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3.95 AVERAGE
3.95 AVERAGE
It was okay but the conclusion was flat.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
You’d think fairy tale princesses live a happy life with her royal family in their castle and find a prince to fall in love with, but this princess will live and might face a deadly future after accepting a fatal switcheroo.
Princess Alyrra lives like a prisoner in her royal home, in the hands of her manipulative widowed queen mother and her reckless brother. Expected to marry her betrothed, she’s unable to accept her fate and face the abuse of her mother and brother any longer until a sorceress gives her the opportunity to start a new life in a new kingdom. However, her choice will come at a cost and will force her to make the right decision.
A great story that puts a serious twist on the fairy tale princess formula. There’s plenty of drama for Alyrra who you’ll root for along the way, especially her family who you’ll definitely love to hate. What’s left in the end for Alyrra’s story is something that any princess will face: her unknown future. A- (91%/Excellent)
Princess Alyrra lives like a prisoner in her royal home, in the hands of her manipulative widowed queen mother and her reckless brother. Expected to marry her betrothed, she’s unable to accept her fate and face the abuse of her mother and brother any longer until a sorceress gives her the opportunity to start a new life in a new kingdom. However, her choice will come at a cost and will force her to make the right decision.
A great story that puts a serious twist on the fairy tale princess formula. There’s plenty of drama for Alyrra who you’ll root for along the way, especially her family who you’ll definitely love to hate. What’s left in the end for Alyrra’s story is something that any princess will face: her unknown future. A- (91%/Excellent)
It has been a very long time since a book captured me the way this one did. Though it was a bit slow in the beginning, once I got past the first few chapters, I might as well have been shackled to my iPhone. I simply could not tear myself away.
I had my eye on this book for awhile. The idea of a "The Goose Girl" retelling intrigued me. However, I had read another TGG retelling (The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale) and wasn't sure it would be entirely new. I must now eat my thoughts.
The plot:
I was highly impressed. Remember how I said I was worried about originality? While I could spot elements of the Grimm fairytale, it was a whole new spin. (I know people always say things like that, but I can't help that it's true.) The voice and the feel were unusual and I enjoyed the mix of middle-eastern and European customs and styles.
The characters:
Princess Alyrra/Thorn is the most engaging main character I have met in a long time. All she wants is to be left alone and yet, when push comes to shove, she does step up and do the right thing. She is humble and compassionate and brave, though she doesn't believe it. I greatly enjoyed watching her discover her inner strength to face her enemies and I was rooting for her all the way. One of my favorite things about her character was how, even after Valka had been downright sadistic to Thorn, Thorn still took pity on her and showed mercy. Compassion is a quality that seems to be growing scarce in modern MCs and it was exhilarating to meet one who has it in plenty.
Kestrin was what many would call "swoon worthy." (While I don't normally use that term, it seems fitting here.) Young, handsome, gallant, brave...did I mention he's the prince? While I got a bit mad at him a few times, the greater portion of my reading was spent in agony over what would happen with him and Thorn. Not to give away the ending, but I was quite satisfied with the outcome.
Valka, the maid who betrays Thorn, is an excellent antagonist. Pampered, spoiled, selfish--she's the kind of character we all love to hate.
Let's not forget the Lady, the mysterious otherworldly being who starts all the trouble in the first place. As for details about her, you'll have to read the book.
There were a bevy of other characters (Red Hawk, Falada, Violet, Laurel, Oak, Ash) who were all memorable and lovable in their own way. (I am really hoping to see more of some of them in the companion trilogy the author is working on.)
All in all, this book was awesome. Mind-bogglingly so. In other words, go get it. Right now. That's an order. =)
I had my eye on this book for awhile. The idea of a "The Goose Girl" retelling intrigued me. However, I had read another TGG retelling (The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale) and wasn't sure it would be entirely new. I must now eat my thoughts.
The plot:
I was highly impressed. Remember how I said I was worried about originality? While I could spot elements of the Grimm fairytale, it was a whole new spin. (I know people always say things like that, but I can't help that it's true.) The voice and the feel were unusual and I enjoyed the mix of middle-eastern and European customs and styles.
The characters:
Princess Alyrra/Thorn is the most engaging main character I have met in a long time. All she wants is to be left alone and yet, when push comes to shove, she does step up and do the right thing. She is humble and compassionate and brave, though she doesn't believe it. I greatly enjoyed watching her discover her inner strength to face her enemies and I was rooting for her all the way. One of my favorite things about her character was how, even after Valka had been downright sadistic to Thorn, Thorn still took pity on her and showed mercy. Compassion is a quality that seems to be growing scarce in modern MCs and it was exhilarating to meet one who has it in plenty.
Kestrin was what many would call "swoon worthy." (While I don't normally use that term, it seems fitting here.) Young, handsome, gallant, brave...did I mention he's the prince? While I got a bit mad at him a few times, the greater portion of my reading was spent in agony over what would happen with him and Thorn. Not to give away the ending, but I was quite satisfied with the outcome.
Valka, the maid who betrays Thorn, is an excellent antagonist. Pampered, spoiled, selfish--she's the kind of character we all love to hate.
Let's not forget the Lady, the mysterious otherworldly being who starts all the trouble in the first place. As for details about her, you'll have to read the book.
There were a bevy of other characters (Red Hawk, Falada, Violet, Laurel, Oak, Ash) who were all memorable and lovable in their own way. (I am really hoping to see more of some of them in the companion trilogy the author is working on.)
All in all, this book was awesome. Mind-bogglingly so. In other words, go get it. Right now. That's an order. =)
This book. Is EVERYTHING I want out of a YA fantasy novel and more. Much more.
How much do I love thee, Thorn? Underrated YA Fantasy novel of 2020? Beautiful retelling of a fairytale Ive never even heard of? Let me count the ways.
1. Its a freaking RETELLING OF A FAIRYTALE DONE IN THE BEST POSSIBLE WAY.
I’ve read hella retelling, guys. Hella. Sometimes they’re done well. Sometimes theyre so far off the mark I wouldnt even call them a retelling so much as I would call them a “bastardization,” or “something resembling a retelling.” This one, though? It was executed brilliantly. If youre going to do a fairytale, you have to make sure it reads like a fairy tale, amiright? If its a retelling then I should feel like I’m laying in bed, with the covers tucked up around me, listening to my mom’s voice lending life to a story that makes me believe in magic and has me hanging on every word. That was totally this book. It was a fairy tale and it was excellent. Period. The pace, the intensity, the entire thing was done perfectly.
2. The characters. I mean, balls. They were perfect. Even those who didnt get much page time (Screen time? Page time? Page time.) were well fletched out and well rounded.
The prince: This man ran me through a whole crap ton of emotions. I hated him, then felt bad for him, then loved him, then kinda hated him again, then felt sympathy for him. It was a cluster in my mind, and I loved it. I think one of the best (and can be possibly worse) things about first person present tense is that you really get a solid view of other characters via the MC’s voice. Prince Kestrin was illusive and mysterious and also an enigma (which is how I like my princes). Despite not having as much to do with Thorn as other characters in the book, he was always there. The fact that I could feel his presence always looming over the story is a testament to how well he was written.
Thorn: She was wonderful. Sometimes I get so damn sick of having “badass” heroines with snarky mouths who dont take anyone’s crap. I mean I get it- its cool- but too often its so freaking overdone I just wanna roll my eyes and be all “ok christ we get it youre awesome and you have brains as well as beauty and your father’s Captain of the Gaurd taught you swordplay to cut down your opponents on the theoretical battlefield, and your mother taught you how to use snarky ass comments to cut down your opponents in court. Yes, yes, you and the last 7 female MC’s I’ve read about. You should all throw a party.” Thorn was a freaking breath of fresh air. Not only was she kind and cunning, she was also so so so real. In a way that a lot of other authors dont present their characters. She had dealt with trauma. She had dealt with abuse. She had been made to feel small, and so small she stayed. Until she was able to learn enough about herself to stand tall. There was brilliance without bitchiness and I loved that about her. I adored that we got to understand her life and her past to see how that affected her in the present time. Too often in YA fantasies, actions dont have consequences. They happen and everyone just goes on like either a)it didnt happen at all or b) they are now stronger for it. Immediately. Just woke up and were stronger like a damn superpower or something. And sometimes they are. But also, sometimes bad shit happens and people don’t come out the other side stronger. They come out weak and afraid and have to overcome all of that. It was so freaking wonderful to watch Thorn and her character development during this story. It was real, and we need more real, even in the fantasy genre.
The side characters: stable hands, a goose boy, a bitchy “companion,” a talking horse and a band of misfit thieves who legit steal from the rich to give to the poor? if that doesnt convince you that this book is amazing, I dont know what will. Thorn had everything I didnt know I needed in this mismatched gang of side kicks and side villains, and they were the ones who brought on all the feels (and tears). Just superbly well done.
2)The magic system.
Sometimes, magic in YA fantasy novels is so overdone and confusing that it ruins the entire story. Not in this instance. It was well established without being confusing. It was there and the explanations were easy to understand. Talking horse? Yup- they existed. Here’s a paragraph of explanation as to the why and how and it all makes total sense and doesnt take away from the story. It all flows so easily and is so enjoyable. Theres no magic that contradicts other magic or makes the system confusing. It was simple while also being vast. Again- super well done.
3)World Building.
The ending was left open for a reason. Apparently that reason is another story line with (I’m fairly sure) new characters in the 2nd book, coming out next year. Which makes sense. Thorn’s story line was pretty well tied up. I’m afraid moving on to the “After” will almost feel forced. However- there are a load of unresolved issues, problems and mysteries in this kingdom that need addressed. What better way to do that than to get me attached to another character who continues the story? I mean- well freaking played.
I loved that there were different languages spoken and tied into the book. While they usually spoke to each other in the language of the country they were in, there would always be a nod to someone’s home language. I love when theres made up vocab so naturally, I loved that part, too.
The mysteries and problems that were left unresolved largely refer to whats happening in the kingdom. A kingdom we got a pretty good glance at when Thorn went out around the common people, and the thieves like Red Hawk. I’m invested in this world and anxious to see what happens with the snatchers, the fae and the Lady (who i just freaking know is going to be returning like any good villain with a super sad back story- damn her).
All in all, I think this book was super underrated and I cant believe I havent heard more about it in the groups and communities I’m in. I couldn’t put it down. It needs to be read and talked about and thats totally what I plan on doing.
Solid 4.75⭐️
I’ve always loved retellings of fairy tales because it’s absolutely the best feeling in the world to be able to revisit stories from your childhood. Even though The Goose Girl was never really a favourite, I knew I wanted to read Thorn as soon as I read the blurb. It has everything I love about the genre, but what makes this book exceptional is how well it deals with abuse; it portrays the trauma of a survivor sensitively and much more realistically than other books in SFF usually do. And while Grimdark is great, it’s just so refreshing to read about such a thoughtful and kind protagonist.
Oh. And The Wind. <3
Oh. And The Wind. <3
Warnings - abuse of animals, extreme sexual violence, other violence, familial abuse (both emotional and physical), oppression, intense sadness and sad events
I always struggle to write reviews of the books I love the most. I have now read this book three times, so I'm going to try again to write the review.
Sometimes authors will write an acknowledgement along the lines of, "Thank you, readers. I hope that the words I write will help someone enter a story or imagine a different life, and I thank you for taking that journey with me". If Intisar Khanani has any hopes like that, they were fully realized with the first three books in the Dauntless Path series - and particularly with Thorn.
Every time I read this book, I find myself totally immersed in it. In fact, even though I know to expect the saddest bits, I still find myself sobbing. That's not just because they trigger me or because I'm oversensitive. It's because Intisar Khanani creates characters who I love and feel with. She creates worlds that feel real. And part of that "realness" is the complexity of those lives - including the grief.
My favorite genre is re-imagined fairytales. I have read so many that I love, so it is truly saying something to say that I think that Thorn might be my favorite. Goosegirl isn't even the greatest fairytale to start with! :) I did appreciate that I didn't know it, because that made reading this more of a surprise. Intisar Khanani gives SO MUCH depth to the Goosegirl story. She imagines many totally new stories to fold in. And they truly enrich the story. I'm especially impressed with the way she has added to the plot to help explore why Alyrra might not want to be a princess.
There was one goofy little thing I wasn't thrilled about and that was the Queen's spell and how it worked. It just didn't make a lot of sense. But, honestly, I think that's because it never made any sense in the original fairytale, and Intisar Khanani was trying to include an essential story element in the fairytale that a modern author just woudn't want to include their book.
All of the books in this series explore justice. One thing I love about Thorn in particular is just how MANY different choices by different characters can be examined in the light of whether or not they were just. I can't think of any other book that explores a theme like this that provides as many characters/choices to weigh. It truly "does justice" (cheesy pun) to the complex theme of justice.
I also love the way Intisar Khanani explores freedom, family (including chosen family), responsibility, power / powerlessness, and safety / protection.
I always struggle to write reviews of the books I love the most. I have now read this book three times, so I'm going to try again to write the review.
Sometimes authors will write an acknowledgement along the lines of, "Thank you, readers. I hope that the words I write will help someone enter a story or imagine a different life, and I thank you for taking that journey with me". If Intisar Khanani has any hopes like that, they were fully realized with the first three books in the Dauntless Path series - and particularly with Thorn.
Every time I read this book, I find myself totally immersed in it. In fact, even though I know to expect the saddest bits, I still find myself sobbing. That's not just because they trigger me or because I'm oversensitive. It's because Intisar Khanani creates characters who I love and feel with. She creates worlds that feel real. And part of that "realness" is the complexity of those lives - including the grief.
My favorite genre is re-imagined fairytales. I have read so many that I love, so it is truly saying something to say that I think that Thorn might be my favorite. Goosegirl isn't even the greatest fairytale to start with! :) I did appreciate that I didn't know it, because that made reading this more of a surprise. Intisar Khanani gives SO MUCH depth to the Goosegirl story. She imagines many totally new stories to fold in. And they truly enrich the story. I'm especially impressed with the way she has added to the plot to help explore why Alyrra might not want to be a princess.
There was one goofy little thing I wasn't thrilled about and that was the Queen's spell and how it worked. It just didn't make a lot of sense. But, honestly, I think that's because it never made any sense in the original fairytale, and Intisar Khanani was trying to include an essential story element in the fairytale that a modern author just woudn't want to include their book.
All of the books in this series explore justice. One thing I love about Thorn in particular is just how MANY different choices by different characters can be examined in the light of whether or not they were just. I can't think of any other book that explores a theme like this that provides as many characters/choices to weigh. It truly "does justice" (cheesy pun) to the complex theme of justice.
I also love the way Intisar Khanani explores freedom, family (including chosen family), responsibility, power / powerlessness, and safety / protection.
This is how I rang in the new year. I started reading Thorn along with a book club but at some point I just got carried away because I became super invested in the storyline and the characters, especially Alyrra (a.k.a Thorn). So I not only spent New Years eve reading it but I spent the first 1.5 hours of 2022 also reading it
3.5*
Despite my rating I actually really enjoyed several elements of this book. T/W sexual assault, domestic abuse and animal cruelty
Pros:
♡Was a ya fantasy novel that made u think about the world, specifically the justice system
♡Romance that wasn't rushed
♡Plot twists I actually didn't see coming
♡I think it's worth mentioning again how good the commentary was and think this would be a good pick for a bookclub or something
♡loved that the main girl was strong but not in a 'masculine' way if u know what I mean. (Basically that she wasn't physically strong but mentally strong and she was graceful and super kind etc)
Cons:
×Literally would put it down and rather do anything else rather then pick it back up
×so slow paced could have been cut down AT LEAST 100 pages
×Romance was good because it was slow but we didn't see enough interactions to make me truly invested
×not a con but I think this could've been an all time favourite if I liked the writing style, I didn't hate or think its bad, its definitely very good but not in the way I want it to be.
In conclusion, good book wrong person!
Despite my rating I actually really enjoyed several elements of this book. T/W sexual assault, domestic abuse and animal cruelty
Pros:
♡Was a ya fantasy novel that made u think about the world, specifically the justice system
♡Romance that wasn't rushed
♡Plot twists I actually didn't see coming
♡I think it's worth mentioning again how good the commentary was and think this would be a good pick for a bookclub or something
♡loved that the main girl was strong but not in a 'masculine' way if u know what I mean. (Basically that she wasn't physically strong but mentally strong and she was graceful and super kind etc)
Cons:
×Literally would put it down and rather do anything else rather then pick it back up
×so slow paced could have been cut down AT LEAST 100 pages
×Romance was good because it was slow but we didn't see enough interactions to make me truly invested
×not a con but I think this could've been an all time favourite if I liked the writing style, I didn't hate or think its bad, its definitely very good but not in the way I want it to be.
In conclusion, good book wrong person!
2.5 stars. love the idea of the retelling but felt like it dragged and didn’t really go anywhere.. wasn’t particularly fond of any main characters
Note: I might be a bit biased against this one because imo Shannon Hale’s The Goose Girl is the perfect retelling of the story. If you liked this book, read that one too.
I liked how it started off and there was some good exploration of cultural/linguistic differences. Thorn is a very deserving heroine whose refusal of The Call is totally understandable, but I never really saw a connection between her and the prince so the love story fell flat. The whole ending fell flat really - the themes of justice and honesty were not really borne out in a way that satisfied me, the role of Falada and the wind in the story didn’t make a ton of sense, and the existence of magic and fae just happened when convenient.
Still enjoyed the book a lot, and like I said I might be biased because I wanted this book to do some of the things that The Goose Girl did.
I liked how it started off and there was some good exploration of cultural/linguistic differences. Thorn is a very deserving heroine whose refusal of The Call is totally understandable, but I never really saw a connection between her and the prince so the love story fell flat. The whole ending fell flat really - the themes of justice and honesty were not really borne out in a way that satisfied me, the role of Falada and the wind in the story didn’t make a ton of sense, and the existence of magic and fae just happened when convenient.
Still enjoyed the book a lot, and like I said I might be biased because I wanted this book to do some of the things that The Goose Girl did.