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The Grey Woods
The Grey Woods is a meeting place between worlds, where souls go after they die, where they come before they are born. Here, the powerful Lady Atya of the Majae draws Fin Goldvale into this spiritual realm to witness past events that hold the key to his future. But Fin is caught between his cousin Madros’ present turmoil and his past love for the enchanting Eamìn of the Majae. In order to ensure their very survival, Fin must navigate Lord Madros’ growing madness by understanding the heroic deeds of his past.
Madros was forced to send his beloved Eamìn to a remote city where his cousin Gareth is king. Fin was sent with her to protect her from the dark forces ever searching for her power, but more importantly, from Gareth himself. But Fin is accused of an affair with Eamìn, who has been forced to marry Gareth while in hiding, and he escapes to Madros’ city with the heartbreaking news that she is no longer safe there. But pulling her out of the hidden city will expose her again to the Lord of the Dream Realm, who Madros is ultimately protecting her from.
Madros must decide if leaving Eamìn in Gareth’s clutches is the lesser of two evils, or will the guilt of how she suffers in Gareth’s hands drive him to choose another option so deadly, in an attempt to rid both threats to her.
Time is an infinite loop, expanding, contracting and repeating again, and this tale weaves itself through a series of parallel events happening three years apart. In the end Fin finds himself standing between Madros and Eamìn, two people he’s sworn to love and protect, and deciding which to serve.
Madros was forced to send his beloved Eamìn to a remote city where his cousin Gareth is king. Fin was sent with her to protect her from the dark forces ever searching for her power, but more importantly, from Gareth himself. But Fin is accused of an affair with Eamìn, who has been forced to marry Gareth while in hiding, and he escapes to Madros’ city with the heartbreaking news that she is no longer safe there. But pulling her out of the hidden city will expose her again to the Lord of the Dream Realm, who Madros is ultimately protecting her from.
Madros must decide if leaving Eamìn in Gareth’s clutches is the lesser of two evils, or will the guilt of how she suffers in Gareth’s hands drive him to choose another option so deadly, in an attempt to rid both threats to her.
Time is an infinite loop, expanding, contracting and repeating again, and this tale weaves itself through a series of parallel events happening three years apart. In the end Fin finds himself standing between Madros and Eamìn, two people he’s sworn to love and protect, and deciding which to serve.
268 pages, Paperback
Published March 7, 2016
1 person is currently reading
886 people want to read
About the author
J. Carson Rose
3 books30 followersJ Carson Rose is a storyteller of worlds on the edge—where survival and identity collide, and the search for power begins within. Her novels explore the shadowed landscapes of dystopia, fantasy, and history, always rooted in characters who dare to rise—and to love with unbreakable magnitude. Her characters walk through the ruins of time together, woven across timelines and lifetimes in the long arc of history. A soul group stays together, bound by love, loyalty and devotion, and these characters will incarnate again, endlessly.
She writes to remind readers that our power is already within us, waiting for us to see it in ourselves. Her own writing journey faced the same delay—because, as she learned, the only one in your way is you. Her hope is simple: that readers not only find themselves in her worlds, but also feel inspired to express their own.
When she isn’t writing, J Carson Rose lives on a farm in upstate New York, in the Western Catskills, a transplant from Queens, NYC. With her husband Joe, they purchased a blueberry farm in November of 2021 surrounded by the majesty of the mountains and the steady rhythm of the seasons. Rounding out their lives on the farm are two amazing Aussiedoodles Sofia and Giovanni, a sassy cat Willa the Killa they rescued from the Susquehanna SPCA, 5 chickens Blanch Cookie Tina Etta and Billie and 2 roosters Ashar and Theo and most importantly, the moms! Both of their mothers live at the farm, don’t worry, everyone is all right, on our family compound.
J Carson Rose is also a manager for a real estate firm when adulting and paying bills and an educated photographer with a BA in Liberal Arts from Bennington College.
She writes to remind readers that our power is already within us, waiting for us to see it in ourselves. Her own writing journey faced the same delay—because, as she learned, the only one in your way is you. Her hope is simple: that readers not only find themselves in her worlds, but also feel inspired to express their own.
When she isn’t writing, J Carson Rose lives on a farm in upstate New York, in the Western Catskills, a transplant from Queens, NYC. With her husband Joe, they purchased a blueberry farm in November of 2021 surrounded by the majesty of the mountains and the steady rhythm of the seasons. Rounding out their lives on the farm are two amazing Aussiedoodles Sofia and Giovanni, a sassy cat Willa the Killa they rescued from the Susquehanna SPCA, 5 chickens Blanch Cookie Tina Etta and Billie and 2 roosters Ashar and Theo and most importantly, the moms! Both of their mothers live at the farm, don’t worry, everyone is all right, on our family compound.
J Carson Rose is also a manager for a real estate firm when adulting and paying bills and an educated photographer with a BA in Liberal Arts from Bennington College.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 25, 2017
I just finished Book 1, and I cannot wait until Book 2. I don't want to give too much away, but Rose's detail in the description of the characters, both in their internal monologue and physical goings on is colorful and engulfing. Moreover, her syntax is invigorating, as well as fervent. This is a real deal page turner! This is definitely a series I could envision myself rereading again, even if the next two books are only half as good as the first. I became so involved with the characters, I think about them still, simply throughout the day, as if I were still currently reading Book 1. I don't even consider myself a real Fantasy buff, but I imagine if you are one, this is a great read for you.
April 27, 2016
I highly recommend this book for readers who do not ordinarily read fantasy. The created world and the complexity of the main characters engaged me with a high pitched battle between human frailty and the powers of the spiritual realm. The main character intrigued me with his contradictory actions and my feelings wavered as to the authenticity of his motivation. While the story is excellent as a stand-alone novel, I look forward to more of this tale.
November 9, 2017
This was an unexpected find but a fascinating read nonetheless. J Carson Rose wasn’t an author I was previously aware of, and because of this I came to The Grey Woods with no expectation, which I think made me enjoy it all the more.
The blend of supernatural fantasy works really well with the science fiction element of the between-worlds Grey Woods setting. From a review I don’t think the book can be done justice as this may make it sound more complex than it comes across in the writing, but one point I’d make is that if you have interest in any of either sci-fi, fantasy, or supernatural then there is something in here for you.
The blend of supernatural fantasy works really well with the science fiction element of the between-worlds Grey Woods setting. From a review I don’t think the book can be done justice as this may make it sound more complex than it comes across in the writing, but one point I’d make is that if you have interest in any of either sci-fi, fantasy, or supernatural then there is something in here for you.
October 16, 2017
The Grey Woods takes readers on a journey into a wine, women and song-type ye olde world, populated by warriors, kings and fair maidens. It has something else too – a whimsical, ethereal center, around which the plot weaves. It has battles and bloodshed throughout, human-animal hybrids and magic. Readers follow the story of the protagonist as he navigates through accusations of treason and infidelity and the myriad consequences these bestow on him and other characters.
J Carson Rose has created a complex world and brought it to life with colorful characters that readers can almost feel living and breathing. That’s when living and breathing is not suddenly brought to a halt in this cut-throat, bloodthirsty world where allegiances and cunning are tested to the full. This highly entertaining story is not for the faint-hearted. Everything is presented warts and all, readers being privy to all sorts of scenes. J Carson Rose allows readers the chance to become a fly on the wall in her fascinating world.
J Carson Rose has created a complex world and brought it to life with colorful characters that readers can almost feel living and breathing. That’s when living and breathing is not suddenly brought to a halt in this cut-throat, bloodthirsty world where allegiances and cunning are tested to the full. This highly entertaining story is not for the faint-hearted. Everything is presented warts and all, readers being privy to all sorts of scenes. J Carson Rose allows readers the chance to become a fly on the wall in her fascinating world.
October 16, 2017
The story opens as very believable historical fiction concerning the (literal) trials and tribulations of a fugitive traveller, Findathúil, accused of adultery with a queen, which is an act of treason. The Grey Woods of the title are considered ‘a meeting place between worlds’, almost a dream-state, where time is not linear. At the first mention of this place, the story takes on another dimension, adding fantasy and a dose of the supernatural into the mix. Chimerical creatures exist within Rose’s story and the whole thing could be described as approximating a combination of Alice in Wonderland and The Hobbit, interwoven with a love story. This is also a story concerning life and death and something (somewhere) perhaps in between. Life is simple, brutal and dynamic in the world created here, with royalty, warriors, battles and lies. I would recommend this book to fans of the ever-popular Game Of Thrones.
November 4, 2016
Before I go into a review, a little background on how i got this book. I was walking & looking around New York Comic Con, I saw a table with three drawings hanging up and thats what absolutely drew me in. Especially Fin one of the main characters; he is so handsome. Also, the Triskele (Celtic spiral) symbol the lady's cheek. (I forgot which character it was but she was gorgeous as well) The author (J. Carson Rose) took the time to explain a little bit about her book. I read the back cover and started reading the first chapter. She was so sweet and she actually gave me a free book. I was so grateful and couldn't wait to start it! I'm really glad that i looked up at the right time.
So to the review: Damn, where to I begin. This book is amazing. I might say that about a lot of books, but this was like damn where's the next book. When I read novels, I like to in that world and thats exactly how I felt when I read this book. The main characters were amazingly written. Yes, i was a bit confused at first but the more I read the more I was understanding and the quicker I finished. My favorite three characters are Fin, Eamìn and Madros. The other supporting characters are great as well but those three are my favorite. Fin will do anything for his cousin Madros and as far as i read without question. Eamìn she is another story! Oh my god! Super lady crush for me! She's incredible, she reminds me of a Phoenix. All of them are extremely well written. Last little note, the Grey Woods isn't what you'd think. It's something so much more.
"One's man past becomes another man's future." This is one of the tag lines and its so true, so if your ready for adventure, twists & turns, fantasy & magic, complex characters, a beautiful world that she created, and very unique writing style. Read this book!
So to the review: Damn, where to I begin. This book is amazing. I might say that about a lot of books, but this was like damn where's the next book. When I read novels, I like to in that world and thats exactly how I felt when I read this book. The main characters were amazingly written. Yes, i was a bit confused at first but the more I read the more I was understanding and the quicker I finished. My favorite three characters are Fin, Eamìn and Madros. The other supporting characters are great as well but those three are my favorite. Fin will do anything for his cousin Madros and as far as i read without question. Eamìn she is another story! Oh my god! Super lady crush for me! She's incredible, she reminds me of a Phoenix. All of them are extremely well written. Last little note, the Grey Woods isn't what you'd think. It's something so much more.
"One's man past becomes another man's future." This is one of the tag lines and its so true, so if your ready for adventure, twists & turns, fantasy & magic, complex characters, a beautiful world that she created, and very unique writing style. Read this book!
November 1, 2016
One of my favorite aspects of this story is how it reads. It has a nice film quality to it instead of a basic novel. You can feel the action happening. I am a fan of a right to the point style and The Grey Woods delivers that in leaps and bounds. The concept is pretty intense too. I love how each character adds to what is, and have had happen, instead of any one character being filler! ~ Thomas J Bellezza
July 23, 2020
An epic story with incredible pacing. There was never a dull moment in this book each page flowed effortlessly into the other, every chapter followed the last in perfect unison. The characters were real and likeable, the dialogue was natural and the world is believable. The Grey Woods is old school fantasy with a spiritual like twist which is just enough of a change from your run of the mill fantasy novel to keep it fresh. It is a very easy read but very in depth each chapter bringing new questions and answers with an ending that leaves just the right amount of desire for a sequel but enough closure to be satisfied. Can't wait for the second book and to read this one all over again!
November 28, 2016
Yes, it took me THIS LONG to read about 50 pages.
This has a great fantasy concept, but didn't deliver. It's written in the present tense and choppy, and I found it difficult to follow. The characters aren't defined or well rounded enough to tell one from another and I had to reread several sections to see who was speaking and about what.
Lead character Fin is apparently on a quest to keep his love interest Eamin safe from the husband she married (who's apparently a tyrant) even though she didn't love him. Eamin was apparently sent to this kingdom by Fin's cousin (acting king) Madros who is also in love with Eamin even though he fucks everything with a hole and a heartbeat. Alene, Madros's maid is apparently in love with him, yet has constant abortions b/c she can't raise a child without a husband (a sin in this world I guess?). Of course Madros doesn't want her b/c he sees a child when he looks at here. OMG CREEPY! Not to mention he wants Eamin instead, and he doesn't know Eamin is also with child. Jesus Christ this guy needs to learn what a condom is!
The spy Danya (apparently a whore b/c she isn't married) is another one Madros screws and discards, yet it's SHE whose called "easy" by Fin!
A guy fucks everything under the sun and no one cares. A woman does it and it's the most vile thing ever...Typical sexist bullshit (I can't believe a woman wrote this). Followed up by Danya being attacked and later helped by Fin. So what's the message here? If you're "easy" it's ok to be attacked?
I skimmed through the rest of the book and noticed Fin and Danya end up kinda together? Thought she was "too easy" for you, Fin?
And the elusive Eamin every guy is in love with. Why? B/c she's the dumb innocent type? *YAWN*
There's some sort of dream world Fin keeps going to and receives visions. I don't know why. It just made things more confusing.
This had a lot of potential but I just found the story boring and the man-whore disgusting. I also can't stomach books with rape in it. I don't find it entertaining. I find it offensive, sexist, and a cheap shot at "shock value".
This has a great fantasy concept, but didn't deliver. It's written in the present tense and choppy, and I found it difficult to follow. The characters aren't defined or well rounded enough to tell one from another and I had to reread several sections to see who was speaking and about what.
Lead character Fin is apparently on a quest to keep his love interest Eamin safe from the husband she married (who's apparently a tyrant) even though she didn't love him. Eamin was apparently sent to this kingdom by Fin's cousin (acting king) Madros who is also in love with Eamin even though he fucks everything with a hole and a heartbeat. Alene, Madros's maid is apparently in love with him, yet has constant abortions b/c she can't raise a child without a husband (a sin in this world I guess?). Of course Madros doesn't want her b/c he sees a child when he looks at here. OMG CREEPY! Not to mention he wants Eamin instead, and he doesn't know Eamin is also with child. Jesus Christ this guy needs to learn what a condom is!
The spy Danya (apparently a whore b/c she isn't married) is another one Madros screws and discards, yet it's SHE whose called "easy" by Fin!
A guy fucks everything under the sun and no one cares. A woman does it and it's the most vile thing ever...Typical sexist bullshit (I can't believe a woman wrote this). Followed up by Danya being attacked and later helped by Fin. So what's the message here? If you're "easy" it's ok to be attacked?
I skimmed through the rest of the book and noticed Fin and Danya end up kinda together? Thought she was "too easy" for you, Fin?
And the elusive Eamin every guy is in love with. Why? B/c she's the dumb innocent type? *YAWN*
There's some sort of dream world Fin keeps going to and receives visions. I don't know why. It just made things more confusing.
This had a lot of potential but I just found the story boring and the man-whore disgusting. I also can't stomach books with rape in it. I don't find it entertaining. I find it offensive, sexist, and a cheap shot at "shock value".
May 4, 2016
Sharing a review from another writer in my peer group... if you'll give me that liberty!!
"A story for fantasy and non-fantasy readers alike. It is sure to become a book you have a hard time putting down. The characters are deeply evolved and troubled, struggling with what to make of their ever-changing surroundings: the death of loved ones, the emotional upheavals of their leader Madros, the potential loss of their kingdom to evil forces and the dark world of Doru. One of my favorite characters was Fin, one of the main protagonists with an eye on everything going on in the kingdom and on Madros. His relatable struggle of maintaining love, answering his calling, sacrificing himself for a greater good (or evil) creates a tension that will leave you rooting for the underdog. A main theme throughout the book is the contention between good and evil, light and dark, love and hate; struggles applicable to the world that we currently live in. We see the characters battle our same struggles while changing and developing as humans to better deal with them.
The magical/fantasy elements are integral to the development of the plot, but not over done and cliche. You find yourself waiting for the re-entrance of Eamin, a reincarnated princess that is the epitome of love for Madros, but who is married to another man to maintain the peace between the kingdoms. And you find yourself drawn to the wise words of her mother Atya, the Lady of the Majae, who are a highly evolved race of spiritual beings aware of the eternal reincarnations of mortals, and guiding them to enlightenment. There is black magic, divine healing, toad faced demons, and battles of epic proportion that add to the plot and complexity of the characters’ lives. By the end of the book you feel connected to them and to the battle that will take place where the good will give everything they have and more not lose their world to the forces of evil." - Justyna Czekaj
"A story for fantasy and non-fantasy readers alike. It is sure to become a book you have a hard time putting down. The characters are deeply evolved and troubled, struggling with what to make of their ever-changing surroundings: the death of loved ones, the emotional upheavals of their leader Madros, the potential loss of their kingdom to evil forces and the dark world of Doru. One of my favorite characters was Fin, one of the main protagonists with an eye on everything going on in the kingdom and on Madros. His relatable struggle of maintaining love, answering his calling, sacrificing himself for a greater good (or evil) creates a tension that will leave you rooting for the underdog. A main theme throughout the book is the contention between good and evil, light and dark, love and hate; struggles applicable to the world that we currently live in. We see the characters battle our same struggles while changing and developing as humans to better deal with them.
The magical/fantasy elements are integral to the development of the plot, but not over done and cliche. You find yourself waiting for the re-entrance of Eamin, a reincarnated princess that is the epitome of love for Madros, but who is married to another man to maintain the peace between the kingdoms. And you find yourself drawn to the wise words of her mother Atya, the Lady of the Majae, who are a highly evolved race of spiritual beings aware of the eternal reincarnations of mortals, and guiding them to enlightenment. There is black magic, divine healing, toad faced demons, and battles of epic proportion that add to the plot and complexity of the characters’ lives. By the end of the book you feel connected to them and to the battle that will take place where the good will give everything they have and more not lose their world to the forces of evil." - Justyna Czekaj
June 25, 2016
I won this book on Goodreads first reads.
Let me start by saying, I loved the writing style. The author somehow magically wove in the tiniest details (scent, environment, emotion, etc) without being overly wordy about it. It was almost like being there with the characters or living through them.
The characters were dynamic and so perfectly “flawed human” that it was easy to sympathize with them one moment and hate them the next. Their environment, personalities, and mood were constantly changing to fit the situations they were put into it. I really liked that, unlike most fantasy books, there are shades of gray here. Sure, the focus of the book was essentially good vs evil but it was presented in a way that it wasn’t just “Paragon” or “Renegade” choices. Instead it weaved in unexpected twists and situations that totally turned things on its head.
It has the perfect amount of fantasy, mixed with the action one expects from fantasy. The fact that magic existed but the plot didn’t revolve solely around it (ex: Throne of Glass) was refreshing, it makes it easier for people who aren’t huge fantasy fans to get engrossed in the complexities of this world just as well as an avid fantasy reader.
Let me start by saying, I loved the writing style. The author somehow magically wove in the tiniest details (scent, environment, emotion, etc) without being overly wordy about it. It was almost like being there with the characters or living through them.
The characters were dynamic and so perfectly “flawed human” that it was easy to sympathize with them one moment and hate them the next. Their environment, personalities, and mood were constantly changing to fit the situations they were put into it. I really liked that, unlike most fantasy books, there are shades of gray here. Sure, the focus of the book was essentially good vs evil but it was presented in a way that it wasn’t just “Paragon” or “Renegade” choices. Instead it weaved in unexpected twists and situations that totally turned things on its head.
It has the perfect amount of fantasy, mixed with the action one expects from fantasy. The fact that magic existed but the plot didn’t revolve solely around it (ex: Throne of Glass) was refreshing, it makes it easier for people who aren’t huge fantasy fans to get engrossed in the complexities of this world just as well as an avid fantasy reader.
August 21, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. J. Carson Rose created a fantasy world that quickly drew me in. I became deeply involved in all the characters and right when I thought I knew what was going to happen at the end I was thrown the greatest plot twist. As soon as I finished the last sentence I started wishing for the second book.
April 12, 2017
not my favorite. It was odd and generic, as if I had already read it.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews