Reviews

Of Thorns and Beauty by Elle Madison, Robin D. Mahle

ccurtis's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

3.75

atrailofpages's review

Go to review page

4.0

I absolutely LOVE Beauty and the Beast retellings! So, I knew I needed to read this book! I’ve read quite a few Beauty and the Beast retellings lately, and this is the first one that I actually really enjoyed and loved.

This retelling was unique in that Zamia AND the king seemed to be both the beast in their own ways, and Zaina’s “aunt” as the enchantress.

This story was definitely darker than usual with Zaina’s terribly sad past. The things she went through since she was so little, and along with her “sisters”, it was awful, and I admired how strong she was despite what she went through. She never backed down from the king and the people in her new home. She did have to learn how to open up and be willing to interact with the people, but once she did, a lot changed with everyone’s demeanor.

The romance was very much an enemies to lovers romance, and very much a slow burn romance, which I love! I adored the banter between her and the king. It was hilarious and laugh out loud funny for me at times. I just could picture their faces any time one of them whipped out some witty comeback, it was great!

The only thing that bothered me was it seemed there were some things left unexplained, such as Zaina(honestly), and who she is. I got an idea of who or what she does, but it wasn’t explained very well and I just kept wondering the entire book about who she is and her “family” and previous home.

Other than that, I adored this retelling, and can hardly wait for the next book because that cliffhanger left me hanging quite literally! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

lady_perfictionist's review

Go to review page

4.0

Man this book was fun! I really enjoyed the take on a classic fairytale but added a Viking era to it!

Our two main characters is so strong but can be really naive but their chemistry is just outstanding. The grow both of them find in themselves and each other is *chefs kiss*

The drop in star is the lack of communication!! It’s the one thing in YA I cannot stand because if they would just talk they could figure this out!!!

However I am sooo invested and will be starting the next book asap!!!

lisbethwhite's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

chels_johnson's review

Go to review page

medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I really enjoyed reading this series! It has strong characters and fun twists on fairy tales. Love these authors!

ameserole's review

Go to review page

medium-paced

3.0

danyell_russell's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

teatime_and_reading's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Another special retelling of Beauty and the Beast.

kittenspector's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging hopeful mysterious medium-paced

4.0

lynx_bookworm's review

Go to review page

3.0

A beautifully written Beauty and the Beast retelling.

Ends in a cliffhanger