On Sale: Feb 3, 2026
Page Count: 288 pages
Publisher: Orbit
ISBN-139780316584500
Having previously read Molly O’Neill’s debut novel Greenteeth, I was very excited to come across her follow up novel published this year – Nightshade & Oak.
Similarly to Greenteeth, this latest novel is firmly rooted in myths of British Isles, except instead of fae creatures that lurk in ponds and eat unsuspecting children, Nightshade & Oak is the story of a goddess of death who suddenly finds herself accidentally made mortal, and shenanigans then ensue! The rest of the tale (which I am trying to summarise without major spoikers), involves a saphic love affair, a quest to save the afterlife, a dragon, a Roman legion, a ancient Witch Queen and chalk hill carvings. Oh, and Boudicca makes an appearance too.
I was surprised by every twist of the tale – Molly O’Neil is very good at lulling you into quiet confidence that the story is going one way, and then promptly pushing you off a cliff and pursuing a very different route. In a market that is increasingly formulaic, and where rewriting mythic tales is experiencing a renaissence, this bold approach to story direction is refreshing, and keeps the reader on their toes. Even at the conclusion of the tale, when you think you know the Happily Ever After is all signed, sealed and delivered, there is a final sting in the tale, one last surprise for the road.
This is a wonderful and memorable book, and an enjoyable read that should appeal to readers of multiple genres, primarily fantasy, romance and historical fiction. However, for my Romantasy Queens, this book is implied spice only – please don’t see the sappic love label, and think you’re getting the wlw equivalent of A Court of Silver Flames! The lack of spice does however also make it suitable for older teens and YA readers or for those who prefer their romance to be on the vanilla side.
A charming book to kick off this blog with, I highly reccomend Nightshade and Oak for your summer reading lists.
Rating (out of 5): 🛡🛡🛡🛡
Do expect: intrigue, mythical creatures and historical figures
Don’t expect: spice or a happy ending
Books and Bothies 