
8 days and 08:26:08
5 copies available
U.S. only
Can love survive an unbreakable curse?
Kierse McKenna’s magic is bound to a man she hates―one who has spent lifetimes fighting the man she loves.
To end this binding, Graves―her winter god, her monster―will stop at nothing. He discovers that the only hope of freeing Kierse is to locate a stone relic of legend, rumored to lift any curse.
The only problem? The stone has been missing for a century.
And the Oak King is on their trail.
Now Kierse is trapped at the heart of a centuries-long battle while the rest of the world comes unraveled. The Fae Killer is hunting. The peace with monsters is fracturing. And as the very rules of their myth start to shift, escaping the Oak King’s hold may demand more than stolen artifacts and clever heists.
For Kierse and Graves, it may mean risking the only thing they have left to lose.
Kierse McKenna’s magic is bound to a man she hates―one who has spent lifetimes fighting the man she loves.
To end this binding, Graves―her winter god, her monster―will stop at nothing. He discovers that the only hope of freeing Kierse is to locate a stone relic of legend, rumored to lift any curse.
The only problem? The stone has been missing for a century.
And the Oak King is on their trail.
Now Kierse is trapped at the heart of a centuries-long battle while the rest of the world comes unraveled. The Fae Killer is hunting. The peace with monsters is fracturing. And as the very rules of their myth start to shift, escaping the Oak King’s hold may demand more than stolen artifacts and clever heists.
For Kierse and Graves, it may mean risking the only thing they have left to lose.
400 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication June 16, 2026
About the author
K.A. Linde
90 books11.3k followersK.A. Linde is the New York Times, USA Today, #1 Sunday Times bestselling author of The Wren in the Holly Library. She is prolific in both romance and fantasy and loves the blend of the two.
She has a Masters degree in political science and bachelors in philosophy from the University of Georgia. In her previous life, she was a head campaign worker for a presidential campaign and the coach of the Duke University dance team. She loves reading fantasy novels, traveling to far-off destinations, and dancing in her spare time.
She currently lives in Lubbock, Texas, with her husband, and son.
She has a Masters degree in political science and bachelors in philosophy from the University of Georgia. In her previous life, she was a head campaign worker for a presidential campaign and the coach of the Duke University dance team. She loves reading fantasy novels, traveling to far-off destinations, and dancing in her spare time.
She currently lives in Lubbock, Texas, with her husband, and son.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
unreleased
December 10, 2025soooo, the ending of the second book was something...
I hope The Raven at the Ash Door will make me like everything that's going on a bit more xDD
I hope The Raven at the Ash Door will make me like everything that's going on a bit more xDD
June 4, 2026
I was really enjoying this book until I got to about 95% through it and realized that it wasn’t actually the last book in the series anymore. I went in thinking this was the final book in a trilogy, not realizing that the series has now been extended two more books apparently. That honestly feels like the wrong choice to me.
I thought that the character development and relationship growth had been done quite well over these three books and I was ready for the happily ever after. I think plot wise it would have been the stronger choice as well, because alot of the main points could have been easily and believably wrapped up in this book. It kind of feels like we’re dragging it out unnecessarily now. I think if the author wanted to keep writing in this world that would be fine as I can see the potential, but just dragging these characters along in it makes less sense to me.
In terms of my specific thoughts on this book, like I said I was actually enjoying it quite a lot. I liked Kierse’s growth and improvements with her magic and the different heists that they had were entertaining. Seeing Graves open up more to her and the rest of the group was nice, and I liked that he was willing to fight for their relationship even if it took some time for him to believe he deserved it. The vibes were good overall, even if I did feel like we could have use like two or three less sex scenes.
One of the things I didn’t like though was the continued back and forth with Lorcan. I get that the bond makes it hard to cut him off but I just was so ready for him to be gone. His constant interference and justification of his actions because they’re “soulmates” was super annoying and the way he gives zero fucks for what Kierse chooses and has told him she wants is honestly gross, so I didn’t like all the times it felt like the story was trying to push the possibility of them actually being together somehow. Or even worse the potential for some kind of throuple situation, that was hinted at waaay too much for my liking.
My other pet peeve is how Nate and the wolves and his death, which was literally the huge cliffhanger ending of the last book was basically completely glossed over and ignored for most of this book. Like it’s mentioned here and there but there is zero impact or resolution to any of that which honestly felt weird.
I’m honestly kind of annoyed by the ending, with Lorcan being back on his manipulative bullshit, and especially when the answer to Kierse’s problem seemed pretty obvious to me when reading, but I guess we’ll see what happens eventually.
I thought that the character development and relationship growth had been done quite well over these three books and I was ready for the happily ever after. I think plot wise it would have been the stronger choice as well, because alot of the main points could have been easily and believably wrapped up in this book. It kind of feels like we’re dragging it out unnecessarily now. I think if the author wanted to keep writing in this world that would be fine as I can see the potential, but just dragging these characters along in it makes less sense to me.
In terms of my specific thoughts on this book, like I said I was actually enjoying it quite a lot. I liked Kierse’s growth and improvements with her magic and the different heists that they had were entertaining. Seeing Graves open up more to her and the rest of the group was nice, and I liked that he was willing to fight for their relationship even if it took some time for him to believe he deserved it. The vibes were good overall, even if I did feel like we could have use like two or three less sex scenes.
One of the things I didn’t like though was the continued back and forth with Lorcan. I get that the bond makes it hard to cut him off but I just was so ready for him to be gone. His constant interference and justification of his actions because they’re “soulmates” was super annoying and the way he gives zero fucks for what Kierse chooses and has told him she wants is honestly gross, so I didn’t like all the times it felt like the story was trying to push the possibility of them actually being together somehow. Or even worse the potential for some kind of throuple situation, that was hinted at waaay too much for my liking.
My other pet peeve is how Nate and the wolves and his death, which was literally the huge cliffhanger ending of the last book was basically completely glossed over and ignored for most of this book. Like it’s mentioned here and there but there is zero impact or resolution to any of that which honestly felt weird.
I’m honestly kind of annoyed by the ending, with Lorcan being back on his manipulative bullshit, and especially when the answer to Kierse’s problem seemed pretty obvious to me when reading, but I guess we’ll see what happens eventually.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I struggled with this one. I have followed and loved this series since it was published. The story probably should have ended with this book. Kierse and Graves had a good run and I was ready for a HEA. You know that thing that everyone was saying "don't do it, don't do it...". Well spoiler alert...
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She did it. Ish. I won't spoiler the details for you but you can probably guess at least some part of what happened. To me, it felt unnecessary. I hope this series doesn't pull a Blood and Ash and keep going until the life is sucked out of it, because it has so many redeeming qualities.
Raven at the Ash Door had a number of fun elements-Reyna and Beckham show up and the prequel gets tied in much more seamlessly. We learn more about Kierse's fae heritage and the identity of the fae killer. But I dont think ill continue on with this series. I loved book 1 and thoroughly enjoyed book 2. A lot of the plot points get repeated for the 3rd/4th+ time (there is a heist, something goes wrong at the last minute, there is another heist, Lorcan shows up unexpectedly, etc etc). I didn't love the way this one played out with the love/soul mate triangle. I was hoping to see Kierse defy destiny, break her bond and be done with the Lorcan nonsense. We know that is where this is going eventually, but looks like we are going to take the scenic route.
I am tremendously grateful to the author and Entangled for the advanced ARC copy. I appreciate the opportunity to review this in exchange for honest feedback.
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She did it. Ish. I won't spoiler the details for you but you can probably guess at least some part of what happened. To me, it felt unnecessary. I hope this series doesn't pull a Blood and Ash and keep going until the life is sucked out of it, because it has so many redeeming qualities.
Raven at the Ash Door had a number of fun elements-Reyna and Beckham show up and the prequel gets tied in much more seamlessly. We learn more about Kierse's fae heritage and the identity of the fae killer. But I dont think ill continue on with this series. I loved book 1 and thoroughly enjoyed book 2. A lot of the plot points get repeated for the 3rd/4th+ time (there is a heist, something goes wrong at the last minute, there is another heist, Lorcan shows up unexpectedly, etc etc). I didn't love the way this one played out with the love/soul mate triangle. I was hoping to see Kierse defy destiny, break her bond and be done with the Lorcan nonsense. We know that is where this is going eventually, but looks like we are going to take the scenic route.
I am tremendously grateful to the author and Entangled for the advanced ARC copy. I appreciate the opportunity to review this in exchange for honest feedback.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank You Entangled for the ARC link through NetGalley for this book. These are my honest opinions.
First, I love Graves and Kierse and I really want them to defeat the odds. (Go away Lorcan!) Book 2 had such a cliffhanger...I could not wait for this book. The romance in this was not my favorite. If you've read the other two books you know there is a love triangle going on and it was a struggle in this story. Second, The ending left me hanging again! Ahhh.... No more to avoid all spoilers, but The Oak and Holly series went from a 3 book series to a 5 book series and this is clearly the mid-point.
We see a lot more of Wren (Kierse) embracing her Wisp powers in this story. She had me gasping! There is revenge, betrayal, heists, romance, political intrigue, and more. The world is still growing and expanding, which made the story feel fresh and exciting. Yet, it still felt like a middle ground book that was tying the first two stories to the next two stories. I cannot wait to read the next book.
Graves character growth and his struggles in this book had me in the feels. We find out even more about his past and his mentor in this book. It's a real glimpse into how he became who he is and who he wants to be. There's a big emphasis on the conflict between Lorcan and Graves similar to book 2 and I wanted to shake them both! But also...he begs!
Tropes:
He yearns
Love Triangle
Possessiveness
High Stakes Heist
Fated mates vs. mates by choice
First, I love Graves and Kierse and I really want them to defeat the odds. (Go away Lorcan!) Book 2 had such a cliffhanger...I could not wait for this book. The romance in this was not my favorite. If you've read the other two books you know there is a love triangle going on and it was a struggle in this story. Second, The ending left me hanging again! Ahhh.... No more to avoid all spoilers, but The Oak and Holly series went from a 3 book series to a 5 book series and this is clearly the mid-point.
We see a lot more of Wren (Kierse) embracing her Wisp powers in this story. She had me gasping! There is revenge, betrayal, heists, romance, political intrigue, and more. The world is still growing and expanding, which made the story feel fresh and exciting. Yet, it still felt like a middle ground book that was tying the first two stories to the next two stories. I cannot wait to read the next book.
Graves character growth and his struggles in this book had me in the feels. We find out even more about his past and his mentor in this book. It's a real glimpse into how he became who he is and who he wants to be. There's a big emphasis on the conflict between Lorcan and Graves similar to book 2 and I wanted to shake them both! But also...he begs!
Tropes:
He yearns
Love Triangle
Possessiveness
High Stakes Heist
Fated mates vs. mates by choice
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Another masterpiece.
This is one of my favorite series, ever, and I was so excited to be back in this world with Kierse and Graves. This one checked off all the boxes for me, hit my expectations and beyond.
There is so much happening in this story, it is a wild ride. Friends, and heists, and spice! Oh my! I went through a range of emotions with this one, anywhere from excitement to shocked to devastated. As I read I had thoughts about what could happen, somethings happened but not quite in the same way. If you've also read her Blood Type series, you may see some familiar faces (if you haven't read that series yet, I definitely recommend it!)
There is so much more lore in this one and I really enjoyed that. I felt it really built on to everything that was going on, where it gave a little bit more of an in depth understand of where these characters are coming from and how it applies to the story that we're reading and loving.
However that ending?! Excuse me?!
I can't wait to see where the story goes in the next two books.
Thank you K.A. Linde and Entangled Publishing for the ARC.
This is one of my favorite series, ever, and I was so excited to be back in this world with Kierse and Graves. This one checked off all the boxes for me, hit my expectations and beyond.
There is so much happening in this story, it is a wild ride. Friends, and heists, and spice! Oh my! I went through a range of emotions with this one, anywhere from excitement to shocked to devastated. As I read I had thoughts about what could happen, somethings happened but not quite in the same way. If you've also read her Blood Type series, you may see some familiar faces (if you haven't read that series yet, I definitely recommend it!)
There is so much more lore in this one and I really enjoyed that. I felt it really built on to everything that was going on, where it gave a little bit more of an in depth understand of where these characters are coming from and how it applies to the story that we're reading and loving.
However that ending?! Excuse me?!
I can't wait to see where the story goes in the next two books.
Thank you K.A. Linde and Entangled Publishing for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
So for me this one was fine but way too long and very repetitive. There is a heist and something goes wrong and then another heist and something goes wrong. And Wren needs to stop saying she can take care of herself when Graves and Lorcan are constantly saving her. As far as repetitive, we were constantly being reminded of things that happened two chapters ago. I get reminding us about things that happened in book one or book two, but I feel like we should remember something that just happened. Having said all of that, I enjoy Graves and Wren and Lorcan's crazy love triangle. I enjoyed the Irish myths and names. So as along as the next book is not almost 600 pages like this one I will probably continue it because this one ended on quite the cliffhanger.
-"I fear for you if watching me read turns you on."
-"I fear for you if watching me read turns you on."
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Red Tower/Entangled Publishing and K.A Linde for the ARC!
I was hooked from the very beginning and knew that it wouldn’t stop. Kierse was such a a badass in this one and I really loved seeing her try her best to overcome what was being handed to her. Graves broke my heart, him constantly bringing himself down and expecting the worst hurt. The found family aspect of this story was so well done. You couldn’t help but love everyone. Lorcan can still go eff himself. I have no kind words for him.
The ending?!? I knew it was going to hurt but I wasn’t prepared. I can’t wait for book 4. This story is just an epic good time. If you love heists, twists and turns, found family, all morally gray characters, and spice then I definitely recommend this one!
I was hooked from the very beginning and knew that it wouldn’t stop. Kierse was such a a badass in this one and I really loved seeing her try her best to overcome what was being handed to her. Graves broke my heart, him constantly bringing himself down and expecting the worst hurt. The found family aspect of this story was so well done. You couldn’t help but love everyone. Lorcan can still go eff himself. I have no kind words for him.
The ending?!? I knew it was going to hurt but I wasn’t prepared. I can’t wait for book 4. This story is just an epic good time. If you love heists, twists and turns, found family, all morally gray characters, and spice then I definitely recommend this one!
June 1, 2026
Thank goodness there are 2 more books in this series! I love Kierse and Graves! This is romantasy at its very best! Great twists and turns and that ending broke me!!! I definitely cannot wait for book 4! I received an advanced readers copy and all opinions are my own.
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May 29, 2026Review to come June 8th
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews