The Sorrow of Bees by Andie Holman is a fast-paced, action-packed urban fantasy that immerses readers in a world shaped by loyalty, secrecy, and emotional growth. Told through multiple perspectives, the narrative primarily follows Jelly and Mako, a fated couple learning to navigate the complexities of a new life together. Meanwhile, Mori, their closest friend, grapples with her own sense of isolation as the pair struggle to communicate and strengthen their bond. Relationships are never simple, and within this story, time always feels just out of reach.
When Jelly receives a dream-like message from a higher power revealing that Mako’s brother is trapped in a place inaccessible to anyone but her, urgency takes hold. Jelly is immediately ready to act, while Mako processes the revelation more cautiously before sharing the news. Yet their secret is only one of many concealed within the family. As they journey toward a place of refuge among friends and other magical beings, Jelly must unravel riddles and seek understanding in ways she never imagined, all in an effort to reclaim what was lost in the aftermath of the last great battle.
about the characters
Jelly is passionate, kind, and inherently lovable, though she occasionally exhibits narcissistic tendencies that shape her interactions. In this installment, the narrative offers continued glimpses into her past and the obstacles she has overcome to become who she is today. These reflections highlight her resilience and inner strength. At the same time, there remains an intentional restraint in fully resolving her development, suggesting the author is purposefully leaving room for deeper exploration as the series progresses.
Mako, Leif, and Mori serve as significant supporting figures whose emotional stories carry meaningful weight. Mako shoulders the burden alongside Jelly as her mate, navigating both loyalty and responsibility. Mori, meanwhile, distances herself in subtle ways, seeking identity and fulfillment beyond the tightly woven circle of friendships that has long defined her. Leif’s loss—of both place and identity—adds a layer of gravity to the narrative, underscoring the cost of past conflicts. Roan and Mew further enrich the supporting cast. Though somewhat mysterious, each demonstrates strength of character and a quiet but unwavering pursuit of truth.
Among all the characters introduced, Anna stands out as a particular favorite. She embodies both courage and wisdom, fiercely protective of those under her care while maintaining a sharp, strategic mind. Her carefully considered plans, paired with her husband’s steady and understated support, provide a grounding presence within the urgency of the story. Together, they offer moments of calm that balance the intensity of the unfolding events.
standout moments
One of the most compelling moments in the novel is Jelly’s transformation into a bee. Through this transition, she is given the opportunity to explore the thriving hives within Anna’s territory, spaces that symbolize not only sustainability, but emotional support and collective growth within nature. It is within these chapters that the author’s passion most clearly shines.
As Jelly journeys from hive to hive, the experience becomes far more than a physical quest. She is required to confront truths about herself, the sacrifices of others, and the cost of restoration. To reclaim a part of herself lost to a past act of violence, she must fully understand what it means to live in service of something greater.
The portrayal of the bees—their daily rhythms, their tireless labor, and their heartbreakingly short lifespan—is both eye-opening and deeply moving. There is an undeniable weight to the reality that so much sacrifice underpins the survival of their species. In turn, their existence sustains the broader ecosystem, quietly supporting life far beyond their own.
These chapters offer a powerful reflection on sacrifice, resilience, and interconnectedness. Through Jelly’s transformation, the story expands beyond fantasy into something more grounded and meaningful: a reminder that growth often requires surrender, and that even the smallest lives carry immeasurable impact.
personal reflection
What makes this story especially memorable is its creativity. Holman demonstrates clear originality through layered storytelling and meaningful undertones that often remain unspoken yet resonate throughout the narrative. There is a strong emotional awareness woven into the character development, with each individual exhibiting a distinct range of strengths, flaws, and vulnerabilities. Jelly, in particular, undergoes a notable growth arc as she confronts her internal barriers and begins learning how to build deeper, healthier connections—not only with those around her, but within herself.
That said, the breadth of the cast occasionally works against the narrative’s momentum. With so many characters vying for attention, some emotional stories feel abbreviated or underexplored, and key moments risk losing impact amid the shifting focus. A more streamlined approach may have allowed certain relationships and plot threads to resonate more fully.
There are also occasional grammatical and spelling errors, along with minor inconsistencies in character voice. While these technical elements do not significantly detract from the overall experience, a tighter edit would elevate the polish of an otherwise imaginative story.
Because this installment appears to pick up shortly after the first book concludes, readers new to the series would benefit from starting at the beginning for fuller context. Additionally, expanded world-building would have strengthened the narrative foundation, as the rapid pacing sometimes leaves readers wanting more grounding within the larger magical framework.
final thoughts
At its core, The Sorrow of Bees is a story about growth—both personal and collective. Through creativity, symbolism, and emotional vulnerability, Holman crafts a narrative that invites readers to reflect on sacrifice, connection, and resilience. Though not without its imperfections, the story carries heart, and that heart is what lingers long after the final page.
An advanced reader copy of The Sorrow of Bees was provided to Turning Another Page by Reedsy Discovery in exchange for an honest review. Awarded with three stars; it is undeniably worth the read, particularly for fans of imaginative, character-driven fantasy.
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