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A review by carlyxdeexx
The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic by Leigh Bardugo
5.0
I’m particularly apprehensive about fairytales in fictional worlds, just inclined to expect the worst. But I didn’t rate this high because of my mid-to-low expectations (I couldn’t have truly low expectations when it comes to Leigh Bardugo)—every star is much deserved, and I genuinely enjoyed this sampling of Grishaverse fables.
They are all excellent—I can’t pick a favorite—and their best qualities are their delightful twists on the tropes of “standard” tales, which never come off heavy-handed. At the same time, there are clear connections to familiar stories from our world (“The Little Mermaid,” “The Nutcracker,” “Hansel and Gretel”) that foster a sense of familiarity and nostalgia. Also, it’s definitely fun to think of Grishaverse characters hearing these stories in their youth, seeing bits of them in these characters they likely heard about when they were very young.
And I can’t speak highly enough of the gorgeous illustrations, which artfully grow along the edges of the pages until they blossom into full two-page images at each story’s end! It’s worth taking some extra time to spot each new element of the image as you turn each page—there is subtle thematic interplay there. My one itsy qualm was the lack of variation in terms of body types? I expected more there from Bardugo, but this could have solely been Sara Kipin’s choice/interpretation with not much alteration, or an editorial push. Regardless, this is a book I want to own and share, great for fans of the Grishaverse and complete strangers alike.
They are all excellent—I can’t pick a favorite—and their best qualities are their delightful twists on the tropes of “standard” tales, which never come off heavy-handed. At the same time, there are clear connections to familiar stories from our world (“The Little Mermaid,” “The Nutcracker,” “Hansel and Gretel”) that foster a sense of familiarity and nostalgia. Also, it’s definitely fun to think of Grishaverse characters hearing these stories in their youth, seeing bits of them in these characters they likely heard about when they were very young.
And I can’t speak highly enough of the gorgeous illustrations, which artfully grow along the edges of the pages until they blossom into full two-page images at each story’s end! It’s worth taking some extra time to spot each new element of the image as you turn each page—there is subtle thematic interplay there. My one itsy qualm was the lack of variation in terms of body types? I expected more there from Bardugo, but this could have solely been Sara Kipin’s choice/interpretation with not much alteration, or an editorial push. Regardless, this is a book I want to own and share, great for fans of the Grishaverse and complete strangers alike.