Jack of Thorns

Jack of Thorns

What do you do when a Celtic god rings your doorbell?

Laurence Riley is a San Diego florist whose ex won't leave him alone. Quentin d'Arcy is a British earl on the run from his own family. Despite their dramatically opposite worlds, they have so much in common: they're both failing at life, sobriety, and controlling their supernatural powers.

Desperate to get his life back on track, Laurence prays for help, and Jack answers. A Celtic deity, Jack has the power to help... For an undisclosed price.

Laurence strikes a deal, but soon realizes he can't pay up. His only hope of surviving Jack's wrath is to join forces with Quentin, but can they overcome their differences — and past horrors that won't stay buried — or are their fates already sealed?

Praise for Jack of Thorns

"It feels intensely natural in that way the best urban fantasy does, with Faulkner gleefully unafraid of [the] leads showing their asses, sometimes literally. Laurence is completely aware he's a mess but isn't as much of one as he thinks. Quentin is convinced he's fine and is in fact held together with a good suit and a lot of denial. [...] Faulkner builds the book out into its supernatural elements with the barely contained glee of a mousetrap architect who just got their hands on a 3D printer."

Alasdair Stuart: Writer, Voice Actor, & Podcaster

"Effortlessly handling weighty issues of addiction, class, and sexuality, Faulkner keeps [their] heady mythology grounded in reality and lays a promising foundation for future installments. Readers will be eager for the next in the series."

Publishers Weekly Starred Review

"As potent and enchanting as a flower, Jack of Thorns is a seductive novel that weaves together elements of romance, pagan spirituality, family trauma, and magic."

Foreword Reviews

"AK Faulkner thrusts together two deliciously flawed main characters (a former heroin addict and a mysterious member of British nobility), then weaves an empowering plot of destiny, inheritance, and self-improvement—all while letting the reader languor in the glow of a glorious slow burn romance."

IndieReader Approved

"Faulkner’s lustrous passages turn basic scenery into beautiful imagery."

Kirkus Reviews

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Content Warnings

Addiction, Alcoholism, Biphobia, Blood, Classism, Coercive Control, Death, Dissociation, Domestic Abuse, Drug Overdose, Drug Use, Gaslighting, Mental Illness, Panic Attack/Disorder, Past Childhood Sexual Abuse, Past Sexual Abuse, Stalking, Suicidal Thoughts, Threat of Sexual Assault, Toxic Relationship, Vomiting.