The Briarmen: A fairy-tale for adults

Product Information

Released in April 2021, The Briarmen has received praise for its approach in conjuring a sense of nostalgia for its adult readership. The story truly transports the reader to the era during which it takes place and the magical elements will offer a respite from everyday life, as they offered the characters a respite from war. I can’t wait for this book to be released for the public so that everyone gets to experience this unique classic tale. Bromsbury and its inhabitants felt real, and after a few chapters I could forget I was reading and think I was there with them. Of course, we've all read stories about cursed woods that must never be visited, but following a formula that has succeeded before isn't bad when done well.

The Briarmen: A fairy-tale for adults eBook : Chadwick

My first minor success came when a short, darkly comic stage play I wrote won a playwriting contest and was produced and performed. Over the course of three years I studied writing for all mediums, and by the time I left university I decided it was something I’d like to pursue. And, as a quick aside, the cover could not be better – it captures the feel of the novel and it's a really nice-looking book, inside and out. I’ve no plans for a sequel at the moment, but it has been amazing to see such a great response, so you never know!

That said, the entire ensemble of characters were believable and complex and populated the world Chadwick has sculpted brilliantly. The mix of historical fiction and fantasy have led readers to make comparisons with the wonder and whimsy they felt when reading The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe or Goodnight Mr Tom when younger. In the age of social media, this is a hugely important online space for a novel, especially a debut novel, to occupy so for Chadwick’s book to impress there speaks volumes for the impact it is having. This is a hug in the form of a book which I recommend to anyone who needs a heartwarming tale to escape into. The man-eating catfish were also just as mystifying and out of all the amazing mystical creatures the author could have created for his enchanted forest bizarrely we are presented with geese and catfish.

The Briarmen: A Fairy-Tale for Adults - Goodreads The Briarmen: A Fairy-Tale for Adults - Goodreads

Everything is delivered and portrayed in an elegant fashion, helping the story to develop at a natural and comfortable pace, allowing you to get lost within the story and drawing you in as if you were really there alongside the characters. War, prejudice and spies all feature, yet they're written about in a way that is careful yet relaxed. They decide to go to the Woods Beyond The Railway and there they stumble across the Briarmen - creatures who live in the forest, almost like tree children. The Briarman' covers a variety of themes, all of which are skilfully interwoven into a novel that maintains the reader's interest from the first page until the emotional ending.If the organisation keeps up the momentum built in its first few months of business then expect to see an exciting, insightful and powerful line up in the near future.

Maldon: Author Joseph Chadwick releases The Briarmen

I understand that the one of the most tried ways to introduce a reader to a new world is through the eyes of a newcomer, like Hamish.Filled with childhood magic, forbidden forests and the desperate hopes and fears of wartime, this debut novel captivated me from the first page to the last. To keep The Briarmen safe, they must keep their existence secret from the other villagers but when rumours of a German plane crashing into the woods begin, their friends are at more risk than ever. Walking through dense woods still gives me feelings of magic and I’m sure that will only increase next time I’m out in the forest now! And then on the other hand, we get a glimpse at this fantastical fantasy world full of strange bush creatures that love to forage for fruit and nuts and fight with giant catfish.