The cover of this book is truly captivating, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the story's unfolding drama. Revisiting Thule and reconnecting with the characters from the first book has been a pleasure. C. Monk excels at weaving Victorian mores, legends, and fantastical creatures into the narrative, creating a richly immersive world that's a joy to explore.

While this book can be enjoyed as a standalone, readers will gain a deeper understanding of the characters and their backgrounds if they first read "Blood and Light."

Ah! This was such a cute little novella featuring Sfjona and Sir Bedivere. I was so hoping to hear more about them after the first book.

Definitely recommend reading this directly after reading the first, just because of the authors writing style with this.

I’m so excited for the next book!

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the arc!

(Will be posting review on instagram)

While I appreciate the opportunity to read this book, unfortunately I will not be finishing it. From a technical standpoint, the writing was good, however I found it difficult to get into the story myself.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC. I really enjoyed the first book after it picked up but this book fell into the category of being so over wordy it became droning and confusing. At 50% I had to tap out. I think less focus on using big fancy wording and more focus on making the story easier to follow.

This is my first time reading C. Monk and I really enjoyed Of Pears and Spears. While I initially struggled to enjoy the narrator, I finally got acquainted with her, and that's when the book really took off for me.

I will say, I hit my stride about 60% of the way into the book, and then there was a hard pivot in the pacing and content shortly after, which threw me off a bit.

I'll definitely keep an eye out for the author's other work and am grateful to NetGalley for granting me access to an advanced copy.

I truly loved this little look into the Thunor world. I didn’t read the first book in the series, but I do believe that this novella gives a great glimpse into the world. Sfjona and Sir Bedivere are adorable together. I wish there were more moments told from his perspective. I think the moment before the windcruiser left would have been a great time to do it from his perspective. This book does make me want to read the first book and see about Lady River and His Grace. If you life fantasy with a smidge of romance, this would be a great read for you. I would warn you that there are a ton of big words in this book, so it might be better to ready this in e-book form, so you can easily look up what the words means vs physical book form.

I received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Of Pears & Spears
The Thule Cycle #1.5
by C. Monk


Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: Novellas & Short Stories, Romance, Sci Fi & Fantasy

I rarely read novellas, but as I'd read the first Thule story, this was just like continuing, in that I knew all the major characters and the world setting so it was fine for me. It was like joining old friends on a new adventure.
I'm so glad we got Sfjona as a main character, I hoped for that after the Dance(s) with Sir Natameus Bedivere of Bedrydant in the last book.
Of course they're opposites in so many ways, not least in social standing but Sir Bedivere isn't going to let that stand in his way. Tall and imposing he may seem, but to Sfjona he is gentle, pursuing slowly and carefully, always conscious of the need to not frighten her off.
Of course its not just a romance, but one with the wonderful Arthurian type whimsy and regulations, Capybaras, ( behaving badly) and now some creatures that may or may not be more than a child's fairy tale.
It all adds up to a quick, delightful read, very unusual in the range of fantasy. I love finding something fresh and new.

Stars: Five, a fun, short read that I really enjoyed.

ARC supplied by netgalley and publishers

I was intrigued from the get-go! This is not the usual type of genre I read, but I am so glad I took the chance. I was spellbound and found it a page-turner. I would recommend it.

Who doesn't love Thule !!!! l know l did. I honestly wish such a world existed. Am not usually into Fantasy Romance but this book hit the rights spots. I truly love it and l highly recommend it a million times. This book was a page turner filled with a great heroine, exciting characters, hilarious moments and an amazing plot. This book honestly swept me off my fit and left me on cloud nine. The adventures in this book were so beautifully written. Once more when l say l loved this book l mean it. it is definitely a must read.

I was completely enraptured by the curious characters found in the short novel/novella, Of Pears & Spears. I had not previously read Of Blood and Light, which is the first full installment within the land of Thule. As such, I was a little confused at the beginning which completely immerses the reader in the goings-on of Thulish society (including scandalous capybara behavior). However, the author remedies this by having our lovely protagonist, Sfjona, bring the reader up to speed through dialogue and musings.

Sfjona is such an endearing character, and the striking Sir Bedivere is completely charming in his interest and care for her. It was my very own “improving novel” that had me cheering alongside the characters and in complete nerves at the challenges faced. I was so captivated by Sfjona’s story I was sad to see it end so soon, which is a testament to the author’s storytelling. Overall, I was thoroughly entertained all the way through with all of the twists, turns, and discoveries in this delightful and humorous romantic tale.