Rating: 5 🌈
For me, the second story, the bridge book, is always the key to every series. It gives me a sense as to how the author intends to move their characters forward, what strategies and angles they might employ to enlarge the series arc and universe, and just a general idea of what sort of future might lay ahead… great, scary, whatever, for those we’ve come to care about.
If done successfully, we then are clamoring for book 3. If it’s a clodhopper? Some readers valiantly plow on. While other readers quickly put the series down. Give it a pat and walk away.
I’m thrilled to report that Kai Butler’s The Oak Wood Throne
Is a great bridge story. It absolutely checks all the needed elements and then raises the narrative bar higher, continuing the well-written arc and complex relationship dynamics laid out in the previous story, Butler now proceeds to build an ever enlarging intricate structure comprised of well defined characters capable of unlimited growth and a universe that shows no boundaries.
The main (and outstanding) focal character is Parker Ferro. It’s Parker who’s character, painful dysfunctional childhood, and equally chaotic, bruised adulthood is developing into one of astonishing growth, albeit somewhat of a mulish nature, and accompanied by an equal number of revelations. About his past, his found family. Even his new boyfriend and their ever tenuous romance.
He’s certainly the heart.. almost the heart of the story. That would be The Tree of Life who’s also a fascinating, ongoing main character. Butler’s beings as met have a complex set character but that’s merely a starting point for the author to build on. For as the story threads wind through all the devious and convoluted plot points, heading towards various pathways, these characters gain more layers, more depths to their personalities and histories.
And as we learn more about each of the people and beings involved here, nothing simplifies . Not them , not the plot. Indeed as expected, we get many mysteries as the revelations only deepen the overall arc storyline.
To our delight.
Characters are added that swell this already addictive and amazing found family. I can’t even go into who and what they are without entering spoilers city so I won’t but it’s both humorous and endearing. And unexpected.
So much in this story is.
From the way in which Parker is trying to work through his many issues of trust, feeling unworthy, inability to make a commitment, and his position of being the Windrose. Along with dealing with his obligations to that which lives deep under the City.
And being a boyfriend.
I often have issues with the manner in which a second book ends. A cliffhanger? Abruptly? Just this novel’s story with a hint going forward?
Well The Oak Wood Throne ends on a surprise! One I didn’t see coming at all! Not a cliffhanger but an actual surprise.
One I can’t wait to see the ramifications of in novel 3 out in February. Honestly, it’s not that far away. And there’s so much great stuff to unpack here I’m probably just going to reread it again immediately because I’m already sure I missed something now.
Kai Butler was a new author for me but I’m absolutely hooked now. I love this series, the universe and all the amazing characters.
If you haven’t found this yet, head immediately back to the first story and begin your journey there. Then head here.
Then I’ll see you all in February.
I’m highly recommending this and the series. It’s not to be missed.
San Amara Investigations Series:
â—¦ A Haunting at Midnight #0.5
â—¦ A Debt Unpaid #0.75
â—¦ Wormwood Summer #1
â—¦ A Belated Burial #1.5
â—¦ The Oak Wood Throne #2
â—¦ A Gilded Iron Blade #3 – not yet released, publication date in February 2022.
Synopsis:
A new case won’t solve Parker’s old problems…
Parker Ferro needs a vacation. His boyfriend is MIA on a high profile murder investigation, the fae courts have him on call at all hours, and he’s still cleaning up the mess from his last big case. Of course that’s nothing compared to the demands of the debt he owes the spirit of San Amaro.
So when a wealthy new client contacts him to locate a stolen a fae artifact, Parker’s hoping for a simple job. That the artifact in question looks eerily similar to the one that got him involved with a notorious criminal and almost ruined his life last year has no bearing on the decision, right? Not to mention the thief’s ability to enter high security areas without a trace and a few very suspicious deaths.
As his life continues to spiral out of control, Parker has to juggle what’s most important to him: his relationship, his need for revenge or his life. Then again, no one said becoming the new Windrose would be easy.
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 