★★★★★ “A high-stakes fantasy heist novel that readers may find hard to put down.” - Kirkus Reviews
★★★★★ “Once I caught on to the underlying beauty & the beast theme I was HOOKED. The magic of it all kept me in suspense and I loved the character relationship development.”
★★★★★ “[...] The romance is undeniably compelling, it’s the emotional depth, the unpredictable plot twists, and the atmospheric setting that make [...] The Wren in the Holly Library stand out from the crowd. It’s a novel that keeps you guessing and leaves you with a sense of awe and wonder by the end.”
★★★★★ “[...] I'm in love with Kierce and Graves. [...] There's the tension of them being attracted to each other and then things start to happen... My inner romance girly was happy.”
★★★★★ “The world building and magic system are exquisite...I fell in love with all of the characters. The romance was tastefully done and added to the plot. [... ]Homerun for K.A. Linde”
★★★★★ “A new, addicting romantasy world that I couldn't help but fall in love with. K.A. Linde's writing shines in this fast-paced, action-packed story. [...] From the mystery and thrills to the angst and steam, I was completely wrapped up. Anxiously awaiting book two and excited to have a new world to obsess over!”
★★★★★ “Monsters ✔️
Heist ✔️
Magic ✔️
Morally grey MMC ✔️
Stabby FMC ✔️
This book is like if DaVinci Code, and Avengers with a side of paranormal creatures got dropped in the middle of New York.. because that’s kind of what it is. AND IT'S FANTASTIC.”
★★★★★ “All I knew about this one going in was that it was a fantasy and it turned out to be one of my fav reads of 2025 so far.”
★★★★★ “I don’t even know how but I completely devoured this book in less than 24 hours. [...] With morally grey characters, Irish folklore, romance and so so much more… what’s not to love?!”
★★★★★ “[...] The writing is captivating. Each word feels carefully selected, to entice me into turning the page. The characters captured my attention, and the post-apocalyptic fantasy vibe was enticing, particular[ly] mixed with Irish myths and legends.”
★★★★★ “I am OBSESSED with this book.”
★★★★★ “I don’t care what anyone else rates this book, I had the time of my life reading it. [...] I ate every moment up like it was my last.”
★★★★★ “If I could give more than 5 stars I would. What a journey it was absolutely amazing! From the very first page, I was hooked. [...] It’s one of those books that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page. I absolutely loved it and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a compelling and beautifully written story.”
★★★★★ “Love this one! It hooked me in from the beginning, and all the lore, monsters, & magic made this tale so incredible! [...] Definitely one to check out!”
★★★★★ “Dystopian urban fantasy, yes please. Loved this one. [...] Counting the days until the sequel comes out!”
This is a captivating audiobook narrated by Stephanie Németh-Parker. Thirteen years ago, monsters emerged from the shadows, devastating New York City and leading to the creation of the Monster Treaty. Kierse, a talented and fearless thief, shatters this fragile peace by entering the Holly Library, not knowing it's the home of a charming yet terrifying monster. Drawn to her talent, the monster makes a dangerous pact with her, pulling her into a centuries-old game with no escape. Németh-Parker's narration brings depth and distinction to each character. Her performance conveys the tension, emotion, and complexity of the story, enhancing the listener's experience. Her ability to portray the monster's allure and menace alongside Kierse's courage and vulnerability adds a compelling layer to the story. F.S.M. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine
2024-04-22
In Linde’s paranormal thriller, a woman goes on a dangerous quest to retrieve a rare object.
Thirteen years ago, murderous monsters of all kinds appeared from the shadows to murder countless city dwellers, including in Kierse McKenna’s home of New York City. To survive, Kierse (“It’s like Pierce but with a K,” she says) joined her late mentor’s thieving guild and became a master thief. Three years ago, the Monster Treaty was put in place, finally ending the ongoing violence and allowing humans and monsters to live together. When Kierse’s benefactor sends her on a mission to steal a diamond ring, she unwittingly finds herself inside the home of a mysterious monster named Graves. Breaking into the house means that Kierse has also broken the Monster Treaty, but Graves, after seeing an unusual necklace around her neck, offers her a job. The warlock wants her to steal a rare object hidden under the city in a place called Third Floor, which is protected by an unbreakable security system and guarded by the vilest creatures. Kierse agrees, locking herself into a bargain with Graves and entering a world of chaos involving monster gangs, magic, and a rivalry spanning hundreds of years. Throughout Linde’s lively fantasy, Kierse struggles to keep her two best friends, Gen and Ethan, safe, and she also begins to uncover important secrets about herself. The author also effectively weaves a steamy romance into the fast-moving plot. Although the story is mostly told from Kierse’s perspective, it’s occasionally broken up by short chapters titled “Interlude,” which offer intriguing insights into other characters’ thoughts. The creative premise of a monster-filled New York makes for rich, detailed worldbuilding (“Another consequence of monsters in the public eye were the trolls who managed the subway entrances”), and little mysteries sprinkled throughout the novel give readers space to piece together the truth.
A high-stakes fantasy heist novel that readers may find hard to put down.