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emilia_thereader's review
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Sexual content, Body horror, and Death
Moderate: Racism
Minor: War
readwithanne's review
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and Body horror
quillify_'s review
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I… I have so many thoughts right now. Man, I was so excited for this one. The comp title was The Cruel Prince, and that is literally one of my favorite books of all time. All the tropes mentioned were right up my alley: anti-heroine, courtly intrigue, enemies to lovers with tons of tension, ruthless politics. I waited for this book for months and I was so eager to read it. Unfortunately, this is above average at best. A one-time read, at best. The male lead, Cyrus, is kind of a blank caricature. Their “hate” feels childish because it doesn't have a solid basis. No backstabbing. No betrayal. It's only resentment towards an authority figure. For all her talk, Violet comes across as a passive protagonist with mildly interesting magic. Seriously, just gimme a reason to want to make out with the prince! We don't even get a clear description of him. Camilla and Dante were okay and adder some much needer humour. At times, the story felt intriguing, like it was heading the right way. And then we would go back to Violet scheming about nothing and having weird dreams. God, why do I even expect anything from America? Oh also, the romance plot made zero fucking sense. I can understand hate sex and hate attraction. I can understand hooking up. Now what in the actual fuck was that love business at the end!?!?! Just because you say I love you, doesn't mean a reader believes it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Death of parent, and Infidelity
Minor: Sexual content
azrah786's review against another edition
4.25
**I was provided with an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
CW: violence, blood, injury, self harm, body horror, gore, death, death of parent, murder, emotional abuse, racism, sexual content (non-explicit)
--
A fast paced, dark fairytale story following an unapologetic, self-serving seer with a penchant for twisting the truth; a just as headstrong and arrogant crown prince she is always butting heads with and a prophecy that ties the two of them and the fate of the kingdom together.
Now none of these two leads are the most likeable of characters and you want to just shake the both of them on various occasions but their banter? *chef’s kiss* This isn’t your usual enemies to lovers pairing, they have more of a hate to “oh no these intense feelings I have for you and the fact that you get me plus are really attractive is messing with my head” going on and I couldn’t get enough of it.
Though the spotlight is very much on Violet - the control and power she has over her own destiny and her role as primary seer of a kingdom hanging in the balance. I was absolutely enraptured by the curse elements in the story and Chen beautifully wove the tensions of the foretold prophecy and political situation together that I just couldn’t put the book down!
The worldbuilding and magic are super fascinating however, they are an already established element of the story and weren’t expanded on as much as I had hoped. Also there were also some great side characters that I can’t help but wish had more page time.
That aside I really enjoyed this one and need the sequel yesterday!
If you like morally grey characters that aren’t always likeable and all the fairytale vibes with a dash of darkness then this book is for you!
Final Rating – 4.25/5 Stars
CW: violence, blood, injury, self harm, body horror, gore, death, death of parent, murder, emotional abuse, racism, sexual content (non-explicit)
--
A fast paced, dark fairytale story following an unapologetic, self-serving seer with a penchant for twisting the truth; a just as headstrong and arrogant crown prince she is always butting heads with and a prophecy that ties the two of them and the fate of the kingdom together.
Now none of these two leads are the most likeable of characters and you want to just shake the both of them on various occasions but their banter? *chef’s kiss* This isn’t your usual enemies to lovers pairing, they have more of a hate to “oh no these intense feelings I have for you and the fact that you get me plus are really attractive is messing with my head” going on and I couldn’t get enough of it.
Though the spotlight is very much on Violet - the control and power she has over her own destiny and her role as primary seer of a kingdom hanging in the balance. I was absolutely enraptured by the curse elements in the story and Chen beautifully wove the tensions of the foretold prophecy and political situation together that I just couldn’t put the book down!
The worldbuilding and magic are super fascinating however, they are an already established element of the story and weren’t expanded on as much as I had hoped. Also there were also some great side characters that I can’t help but wish had more page time.
That aside I really enjoyed this one and need the sequel yesterday!
If you like morally grey characters that aren’t always likeable and all the fairytale vibes with a dash of darkness then this book is for you!
Final Rating – 4.25/5 Stars
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Body horror, Injury/Injury detail, Self harm, Violence, Gore, and Murder
Moderate: Sexual content and Death of parent
Minor: Emotional abuse and Racism
kgeogheghan's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
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? It's complicated
5.0
Witches and magical creatures, prophecy and fate, a morally gray heroine, enemies to lovers - this book ticks a lot of boxes I love!
I thoroughly enjoyed this dark and modern fairtytale, following Violet the seer as she tries to understand the curse that hangs over the kingdoms prince, deciding whether she should do what's best for herself and for her king. Highly recommend for anyone who enjoys romantic fantasy.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this dark and modern fairtytale, following Violet the seer as she tries to understand the curse that hangs over the kingdoms prince, deciding whether she should do what's best for herself and for her king. Highly recommend for anyone who enjoys romantic fantasy.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Body horror, Self harm, Injury/Injury detail, and Sexual content
Minor: Murder and Death
lastblossom's review
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children's for an ARC.
tl;dr
A dark fairy tale with a morally gray heroine and a compelling supporting cast for fans of sexy enemies-to-lovers type romances. Stubborn leads may be frustrating at times.
About
Violet is a seer to the royal court. But what she sees in her visions isn't necessarily what she prophesies to the people; after all, what's a little twist of the truth in service of the king? Prince Cyrus doesn't approve, but Violet doesn't care about his opinion. At least, she wishes she didn't. But with a curse hanging over his head, and the Fates whispering to Violet that only one of them will live, it might take more than a little twist of the truth to get out ahead.
Thoughts
Fairy tales in their rawest form are dark, violent, and often incredibly sexual. Violet Made of Thorns hits all those beats in a page-turning, morally gray tale about a seer, a prince, and a world full of conflicting desires. The book draws clear inspiration from several fairy tales (of note: Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Sleeping Beauty, The Goose Girl), but it's not a retelling of any specific one, and it stands as its own story.
Violet is a stunning MC: Quick, self-reliant, and often grumpy. The author's note likens Violet to "unrelatable" MCs, and I while I think some readers will have difficulty approving of her choices, most will understand exactly why she made them. Her sense of self-preservation is powerful, something heroines don't always have. Lack of communication is my least favorite drama spice, and there are a few moments where she refuses to divulge information that I found frustrating. But by the end, I followed the reasoning behind her decisions (even the terrible ones) with ease. Prince Cyrus doesn't get the same amount of care and attention in terms of character development, but anyone looking for a firey haters-to-lovers romance should be satisfied. Of all the characters, Prince Cyrus' sister Camilla is my runaway favorite. I love a character who's self-assured, smart, and loves themselves the way they are. Overall, I'd recommend this to anyone looking for dark sexy romance with fairy tale overtones.
tl;dr
A dark fairy tale with a morally gray heroine and a compelling supporting cast for fans of sexy enemies-to-lovers type romances. Stubborn leads may be frustrating at times.
About
Violet is a seer to the royal court. But what she sees in her visions isn't necessarily what she prophesies to the people; after all, what's a little twist of the truth in service of the king? Prince Cyrus doesn't approve, but Violet doesn't care about his opinion. At least, she wishes she didn't. But with a curse hanging over his head, and the Fates whispering to Violet that only one of them will live, it might take more than a little twist of the truth to get out ahead.
Thoughts
Fairy tales in their rawest form are dark, violent, and often incredibly sexual. Violet Made of Thorns hits all those beats in a page-turning, morally gray tale about a seer, a prince, and a world full of conflicting desires. The book draws clear inspiration from several fairy tales (of note: Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Sleeping Beauty, The Goose Girl), but it's not a retelling of any specific one, and it stands as its own story.
Violet is a stunning MC: Quick, self-reliant, and often grumpy. The author's note likens Violet to "unrelatable" MCs, and I while I think some readers will have difficulty approving of her choices, most will understand exactly why she made them. Her sense of self-preservation is powerful, something heroines don't always have. Lack of communication is my least favorite drama spice, and there are a few moments where she refuses to divulge information that I found frustrating. But by the end, I followed the reasoning behind her decisions (even the terrible ones) with ease. Prince Cyrus doesn't get the same amount of care and attention in terms of character development, but anyone looking for a firey haters-to-lovers romance should be satisfied. Of all the characters, Prince Cyrus' sister Camilla is my runaway favorite. I love a character who's self-assured, smart, and loves themselves the way they are. Overall, I'd recommend this to anyone looking for dark sexy romance with fairy tale overtones.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Xenophobia, Blood, Body horror, Classism, Death, and Racism
Minor: Fire/Fire injury and War
utopiastateofmind's review
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
I will forever support morally grey heroines. Characters who are realistic about the world we live in. Who aren't particularly concerned with being heroic or noble or self-sacrificial. But ones who are forced to make difficult choices to save the ones they love, the only home they've ever known, or just simple to survive. Violet is just my kind of heroine. She's pragmatic and clever. She knows that to get ahead requires cracking a few eggs. And there my love of Violet Made of Thorns is born.
Violet Made of Thorns asks us about control. About the intersection of fate and agency. Of ways in which we don't fall for pretty lies or ambitious dreams. How rebellion requires us to be able to sacrifice and how, sometimes, we cannot afford to lose our homes and livelihood and family. Violet feels monstrous. She sees herself as the monstrous one. The scapegoat who's merely hanging on by a thread. And as she sees these possible futures playing out, it's merely cemented how we can get an image of the future and still not understand it.
I will forever support morally grey heroines. Characters who are realistic about the world we live in. Who aren't particularly concerned with being heroic or noble or self-sacrificial. But ones who are forced to make difficult choices to save the ones they love, the only home they've ever known, or just simple to survive. Violet is just my kind of heroine. She's pragmatic and clever. She knows that to get ahead requires cracking a few eggs. And there my love of Violet Made of Thorns is born.
Violet Made of Thorns asks us about control. About the intersection of fate and agency. Of ways in which we don't fall for pretty lies or ambitious dreams. How rebellion requires us to be able to sacrifice and how, sometimes, we cannot afford to lose our homes and livelihood and family. Violet feels monstrous. She sees herself as the monstrous one. The scapegoat who's merely hanging on by a thread. And as she sees these possible futures playing out, it's merely cemented how we can get an image of the future and still not understand it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Self harm and Body horror
poppywarphan's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
4.75
Well shit. Now I have to wait until 2023 for the sequel. This cover! 😌👌 Violet made of thorns is a great and very entertaining debut. As a major fan of morally grey characters, enemies to lovers and dark fantasy this book was perfect for me. People who hate and kiss each other? 😈 Yes please.
Cyrus, a cursed prince who's kingdom's fate relies on him choosing a bride, wants to marry for love. He has been stalling for too long so the king, with the help of his seer, sets him up with a noblewoman. But the seer–Violet– has dreams and visions. The prince's bride is not who she seems to be. Together they work to unravel the secrets to prevent something terrible from happening.
The burning question: Is Violet made of thorns similar to The cruel prince? Not really in my opinion, other than the enchantments and intense love/hate relationship between Cyrus and Violet. I'd say it's a bit more romance focused.
The story is inspired by multiple fairytales. I noticed subtle references to Cinderella, Beauty and the beast and Sleeping Beauty.
I loved Violet for being brutally honest and an unapologetic liar at the same time. Cyrus is a pretentious ass lol. He and Violent were always bickering at the beginning. Later they start to get along better. Sometimes. He wants to have her gone but Violent, well... She's determined to keep her position as the kingdom's seer. Then we have Dante, Cyrus' best friend and confidant,who was also a favorite. He's the neutral middle ground between them. And lastly Camilla, Cyrus' twin sister, a supportive sapphic queen. 😏
The pacing was moderate from the beginning the 2nd half however was packed with twists.
What I was missing were the ✨fantasy names✨ (at least for the main characters) . The names were flowery (and modern?) It felt weird. Then again roses, vines, thorns were significant to the story so maybe it was going for that kind of vibe?
Arc provided by publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
From the author's website:
Content Warnings:
one instance of parent harming child physically, themes of emotional manipulation fantasy-typical levels of violence, including death and body horror
self-harm in a ritual/magical context
some instances of casual racism
Other Notes:
non-explicit sexual content, does not fade to black
Cyrus, a cursed prince who's kingdom's fate relies on him choosing a bride, wants to marry for love. He has been stalling for too long so the king, with the help of his seer, sets him up with a noblewoman. But the seer–Violet– has dreams and visions. The prince's bride is not who she seems to be. Together they work to unravel the secrets to prevent something terrible from happening.
The burning question: Is Violet made of thorns similar to The cruel prince? Not really in my opinion, other than the enchantments and intense love/hate relationship between Cyrus and Violet. I'd say it's a bit more romance focused.
The story is inspired by multiple fairytales. I noticed subtle references to Cinderella, Beauty and the beast and Sleeping Beauty.
I loved Violet for being brutally honest and an unapologetic liar at the same time. Cyrus is a pretentious ass lol. He and Violent were always bickering at the beginning. Later they start to get along better. Sometimes. He wants to have her gone but Violent, well... She's determined to keep her position as the kingdom's seer. Then we have Dante, Cyrus' best friend and confidant,who was also a favorite. He's the neutral middle ground between them. And lastly Camilla, Cyrus' twin sister, a supportive sapphic queen. 😏
The pacing was moderate from the beginning the 2nd half however was packed with twists.
What I was missing were the ✨fantasy names✨ (at least for the main characters) . The names were flowery (and modern?) It felt weird. Then again roses, vines, thorns were significant to the story so maybe it was going for that kind of vibe?
Arc provided by publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
From the author's website:
Content Warnings:
one instance of parent harming child physically, themes of emotional manipulation fantasy-typical levels of violence, including death and body horror
self-harm in a ritual/magical context
some instances of casual racism
Other Notes:
non-explicit sexual content, does not fade to black
Content Warnings
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Body horror, Death, and Violence
Minor: Blood, Self harm, Child abuse, and Racism
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