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Bisclavret
A very long time ago, in the very old forests of Brittany, a werewolf loved a king ...
The Lord Bisclavret has a secret. A family enchantment. A wolf’s curse, transforming him when the moon is full. He hopes to be a good lord for his people, and he’s always been a loyal king’s man, even if the new king is inexperienced and scholarly. But one betrayal might leave him trapped in wolf-shape forever ... unless his king can save him.
Andreas would rather be a University scholar than a king, and has no interest in a royal marriage -- desire’s always come slowly, if at all. But he loves his kingdom, so he’ll try to protect it, even when rumors of a man-killing wolf spread across his land. He’ll pick up a sword and go out on a hunt, and hope to keep his people safe.
But the wolf has the eyes of a man, and the scholar-king’s knowledge of folklore and fairy-stories might break a werewolf’s curse ... with the help of love.
Very loosely based on the twelfth-century story by Marie de France, Bisclavret features a bisexual werewolf lord, a demisexual king who’d rather be a scholar, some exasperated men-at-arms, and very important stolen clothing.
The Lord Bisclavret has a secret. A family enchantment. A wolf’s curse, transforming him when the moon is full. He hopes to be a good lord for his people, and he’s always been a loyal king’s man, even if the new king is inexperienced and scholarly. But one betrayal might leave him trapped in wolf-shape forever ... unless his king can save him.
Andreas would rather be a University scholar than a king, and has no interest in a royal marriage -- desire’s always come slowly, if at all. But he loves his kingdom, so he’ll try to protect it, even when rumors of a man-killing wolf spread across his land. He’ll pick up a sword and go out on a hunt, and hope to keep his people safe.
But the wolf has the eyes of a man, and the scholar-king’s knowledge of folklore and fairy-stories might break a werewolf’s curse ... with the help of love.
Very loosely based on the twelfth-century story by Marie de France, Bisclavret features a bisexual werewolf lord, a demisexual king who’d rather be a scholar, some exasperated men-at-arms, and very important stolen clothing.
50 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 13, 2019
23 people are currently reading
655 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
February 13, 2026
Too incoherent and implausible for me. The plot lacks cohesion, and there's no explanation as to what kind of world this is supposed to be. The original story is Breton and set in old Brittany in France, and whilst the blurb does say this is in the forests of real-life Brittany there's no such indication in the story itself, as that's impossible to determine for how very messy it is.
For example, the werewolf lord is called Lord Bisclavret (Breton), but the king’s name is Andreas (German), and the realm is left unnamed without confirming the blurb's claim, but it can’t be England either because “provinces” are named instead of “counties.” The wife’s name is Elaine (French), but her family lands have an English name, as do Bisclavret’s seigneurie (Morrock Wood). Besides, apparently in this world the king can take a male partner in marriage with society’s approval and the whole court looking on, and for a world that’s meant to mimic the time of chivalry and knights, there’s mentions of “glass submersible ships” here.
Such a very confusingly constructed setting. And the characterisation is no better. The corollary? A love triangle, my most despised trope. We don’t even know why Bisclavret is simultaneously in love with the king and the lady: he simply does, and repeats it often as if to convince readers it's happening. The feelings of the king make even less sense considering he's "demisexual" but catches feelings at the start before the story even begins unfolding.
I would not recommend this novella. If you're interested in the story of Bisclavret, read The Wolf and His King instead.
For example, the werewolf lord is called Lord Bisclavret (Breton), but the king’s name is Andreas (German), and the realm is left unnamed without confirming the blurb's claim, but it can’t be England either because “provinces” are named instead of “counties.” The wife’s name is Elaine (French), but her family lands have an English name, as do Bisclavret’s seigneurie (Morrock Wood). Besides, apparently in this world the king can take a male partner in marriage with society’s approval and the whole court looking on, and for a world that’s meant to mimic the time of chivalry and knights, there’s mentions of “glass submersible ships” here.
Such a very confusingly constructed setting. And the characterisation is no better. The corollary? A love triangle, my most despised trope. We don’t even know why Bisclavret is simultaneously in love with the king and the lady: he simply does, and repeats it often as if to convince readers it's happening. The feelings of the king make even less sense considering he's "demisexual" but catches feelings at the start before the story even begins unfolding.
I would not recommend this novella. If you're interested in the story of Bisclavret, read The Wolf and His King instead.
February 10, 2025
I learned in the field when to fight, when to yield / See if silver don’t kill her it makes quite a shield (Monster Song – Dom Fera).
There’s something about this author’s work that always gives me immense joy. It's a very tranquil feeling, you know? And whenever I’m reading something by them, I feel like breaking into a Mariah Carey whistle register… but I can’t do that, so I have to settle for writing glowing reviews. It’ll have to do, I’m afraid. This was wonderful and I’m always down for a story featuring werewolves (my bi-wakening was Link from the game Twilight Princess... he turns into a wolf)! The way a person’s inherent nature doesn’t have to define them and that they always have a choice to be who they want to be. Man, that’s the good stuff. I’m always a little scared to strongly recommend books that I really loved because readers all have vastly different opinions on what constitutes a great book. What’s perfect for me (like a lovely K.L. Noone book) might not necessarily be perfect for you. So, when Bisclavret is sweeping all the awards, with me saying that it captures that special kind of magic and that it’s the best fantasy out there, just be aware that this comes from the guy whose favorite movie is Before Sunset, a movie where two people walk around and talk for an hour. For me, there’s something really nice about lowkey stories. Anyway, there’s not much more for me to say other than, “I loved this,” so I’ll go ahead and say it: I loved this! And sure, maybe all of these novels wrap up a little too neat and nice, with characters that are very kind and forgiving, but let’s be real, I’m not here for gritty and edgy; I’m here for happiness to hit me like a train on a track! And that’s what happens when I read these books. Every time, without fail.
“He says my name sometimes for no real reason, because he knows I like to hear it: my name, myself, in a voice full of love.”
There’s something about this author’s work that always gives me immense joy. It's a very tranquil feeling, you know? And whenever I’m reading something by them, I feel like breaking into a Mariah Carey whistle register… but I can’t do that, so I have to settle for writing glowing reviews. It’ll have to do, I’m afraid. This was wonderful and I’m always down for a story featuring werewolves (my bi-wakening was Link from the game Twilight Princess... he turns into a wolf)! The way a person’s inherent nature doesn’t have to define them and that they always have a choice to be who they want to be. Man, that’s the good stuff. I’m always a little scared to strongly recommend books that I really loved because readers all have vastly different opinions on what constitutes a great book. What’s perfect for me (like a lovely K.L. Noone book) might not necessarily be perfect for you. So, when Bisclavret is sweeping all the awards, with me saying that it captures that special kind of magic and that it’s the best fantasy out there, just be aware that this comes from the guy whose favorite movie is Before Sunset, a movie where two people walk around and talk for an hour. For me, there’s something really nice about lowkey stories. Anyway, there’s not much more for me to say other than, “I loved this,” so I’ll go ahead and say it: I loved this! And sure, maybe all of these novels wrap up a little too neat and nice, with characters that are very kind and forgiving, but let’s be real, I’m not here for gritty and edgy; I’m here for happiness to hit me like a train on a track! And that’s what happens when I read these books. Every time, without fail.
“He says my name sometimes for no real reason, because he knows I like to hear it: my name, myself, in a voice full of love.”
Read
January 30, 2023A very sweet retelling of the Bisclavret story (husband turns into wolf three days a month, wife betrays him to keep him trapped in wolf form forever, he is finally rescued by the kindness of his king). This version is a lot sweeter, with understanding for the wife's actions (because, mate, marrying someone without telling them you're a werewolf does not constitute obtaining informed consent!) and a really lovely slow-burn romance between Bisclavret and the (demisexual) king. A pleasure to read.
June 3, 2024
Bisclavret is told in a story-within-a-story format, which I loved. Bisclavret is writing the story of how his family secret of turning into a wolf for three days a month was used against him, to betray him and leave him stuck in his wolf form with no way of turning back human. How this led to him meeting the new King Andreas, who recognised the enchantment and was determined to help free him.
I loved getting to see Bisclavret and Andreas in their present day, while also getting to see how they got there. Their romance was beautifully told. This short story has got me so excited to read more of K. L. Noone's works.
I loved getting to see Bisclavret and Andreas in their present day, while also getting to see how they got there. Their romance was beautifully told. This short story has got me so excited to read more of K. L. Noone's works.
December 28, 2023
"I am Lord Bisclavret, I am the King's werewolf, and I am home."
Another gem by K. L. Noone.
Beautiful.
Another gem by K. L. Noone.
Beautiful.
May 29, 2025
A werewolf story with a twist, with light but compelling worldbuilding and a lovely connection between the MCs. Short, sweet, and satisfying.
September 17, 2024
I didn’t really know much about this book before starting it but I have to say I really enjoyed it even for a novella it felt like a complete story, plus the writing is beautiful and magical. After all, this is a short story about a fantasy realm where Bisclavret suffers from a gift/curse where he has to remain a wolf 🐺 for 3 days each month and ends up happily ever after with the beautiful king.
December 23, 2023
3.5⭐️
I was expecting cringey alpha male wolf vibes, not a beautiful love story❤️
I was expecting cringey alpha male wolf vibes, not a beautiful love story❤️
August 30, 2023
Lovely historical fantasy MM romance, which is apparently a retelling of the Bisclavret story (though I hadn't realized it was an adaptation when I read it), featuring a bisexual werewolf who falls in love with his demisexual king. Sweet, well-written, and (sadly) smut free. Satisfying as is, though I would have gladly read a full-length with these two!
January 17, 2025
A medieval France romance for furries (I liked it)
April 6, 2026
This felt a little like a warm bath or like ASMR in written form, just so relaxing. There were occasions where it took me a second to follow with the writing style but it was ultimately a goddamn delight. This was just a short little fairy tale but it was lovely.
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Safety (may contain spoilers)
SA/rape: None
Other person drama: Bisclavret was married to a woman who ended up betraying him. She features in the story but Bisclavret definitely never loved her the way he loves the King , and in the end he pretty much feels nothing toward her but gratitude that her betrayal led him to the King.
He says, “I told you you love her. I’m sorry.” So am I, though perhaps not as much as I ought to be. She made her own choices. She knew what she chose to do. I expect I can forgive her, though. Her choices gave me this. This moment, this book-lined tapestried tower, and ultimately the man I love, who loves me.
I’d grown to like this life. These intimate firelit book-framed evenings. My place at his side, his hand in my fur. Having a place: belonging, where I could be of use, where I could help my king. Because he was my king: through the right of kings, of course, but also simply because I would follow him wherever he might go. Because I loved him. Because I love him.
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Safety (may contain spoilers)
SA/rape: None
Other person drama: Bisclavret was married to a woman who ended up betraying him. She features in the story but Bisclavret definitely never loved her the way he loves the King , and in the end he pretty much feels nothing toward her but gratitude that her betrayal led him to the King.
October 15, 2024
Frankly, I was very sceptical. A whole story told in less than fifty pages — will that be enough?
It was enough. Very much so.
As everything is, I thought. Better, with you.
It was enough. Very much so.
April 2, 2025
Slim but mighty. The narrative voice and form felt appropriate for the period. The cuteness overload typical for Noone's other stories was tightly reined in, in favour of kindness and intimacy.
August 19, 2023
This was just perfection. It felt like a beautiful 300-page love story in only 46-pages.
It made me swoon.
It made me swoon.
March 3, 2026
sweet enough but could have had more bite and frankly could have been furry-er, even given the length constraints. I occasionally got flashes of the were-panther novel I wrote (and by wrote I mean daydreamed furiously about) when I was 13. I felt it would be disrespectful to read the king and his wolf before reading this and it just so worked out timing-wise that my loan for this one came in right before my loan for that one!
Read
April 24, 2020Title: Bisclavret
Author: K.L. Noone
Publisher: JMS Books
Format: e-book
Release Date: November 13, 2019
Genre/ Trope/ Themes(s): MM Fantasy Paranormal Romance; Shifter Romance; Royalty; bisexual character; demisexual character
Listening Length/ Pages: 42p.
Sharonica-Stars: 5.00✨
MMy Thoughts and Review:
I loved the idea for this story was taken from the annals of time. Though we may never know the true reason behind the King sleeping with a wolf, it does make for delicious storytelling.
A wolf stuck in his shifter form thanks to a manipulative wife and a disgraceful neighbor. Now the wolf is under the King's protection and the King is under the wolf's. King Andreas and the wolf, Bisclavret, became friends over time, and as the days passed the two became inseparable.
Though this is a short story, it holds so much within it, you can't help but feel satiated when it ends. The characters are fascinating and draw the reader into the pages. Even with no explicit scenes, the romance and passion are beautiful between Andreas and Bisclavret. This story was truly enchanting. I loved it!
5.00 and-they-lived-happily-ever-after-stars🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Queer Romance Ink in exchange for an honest review. ☔
February 5, 2023
I still sometimes dream the wolf’s dreams—the fear, the betrayal, the need to run and escape, the certainty that even when I wake it won’t be real. But it is. He is. And the fairy-story happy endings are sometimes not a lie.
4.5⭐
Was I expecting this little 40+ pages retelling of Marie de France's Lais Bisclavret between a bisexual werewolf and a demisexual king to be so swoony, sweet and lovely? Absolutely not. Am I going to immediately add this book to my favorite books' list to be re-read when in need of a pick me up? Absolutely YES.
4.5⭐
Was I expecting this little 40+ pages retelling of Marie de France's Lais Bisclavret between a bisexual werewolf and a demisexual king to be so swoony, sweet and lovely? Absolutely not. Am I going to immediately add this book to my favorite books' list to be re-read when in need of a pick me up? Absolutely YES.
October 2, 2023
Stunning
Such a stunning little story. Full of love and magic and softness. So good. So so good. Will read again.
Such a stunning little story. Full of love and magic and softness. So good. So so good. Will read again.
February 8, 2024
This was beautiful. Love welling up to infuse each chapter with softness.
I really like how the framing device is used here, with the story being written down after the fact, occasionally being interrupted by his lover looking over his shoulder. It gives an intimacy to the first person perspective, and little glimpses of their happily ever after. Oddly enough, I could see myself disliking the same technique done poorly, but here it fit.
I really like how the framing device is used here, with the story being written down after the fact, occasionally being interrupted by his lover looking over his shoulder. It gives an intimacy to the first person perspective, and little glimpses of their happily ever after. Oddly enough, I could see myself disliking the same technique done poorly, but here it fit.
April 3, 2024
Ay nonono, no pudo ser más bello, llore de lo hermoso que fue, es una historia súper corta pero súper bien contada y que trasmite mucho sentimiento, me encantó la prosa de la autora, necesito leer más de ella.
Did Not Finish
November 12, 2024Confusing.
August 9, 2024
Short and sweet novella
February 5, 2025
This was lovely and everything I wanted from a novella like this. It's a fairy tale, a retelling, a love story, and a compelling style of storytelling and writing. Seriously, I just really loved this one and read it all in one day because it's short but also lovely and emersive.
June 2, 2025
I feel like the synopsis of this short story is somewhat misleading - the story is written as journal entry by Lord Bisclavret about what happened, and it's only from his perspective. Him and Andreas are already happily together at that point and get a few interludes of the present whilst he is writing.
So there story ends up a lot more "literally telling instead of showing" than I wanted. It also makes every dialogue feel weird - did he memorize it all? Or making it up for dramatic effect?
Their story in itself is cute. It goes the expected route and I loved the focus of feeling at home/yourself with the person you love. As a romance, it's a little more dissatisfactory because we barely see him and Andreas interacting in the past timeline when it's not a timeskip or summarized. Despite years passing, the romance feels rushed. It's hard to imagine how well they could get to know each other when Biclavret is a wolf and cannot talk beyond pointing and barking.
So I was expecting (and hoping) to get a POV from our demisexual king. We sadly did not but I am happy how Noone still managed to talk about his demisexual identity and made it part of their romance. The same goes for bisexuality.
So there story ends up a lot more "literally telling instead of showing" than I wanted. It also makes every dialogue feel weird - did he memorize it all? Or making it up for dramatic effect?
Their story in itself is cute. It goes the expected route and I loved the focus of feeling at home/yourself with the person you love. As a romance, it's a little more dissatisfactory because we barely see him and Andreas interacting in the past timeline when it's not a timeskip or summarized. Despite years passing, the romance feels rushed. It's hard to imagine how well they could get to know each other when Biclavret is a wolf and cannot talk beyond pointing and barking.
So I was expecting (and hoping) to get a POV from our demisexual king. We sadly did not but I am happy how Noone still managed to talk about his demisexual identity and made it part of their romance. The same goes for bisexuality.
May 17, 2020
O.M.G. This was the most beautiful story! I can't believe it was as short as it was, because it had more depth, more story, and more substance than some 200+ page books I've read.
At first, I wasn't sure what to make of the 1st person autobiographical style. This is my first story by the author and I've never been keen on 1st person POV's, especially breaking the 4th wall etc. But, this story took all the things I don't normally like about a book and somehow made them work.
I must have highlighted about a half-dozen favourite quotes.
This is one of those books that, when you finish, it's with a satisfied sigh and the realisation that you lost track of everything while you were reading. You were consumed and sucked in, until nothing else existed. Just the kind of story I wanted.
I'll definitely be reading more of this author.
At first, I wasn't sure what to make of the 1st person autobiographical style. This is my first story by the author and I've never been keen on 1st person POV's, especially breaking the 4th wall etc. But, this story took all the things I don't normally like about a book and somehow made them work.
I must have highlighted about a half-dozen favourite quotes.
This is one of those books that, when you finish, it's with a satisfied sigh and the realisation that you lost track of everything while you were reading. You were consumed and sucked in, until nothing else existed. Just the kind of story I wanted.
I'll definitely be reading more of this author.
January 7, 2025
I adore Marie de France so when I saw that there was a queer retelling of her Bisclavret my second favourite piece by her (the first being Lanval) I knew I have to give it a go!
And this was very nice and sweet read. Nothing awfully special, but I had a good time and wouldn't discourage anyone from reading it. I liked the way it played with the original, but it didn't quite manage to replicate the feel and poeticism of the original.
And this was very nice and sweet read. Nothing awfully special, but I had a good time and wouldn't discourage anyone from reading it. I liked the way it played with the original, but it didn't quite manage to replicate the feel and poeticism of the original.
December 8, 2024
very cute, but i would’ve loved it to be longer so bisclavret and andreas could’ve got more development. a bookish king and his werewolf librarian-protector is such a sweet premise, and it being a story-with-a-story structure (told in retrospect, with flashes to the present and their life after the events) worked really well.
February 11, 2023
Werewolf/Human, demisexual rep. So much swoon. I'm in love with this author's writing.
August 8, 2023
Fear can do so much. So can love; but fear is cruel. Fear wounds. Love heals—but that takes time. And the scars run deep. Like the dreams.
Lord Bisclavret se convierte en lobo 3 días al mes. Tres días de ausencia que hacen sospechar a su esposa de infidelidad, pero cuando él le confiesa la verdad, lejos de tranquilizarse, ella lo priva del único medio para volver a ser humano. Condenado a vagar por los bosques mientras su mente se deteriora, no espera que el joven rey Andreas sea el único que note que algo más se oculta detrás de los ojos del lobo.
No conozco la historia original, así que no puedo opinar si es un buen retelling, pero sí puedo decir que es una historia bonita. De la naturaleza salvaje de un hombre, que encuentra rechazo cuando espera encontrar comprensión, y luego encuentra bondad cuando espera encontrar muerte. Y encuentra amor cuando solo espera compañía.
Es una historia muy corta, pero la narración lírica es absorbente y transmite perfectamente toda la incertidumbre y pesar del protagonista, además de la creciente intimidad entre lobo y rey, mientras buscan una cura.
Recomendado si gustan de una fantasía suavecita, con un aire a los cuentos de hadas y un romance slow-burn con representación demisexual.
How, I wondered, do you tell a man that you love him, when you have no human voice, no human eyes, no human hands or body? When you owe him your life?
When you know you’ve been lying to him about your life? Your name?
March 7, 2023
Lord Bisclavret has a family secret, a power passed down through generations that forces him to shed his skin each month for three days, and run in wolf’s form through the forests. When his wife betrays him and he is trapped as a wolf, it will take nothing less than the patience and love of the king to set him free.
Bisclavret is a wonderful short story. A retelling of the twelfth-century original by Marie de France, this version features a sweet, romantic pairing between the titular werewolf character and his rescuer, the king. It was way shorter than expected and only took me about a half hour to read, but still had a lot of depth and emotion. This version is written as a chronicle or letter from Bisclavret to himself, or to the reader, while he captures his history on paper so his story won’t be forgotten. It’s a comforting read, knowing from the start that his story has a happy ending, but that didn’t lessen the emotional blow of his adventures as a wolf. This was a perfect bite-sized peak into Bisclavret’s world, and while I felt like I could have spent hours with them, I wish he and the king much future happiness.
Bisclavret is a wonderful short story. A retelling of the twelfth-century original by Marie de France, this version features a sweet, romantic pairing between the titular werewolf character and his rescuer, the king. It was way shorter than expected and only took me about a half hour to read, but still had a lot of depth and emotion. This version is written as a chronicle or letter from Bisclavret to himself, or to the reader, while he captures his history on paper so his story won’t be forgotten. It’s a comforting read, knowing from the start that his story has a happy ending, but that didn’t lessen the emotional blow of his adventures as a wolf. This was a perfect bite-sized peak into Bisclavret’s world, and while I felt like I could have spent hours with them, I wish he and the king much future happiness.
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