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A review by king_lyd
Of Thorns and Beauty by Elle Madison, Robin D. Mahle
4.0
This is such a great twist on Beauty and the beast that you can almost ignore Disneys creeping influence on the tale.
The main protagonist Zaina isn't your wide-eyed innocent white scholar, instead she's a middle- eastern captive forced into an arranged marriage by her sadistic pimp/Madame.
In order to protect her sisters she must betray her new husband, a king whose people have been cursed.
Einar is moody, distant and has a braided beard- I was picturing a blonde Khal Drogo. He's also trying desperately to cure his people.
I loved their interactions, the slow burn from forced meeting and misunderstandings to acceptance and something more.
I think the continued thread of consent and dignity to be fantastic and not heavy handed.
Also magical creatures abound and I love it.
I was slightly annoyed at the cliffhanger but I'm excited and eager for the sequel.
An excellent book. Dark twisted and delicious.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The main protagonist Zaina isn't your wide-eyed innocent white scholar, instead she's a middle- eastern captive forced into an arranged marriage by her sadistic pimp/Madame.
In order to protect her sisters she must betray her new husband, a king whose people have been cursed.
Einar is moody, distant and has a braided beard- I was picturing a blonde Khal Drogo. He's also trying desperately to cure his people.
I loved their interactions, the slow burn from forced meeting and misunderstandings to acceptance and something more.
I think the continued thread of consent and dignity to be fantastic and not heavy handed.
Also magical creatures abound and I love it.
I was slightly annoyed at the cliffhanger but I'm excited and eager for the sequel.
An excellent book. Dark twisted and delicious.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.