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The Hawthorn Oath
The old tales say the monster can be tamed with love. Aoife wants to believe it.
When she sacrifices herself to protect her father, she is taken into the house of Lord Halverton, a man both feared and admired. He offers her luxury, safety, everything he believes a woman could ever want. Except freedom.
Trapped in a manor house of feasts and finery while her village starves, Aoife clings to one that beneath Lord Halverton’s cruelty lies a wound she can heal, a man she can redeem.
Set in a fantasy world inspired by Irish folklore and the echoes of famine and empire, this is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast where love does not tame the monster, and hope may prove more dangerous than despair.
When she sacrifices herself to protect her father, she is taken into the house of Lord Halverton, a man both feared and admired. He offers her luxury, safety, everything he believes a woman could ever want. Except freedom.
Trapped in a manor house of feasts and finery while her village starves, Aoife clings to one that beneath Lord Halverton’s cruelty lies a wound she can heal, a man she can redeem.
Set in a fantasy world inspired by Irish folklore and the echoes of famine and empire, this is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast where love does not tame the monster, and hope may prove more dangerous than despair.
- GenresFantasy
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2026
About the author
Louise Daerr
2 books6 followersLouise Daerr writes character-driven fantasy about ordinary people facing extraordinary danger. Her stories explore resilience, moral complexity, and the bonds that hold people together when the world is falling apart. Rooted in British and Irish folklore, her work blends magic, politics, and atmospheric world-building with slow-burn romance, high-stakes vulnerability, and moments of fierce compassion.
When she’s not writing, she can usually be found baking something that tastes better than it looks, playing board games that get far too competitive or collecting more books than she has time to read.
When she’s not writing, she can usually be found baking something that tastes better than it looks, playing board games that get far too competitive or collecting more books than she has time to read.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
June 30, 2026
Review of advanced copy received from author.
I really enjoyed reading the hawthorn oath. The story starts out giving you certain expectations based on common plotlines but as the story unfolds the characters deepen and parts of the story really surprised me, I won’t tell you which parts just yet ;) I would definitely recommend reading it!
I really enjoyed reading the hawthorn oath. The story starts out giving you certain expectations based on common plotlines but as the story unfolds the characters deepen and parts of the story really surprised me, I won’t tell you which parts just yet ;) I would definitely recommend reading it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) Source: Advanced Reader Copy (ARC)
I received an ARC of The Hawthorn Oath and ended up gorging myself on it in barely a day and a half. This isn't just a recommendation; this book emotionally trapped me from the first chapter, and I am giving it five stars without hesitation.
The Premise and Atmosphere From the opening pages, the story grips you. It starts with those distinct, darker Beauty and the Beast vibes, but quickly evolves into something far more complex and dangerous. The world-building feels heavy with consequence, particularly the history woven into the landscape. As an Irish reader, the premise hit me hard; the depiction of famine and the devastation caused when external powers steal resources that don't belong to them is a painful, necessary reflection of our own history. It explains the depth of the tragedy in a way that feels authentic rather than exploitative.
The Antagonist: Lord Halverton If there is one character who will make you seethe, it is Lord Halverton. His arrogance is palpable, but it's his specific brand of corruption that sets my teeth on edge. He takes advantage of something sacred—something he doesn't even believe in—simply for his own selfish pursuit of perfection. He leads entirely through fear and is, frankly, a menace. Watching him operate as a corrupt asshole purely for gain was infuriating, but also absolutely gripping.
When the reckoning comes, and Halverton realizes the true cost of the Oath he foolishly meddled with, I found myself laughing out loud. Sir, you should never fuck around with things you don't understand. In my honest opinion, he deserved worse. The karma here is delicious.
The Protagonists: Aoife and Cormac Aoife's journey is harrowing. It is incredibly difficult to watch someone struggle while their family and loved ones suffer, and I admired how she did the best with what little she had. She made impossible choices, and had she chosen the other path, the results would have been even more devastating. That said, there were moments where I found myself screaming at her to defend herself! But perhaps that frustration speaks to how real her predicament feels.
Then there is Cormac. What a strong-willed individual. I loved his character immensely. Even when the plot twist regarding him arrived, I have to admit I didn't see it coming (and yes, I laughed about missing that clue!). His strength provided a necessary counterbalance to the chaos around him.
Themes and Execution The events on the estate are heartbreaking, serving as a brutal reminder that fear never wins in the long run. Eventually, people get tired of tyranny. A revolution is inevitable, even if it sucks that it had to come to that level of violence and loss. The book handles this theme with nuance, avoiding simple black-and-white morality in favor of a messy, human reality.
A Minor Critique If I have one complaint, it's that we didn't get to see enough of Oswin and the 'allies' within the Empire. There was such a promising lineup of characters there that felt slightly underutilized. I wanted more time with them before the climax. However, I am thoroughly glad that Jory got a happy ending amidst the darkness.
Verdict The Hawthorn Oath is a fantastic read that demands your emotional investment. It doesn't shy away from the ugly truths of power, corruption, and survival, and it rewards you with a story that lingers long after the final page. It's a visceral, emotional ride that deserves every bit of its 5-star rating.
I received an ARC of The Hawthorn Oath and ended up gorging myself on it in barely a day and a half. This isn't just a recommendation; this book emotionally trapped me from the first chapter, and I am giving it five stars without hesitation.
The Premise and Atmosphere From the opening pages, the story grips you. It starts with those distinct, darker Beauty and the Beast vibes, but quickly evolves into something far more complex and dangerous. The world-building feels heavy with consequence, particularly the history woven into the landscape. As an Irish reader, the premise hit me hard; the depiction of famine and the devastation caused when external powers steal resources that don't belong to them is a painful, necessary reflection of our own history. It explains the depth of the tragedy in a way that feels authentic rather than exploitative.
The Antagonist: Lord Halverton If there is one character who will make you seethe, it is Lord Halverton. His arrogance is palpable, but it's his specific brand of corruption that sets my teeth on edge. He takes advantage of something sacred—something he doesn't even believe in—simply for his own selfish pursuit of perfection. He leads entirely through fear and is, frankly, a menace. Watching him operate as a corrupt asshole purely for gain was infuriating, but also absolutely gripping.
When the reckoning comes, and Halverton realizes the true cost of the Oath he foolishly meddled with, I found myself laughing out loud. Sir, you should never fuck around with things you don't understand. In my honest opinion, he deserved worse. The karma here is delicious.
The Protagonists: Aoife and Cormac Aoife's journey is harrowing. It is incredibly difficult to watch someone struggle while their family and loved ones suffer, and I admired how she did the best with what little she had. She made impossible choices, and had she chosen the other path, the results would have been even more devastating. That said, there were moments where I found myself screaming at her to defend herself! But perhaps that frustration speaks to how real her predicament feels.
Then there is Cormac. What a strong-willed individual. I loved his character immensely. Even when the plot twist regarding him arrived, I have to admit I didn't see it coming (and yes, I laughed about missing that clue!). His strength provided a necessary counterbalance to the chaos around him.
Themes and Execution The events on the estate are heartbreaking, serving as a brutal reminder that fear never wins in the long run. Eventually, people get tired of tyranny. A revolution is inevitable, even if it sucks that it had to come to that level of violence and loss. The book handles this theme with nuance, avoiding simple black-and-white morality in favor of a messy, human reality.
A Minor Critique If I have one complaint, it's that we didn't get to see enough of Oswin and the 'allies' within the Empire. There was such a promising lineup of characters there that felt slightly underutilized. I wanted more time with them before the climax. However, I am thoroughly glad that Jory got a happy ending amidst the darkness.
Verdict The Hawthorn Oath is a fantastic read that demands your emotional investment. It doesn't shy away from the ugly truths of power, corruption, and survival, and it rewards you with a story that lingers long after the final page. It's a visceral, emotional ride that deserves every bit of its 5-star rating.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC copy of The Hawthorn Oath in exchange for an honest review.
One thing I immediately appreciated was the inclusion of a pronunciation guide. When fantasy novels feature unique names and terminology, it can sometimes interrupt the reading experience if you’re constantly second-guessing how something should sound. Having that guide available from the start made it much easier to immerse myself in the world.
The Hawthorn Oath has strong fairy-tale influences, feeling very much like Beauty and the Beast blended with elements reminiscent of A Court of Thorns and Roses. The story follows Aoife, who has become the provider for her family in a village devastated by famine. When her father is caught poaching, she agrees to take his punishment, leaving her family behind to live in the manor of Lord Halverton and assume the role of a lady.
A central element of the story is the blood oath Aoife swears beneath the Hawthorn tree after Halverton makes her promise never to leave him. This oath, made to the mysterious Sheedar, carries consequences that ripple through the story and affect both characters in significant ways.
One of the novel’s strongest aspects is its exploration of class inequality. The author effectively highlights how wealth and privilege can breed ignorance and a sense of superiority. Aoife is a compelling protagonist who refuses to accept injustice. Her determination to challenge the divide between the upper and lower classes creates a strong focus on accountability, personal growth, and standing up for what is right. She is very much a champion of the underdog, and her resilience is one of the book’s greatest strengths.
However, despite these interesting themes, I struggled to fully engage with the story. By around the 70% mark, I felt that very little had actually happened in terms of plot progression. While the world-building and social commentary were present, I personally found the pacing slow and didn’t feel particularly invested in where the story was heading.
I also found some character dynamics difficult to believe. Cormac, who has been Aoife’s childhood friend for years, eventually confesses his feelings to Lord Halverton, yet Aoife appears completely unaware of his affection until that point. This felt somewhat unrealistic given the depth and length of their friendship.
Another aspect that left me uncertain was the role of the Athraith. Described as a majestic, horse-like creature tied to Irish folklore, it is believed to seek a mate and carry them away to the Otherworld. While the mythology surrounding the creature was intriguing, I wasn’t entirely convinced of its relevance to the overall story and felt its inclusion could have been developed further.
Overall, The Hawthorn Oath offers an interesting blend of fantasy, folklore, romance, and social commentary, with a strong and determined heroine at its centre. While I appreciated its themes and the folklore-inspired elements, the slow pacing and lack of engagement with the plot meant it didn’t fully capture my attention. Readers who enjoy character-driven fantasy with class-conscious themes and fairy-tale influences may find more to enjoy here than I did.
One thing I immediately appreciated was the inclusion of a pronunciation guide. When fantasy novels feature unique names and terminology, it can sometimes interrupt the reading experience if you’re constantly second-guessing how something should sound. Having that guide available from the start made it much easier to immerse myself in the world.
The Hawthorn Oath has strong fairy-tale influences, feeling very much like Beauty and the Beast blended with elements reminiscent of A Court of Thorns and Roses. The story follows Aoife, who has become the provider for her family in a village devastated by famine. When her father is caught poaching, she agrees to take his punishment, leaving her family behind to live in the manor of Lord Halverton and assume the role of a lady.
A central element of the story is the blood oath Aoife swears beneath the Hawthorn tree after Halverton makes her promise never to leave him. This oath, made to the mysterious Sheedar, carries consequences that ripple through the story and affect both characters in significant ways.
One of the novel’s strongest aspects is its exploration of class inequality. The author effectively highlights how wealth and privilege can breed ignorance and a sense of superiority. Aoife is a compelling protagonist who refuses to accept injustice. Her determination to challenge the divide between the upper and lower classes creates a strong focus on accountability, personal growth, and standing up for what is right. She is very much a champion of the underdog, and her resilience is one of the book’s greatest strengths.
However, despite these interesting themes, I struggled to fully engage with the story. By around the 70% mark, I felt that very little had actually happened in terms of plot progression. While the world-building and social commentary were present, I personally found the pacing slow and didn’t feel particularly invested in where the story was heading.
I also found some character dynamics difficult to believe. Cormac, who has been Aoife’s childhood friend for years, eventually confesses his feelings to Lord Halverton, yet Aoife appears completely unaware of his affection until that point. This felt somewhat unrealistic given the depth and length of their friendship.
Another aspect that left me uncertain was the role of the Athraith. Described as a majestic, horse-like creature tied to Irish folklore, it is believed to seek a mate and carry them away to the Otherworld. While the mythology surrounding the creature was intriguing, I wasn’t entirely convinced of its relevance to the overall story and felt its inclusion could have been developed further.
Overall, The Hawthorn Oath offers an interesting blend of fantasy, folklore, romance, and social commentary, with a strong and determined heroine at its centre. While I appreciated its themes and the folklore-inspired elements, the slow pacing and lack of engagement with the plot meant it didn’t fully capture my attention. Readers who enjoy character-driven fantasy with class-conscious themes and fairy-tale influences may find more to enjoy here than I did.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Recieved as an ARC
Woaw - a really good story.
This is really a beauty and the beast retelling. A beast in human form in every posible way and he is really well written. I felt so much hate for him and at the same time I was thinking like Aoife, that there is good in everyone and that if something bad has happened and that shaped a person maybe something and someone good can help reshape this person and change them to something better. You know love can change you for the better and all that..
In the beginning we learn a bit about her city, her family and friends and how much they mean to her, it’s a great start to get to know a bit about her.
The lord sees her and he wants her. She offers herself in exchange for her father not being punished and thats how she ends up in the lords manor and we follow her life there.
He does everything he can to reshape her to his image, to make her a proper lady and takes credit for everything. She keeps believing there is good in him.
The irish folklore spices up the story and I really liked everything about it.
I read it in 2 days because I was hooked from start to end. I just wanted to know what happened next. I loved the writing style and the overall story.
So if you love a wellwritten fantasy and you love beauty and the beast, then you should read this once it is released.
Woaw - a really good story.
This is really a beauty and the beast retelling. A beast in human form in every posible way and he is really well written. I felt so much hate for him and at the same time I was thinking like Aoife, that there is good in everyone and that if something bad has happened and that shaped a person maybe something and someone good can help reshape this person and change them to something better. You know love can change you for the better and all that..
In the beginning we learn a bit about her city, her family and friends and how much they mean to her, it’s a great start to get to know a bit about her.
The lord sees her and he wants her. She offers herself in exchange for her father not being punished and thats how she ends up in the lords manor and we follow her life there.
He does everything he can to reshape her to his image, to make her a proper lady and takes credit for everything. She keeps believing there is good in him.
The irish folklore spices up the story and I really liked everything about it.
I read it in 2 days because I was hooked from start to end. I just wanted to know what happened next. I loved the writing style and the overall story.
So if you love a wellwritten fantasy and you love beauty and the beast, then you should read this once it is released.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Hawthorn Oath is a story about Aeiofe who lives in a very poor village, sourcing food for her family with her best friend, Cormac. One day Aeoife’s pa is caught poaching, and Lord Halverton wants to punish him by 20 lashes. Aeoife volunteers to take his place, and the lord gives her a choice between 50 lashes or living with him, learning to be a lady. Before she moves into the manor, she has to swear an oath to the Shee by an old hawthorn tree, promising she won’t leave the estate before she falls in love with its resident.
The Hawthorn Oath draws inspiration from Beauty and the Beast and old Irish folklore from the great famine. The story is a mixture of fantasy, fairy tale and magical realism. Even though it’s set in an imaginary land, there are strong parallels between the world of the Hawthorn Oath and the mid 19th century British Empire. And even though it’s a Beauty and the Beast retelling of a sort, some beasts turn into heroes, others into monsters.
This book was very character driven, partly on the expense of the storyline. I would’ve preferred a bit more action. This was an enjoyable read nevertheless.
This book is for you if you like
📖 Beauty and the Beast retelling
📖 Irish folklore
📖 1850s Great Famine
📖 class society
📖 loss of freedom
📖 magical realism / fantasy
📖 clean romance without spice
The Hawthorn Oath draws inspiration from Beauty and the Beast and old Irish folklore from the great famine. The story is a mixture of fantasy, fairy tale and magical realism. Even though it’s set in an imaginary land, there are strong parallels between the world of the Hawthorn Oath and the mid 19th century British Empire. And even though it’s a Beauty and the Beast retelling of a sort, some beasts turn into heroes, others into monsters.
This book was very character driven, partly on the expense of the storyline. I would’ve preferred a bit more action. This was an enjoyable read nevertheless.
This book is for you if you like
📖 Beauty and the Beast retelling
📖 Irish folklore
📖 1850s Great Famine
📖 class society
📖 loss of freedom
📖 magical realism / fantasy
📖 clean romance without spice
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
This is a standalone fantasy story which is well written and has a good flow and pace. It combines myths, history and relatable characters that keep you reading. It's not loud or brash, it's quietness speaks volumes. Aoife lives with her dad, her little brother and little sister until she's forced to make a choice. Lord Halverton wants her, she wants her family to survive. She's not sure what Lord Halverton expects from her and is amazed at the plentiful supply of food in the manor while the villagers starve. At times he gives her hope that she can change him, all while he is changing her. I liked the way Aoife's character developed throughout the story, how she stood up for others and never personally resorted to any kind of violence or threatening behaviour, how she used her mind to let Lord Halverton see what he wanted to see. So many books are so fast paced, have so much going on that you can't catch your breath, it's so nice to find one that goes at a more gentle pace, that ticks all the boxes of a really good fantasy story and leaves you feeling content. Don't get me wrong, when I say a gentle pace, I still had this read in 2 days & didn't want to put it down.
This is a standalone fantasy story which is well written and has a good flow and pace. It combines myths, history and relatable characters that keep you reading. It's not loud or brash, it's quietness speaks volumes. Aoife lives with her dad, her little brother and little sister until she's forced to make a choice. Lord Halverton wants her, she wants her family to survive. She's not sure what Lord Halverton expects from her and is amazed at the plentiful supply of food in the manor while the villagers starve. At times he gives her hope that she can change him, all while he is changing her. I liked the way Aoife's character developed throughout the story, how she stood up for others and never personally resorted to any kind of violence or threatening behaviour, how she used her mind to let Lord Halverton see what he wanted to see. So many books are so fast paced, have so much going on that you can't catch your breath, it's so nice to find one that goes at a more gentle pace, that ticks all the boxes of a really good fantasy story and leaves you feeling content. Don't get me wrong, when I say a gentle pace, I still had this read in 2 days & didn't want to put it down.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this as an ARC from the author and will be sharing my honest review.
I absolutely loved this book. It gave me strong Beauty and the Beast retelling vibes, with a touch of something otherworldly that reminded me of A Court of Thorns and Roses.
One thing I particularly appreciated was the pronunciation guide at the beginning. With the story being deeply rooted in Irish folklore, it was incredibly helpful for names I otherwise wouldn’t have known how to pronounce. By the end of the book, this added an extra layer of meaning and emotional impact to many of the characters and their stories.
I loved seeing Aoife’s strength and resilience throughout the novel, as well as her growth in confidence as the story progressed. She was a compelling protagonist, and her journey was a joy to follow. The cast as a whole is wonderfully developed, and it’s easy to become attached to many of the characters, which makes certain moments all the more powerful and memorable.
Overall, this was a beautifully written and immersive story that blended folklore, romance, and magic in a way that completely drew me in, and I can’t wait to read more from this author.
I absolutely loved this book. It gave me strong Beauty and the Beast retelling vibes, with a touch of something otherworldly that reminded me of A Court of Thorns and Roses.
One thing I particularly appreciated was the pronunciation guide at the beginning. With the story being deeply rooted in Irish folklore, it was incredibly helpful for names I otherwise wouldn’t have known how to pronounce. By the end of the book, this added an extra layer of meaning and emotional impact to many of the characters and their stories.
I loved seeing Aoife’s strength and resilience throughout the novel, as well as her growth in confidence as the story progressed. She was a compelling protagonist, and her journey was a joy to follow. The cast as a whole is wonderfully developed, and it’s easy to become attached to many of the characters, which makes certain moments all the more powerful and memorable.
Overall, this was a beautifully written and immersive story that blended folklore, romance, and magic in a way that completely drew me in, and I can’t wait to read more from this author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Fabulous, engaging novel with strong characters from different sides of a divide. A real sense of injustice and incredulity spatter the pages throughout, creating a bond between certain character driven elements and the reader. Strength of character abounds as does unity and fighting for survival.
It was a truly engaging read that I thoroughly enjoyed. The Hawthorn Oath by Louise Daerr has a mix of myth, gothic fantasy, and old-world charm that kept the pages turning. Its wealth of characters from different backgrounds blends in a world where power and privilege create the rules, and the only thing left is hope. When Aoife's father is caught trying to steal to provide food for his starving family, a chain of events is set in motion that changes everything. Finding herself trapped in a situation of her own choosing, Aoife rises to the challenge in the hope of making a difference but soon learns that greed and control are sometimes incapable of redemption. Filled with ever-changing situations, difficult decisions, and punishment that far outweigh the crime, this story has a powerful message hidden in its captivating depths. Highly recommended, I couldn't put it down. A voluntary review with thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this eARC.
It was a truly engaging read that I thoroughly enjoyed. The Hawthorn Oath by Louise Daerr has a mix of myth, gothic fantasy, and old-world charm that kept the pages turning. Its wealth of characters from different backgrounds blends in a world where power and privilege create the rules, and the only thing left is hope. When Aoife's father is caught trying to steal to provide food for his starving family, a chain of events is set in motion that changes everything. Finding herself trapped in a situation of her own choosing, Aoife rises to the challenge in the hope of making a difference but soon learns that greed and control are sometimes incapable of redemption. Filled with ever-changing situations, difficult decisions, and punishment that far outweigh the crime, this story has a powerful message hidden in its captivating depths. Highly recommended, I couldn't put it down. A voluntary review with thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this eARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was so honoured to be a part of the ARC read for this book. Thank you Louise for selecting me!!!
I thought the book was fantastic and will definitely be getting a trophy version when it comes out. It was a lovely gentle pace from the dark romance I had been reading. It had a real beauty and the best retelling element to it! With the main character finding herself in quite a difficult situation. She overcame everything that was thrown at her and progressed through the story with such grace and bravery.
At first I thought I was going to like the MMC, then it switched to hatred. Lord Halverton is not a man that you can like throughout the story but there are elements to his storyline that do make you see him in a different light.
The friendships between the characters and the growth of the characters throughout the book is very inspiring and it ended in the most perfect way.
Very captivating story!! Amazing read!
I thought the book was fantastic and will definitely be getting a trophy version when it comes out. It was a lovely gentle pace from the dark romance I had been reading. It had a real beauty and the best retelling element to it! With the main character finding herself in quite a difficult situation. She overcame everything that was thrown at her and progressed through the story with such grace and bravery.
At first I thought I was going to like the MMC, then it switched to hatred. Lord Halverton is not a man that you can like throughout the story but there are elements to his storyline that do make you see him in a different light.
The friendships between the characters and the growth of the characters throughout the book is very inspiring and it ended in the most perfect way.
Very captivating story!! Amazing read!
June 24, 2026
✨ARC review✨
I absolutely loved this book and everything about it!
I was so thankful to see that there was a pronunciation guide at the beginning🥰 This made everything so much easier when reading, and I wasn’t second guessing myself.
After reading just the first few chapters I was completely hooked and spent every moment of my life thinking about this book and what would happen next.
The story is based around the Irish famine with a loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Beauty and the Beast is my favourite Disney movie so you know I just had to read this book and love it❤️🔥
The characters were so well thought out and their development was amazing. I love that Aoife realises she’s changed throughout her time spent with Lord Halverton, and chooses to accept it as she truely isn’t the same girl who went into that place🫶🏻
The writer truly had me on my toes hoping and praying for redemption from characters and I was both pleased and disappointed (in a good way).
I would highly recommend this book to everyone and I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I did💗
I absolutely loved this book and everything about it!
I was so thankful to see that there was a pronunciation guide at the beginning🥰 This made everything so much easier when reading, and I wasn’t second guessing myself.
After reading just the first few chapters I was completely hooked and spent every moment of my life thinking about this book and what would happen next.
The story is based around the Irish famine with a loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Beauty and the Beast is my favourite Disney movie so you know I just had to read this book and love it❤️🔥
The characters were so well thought out and their development was amazing. I love that Aoife realises she’s changed throughout her time spent with Lord Halverton, and chooses to accept it as she truely isn’t the same girl who went into that place🫶🏻
The writer truly had me on my toes hoping and praying for redemption from characters and I was both pleased and disappointed (in a good way).
I would highly recommend this book to everyone and I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I did💗
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hawthorn Oath was absolutely beautiful. It gave me subtle Beauty and the Beast vibes, which made me love it even more since that's been one of my favourite stories since childhood.
The characters were wonderfully written, and I loved how everything came together. The story built at the perfect pace, with each chapter drawing me in more and more. When I thought I knew where it was heading, it surprised me. The ending wasn't what I expected at all, and it kept me on my toes right until the very last page.
As stunning as the ending was, it also left me feeling a little sad. I won't say why because I don't want to spoil anything, but it's one of those endings that stays with you long after you've finished the book.
Without a doubt, this is a 5-star read for me. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves beautifully written fantasy, unforgettable characters, and stories that keep you guessing.
Hawthorn Oath was absolutely beautiful. It gave me subtle Beauty and the Beast vibes, which made me love it even more since that's been one of my favourite stories since childhood.
The characters were wonderfully written, and I loved how everything came together. The story built at the perfect pace, with each chapter drawing me in more and more. When I thought I knew where it was heading, it surprised me. The ending wasn't what I expected at all, and it kept me on my toes right until the very last page.
As stunning as the ending was, it also left me feeling a little sad. I won't say why because I don't want to spoil anything, but it's one of those endings that stays with you long after you've finished the book.
Without a doubt, this is a 5-star read for me. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves beautifully written fantasy, unforgettable characters, and stories that keep you guessing.
July 7, 2026
I received this book as an advanced reader copy from the author for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
This wasn't what I was expecting from a Beauty and the Beast retelling and didn't pan out how I had expected it to. It's what I would call a twisted retelling where some of the original details are there but it very much has it's own original twists and turns.
Aoife is an incredibly strong and clever FMC who does a remarkable job of bending under the pressure of Lord Halverston, an ambitious but damaged man with no wish to reform.
The author did a masterful job of weaving Irish folklore and Irish history into her story, giving this fantasy a really unique spin. The story was well written with a good pace and good, detailed world building.
If you like your fairytales a little twisted, with historical notes, a good helping of folklore and a friends to lovers romance on the side, this one's for you.
This wasn't what I was expecting from a Beauty and the Beast retelling and didn't pan out how I had expected it to. It's what I would call a twisted retelling where some of the original details are there but it very much has it's own original twists and turns.
Aoife is an incredibly strong and clever FMC who does a remarkable job of bending under the pressure of Lord Halverston, an ambitious but damaged man with no wish to reform.
The author did a masterful job of weaving Irish folklore and Irish history into her story, giving this fantasy a really unique spin. The story was well written with a good pace and good, detailed world building.
If you like your fairytales a little twisted, with historical notes, a good helping of folklore and a friends to lovers romance on the side, this one's for you.
July 11, 2026
Review from advanced reader copy received from author
The Hawthorn Oath by Louise Daer was a really enjoyable read overall. The first two chapters had me completely hooked and desperate to keep reading. Chapters 3 slowed things down a little as I was trying to work out where the plot was heading, but chapter 4 delivered the first big shock of the book and pulled me right back in.
One of my favourite characters was Cormac. I absolutely loved him and only wish he’d been featured more throughout the middle section of the story.
There were a few aspects of the plot and world-building that left me a little confused, as I felt some things weren’t fully explained. However, this didn’t stop me from enjoying the book.
Overall, The Hawthorn Oath was an engaging read with memorable characters, unexpected twists, and plenty to keep me turning the pages. Despite a few moments of confusion, I really enjoyed it and would happily recommend it to fantasy romance readers.
The Hawthorn Oath by Louise Daer was a really enjoyable read overall. The first two chapters had me completely hooked and desperate to keep reading. Chapters 3 slowed things down a little as I was trying to work out where the plot was heading, but chapter 4 delivered the first big shock of the book and pulled me right back in.
One of my favourite characters was Cormac. I absolutely loved him and only wish he’d been featured more throughout the middle section of the story.
There were a few aspects of the plot and world-building that left me a little confused, as I felt some things weren’t fully explained. However, this didn’t stop me from enjoying the book.
Overall, The Hawthorn Oath was an engaging read with memorable characters, unexpected twists, and plenty to keep me turning the pages. Despite a few moments of confusion, I really enjoyed it and would happily recommend it to fantasy romance readers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The story started very strongly, with easy-to-follow writing and worldbuilding that was introduced naturally without overwhelming the reader. The setting was one of the highlights for me, and I was quickly drawn into the story.
However, I found the middle section somewhat repetitive, and the pacing felt slower than I would have liked. I kept waiting for certain character relationships and plot threads to develop further, but they didn’t always progress in a way that felt satisfying to me.
That said, the ending was engaging and provided a stronger sense of momentum than the middle portion of the book. Overall, while there were aspects I enjoyed, particularly the writing style and worldbuilding, I struggled with the pacing and some of the character development.
A solid read with a strong beginning, but it ultimately wasn’t a perfect fit for me.
However, I found the middle section somewhat repetitive, and the pacing felt slower than I would have liked. I kept waiting for certain character relationships and plot threads to develop further, but they didn’t always progress in a way that felt satisfying to me.
That said, the ending was engaging and provided a stronger sense of momentum than the middle portion of the book. Overall, while there were aspects I enjoyed, particularly the writing style and worldbuilding, I struggled with the pacing and some of the character development.
A solid read with a strong beginning, but it ultimately wasn’t a perfect fit for me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review
At first I liked the pronunciation guide. That makes reading easier.
As you go along, you get more into the story and get to know the characters and the world around them.
There were quite a few twists throughout the story. Louise wrote this very well. You think we're heading in a direction you don't really want (at least I didn't), and then suddenly something else happens. This happened to me a few times. That made me wanted to read more and more!
I think it is a very beautiful story and very well written. I also find Irish folklore very interesting.
The only thing I would have liked is a bit more background story. A little more explanation about certain characters. And a bit more detail about certain things. But all in all, a very enjoyable book to read. I was hooked and wanted to finish this book!
At first I liked the pronunciation guide. That makes reading easier.
As you go along, you get more into the story and get to know the characters and the world around them.
There were quite a few twists throughout the story. Louise wrote this very well. You think we're heading in a direction you don't really want (at least I didn't), and then suddenly something else happens. This happened to me a few times. That made me wanted to read more and more!
I think it is a very beautiful story and very well written. I also find Irish folklore very interesting.
The only thing I would have liked is a bit more background story. A little more explanation about certain characters. And a bit more detail about certain things. But all in all, a very enjoyable book to read. I was hooked and wanted to finish this book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hawthorn Oath – Louise Daerr ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I wasn't sure when I started this book if I was going to enjoy it, as it's not my usual genre. But from the very first chapters, I was completely hooked. This book had me captivated for three days straight and I couldn't put it down.
The character development was phenomenal, and the story itself was beautifully crafted.
The relationship between Cormac and Aoife was something truly special—heartfelt, genuine, and the kind of love I think we all hope to experience. Watching Aoife grow in strength and confidence throughout the story was inspiring, and the heroism woven into the plot was remarkable.
This was an unforgettable read that took me completely by surprise, and I'm so glad I stepped outside my comfort zone.
Thank you, Louise Daerr, for the opportunity to read this ARC. It was an absolute pleasure.
I wasn't sure when I started this book if I was going to enjoy it, as it's not my usual genre. But from the very first chapters, I was completely hooked. This book had me captivated for three days straight and I couldn't put it down.
The character development was phenomenal, and the story itself was beautifully crafted.
The relationship between Cormac and Aoife was something truly special—heartfelt, genuine, and the kind of love I think we all hope to experience. Watching Aoife grow in strength and confidence throughout the story was inspiring, and the heroism woven into the plot was remarkable.
This was an unforgettable read that took me completely by surprise, and I'm so glad I stepped outside my comfort zone.
Thank you, Louise Daerr, for the opportunity to read this ARC. It was an absolute pleasure.
July 2, 2026
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book and safe to say I did not put it down!
You have a strong FMC who just wants to protect her family and her village, she does the noble thing and it becomes a sort of beauty and the beast type story.. however the beast isn’t who you think he is.
Lord Halverton is a character you want to hate but struggle to with how the author portrays him.
Cormac the childhood best friend with a secret, I wish we saw and had more of you.. but what we did get was beautiful!
I loved every minute of reading this book, it captivated me and created a world you could absorb into.
I really hope there’s author does some more books with this world as it felt like we only touched such a small corner and there is an entire world to explore.
I would highly recommend this book!
You have a strong FMC who just wants to protect her family and her village, she does the noble thing and it becomes a sort of beauty and the beast type story.. however the beast isn’t who you think he is.
Lord Halverton is a character you want to hate but struggle to with how the author portrays him.
Cormac the childhood best friend with a secret, I wish we saw and had more of you.. but what we did get was beautiful!
I loved every minute of reading this book, it captivated me and created a world you could absorb into.
I really hope there’s author does some more books with this world as it felt like we only touched such a small corner and there is an entire world to explore.
I would highly recommend this book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.75 stars
A retelling of Beauty and Beast where the beast is truly monstrous
The Irish folklore twist was fantastic and gave an other worldly feel to it that fed the whole story and a complete highlight.
This book had me screaming in anger and frustration as it was a painful read. The coercive control and emotional abuse is so raw that it sat inside me and took me places that I am still healing from.
He wanted to change every little thing about her and she was powerless but to oblige.
The way the FMC dealt with it all was so true to life and I could feel everything she went through which it what had me taking regular breaks just to breathe and reset.
I have never read anything where I have wanted such ill will towards an MMC but here the ending left me satisfied.
The ending of this is just how I wished for it to end and made all the pain and suffering I went through in some respects worth it
For an author to tackle such a horrendous subject as domestic abuse and to do it this well I applaud her.
Even though I found it a different read the writing was flawless and the characters seemless.
I do recommend this book but please take note of the trigger warnings as they are there for a reason
A retelling of Beauty and Beast where the beast is truly monstrous
The Irish folklore twist was fantastic and gave an other worldly feel to it that fed the whole story and a complete highlight.
This book had me screaming in anger and frustration as it was a painful read. The coercive control and emotional abuse is so raw that it sat inside me and took me places that I am still healing from.
He wanted to change every little thing about her and she was powerless but to oblige.
The way the FMC dealt with it all was so true to life and I could feel everything she went through which it what had me taking regular breaks just to breathe and reset.
I have never read anything where I have wanted such ill will towards an MMC but here the ending left me satisfied.
The ending of this is just how I wished for it to end and made all the pain and suffering I went through in some respects worth it
For an author to tackle such a horrendous subject as domestic abuse and to do it this well I applaud her.
Even though I found it a different read the writing was flawless and the characters seemless.
I do recommend this book but please take note of the trigger warnings as they are there for a reason
July 11, 2026
✨ ARC Review ✨
Thank you to the author, Louise Daerr, for the opportunity to read The Hawthorn Oath in exchange for an honest review.
I had such a great time reading this one! From the very first chapter, I was completely engaged and eager to see where the story would go. The world-building is immersive without feeling overwhelming, and the characters quickly became my favorite part of the book.
What stood out to me the most was the emotional journey of Aoife. Watching her grow, struggle, and find her strength added so much depth to the story and made the experience even more rewarding.
If you’re looking for a fantasy with rich world-building, memorable characters, and plenty of heart, I’d definitely recommend adding The Hawthorn Oath to your TBR.
Thank you to the author, Louise Daerr, for the opportunity to read The Hawthorn Oath in exchange for an honest review.
I had such a great time reading this one! From the very first chapter, I was completely engaged and eager to see where the story would go. The world-building is immersive without feeling overwhelming, and the characters quickly became my favorite part of the book.
What stood out to me the most was the emotional journey of Aoife. Watching her grow, struggle, and find her strength added so much depth to the story and made the experience even more rewarding.
If you’re looking for a fantasy with rich world-building, memorable characters, and plenty of heart, I’d definitely recommend adding The Hawthorn Oath to your TBR.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was so lucky to receive an ARC of The Hawthorn Oath and honestly, I devoured it in two days.
Aoife is fiercely loyal to her family and community, and when she sacrifices herself to save her father from punishment, she ends up in the manor of the infamous Lord Halverton. From the moment he appears, oooo, I despised him. He's manipulative, controlling, and determined to change Aoife into who he wants her to be.
What I loved most was the push and pull between them. Throughout the story, they're both trying to change each other in different ways. Halverton wants to mould Aoife, while Aoife desperately wants to believe there's something worth saving in him. As a reader, you're left hoping for change too, constantly wondering if either of them will succeed.
The Beauty and the Beast vibes are strong, but the Irish folklore, magical creatures, and omens of death make it feel completely its own. I also loved the friendships Aoife builds along the way and the way she changes the people around her without losing herself.
A beautifully written fantasy about strength, sacrifice, and resilience. If you love Beauty and the Beast retellings with a darker edge, definitely add this one to your TBR.
I was so lucky to receive an ARC of The Hawthorn Oath and honestly, I devoured it in two days.
Aoife is fiercely loyal to her family and community, and when she sacrifices herself to save her father from punishment, she ends up in the manor of the infamous Lord Halverton. From the moment he appears, oooo, I despised him. He's manipulative, controlling, and determined to change Aoife into who he wants her to be.
What I loved most was the push and pull between them. Throughout the story, they're both trying to change each other in different ways. Halverton wants to mould Aoife, while Aoife desperately wants to believe there's something worth saving in him. As a reader, you're left hoping for change too, constantly wondering if either of them will succeed.
The Beauty and the Beast vibes are strong, but the Irish folklore, magical creatures, and omens of death make it feel completely its own. I also loved the friendships Aoife builds along the way and the way she changes the people around her without losing herself.
A beautifully written fantasy about strength, sacrifice, and resilience. If you love Beauty and the Beast retellings with a darker edge, definitely add this one to your TBR.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC READ from the author herself!!
Loved this book down! If I am being honest, I was never a beauty & the beast or the princess and the frog type of girl, but this book made me love THIS version of it. Aoife reminds me of myself in many ways, especially when it comes to using practices from her mother’s book. This book will be another read that lives rent free in my head! If an audiobook comes out for this book, I would highly recommend Tyla Collier or A'rese Emokpae for Aoife. If you are debating on reading this book, do it!! You will not regret it!! A major perk is the pronunciation guide that is given before the chapters. Great thinking with that Louise! 🙂👏🏽👌🏽
Loved this book down! If I am being honest, I was never a beauty & the beast or the princess and the frog type of girl, but this book made me love THIS version of it. Aoife reminds me of myself in many ways, especially when it comes to using practices from her mother’s book. This book will be another read that lives rent free in my head! If an audiobook comes out for this book, I would highly recommend Tyla Collier or A'rese Emokpae for Aoife. If you are debating on reading this book, do it!! You will not regret it!! A major perk is the pronunciation guide that is given before the chapters. Great thinking with that Louise! 🙂👏🏽👌🏽
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was honoured to receive the ARC from author Louise Daerr.
This book was everything I hoped for after seeing a snippet on TikTok. I read it in 2 days!!
This is a story of family, sacrifice, friendship, courage and love. I was hooked from the very start!
The world building was exceptional. Every place was described so vividly.The characters were well developed and every one’s unique personality really made them memorable and added depth to the story.
I definitely picked up on the Beauty and the Beast vibes and loved it!
I recommend adding The Hawthorn Oath to your TBR and watch for its release this summer!
This book was everything I hoped for after seeing a snippet on TikTok. I read it in 2 days!!
This is a story of family, sacrifice, friendship, courage and love. I was hooked from the very start!
The world building was exceptional. Every place was described so vividly.The characters were well developed and every one’s unique personality really made them memorable and added depth to the story.
I definitely picked up on the Beauty and the Beast vibes and loved it!
I recommend adding The Hawthorn Oath to your TBR and watch for its release this summer!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky to be chosen to be an arc reader for this. Loved the book and couldn't put it down, read it in 2 days.
It's a slow paced story, a Beauty and the Beast cross folklore.
We learn about Aoife and her village that is under the control of Haverton. Her father is caught stealing and she steps in to defend him and in doing so is given a choice take the punishment or go live with him, she chooses him thinking she can change him a make him a better man for her people. He wants her to be a "token wife"...she isn't that...he wants to break her....
Definitely will be buying a copy to put on my shelves. Hope you enjoy reading it too 😊
It's a slow paced story, a Beauty and the Beast cross folklore.
We learn about Aoife and her village that is under the control of Haverton. Her father is caught stealing and she steps in to defend him and in doing so is given a choice take the punishment or go live with him, she chooses him thinking she can change him a make him a better man for her people. He wants her to be a "token wife"...she isn't that...he wants to break her....
Definitely will be buying a copy to put on my shelves. Hope you enjoy reading it too 😊
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky to receive an ARC of this book.
Over all it was a fine and easy read, but it did feel both rushed and slow at times.
While reading I did have a harder time feeling connected to the characters and the story, (I did read it during exam season so that might have something to do with my mind being elsewhere)
I did enjoy the folklore, and the fact that it bit Lord Halverton in the behind, that he refused to understand what his people believed in.
But it’s again, an easy read if you’re looking for something light and not too long, and I do think it has potential to be a great read for some people, even though it didn’t hit the same for me
Over all it was a fine and easy read, but it did feel both rushed and slow at times.
While reading I did have a harder time feeling connected to the characters and the story, (I did read it during exam season so that might have something to do with my mind being elsewhere)
I did enjoy the folklore, and the fact that it bit Lord Halverton in the behind, that he refused to understand what his people believed in.
But it’s again, an easy read if you’re looking for something light and not too long, and I do think it has potential to be a great read for some people, even though it didn’t hit the same for me
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you enjoyed Madeline Miller's Circe, or The Children of Jocasta by Natalie Haynes you should read The Hawthorn Oath. Daerr beautifully reweaves the old story of Beauty and the Beast in to something strikingly new. Set in a world that echoes Ireland in the Great Famine, Daerr's heroin steps firmly out into a deftly drawn world plotting her own path through a well trod narrative, breathing into it new life and revising old myths. Daerr writes with a confidence and certainty that I thoroughly enjoyed, and look forward to seeing what she writes next.
June 7, 2026
I am extremely lucky to have received an advanced copy of this book. This was a stunning fantasy novel, with beauty and the beast vibes, that I simply could not put down and I read in one sitting. I loved the main character and how down to earth she remained in the circumstances, it showed true bravery and courage. I loved the importance of names and how the author highlighted how powerful names can be. As someone who has an unusual name, this resonated with me on a higher level. I also loved that this was a complete story. Compelling and beautifully written.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is an excellent lesson and not losing yourself. It for anyone whether it be an adult, a young adult, or a child. It does depict some kissing scenes but never anything that's explicit I would let my 8 year old daughter read this book. Especially with the lessons it taught kindness isn't always the best way violence isn't always the best way. The best way is the one that leads you forward in the right decision whether it be wrong for you and right for someone else or write for you and wrong for someone else
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC - I dont like reading from a third person point of view but i managed to get past it. I found the intro
good. Good world building without being too overwhelming, good character building too. I found the build
up (middle section) slow and boring at times. Then all of a sudden one chapter made it so much more
interesting again and then it ended shortly after. I felt like so many parts of the story could have been
developed further and made more into the plot which would have made it better.
good. Good world building without being too overwhelming, good character building too. I found the build
up (middle section) slow and boring at times. Then all of a sudden one chapter made it so much more
interesting again and then it ended shortly after. I felt like so many parts of the story could have been
developed further and made more into the plot which would have made it better.
July 1, 2026
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy from the author prior to the books release. I unfortunately DNFed it as the book wasn't for me, but I can absolutely appreciate the time and effort put in to the crafting of the book. The world building was genuinely excellent and though the subject matter later in the novel couldn't hold my interest, I can absolutely see the appeal.
Louise's writing is not the problem here at all, it just wasn't my cup of tea. I've preordered her next book What Falls to Us as that's more in my wheelhouse and I'm confident she has a great career in front of her.
Louise's writing is not the problem here at all, it just wasn't my cup of tea. I've preordered her next book What Falls to Us as that's more in my wheelhouse and I'm confident she has a great career in front of her.
July 1, 2026
I was lucky enough to ARC read this beautiful book.
It is the perfect book for someone wanting to get into the fantasy genre. The Irish folklore mixed with the Beauty and the Beast retelling is perfect.
The writing is done in such a way that it is easy to read and follow.
The only thing that can be difficult is remembering how to pronounce the Irish names. However, at the beginning of the book there is a handy dandy pronunciation guide.
The characters all have their own charms and turnoffs but they all work well together.
Overall an amazing read with lots of twists and fun.
It is the perfect book for someone wanting to get into the fantasy genre. The Irish folklore mixed with the Beauty and the Beast retelling is perfect.
The writing is done in such a way that it is easy to read and follow.
The only thing that can be difficult is remembering how to pronounce the Irish names. However, at the beginning of the book there is a handy dandy pronunciation guide.
The characters all have their own charms and turnoffs but they all work well together.
Overall an amazing read with lots of twists and fun.
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