Among the Beasts & Briars

Cerys lives in Aloriya, a kingdom protected from the dark woods by ancient magic. As the royal gardener's daughter, she crafts flower crowns for nobles while secretly harboring unexplained powers that allow her to grow plants with ease. When an ancient curse threatens everything she knows, Cerys must venture into the deadly woods with only a fox as her companion. The woods are filled with corrupted creatures and dangerous magic that could transform anyone who stays too long into a monster. Her journey becomes a race to break the curse and save those she loves, forcing her to uncover long-buried secrets about her kingdom's history and her own identity. Along the way, she encounters both allies and enemies while navigating the complex rules of forest magic. The novel explores themes of belonging, identity, and the price of protection, asking questions about what truly makes a monster and whether safety is worth the cost of isolation.

Readers describe this YA fantasy as a whimsical fairytale with dark undertones. The romance and friendship dynamics receive frequent mention in reviews, with many highlighting the bond between Cerys and Fox. Readers appreciated: - The atmospheric forest setting - Fast-paced plot that maintains momentum - Blend of magic and horror elements - Strong character development for Cerys - The talking fox companion character Common criticisms: - Predictable plot twists - Romance feels rushed - Worldbuilding lacks depth - Side characters need more development - Writing style can be repetitive Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (12,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (1,000+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.4/5 (200+ ratings) One reader noted: "The dark fairytale atmosphere pulls you in, but the plot follows familiar YA fantasy beats." Another stated: "Fox steals every scene - the human characters pale in comparison."

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🌸 Author Ashley Poston worked as a barista while writing this novel, often jotting down story ideas between making coffee drinks 🌿 The magic system in the book was partly inspired by traditional Slavic folklore about forest spirits and cursed woods 🦊 The fox character was influenced by both Asian mythology, where foxes are often portrayed as magical tricksters, and European fairytales 🌹 The novel's original working title was "The Gardener's Daughter" before being changed to "Among the Beasts & Briars" 🌲 The story's setting, Aloriya, was designed as a reflection of the dense forests of South Carolina, where the author grew up