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silly_goosie's review against another edition
4.0
I need book two now!
A story with a unique magic system, a slow-burning romance, nice prose, bisexual/gay rep, and a fast-paced plot? Sign me up! This book truly didn't have any boring bits.
I was kinda hoping the book would be a bit more dark and gritty, but still, the prose didn't disappoint.
A story with a unique magic system, a slow-burning romance, nice prose, bisexual/gay rep, and a fast-paced plot? Sign me up! This book truly didn't have any boring bits.
I was kinda hoping the book would be a bit more dark and gritty, but still, the prose didn't disappoint.
adam_cherry's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Literally the best book ever. Wish more people had read it.
hiveretcafe's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
This review was originally posted on my blog: Hiver et Cafe
I received an advance copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Heart of Thorns follows Mia Rose, the daughter of the Captain of Hunters, who track and kill the gwyrach. They are notoriously known as demons who use their magic to enthrall men and kill without injury. All women are suspected of having these powers, which is why they are forced to wear gloves constantly. Mia's mother was killed by a gwyrach and all she wants is to become a part of the Hunters and kill the demon that killed her mother. However, there are other plans in store for her when she is engaged to the crown prince, Quin, and she is abruptly forced out of her ambitions. More surprises head her way as not only is she on track to become the next queen, Mia finds herself with magic. She is a gwyrach. This fantasy novel follows Mia's tangled past and all the things she must learn about both herself and her mother, in order to survive.
This novel is toted as 'fiercely feminist' and I can see where that comes into play. It is only women in this world who hold this magical power that they are demonized and oppressed for. The society of the River kingdom has a specialized task force to eliminate the gywrach accompanied by the king's hall of horrors, displaying a "souvenir" from every gwyrach that is killed. However, as Mia finds out later on, there is more to the powers that they hold than simply for murder and for evil, as she was taught. Perhaps if you think about it enough, the entire book is a giant metaphor.
Ever since her mother was killed, Mia has wanted to join the task squad of hunters to kill the gwyrach so that she can track down the one that killed her mother three years ago. It's very clear that she is filled with a lot of anger and hatred and it was a really great to read as the layers to Mia's past are peeled back and the truth is revealed to her. She gradually learns that everything she knows is wrong and while anyone under her circumstances would resist this, so too does Mia. However, she shows that she really takes these truths to heart later on in the book, which was great.
One of the stand out characters of the book is Quin, the prince. Like Mia, initial impressions of the character are not all that they seem. He comes off to Mia as cold and icy -- a spoiled prince who has been coddled in the castle his entire life as the heir to the throne. However, as they spend more time in each other's presence, that changes and we get to see more of Quin's true personality. I haven't declared a book boyfriend in a long time, y'all. And Quin is very much book boyfriend material. He's sweet and good and pure and in the words of my good friend Mith, 'bisexual af'. He's just a really great dude and Must Be Protected.
Heart of Thorns has a lot of really interesting characters as well as a twist at the end that I did not really expect. However, while it was enjoyable in the moment, the novel is entirely forgettable to me which is not the trait of a good novel for me. Overall, if you're looking for a feminist fantasy novel with some great characters, Heart of Thorns is the book for you.
This review was originally posted on my blog: Hiver et Cafe
I received an advance copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Heart of Thorns follows Mia Rose, the daughter of the Captain of Hunters, who track and kill the gwyrach. They are notoriously known as demons who use their magic to enthrall men and kill without injury. All women are suspected of having these powers, which is why they are forced to wear gloves constantly. Mia's mother was killed by a gwyrach and all she wants is to become a part of the Hunters and kill the demon that killed her mother. However, there are other plans in store for her when she is engaged to the crown prince, Quin, and she is abruptly forced out of her ambitions. More surprises head her way as not only is she on track to become the next queen, Mia finds herself with magic. She is a gwyrach. This fantasy novel follows Mia's tangled past and all the things she must learn about both herself and her mother, in order to survive.
This novel is toted as 'fiercely feminist' and I can see where that comes into play. It is only women in this world who hold this magical power that they are demonized and oppressed for. The society of the River kingdom has a specialized task force to eliminate the gywrach accompanied by the king's hall of horrors, displaying a "souvenir" from every gwyrach that is killed. However, as Mia finds out later on, there is more to the powers that they hold than simply for murder and for evil, as she was taught. Perhaps if you think about it enough, the entire book is a giant metaphor.
Ever since her mother was killed, Mia has wanted to join the task squad of hunters to kill the gwyrach so that she can track down the one that killed her mother three years ago. It's very clear that she is filled with a lot of anger and hatred and it was a really great to read as the layers to Mia's past are peeled back and the truth is revealed to her. She gradually learns that everything she knows is wrong and while anyone under her circumstances would resist this, so too does Mia. However, she shows that she really takes these truths to heart later on in the book, which was great.
One of the stand out characters of the book is Quin, the prince. Like Mia, initial impressions of the character are not all that they seem. He comes off to Mia as cold and icy -- a spoiled prince who has been coddled in the castle his entire life as the heir to the throne. However, as they spend more time in each other's presence, that changes and we get to see more of Quin's true personality. I haven't declared a book boyfriend in a long time, y'all. And Quin is very much book boyfriend material. He's sweet and good and pure and in the words of my good friend Mith, 'bisexual af'. He's just a really great dude and Must Be Protected.
Heart of Thorns has a lot of really interesting characters as well as a twist at the end that I did not really expect. However, while it was enjoyable in the moment, the novel is entirely forgettable to me which is not the trait of a good novel for me. Overall, if you're looking for a feminist fantasy novel with some great characters, Heart of Thorns is the book for you.
booklover160's review
4.0
I need book 2 immediately thank you very much.
So initially I found the pacing all off and it doesn't get better as the novel progresses, but that's my only complaint. It's moving WAY too fast for things to really feel grounded in this world, but somehow, I was able to overlook it.
The characters are amazing and complex little things that are fragile yet strong and so stupid. I liked Mia enough to really get behind her and I love seeing a heroine turn her ideals and beliefs completely around. She learns through many trials and errors and she ends up being someone I can really cheer for. She might be stubborn, but she can see where she went wrong and eagerly learns. I LOVE A CHARACTER WHO CAN LEARN FROM THEIR MISTAKES! Quin felt like 1.5 dimensional... he had substance and personality but he did not get the screen time or depth he deserved!! Because the pacing was so off!!!
I know this is a trilogy, but I feel like this first book should have either been twice as long or edited more heavily as TOO MUCH and NOT ENOUGH happened. I wanted more depth to everyone!
The ending was wholly unpredictable to me and I LOVED the twists! There's like 10 twists in the span of 50 pages! WHAAAT?! I loved the ending... well, I hated it but I liked the way it ended. It really sets up the next book nicely.
Overall, a good series starter, but the pacing better have gotten better in the second book or I might quit before 3 comes out.
So initially I found the pacing all off and it doesn't get better as the novel progresses, but that's my only complaint. It's moving WAY too fast for things to really feel grounded in this world, but somehow, I was able to overlook it.
The characters are amazing and complex little things that are fragile yet strong and so stupid. I liked Mia enough to really get behind her and I love seeing a heroine turn her ideals and beliefs completely around. She learns through many trials and errors and she ends up being someone I can really cheer for. She might be stubborn, but she can see where she went wrong and eagerly learns. I LOVE A CHARACTER WHO CAN LEARN FROM THEIR MISTAKES! Quin felt like 1.5 dimensional... he had substance and personality but he did not get the screen time or depth he deserved!! Because the pacing was so off!!!
I know this is a trilogy, but I feel like this first book should have either been twice as long or edited more heavily as TOO MUCH and NOT ENOUGH happened. I wanted more depth to everyone!
The ending was wholly unpredictable to me and I LOVED the twists! There's like 10 twists in the span of 50 pages! WHAAAT?! I loved the ending... well, I hated it but I liked the way it ended. It really sets up the next book nicely.
Overall, a good series starter, but the pacing better have gotten better in the second book or I might quit before 3 comes out.
the_only_bunny's review against another edition
4.0
Firstly I would like to thank the author for bringing this book into the world and allowing me to read this book ( giveaway).
Thus book can teach a peson how to trust oneself when people who u love the most turn against you.
And lastly Mia, you're the kind of heroine every girl needs.
Fidacteu zeu biqhotz, limarya eu naj.
Trust your heart, even if it kills you.
Thus book can teach a peson how to trust oneself when people who u love the most turn against you.
And lastly Mia, you're the kind of heroine every girl needs.
Fidacteu zeu biqhotz, limarya eu naj.
Trust your heart, even if it kills you.
3opaj's review
3.0
Here's my review
http://zorareads.blogspot.com/2020/06/heart-of-thorns-book-review.html
http://zorareads.blogspot.com/2020/06/heart-of-thorns-book-review.html
jasmine_elizabeth's review
4.0
OMG what shocking twist in that ending, so any betrayals.
I do hope what I think may happen in the next book doesn't happen because that would break my heart, cannot believe I have a year for the next one I want it now.
2020 reread, I love it just as much as last time, I had forgotten a lot of what happened so it was nice reading all the plot twists as if it was the first time reading it. Prince Quin is still my favourite character, i hope Angie and Mia are able to reconnect in the next book.
I do hope what I think may happen in the next book doesn't happen because that would break my heart, cannot believe I have a year for the next one I want it now.
2020 reread, I love it just as much as last time, I had forgotten a lot of what happened so it was nice reading all the plot twists as if it was the first time reading it. Prince Quin is still my favourite character, i hope Angie and Mia are able to reconnect in the next book.
lianne_read's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0