Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Twice each year, during the solstice, the Holly King battles the Oak King as Nature takes its course. This year, however, Holly concedes defeat far too easily. Curious about his brother's haste, Oak nags his brother into revealing his secret: a new relationship with a human. While loving a mortal is not taboo, Oak fears his brother's love may run too deep. But despite knowing he risks his heart, Holly is determined to share warmth with his Sergio for as long as the world will allow, if not beyond.

A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2013 Advent Calendar package "Heartwarming".

Book Review

There are many legends that personify the seasons, and this story is about to of them. The Holly King, or winter, fights the Oak King, or summer, twice each year at the summer and winter solstice. The focus here is, fittingly as a winter story, on Yule, and Holly is supposed to lose.  Now, I can see why this "eternal battle" is needed, since it is actually not people but nature that we're talking about, Still, making the seasons people and then "expecting" them to behave like they're supposed to is not  concept that fits easily into my 21st century brain!

Having said that, there is real beauty in the battle between Holly and Oak here. Forces of nature are used, their old rivalry comes into play, and despite the fact that Holly "is supposed to lose", he puts up one heck of a fight! When Oak des win, this time around, there is no gloating or even celebration, since everything is as it should be.

And this is where the story breaks with tradition and we have the two brothers "go for a coffee". It is a clear indication that the setting is contemporary, not some ancient century. The discussion that follows is interesting, and the brothers' dilemma, that of finding a lover, becomes obvious. Both of them are immortal, and mortals don’t live very long. While the brothers do want a partner, and there are hints that mortals can be made immortal, Holly doesn't seem overly committed. Interestingly, that seems to change when he meets his lover, Sergio, in a cabin they have rented in the mountains somewhere.

The one thing am not sure about is the ending. As far as I can see, it is left undecided, but you'll have to decide for yourself. This is one of those stories that allows for different interpretations, I think, and what you make of it will depend on what you see in it. So, if you like stories about heroes from the old times, if you don't mind a slightly ambiguous ending, and if you’re looking or a fantastical read about immortals and their issues, then you will probably like this short story.

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.

Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Short Story, 28 pages/5577 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	01-December-2013
Price	$1.49 ebook
Buy Link	https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/holly-and-oak-by-jl-ofaolain-579-b