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Songs of the Amaranthine #3
Dragged through Hedgerows
He had one job. Becoming a family pet wasn’t it.
For the sake of his people, Daroo-fen has lived among humans, working as a lawyer in a little mountain town. He’s vowed to protect the surrounding woodlands, no matter the cost. But in the course of duty, he meets a man who needs help … and a friend. Too long a loner, Daroo cannot keep away, but there’s a fine line between getting close and getting too close. If the Cooper family finds out his secret, two worlds might brand the wolf a traitor.
For the sake of his people, Daroo-fen has lived among humans, working as a lawyer in a little mountain town. He’s vowed to protect the surrounding woodlands, no matter the cost. But in the course of duty, he meets a man who needs help … and a friend. Too long a loner, Daroo cannot keep away, but there’s a fine line between getting close and getting too close. If the Cooper family finds out his secret, two worlds might brand the wolf a traitor.
96 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2019
24 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Forthright .
38 books551 followersa teller of tales with a fondness for unlikely friendships, wary alliances, unexpected upshots, hard-won trust, diverse cultures, found family, local legends, and folksome things. Author of the Immortal Holmes series, paranormal mysteries with a steampunk aesthetic set in an alternate history & the romantically-inclined Amaranthine Saga, with all of its attendant short stories & serials.
As a reader, this account is where I rate and review manga.
As a reader, this account is where I rate and review manga.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
October 29, 2019
Sweet...
And delicate as always. The Amaranthine books - all of them, so beautifully illustrate new ways and new worlds of loving and existing and cherishing one another. Of holding and being held. I always feel permission to be softer, more giving, to trust and be vulnerable and to open up to myself and the magic of the worlds, after I read any of these lovely, lovely stories. Thank you, author forthright ✨
And delicate as always. The Amaranthine books - all of them, so beautifully illustrate new ways and new worlds of loving and existing and cherishing one another. Of holding and being held. I always feel permission to be softer, more giving, to trust and be vulnerable and to open up to myself and the magic of the worlds, after I read any of these lovely, lovely stories. Thank you, author forthright ✨
November 18, 2019
Not worth the money.
This is the most expensive book by this author and it doesn't even make sense. Why does Daroo-fen live alone? Why is he isolated from pack? It is so unhealthy and not the wolf way. It doesn't make sense and there is no explanation.
All the other books by this author got 5 stars from me but this one while cute and sweet was entirely unsatisfactory because it was pointless and illogical.
Also when he outs himself it makes no sense. Why did he change? Who was he talking to? Who was he protecting them from? There was no explanation or justification for that scene and event.
This is the most expensive book by this author and it doesn't even make sense. Why does Daroo-fen live alone? Why is he isolated from pack? It is so unhealthy and not the wolf way. It doesn't make sense and there is no explanation.
All the other books by this author got 5 stars from me but this one while cute and sweet was entirely unsatisfactory because it was pointless and illogical.
Also when he outs himself it makes no sense. Why did he change? Who was he talking to? Who was he protecting them from? There was no explanation or justification for that scene and event.
October 4, 2019
Another delightful look into the world of the Amaranthine
I've loved every one of these but this one feels special for a different reason. Thought the others were lovely myths and legends, this is a small tale of a single family and one hopes that there could be many such all across this interesting world. That hits me right in the gut and makes me really happy for reasons I can't explain.
I've loved every one of these but this one feels special for a different reason. Thought the others were lovely myths and legends, this is a small tale of a single family and one hopes that there could be many such all across this interesting world. That hits me right in the gut and makes me really happy for reasons I can't explain.
October 2, 2024
I had such a great time reading this book, of family, and it's so comforting!
*First Read August 15th, 2022*
Loved this read, loved being in this world, and these characters! It was such a great read!
*First Read August 15th, 2022*
Loved this read, loved being in this world, and these characters! It was such a great read!
June 12, 2021
I love this world and the characters, the portrayal of family, friendships and love / intimacy that isn't necessarily romantic or sexual, but this one wasn't quite as good as the others in the series for me because there are too many unanswered questions about why the characters are in their current circumstances, and a few things don't make sense. It especially won't make sense if you aren't already familiar with the Amaranthine.
It needs a bit more backstory. And a bit more of the future too. What happens next?
Not bad for a novella / filler story though.
It needs a bit more backstory. And a bit more of the future too. What happens next?
Not bad for a novella / filler story though.
May 3, 2022
I bought Tsumiko & the Enslaved Fox because Ilona Andrews is one of my favorite authors and she featured it on her blog. (2018ish) I'm so glad she did.
This is a truly unique world with a wide variety of interesting characters. I'd recommend this book. It's diverse enough to read with your children or alone. There is great world building, wonderful storytelling with all the feels that continues to bring me back for more Forthright books.
This is a truly unique world with a wide variety of interesting characters. I'd recommend this book. It's diverse enough to read with your children or alone. There is great world building, wonderful storytelling with all the feels that continues to bring me back for more Forthright books.
March 11, 2021
Always great
I always enjoy reading the amaranthine stories. This has become one of my favorite series and every time I return to the amaranthine world is like meeting up with a new best friend.
I always enjoy reading the amaranthine stories. This has become one of my favorite series and every time I return to the amaranthine world is like meeting up with a new best friend.
July 13, 2021
I adore the way Forthright weaves a fanciful tale of many layers with witty banter and side eye observations that while true, are respectful of a variety of cultures, creatures and identities.
This book is a gem worth re-reading.
This book is a gem worth re-reading.
February 10, 2024
Songs of the Amaranthine #3
Novella focused on wolf Daroo-fen lawyer and Charles, and Charles children: Coop and Rose. Charles is back at his father’s house to sort the affairs and heal after separation from his wife. They meet and none of their lives are quite the same.
Novella focused on wolf Daroo-fen lawyer and Charles, and Charles children: Coop and Rose. Charles is back at his father’s house to sort the affairs and heal after separation from his wife. They meet and none of their lives are quite the same.
March 31, 2022
If this was a straight couple, they'd be in love in seconds in any other story she writes, but she's incapable of doing anything other than queerbaiting.
Also I'm getting misogynistic vibes out of her writing too. How dare the woman in the story be career oriented and not baby driven?
Also I'm getting misogynistic vibes out of her writing too. How dare the woman in the story be career oriented and not baby driven?
February 9, 2020
I love this series. I read the first book as a boock club read and was immediately hooked.
November 13, 2019
Charles Cooper has come back to his hometown with his two children after his marriage fell apart. He is feeling lost and lonely and determined to make a good life for his children Coop and baby Rose. He married young and has spent the past eight years or so as a homemaker. Now, his wife Ally decided that she wanted something different in life and threw him out. At least, she let him take his children. Charles is adrift in a sea of grief for the loss of a life he loved.
Daroo-Fen, who is also known as lawyer Drew Waters, has come to Charles because he is concerned about the land he has inherited from his father. He doesn't expect to find a man who needs him and who carries the distant scent of Reavers. He gradually insinuates himself into the lives of Charles and his children both as Drew and as his alternate wolf form which Coop names Beast.
Daroo-Fen worries that his is breaking some vows of his own as he becomes part of the Cooper family's lives but Charles needs him and need is something Daroo-Fen can not ignore. The Cooper family helps him with his own need and loneliness.
This was an excellent story set in an interesting world.
Daroo-Fen, who is also known as lawyer Drew Waters, has come to Charles because he is concerned about the land he has inherited from his father. He doesn't expect to find a man who needs him and who carries the distant scent of Reavers. He gradually insinuates himself into the lives of Charles and his children both as Drew and as his alternate wolf form which Coop names Beast.
Daroo-Fen worries that his is breaking some vows of his own as he becomes part of the Cooper family's lives but Charles needs him and need is something Daroo-Fen can not ignore. The Cooper family helps him with his own need and loneliness.
This was an excellent story set in an interesting world.
January 28, 2020
Beautiful story
What do you do when a myth comes calling? A fairytale in the kitchen and magic in the woods. The healing power of friendship and acceptance.
What do you do when a myth comes calling? A fairytale in the kitchen and magic in the woods. The healing power of friendship and acceptance.
October 13, 2019
To be honest, I had no idea where this book was going, lovers? Friends? Heartbreak?
I just had to go with the flow and shed my traditional expectations and appreciate the love and intimacy that unfolded in this gentle story.
Once again, a strong portrayal in a beautiful world where it is ok to snuggle and draw comfort from the same sex, and it doesn't have to be 'dirty" or tainted. Its just love and commitment. Although it seems to always be between m/m or f/m, not really f/f. Is that on its way?
It was a bit difficult to understand where this fit in the timeline until the very end, when we see Twineshaft, and I have to say that was a powerful moment for me. Sniff.
Followers of the Amaranthine will appreciate a bit of the back story we see here, the story of Daroo (Drew) going thru all the motions of being normal and hiding his true self.
Charles and Coop need him and what builds is a beautiful family.
Very moving and loving.
I just had to go with the flow and shed my traditional expectations and appreciate the love and intimacy that unfolded in this gentle story.
Once again, a strong portrayal in a beautiful world where it is ok to snuggle and draw comfort from the same sex, and it doesn't have to be 'dirty" or tainted. Its just love and commitment. Although it seems to always be between m/m or f/m, not really f/f. Is that on its way?
It was a bit difficult to understand where this fit in the timeline until the very end, when we see Twineshaft, and I have to say that was a powerful moment for me. Sniff.
Followers of the Amaranthine will appreciate a bit of the back story we see here, the story of Daroo (Drew) going thru all the motions of being normal and hiding his true self.
Charles and Coop need him and what builds is a beautiful family.
Very moving and loving.
October 5, 2019
I am so in love with this wonderful world that Forthy has built for us to play in. This is her latest addition to her Ameranthine series. It was delightful, the characters were lovely and my only disappointment was that I wanted more. I read this entirely too fast! I don’t go into the whole plot on my reviews as I don’t like spoilers. If you are a fan of her novels and short stories, I’m sure you will love this one too. Two lonely souls that need each other.
October 9, 2019
Songs of the Amaranthine are short stories whereas the main Amaranthine Saga series are all novels.
Most of these works (both short and long fiction) are of the boy-meets-girl variety. Dragged Through the Hedgerows is also a love story and it also deals with lonely people but it is not a traditional romance story.
Suffice it to say that I enjoyed it enormously and I highly recommend it to all urban fantasy fans!
Most of these works (both short and long fiction) are of the boy-meets-girl variety. Dragged Through the Hedgerows is also a love story and it also deals with lonely people but it is not a traditional romance story.
Suffice it to say that I enjoyed it enormously and I highly recommend it to all urban fantasy fans!
January 13, 2020
Daroo-fen is working as a lawyer, when he approaches a grieving son about his inheritance. But seeing the family's need, which matches his own, he first becomes a friend.
Why I started this book: I hadn't realized that Forthright had published another novella. I bought it immediately and started reading.
Why I finished it: Charming. Fun to ponder the possibilities of adopting a werewolf as a family pet. Especially if you didn't know... and then found out.
Why I started this book: I hadn't realized that Forthright had published another novella. I bought it immediately and started reading.
Why I finished it: Charming. Fun to ponder the possibilities of adopting a werewolf as a family pet. Especially if you didn't know... and then found out.
October 5, 2019
This is probably the first time in the Amaranthine series since the first published book that I've actually liked what I've read, and that sucks because it's short. Seriously, write a novel about a dude becoming the family pet and everyone healing from their issues, not the jangled mess of plots that happen in the main books!
November 11, 2019
Always magical
I am sure I have lived in something like a world with Amaranthine, either as a child or in another life. The magic in this world always touches my heart, with both familiarity and gentle awe. Please, please, good readers, do not go another moment without adding these stories to your life!
I am sure I have lived in something like a world with Amaranthine, either as a child or in another life. The magic in this world always touches my heart, with both familiarity and gentle awe. Please, please, good readers, do not go another moment without adding these stories to your life!
October 6, 2019
Again, beautiful story
I am always surprised at how every story intrigues me such that I haaaave to keep reading. I always need to choose my days carefully so I can read a lot! Love this family very much! Thanks for writing and sharing.
I am always surprised at how every story intrigues me such that I haaaave to keep reading. I always need to choose my days carefully so I can read a lot! Love this family very much! Thanks for writing and sharing.
December 6, 2019
Enjoyable
So far I have thoroughly enjoyed every story of the Amaranthine books published. The only bad part is the wait to enjoy the next one! Hopefully we will get many more wonderful stories!
So far I have thoroughly enjoyed every story of the Amaranthine books published. The only bad part is the wait to enjoy the next one! Hopefully we will get many more wonderful stories!
October 5, 2019
Short and sweet story
Very sweet story in very Forthright style. I enjoyed it. Recomend it for enyone who likes [shounenai] genre.
Just way too expensive for it's length.
Very sweet story in very Forthright style. I enjoyed it. Recomend it for enyone who likes [shounenai] genre.
Just way too expensive for it's length.
October 5, 2019
Love this world
Another beautiful glimpse of this truely unique world. Forthright continues to deliver stories that capture your heart. Daroo, Charles, Coop and Rosie are perfect.
Another beautiful glimpse of this truely unique world. Forthright continues to deliver stories that capture your heart. Daroo, Charles, Coop and Rosie are perfect.
October 8, 2019
Pure magic
I cried. It was beautiful, pure magic. Thank you for another wonderful addition to my digital bookshelf, I can't wait for the next trip to this magical world.
I cried. It was beautiful, pure magic. Thank you for another wonderful addition to my digital bookshelf, I can't wait for the next trip to this magical world.
October 14, 2019
Lovely, as always
Sweet, lovely and enjoyable, as have been each of the Amaranthine stories. Can't wait for the next, hope it's sooner rather than later!
Sweet, lovely and enjoyable, as have been each of the Amaranthine stories. Can't wait for the next, hope it's sooner rather than later!
November 5, 2019
Always read forthright
The day it comes out. Buy it. Devour it and then start over because it is so delicious and beautiful you have to read it again. It is so so so lovely. —ak
The day it comes out. Buy it. Devour it and then start over because it is so delicious and beautiful you have to read it again. It is so so so lovely. —ak
November 7, 2019
Awesome. Wish for more of this particular family.
November 17, 2019
A quick romp but not quite as enjoyable as the others in the series. The story just didn’t feel balanced somehow, like something vital was missing but you couldn’t quite put your finger on what.
March 29, 2020
Always a joy to read one of these stories.
July 23, 2020
I loved this, sadly it was too short ;_; I so want more Daroo-fen and Charles
Merged review:
I loved this, sadly it was too short ;_; I so want more Daroo-fen and Charles
Merged review:
I loved this, sadly it was too short ;_; I so want more Daroo-fen and Charles
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews