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Night and Nothing #2
Briar Queen: A Night and Nothing Novel
The dark, moody, and mystical fantasy begun in Thorn Jack, the first novel in the Night and Nothing series, continues in this bewitching follow up—an intriguing blend of Twilight, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Alice in Wonderland, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream—in which Finn Sullivan discovers that her town, Fair Hollow, borders a dangerous otherworld . . .
Serafina Sullivan and her father left San Francisco to escape the painful memory of her older sister Lily Rose’s suicide. But soon after she arrived in bohemian Fair Hollow, New York, Finn discovered a terrifying secret connected to Lily Rose. The placid surface of this picture-perfect town concealed an eerie supernatural world—and at its center, the wealthy, beautiful, and terrifying Fata family.
Though the striking and mysterious Jack Fata tried to push Finn away to protect her, their attraction was too powerful to resist. To save him, Finn—a girl named for the angels and a brave Irish prince—banished a cabal of malevolent enemies to shadows, freeing him from their diabolical grip.
Now, the rhythm of life in Fair Hollow is beginning to feel a little closer to ordinary. But Finn knows better than to be lulled by this comfortable sense of normalcy. It’s just the calm before the storm. For soon, a chance encounter outside the magical Brambleberry Books will lead her down a rabbit hole, into a fairy world of secrets and legacies . . . straight towards the shocking truth about her sister’s death.
Lush and gorgeously written, featuring star-crossed lovers and the collision of the magical and the mundane, Briar Queen will appeal to the fans of Cassandra Clare’s bestselling Mortal Instruments series and Melissa Marr’s Wicked Lovely.
Serafina Sullivan and her father left San Francisco to escape the painful memory of her older sister Lily Rose’s suicide. But soon after she arrived in bohemian Fair Hollow, New York, Finn discovered a terrifying secret connected to Lily Rose. The placid surface of this picture-perfect town concealed an eerie supernatural world—and at its center, the wealthy, beautiful, and terrifying Fata family.
Though the striking and mysterious Jack Fata tried to push Finn away to protect her, their attraction was too powerful to resist. To save him, Finn—a girl named for the angels and a brave Irish prince—banished a cabal of malevolent enemies to shadows, freeing him from their diabolical grip.
Now, the rhythm of life in Fair Hollow is beginning to feel a little closer to ordinary. But Finn knows better than to be lulled by this comfortable sense of normalcy. It’s just the calm before the storm. For soon, a chance encounter outside the magical Brambleberry Books will lead her down a rabbit hole, into a fairy world of secrets and legacies . . . straight towards the shocking truth about her sister’s death.
Lush and gorgeously written, featuring star-crossed lovers and the collision of the magical and the mundane, Briar Queen will appeal to the fans of Cassandra Clare’s bestselling Mortal Instruments series and Melissa Marr’s Wicked Lovely.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 2, 2015
54 people are currently reading
1452 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Harbour
13 books248 followersThe author of The Dark Fable, Thorn Jack, Briar Queen, and Nettle King. (The Children of Night and Nothing series) Pretty good Painter and terrible gardener. Loves Faery, the Gothic, Victorian writers, the female surrealists, botany, and myth & folklore. My aunt once dated a Beatle, my father loved to read Mark Twain, and, if I was brave enough, I'd explore all those haunted woods and houses.
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June 12, 2023a very dark and trippy fairytale in a wonderland-esque setting. I mean everything here it's bat-shit crazy but it's so good!
August 22, 2015
I started reading this right after I finished Thorn Jack. Okay, so some things improved, like I didn't see as many of the same adjectives and verbs used over and over as they were in the first book, and there was less ivy in this one. ;)
I did find it a little hard to follow at times, and felt that some of the explanations for things were a little too rushed or convenient.
Also, I'm still not clear on some things, like and there are so many different characters to keep track of, let alone how many are friends or foes or neutral or backstabbers or what.
And why didn't
Two more things I didn't understand:
I just have so many questions right now.
However, I still liked this book. I love that the characters (even though it seems someone new is introduced every fifty pages or so)are so interesting and everyone has a deep backstory, even if you don't hear about it. I like that we finally got to meet Lily, I love Christie and Sylvie all over again, and I still like Finn's and Jack's relationship. I love all the action that was in this one, and as usual, Harbour's poetic descriptions and settings are like something out of a lovely, though creepy, dream. I appreciate her gothic, antique aesthetic, even though it's almost a bit overused at times, though not quite. The story drew me in enough that it even influenced my dreams, which always happens to me when I'm reading a book I particularly enjoy. This book has its flaws, to be certain, but I still enjoyed my time in the Ghostlands. The things keeping me from giving this book more stars are things that can be easily remedied with time and practice on the author's part, and I think she's very talented overall. Katherine Harbour, I'll read anything you write. Thank you for the ride.
I did find it a little hard to follow at times, and felt that some of the explanations for things were a little too rushed or convenient.
Also, I'm still not clear on some things, like and there are so many different characters to keep track of, let alone how many are friends or foes or neutral or backstabbers or what.
And why didn't
Two more things I didn't understand:
I just have so many questions right now.
However, I still liked this book. I love that the characters (even though it seems someone new is introduced every fifty pages or so)are so interesting and everyone has a deep backstory, even if you don't hear about it. I like that we finally got to meet Lily, I love Christie and Sylvie all over again, and I still like Finn's and Jack's relationship. I love all the action that was in this one, and as usual, Harbour's poetic descriptions and settings are like something out of a lovely, though creepy, dream. I appreciate her gothic, antique aesthetic, even though it's almost a bit overused at times, though not quite. The story drew me in enough that it even influenced my dreams, which always happens to me when I'm reading a book I particularly enjoy. This book has its flaws, to be certain, but I still enjoyed my time in the Ghostlands. The things keeping me from giving this book more stars are things that can be easily remedied with time and practice on the author's part, and I think she's very talented overall. Katherine Harbour, I'll read anything you write. Thank you for the ride.
May 12, 2015
Briar Queen is the second in Night and Nothing series. I read Thorn Jack with high expectations. The concept behind it, and the gothic feel of the story had me pulled in before I even got to read it. Then, the story floundered. Still, I wanted to give the second in this series a go.
We pick up with Jack who’s finally real. He goes out and doesn’t see a ghost who tries to call his name or the body with the open chest. This beginning, again, had me getting excited. And then, the story came.
With the plot being the main survivor of the story, I was disappointed again. I think, maybe, this needs to be moved to YA. I don’t know that the audience it’s pushed out for will enjoy it as much as YA readers will. It’s a little dark, and deals with things at the edge of typical aged readers, but the writing isn’t up to par for regular adult fiction.
Nonetheless, I waded through the cacophony of terrible decisions by these characters that were not only predictable but blatantly obvious they shouldn’t choose that action. The lack of development of the main characters was the huge draw for me. The best is the world building and descriptions. They’re amazing. The plot in itself is pretty good. I will recommend this book, but to my younger readers who like these kinds of books.
Thank you to Edelweiss for the arc!
We pick up with Jack who’s finally real. He goes out and doesn’t see a ghost who tries to call his name or the body with the open chest. This beginning, again, had me getting excited. And then, the story came.
With the plot being the main survivor of the story, I was disappointed again. I think, maybe, this needs to be moved to YA. I don’t know that the audience it’s pushed out for will enjoy it as much as YA readers will. It’s a little dark, and deals with things at the edge of typical aged readers, but the writing isn’t up to par for regular adult fiction.
Nonetheless, I waded through the cacophony of terrible decisions by these characters that were not only predictable but blatantly obvious they shouldn’t choose that action. The lack of development of the main characters was the huge draw for me. The best is the world building and descriptions. They’re amazing. The plot in itself is pretty good. I will recommend this book, but to my younger readers who like these kinds of books.
Thank you to Edelweiss for the arc!
April 13, 2015
A sequel to Thorn Jack...and more of the same. While some of the imagery is quite striking, I found myself increasingly annoyed with the characters, and reminded of one of those horror movies that GEICO spoofs in a recent commercial. The characters consistently do the things that you just KNOW will have a bad outcome. So, beautiful evil characters, gothic fantasy settings, tragic heroes... As I mentioned last year in my review of Thorn Jack, I'm obviously not the target audience for these novels. I think the YAs who read Stephanie Meyer would just love this series! Many thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the opportunity to read the digital ARC.
December 19, 2019
3.5 stars
It took me a good bit of time to finish this.
Beautiful descriptions, but the organization of the story and actual storytelling leaves a lot to be desired. I believe in a few years and after a few books K.H. will be a phenomenal author, but this book was as scattered as the first. That being said, I really want to try any of her new books with the hopes that she grows with her writing.
It took me a good bit of time to finish this.
Beautiful descriptions, but the organization of the story and actual storytelling leaves a lot to be desired. I believe in a few years and after a few books K.H. will be a phenomenal author, but this book was as scattered as the first. That being said, I really want to try any of her new books with the hopes that she grows with her writing.
January 21, 2019
Tense and exciting.
A really great follow-up to the first book in the series. The author continues to build a tale of complex characters and intertwining relationships that just keeps drawing me in.
A really great follow-up to the first book in the series. The author continues to build a tale of complex characters and intertwining relationships that just keeps drawing me in.
July 8, 2015
Disappointing. So very very disappointing. I had marked the author as someone which will improve from her debut offering Thorn Jack which despite problems in pacing and clunky structuring was a reasonably entertaining read. However the second volume is way lower in quality than the first one. ALL the problems of the first book are magnified in this second one.
The pacing in fits and starts, the random littering of Irish/Gaelic which reminds me of a Naruto fandom retard shoving all Japanese terms to seem cool but failing miserably to finally the speech impediment of the protagonist who it seems, can't speak in any other volume than whispering. Seriously, more than once I had to take a break from the book when the heroine whispered again and again and again in less than one page and I cheered the bad guy to hit that irritating b**** when she whispered, yet again. The Irish words for Sidhe/Fata might have worked well if used in moderation but the author seemed determined to shove them down your throat come what may.
All in all, its the book that killed the author for me. I doubt I will continue this series...
The pacing in fits and starts, the random littering of Irish/Gaelic which reminds me of a Naruto fandom retard shoving all Japanese terms to seem cool but failing miserably to finally the speech impediment of the protagonist who it seems, can't speak in any other volume than whispering. Seriously, more than once I had to take a break from the book when the heroine whispered again and again and again in less than one page and I cheered the bad guy to hit that irritating b**** when she whispered, yet again. The Irish words for Sidhe/Fata might have worked well if used in moderation but the author seemed determined to shove them down your throat come what may.
All in all, its the book that killed the author for me. I doubt I will continue this series...
November 3, 2015
In the first book of this series, Harbour seemed to fancy gobs and gobs of purple prose. She swallowed the reader up in layers of metaphors and paragraphs of useless (and often repetitive) description. Words for the sake of words that didn't further the narrative. I think she just thought they made the book sound like "Literature" (yeah.... not so much). In the second book, she seemed to get over that but now seems to think she's a thriller / action writer. Again, not so much. It felt like much of this book was our heroes wondering aimlessly bumping into random enemies at random times and fighting them with random weapons with random results and then it ends (at a random time). At any time the author could have had
October 20, 2023
REREADING
Darker and busier than the first book, Briar Queen continues the tale of Jack and Finn and their tortured love story. I am not going to give spoilers, YET. I'll review it later on in the year with more details.
This story expands the mythology of the Fata and introduces the reader to a whole new set of characters and circumstances. Harbour's fairies are original and entirely hers. They are dark and dangerous as well as romantic and beautiful, with desires that often do mortals great harm. They are the stuff of night and nothing, and they live on games.
In book two of trilogy, Jack and Finn venture into the Ghostlands to save Lily Rose, Finn's sister. It's one wild journey.
The ending is both satisfying and heartbreaking.
I cannot wait to read the next installment.
Darker and busier than the first book, Briar Queen continues the tale of Jack and Finn and their tortured love story. I am not going to give spoilers, YET. I'll review it later on in the year with more details.
This story expands the mythology of the Fata and introduces the reader to a whole new set of characters and circumstances. Harbour's fairies are original and entirely hers. They are dark and dangerous as well as romantic and beautiful, with desires that often do mortals great harm. They are the stuff of night and nothing, and they live on games.
In book two of trilogy, Jack and Finn venture into the Ghostlands to save Lily Rose, Finn's sister. It's one wild journey.
The ending is both satisfying and heartbreaking.
I cannot wait to read the next installment.
August 28, 2015
A fantastical fairy story, dark and dangerous, bloodthirsty creatures of all kinds that the main characters have to fight or evade, fairies that betray them along the way as they try to reach their goals makes this an exciting read. So much happens that it is sometimes hard to keep it in perspective. This follow up to Thorn Jack lets the story continue and at the end allows us to know that it will continue on again with a hint that the emphasis will be on other characters that played supporting roles. I look forward to see how this develops
July 21, 2015
4 Stars. A darkly disturbing continuation of a charmingly grotesque tale. Populated by malicious Fae and driven by their evil delight.
January 4, 2022
This is a confused tangle of beautiful images, too many characters, really lovely writing, switchbacks and fakeouts, too many rescues and foiled rescues, too many people who are fae but not really and dead but getting better and inanimate objects or creatures and then not ... too many examples of "this is the weapon that will end it!" but oops, no, not really. Just - too much.
And you can't just produce a barely-introduced side character out of thin air as a deus ex machina in the middle of the climactic fight. (Spoiler: it would have been better if Hip Hop had switched allegiances in that moment than ... that. "Who are you?" Yes, exactly.)
And I'm just. So. Tired of the characters' names being used as often as the word "the". Even in the text they seem to be over-used, and then there's "Jack!" "Finn!" "Christie!" "Jack!" "Finn!" "Sylvie!" It got old in the first book; by this book it was almost physically painful. This is one of those times when I kind of want a text copy of the book so I can go through it with a highlighter - seven million yellow-highlighted "Finn!"s, twelve million pink-highlighted "JACK!"s... If I meet anyone named Jack or Finn in the near future I may reflexively punch them in the face just for being called that. And ... you know a parent calls you by your whole name when you're in big trouble? (Mine never did, but apparently it's a thing.) It has meaning because it's not done very often. So having people call Finn "Serafina Sullivan" is only threatening or powerful ... once or twice. After that, it's as painful as "Jack!" "Finn!" "Lily!" "Jack!" And another one used far too often: "No!" Agreed. No. Stop.
I want to pay more attention to other authors who don't have this problem. There are ways to convey what characters are doing without using their names constantly, and there are certainly ways to show one character is concerned for or happy to see another one without having the one cry out the other's name for the umpteenth time.
Also, maybe I zoned out, but when did Fata become the generic name for "beings previously known as fae" instead of a family name? In TJ, it was the latter, and in BQ it's the former, and I have no memory of any realization or revelation or correction to explain the change. And ... why, in a series filled with creative and often beautiful names, is a jack named ... Jack?
Some of the magic was still there, the magic that dug up the past for me, but where Thorn Jack was a book about a girl coping with mundane grief and pain and also eldritch encroachments into the real world, learning what reality actually is and finding true love and all that, Briar Queen ... while there was more blatant magic here, with an actual quest through an actual faeryland, it almost became a litany of images. Alice in Wonderland and the Grimm Brothers and elements of a hundred horror movies and Irish mythology and the mythos of half a dozen other worlds, ghosts and maybe poltergeists ... it's a lot. Oh, no, not the Wild Hunt too ... Yes, the Wild Hunt too.
It's just odd to have a phouka and Red Riding Hood in the same book. Just saying.
The horror elements are very scary - until they're not, because they just keep coming.
The characters are never portrayed as brilliant or even exceptionally clever, really; bravery and loyalty are the characteristics that come most to the fore. But Finn's intelligence is called into question here as (avoiding spoilers) everybody she meets says "Don't do this one thing. Do NOT do it. It's beyond bad if you do this thing. No matter what, it will not end well, so DO NOT DO THIS THING." And guess what Finn does? The result isn't perhaps as dire as advertised (perhaps), but it can't be good.
The narration is mostly a saving grace. I don't think I'd have finished either book if Kate Rudd hadn't been reading it to me. Her character voices are excellent, and now and then she puts an unexpected spin on a line that slams home the context. But even she can't salvage the eleventy-first "Jack!" - they all sound alike, and I begin to really understand what Chinese water torture is all about. One thing about the narration that bothered me all through was probably a directorial note (or from the author), but why the note didn't come during Thorn Jack instead of this second book I don't understand: "Phouka" was pronounced "Pooka" in the first book, and now it's "Fooka". "Fata" was "FAYta" in TJ, and here it's "FATta". When the names are used so very often, it's very noticeable.
The good in this was good enough that I will, probably, listen to the third one (the series is no longer available on Audible for some reason, no idea why, sorry). Just not now. Not until my brain has had a chance to heal from repeated "JackFinnMothLilyChristieSylvie" exclamations.
It might be a while.
And you can't just produce a barely-introduced side character out of thin air as a deus ex machina in the middle of the climactic fight. (Spoiler: it would have been better if Hip Hop had switched allegiances in that moment than ... that. "Who are you?" Yes, exactly.)
And I'm just. So. Tired of the characters' names being used as often as the word "the". Even in the text they seem to be over-used, and then there's "Jack!" "Finn!" "Christie!" "Jack!" "Finn!" "Sylvie!" It got old in the first book; by this book it was almost physically painful. This is one of those times when I kind of want a text copy of the book so I can go through it with a highlighter - seven million yellow-highlighted "Finn!"s, twelve million pink-highlighted "JACK!"s... If I meet anyone named Jack or Finn in the near future I may reflexively punch them in the face just for being called that. And ... you know a parent calls you by your whole name when you're in big trouble? (Mine never did, but apparently it's a thing.) It has meaning because it's not done very often. So having people call Finn "Serafina Sullivan" is only threatening or powerful ... once or twice. After that, it's as painful as "Jack!" "Finn!" "Lily!" "Jack!" And another one used far too often: "No!" Agreed. No. Stop.
I want to pay more attention to other authors who don't have this problem. There are ways to convey what characters are doing without using their names constantly, and there are certainly ways to show one character is concerned for or happy to see another one without having the one cry out the other's name for the umpteenth time.
Also, maybe I zoned out, but when did Fata become the generic name for "beings previously known as fae" instead of a family name? In TJ, it was the latter, and in BQ it's the former, and I have no memory of any realization or revelation or correction to explain the change. And ... why, in a series filled with creative and often beautiful names, is a jack named ... Jack?
Some of the magic was still there, the magic that dug up the past for me, but where Thorn Jack was a book about a girl coping with mundane grief and pain and also eldritch encroachments into the real world, learning what reality actually is and finding true love and all that, Briar Queen ... while there was more blatant magic here, with an actual quest through an actual faeryland, it almost became a litany of images. Alice in Wonderland and the Grimm Brothers and elements of a hundred horror movies and Irish mythology and the mythos of half a dozen other worlds, ghosts and maybe poltergeists ... it's a lot. Oh, no, not the Wild Hunt too ... Yes, the Wild Hunt too.
It's just odd to have a phouka and Red Riding Hood in the same book. Just saying.
The horror elements are very scary - until they're not, because they just keep coming.
The characters are never portrayed as brilliant or even exceptionally clever, really; bravery and loyalty are the characteristics that come most to the fore. But Finn's intelligence is called into question here as (avoiding spoilers) everybody she meets says "Don't do this one thing. Do NOT do it. It's beyond bad if you do this thing. No matter what, it will not end well, so DO NOT DO THIS THING." And guess what Finn does? The result isn't perhaps as dire as advertised (perhaps), but it can't be good.
The narration is mostly a saving grace. I don't think I'd have finished either book if Kate Rudd hadn't been reading it to me. Her character voices are excellent, and now and then she puts an unexpected spin on a line that slams home the context. But even she can't salvage the eleventy-first "Jack!" - they all sound alike, and I begin to really understand what Chinese water torture is all about. One thing about the narration that bothered me all through was probably a directorial note (or from the author), but why the note didn't come during Thorn Jack instead of this second book I don't understand: "Phouka" was pronounced "Pooka" in the first book, and now it's "Fooka". "Fata" was "FAYta" in TJ, and here it's "FATta". When the names are used so very often, it's very noticeable.
The good in this was good enough that I will, probably, listen to the third one (the series is no longer available on Audible for some reason, no idea why, sorry). Just not now. Not until my brain has had a chance to heal from repeated "JackFinnMothLilyChristieSylvie" exclamations.
It might be a while.
September 3, 2019
Let me say from the very outset that no matter what I say or complain about in this review, it will not take away from the fact that Briar Queen is heartbreaking-ly beautiful. DONE.
No, seriously I just loved so much about this messy, dark fairytale of the Fatas and Sullivan Girls.
Writing Style
Harbour does it again with her fantastic writing. I'm actually kind of speechless. I love that she starts each (most) chapters with a quote or a poem - it sets the feel of the chapter and adds to the atmosphere of the Story.
I just can't wrap my mind around the fact that her writing is so complex and depth. I normally power through books of 300+ pages in no time; but Harbour makes me focus and actually read the words and sentences, rather than skim reading. I really enjoyed the complexity in the writing as it forces me to pay attention and just savor the moment.
I should also mention the physical presences of this book, I love that the Night and Nothing Series are physically bigger than typical books - it isn't a stock standard size and it just adds to the entire presence of the book and premise.
Plot
The plot of Briar Queen felt like it got pretty complex at times with the betrayals, double crossing, overlapping of worlds, and the sheer number of characters - BUT if we take a step back from everything it is kind of simple: Finn sets off to the Ghostlands to rescue her sister, Lily Rose, who is still alive ('existing' may be a better here, as I'm not sure any of us know what she really may or may not be?!). Along the way there is a whole lot of drama, complications and added features. There are betrayals and plans going wrong from the very beginning. There are huge developments and even bigger losses. Essentially, Finn pays a very high price for the return of her sister; her lover.
Overall, I was happy with the idea of the story: going to the Ghostlands and getting Lily back. But it slowly turned into: go to the Ghostlands, have everything go wrong, try not be killed, try to find Lily, try not be killed, try to find each other,try not to be killed, try to work out who to trust, try not to be killed, try to kill the Wolf, try not to be killed, just try, try, try, bloody try, AND all to have it mostly fail.
Yep, Ghostlands feels like a failure (mostly). And I think this is where it lost me. It just got complicated and messy - I never expected it to be easy, but I feel like Harbour just tried to make it over-complicated with everything going wrong; and I just stopped caring. There was too much going on, but not enough happening.
Then, when they finally leave Ghostlands (with everyone pretty much safe and Lily rescued), the Wolf is still alive and on the prowl. It feels like an almost happy ending; honestly I was happy for Briar Queen to end there and make the third installment about killing the big bad Wolf. BUT it didn't end: the story just kept going (and not in a good way)!!!
Now Harbour makes the fatal mistake that so many writers make: she rushes the ending! They hide Lily away, they risk lives of innocents, they survive, Lily gets taken, they fight the Wolf, they kill the Wolf, Jack dies/gets taken/who bloody knows, they get betrayed, AND CUT. We're finally done. I suppose the highlight is that at least Harbour didn't drag the ending out as well.
There was so much promise in the premise of Briar Queen, but I can't help feeling that it under delivered.
There were moments of something more; especially when Harbour explored the deeper feelings of the relationship between the sisters, friendship, commitment, addiction, and the moral dilemmas of murder (among others). These have such impact on the characters and story that I really wish for more of these emotional turmoil and developments, rather than the twists and turns.
Characters
Mostly I am a big fan of the characters - they make the story what it is. In fact, they are the reason I am emotionally invested in their stories and journeys!
Finn: What can I say, I love Finn. She is by far the brave sister, and though I don't always agree with her decisions and actions; I respect every damn choice she makes when she follows through. Her determination and dedication is breathtaking. Finn is more than the heroine of these Novels, she is a well developed character that we would be lucky to have as a friend. With all that being said, she still annoyed me at times. But I did like the exploration of her addiction to the Elixir and what this could make her. I'm most definitely looking forward to how her character continues to grow after the loss of Jack (and her substance of choice).
Jack: Jack is perfect. Need we say more. Through his good and bad, I have definitely developed quite a respect for him. In the first installment, Thorn Jack, I was not a fan - he was abusive and dark, I didn't like the way he manipulated and treated people. He did not have qualities I admired (though there was something there). BUT, in Briar Queen I couldn't fault him. He did his best in everything, and while making the hard choices I think he still made the best in the circumstances. I really hope he is rescued and give the reprieve he might deserve.
Sylvie: Sylvie is amazing. I really have nothing more to say. When it was revealed that she was actually the Warrior (Heart Widow) I could not stop smiling; a female friend as the knight in shining armor = perfection. In fact, Sylvie is who I am most looking forward to in the next book. Surely, her growth and development will make her even more kickass.
Christie: I'm a fan of Christie as well. Also, being a male witch - big surprise (and not a typical role for a male character). So colour me impressed. I also really like his attitude towards Jack, keep it up bro - he was most certainly the Prince of Darkness and deserves all the shade you give him.
Lily Rose: The queen of briars. The Delinquent Ballerina. The SELFISH sister. I don't like her.
Moth: AKA Alexander Nightshade - you sir are turning out to be quiet a riddle. I assume he will cause even more trouble in the next, however, I enjoyed him and all he brought to it. Another character, another friend, another badass. I liked him, but given my history with liking characters like this he will either end up dead or the villain.
Wolf: What a Villain. Without seeming like a complete weirdo, I liked him. The Wolf really was a fantastic 'big bad wolf'. He was everything one expected in a bad guy, with a better history than most. I think his cruelness was exceptional, along with his manipulation - kudos.
Anna: She was another surprise! The Oracle - who I had almost forgotten. Still coming up with the goods though.
Phouka's Fatas: I like Phouka, and Absalom, but at no point do I trust them. you'd be a fool to trust them. There was less of the the Fata gang in this, and more focus on Phuoka and Absalom. Honestly, I'm glad we moved away from them a bit.
Ghostland Fatas: There were HEAPS! I'm not even sure who is relevant to discuss or think about. I liked the doubles. I liked Jill Scarlet. I liked the stories. I didn't like so much more.
Professor's & People: They were present. I feel like Jane Emory needs a shout out and even Rowan. But the rest just kind of blur to one; except for Avaline and Finn's Da - I just don't get their significance yet.
Feels
I am exhausted. There were so many highs and lows, twist and turns, and feels in Briar Queen that I feel like I'm going to need a year (if not more) to process everything I felt during this phenomenal journey. It is because of these feels that has led to my obsession with this Night and Nothing Series. I can't wait for Nettle King!
No, seriously I just loved so much about this messy, dark fairytale of the Fatas and Sullivan Girls.
Writing Style
Harbour does it again with her fantastic writing. I'm actually kind of speechless. I love that she starts each (most) chapters with a quote or a poem - it sets the feel of the chapter and adds to the atmosphere of the Story.
I just can't wrap my mind around the fact that her writing is so complex and depth. I normally power through books of 300+ pages in no time; but Harbour makes me focus and actually read the words and sentences, rather than skim reading. I really enjoyed the complexity in the writing as it forces me to pay attention and just savor the moment.
I should also mention the physical presences of this book, I love that the Night and Nothing Series are physically bigger than typical books - it isn't a stock standard size and it just adds to the entire presence of the book and premise.
Plot
The plot of Briar Queen felt like it got pretty complex at times with the betrayals, double crossing, overlapping of worlds, and the sheer number of characters - BUT if we take a step back from everything it is kind of simple: Finn sets off to the Ghostlands to rescue her sister, Lily Rose, who is still alive ('existing' may be a better here, as I'm not sure any of us know what she really may or may not be?!). Along the way there is a whole lot of drama, complications and added features. There are betrayals and plans going wrong from the very beginning. There are huge developments and even bigger losses. Essentially, Finn pays a very high price for the return of her sister; her lover.
Overall, I was happy with the idea of the story: going to the Ghostlands and getting Lily back. But it slowly turned into: go to the Ghostlands, have everything go wrong, try not be killed, try to find Lily, try not be killed, try to find each other,try not to be killed, try to work out who to trust, try not to be killed, try to kill the Wolf, try not to be killed, just try, try, try, bloody try, AND all to have it mostly fail.
Yep, Ghostlands feels like a failure (mostly). And I think this is where it lost me. It just got complicated and messy - I never expected it to be easy, but I feel like Harbour just tried to make it over-complicated with everything going wrong; and I just stopped caring. There was too much going on, but not enough happening.
Then, when they finally leave Ghostlands (with everyone pretty much safe and Lily rescued), the Wolf is still alive and on the prowl. It feels like an almost happy ending; honestly I was happy for Briar Queen to end there and make the third installment about killing the big bad Wolf. BUT it didn't end: the story just kept going (and not in a good way)!!!
Now Harbour makes the fatal mistake that so many writers make: she rushes the ending! They hide Lily away, they risk lives of innocents, they survive, Lily gets taken, they fight the Wolf, they kill the Wolf, Jack dies/gets taken/who bloody knows, they get betrayed, AND CUT. We're finally done. I suppose the highlight is that at least Harbour didn't drag the ending out as well.
There was so much promise in the premise of Briar Queen, but I can't help feeling that it under delivered.
There were moments of something more; especially when Harbour explored the deeper feelings of the relationship between the sisters, friendship, commitment, addiction, and the moral dilemmas of murder (among others). These have such impact on the characters and story that I really wish for more of these emotional turmoil and developments, rather than the twists and turns.
Characters
Mostly I am a big fan of the characters - they make the story what it is. In fact, they are the reason I am emotionally invested in their stories and journeys!
Finn: What can I say, I love Finn. She is by far the brave sister, and though I don't always agree with her decisions and actions; I respect every damn choice she makes when she follows through. Her determination and dedication is breathtaking. Finn is more than the heroine of these Novels, she is a well developed character that we would be lucky to have as a friend. With all that being said, she still annoyed me at times. But I did like the exploration of her addiction to the Elixir and what this could make her. I'm most definitely looking forward to how her character continues to grow after the loss of Jack (and her substance of choice).
Jack: Jack is perfect. Need we say more. Through his good and bad, I have definitely developed quite a respect for him. In the first installment, Thorn Jack, I was not a fan - he was abusive and dark, I didn't like the way he manipulated and treated people. He did not have qualities I admired (though there was something there). BUT, in Briar Queen I couldn't fault him. He did his best in everything, and while making the hard choices I think he still made the best in the circumstances. I really hope he is rescued and give the reprieve he might deserve.
Sylvie: Sylvie is amazing. I really have nothing more to say. When it was revealed that she was actually the Warrior (Heart Widow) I could not stop smiling; a female friend as the knight in shining armor = perfection. In fact, Sylvie is who I am most looking forward to in the next book. Surely, her growth and development will make her even more kickass.
Christie: I'm a fan of Christie as well. Also, being a male witch - big surprise (and not a typical role for a male character). So colour me impressed. I also really like his attitude towards Jack, keep it up bro - he was most certainly the Prince of Darkness and deserves all the shade you give him.
Lily Rose: The queen of briars. The Delinquent Ballerina. The SELFISH sister. I don't like her.
Moth: AKA Alexander Nightshade - you sir are turning out to be quiet a riddle. I assume he will cause even more trouble in the next, however, I enjoyed him and all he brought to it. Another character, another friend, another badass. I liked him, but given my history with liking characters like this he will either end up dead or the villain.
Wolf: What a Villain. Without seeming like a complete weirdo, I liked him. The Wolf really was a fantastic 'big bad wolf'. He was everything one expected in a bad guy, with a better history than most. I think his cruelness was exceptional, along with his manipulation - kudos.
Anna: She was another surprise! The Oracle - who I had almost forgotten. Still coming up with the goods though.
Phouka's Fatas: I like Phouka, and Absalom, but at no point do I trust them. you'd be a fool to trust them. There was less of the the Fata gang in this, and more focus on Phuoka and Absalom. Honestly, I'm glad we moved away from them a bit.
Ghostland Fatas: There were HEAPS! I'm not even sure who is relevant to discuss or think about. I liked the doubles. I liked Jill Scarlet. I liked the stories. I didn't like so much more.
Professor's & People: They were present. I feel like Jane Emory needs a shout out and even Rowan. But the rest just kind of blur to one; except for Avaline and Finn's Da - I just don't get their significance yet.
Feels
I am exhausted. There were so many highs and lows, twist and turns, and feels in Briar Queen that I feel like I'm going to need a year (if not more) to process everything I felt during this phenomenal journey. It is because of these feels that has led to my obsession with this Night and Nothing Series. I can't wait for Nettle King!
May 17, 2015
Review at a glance: Katherine Harbour has created an amazingly dark and disturbingly lovely world in her Night and Nothing series. I absolutely loved Thorn Jack and am happy to say Briar Queen was worth the one year wait.
Minor Thorn Jack Book Spoilers In Our Briar Queen Review: IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THORN JACK YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED! Thorn Jack Review HERE (I received an Uncorrected Proof of this book in exchange for an honest review. My review is based on that Advanced Readers Copy.)
5 star rating
For the full review with pics visit goodreadsmadreads.com
Last year I reviewed Thorn Jack; the first book in The Night and Nothing Series. I was hesitant to start another Fantasy YA book, but was drawn in by its beautiful skull and rose cover. Thorn Jack continues to be one of my favorite books. It’s by far the longest review I have ever written for the site and that’s because I honestly couldn’t stop talking about it; but despite my love for Thorn Jack, I was very afraid for it’s Briar Queen sequel. There were so many things that could have gone wrong in this novel; and I was scared to lose another favorite book because it was ruined by its sequel!
This book did not disappoint and was definitely worth the one year wait! Katherine Harbour has created an amazingly dark and disturbingly lovely world in her Night and Nothing Series. Filled with unique mythology and folklore; we are reminded why we fell in love with dark fairytale fantasy in the first place. Somewhat of a hybrid between The Brothers Grimm and more modern and popular young adult books such as Cassandra Clare. This author’s world is filled with Fae not Fairy’s; depicted how they were always meant to be. Dark and terrifying, lovely tricksters. Oh, and these fairies don’t sparkle ;)
For those of you who are already fans of the Thorn Jack world, we are introduced to a lot of new things in Briar Queen. For starters, we have an awesome new setting in the ghost lands. There are new sides to our existing characters with the now “Human”Jack. We also get to see a little more insight into the Fata’s, with some more all around interesting new characters in general.
The Good
I loved the cover for Briar Queen.
thornjackpaperbackcover
Even though I’m not a huge fan of the new Paperback cover for Thorn jack. I completely understand the allure. I mean it looks just like all the other Twilighty YA books that are uber popular right now; but that’s exactly why I didn’t like it. It blends in with all the other young adult books on the shelves. It didn’t showcase the book as the awesomely unique thing it was; and I was afraid it was a new direction they would be taking with Briar Queen; trying to blend it into the existing YA out there instead of letting it be different. Ok, I know what your thinking, “Marina your being a little dramatic, it’s really just a book cover.” but it’s been sooo long since I’ve seen a semi- different take on YA. Something that’s NOT vampire related. I can’t help but feel a little protective…that’s not weird. Right?……..Moving on.
Like I said the cover for Briar Queen was awesome. It did remind me a bit of the Once Upon A Time series intro on television; but I always kind of liked those. The deep woods and gold (needles?) poking out of the book were really cool as well. I also LOVED the gold spine. It’s different and looks awesome next to my copy of Thorn Jack. My shelf was super cute.
The ghost lands were bad ass. I have been waiting a year (ever since our interview with Katherine Harbour on the podcast) to see the ghost lands where the Fae run free. To quote Sylvie I really just wanted to see fairyland.
Really cool new setting.
When I first started reading the sequel my first thought was I’m liking this book; and I loved Thorn Jack, but I hope Briar Queen isn’t just an extension of Thorn Jack. I thought it was heading in that direction, with more haunted houses around town, evil things after Finn and friends ect. which would have been cool, but I like to see that the sequels can be stand alone favorite books as well; not just cool add on’s to the first. So I’m thinking it’s just going to be more of the same when all of the sudden were at a train station in a ghost world and it’s a different background/story line all together; with the same feel good reading experience as the first…well played.
is without loosing all the mini stories and background extras we love.
Speaking of mini stories. I loved all the sad, beautiful little extra stories sewn into this book that accompanied the main tale. We saw a lot of this in her first book and the pattern continues in the second. Harbour has a really vivid mind everything is said in extreme detail and attention paid to even minor characters you may only see once. I love to see immense detail payed; without dragging on the story. Just enough to be Illuminating, not annoying.
And these YA books are actually scary! There are parts that can seriously freak me out; and some that are just plain creepy, not necessarily frightening, but something that gives you shivers none the less. These parts are probably what bind me to this series the most.
There were a lot more creepy moments like this in Briar Queen. Being in the ghost lands, we also get to see a little bit creepier Fata’s then the ones we’re used to. A lot of them reminded me of Absalom’s character… If he were slightly more mad and evil. There is something very off about a lot of them, like they live in wonderland or something. There were many times when I was reminded of Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland, Texas Chainsaw Massacre type family’s who are just weirdly crazy. Crazy to where that’s just there norm and they don’t see anything odd about it. There was apart on page 219 where Jack comes to the house of a girl in a lily white gown with dusty bare feet who’s house smells like dried blood and burned sugar. Really awesome detail put into these cryptic side family’s.
One of my biggest fears coming into this book was that Jack wouldn’t be Jack anymore. I adored his sinister nature and would be crushed to loose it to a mundane watered down Jack with a soul. Luckily I didn’t have to fear long.The first page prologue put that fear to rest. The author did an amazing job at transitioning Jack between forms without loosing the good and evil parts of the characters we all love. And without doing an over the top good/evil internal battle with Jack, like many authors put their main boy’s through.
Another BIG Plus
This book wasn’t hard to pick up after not being in the story line for just about a year. I last read Thorn Jack June of last year and was sure I would be lost in Briar Queen, but I was able to jump right in, which was really really awesome.
Ok, you get it, I have a huge crush on Briar Queen, and just like any crush you guys are probably sick of me ranting about it already. Where’s the dirt? What are the bad parts you ask?
Well…
The truth is the epilogue was a little confusing. I was reminded of the ending to Thorn Jack because I was kinda lost there too, but I honestly wouldn’t change it; because it made me more interested in the third book; which I absolutely cannot wait another year for!
Really. I feel like I’m being punished.
Another thing is I really wish Briar Queen was available in Hardcover; because you know my psycho self needs books to match, that might just be me being a brat I love hardcover!
But that’s pretty much it guys. Hence the 5 star rating. We get another character list, Fata glossary, and soundtrack list written in the back of the book; and I’m all about the extras so I really liked the add on extras;and know you will too.
for full review with pics visit my website goodreadsmadreads.com
Minor Thorn Jack Book Spoilers In Our Briar Queen Review: IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THORN JACK YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED! Thorn Jack Review HERE (I received an Uncorrected Proof of this book in exchange for an honest review. My review is based on that Advanced Readers Copy.)
5 star rating
For the full review with pics visit goodreadsmadreads.com
Last year I reviewed Thorn Jack; the first book in The Night and Nothing Series. I was hesitant to start another Fantasy YA book, but was drawn in by its beautiful skull and rose cover. Thorn Jack continues to be one of my favorite books. It’s by far the longest review I have ever written for the site and that’s because I honestly couldn’t stop talking about it; but despite my love for Thorn Jack, I was very afraid for it’s Briar Queen sequel. There were so many things that could have gone wrong in this novel; and I was scared to lose another favorite book because it was ruined by its sequel!
This book did not disappoint and was definitely worth the one year wait! Katherine Harbour has created an amazingly dark and disturbingly lovely world in her Night and Nothing Series. Filled with unique mythology and folklore; we are reminded why we fell in love with dark fairytale fantasy in the first place. Somewhat of a hybrid between The Brothers Grimm and more modern and popular young adult books such as Cassandra Clare. This author’s world is filled with Fae not Fairy’s; depicted how they were always meant to be. Dark and terrifying, lovely tricksters. Oh, and these fairies don’t sparkle ;)
For those of you who are already fans of the Thorn Jack world, we are introduced to a lot of new things in Briar Queen. For starters, we have an awesome new setting in the ghost lands. There are new sides to our existing characters with the now “Human”Jack. We also get to see a little more insight into the Fata’s, with some more all around interesting new characters in general.
The Good
I loved the cover for Briar Queen.
thornjackpaperbackcover
Even though I’m not a huge fan of the new Paperback cover for Thorn jack. I completely understand the allure. I mean it looks just like all the other Twilighty YA books that are uber popular right now; but that’s exactly why I didn’t like it. It blends in with all the other young adult books on the shelves. It didn’t showcase the book as the awesomely unique thing it was; and I was afraid it was a new direction they would be taking with Briar Queen; trying to blend it into the existing YA out there instead of letting it be different. Ok, I know what your thinking, “Marina your being a little dramatic, it’s really just a book cover.” but it’s been sooo long since I’ve seen a semi- different take on YA. Something that’s NOT vampire related. I can’t help but feel a little protective…that’s not weird. Right?……..Moving on.
Like I said the cover for Briar Queen was awesome. It did remind me a bit of the Once Upon A Time series intro on television; but I always kind of liked those. The deep woods and gold (needles?) poking out of the book were really cool as well. I also LOVED the gold spine. It’s different and looks awesome next to my copy of Thorn Jack. My shelf was super cute.
The ghost lands were bad ass. I have been waiting a year (ever since our interview with Katherine Harbour on the podcast) to see the ghost lands where the Fae run free. To quote Sylvie I really just wanted to see fairyland.
Really cool new setting.
When I first started reading the sequel my first thought was I’m liking this book; and I loved Thorn Jack, but I hope Briar Queen isn’t just an extension of Thorn Jack. I thought it was heading in that direction, with more haunted houses around town, evil things after Finn and friends ect. which would have been cool, but I like to see that the sequels can be stand alone favorite books as well; not just cool add on’s to the first. So I’m thinking it’s just going to be more of the same when all of the sudden were at a train station in a ghost world and it’s a different background/story line all together; with the same feel good reading experience as the first…well played.
is without loosing all the mini stories and background extras we love.
Speaking of mini stories. I loved all the sad, beautiful little extra stories sewn into this book that accompanied the main tale. We saw a lot of this in her first book and the pattern continues in the second. Harbour has a really vivid mind everything is said in extreme detail and attention paid to even minor characters you may only see once. I love to see immense detail payed; without dragging on the story. Just enough to be Illuminating, not annoying.
And these YA books are actually scary! There are parts that can seriously freak me out; and some that are just plain creepy, not necessarily frightening, but something that gives you shivers none the less. These parts are probably what bind me to this series the most.
There were a lot more creepy moments like this in Briar Queen. Being in the ghost lands, we also get to see a little bit creepier Fata’s then the ones we’re used to. A lot of them reminded me of Absalom’s character… If he were slightly more mad and evil. There is something very off about a lot of them, like they live in wonderland or something. There were many times when I was reminded of Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland, Texas Chainsaw Massacre type family’s who are just weirdly crazy. Crazy to where that’s just there norm and they don’t see anything odd about it. There was apart on page 219 where Jack comes to the house of a girl in a lily white gown with dusty bare feet who’s house smells like dried blood and burned sugar. Really awesome detail put into these cryptic side family’s.
One of my biggest fears coming into this book was that Jack wouldn’t be Jack anymore. I adored his sinister nature and would be crushed to loose it to a mundane watered down Jack with a soul. Luckily I didn’t have to fear long.The first page prologue put that fear to rest. The author did an amazing job at transitioning Jack between forms without loosing the good and evil parts of the characters we all love. And without doing an over the top good/evil internal battle with Jack, like many authors put their main boy’s through.
Another BIG Plus
This book wasn’t hard to pick up after not being in the story line for just about a year. I last read Thorn Jack June of last year and was sure I would be lost in Briar Queen, but I was able to jump right in, which was really really awesome.
Ok, you get it, I have a huge crush on Briar Queen, and just like any crush you guys are probably sick of me ranting about it already. Where’s the dirt? What are the bad parts you ask?
Well…
The truth is the epilogue was a little confusing. I was reminded of the ending to Thorn Jack because I was kinda lost there too, but I honestly wouldn’t change it; because it made me more interested in the third book; which I absolutely cannot wait another year for!
Really. I feel like I’m being punished.
Another thing is I really wish Briar Queen was available in Hardcover; because you know my psycho self needs books to match, that might just be me being a brat I love hardcover!
But that’s pretty much it guys. Hence the 5 star rating. We get another character list, Fata glossary, and soundtrack list written in the back of the book; and I’m all about the extras so I really liked the add on extras;and know you will too.
for full review with pics visit my website goodreadsmadreads.com
May 15, 2018
It took me two years after reading Thorn Jack to get around to the sequel, but here I am. I made it.
Quick disclaimer because I feel like this review won't make sense if I don't state my bias. I was OBSESSED with Thorn Jack. I'm a little obsessed with Katherine Harbour. I went to one of her book signings two years ago and it was the coolest thing ever. I feel an insane amount of loyalty to the Night and Nothing series, even if I haven't actually finished them. I made my two best friends at the time read the books. They loved them. Yeah.
On to the review. The best way I can describe Briar Queen is that it's a little bit extra. It's kinda dramatic, kinda flashy, kinda melancholic, kinda frivolous. I personally like that kind of thing. It's unrealistic as all hell, but I'm OK with reading about people who just randomly have Renaissance-style hoodies going out to get coffee and quote Coleridge during their day-to-day lives. That's what I like about this series. I know it's not real and that's fine with me.
I also like that this book isn't too far off from Thorn Jack. If you haven't read the first book, don't jump in with this one--you'll be completely lost. But in terms of plots, writing style, atmosphere, it's all very similar to the first book, which is fabulous. It scratches that itch for angsty, spooky, otherness.
What I didn't like so much was that the plot was a little bit convoluted. There didn't seem to be anyone that was trustworthy. There was a lot of confusion about what was going on and who was mortal but who wasn't mortal, and the "rules" weren't very clearly defined. As much as I understand that this is because the third-person narrators often didn't know what was going on, it kind of irked me as a reader. In the second half of the book, especially, I felt like the plot could have been better streamlined. The epilogue seemed a little out of place and the foreshadowing could have used some work.
All in all, though, I have to give this a high rating. I do love the Night and Nothing series. I'll be reading Nettle King soon--not sure when, but sometime this year.
Quick disclaimer because I feel like this review won't make sense if I don't state my bias. I was OBSESSED with Thorn Jack. I'm a little obsessed with Katherine Harbour. I went to one of her book signings two years ago and it was the coolest thing ever. I feel an insane amount of loyalty to the Night and Nothing series, even if I haven't actually finished them. I made my two best friends at the time read the books. They loved them. Yeah.
On to the review. The best way I can describe Briar Queen is that it's a little bit extra. It's kinda dramatic, kinda flashy, kinda melancholic, kinda frivolous. I personally like that kind of thing. It's unrealistic as all hell, but I'm OK with reading about people who just randomly have Renaissance-style hoodies going out to get coffee and quote Coleridge during their day-to-day lives. That's what I like about this series. I know it's not real and that's fine with me.
I also like that this book isn't too far off from Thorn Jack. If you haven't read the first book, don't jump in with this one--you'll be completely lost. But in terms of plots, writing style, atmosphere, it's all very similar to the first book, which is fabulous. It scratches that itch for angsty, spooky, otherness.
What I didn't like so much was that the plot was a little bit convoluted. There didn't seem to be anyone that was trustworthy. There was a lot of confusion about what was going on and who was mortal but who wasn't mortal, and the "rules" weren't very clearly defined. As much as I understand that this is because the third-person narrators often didn't know what was going on, it kind of irked me as a reader. In the second half of the book, especially, I felt like the plot could have been better streamlined. The epilogue seemed a little out of place and the foreshadowing could have used some work.
All in all, though, I have to give this a high rating. I do love the Night and Nothing series. I'll be reading Nettle King soon--not sure when, but sometime this year.
October 17, 2017
Thorne Jack is the first book in the Night and Nothing series, I had wanted to read it for a while and last November I finally read it. It was nothing how I expected it to be, it was so much more. First of all it was dark and creepy, fantastical and wondrous, extravagant and macabre. There was bits and pieces from different types of literature and folklore/fairytales was a big part of the story plus it took place during fall (my favorite season) so of course I loved it.
After how thoroughly creeped-out I was by the first book I decided to read the second book in the series Briar Queen during October because I thought it would be perfect and I was not wrong. Briar Queen picked up not long after the first book with friends and family in danger Finn Sullivan jumped right back into one of her epic fights with the creatures of night and nothing. Lies are exposed, danger, betrayal, secrets, death mystery and so much more happens.
Katherine has created such a shadowy and lush world that it has me simultaneously wishing I could join in the adventure and also running away in absolute terror. The world she has built is complex and very descriptive while her plot kept me entranced the entire time. I could put the book down and when I had to finally put the book down I was rushing to pick it back up again.
The Briar Queen was awesome with Katherine's take on fairies and the dark and outrageous world she has created has me scrambling to find out what happens in the third and final book, the Nettle King. There are questions still to be answered, mysteries to be solved and Finn isn't quite done saving the world yet.
After how thoroughly creeped-out I was by the first book I decided to read the second book in the series Briar Queen during October because I thought it would be perfect and I was not wrong. Briar Queen picked up not long after the first book with friends and family in danger Finn Sullivan jumped right back into one of her epic fights with the creatures of night and nothing. Lies are exposed, danger, betrayal, secrets, death mystery and so much more happens.
Katherine has created such a shadowy and lush world that it has me simultaneously wishing I could join in the adventure and also running away in absolute terror. The world she has built is complex and very descriptive while her plot kept me entranced the entire time. I could put the book down and when I had to finally put the book down I was rushing to pick it back up again.
The Briar Queen was awesome with Katherine's take on fairies and the dark and outrageous world she has created has me scrambling to find out what happens in the third and final book, the Nettle King. There are questions still to be answered, mysteries to be solved and Finn isn't quite done saving the world yet.
May 13, 2017
This was ok. I thought it very similar to book one. Finn runs around with her merry, rag-tag team and reacts to whatever is thrown at her, always central to the action but never quite fighting. That is subtly left to the men.
I liked it all well enough. I've always been attracted to the dark, scary side of the fae myths. And there are some scary ones here. I appreciated that gender and relationships where diverse and there is some lovely writing in imagery in the book. Though I did irritably think if I had to read "fur-lined" one more time I might scream. Sometimes Harbour shook it up and wrote, "faux-fur lined," or even just "fur." But everyone seemed to be wearing a fur-lined coat and we apparently needed to be told that was what they were wearing every-time they came on page. Seriously! If someone read this on Kindle, search the word fur for me.
All in all, however, I found this a perfectly passable YA book.
I liked it all well enough. I've always been attracted to the dark, scary side of the fae myths. And there are some scary ones here. I appreciated that gender and relationships where diverse and there is some lovely writing in imagery in the book. Though I did irritably think if I had to read "fur-lined" one more time I might scream. Sometimes Harbour shook it up and wrote, "faux-fur lined," or even just "fur." But everyone seemed to be wearing a fur-lined coat and we apparently needed to be told that was what they were wearing every-time they came on page. Seriously! If someone read this on Kindle, search the word fur for me.
All in all, however, I found this a perfectly passable YA book.
December 15, 2019
Similar to other readers I ended the book and immediately thought WHAT JUST HAPPENED? It was so much packed into a relatively small novel, I do think I’ll need to read it a second time to fully appreciate the complex relationships between characters.
Maybe I’m in the unpopular opinion corner over here, but I’m not sure if I’m a huge fan of Lily?? I sense she knew so much more than what she was letting on, and just kept quiet, while her sister sacrificed so much to free her. Not to disregard her own suffering, but how do we know that the Lily coming back is the same Lily that left??
Also thought it was a little random that Christie hooked up with Sylph. I guess there’s always time for a little romp in the grass??
Maybe I’m in the unpopular opinion corner over here, but I’m not sure if I’m a huge fan of Lily?? I sense she knew so much more than what she was letting on, and just kept quiet, while her sister sacrificed so much to free her. Not to disregard her own suffering, but how do we know that the Lily coming back is the same Lily that left??
Also thought it was a little random that Christie hooked up with Sylph. I guess there’s always time for a little romp in the grass??
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2016
Another wonderfully vivid tale by Ms. Harbour. I wasn't sucked in quite as much as book one (I found I liked the setup and the complexity and the--some might say overly--poetic prose of Thorn Jack) though that could have had more to do with me being distracted while listening and not necessarily the book, but it was still a wonderful story and that ending...I can't wait to see what happens next! <3
March 11, 2025
Brief Queen book 2 Night and Nothing series
Finn, jack, Sylvie and Christie are on another adventure with the Irish spirits and this time they must travel to the spirit world to kill the Wolf and save Finn's sister Lily who committed śuicide last year but in actuality she was taken to the Wolf. Finn is able to save her sister but at the sacrifice of Jack who gives his life to save her. In the final book Finn must travel to the underworld to save Jack.
Finn, jack, Sylvie and Christie are on another adventure with the Irish spirits and this time they must travel to the spirit world to kill the Wolf and save Finn's sister Lily who committed śuicide last year but in actuality she was taken to the Wolf. Finn is able to save her sister but at the sacrifice of Jack who gives his life to save her. In the final book Finn must travel to the underworld to save Jack.
February 10, 2019
I can only imagine how the characters felt by the end, because I know *I* was exhausted. Action packed and full of enchantment. It was a lot more twisted than the first in the trilogy, and as a result I feel like sometimes things got lost or confusing because there is A LOT going on. But it's an incredible story, and incredible world the author has created.
August 23, 2024
There aren't many series I've read where the second book is just as captivating and alluring as the first, but this is one of them. Another book of incredible story telling and surprising twists. I loved it so much.
And Moth 🥹
I seriously need these books to be made into movies or a series or something. It would be so incredibly epic.
And Moth 🥹
I seriously need these books to be made into movies or a series or something. It would be so incredibly epic.
August 30, 2022
4.5 I am in love with the gothic horror of this book. The poetic rot and beauty that are the Fata and the characters of Finn and Jack. They aren't perfect and they're up against terrible odds, never knowing who to trust, and they don't give up! Fight for your family, friends, and strange loves!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2025
This is the second in the series after Thorn Jack. Excellent modern fantasy. I would have given it 5 stars except that there is a long section in which the characters undergo a series of challenges that I thought was overlong. But terrific continuation of the story and intriguing characters.
June 12, 2017
I enjoyed this book better than the first one in this series. The pace was a lot better and there was character development. I really enjoyed the creativity and the world Harbour created. I also like how she brings in new characters. I still found a few plot holes and the dialog between characters was sometimes hard to follow. I am hoping the third book will clear everything up, but maybe Harbour's intentions are to leave some things a mystery and open to interpretation.
December 4, 2017
This one was faster than the last one
December 30, 2017
A creepy, crazy take on Wonderland. I enjoyed this book a lot and again it feeds my Wonderland obsession!
May 29, 2018
Found at local library. Didn't realize it was book 2 of a trilogy. Decided to go for it anyways. To be fair - maybe would have enjoyed more if I had read book 1.
April 4, 2019
This started out at a slower pace than Thorn Jack but really took off once the characters went to the Ghostlands. Love the lush descriptions and characters.
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