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Blodwen Forest #2
The Alchemist
Marcum sacrificed much to be the greatest alchemist on the continent and a master of poisons rivaled by precious few. Power and standing in his father's court. The chance to build friendships, find romance. His beauty, which was once considered noteworthy, but now is ruined by scars and burns. He is regarded with wariness at best and fear at worst.
Though a recent move to the kingdom of Blodwen, far from his home of Roseberry, offers something of a fresh start, still his ravaged appearance and eccentric ways do him no favors—especially not with Goulet, the handsome, infuriating goblin who will clearly never see Marcum as anything but an ugly, bothersome know-it-all unworthy of the tattoos Goulet inks into all their friends.
Then a goblin is murdered, and Marcum's laboratory mysteriously destroyed, opening the doors on a nightmare that should have ended for good more than a decade ago, but now seems to have returned with vengeance in mind…
Though a recent move to the kingdom of Blodwen, far from his home of Roseberry, offers something of a fresh start, still his ravaged appearance and eccentric ways do him no favors—especially not with Goulet, the handsome, infuriating goblin who will clearly never see Marcum as anything but an ugly, bothersome know-it-all unworthy of the tattoos Goulet inks into all their friends.
Then a goblin is murdered, and Marcum's laboratory mysteriously destroyed, opening the doors on a nightmare that should have ended for good more than a decade ago, but now seems to have returned with vengeance in mind…
140 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 12, 2020
22 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Megan Derr
284 books2,961 followersMegan is a long time resident of queer romance and keeps herself busy reading and writing it. She is often accused of fluff and nonsense. When she’s not involved in writing, she likes to cook, harass her wife and cats, or watch movies. She loves to hear from readers and can be found all over the internet.
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meganderr.com
patreon.com/meganderr
meganderr.blogspot.com
facebook.com/meganaprilderr
meganaderr@gmail.com
@meganaderr
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 19, 2020
I read the first book a year ago, and I vaguely remembered the "snappish" banter between Prince Marcum and Master Inker Goulet, and it made me dying to read their story. So when this one was released, of course I had to get it!
And it was what I expected... TWO IDIOTS IN LOVE that made me said "SHUT UP AND KISS ALREADY!" In a good way 😂. Clearly these two has a LOT of assumptions about the others. Like, Marcum thought he was way too ugly and that was why Goulet didn't pay attention to him. While Goulet thought Marcum was too royal to return the feeling of an exiled Goblin.
Like I said, IDIOTS!
But then there were threats against Marcum; so Marcum and Goulet travelled together, and well, ALL FEELINGS finally OUT in the open. YES, KISSING AND SEXY TIMES happen.
The final battle was disappointing though, because for a very horrible villain, it ended way too fast. But it was okay, I mean, I was here for Marcum and Goulet anyway.
And it was what I expected... TWO IDIOTS IN LOVE that made me said "SHUT UP AND KISS ALREADY!" In a good way 😂. Clearly these two has a LOT of assumptions about the others. Like, Marcum thought he was way too ugly and that was why Goulet didn't pay attention to him. While Goulet thought Marcum was too royal to return the feeling of an exiled Goblin.
Like I said, IDIOTS!
But then there were threats against Marcum; so Marcum and Goulet travelled together, and well, ALL FEELINGS finally OUT in the open. YES, KISSING AND SEXY TIMES happen.
The final battle was disappointing though, because for a very horrible villain, it ended way too fast. But it was okay, I mean, I was here for Marcum and Goulet anyway.
December 28, 2020
I have read a lot of books by this writer, but at some point I decided to take a break. I read Ami's review and wanted to come back. I enjoyed it. I mean if you read her work before you know that she explores "from enemies to lovers" trope a lot and this story is no exception. Luckily I am a fan of the trope, but there are some executions that I really don't like.
I thought this story did okay - both men ( well, Goblin and human) know that they don't hate each other, on the contrary they really want to explore the potential relationship with each other, but when they just start talking they start snipping. Basically they just cannot figure out how to talk to each other and this kind of stupid communication I can tolerate for the *certain amount of page time*.
At some point the story started to slip into *miscommunication* though and man I was glad it was dealt with with sometime at the half point of the book. Just how many unfinished sentences we must suffer through? I liked the men though - a lot. I thought it was interesting how Marcum did not shy away from the darker elements of alchemy in order to continue doing good deeds. I thought he managed to walk the fine line just fine and I thought they had good chemistry together .
I did like how familiar fairy tales characters were weaved in the narrative - what you expect from them is not always what they would do in these books ( I have read the first part in this trilogy as stand alone long time ago, I have not read the revised edition).
Suspense was well done, but this is not really a mystery - the name of the villain is revealed early, it was the matter of catching him that was the main issue in addition to romantic storyline.
Grade : B-
I thought this story did okay - both men ( well, Goblin and human) know that they don't hate each other, on the contrary they really want to explore the potential relationship with each other, but when they just start talking they start snipping. Basically they just cannot figure out how to talk to each other and this kind of stupid communication I can tolerate for the *certain amount of page time*.
At some point the story started to slip into *miscommunication* though and man I was glad it was dealt with with sometime at the half point of the book. Just how many unfinished sentences we must suffer through? I liked the men though - a lot. I thought it was interesting how Marcum did not shy away from the darker elements of alchemy in order to continue doing good deeds. I thought he managed to walk the fine line just fine and I thought they had good chemistry together .
I did like how familiar fairy tales characters were weaved in the narrative - what you expect from them is not always what they would do in these books ( I have read the first part in this trilogy as stand alone long time ago, I have not read the revised edition).
Suspense was well done, but this is not really a mystery - the name of the villain is revealed early, it was the matter of catching him that was the main issue in addition to romantic storyline.
Grade : B-
January 10, 2021
Saucy goblin meets grumpy alchemist. Great story, nice world building, deftly drawn characters... well written and edited. Thoroughly enjoyed.
As the next and last one in this trilogy is MF, I’ll most likely skip.
As the next and last one in this trilogy is MF, I’ll most likely skip.
February 22, 2021
I'm not normally a big fan of enemies to lovers, but this story took that trope and did it justice.
June 27, 2022
3.5
Nobody does goblins better than Megan Derr and here it's even better because she gives him a scarred alchemist for his love interest, so both not exactly beautiful on the outside and I really appreciate that there's no Prince Charming in this book but prickly outcasts who found a family at Blodwen Castle. Unfortunately they're showing their affection with snark and bickering to protect their soft heart. It takes an enemy from Marcum's past to overcome their insecurities and see what everyone else already saw: that they are perfect for each other.
While Megan Derr's take on the Snow White tale in the first book was something else, new and exiting, her view on Bluebeard while also unique, was only a means to an end, the threat to give Goulet and Marcum a quest of their own without the support of the others and an opportunity to clear their misunderstandings. Suppose what I really want to say: it's not long enough to show the magic of a Derr fairytale completely.
Nobody does goblins better than Megan Derr and here it's even better because she gives him a scarred alchemist for his love interest, so both not exactly beautiful on the outside and I really appreciate that there's no Prince Charming in this book but prickly outcasts who found a family at Blodwen Castle. Unfortunately they're showing their affection with snark and bickering to protect their soft heart. It takes an enemy from Marcum's past to overcome their insecurities and see what everyone else already saw: that they are perfect for each other.
While Megan Derr's take on the Snow White tale in the first book was something else, new and exiting, her view on Bluebeard while also unique, was only a means to an end, the threat to give Goulet and Marcum a quest of their own without the support of the others and an opportunity to clear their misunderstandings. Suppose what I really want to say: it's not long enough to show the magic of a Derr fairytale completely.
April 26, 2022
Can't remember the previous one. I liked Marcum and Goulet, although they did need their heads smacking together. The council was awful. I liked how protective Goulet got once they realized they liked one another. The alchemy is creepy with the glowing eyes. Curious about Wolf and of course Gwenda.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2023
INCREDIBLE creation of a fantasy universe, characters (human, paranormal). . .
. . .all from a methodically organized, extremely imaginative mind that literally built entire continents, complete with cities, diverse populations that spoke different languages, had distinctive backgrounds of beliefs, religions, traditions, and ways of life. Our first hero is best friends with the new lover of the infamous huntsman and caretaker of the woods, who had used his skill in alchemy to help defeat the Bloody Queen when she tried to kill Snow White (first installment). Marcum is also the youngest son of the reigning long of another nearby kingdom, and has decided to stay to continue working for Snow White, now the new Queen. Our other hero is the goblin and master tattoo artist Goulet, who reached out for help against the Bloody Queen, who had been murdering the townspeople and employees in the palace. Goulet knew if he didn't do something, the murdering would eventually begin against his people, for the queen wouldn't have been able to resist taking power from the goblins. These two didn't communicate well - Marcum believes Goulet dislikes him because he's scarred and ugly; Goulet thinks Marcum thinks himself better than a mere goblin since he's actually a prince. In actuality, Marcum finds Goulet beautiful and talented, and is hurt that Goulet never seems comfortable or as friendly when Marcum is around.
This second installment is more violent than and a bit frightening, akin to the Bluebeard/Blackbeard storyline and theme that The Alchemist apparently is based upon. However, that feature just adds to the building tension and mystery of what's to come next,WW1or, simply, WTH?!? I love when magic, special powers, and, because of the title giveaway that one of the characters is an alchemist, alchemy get added to the mix. The mystery and added complication to Marcum's well-being (primarily, the PERSONAL DANGER Marcum carelessly places himself in, with a huge bullseye, complete with neon lights and arrows aimed at his head!!!) as well as Marcum's very creative spells, potions, and counters to the dark magic he finds the killer is using upped the intrigue and suspense, while our two (hardheaded) characters become better acquainted and even enamored with each other by the time they return home to intercept the killer, whom Marcum has discovered he knows. Naturally, Marcum takes on unnecessary guilt, thinking Bluebeard wouldn't have targeted people from Snow White's kingdom if he hadn't been the person Bluebeard blamed for getting caught as the psychopath murdering and eating body parts from his victims (yuck). Chasing down a serial-murdering, psychopathic sadist kept our royal prince/alchemists and master-a!-artist-goblin on their toes as well as very protective of each other. I cannot recommend this book enough, and believe it deserves the hundred stars!
. . .all from a methodically organized, extremely imaginative mind that literally built entire continents, complete with cities, diverse populations that spoke different languages, had distinctive backgrounds of beliefs, religions, traditions, and ways of life. Our first hero is best friends with the new lover of the infamous huntsman and caretaker of the woods, who had used his skill in alchemy to help defeat the Bloody Queen when she tried to kill Snow White (first installment). Marcum is also the youngest son of the reigning long of another nearby kingdom, and has decided to stay to continue working for Snow White, now the new Queen. Our other hero is the goblin and master tattoo artist Goulet, who reached out for help against the Bloody Queen, who had been murdering the townspeople and employees in the palace. Goulet knew if he didn't do something, the murdering would eventually begin against his people, for the queen wouldn't have been able to resist taking power from the goblins. These two didn't communicate well - Marcum believes Goulet dislikes him because he's scarred and ugly; Goulet thinks Marcum thinks himself better than a mere goblin since he's actually a prince. In actuality, Marcum finds Goulet beautiful and talented, and is hurt that Goulet never seems comfortable or as friendly when Marcum is around.
This second installment is more violent than and a bit frightening, akin to the Bluebeard/Blackbeard storyline and theme that The Alchemist apparently is based upon. However, that feature just adds to the building tension and mystery of what's to come next,WW1or, simply, WTH?!? I love when magic, special powers, and, because of the title giveaway that one of the characters is an alchemist, alchemy get added to the mix. The mystery and added complication to Marcum's well-being (primarily, the PERSONAL DANGER Marcum carelessly places himself in, with a huge bullseye, complete with neon lights and arrows aimed at his head!!!) as well as Marcum's very creative spells, potions, and counters to the dark magic he finds the killer is using upped the intrigue and suspense, while our two (hardheaded) characters become better acquainted and even enamored with each other by the time they return home to intercept the killer, whom Marcum has discovered he knows. Naturally, Marcum takes on unnecessary guilt, thinking Bluebeard wouldn't have targeted people from Snow White's kingdom if he hadn't been the person Bluebeard blamed for getting caught as the psychopath murdering and eating body parts from his victims (yuck). Chasing down a serial-murdering, psychopathic sadist kept our royal prince/alchemists and master-a!-artist-goblin on their toes as well as very protective of each other. I cannot recommend this book enough, and believe it deserves the hundred stars!
March 2, 2021
3.5 stars
I’m a little torn on this one.
I loved the action and adventure of the plot, as well as the romance, once it finally came together. But I hated the build up to the romance and the fact that the climax of the book left me feeling rushed and slightly unresolved.
Full blown spoilers below...
The build up to the romance was... rough and full of misunderstanding and the whole “I am not good enough for them so I will wallow in my own pain leaving words unsaid”. And this was from both characters, even worse... while Goulet pines away for our prince he gladly fucks half the kingdom... now it is known that Goulet is a “slut” and our prince doesn’t seem to care that his goblin enjoys the act and does it often, but it’s clear in beginning that he’s really pained by it and really it was just maddening.
Once the “misunderstand” is out of the way though the romance it’s beautiful and you get to see how both men look at the other as if they hung the moon.
Where thing felt rushed and unresolved in the climax was at Bluebeards death. Marcum drones on all the time about his potions and what they do and blah blah blah but we never hear exactly what the potion that killed Bluebeard actually did? Oddly I was really looking forward to hearing about it.
I was also a little disappointed that the romance didn’t finish off with us hearing about Goulet getting his mating tattoos or whether they actually end up getting married. Maybe that’s in the next book, but I would have preferred to hear about from Goulet and Marcum.
I’m a little torn on this one.
I loved the action and adventure of the plot, as well as the romance, once it finally came together. But I hated the build up to the romance and the fact that the climax of the book left me feeling rushed and slightly unresolved.
Full blown spoilers below...
The build up to the romance was... rough and full of misunderstanding and the whole “I am not good enough for them so I will wallow in my own pain leaving words unsaid”. And this was from both characters, even worse... while Goulet pines away for our prince he gladly fucks half the kingdom... now it is known that Goulet is a “slut” and our prince doesn’t seem to care that his goblin enjoys the act and does it often, but it’s clear in beginning that he’s really pained by it and really it was just maddening.
Once the “misunderstand” is out of the way though the romance it’s beautiful and you get to see how both men look at the other as if they hung the moon.
Where thing felt rushed and unresolved in the climax was at Bluebeards death. Marcum drones on all the time about his potions and what they do and blah blah blah but we never hear exactly what the potion that killed Bluebeard actually did? Oddly I was really looking forward to hearing about it.
I was also a little disappointed that the romance didn’t finish off with us hearing about Goulet getting his mating tattoos or whether they actually end up getting married. Maybe that’s in the next book, but I would have preferred to hear about from Goulet and Marcum.
May 2, 2022
He had never had so much trouble getting along with someone in his entire life.
This novella - a continuation of the story from The Huntsman featuring a handsome goblin and scarred prince - was everything I wanted the Huntsman to be in the romance department. Goulet and Marcum's misunderstandings gave the perfect amount of "anticipatory angst" before they pulled their heads out of their arses.
Something I've always loved with Derr's stories is how sex positive they are. I get that realistically, a goblin and a human pairing might be frowned upon by regular old humans, but the weight of expectations can really drag down a novel. With Derr, we seem to skip that step in most of her books and go straight to the good stuff.
His heart would shatter all the same, because it didn't really care about who it should or shouldn't care about. Hearts never did, and that was where the trouble nearly always started.
I really liked Goulet's total disregard for Marcum's appearance despite Marcum's obvious struggles with his body image. TBH, I did have a hard time picturing Goulet - a sexy goblin? There is a first for everything and my brain just couldn't wrangle up a picture.
The only thing preventing this from being 5 stars for me, was that we never got a scene of Goulet using his 'inker' skills to tattoo Marcum's scars. I wanted something vivid; a detailed description of the tattoo Goulet would painstakingly place over Marcum's insecurities.
This novella - a continuation of the story from The Huntsman featuring a handsome goblin and scarred prince - was everything I wanted the Huntsman to be in the romance department. Goulet and Marcum's misunderstandings gave the perfect amount of "anticipatory angst" before they pulled their heads out of their arses.
Something I've always loved with Derr's stories is how sex positive they are. I get that realistically, a goblin and a human pairing might be frowned upon by regular old humans, but the weight of expectations can really drag down a novel. With Derr, we seem to skip that step in most of her books and go straight to the good stuff.
His heart would shatter all the same, because it didn't really care about who it should or shouldn't care about. Hearts never did, and that was where the trouble nearly always started.
I really liked Goulet's total disregard for Marcum's appearance despite Marcum's obvious struggles with his body image. TBH, I did have a hard time picturing Goulet - a sexy goblin? There is a first for everything and my brain just couldn't wrangle up a picture.
The only thing preventing this from being 5 stars for me, was that we never got a scene of Goulet using his 'inker' skills to tattoo Marcum's scars. I wanted something vivid; a detailed description of the tattoo Goulet would painstakingly place over Marcum's insecurities.
January 3, 2021
Great addition
3.75 Stars
Great addition to the series.
I loved both Goulet and Marcum. Both guys when viewed from the outside seemed combatant and to really dislike each other, but when we got to see things from each of their point of views both men were hiding their own hang ups and pain.
I felt for Marcum the most, he was so self-conscious of his scarring and people’s perception of him, that any little slight hit harder for him. He felt like such an outcast.. Goulet also suffered from self-doubt and felt being away from his tribe deeply.
I liked the storyline and how the guys opened up to each other once they were on the road and spending time together. Old slights were brought to the surface and dealt with. I enjoyed seeing Marcum interact with his brother.
The showdown was well done and entertaining although I would have liked to see what the after effects were to Goulet
Looking forward to Snow White’s book
3.75 Stars
Great addition to the series.
I loved both Goulet and Marcum. Both guys when viewed from the outside seemed combatant and to really dislike each other, but when we got to see things from each of their point of views both men were hiding their own hang ups and pain.
I felt for Marcum the most, he was so self-conscious of his scarring and people’s perception of him, that any little slight hit harder for him. He felt like such an outcast.. Goulet also suffered from self-doubt and felt being away from his tribe deeply.
I liked the storyline and how the guys opened up to each other once they were on the road and spending time together. Old slights were brought to the surface and dealt with. I enjoyed seeing Marcum interact with his brother.
The showdown was well done and entertaining although I would have liked to see what the after effects were to Goulet
Looking forward to Snow White’s book
January 15, 2024
The eek moment in this story worked PERFECTLY on me. 0.O I read the rest of the story with one eye shut, metaphorically. This is: excellent snark, pretty good enemies to lovers, a very awful bad guy, zero hiding of the gross side of Marcus's profession, and that HEA we need. Whew.
Content warning: murders and gross stuff.
Content warning: murders and gross stuff.
January 31, 2021
A prince and a goblin. Well, they had some things to work out for sure. Now I think the story could again be longer, to give the story more depth.
October 9, 2025
4.5⭐
Re-read on 10/25 and downgrading from 5 to 4.5 stars.
I still love this one but there's so much room here to improve. This sniping couple is introduced in the first book of the series and these probably should always be read together. This definitely works as a standalone but I just hate missing out on the introduction which is not really even recapped here.
There's so much interesting things going on in this story that I wish it was expanded a bit. There's no need to drag it out too much, but it does feel like it's going on fast-forward occasionally. The adventure/thriller plot could have been revealed much slower, but it's wonderfully gruesome. Marcum's alchemy obsession is great and Goulet's ink master status too. Their sniping can't last forever and I think the resolution for that was timely in the book. But there were still lots of hurdles and insecurities to tackle even on the romance side. Maybe their future is addressed more in the third book, I've yet to read it.
I also noticed now that the goblins were not described that well. Maybe there were more details in the first book but I didn't read it this time and was left with very vague impressions of green skin and that's basically it. I'm really hoping for more descriptions for fantasy races.
Re-read on 10/25 and downgrading from 5 to 4.5 stars.
I still love this one but there's so much room here to improve. This sniping couple is introduced in the first book of the series and these probably should always be read together. This definitely works as a standalone but I just hate missing out on the introduction which is not really even recapped here.
There's so much interesting things going on in this story that I wish it was expanded a bit. There's no need to drag it out too much, but it does feel like it's going on fast-forward occasionally. The adventure/thriller plot could have been revealed much slower, but it's wonderfully gruesome. Marcum's alchemy obsession is great and Goulet's ink master status too. Their sniping can't last forever and I think the resolution for that was timely in the book. But there were still lots of hurdles and insecurities to tackle even on the romance side. Maybe their future is addressed more in the third book, I've yet to read it.
I also noticed now that the goblins were not described that well. Maybe there were more details in the first book but I didn't read it this time and was left with very vague impressions of green skin and that's basically it. I'm really hoping for more descriptions for fantasy races.
October 13, 2021
I'm binge reading Megan Derr's works that I haven't yet tackled, and some that I have but I skimmed, since she has an amazing sale going on in smashwords for her birthday month: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/vi...
This is one of the stories that I haven't read before and although I haven't read the first book in the series I could follow with no problem and I have to say that I love it when Megan writes self deprecating characters. She does it with a way that really resonates with me and I feel their angst and their sadness to my bones.
This is damaged Prince Marcum's and exiled Goulet's story. Prince Marcum is an alchemist with a damaged face and body after an experiment went wrong and completely enamored with Goulet but who would ever want someone as ugly as him with a frightening reputation to top everything off?
Goulet is a master inker goblin exiled from his Tribe because he broke the rule and helped the humans from a Bloody Beauty attack. What does it matter that if he hadn't helped the Bloody Beauty would then attack the Tribe? Nothing in the face of the Tribe's elders.
The relationship between them is a strained one, far from friendly since they never can exchange anything but snipes at one another. But circumstances of a killer bent on revenge against Marcum will change everything between them.
I really, really liked the setting and the relationship between the 5 friends, Snow White, Calder, Marcum, Goulet and Levaughn. They were a tight knit group even though Marcum and Goulet for half the story couldn't be in the same place without trading jibes. I also liked how the relationship between Marcum and Goulet progressed, keep in mind that this is a kind of fairytale setting. Megan did an exceptional job with the description of anything alchemy related Marcum did.
The pace did slow down considerably when Marcum and Goulet were travelling, which didn't help the story but all and all a really lovely magical fairytale romance all around.
Now I need to go back and read the first book xD.
This is one of the stories that I haven't read before and although I haven't read the first book in the series I could follow with no problem and I have to say that I love it when Megan writes self deprecating characters. She does it with a way that really resonates with me and I feel their angst and their sadness to my bones.
This is damaged Prince Marcum's and exiled Goulet's story. Prince Marcum is an alchemist with a damaged face and body after an experiment went wrong and completely enamored with Goulet but who would ever want someone as ugly as him with a frightening reputation to top everything off?
Goulet is a master inker goblin exiled from his Tribe because he broke the rule and helped the humans from a Bloody Beauty attack. What does it matter that if he hadn't helped the Bloody Beauty would then attack the Tribe? Nothing in the face of the Tribe's elders.
The relationship between them is a strained one, far from friendly since they never can exchange anything but snipes at one another. But circumstances of a killer bent on revenge against Marcum will change everything between them.
I really, really liked the setting and the relationship between the 5 friends, Snow White, Calder, Marcum, Goulet and Levaughn. They were a tight knit group even though Marcum and Goulet for half the story couldn't be in the same place without trading jibes. I also liked how the relationship between Marcum and Goulet progressed, keep in mind that this is a kind of fairytale setting. Megan did an exceptional job with the description of anything alchemy related Marcum did.
The pace did slow down considerably when Marcum and Goulet were travelling, which didn't help the story but all and all a really lovely magical fairytale romance all around.
Now I need to go back and read the first book xD.
December 20, 2020
There are some serious editing issues here (one of the MCs, Marcum, has even been renamed to Malcolm twice), and, of course, the two MCs behave like idiots, are way too perfect and way too blind to see it, the story is rushed in many places, and I'm sure there are a lot of other little things I could find to complain about.
BUT. It's the mystery that is Megan Derr to me. I just love her stuff. I love her characters that have been often, despite their absolute (in character and ability) Mary Sue status, completely overlooked, feared, or misunderstood in the past until they find their new home, meet the love of their lives and a couple of true and real friends and then they all live happily ever after. Megan Derr writes true fairy tales and this story is no exception, and, in tradition with their origins, a pretty gruesome one at that. I love the imagination that goes into all these worlds Megan knits, and all the original thought behind the details. So, I'll hide the little editing Nazi I can be, shout out a loud "who cares?" and just enjoy. Even if Marcum becomes Malcolm sometimes (although, please, please, do try to avoid that in the future because there's only so much hiding I can do...).
BUT. It's the mystery that is Megan Derr to me. I just love her stuff. I love her characters that have been often, despite their absolute (in character and ability) Mary Sue status, completely overlooked, feared, or misunderstood in the past until they find their new home, meet the love of their lives and a couple of true and real friends and then they all live happily ever after. Megan Derr writes true fairy tales and this story is no exception, and, in tradition with their origins, a pretty gruesome one at that. I love the imagination that goes into all these worlds Megan knits, and all the original thought behind the details. So, I'll hide the little editing Nazi I can be, shout out a loud "who cares?" and just enjoy. Even if Marcum becomes Malcolm sometimes (although, please, please, do try to avoid that in the future because there's only so much hiding I can do...).
January 14, 2021
I have read that Ms. Derr struggle to write this book for a long time. She posted that she rewrite this 4-5 times at one point. I think it showed slightly but that could also be just my bias.
First off, I dislike the misunderstanding/miscommunication trope. Personally, I felt that this is dated trope and should be user sparingly. This one use it for the first half of the book. Which left me less motivated to go through. But the main plot was quite interesting. Ms. Derr manage to brought in another fairytale to the mix to keep with the theme of this series so far.
The *magic*, Alchemy, in this book were really visceral and bloodier than other Ms. Derr's books.
The climax, felt somewhat rushed... I am still curious as to what befall the bad guy's family. Since the initial impression from Marcum was that they successfully suppressed the crime.
All in all, I did not enjoy this book as much as some Ms. Derr's previous works. But there were some elements in here that still make it enjoyable.
First off, I dislike the misunderstanding/miscommunication trope. Personally, I felt that this is dated trope and should be user sparingly. This one use it for the first half of the book. Which left me less motivated to go through. But the main plot was quite interesting. Ms. Derr manage to brought in another fairytale to the mix to keep with the theme of this series so far.
The *magic*, Alchemy, in this book were really visceral and bloodier than other Ms. Derr's books.
The climax, felt somewhat rushed... I am still curious as to what befall the bad guy's family. Since the initial impression from Marcum was that they successfully suppressed the crime.
All in all, I did not enjoy this book as much as some Ms. Derr's previous works. But there were some elements in here that still make it enjoyable.
February 2, 2021
Excellent second book of the Blodwen Forest series! Knowing that something was brewing between Goulet and Marcum from the first book it was great for them to have their own story. It was even more fascinating how it brought up their individual backstories. Though it was known that Goulet was important in his community for his job and loved his home, it wasn't clear how unusual his friendship with a human was, nor his outgoing and positive nature. It is now making him suffer in this book as he is banished from his community, but doesn't regret the actions that brought him to that. Marcum on the other hand was displayed as lighthearted and humourous, without a care in the world or a deep connection to his home. It becomes clear that this is more from rejection; feeling unwanted as the fourth child of a royal and unlovable with his profession and his accident, he is a lonely and unseen man. Though it is clear that both Marcum and Goulet truly see each other, for some reason they can't ever talk to each other and always mess it up. The horrors of Marcum's past coming back to haunt him force the two to work together and finally talk, but there is still a fight ahead with all that is going on. Excellent story!
February 20, 2021
This was a really good sequel to Book 1 in the series, and I'm intrigued by the blurb given for the (final!) next book.
The story deals with a few dark things, as Book 1 did - cannibalistic murderer, violence, some dodgy alchemy stuff, and some hot, intense sex.
Goulet and Marcum are everything I thought/hoped they'd be, after seeing them in Book 1. Their snarky behaviour was continued wonderfully in the beginning, as they continued their not-quite-friends relationship. Gradually, it got more intense, flirty and the sex had a touch-of rough that suited both characters.
With a new criminal, a new investigation, and a new couple, we still get plenty of the original world-building, consistency of characters, and one more book left in the series to enjoy more. Next up, a story for Snow White. The blurb sounds like a possible MF, but I'll be reading it because I'm intrigued to find out how it goes. Though I wouldn't say no to whatever format it wanted to take - MM or MMF or FF. At this rate, the characters and world-building are good enough I don't mind the pairing or plot, I'm just looking forward to seeing the same characters back again.
The story deals with a few dark things, as Book 1 did - cannibalistic murderer, violence, some dodgy alchemy stuff, and some hot, intense sex.
Goulet and Marcum are everything I thought/hoped they'd be, after seeing them in Book 1. Their snarky behaviour was continued wonderfully in the beginning, as they continued their not-quite-friends relationship. Gradually, it got more intense, flirty and the sex had a touch-of rough that suited both characters.
With a new criminal, a new investigation, and a new couple, we still get plenty of the original world-building, consistency of characters, and one more book left in the series to enjoy more. Next up, a story for Snow White. The blurb sounds like a possible MF, but I'll be reading it because I'm intrigued to find out how it goes. Though I wouldn't say no to whatever format it wanted to take - MM or MMF or FF. At this rate, the characters and world-building are good enough I don't mind the pairing or plot, I'm just looking forward to seeing the same characters back again.
July 2, 2024
Just A Drop Of Love
BlodwenForest2
This series is quite charming *wink, wink*, as the alchemist Prince and the tattooist goblin face off. Neither can manage to talk meaningfully around the other, until a serial killer shows up.
Bluebeard was locked up for life, but someone clearly thought it a miscarriage of justice. Tell that to the twenty people he murdered for their organs. An influential father kept him from execution, more’s the pity.
An alchemical adept, Bluebeard excels at hiding in plain sight. So, Marcum and Goulet set out to draw the baddie away from Blodwen, and into a final altercation. What could go wrong?🙄.
I love these retold tales!
BlodwenForest2
This series is quite charming *wink, wink*, as the alchemist Prince and the tattooist goblin face off. Neither can manage to talk meaningfully around the other, until a serial killer shows up.
Bluebeard was locked up for life, but someone clearly thought it a miscarriage of justice. Tell that to the twenty people he murdered for their organs. An influential father kept him from execution, more’s the pity.
An alchemical adept, Bluebeard excels at hiding in plain sight. So, Marcum and Goulet set out to draw the baddie away from Blodwen, and into a final altercation. What could go wrong?🙄.
I love these retold tales!
March 2, 2021
Give me bickering almost-lovers. Give me witty banter. Give me sarcasm. Give me Goulet and Marcum because they are all this and more.
I knew when they were introduced in the first book, The Huntsman, that I would love them. I could see the simmering "will-they-won't-they" when they met, and oh boy, does it pan out nicely. Though the sequel builds off of the first book, I liked that it was its own story.
I'm a sucker for the "I'm ugly and no one wants me" trope that Marcum so nicely fulfills, and I loved that Goulet, who is a goblin and therefore used to looking different from humans, not only finds Marcum attractive, but wants him for other reasons.
Definitely enjoyed this book!
I knew when they were introduced in the first book, The Huntsman, that I would love them. I could see the simmering "will-they-won't-they" when they met, and oh boy, does it pan out nicely. Though the sequel builds off of the first book, I liked that it was its own story.
I'm a sucker for the "I'm ugly and no one wants me" trope that Marcum so nicely fulfills, and I loved that Goulet, who is a goblin and therefore used to looking different from humans, not only finds Marcum attractive, but wants him for other reasons.
Definitely enjoyed this book!
February 15, 2021
Liked this book even more than the first. After reading about them in the first book Marcum and Goulet were at odds from the beginning and everyone knew why that was except them. This book had more humor even though it was bloodier. Like another of the readers, as the final book is MF, I will not know how it turns out.
May 31, 2025
A lot of folks
This is the second book, but not really a sequel. Following two interesting characters it is more about their journey than any real plot. As an author Derr builds up to grand battles but doesn’t deliver. In fact those elements feel rushed and lack dramatic tension. It’s fine in the end because the romance is the story.
This is the second book, but not really a sequel. Following two interesting characters it is more about their journey than any real plot. As an author Derr builds up to grand battles but doesn’t deliver. In fact those elements feel rushed and lack dramatic tension. It’s fine in the end because the romance is the story.
February 24, 2026
Loved this book so much. This is a great series; wish it were many more books!
The usual spelling errors are present, of course, with the addition of Marcum being referred to as "Malcolm" a few times. Megan and/or Samantha if you ever see this, I would be glad to copyedit any future manuscripts. For free ofc since I'm not a professional, I've just been reading for 40 years lol.
The usual spelling errors are present, of course, with the addition of Marcum being referred to as "Malcolm" a few times. Megan and/or Samantha if you ever see this, I would be glad to copyedit any future manuscripts. For free ofc since I'm not a professional, I've just been reading for 40 years lol.
January 2, 2021
Much anticipated second novel in Blowden Forest series
I was so excited to read the second novel in this series and it did not disappoint! The story was well paced and I finished it in one sitting.
I was so excited to read the second novel in this series and it did not disappoint! The story was well paced and I finished it in one sitting.
April 5, 2026
I do love a Megan Derr fairytale.
This one was no exception.
I loved Marcum and Goulet and their misunderstand.
The story with Blue beard was rather gruesome, but worked well with the tale.
This one was no exception.
I loved Marcum and Goulet and their misunderstand.
The story with Blue beard was rather gruesome, but worked well with the tale.
December 19, 2020
How to make miscommunication as a plot device even more aggravating to read: use dual POVs to detail the misconceptions on both sides
December 22, 2020
Quite enjoyable, I loved it!! Loved both main characters. I'm liking the darker elements tot his story as well.
January 23, 2021
3.6 stars.
March 26, 2021
⭐️ 3.5 stars ⭐️
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