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sashreads's review
4.0
I was gifted a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
TW for child abuse, rape, death of a child - all these things happen in flashbacks
Oh my goodness, I'm obsessed with this book. Zaina and Einar breaks my heart whether they are together or seprerate.
Of Thorns And Beauty retells beauty and the beast in the most unique way and killed me with that cliffhanger!
I'm not sure if it was intentional but I pictured Ragnar Lothbrook as Einar, because of the Viking vibe probably but I would love my own
TW for child abuse, rape, death of a child - all these things happen in flashbacks
Oh my goodness, I'm obsessed with this book. Zaina and Einar breaks my heart whether they are together or seprerate.
Of Thorns And Beauty retells beauty and the beast in the most unique way and killed me with that cliffhanger!
I'm not sure if it was intentional but I pictured Ragnar Lothbrook as Einar, because of the Viking vibe probably but I would love my own
jee178's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-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
4.5
allisondevine's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
I hate it when a character is called selfish for literally not being told something and acting with less information
katreadsalot's review against another edition
4.0
This was a little slow for my taste but I enjoyed the story and am curious to see what happens next. I absolutely loved Shiromi Arserio's narration of the audiobook.
tinydonats's review
4.0
This was so good. I have so many notes highlighting parts of this book saying, “I love” like I was Tan France from Queer Eye. I recommend this 1000%.
I love retellings because I enjoy the comfort of knowing a general storyline but the excitement of twists and the fresh journeys we take to get there. It’s always nice to see great storylines from a new perspective. How you tell a story is just as important, if not more important, than the story itself.
This is a fantastic retelling. It’s so fresh and new. If you told me this a was just a fantasy book, I would believe you. But if you told me it was a Beauty and the beast retelling, I would also believe you. It was a great balance of unique and familiar.
The characters have depth. They have fleshed out personalities and motives. The romance is well done. The twists and premise are so interesting. The writing is well done. The first line of the book is good and I always think that’s a great sign. This is definitely one of my favourite retellings. The series is set up for great things with the characters we have and the scope of the world. I expect multiple retellings weaved into one and I expect it will be done really well. I’m so excitedddd
I love retellings because I enjoy the comfort of knowing a general storyline but the excitement of twists and the fresh journeys we take to get there. It’s always nice to see great storylines from a new perspective. How you tell a story is just as important, if not more important, than the story itself.
This is a fantastic retelling. It’s so fresh and new. If you told me this a was just a fantasy book, I would believe you. But if you told me it was a Beauty and the beast retelling, I would also believe you. It was a great balance of unique and familiar.
The characters have depth. They have fleshed out personalities and motives. The romance is well done. The twists and premise are so interesting. The writing is well done. The first line of the book is good and I always think that’s a great sign. This is definitely one of my favourite retellings. The series is set up for great things with the characters we have and the scope of the world. I expect multiple retellings weaved into one and I expect it will be done really well. I’m so excitedddd
madlove02's review
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
The story is pretty slow. Let me tell you.... NOTHING HAPPENS. I was hoping there would be more action but the only action is her falling down the snow.
libraryofabibliotaph's review
3.0
Of Thorns and Beauty had been on my reading list for a while, with a cover that immediately attracts attention and an interesting blurb. So I started reading it with great enthusiasm, but had quite some trouble getting into the story. It takes quite a while before you get any background information about Zaina and her past, even about Einar and his court you get little explanation in the beginning. There is also little thrill in the first few chapters. Nevertheless, Zaina's character takes shape right from the start, she is sassy, does everything for those she cares about and stands her ground well.
Throughout the story, you gradually learn more about the characters' past by means of flashbacks that are really well and vividly told. I also really liked how Zaina's behaviour evolves throughout the story, how she starts to participate more in the world surrounding her. Yet she always remains herself, which makes her a really strong and realistic main character with recognisable strengths and weaknesses. While the story continues, you also get to know Einar better. By getting to know his history, he becomes a lot more likeable for both us as readers but also for Zaina in her daily dealings with him.
The story kind of ends in the middle of an important part, which makes you want to continue to the second book immediately. Overall, the story was slow to start, but it was worth the effort to keep on reading and find out what it is all about. Though it isn’t a classical Beauty and the Beast retelling, I am curious to find out how things will go with the "curse" that rests on the inhabitants of the castle.
Thank you for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. My review isn’t influenced by this, my opinion is 100% my own.
Throughout the story, you gradually learn more about the characters' past by means of flashbacks that are really well and vividly told. I also really liked how Zaina's behaviour evolves throughout the story, how she starts to participate more in the world surrounding her. Yet she always remains herself, which makes her a really strong and realistic main character with recognisable strengths and weaknesses. While the story continues, you also get to know Einar better. By getting to know his history, he becomes a lot more likeable for both us as readers but also for Zaina in her daily dealings with him.
The story kind of ends in the middle of an important part, which makes you want to continue to the second book immediately. Overall, the story was slow to start, but it was worth the effort to keep on reading and find out what it is all about. Though it isn’t a classical Beauty and the Beast retelling, I am curious to find out how things will go with the "curse" that rests on the inhabitants of the castle.
Thank you for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. My review isn’t influenced by this, my opinion is 100% my own.
bookloverjulie's review
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Loved this one! You just can’t go wrong with a Beauty & The Beast retelling.