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The Wraith #2
The Shield and the Thorn
The Wraith saved the Fair Lands.
Now he must save Fair hearts.
When Lord Fenton Selby is accosted at his own back door by Miss Crocus Firethorn, a beautiful Fair maiden looking for the Wraith’s young ally Juniper, he’s torn as to whether to trust her any more than she trusts him. His charm and kindness quickly win her affection, until she finds out Fenton has known her cousin Juniper’s whereabouts all the time.
Now Fenton must find a way to regain her trust, while a cunning new enemy, terrifying monsters, and risky bargains with several Fair lords all threaten their futures and their lives. It will take both Fenton and the Wraith to soften Fair hearts before they all come to ruin.
The Shield and the Thorn is the final book of the completed duology The Wraith.
Now he must save Fair hearts.
When Lord Fenton Selby is accosted at his own back door by Miss Crocus Firethorn, a beautiful Fair maiden looking for the Wraith’s young ally Juniper, he’s torn as to whether to trust her any more than she trusts him. His charm and kindness quickly win her affection, until she finds out Fenton has known her cousin Juniper’s whereabouts all the time.
Now Fenton must find a way to regain her trust, while a cunning new enemy, terrifying monsters, and risky bargains with several Fair lords all threaten their futures and their lives. It will take both Fenton and the Wraith to soften Fair hearts before they all come to ruin.
The Shield and the Thorn is the final book of the completed duology The Wraith.
389 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2022
5 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Brightley
28 books249 followersC. J. Brightley lives outside Washington, D.C., with her husband and their two young children. When she's not busy writing, she teaches karate, bakes too many desserts, and makes jewelry. She loves to connect with readers!
Follow C. J. Brightley at https://www.facebook.com/CJBrightley and https://www.instagram.com/cjbrightley/
Follow C. J. Brightley at https://www.facebook.com/CJBrightley and https://www.instagram.com/cjbrightley/
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 4, 2022
I ADORED the first book in this series. The Scarlet Pimpernel + fae was just peek perfection! This author really manages to capture the Regency vibes plus the breezy fun and underlying cleverness of The Scarlet Pimpernel while creating her own magical, fantasy world.
I hesitated to pick this book up since I thought it was going to be solely focused on side characters and I didn't want the perfection of the first book to be ruined.
I shouldn't have worried. This book is just as good, if not better, than book 1!!! While Fenton plays a bigger role in this book, this book is really about everyone involved with helping the Wraith, including our beloved Theo.
Theo is just as amazing and clever and twisty as the fae themselves in this book. I loved all the bargains that left me confused and guessing until the big reveal.
Not to mention, the audiobook narrator is just SPOT ON. If you love audiobooks, then you'll adore listening to these books.
If you are a Scarlet Pimpernel fan, then don't hesitate. Pick up these books and enjoy a fun romp!
I hesitated to pick this book up since I thought it was going to be solely focused on side characters and I didn't want the perfection of the first book to be ruined.
I shouldn't have worried. This book is just as good, if not better, than book 1!!! While Fenton plays a bigger role in this book, this book is really about everyone involved with helping the Wraith, including our beloved Theo.
Theo is just as amazing and clever and twisty as the fae themselves in this book. I loved all the bargains that left me confused and guessing until the big reveal.
Not to mention, the audiobook narrator is just SPOT ON. If you love audiobooks, then you'll adore listening to these books.
If you are a Scarlet Pimpernel fan, then don't hesitate. Pick up these books and enjoy a fun romp!
Read
April 2, 2022Full of magic and tea parties and parlor games and the power of friendship overcoming everything! If you love noblebright stories full of redemption and eucatastrophe, give this duology a try.
March 31, 2022
Y'ALL NEED TO HEAR ABOUT IT NOW.
book 1 was: Jane (lilly) and Bingley(Theo) live near Fae land and Bingley/theo needs to save stolen children and the poisoned faelands. and it was VICTORIAN and SWEET and FLOWERY PROSE and I LOVED IT.
book 2 is: Theo and his BFF (not quite a perfect darcy match bc he's a good egg, but if you read it I'll tell you who is) are faced with another Fae Lord, and bitter fae feelings. Fenton is Charming even as he is protecting another, but this protection offends the lovely Fae lady who pinned him at sword point. It's Gorgeous. and Sweet and has the SINGLE BEST REDEMPTION ARC I've read this year.
Themes of committed friendships even and especially if "unequal" borne from a heart of mercy and second chances is just one of my favorites and I'm just really in love with that aspect. the darkness cannot persist in the light.
If you like fae, and victorian novels, and sweetness, and like leaving the end of the book satisfied and filled wit hope - these are for you.
book 1 was: Jane (lilly) and Bingley(Theo) live near Fae land and Bingley/theo needs to save stolen children and the poisoned faelands. and it was VICTORIAN and SWEET and FLOWERY PROSE and I LOVED IT.
book 2 is: Theo and his BFF (not quite a perfect darcy match bc he's a good egg, but if you read it I'll tell you who is) are faced with another Fae Lord, and bitter fae feelings. Fenton is Charming even as he is protecting another, but this protection offends the lovely Fae lady who pinned him at sword point. It's Gorgeous. and Sweet and has the SINGLE BEST REDEMPTION ARC I've read this year.
Themes of committed friendships even and especially if "unequal" borne from a heart of mercy and second chances is just one of my favorites and I'm just really in love with that aspect. the darkness cannot persist in the light.
If you like fae, and victorian novels, and sweetness, and like leaving the end of the book satisfied and filled wit hope - these are for you.
February 23, 2022
The second book in The Wraith and The Rose duology. W+R was a cross between Scarlet Pimpernel, Jane Austen, and fantasy. While The Shield and The Thorn is not technically a Scarlet Pimpernel retelling anymore, it still had all the charm and wit and heart that made me fall in love with W+R. Theo and co. are back, along with some new characters, and where before Theo had to save the children and Fair lands, this time things have become much more personal. Hearts--and lives--are at stake. As always, Brightley’s characters are vibrant. Each in their own way. Theo is center stage, but Fenton, his loyal, quiet friend, manages to shine in this story too.
Fenton meets the beautiful Crocus Firethorn at the beginning of the book when she holds him at sword point. She’s in search of her cousin, Juniper, and while Fenton is touched at her concern, he doesn’t know if she’s truly trustworthy. But as the story develops, we see these two quiet characters develop and grow in subtle ways.
Like W+R before it, this book is all about the love and loyalty of true friends. This theme plays out in multiple relationships in the story—from the reluctant Willowvale, who is adrift and desperately in need of kindness (although he would never admit it), to Crocus in her stoic determination to see things through herself because she has only ever had herself to rely on, to the utter steadfastness of Fenton to all his friends, old and new. At the center of this all, of course, we see Theo, whose determination to make friends is the source of both sweet and amusing moments throughout.
We get to see more of the Fair Lands in this sequel, and the alien descriptions of the flora and fauna and Fair personalities we meet are as strange and rich and uniquely fae as they were in book 1.
This is a story of friendship, love, self sacrifice, and it will leave you feeling warm down to your toes.
I received an ARC, and I have reviewed this willingly.
Fenton meets the beautiful Crocus Firethorn at the beginning of the book when she holds him at sword point. She’s in search of her cousin, Juniper, and while Fenton is touched at her concern, he doesn’t know if she’s truly trustworthy. But as the story develops, we see these two quiet characters develop and grow in subtle ways.
Like W+R before it, this book is all about the love and loyalty of true friends. This theme plays out in multiple relationships in the story—from the reluctant Willowvale, who is adrift and desperately in need of kindness (although he would never admit it), to Crocus in her stoic determination to see things through herself because she has only ever had herself to rely on, to the utter steadfastness of Fenton to all his friends, old and new. At the center of this all, of course, we see Theo, whose determination to make friends is the source of both sweet and amusing moments throughout.
We get to see more of the Fair Lands in this sequel, and the alien descriptions of the flora and fauna and Fair personalities we meet are as strange and rich and uniquely fae as they were in book 1.
This is a story of friendship, love, self sacrifice, and it will leave you feeling warm down to your toes.
I received an ARC, and I have reviewed this willingly.
January 1, 2025
This one is even better than the first book! Fae + Regency vibes in a fantasy world. Nathaniel Priestley's narration for the audiobook just makes it even more stellar!
September 25, 2022
I liked this one a lot more than I liked the last one.
I think I know why, though. I think I prefer the way Brightley writes friendship over the way she writes romance. The effort Theo puts into making friends is entirely amusing and tricky and a joy to read, especially when his target are about as friendly as cacti.
All this to say, having Theo bounce around like a puppy, showing off sincerity and kindness to some fair folk who are in desperate need of such things in their lives was so much fun to watch. In turn, it was equally as pleasing to watch said fair folk eventually give in to Theo and his desire to consider them friends.
The development of Silverthorn was interesting to see and though he wasn’t on page much, it was cool to see how Theo’s incessant love and affection for the land of Fairy and the people shows the king how much he lacks.
The romance takes a back seat more in this book, which I appreciated and the focus on the love of friendship was what really made this book for me.
I think I know why, though. I think I prefer the way Brightley writes friendship over the way she writes romance. The effort Theo puts into making friends is entirely amusing and tricky and a joy to read, especially when his target are about as friendly as cacti.
All this to say, having Theo bounce around like a puppy, showing off sincerity and kindness to some fair folk who are in desperate need of such things in their lives was so much fun to watch. In turn, it was equally as pleasing to watch said fair folk eventually give in to Theo and his desire to consider them friends.
The development of Silverthorn was interesting to see and though he wasn’t on page much, it was cool to see how Theo’s incessant love and affection for the land of Fairy and the people shows the king how much he lacks.
The romance takes a back seat more in this book, which I appreciated and the focus on the love of friendship was what really made this book for me.
June 1, 2022
The sequel to the author's The Wraith and the Rose picks up where the first book leaves off. The plot is engaging and twisty, and I loved seeing more of this world. BUT. I hate the patriarchal society which sidelined all the female characters, including the fairies! WTF. The women were so utterly passive while the men ran off to save the day.
March 8, 2023
An awesome read, the second book in a Scarlet Pimpernel retelling.
Great adventure set in a regency fairy world.
And did I mention it is also clean?
Don't miss this sweet, grand adventure.
Excellently written.
Great adventure set in a regency fairy world.
And did I mention it is also clean?
Don't miss this sweet, grand adventure.
Excellently written.
June 27, 2024
I LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! THIS BOOK! And SERIES! I absolutely adored The Wraith and the Rose! It was perfect! And sweet! Swoony and Cozy! With the perfect touch of danger and mystery! And my heart does happy a dance just thinking about it! And I don’t know how she did it, but Brightley was able to continue this tale of a withering Fae land, galant and loyal heroes, Fae bargains and wordsmithing, and make you fall in love with it even more!
I’m not going to go into the story too much…it is somewhat of a continuation of events of The Wraith and the Rose…and I don’t want to give spoilers. Just know that new players are introduces! Old players make new and unexpected choices! Bargains and plans abound! And new romances emerge! And it is all completely spectacular!
I absolutely adored Fentan in The Wraith and the Rose and my love for him only grew more exponentially in this book. Here he steps from the sidelines and becomes more intrinsic to the story and his own romance and I couldn’t have loved him any more. He is loyal and just and completely honorable and he is just fantastic! And of course, Theo is still the major player and you never know what craziness he is going to get up to, all in the name of saving everyone and anyone he comes in contact with. There are just soooooooo many amazing characters in this series who are all interesting, unique, and completely their own. And I beg you to read it and fall in love with them for yourself!!!
This series is UTTERLY BREATHTAKING! The more I read the more I love it and the sadder I am to realize I am one book from the conclusion. But that’s the great thing about books…you can always visit their beautiful worlds, amazing characters, and magical stories as often as you need.

So if you want a story that will stay with you, fill your heart, comfort your soul, give you hope, and leave you overjoyed then you simply must read The Wraith!
I’m not going to go into the story too much…it is somewhat of a continuation of events of The Wraith and the Rose…and I don’t want to give spoilers. Just know that new players are introduces! Old players make new and unexpected choices! Bargains and plans abound! And new romances emerge! And it is all completely spectacular!
I absolutely adored Fentan in The Wraith and the Rose and my love for him only grew more exponentially in this book. Here he steps from the sidelines and becomes more intrinsic to the story and his own romance and I couldn’t have loved him any more. He is loyal and just and completely honorable and he is just fantastic! And of course, Theo is still the major player and you never know what craziness he is going to get up to, all in the name of saving everyone and anyone he comes in contact with. There are just soooooooo many amazing characters in this series who are all interesting, unique, and completely their own. And I beg you to read it and fall in love with them for yourself!!!
This series is UTTERLY BREATHTAKING! The more I read the more I love it and the sadder I am to realize I am one book from the conclusion. But that’s the great thing about books…you can always visit their beautiful worlds, amazing characters, and magical stories as often as you need.

So if you want a story that will stay with you, fill your heart, comfort your soul, give you hope, and leave you overjoyed then you simply must read The Wraith!
July 10, 2023
After saving the Fair Lands, the Wraith is eager to enjoy a quiet life with his new wife. But when his best friend becomes entangled with a Fair woman, the Wraith finds himself traversing back through the Veil where monsters and bargains await.
Lord Selby is enamored of Miss Crocus Firethorn, but a necessary lie causes a rift between them. Can they learn to trust each other — and the Wraith — to free themselves from the bargains that have ensnared them?
“Why should I turn something bright and generous into something small and mean, and hurt us both in doing so?”
The author inscribed this in the front of the book, alongside her signature. It’s a beautiful thought — of friendship and understanding, of not allowing jealousy a foothold in a relationship.
Brightley writes beautiful love stories that are also tales of great friendship. We see less of the blossoming romances in this book, but what is there is demonstrative of being cherished and adored. The Shield and the Rose is more about brotherly love, as Selby and the Wraith make sacrifices for each other without thought to the cost.
Once again, Brightley has drawn upon the beautiful world she has built, and the descriptions of the Fair Realm are evocative and rich. While we do get some scenes from the female characters’ perspectives, this is a book about the Wraith and Selby. And I loved seeing how the Wraith once again took on the aspect of the Scarlet Pimpernel to get himself out of tight corners.
5 Roses. Delightful and engaging
Lots of kissing, but innocently. Nothing overtly passionate or inappropriate. Discrete comments from a married couple about preferring to spend time together.
No swearing
Some injuries, but not dwelt on.
Lord Selby is enamored of Miss Crocus Firethorn, but a necessary lie causes a rift between them. Can they learn to trust each other — and the Wraith — to free themselves from the bargains that have ensnared them?
“Why should I turn something bright and generous into something small and mean, and hurt us both in doing so?”
The author inscribed this in the front of the book, alongside her signature. It’s a beautiful thought — of friendship and understanding, of not allowing jealousy a foothold in a relationship.
Brightley writes beautiful love stories that are also tales of great friendship. We see less of the blossoming romances in this book, but what is there is demonstrative of being cherished and adored. The Shield and the Rose is more about brotherly love, as Selby and the Wraith make sacrifices for each other without thought to the cost.
Once again, Brightley has drawn upon the beautiful world she has built, and the descriptions of the Fair Realm are evocative and rich. While we do get some scenes from the female characters’ perspectives, this is a book about the Wraith and Selby. And I loved seeing how the Wraith once again took on the aspect of the Scarlet Pimpernel to get himself out of tight corners.
5 Roses. Delightful and engaging
Lots of kissing, but innocently. Nothing overtly passionate or inappropriate. Discrete comments from a married couple about preferring to spend time together.
No swearing
Some injuries, but not dwelt on.
March 26, 2024
Similar to the first book...nothing but fluff, sweetness and some perfectly timed angst. And I very much enjoyed it. Also...the glimmers of a redemption arc for the villain everyone loves to hate?! Yes please!!
October 18, 2022
Unreadable
September 6, 2024
Very Soppy
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews