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3.95 AVERAGE
3.95 AVERAGE
It's been a couple of months since I finished reading this and my memory is not that great but I'm going to do my best to recall what I enjoyed and what I wanted more of. I buddy-read this with Leslie and although we were both in semi-weird reading moods when we picked it up, I know that I ended up enjoying it more than she did and had I rated and reviewed it soon after finishing, I probably would've given it a 4.5 stars rounded up. However, having had ample time to digest this more, I think it would be closer to 3.5/3.75 stars rounded down. There is a lot that I enjoyed about Thorn and I'm glad that I finally read it but there was a lot that I wanted more of and I assumed we'd get more in the sequel but it turns out that's a different perspective and continues a different storyline that appears in Thorn. Anyway, let's see how my thoughts flow with this one.
This is a Goose Girl retelling but since I'm unfamiliar with the original story I can't really say how accurately or well it's retold. That said, this was told in a very "slice of life" style that made for much slower pacing and not a whole lot of action taking place outside of the character growth. Khanani's writing managed to hook me in from the beginning and I quickly found myself sinking into the story and eager to come back to it when I had to put it down. While the writing was lyrical and the story flowed well for the most part, I found the lack of world-building a little disappointing and this was the issue I also had with another book of hers that I read. The magic system and world remained vague throughout and I simply wanted more because it would've made this read outstanding.
Alyrra was an interesting character and I really appreciated how her character developed over the course of the story. She grew up in an abusive household and I absolutely hated her family so much. She fears what things will be like away from them but she jumps at the chance to start a new simple life when she's cursed by an evil sorceress on the way to the new kingdom. I really loved the relationship she formed with the talking horse, Falada, and the found-family-esque bond that she developed with the rest of the stable workers was heartwarming and I think helped Alyrra grow from this meek and mild-mannered young woman into one of greater confidence. I'd say there were two main villains in Alyrra's story, one was more despicable and cartoonish who definitely got what was coming to her, and the other had an interesting motive that made me glad the author decided to give more depth to their story. I wanted to know more about that as well and how this would affect the characters, the magic and the story.
There was also one death in particular that made me feel confused because other than making me despise the villain even more, what did it serve to achieve? Nothing, as far as I can tell, which made it feel like the author wanted to make our MC suffer or come across as even more pitiful just because.
There are several characters that make sporadic appearances throughout but Prince Kestrin is one who has a bigger role in this story although much about him is still unclear to me. Reading from Alyrra's perspective we're kept just as much in the dark about Kestrin's personality and motives and only towards the end is that ever really clarified and only then just a little bit. There is so much that is kept from Alyrra and the justification for it felt weak. The ending when the secrets came out also felt very rushed and slightly underwhelming because of the abrupt end; which is why I assumed the story would continue from Alyrra's POV in the sequel (that's not the case).
While I did enjoy this story overall and I liked the way the author reeled me into the story and made me care for Alyrra and her survival, I wish that I would've enjoyed it more. I will probably read the sequel at some point too (and who knows maybe we'll get more clarity on other aspects that were brought up at the end)!
This is a Goose Girl retelling but since I'm unfamiliar with the original story I can't really say how accurately or well it's retold. That said, this was told in a very "slice of life" style that made for much slower pacing and not a whole lot of action taking place outside of the character growth. Khanani's writing managed to hook me in from the beginning and I quickly found myself sinking into the story and eager to come back to it when I had to put it down. While the writing was lyrical and the story flowed well for the most part, I found the lack of world-building a little disappointing and this was the issue I also had with another book of hers that I read. The magic system and world remained vague throughout and I simply wanted more because it would've made this read outstanding.
Alyrra was an interesting character and I really appreciated how her character developed over the course of the story. She grew up in an abusive household and I absolutely hated her family so much. She fears what things will be like away from them but she jumps at the chance to start a new simple life when she's cursed by an evil sorceress on the way to the new kingdom. I really loved the relationship she formed with the talking horse, Falada, and the found-family-esque bond that she developed with the rest of the stable workers was heartwarming and I think helped Alyrra grow from this meek and mild-mannered young woman into one of greater confidence. I'd say there were two main villains in Alyrra's story, one was more despicable and cartoonish who definitely got what was coming to her, and the other had an interesting motive that made me glad the author decided to give more depth to their story. I wanted to know more about that as well and how this would affect the characters, the magic and the story.
There was also one death in particular that made me feel confused because other than making me despise the villain even more, what did it serve to achieve? Nothing, as far as I can tell, which made it feel like the author wanted to make our MC suffer or come across as even more pitiful just because.
There are several characters that make sporadic appearances throughout but Prince Kestrin is one who has a bigger role in this story although much about him is still unclear to me. Reading from Alyrra's perspective we're kept just as much in the dark about Kestrin's personality and motives and only towards the end is that ever really clarified and only then just a little bit. There is so much that is kept from Alyrra and the justification for it felt weak. The ending when the secrets came out also felt very rushed and slightly underwhelming because of the abrupt end; which is why I assumed the story would continue from Alyrra's POV in the sequel (that's not the case).
While I did enjoy this story overall and I liked the way the author reeled me into the story and made me care for Alyrra and her survival, I wish that I would've enjoyed it more. I will probably read the sequel at some point too (and who knows maybe we'll get more clarity on other aspects that were brought up at the end)!
I'm still quite sad about Falada. Almost quit reading tbh.
STUNNING, GORGEOUS
I've definitely read another version of this fairy tale, but I really like this one too. I think the sub-theme about abuse could've been resolved better, but it was still handled really well. The romance was done well and realistically.
I loved the themes of justice and the character was pretty cool to me. Pacing was awesome, I love Falada and Kestrin. The twist at the end was awesome and the Lady's story was enjoyable. I'm so excited for the second one to see what Alyrra will do!
I've definitely read another version of this fairy tale, but I really like this one too. I think the sub-theme about abuse could've been resolved better, but it was still handled really well. The romance was done well and realistically.
I loved the themes of justice and the character was pretty cool to me. Pacing was awesome, I love Falada and Kestrin. The twist at the end was awesome and the Lady's story was enjoyable. I'm so excited for the second one to see what Alyrra will do!
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Fantastic series, absolutely loved it. This book can be read as a standalone if you don't wish to carry on.
This is exactly what I like best. Intrigue, good vs. evil, magic & adventure, clean romance in minor levels, questioning of systems, mysteries to solve. It was also very well written. Lots of harrowing escapes and daring plans. Wholesome family units, trust amongst friends, awareness of court intrigues and clever ways around & through it. I'm checking out everything by this author and may buy these books in physical copies.
This is exactly what I like best. Intrigue, good vs. evil, magic & adventure, clean romance in minor levels, questioning of systems, mysteries to solve. It was also very well written. Lots of harrowing escapes and daring plans. Wholesome family units, trust amongst friends, awareness of court intrigues and clever ways around & through it. I'm checking out everything by this author and may buy these books in physical copies.
dark
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
To be honest I had tried to read it before but I always found the beginning too boring to continue it. But finally I managed to finish it (duh) and it was... interesting. I've previously read another Goose Girl retelling and I will say that I prefer this one. First off it was realistic in a way that not many books I've read lately were. Though I do feel like the revenge and murder theme throughout was a tad muddled by Valka's execution . I was also really thrown off by Falada's and Violet's deaths. I felt like we spent too little time with each of them and I get that Alyrra needed a way to see the cruelty in these people but come on. I don't think I will read the next books in this series any time soon because a) they don't follow Alyrra from what I've seen and I'm not doing the Cellier thing again and b) if they are any close to this one I don't think it's good for my brain.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Bullying, Cursing, Death, Gore, Physical abuse, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
Moderate: Animal death, Rape, Police brutality, Kidnapping, Death of parent
The beginning of the book was a bit slow but the last part really had me hooked
Might need to make a new category for Wind daddies
Might need to make a new category for Wind daddies
great book. I got hooked right away and I had a hard time putting it down to sleep. I enjoyed the authors writing style and the main characters perspective and inner dialog. looking forward to starting to read The Bone Knife, the companion book to this one.
I really enjoyed this book! Stayed up until 1am to finish it! And I just found out there are more books in the series! yayyyyy