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The Briarmen
'A classic... filled with magic and escapism'
When Hamish Beasly is evacuated to the quiet countryside village of Brombury he is taken in by Mrs. Platts and her daughter Penny. At first Penny is far from happy with her new house guest, but after she and Hamish discover and befriend the Briarmen, four fantastical creatures living in the forbidden Woods Beyond The Railway, they are bound together through a shared secret. Then comes the Blitz, and with it rumours of a German plane crashing into the woods. This sparks concern from the village and puts Hamish and Penny’s secret at risk, a secret they soon find out is no longer their own...
When Hamish Beasly is evacuated to the quiet countryside village of Brombury he is taken in by Mrs. Platts and her daughter Penny. At first Penny is far from happy with her new house guest, but after she and Hamish discover and befriend the Briarmen, four fantastical creatures living in the forbidden Woods Beyond The Railway, they are bound together through a shared secret. Then comes the Blitz, and with it rumours of a German plane crashing into the woods. This sparks concern from the village and puts Hamish and Penny’s secret at risk, a secret they soon find out is no longer their own...
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First published January 1, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
March 10, 2021
ℍ𝕖 𝕝𝕠𝕠𝕜𝕖𝕕 𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕚𝕞𝕒𝕘𝕚𝕟𝕖𝕕 𝕚𝕥 𝕒𝕤 𝕒 𝕡𝕒𝕚𝕟𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘.
I spent my Sunday morning & early afternoon completely absorbed in this glorious book.
It’s 1939 and Hamish is being evacuated from London to the tiny rural town of Brombury. He finds a temporary home with Mrs Platts & her daughter Penny. He also finds the Briarmen deep in the wood next to the sleepy village. And so a tale of childhood adventure and friendship unfolds.
It’s so beautifully written, it’s full of description and heart. It’s warm and funny while being incredibly sad at times.
The ending is gorgeous, it’s just all fits so perfectly together. I closed this book with a very contented sigh and a smile on my face - wonderful ♥️
It’s Narnia meets Carrie’s War....I would have loved this at any age, a total triumph.
Thank you @crescent_swan for gifting me this book, I cannot recommend it enough.
I spent my Sunday morning & early afternoon completely absorbed in this glorious book.
It’s 1939 and Hamish is being evacuated from London to the tiny rural town of Brombury. He finds a temporary home with Mrs Platts & her daughter Penny. He also finds the Briarmen deep in the wood next to the sleepy village. And so a tale of childhood adventure and friendship unfolds.
It’s so beautifully written, it’s full of description and heart. It’s warm and funny while being incredibly sad at times.
The ending is gorgeous, it’s just all fits so perfectly together. I closed this book with a very contented sigh and a smile on my face - wonderful ♥️
It’s Narnia meets Carrie’s War....I would have loved this at any age, a total triumph.
Thank you @crescent_swan for gifting me this book, I cannot recommend it enough.
March 7, 2021
This book was so adorable.
It truly was a fairy tale for adults. The whole style of writing and story itself were so full of nostalgic sentiments. It’ll have you reminiscing on the feeling you got when you were a child and you lost yourself in fantasy worlds.
The quaint little village setting was beautifully written, especially amongst the backdrop of the history of the war and the children being evacuated to the countryside. You could really feel the small village vibes with everyone knowing everything and children running out to play together in the fields.
I’d also die for all of the Briarmen as well as Clemens. All of the relationships in this book were so adorable and wholesome, and I sobbed at the ending of this book because these characters were just so cute. It was a bittersweet and beautiful ending.
This is truly one of those books you could read as a child and love and read as an adult and love just as much. It’s a mix of magic and history and fantasy and friendship and it’s a beautiful book.
It truly was a fairy tale for adults. The whole style of writing and story itself were so full of nostalgic sentiments. It’ll have you reminiscing on the feeling you got when you were a child and you lost yourself in fantasy worlds.
The quaint little village setting was beautifully written, especially amongst the backdrop of the history of the war and the children being evacuated to the countryside. You could really feel the small village vibes with everyone knowing everything and children running out to play together in the fields.
I’d also die for all of the Briarmen as well as Clemens. All of the relationships in this book were so adorable and wholesome, and I sobbed at the ending of this book because these characters were just so cute. It was a bittersweet and beautiful ending.
This is truly one of those books you could read as a child and love and read as an adult and love just as much. It’s a mix of magic and history and fantasy and friendship and it’s a beautiful book.
April 25, 2021
The synopsis and cover of The Briarmen sounded really appealing to me and very intriguing and the opening chapters instantly drew me into the story. Set in World War II a young boy is evacuated to the countryside to a quiet little village called Brombury and I anticipated we were heading off on a fabulous and exciting adventure. Although it started well towards the middle of the book things became decidedly odd and try as I might I couldn’t engage with the storyline. Unfortunately, it’s slow pace and lack of suspense and tension in the plot did nothing to compel me through the story.
I enjoyed the historical aspects very much, as well as the folkloric and fairytale elements. I also enjoyed the whimsical writing style and some of the descriptions of the forest and magical elements are imaginative. However, the story itself is not complex enough, there is not enough attention to detail or explanation as to why certain events occurred. Amongst other things I couldn’t understand the significance of the giant geese or why in fact they were there because they played no significant role. The man-eating catfish were also just as mystifying and out of all the amazing mystical creatures the author could have created for his enchanted forest bizarrely we are presented with geese and catfish. The Briarmen themselves are an interesting and unique part of the book but I was hungry to learn more about their origins and background information. Much more detail was required in order to flesh out the characters and forest dwelling inhabitants.
I couldn’t quite decipher the age range of the audience the author was aiming for and although deemed by some an adult fairytale it erred more towards a children’s book, but didn’t quite fit either category. It took me several weeks to mull the book over in order to write my review and I even revisited some of the chapters convinced I’d missed something poignant in the storyline. On the whole, the Briarmen started off well and had an all encompassing and heartfelt ending but the overall content had so much more potential and unfortunately it didn’t work for me. I dearly wanted to love this book, however I’m honest in my reviews and although it didn’t captivate me there are other readers out there who have really enjoyed and given it fabulous reviews. My reviews are subjective so please bear in mind when reading it what I don’t like others may really enjoy!
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed the historical aspects very much, as well as the folkloric and fairytale elements. I also enjoyed the whimsical writing style and some of the descriptions of the forest and magical elements are imaginative. However, the story itself is not complex enough, there is not enough attention to detail or explanation as to why certain events occurred. Amongst other things I couldn’t understand the significance of the giant geese or why in fact they were there because they played no significant role. The man-eating catfish were also just as mystifying and out of all the amazing mystical creatures the author could have created for his enchanted forest bizarrely we are presented with geese and catfish. The Briarmen themselves are an interesting and unique part of the book but I was hungry to learn more about their origins and background information. Much more detail was required in order to flesh out the characters and forest dwelling inhabitants.
I couldn’t quite decipher the age range of the audience the author was aiming for and although deemed by some an adult fairytale it erred more towards a children’s book, but didn’t quite fit either category. It took me several weeks to mull the book over in order to write my review and I even revisited some of the chapters convinced I’d missed something poignant in the storyline. On the whole, the Briarmen started off well and had an all encompassing and heartfelt ending but the overall content had so much more potential and unfortunately it didn’t work for me. I dearly wanted to love this book, however I’m honest in my reviews and although it didn’t captivate me there are other readers out there who have really enjoyed and given it fabulous reviews. My reviews are subjective so please bear in mind when reading it what I don’t like others may really enjoy!
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 9, 2021
What a fun, magical story! Set in the English countryside during the evacuations of WW2, The Briarmen is a tale about two children discovering a small group of magical nature creatures in a forest and trying to keep this secret safe from the adults in the community as the ongoing war continues to put this discovery at risk.
Sort of a fairytale for adults (though I think younger readers would be fine with this one too), The Briarmen explores loss, war time attitudes and a lot of other great themes while being a charming story full of action and adventure. There's spies, kidnapping, giant catfish and planes painted like dragons - it's all very good fun and the perfect read if you're looking for something quite fast paced and enjoyable.
Sort of a fairytale for adults (though I think younger readers would be fine with this one too), The Briarmen explores loss, war time attitudes and a lot of other great themes while being a charming story full of action and adventure. There's spies, kidnapping, giant catfish and planes painted like dragons - it's all very good fun and the perfect read if you're looking for something quite fast paced and enjoyable.
April 14, 2021
When I like a book, I feel I must always preface the glowing review with an assurance that I am being honest, because, when it comes to reading, I'm picky – I find myself finding problems and thinking about how things could be improved because, well, that's my job as an editor. I find problems and show people how to fix them.
Here's the thing, though: I simply had no desire to fault this book.
If I tried hard enough, I could maybe find a few issues and point out its main weaknesses and key areas for improvement – this is probably what you're expecting given that this is a book review – but I just don't want to. There's not one bit of critical energy in me post-reading this novel, because this ARC of The Briarmen was such a joy to read.
I've had my issues with traditional publishing recently, with big publishers publishing rubbish packaged as something that it's not, and I've had some really disappointing reads. Not that I knew it, but I needed this book to lift my spirits. The Briarmen is the first novel published by new indie publisher Crescent Swan Publishing, out today in fact, and it just didn't disappoint.
At times I felt I wasn't sure who this book was aimed at, and that stood to be the only thing I put into question occasionally whilst reading, but otherwise, this book stands to be an example of what can be done within indie publishing and what new writers can do. It was a breath of fresh air: the characters were well-rounded, with arcs that made sense; there were clear goals and motivations for the characters; the world was developed, easy to sink into, and based on a deliciously simple and easy to digest concept; and the writing itself is what made all this possible – Chadwick knows how to write and there's no denying that. Nothing about this novel, and the effect it has on the reader, is forced. It reads as though the words came easy, and that is something worth keeping an eye on.
The novel was cared about: the writing and the attention to the English language was cared about, book production was cared about, the genre was cared about. It was a book that was taken care of, and it paid off – I cared about the story. It made me feel warm and reminded me so much of the books I read as a child whilst being accessible to me now as a woman on my way to 30. Too, it made that woman legitimately emotional, that fully grown woman...
The thing is, I could also see my young family members reading it as the advanced young readers that they are, and I can see them seriously enjoying this book. It was just a lovely heart-warming read.
And, as a quick aside, the cover could not be better – it captures the feel of the novel and it's a really nice-looking book, inside and out.
I have my beady eye on this author and publisher...
In my opinion, you should buy it.
My rating: 4.5 (Exceptional [5], Amazing [4.5], Great [4], Very Good [3.5], Good [3], Okay [2.5], Passable [2], Just short of terrible [1.5], Terrible [1])
Goodreads rating: 5
Here's the thing, though: I simply had no desire to fault this book.
If I tried hard enough, I could maybe find a few issues and point out its main weaknesses and key areas for improvement – this is probably what you're expecting given that this is a book review – but I just don't want to. There's not one bit of critical energy in me post-reading this novel, because this ARC of The Briarmen was such a joy to read.
I've had my issues with traditional publishing recently, with big publishers publishing rubbish packaged as something that it's not, and I've had some really disappointing reads. Not that I knew it, but I needed this book to lift my spirits. The Briarmen is the first novel published by new indie publisher Crescent Swan Publishing, out today in fact, and it just didn't disappoint.
At times I felt I wasn't sure who this book was aimed at, and that stood to be the only thing I put into question occasionally whilst reading, but otherwise, this book stands to be an example of what can be done within indie publishing and what new writers can do. It was a breath of fresh air: the characters were well-rounded, with arcs that made sense; there were clear goals and motivations for the characters; the world was developed, easy to sink into, and based on a deliciously simple and easy to digest concept; and the writing itself is what made all this possible – Chadwick knows how to write and there's no denying that. Nothing about this novel, and the effect it has on the reader, is forced. It reads as though the words came easy, and that is something worth keeping an eye on.
The novel was cared about: the writing and the attention to the English language was cared about, book production was cared about, the genre was cared about. It was a book that was taken care of, and it paid off – I cared about the story. It made me feel warm and reminded me so much of the books I read as a child whilst being accessible to me now as a woman on my way to 30. Too, it made that woman legitimately emotional, that fully grown woman...
The thing is, I could also see my young family members reading it as the advanced young readers that they are, and I can see them seriously enjoying this book. It was just a lovely heart-warming read.
And, as a quick aside, the cover could not be better – it captures the feel of the novel and it's a really nice-looking book, inside and out.
I have my beady eye on this author and publisher...
In my opinion, you should buy it.
My rating: 4.5 (Exceptional [5], Amazing [4.5], Great [4], Very Good [3.5], Good [3], Okay [2.5], Passable [2], Just short of terrible [1.5], Terrible [1])
Goodreads rating: 5
October 4, 2024
So wholesome and sweet, I loved this book 🥹 don't really agree that it is a fairytale for adults though as I would have adored it as a child, it really gave me Narnia vibes. Can't understand why this isn't more popular. Probs would have given it 4 stars but the ending was so perfect it just stole my heart
November 6, 2024
I'm not sure about this one, I was expecting a fairytale for adults as described but actually it reads like a child's book, I think I was hoping for something a bit more...well adulty!
Don't get me wrong it's a cute cozy read, but I found it a little dull, one thing I really couldn't stand was the way the Briarmen spoke, done my head in, whimsy creatures should not sound like farmers.
Don't get me wrong it's a cute cozy read, but I found it a little dull, one thing I really couldn't stand was the way the Briarmen spoke, done my head in, whimsy creatures should not sound like farmers.
March 20, 2021
I am completely gobsmacked by this book and feel so privileged and honoured to have been sent a copy from Crescent Swan Publishing in exchange for an honest review. I could not be more honest when I say this book is heartwarmingly touching. This is definitely favourite read of 2021!
-
The Briarmen is set in 1939, during WW2. Hamish is evacuated from London to a small town called Brombury where he is assigned to live with Penny and her mother, Bridget. At first, Hamish and Penny don’t quite get along, but when the two adventure into the Woods Beyond The Railway - where the townspeople collectively never visit for some reason - the two discover something living with the woods that they weren’t expecting. Combined with the goings on of the Second World War, The Briarmen makes for a charming and captivating story that will suck you in and leave you feeling emotional at the end.
-
POSITIVES:
* the story progresses at a brilliant and realistic pace, allowing you to really get into it
* really loveable characters that you can get to know in detail
* adorable fantasy creatures that give the story depth and uniqueness
* captivates you instanly - you won't be able to stop reading!
* gives an insight to the troubles of WW2 and how hard it must have been for everyone involved - from all perspectives
-
I honestly have no quarrels about this book, I loved every page and am so excited to see more works come from Joseph A. Chadwick!
A MASSIVE thank you once again to Crescent Swan Publishing for providing me with a copy of this - it was such a great experience and I haven't enjoyed a novel this much in so long!
The book is available for pre-order on the Crescent Swan website and the publication date it the 14th April 2021!
-
You can read a much longer review for this book on my Wordpress at:
https://loiereads.wordpress.com/2021/...
-
The Briarmen is set in 1939, during WW2. Hamish is evacuated from London to a small town called Brombury where he is assigned to live with Penny and her mother, Bridget. At first, Hamish and Penny don’t quite get along, but when the two adventure into the Woods Beyond The Railway - where the townspeople collectively never visit for some reason - the two discover something living with the woods that they weren’t expecting. Combined with the goings on of the Second World War, The Briarmen makes for a charming and captivating story that will suck you in and leave you feeling emotional at the end.
-
POSITIVES:
* the story progresses at a brilliant and realistic pace, allowing you to really get into it
* really loveable characters that you can get to know in detail
* adorable fantasy creatures that give the story depth and uniqueness
* captivates you instanly - you won't be able to stop reading!
* gives an insight to the troubles of WW2 and how hard it must have been for everyone involved - from all perspectives
-
I honestly have no quarrels about this book, I loved every page and am so excited to see more works come from Joseph A. Chadwick!
A MASSIVE thank you once again to Crescent Swan Publishing for providing me with a copy of this - it was such a great experience and I haven't enjoyed a novel this much in so long!
The book is available for pre-order on the Crescent Swan website and the publication date it the 14th April 2021!
-
You can read a much longer review for this book on my Wordpress at:
https://loiereads.wordpress.com/2021/...
April 14, 2021
This book gave me all the feels I can tell you. It surprised me how brilliant it was as really I didn’t know much about it. The synopsis intrigued me but otherwise I went into this book blind.
As I read the first few chapters I felt like I was reading an old children’s classic with vibes of Narnia, The Railway Children and Five Children and It. The story was so magical and imaginative. The Briarmen are some of the most adorable creatures I have ever read about. The relationships between these and the children was just so wholesome and beautiful.
The book holds so much within it pages, adventure, war, loss, friendship, betrayal and compassion. It held so many surprises too and it took some turns I just did not expect.
It also had one of the most perfect endings to a story. It made me sit there smiling but also want to sob my eyes out. I won’t be forgetting about this book any time soon.
This is a hug in the form of a book which I recommend to anyone who needs a heartwarming tale to escape into. A magical fairytale that anyone of any age will fall in love with.
As I read the first few chapters I felt like I was reading an old children’s classic with vibes of Narnia, The Railway Children and Five Children and It. The story was so magical and imaginative. The Briarmen are some of the most adorable creatures I have ever read about. The relationships between these and the children was just so wholesome and beautiful.
The book holds so much within it pages, adventure, war, loss, friendship, betrayal and compassion. It held so many surprises too and it took some turns I just did not expect.
It also had one of the most perfect endings to a story. It made me sit there smiling but also want to sob my eyes out. I won’t be forgetting about this book any time soon.
This is a hug in the form of a book which I recommend to anyone who needs a heartwarming tale to escape into. A magical fairytale that anyone of any age will fall in love with.
March 20, 2021
A heartwarming, folkloric fable of opposing sides, misunderstandings and the pain people inflict because of their suffering. It’s an ode to nature and the old ways- with green men in their kingdoms. Far wiser than the humans that seek to encroach with their superior ‘wisdom’: It is a story of bravery, growth, compassion- WW2, spies, bombing raid and evacuees. But it shows us that friendship and kindness wins everything
April 12, 2021
I was fortunate enough to be provided with an advance copy of The Briarmen from Crescent Swan Publishing in exchange for an honest review. As soon as I saw the blurb, I knew it had the potential to be right up my street. Historical fiction combined with elements of fantasy is something you don't often see, but something that I've often found works surprisingly well.
From the first page, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy the book is to read. It has a lovely light-hearted feel to it that makes it immediately enjoyable, and the whole feel of the story is fun and a little magical. The backdrop of war gave me real Goodnight Mister Tom vibes, but the little fantasy elements made this a lot more fun and uplifting. I can imagine this would be a great book for younger readers who are ready for something a little more challenging. As an adult, however, I also immensely enjoyed it and would definitely recommend to others.
You can read my full review here: http://bit.ly/tfbtbjac
From the first page, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy the book is to read. It has a lovely light-hearted feel to it that makes it immediately enjoyable, and the whole feel of the story is fun and a little magical. The backdrop of war gave me real Goodnight Mister Tom vibes, but the little fantasy elements made this a lot more fun and uplifting. I can imagine this would be a great book for younger readers who are ready for something a little more challenging. As an adult, however, I also immensely enjoyed it and would definitely recommend to others.
You can read my full review here: http://bit.ly/tfbtbjac
March 23, 2021
I've seen this book described as a fairytale for adults, and I would totally agree with that. Its so wonderfully written, full of wistful wanderings of being lost in a fairytale as a child.
The story is based in a small quaint village in England at the start of the second world war. We follow the story of Hamish and Penny, two young children thrust together when Hamish is evacuated from London to live in a seemingly normal town. A rocky start to their friendship leads the children to daring each other to step into the alluring and yet forbidden forest, upon entering the forest Hamish realises these are not any ordinary woods and the pair are introduced to four fantastical creatures dwelling within the trees.
This book is incredibly wholesome. Of childhood adventures and friendships, trusting where you are told not to and believing in the fantastical. Its so beautifully written with rich descriptions of the magical forest and quaint village. I loved how the relationships and their dynamics changed throughout the book without getting stagnant. Each character develops well and each contribute to the story in their own way. The ending was bittersweet but perfectly fitting for this story. I finished the book with a sense that I got everything I wanted from the book and loved the fuzzy feeling of reading a story with community and friendship at its heart.
Thank you to Crescent Swan Publishing for sending me a review copy.
The story is based in a small quaint village in England at the start of the second world war. We follow the story of Hamish and Penny, two young children thrust together when Hamish is evacuated from London to live in a seemingly normal town. A rocky start to their friendship leads the children to daring each other to step into the alluring and yet forbidden forest, upon entering the forest Hamish realises these are not any ordinary woods and the pair are introduced to four fantastical creatures dwelling within the trees.
This book is incredibly wholesome. Of childhood adventures and friendships, trusting where you are told not to and believing in the fantastical. Its so beautifully written with rich descriptions of the magical forest and quaint village. I loved how the relationships and their dynamics changed throughout the book without getting stagnant. Each character develops well and each contribute to the story in their own way. The ending was bittersweet but perfectly fitting for this story. I finished the book with a sense that I got everything I wanted from the book and loved the fuzzy feeling of reading a story with community and friendship at its heart.
Thank you to Crescent Swan Publishing for sending me a review copy.
November 24, 2021
‘A fairytale for adults’ really says it all!
The Briarmen is a story about a young boy call Hamish who is evacuated to the quiet countryside village of Brombury and taken in by Mrs. Platts and her daughter Penny.
In Brombury there isn’t much to do, but there is a forbidden woods where no one is allowed to go - and that is of course where Penny and Hamish go! There, they befriend the Briarmen, four magical creatures, and are bound together through a shared secret. Then comes the Blitz, and with it rumours of a German plane crashing into the woods...
I grew up in a village that didn’t really have anything other than a woods - and though it wasn’t forbidden, and not filled with magical creatures as far as I know, I love the idea that it could be 😂
This book is filled with magic and secrets and is a lovely escape from real life. This is definitely one I’ll be reading with my little boy when he gets older, and I’ll be lending to my mum - so a book for all the ages!
I absolutely loved it, great characters, lots of emotion and the perfect ending. Thank you so much to Crescent Swan Publishing for my copy, this book is now available to pre order and will be released on the 14th April (so not long to wait!)
Definitely recommend, 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Briarmen is a story about a young boy call Hamish who is evacuated to the quiet countryside village of Brombury and taken in by Mrs. Platts and her daughter Penny.
In Brombury there isn’t much to do, but there is a forbidden woods where no one is allowed to go - and that is of course where Penny and Hamish go! There, they befriend the Briarmen, four magical creatures, and are bound together through a shared secret. Then comes the Blitz, and with it rumours of a German plane crashing into the woods...
I grew up in a village that didn’t really have anything other than a woods - and though it wasn’t forbidden, and not filled with magical creatures as far as I know, I love the idea that it could be 😂
This book is filled with magic and secrets and is a lovely escape from real life. This is definitely one I’ll be reading with my little boy when he gets older, and I’ll be lending to my mum - so a book for all the ages!
I absolutely loved it, great characters, lots of emotion and the perfect ending. Thank you so much to Crescent Swan Publishing for my copy, this book is now available to pre order and will be released on the 14th April (so not long to wait!)
Definitely recommend, 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 3, 2021
The Briarmen is the perfect new novel out there if you are in the market for an engrossing story with a seamless blend of fantasy, mystery and adventure.
The real charm of the novel comes in the form of its young protagonists whose stories will no doubt leave you wanting to find out more and more about them. That said, the entire ensemble of characters were believable and complex and populated the world Chadwick has sculpted brilliantly.
The real charm of the novel comes in the form of its young protagonists whose stories will no doubt leave you wanting to find out more and more about them. That said, the entire ensemble of characters were believable and complex and populated the world Chadwick has sculpted brilliantly.
April 8, 2021
Thank you to Crescent Swan Publishing for gifting me a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
This story is set in the village of Brombury at the start of the second world war and follows our two main characters; Penny and Hamish, as they discover the secrets of the nearby forest – The Briarmen – and how this experience shapes their understanding of the world and of human behavior.
Throughout the book, the story is endlessly enchanting and brought us a great deal of friendship, discovery, and unexpected twists. The setting was expertly written, set in World War II this had an easy feel with all the richness of a historical novel. The writing was smooth and made reading this book a delight. The history was made to feel very tangible and it really felt as though this was exactly what a village in the second world war would have been like – with the added fantasy element!
Accompanying this well thought out and charming story were some excellent characters. Penny and Hamish were at the forefront of this story and I loved watching their friendship grow and develop. And of course, I adored The Briarmen, they added such a fun fantastical element, and each brought such a unique personality and perspective to the story. I loved our introduction to them and enjoyed learning more about them through Penny and Hamish.
Chadwick did a wonderful job of bringing every aspect of the story to life, I could really picture the woodlands and every adventure the children had was brought vividly to life. I especially loved that Penny and Hamish were typical children, there was no forced connection or romance, just an unbreakable bond of friendship. I also really enjoyed Chadwick’s portrayal of these two great characters who were quite the opposites of each other, but ultimately, they become the best of friends. Hamish is sensitive and kind, and Penny had a bit of temper and a desire for adventure and pushing the limits. I enjoyed seeing these two characters interact and learn to appreciate one another more, and I liked that they balanced each other out really well.
I thought the pacing was ideal, it was a nice leisurely pace, but things were always in motion and happening ensuring the story always had me gripped and I sped through it in no time. A lot happened throughout the story and each chapter/ scene added something important for the story. The ending was excellent and felt right, and the addition of the epilogue and prologue giving us an insight into the character decades later was perfect. I couldn’t have left this story without knowing what became of The Briarmen and our two wonderful protagonists.
Overall, it was a delightful read, full of magic, friendship, history, and a good dose of surprises. I enjoyed every moment of this book and I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for an enjoyable, heart-warming read that offers a wonderful combination of history, action, and friendship.
This story is set in the village of Brombury at the start of the second world war and follows our two main characters; Penny and Hamish, as they discover the secrets of the nearby forest – The Briarmen – and how this experience shapes their understanding of the world and of human behavior.
Throughout the book, the story is endlessly enchanting and brought us a great deal of friendship, discovery, and unexpected twists. The setting was expertly written, set in World War II this had an easy feel with all the richness of a historical novel. The writing was smooth and made reading this book a delight. The history was made to feel very tangible and it really felt as though this was exactly what a village in the second world war would have been like – with the added fantasy element!
Accompanying this well thought out and charming story were some excellent characters. Penny and Hamish were at the forefront of this story and I loved watching their friendship grow and develop. And of course, I adored The Briarmen, they added such a fun fantastical element, and each brought such a unique personality and perspective to the story. I loved our introduction to them and enjoyed learning more about them through Penny and Hamish.
Chadwick did a wonderful job of bringing every aspect of the story to life, I could really picture the woodlands and every adventure the children had was brought vividly to life. I especially loved that Penny and Hamish were typical children, there was no forced connection or romance, just an unbreakable bond of friendship. I also really enjoyed Chadwick’s portrayal of these two great characters who were quite the opposites of each other, but ultimately, they become the best of friends. Hamish is sensitive and kind, and Penny had a bit of temper and a desire for adventure and pushing the limits. I enjoyed seeing these two characters interact and learn to appreciate one another more, and I liked that they balanced each other out really well.
I thought the pacing was ideal, it was a nice leisurely pace, but things were always in motion and happening ensuring the story always had me gripped and I sped through it in no time. A lot happened throughout the story and each chapter/ scene added something important for the story. The ending was excellent and felt right, and the addition of the epilogue and prologue giving us an insight into the character decades later was perfect. I couldn’t have left this story without knowing what became of The Briarmen and our two wonderful protagonists.
Overall, it was a delightful read, full of magic, friendship, history, and a good dose of surprises. I enjoyed every moment of this book and I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for an enjoyable, heart-warming read that offers a wonderful combination of history, action, and friendship.
April 5, 2021
*AD - Gifted* I received an ARC of this book. All views are my own.
I would describe it as a cross between magical realism and children's literature, both genres I do not pick up very often, but I was drawn to it because of its WWII setting. This book was definitely out of my comfort zone, but I enjoyed it so much more than I thought I would!
Hamish Beasly is evacuated from London to the countryside in 1939 to live with Mrs. Platts and her daughter. Penny is less than happy to share her home with Hamish, but after they dare each other to go into the forbidden Woods Beyond the Railway, they build an unbreakable bond. The pair make a huge discovery in the woods: bush like creatures called The Briarmen who possess magical powers. To keep The Briarmen safe, they must keep their existence secret from the other villagers but when rumours of a German plane crashing into the woods begin, their friends are at more risk than ever.
Chadwick did a really fantastic job of setting the scene for this book and bringing The Briarmen to life. I loved the vivid descriptions of the woods; I could really picture the place in my mind. The detail of The Briarmen was brilliant and Chadwick did a great job of portraying such interesting looking characters in a way that allows the reader to envision what they look like. I also loved how he gave each of The Briarmen characterisation. Although they are magical creatures, they each had distinct personalities that allowed you to tell them apart. Bunkle was by far my favourite of The Briarmen with his adorable personality!
The characterisation of Penny and Hamish was also an element I enjoyed. I liked that Chadwick destroyed stereotypical gender roles and made Hamish a sensitive character. We learn about how Hamish's mother is a very stern women and get the sense that he craves some kind of love and affection. For that reason, Hamish is very in touch with his feelings and is not fazed when Penny tries to emasculate him. In the same way, Penny was a very adventure female protagonist. She has a bit of a temper that gets in the way sometimes and loves getting mucky in the woods with Hamish. Compared to Hamish, I found her quite unlikable at times and she made some bad decisions, but Penny has had some hardships because of the war and it was understandable why she behaved the way she does at times.
I really liked the way these characters interacted with each other. Although there is definitely some tension between them at the start of the novel, by the end of the book they were great friends. They acted like children and there was not any pressure for them to build a romantic connection. It was a nice change to read a book without any romance. My only criticism for this text was that I felt like Hamish and Penny were much younger than they are. At the beginning of the text, we are told that Hamish is thirteen and Penny is fourteen. Of course this is set during a different time, but I can't imagine that Penny as a fourteen year old would spend her weekends playing in the woods. I just felt like they seemed more like eleven and twelve year olds than teenagers.
This was a very different novel to what I usually read, but I thoroughly enjoyed it! The descriptions of the setting and The Briarmen were absolutely beautiful and I loved the relationship between Penny and Hamish. This book was the first of Crescent Swan's publications, and I will definitely be on the look out for more of their books in the future.
I would describe it as a cross between magical realism and children's literature, both genres I do not pick up very often, but I was drawn to it because of its WWII setting. This book was definitely out of my comfort zone, but I enjoyed it so much more than I thought I would!
Hamish Beasly is evacuated from London to the countryside in 1939 to live with Mrs. Platts and her daughter. Penny is less than happy to share her home with Hamish, but after they dare each other to go into the forbidden Woods Beyond the Railway, they build an unbreakable bond. The pair make a huge discovery in the woods: bush like creatures called The Briarmen who possess magical powers. To keep The Briarmen safe, they must keep their existence secret from the other villagers but when rumours of a German plane crashing into the woods begin, their friends are at more risk than ever.
Chadwick did a really fantastic job of setting the scene for this book and bringing The Briarmen to life. I loved the vivid descriptions of the woods; I could really picture the place in my mind. The detail of The Briarmen was brilliant and Chadwick did a great job of portraying such interesting looking characters in a way that allows the reader to envision what they look like. I also loved how he gave each of The Briarmen characterisation. Although they are magical creatures, they each had distinct personalities that allowed you to tell them apart. Bunkle was by far my favourite of The Briarmen with his adorable personality!
The characterisation of Penny and Hamish was also an element I enjoyed. I liked that Chadwick destroyed stereotypical gender roles and made Hamish a sensitive character. We learn about how Hamish's mother is a very stern women and get the sense that he craves some kind of love and affection. For that reason, Hamish is very in touch with his feelings and is not fazed when Penny tries to emasculate him. In the same way, Penny was a very adventure female protagonist. She has a bit of a temper that gets in the way sometimes and loves getting mucky in the woods with Hamish. Compared to Hamish, I found her quite unlikable at times and she made some bad decisions, but Penny has had some hardships because of the war and it was understandable why she behaved the way she does at times.
I really liked the way these characters interacted with each other. Although there is definitely some tension between them at the start of the novel, by the end of the book they were great friends. They acted like children and there was not any pressure for them to build a romantic connection. It was a nice change to read a book without any romance. My only criticism for this text was that I felt like Hamish and Penny were much younger than they are. At the beginning of the text, we are told that Hamish is thirteen and Penny is fourteen. Of course this is set during a different time, but I can't imagine that Penny as a fourteen year old would spend her weekends playing in the woods. I just felt like they seemed more like eleven and twelve year olds than teenagers.
This was a very different novel to what I usually read, but I thoroughly enjoyed it! The descriptions of the setting and The Briarmen were absolutely beautiful and I loved the relationship between Penny and Hamish. This book was the first of Crescent Swan's publications, and I will definitely be on the look out for more of their books in the future.
March 31, 2021
Wow, this book really took me on a rollercoaster of emotions and I'm so in love with it!
Essentially it is being described as a fairytale for adults, that I admit is true, but it's also so much more than that. This is a book that appears as a classic, and will no doubt get handed down by generation to generation, each marvelling at the Briarmen and taking to the woods themselves to try and discover these primitive yet charming folk. The knowledge that this is a debut novel shocked me as it is so deeply and intricately crafted both with characters and narration, with some of the descriptions of the woodland being absolutely stunning.
Hamish is evacuated to the countryside of Brombury during 1939 and goes to live with Penny and her mother. Penny took to disliking Hamish from the offset, so when she teased him about wanting to be a farm hand, Hamish dares her, his friend Jack and himself to go into the Woods Beyond the Railway. There they encounter the Briarmen and eventually gain their trust so that Penny and Hamish would visit every weekend for Penny to paint and Hamish to play with their newfound friends. However, when a German plane crashes into the woods, everything they originally knew and loved changed and they had to decide whether to break their promise to the Briarmen and notify the investigating policemen or help the enemy with his plane.
Throughout I had feelings of Narnia, Where the Wild Things Are, Goodnight Mr Tom, Carrie's War, even the trolls from Frozen all of which are well-loved creations. In the last hundred pages I was sucked up into the turmoil and the many twists and turns that I simply couldn't put it down. The ending was such a poignant note to this magical book that I couldn't help but burst out crying, a release from the building tension of the prior chapters. The story conveyed the conflict of WW2, not just between Britain and Germany but within the village itself, and the journey to acceptance, the value of trust and loyalty and the form of unlikely friendships.
It is a wholesome, heart-warming, heart-breaking and enchanting read!
I would like to say a massive thank you to Crescent Swan for kindly gifting me a copy to review.
What's even better is the fact that this is published on my birthday (14/04).
Essentially it is being described as a fairytale for adults, that I admit is true, but it's also so much more than that. This is a book that appears as a classic, and will no doubt get handed down by generation to generation, each marvelling at the Briarmen and taking to the woods themselves to try and discover these primitive yet charming folk. The knowledge that this is a debut novel shocked me as it is so deeply and intricately crafted both with characters and narration, with some of the descriptions of the woodland being absolutely stunning.
Hamish is evacuated to the countryside of Brombury during 1939 and goes to live with Penny and her mother. Penny took to disliking Hamish from the offset, so when she teased him about wanting to be a farm hand, Hamish dares her, his friend Jack and himself to go into the Woods Beyond the Railway. There they encounter the Briarmen and eventually gain their trust so that Penny and Hamish would visit every weekend for Penny to paint and Hamish to play with their newfound friends. However, when a German plane crashes into the woods, everything they originally knew and loved changed and they had to decide whether to break their promise to the Briarmen and notify the investigating policemen or help the enemy with his plane.
Throughout I had feelings of Narnia, Where the Wild Things Are, Goodnight Mr Tom, Carrie's War, even the trolls from Frozen all of which are well-loved creations. In the last hundred pages I was sucked up into the turmoil and the many twists and turns that I simply couldn't put it down. The ending was such a poignant note to this magical book that I couldn't help but burst out crying, a release from the building tension of the prior chapters. The story conveyed the conflict of WW2, not just between Britain and Germany but within the village itself, and the journey to acceptance, the value of trust and loyalty and the form of unlikely friendships.
It is a wholesome, heart-warming, heart-breaking and enchanting read!
I would like to say a massive thank you to Crescent Swan for kindly gifting me a copy to review.
What's even better is the fact that this is published on my birthday (14/04).
April 11, 2021
Thank you Crescent Swan for providing an ARC for an honest review.
When I picked up The Briarmen, I didn’t know exactly what to expect. The premise seemed intriguing, if somewhat familiar, so I wasn’t sure if it was going to be similar to other books with fantasy elements taking place during the late 30s/early 40s. Thankfully, The Briarmen did not disappoint.
This book reminded me a bit of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and The Book Thief due to its historical elements, particularly the way the war influenced children’s lives. The main character, Hamish, is evacuated early in rural Brombury which is largely untouched by the war; we, therefore, don’t witness gruesome details such as bombings, starvation, and ultimately death. But the shadows of the war are looming over the protagonists’ lives and often influence their actions. Penny’s father, a pilot, has gone missing before the events of The Briarmen even begin. His disappearance and her wish to protect what she has left is a major motivation for her actions, good or bad.
In general, I enjoy works that have fantastic or otherwise speculative elements, while also being firmly rooted in the historical period during which they take place, and telling stories about the human condition. The Briarmen is a book that balances this well. Bromsbury and its inhabitants felt real, and after a few chapters, I could forget I was reading and think I was there with them. Small details such as the fields, the school and the pubs made this feel like a real place, so it wasn’t hard to suspend disbelief when it came to the magical aspect of the book; the mysterious woods and the peculiar inhabitants.
Of course, we've all read stories about cursed woods that must never be visited, but following a formula that has succeeded before isn't bad when done well. I often felt that when the characters were in the woods, the writing style became dreamier, compared to the author's more realistic tone when describing Brombury. This worked really well in setting the woods apart as a place of wonder, removed from the war. Time runs differently then, and the writing reflects that. Overall, I would have liked more insights about the Briarmen, their previous relationships with humans and how exactly the forest came to be so inhospitable to trespassers, but then again not describing everything added to the sense of mystery and wonder.
Full review can be found on my blog : https://ladyofbooklot.wordpress.com/2...
When I picked up The Briarmen, I didn’t know exactly what to expect. The premise seemed intriguing, if somewhat familiar, so I wasn’t sure if it was going to be similar to other books with fantasy elements taking place during the late 30s/early 40s. Thankfully, The Briarmen did not disappoint.
This book reminded me a bit of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and The Book Thief due to its historical elements, particularly the way the war influenced children’s lives. The main character, Hamish, is evacuated early in rural Brombury which is largely untouched by the war; we, therefore, don’t witness gruesome details such as bombings, starvation, and ultimately death. But the shadows of the war are looming over the protagonists’ lives and often influence their actions. Penny’s father, a pilot, has gone missing before the events of The Briarmen even begin. His disappearance and her wish to protect what she has left is a major motivation for her actions, good or bad.
In general, I enjoy works that have fantastic or otherwise speculative elements, while also being firmly rooted in the historical period during which they take place, and telling stories about the human condition. The Briarmen is a book that balances this well. Bromsbury and its inhabitants felt real, and after a few chapters, I could forget I was reading and think I was there with them. Small details such as the fields, the school and the pubs made this feel like a real place, so it wasn’t hard to suspend disbelief when it came to the magical aspect of the book; the mysterious woods and the peculiar inhabitants.
Of course, we've all read stories about cursed woods that must never be visited, but following a formula that has succeeded before isn't bad when done well. I often felt that when the characters were in the woods, the writing style became dreamier, compared to the author's more realistic tone when describing Brombury. This worked really well in setting the woods apart as a place of wonder, removed from the war. Time runs differently then, and the writing reflects that. Overall, I would have liked more insights about the Briarmen, their previous relationships with humans and how exactly the forest came to be so inhospitable to trespassers, but then again not describing everything added to the sense of mystery and wonder.
Full review can be found on my blog : https://ladyofbooklot.wordpress.com/2...
April 1, 2021
I feel hard and fast in love with this book. Its a book set in the woods in WW2.
Things I loved:
- I felt the most intense rush of nostalgia for a place I’ve never been to and friends I’ve never had.
-The strong chapter endings and how much it draws you in for more.
-I was not expecting how easy to read and follow it was but I absolutely FLEW through this.
-The immensely animated imagery was phenomenal. I saw every house, every tree, every flower, every bed of grass. I have NEVER wanted to jump in a book so much.
-The symbolism strung throughout this book was just perfection.
-The chapter names and illustrations?! GORGEOUS.
-The historical element was so well done. I usually steer clear of historical fiction, but this was brilliant.
-It transported me to a gorgeous childhood storybook but intertwined with SO many layers of character (SO CUTE) & plot development.
What I loved most about this book is that it reverts back to to the simplicity of friendship. There’s no romance. Its strips away such complexities and takes you back to finding friendships in the most unlikely places. It teaches and reminds you of one of the most important things to know in life: kindness. And that for me, was the beauty of it all. Everything in this book led back to…be kind.
The best thing I ever did was listen to a rain and forest background soundtrack whilst reading this and OMG...
Read this book. Dive into a world of charming, soft, wholeheartedly beautiful magic and friendship. Do it. I was blown away. Thank you Crescent Swan Publishing for sending me a copy, it was timeless, it was everything and more!
Things I loved:
- I felt the most intense rush of nostalgia for a place I’ve never been to and friends I’ve never had.
-The strong chapter endings and how much it draws you in for more.
-I was not expecting how easy to read and follow it was but I absolutely FLEW through this.
-The immensely animated imagery was phenomenal. I saw every house, every tree, every flower, every bed of grass. I have NEVER wanted to jump in a book so much.
-The symbolism strung throughout this book was just perfection.
-The chapter names and illustrations?! GORGEOUS.
-The historical element was so well done. I usually steer clear of historical fiction, but this was brilliant.
-It transported me to a gorgeous childhood storybook but intertwined with SO many layers of character (SO CUTE) & plot development.
What I loved most about this book is that it reverts back to to the simplicity of friendship. There’s no romance. Its strips away such complexities and takes you back to finding friendships in the most unlikely places. It teaches and reminds you of one of the most important things to know in life: kindness. And that for me, was the beauty of it all. Everything in this book led back to…be kind.
The best thing I ever did was listen to a rain and forest background soundtrack whilst reading this and OMG...
Read this book. Dive into a world of charming, soft, wholeheartedly beautiful magic and friendship. Do it. I was blown away. Thank you Crescent Swan Publishing for sending me a copy, it was timeless, it was everything and more!
April 25, 2025
The Briarmen by Joseph A. Chadwick, is a blend of historical fiction and fantasy. Set in 1939, the story follows Hamish Beasly, a young boy evacuated from London to the quiet village of Brombury during World War II. There, he stays with Mrs. Platts and her daughter Penny. Initially, Penny is less than thrilled about Hamish’s arrival, but their relationship evolves as they discover the Briarmen—four fantastical creatures living in the forbidden Woods Beyond The Railway. Their shared secret binds them together, but the looming threat of the Blitz and rumors of a German plane crash jeopardises everything .
What struck me most was the novel’s ability to weave a heartwarming tale amidst the backdrop of war. The Briarmen themselves are some of the most endearing creatures I’ve encountered in literature, each with distinct personalities that add depth to the narrative. The story evokes the charm of classics like The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and Books by Alan Garner and Susan Cooper, yet it stands on its own with unique twists and turns that kept me engaged throughout .
Chadwick’s writing is immersive, capturing the innocence of childhood and the complexities of wartime. The pacing felt natural, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the world of Brombury and its inhabitants. The ending was particularly poignant, leaving me with a mix of joy and sorrow that lingered long after I turned the last page.
In summary, The Briarmen is a beautifully crafted fairy tale for adults that offers a perfect escape into a world of magic, friendship, and resilience. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking a touching and imaginative read.
What struck me most was the novel’s ability to weave a heartwarming tale amidst the backdrop of war. The Briarmen themselves are some of the most endearing creatures I’ve encountered in literature, each with distinct personalities that add depth to the narrative. The story evokes the charm of classics like The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and Books by Alan Garner and Susan Cooper, yet it stands on its own with unique twists and turns that kept me engaged throughout .
Chadwick’s writing is immersive, capturing the innocence of childhood and the complexities of wartime. The pacing felt natural, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the world of Brombury and its inhabitants. The ending was particularly poignant, leaving me with a mix of joy and sorrow that lingered long after I turned the last page.
In summary, The Briarmen is a beautifully crafted fairy tale for adults that offers a perfect escape into a world of magic, friendship, and resilience. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking a touching and imaginative read.
March 31, 2021
This book is a beautiful read. It is an adult folkloric fairytale book for adults. It is filled with childhood magic and forbidden forests and mystical creatures. This book will appeal to people of all ages from teens to adults. It is really well written and I enjoyed reading about each character and the development between them all. I was on the edge of my seat and couldn’t wait to read more.
The book is set in the year 1939 in the times of World War two in Britain but it is a historical fiction book with a touch of fantasy. Hamish is an evacuee who goes to live with Penny in the country village of Brombury, England. The two children have a rocky start to their friendship but the forbidden forest brings them together in a way that they would never have imagined. The woods aren’t ordinary and mystical creatures are found to be dwelling within.
Unfortunately, things don’t stay this way for long, rumours of a German plane coming down in these woods and this threatens the Briarmen’s existance. Penny and Hamish have to figure out how to keep the secret of their new friends while the forest becomes a place of interest by the locals since the plane crash.
It was a real nostalgic read and I really enjoyed it, I was so lucky to have had the chance to be introduced to this book by the publishers and I can’t wait to see what else this author writes!
Big thanks to Crescent Swan Publishing for sending me out a copy to review!
The book is set in the year 1939 in the times of World War two in Britain but it is a historical fiction book with a touch of fantasy. Hamish is an evacuee who goes to live with Penny in the country village of Brombury, England. The two children have a rocky start to their friendship but the forbidden forest brings them together in a way that they would never have imagined. The woods aren’t ordinary and mystical creatures are found to be dwelling within.
Unfortunately, things don’t stay this way for long, rumours of a German plane coming down in these woods and this threatens the Briarmen’s existance. Penny and Hamish have to figure out how to keep the secret of their new friends while the forest becomes a place of interest by the locals since the plane crash.
It was a real nostalgic read and I really enjoyed it, I was so lucky to have had the chance to be introduced to this book by the publishers and I can’t wait to see what else this author writes!
Big thanks to Crescent Swan Publishing for sending me out a copy to review!
March 30, 2021
Words can’t describe how much I loved this book. I’m not sure what I would classify it as but historical fantasy seems to be close enough so let’s go with that!
I loved how it was set in the woods in an English village during WW2. I love books set during the war and I enjoy historical fiction the two combined was definitely special. What I wasn’t expecting to love that much was the fantasy element part of it but I couldn’t help but love the little “Briarmen” and how unique they were. They all had their little personalities and this shone through in the writing style. Their relationship with the main characters was super special too.
The writing style was also brilliant. Normally I have a problem getting through books that have a mixture of super short and then super long chapters as this tends to put me in a slump but because this was written in such a captivating way I didn’t want to put it down. I also enjoyed how the start of each chapter was individually named and had illustrations! I thought this was a beautiful addition to an already beautiful book.
Overall if you’re looking for a story that encompasses the importance of friendship, never judging a book by its cover and to be kind always then this is the book for you. It was just so magical and the perfect escapism. It’s been described as an adult fairy tale and I totally see why! Thank you so much to Crescent Swan for my gifted copy. This book is officially out on April 14th so get your pre-orders in now!
I loved how it was set in the woods in an English village during WW2. I love books set during the war and I enjoy historical fiction the two combined was definitely special. What I wasn’t expecting to love that much was the fantasy element part of it but I couldn’t help but love the little “Briarmen” and how unique they were. They all had their little personalities and this shone through in the writing style. Their relationship with the main characters was super special too.
The writing style was also brilliant. Normally I have a problem getting through books that have a mixture of super short and then super long chapters as this tends to put me in a slump but because this was written in such a captivating way I didn’t want to put it down. I also enjoyed how the start of each chapter was individually named and had illustrations! I thought this was a beautiful addition to an already beautiful book.
Overall if you’re looking for a story that encompasses the importance of friendship, never judging a book by its cover and to be kind always then this is the book for you. It was just so magical and the perfect escapism. It’s been described as an adult fairy tale and I totally see why! Thank you so much to Crescent Swan for my gifted copy. This book is officially out on April 14th so get your pre-orders in now!
April 2, 2021
Book Review!
The Briarmen by Joseph A. Chadwick
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I really enjoyed this book! It was definitely ot the genre that I normally read but I'm glad I was able to step away from my typical reads with this book. I ended up reading half the book in one day, I read 221 pages yesterday and finished it 😄
The Briarmen is a beautiful historical fiction novel set in the second world war with a mixture of fantastical elements that really made the story interesting. It definitely comes across like a fairytale and surprised me with some emotional and heartwarming moments. We got to know all the main characters well and feel as if we knew them too, and the sadder parts of the book really pulled at me.
The writing in the second half seemed a little more developed, with the dialogue flowing better and the descriptions capturing my imagination, so I preferred the second half of the book but I did really like it all. I thought there were a couple of chapters which could have been taken out since they only seemed to be there for filler, however most of the book was really enjoyable and I feel like this book could - and should!! - be read by a variety of ages.
I think everyone should give this book a try, it was a really lovely read and I'm super glad I was given the chance to read it by Crescent Swan Publishing - thank you so much for sending me this copy!
The Briarmen by Joseph A. Chadwick
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I really enjoyed this book! It was definitely ot the genre that I normally read but I'm glad I was able to step away from my typical reads with this book. I ended up reading half the book in one day, I read 221 pages yesterday and finished it 😄
The Briarmen is a beautiful historical fiction novel set in the second world war with a mixture of fantastical elements that really made the story interesting. It definitely comes across like a fairytale and surprised me with some emotional and heartwarming moments. We got to know all the main characters well and feel as if we knew them too, and the sadder parts of the book really pulled at me.
The writing in the second half seemed a little more developed, with the dialogue flowing better and the descriptions capturing my imagination, so I preferred the second half of the book but I did really like it all. I thought there were a couple of chapters which could have been taken out since they only seemed to be there for filler, however most of the book was really enjoyable and I feel like this book could - and should!! - be read by a variety of ages.
I think everyone should give this book a try, it was a really lovely read and I'm super glad I was given the chance to read it by Crescent Swan Publishing - thank you so much for sending me this copy!
March 14, 2021
Filled with childhood magic, forbidden forests and the desperate hopes and fears of wartime, this debut novel captivated me from the first page to the last.
I loved the concept of The Woods Beyond The Railway, an eerie, enchanted place that nobody dares explore (except young evacuee Hamish, in a bid to prove his bravery to his newfound town mates). I related to the protagonists' curiosity and delighted in the giant geese, boy-eating catfish and tiny Briarmen they discover in the Woods. The first few chapters are filled with childhood imagination and wonder, and my inner adventurer was more than satisfied.
I also enjoyed the sense of escapism woven throughout the book. From Hamish, who is trying not to think about the bombings back home, to his friend Penny, who paints to reconnect with her missing father, the characters all need something to hold on to or escape to, in order to keep them from becoming overwhelmed. This fits in perfectly with the WW2 setting and the emotions brimming in society at the time.
And so does the German plane, which crashes in the Woods and sparks the main part of the novel. I enjoyed seeing the children pick apart what they have been told about enemies, contrasting it with the twenty-year old pilot who is hurt, far from home and uncommonly kind. Their thoughts about war and humanity are brought up by the Briarmen, in their observations about the 'menfolk' and their ways, and it's beautiful to see the characters work towards shared humanity in such a divisive period of history.
Thank you to Crescent Swan for the review copy!
I loved the concept of The Woods Beyond The Railway, an eerie, enchanted place that nobody dares explore (except young evacuee Hamish, in a bid to prove his bravery to his newfound town mates). I related to the protagonists' curiosity and delighted in the giant geese, boy-eating catfish and tiny Briarmen they discover in the Woods. The first few chapters are filled with childhood imagination and wonder, and my inner adventurer was more than satisfied.
I also enjoyed the sense of escapism woven throughout the book. From Hamish, who is trying not to think about the bombings back home, to his friend Penny, who paints to reconnect with her missing father, the characters all need something to hold on to or escape to, in order to keep them from becoming overwhelmed. This fits in perfectly with the WW2 setting and the emotions brimming in society at the time.
And so does the German plane, which crashes in the Woods and sparks the main part of the novel. I enjoyed seeing the children pick apart what they have been told about enemies, contrasting it with the twenty-year old pilot who is hurt, far from home and uncommonly kind. Their thoughts about war and humanity are brought up by the Briarmen, in their observations about the 'menfolk' and their ways, and it's beautiful to see the characters work towards shared humanity in such a divisive period of history.
Thank you to Crescent Swan for the review copy!
April 4, 2021
Endearing, is the perfect word to describe this story. Whilst fantasy isn’t usually a genre I gravitate towards, I found it incredibly nostalgic, & it reminded me of stories I used to read at school (think the Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe meets Alice in Wonderland vibes). I found the writing to be sentimental & charming, & loved that the historical fiction element weaved throughout the story.
The characters were lovable & I enjoyed how Penny & Hamish’s relationship developed - Chadwick stripped it right back to a story of friendship which I found wholesome & adorable. The Briarmen themselves were described so wonderfully - I could definitely picture them in my mind. I would have personally preferred more of a backstory to them, & the woods but that is just personal preference.
This was definitely a slow burner for me. The story itself is a journey & I took my sweet time reading it. I preferred the first few chapters & then the last third of the book - partly because I’m impatient & partly because I just wanted more to happen in the middle. However keeping true to the village of Bromsbury, a quiet/sleepy village, it would probably be weird if loads of events started occurring - right?
I thought it was a very enjoyable read & one I would definitely recommend to all (not just fantasy) readers.
The characters were lovable & I enjoyed how Penny & Hamish’s relationship developed - Chadwick stripped it right back to a story of friendship which I found wholesome & adorable. The Briarmen themselves were described so wonderfully - I could definitely picture them in my mind. I would have personally preferred more of a backstory to them, & the woods but that is just personal preference.
This was definitely a slow burner for me. The story itself is a journey & I took my sweet time reading it. I preferred the first few chapters & then the last third of the book - partly because I’m impatient & partly because I just wanted more to happen in the middle. However keeping true to the village of Bromsbury, a quiet/sleepy village, it would probably be weird if loads of events started occurring - right?
I thought it was a very enjoyable read & one I would definitely recommend to all (not just fantasy) readers.
March 2, 2021
The year is 1939 Hamish is evacuated to the countryside to live with Mrs. Platts and her daughter Penny, their relationship is rocky but when Penny and Hamish venture into the forbidden woods beyond the railway they encounter a gaggle of gigantic geese and a quad of forest folks or as they come to find out The Briarmen. Hamish and Penny now have a secret to keep but with a German fighter plane crashing into the woods can they keep the secret to themselves as German Pilot Clemens becomes a threat. With the trees watching and two police officers becoming wary of the woods will the Briarmen be safe in their haven?
The Briarmen is the perfect combination of a child's imagination and an adults cynicism, its also evocative as it brings back memories of the books I used to read as a kid - the likes of C. S. Lewis and Michael Morporgo. As we enter a world that is not entirely our own - an enchanted forest with bushmen with the names of Bunkle, Flint, Nipper and Pike we are able to escape and dream as we encounter warming unlikely friendships in a charming forest setting. The plot flows smoothly with great character dynamics and personalities mixed in with a historical fiction/fantasy hybrid topped of with a climactic blissful ending - so a pretty damn good book!
The Briarmen is the perfect combination of a child's imagination and an adults cynicism, its also evocative as it brings back memories of the books I used to read as a kid - the likes of C. S. Lewis and Michael Morporgo. As we enter a world that is not entirely our own - an enchanted forest with bushmen with the names of Bunkle, Flint, Nipper and Pike we are able to escape and dream as we encounter warming unlikely friendships in a charming forest setting. The plot flows smoothly with great character dynamics and personalities mixed in with a historical fiction/fantasy hybrid topped of with a climactic blissful ending - so a pretty damn good book!
March 7, 2021
Hamish Beasly is evacuated to a village called Brombury during the WWII bombing of London. He’s taken in by a woman and her daughter - Penny. They decide to go to the Woods Beyond The Railway and there they stumble across the Briarmen - creatures who live in the forest, almost like tree children.
Here I will stop telling you what happened next.
I wasn’t sure if I should give it 4 or 5 stars, but there honestly is not a thing I didn’t like about this book.
Everything from the characters and storyline, to the style of writing was incredible.
It read quickly and smoothly, the way HP books feel. The enchanted forest reminded me a lot of The Bridge to Terabithia - but don’t be mistaken by these comparisons, this story is original and it stole my heart from the first page.
I felt nostalgic and almost like a kid, but the fact that the novel is set during WWII makes it a perfect read even for adults! You see, this book is not childish and I feel like many adults would appreciate it.
I loved it. It’s taking a special place on my bookshelf and I cannot wait for the next books from this author.
Here I will stop telling you what happened next.
I wasn’t sure if I should give it 4 or 5 stars, but there honestly is not a thing I didn’t like about this book.
Everything from the characters and storyline, to the style of writing was incredible.
It read quickly and smoothly, the way HP books feel. The enchanted forest reminded me a lot of The Bridge to Terabithia - but don’t be mistaken by these comparisons, this story is original and it stole my heart from the first page.
I felt nostalgic and almost like a kid, but the fact that the novel is set during WWII makes it a perfect read even for adults! You see, this book is not childish and I feel like many adults would appreciate it.
I loved it. It’s taking a special place on my bookshelf and I cannot wait for the next books from this author.
March 3, 2021
'The Briarmen' is a novel that will appeal to all age groups. Older readers will be reminded of classic stories of wartime from their youth such as The Dolphin Crossing & Goodnight Mr. Tom, or of children fighting against the odds such as The Railway Children. The 2 main characters work together to undertake a dangerous task, giving tension to the story, keeping the reader enthralled, as the 2nd World War plays a role initially in the background, but becoming more important as the story develops
The younger reader will be enthralled by the fantastic world, in the Woods beyond the Railway, that is discovered by Hamish & Penny, after Hamish is evacuated. The Briarmen are depicted in great detail, not as perfect creatures, but as a group that is determined to survive in a world that is threatening their very existence.
'The Briarman' covers a variety of themes, all of which are skilfully interwoven into a novel that maintains the reader's interest from the first page until the emotional ending.
The younger reader will be enthralled by the fantastic world, in the Woods beyond the Railway, that is discovered by Hamish & Penny, after Hamish is evacuated. The Briarmen are depicted in great detail, not as perfect creatures, but as a group that is determined to survive in a world that is threatening their very existence.
'The Briarman' covers a variety of themes, all of which are skilfully interwoven into a novel that maintains the reader's interest from the first page until the emotional ending.
April 9, 2021
This book was brilliant! I found that this would suit anyone, no matter the age. I enjoyed to fantasy side as well as the history side. The story had me captivated from the very first page until the very end. The ending couldn’t haven’t been any more perfect. It was so sweet and it made me feel so full. I absolutely adored how the story focused a lot on friendship and to always give someone a chance. I really did think I may struggle with this based on the genre, but I picked it up straightaway and flew through it.
The only downfall, for me personally, is that it felt a little bit repetitive at times and the story became a little bit flat BUT that doesn’t take away how much on an incredible story this is.
I would have loved this a child as much as I loved it now. This is one book I will definitely keep my hands on - I’ve even told my boyfriend he should give it a read, and he is not a reader! It’s definitely a story that a lot of people would enjoy.
Thank to you Crescent Swan Publishing for sending me this before the book releases on 14th April. 🌲
The only downfall, for me personally, is that it felt a little bit repetitive at times and the story became a little bit flat BUT that doesn’t take away how much on an incredible story this is.
I would have loved this a child as much as I loved it now. This is one book I will definitely keep my hands on - I’ve even told my boyfriend he should give it a read, and he is not a reader! It’s definitely a story that a lot of people would enjoy.
Thank to you Crescent Swan Publishing for sending me this before the book releases on 14th April. 🌲
March 9, 2021
I LOVED this book, such a wonderful story that had me gripped all the way through. We were kindly provided with review copies by the publisher.
The story, set in wartime Britain, centres around the friendship that blossoms between Hamish, a wartime evacuee, and Penny, who he goes to live with in the sleepy village of Brombury. However, Brombury doesn’t stay sleepy for long as there are rumours of a German plane coming down in the mysterious Woods Beyond The Railway. And that’s not all that’s hiding in the woods, as Penny and Hamish discover the Briarmen. Adventures in the Woods ensue and relationships are forged between the children and the Briarmen.
This was such a nostalgic read and is definitely a book that I would have picked up and appreciated both now and 20 years ago. I’ve always been drawn to wartime fiction and the added fantastical elements to this books gave it such a unique twist. Plus there were really cute illustrations at the beginning of each chapter! I really felt catapulted back to my childhood while reading this, although that’s not to say this is a children’s book as there’s definitely a health dose of the cynicism that comes with adulthood.
It was well written, the characters and their relationships well established and developed, and the end of the book was excellent. It had me on the edge of my seat. My only complaint is that I now really want to know more about the Briarmen and their story!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would love to read more from the author.
The story, set in wartime Britain, centres around the friendship that blossoms between Hamish, a wartime evacuee, and Penny, who he goes to live with in the sleepy village of Brombury. However, Brombury doesn’t stay sleepy for long as there are rumours of a German plane coming down in the mysterious Woods Beyond The Railway. And that’s not all that’s hiding in the woods, as Penny and Hamish discover the Briarmen. Adventures in the Woods ensue and relationships are forged between the children and the Briarmen.
This was such a nostalgic read and is definitely a book that I would have picked up and appreciated both now and 20 years ago. I’ve always been drawn to wartime fiction and the added fantastical elements to this books gave it such a unique twist. Plus there were really cute illustrations at the beginning of each chapter! I really felt catapulted back to my childhood while reading this, although that’s not to say this is a children’s book as there’s definitely a health dose of the cynicism that comes with adulthood.
It was well written, the characters and their relationships well established and developed, and the end of the book was excellent. It had me on the edge of my seat. My only complaint is that I now really want to know more about the Briarmen and their story!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would love to read more from the author.
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