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A review by taylor_houser
Juniper & Thorn by Ava Reid
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book truly feels like being told a story on a cold night huddled next to a wood stove. It is a beautifully written gothic retelling of the fairy tale 'The Juniper Tree', and the prose that I fell in love with while reading Reid's debut, "The Wolf and the Woodsman" returns in their sophomore novel.
'Juniper and Thorn' excellently analyzes the ways moderninity and traditionalism clash and I absolutely adore Marlinchen and Sevas, who are flawed and human in their experiences of hope, love, and trauma. Their character growth is a magic in itself. Despite the dark themes, you can't help but cross your fingers in hopes that they get a happy ending. Additionally, Reid handles the effects of the trauma her characters experience incredibly well.
Thank you to Avon, Harper Voyager, and Netgalley for allowing me to read this ARC of 'Juniper and Thorn' and to Ava Reid for creating this gorgeous novel.
CW:
Gore and body horror
Child sexual abuse; incest
Cannibalism
Antisemitism, xenophobia, scientific racism
Physical and psychological abuse by family members; gaslighting
Self harm, suicidal ideation
Disordered eating, bulimia; graphic descriptions of vomiting
Animal death
'Juniper and Thorn' excellently analyzes the ways moderninity and traditionalism clash and I absolutely adore Marlinchen and Sevas, who are flawed and human in their experiences of hope, love, and trauma. Their character growth is a magic in itself. Despite the dark themes, you can't help but cross your fingers in hopes that they get a happy ending. Additionally, Reid handles the effects of the trauma her characters experience incredibly well.
Thank you to Avon, Harper Voyager, and Netgalley for allowing me to read this ARC of 'Juniper and Thorn' and to Ava Reid for creating this gorgeous novel.
CW:
Gore and body horror
Child sexual abuse; incest
Cannibalism
Antisemitism, xenophobia, scientific racism
Physical and psychological abuse by family members; gaslighting
Self harm, suicidal ideation
Disordered eating, bulimia; graphic descriptions of vomiting
Animal death
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Child abuse, Sexual assault, Cannibalism, Xenophobia, Antisemitism, Eating disorder, Vomit, Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Animal death, Incest, and Death
Gore and body horror
Child sexual abuse; incest
Cannibalism
Antisemitism, xenophobia, scientific racism
Physical and psychological abuse by family members; gaslighting
Self harm, suicidal ideation
Disordered eating, bulimia; graphic descriptions of vomiting
Animal death