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alexalovesbooks 's review for:
The Girl of Fire and Thorns
by Rae Carson
REREAD THOUGHTS: It's still as compelling and epic as the first time I read it! Even though I knew what was happening, it still felt like I was reading it for the first time.
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I’ve always loved fantasy novels, and The Girl of Fire and Thorns was certainly no exception! It’s been recommended to me repeatedly ever since it was first released; I feel like a major idiot right now for ignoring those recommendations because it blew me away. This novel is exactly how I want all my fantasy novels to be - chock full of strongly drawn characters, interesting and varied settings, and a subtle plot that surprises me with every twist and turn. It’s simply an addicting, fantastic novel, and has climbed straight into my must-read fantasy series list.
Most of the fantasy novels that make a lasting impression on me are the ones with kick-ass heroines. Elisa is certainly kick-ass, even though the way she’s described at the beginning of this novel wouldn’t actually showcase that. Underneath all that doubt, insecurity and well, her appearance, lies a steel core of strength, intelligence, courage and wisdom that I strongly admired. Elisa has to deal with more than one enemy in this novel, but she does so each time with the grace befitting her gift and rank. I was very proud of how she handled herself, and enjoyed witnessing how she ends up becoming comfortable in her own skin. This novel is truly her story above all else, and I enjoyed that.
This story has religious undertones and a unique political climate, which make the plot very interesting. I was going to share more specific thoughts in this review, but Rachel and I agree that it’s best to go into this one not knowing much more than what the summary has to say. There’s an element of surprise with every twist, and that truly enhances the reader’s experience. I do think it’s cleverly woven into the story, first of all, and not in such a way that it felt too political or too religious. I also think that it’s easy to keep track of what’s going on, even though there are quite a few plot threads that the reader must catch. These two things lent to the unique backdrop against which Elisa’s story is set, and I applaud Carson for doing so in an effective way.
Story-wise, this book is addicting and filled with equal moments of action and contemplation. Elisa’s story is rife with mysteries being solved, revelations about her Godstone and lots of thrilling action. I enjoyed the whirlwind of the story, and how it took us from one part to the next in a way that just flowed right. There’s no weird gap between events or randomly shoved in scenes; it felt like Carson had carefully contemplated where and what would happen to Elisa, which was great.
I can’t believe I waited so long to read The Girl of Fire and Thorns! It’s just as great as everyone said it would be, and I love that I have a new fantasy series to love. It was easy to adore Elisa (and a few other characters too), and also easy to really get invested in this story. The first book ends on a satisfying note, but I can sense there’s more to come for Elisa and her friends – and that’s why I can’t wait to pick up The Crown of Embers soon!
(Review is also on the blog)
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I’ve always loved fantasy novels, and The Girl of Fire and Thorns was certainly no exception! It’s been recommended to me repeatedly ever since it was first released; I feel like a major idiot right now for ignoring those recommendations because it blew me away. This novel is exactly how I want all my fantasy novels to be - chock full of strongly drawn characters, interesting and varied settings, and a subtle plot that surprises me with every twist and turn. It’s simply an addicting, fantastic novel, and has climbed straight into my must-read fantasy series list.
Most of the fantasy novels that make a lasting impression on me are the ones with kick-ass heroines. Elisa is certainly kick-ass, even though the way she’s described at the beginning of this novel wouldn’t actually showcase that. Underneath all that doubt, insecurity and well, her appearance, lies a steel core of strength, intelligence, courage and wisdom that I strongly admired. Elisa has to deal with more than one enemy in this novel, but she does so each time with the grace befitting her gift and rank. I was very proud of how she handled herself, and enjoyed witnessing how she ends up becoming comfortable in her own skin. This novel is truly her story above all else, and I enjoyed that.
This story has religious undertones and a unique political climate, which make the plot very interesting. I was going to share more specific thoughts in this review, but Rachel and I agree that it’s best to go into this one not knowing much more than what the summary has to say. There’s an element of surprise with every twist, and that truly enhances the reader’s experience. I do think it’s cleverly woven into the story, first of all, and not in such a way that it felt too political or too religious. I also think that it’s easy to keep track of what’s going on, even though there are quite a few plot threads that the reader must catch. These two things lent to the unique backdrop against which Elisa’s story is set, and I applaud Carson for doing so in an effective way.
Story-wise, this book is addicting and filled with equal moments of action and contemplation. Elisa’s story is rife with mysteries being solved, revelations about her Godstone and lots of thrilling action. I enjoyed the whirlwind of the story, and how it took us from one part to the next in a way that just flowed right. There’s no weird gap between events or randomly shoved in scenes; it felt like Carson had carefully contemplated where and what would happen to Elisa, which was great.
I can’t believe I waited so long to read The Girl of Fire and Thorns! It’s just as great as everyone said it would be, and I love that I have a new fantasy series to love. It was easy to adore Elisa (and a few other characters too), and also easy to really get invested in this story. The first book ends on a satisfying note, but I can sense there’s more to come for Elisa and her friends – and that’s why I can’t wait to pick up The Crown of Embers soon!
(Review is also on the blog)