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3.95 AVERAGE
3.95 AVERAGE
challenging
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
i liked it but the ending just didn't hit right for me :(
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I don't know where to begin with this book. It has been staring at me from my shelves for several years now, and I'm glad I finally picked it up, but I don't know if I liked it??
First off, I didn't know this was a retelling of The Goose Girl until I was well into it, but I don't think I've ever read any version of that story so I don't know how it holds up. Plus, a lot of dark and depressing shit happens that I wasn't expecting.
However, it was very readable, and I couldn't put it down once I started. And now I'm conflicted about the sequels, because I guess they have a different main character. I didn't like too many of the characters in this one, but I did like the world building, so I'm not sure.
First off, I didn't know this was a retelling of The Goose Girl until I was well into it, but I don't think I've ever read any version of that story so I don't know how it holds up. Plus, a lot of dark and depressing shit happens that I wasn't expecting.
However, it was very readable, and I couldn't put it down once I started. And now I'm conflicted about the sequels, because I guess they have a different main character. I didn't like too many of the characters in this one, but I did like the world building, so I'm not sure.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Classism
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Violence
Minor: Rape
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
slow-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
4.5 stars
Thorn was a retelling of 'The Goose Girl' (a fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm) that slowly unfurled its petals to reveal a tale that had me captivated throughout. Out of curiosity, I read The Goose Girl before reading this novel and I think it truly is a stunning retelling that keeps the best parts of the fairy tale whilst adding some much needed depth and character development.
Trigger warnings: physical and emotional abuse, sexual assault (off page), animal death (off page)
Plot: 4.5/5
Characters: 4.5/5
Writing: 5/5
Princess Alyrra longed to be free of her family's physical and emotional abuse, her court's derision and her rank as a princess. She longed to live how she chose to do so. However, that desire seemed impossible when Kestrin, a prince from a vast and powerful land, sent her a marriage request she would not be able to refuse. Until a vengeful sorceress swapped Alyrra's body with that of an accompanying noble girl in order to achieve her mysterious goals and inadvertently made Alyrra's dreams came true. Taking on the role of a goose girl, Alyrra forged a new life surrounded by people who valued and cared for her. But as time passed and secrets unravelled she realised her choice to accept her fate would have consequences she wouldn't be able to bear.
Alyrra's character development was superb. At the start of the book she was scared, unsure of herself and the world and would rather be passive than stand up for herself. The entire book was about her journey of realising that once she overcame her fears and doubts she could be powerful and she could make a difference to the world. Her strong sense of moral justice and desire to help people no matter what pushed her past her limits to do things she never thought she could before. By sticking to her core beliefs she found her inner strength and overcame seemingly impossible odds. What a power arc!
I also liked Kestrin because he respected Alyrra's right to choose her own life and while he certainly tried to persuade her to his cause he gave her space to become who he wanted to be. I loved the unwavering support from Alyrra's friends: Sage, Violet, Ash and Rowan. The way she gradually opened up to them and began to heal from her past traumas with their love was beautiful. But most of all I adored Falada the talking Horse (yes, with a capital H it's not a typo). He was wise, funny, generally amazing and always had encouragement and advice for Alyrra whenever she needed it. Truly, a legend.
Thorn cleverly explored many complex themes from the notion of justice to slavery, revenge, social hierarchy and much more. However, what I did want more of was world building. I didn't feel properly grounded in the world created as I didn't learn enough about its distinctive cultures, customs and places.
Thank you to Hot Key Books for providing me with a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Thorn was a retelling of 'The Goose Girl' (a fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm) that slowly unfurled its petals to reveal a tale that had me captivated throughout. Out of curiosity, I read The Goose Girl before reading this novel and I think it truly is a stunning retelling that keeps the best parts of the fairy tale whilst adding some much needed depth and character development.
Trigger warnings: physical and emotional abuse, sexual assault (off page), animal death (off page)
Plot: 4.5/5
Characters: 4.5/5
Writing: 5/5
Princess Alyrra longed to be free of her family's physical and emotional abuse, her court's derision and her rank as a princess. She longed to live how she chose to do so. However, that desire seemed impossible when Kestrin, a prince from a vast and powerful land, sent her a marriage request she would not be able to refuse. Until a vengeful sorceress swapped Alyrra's body with that of an accompanying noble girl in order to achieve her mysterious goals and inadvertently made Alyrra's dreams came true. Taking on the role of a goose girl, Alyrra forged a new life surrounded by people who valued and cared for her. But as time passed and secrets unravelled she realised her choice to accept her fate would have consequences she wouldn't be able to bear.
Alyrra's character development was superb. At the start of the book she was scared, unsure of herself and the world and would rather be passive than stand up for herself. The entire book was about her journey of realising that once she overcame her fears and doubts she could be powerful and she could make a difference to the world. Her strong sense of moral justice and desire to help people no matter what pushed her past her limits to do things she never thought she could before. By sticking to her core beliefs she found her inner strength and overcame seemingly impossible odds. What a power arc!
I also liked Kestrin because he respected Alyrra's right to choose her own life and while he certainly tried to persuade her to his cause he gave her space to become who he wanted to be. I loved the unwavering support from Alyrra's friends: Sage, Violet, Ash and Rowan. The way she gradually opened up to them and began to heal from her past traumas with their love was beautiful. But most of all I adored Falada the talking Horse (yes, with a capital H it's not a typo). He was wise, funny, generally amazing and always had encouragement and advice for Alyrra whenever she needed it. Truly, a legend.
Thorn cleverly explored many complex themes from the notion of justice to slavery, revenge, social hierarchy and much more. However, what I did want more of was world building. I didn't feel properly grounded in the world created as I didn't learn enough about its distinctive cultures, customs and places.
Nevertheless, I loved Thorn overall with its complex, empowered heroine, its magical plot and its thought provoking ideas. I can't wait to read whatever Khanani writes next!
Thank you to Hot Key Books for providing me with a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I really enjoyed this one. The pacing felt right and I enjoyed getting to know all of the characters over time. I loved the main character’s growth and her friendships with supporting characters and the male lead.
Can’t wait to dive into other stories.
Can’t wait to dive into other stories.
adventurous
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I really appreciated the fact that this is a modern retelling of a lesser known fairy tale but the plot didn't pick up until you're more than halfway into the book. The writing, although beautiful, did not engage me much and I found myself forcing to finish this book. However, I did love the thoroughness and depth of the main and side characters. Alyrra is everything you want a main character to be; she is kind, loveable, and has a hidden strength that makes you root for her from start to finish. However, right when Alyrra shines to her full potential and there is promise for more from the characters, the story ends in an underwhelming manner. Thorn seemed more like a set up for the next book as there were plenty of world building and side plots that were left untied. I wish I could love this book but it just fell flat for me. Hopefully Theft of Sunlight will be better.