Sire, Oleander isn't dead! (Yet)

4.7

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Author(s)

T.I. Avens

Publisher Name

Over The Tall Shelf LLC

Genre(s)

Fantasy

Age Range

Release Date

May 11, 2026

ISBN13

978-1736175453

ISBN10 or ASIN

A slayer in danger of being slain.

The life of a Tumultbriar is a tough one. It’s a life of trekking hundreds of miles to save villages while dealing with weariness as monster blood clings to your hair and boots. It’s lifting longswords till your arms feel like jelly, and slaying beasts till you feel like fainting. It’s this life, combined with the weight of upholding the family beast-slaying legacy, that leads Oleander Tumultbriar to make a deadly mistake; take a shortcut by using a potion to slay a beast.

But when the slain beast returns from the grave in search of vengeance Oleander realizes he’s been cursed…and by his own doing! As he rushes to fix his mistake he turns to the only one who can help him, his most trusted friend Marlow.

But Marlow is harboring a dark secret, one which may be the key to saving Oleander, but comes at a cost if shared. She’ll have to choose between destroying her friendship or risk losing her best friend all together.

Time is ticking for Oleander to lift his curse or face a fate worse than death — the fury of the undead.

Editor review

1 review

A challenged friendship

April 29, 2026 (Updated: June 04, 2026)

Overall rating

4.7

Plot

5.0

Characters

5.0

Writing Style

4.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

N/A

What worked:
The opening chapter introduces Marlow and leaves readers with a couple of significant questions. She is living with a guardian, so readers will wonder what’s happened to her parents. While delivering messages, she is saved by slayers, and readers are introduced to Oleander. However, later, Marlow’s guardian asks if the slayers recognized who she really is, and Marlow says they did not. What is her true identity, and why doesn’t she want anyone to know? Marlow has a complicated history, and her secret is a major focus during the book’s second half.
In the next chapters, readers learn about Oleander’s pressure-filled life. His mother is highly demanding, and she won’t accept that he’s not giving full effort at all times. She shows him a room honoring his family’s heritage, and renowned heroes highlight every generation. Oleander’s mother says he will be a footnote, forgotten forever, if he slacks off for even a moment. Her pressure causes Oleander to take risks, and he pushes Squallsong, the guild he leads, to go on non-stop missions. Oleander uses a poisoned blade to kill difficult wilders, but it has unexpected results. The creatures return from the dead and will continue to do so until they get vengeance against Oleander. Marlow notices a magical aura around her friend, but revealing her observation will give away her secret.
Marlow struggles with a family situation that causes complications and expectations that she can’t handle. In addition, the other slayers in Oleander’s guild have trouble with his leadership, and they choose to follow someone else. Oleander reflects on his life path and must make hard decisions about his future. Oleander and Marlow find support and understanding in each other, but Marlow’s secret may fracture their relationship.
What didn’t work as well:
There are numerous fictional monsters, and it can be challenging to visualize them. The story includes brief descriptions, but matching their names from memory is tricky. A glossary or collection of illustrations would help.
The final verdict:
Young readers will enjoy the adventures of Oleander and Marlow, and the endless stream of dangerous wilders creates suspense and fighting scenes. I recommend you try this book for yourself.