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A review by kabrahams
Juniper & Thorn by Ava Reid
5.0
Sept 2024
This is such an incredible book and the only reason it doesn't rank higher in my favorites is because ASID exists. I love how brutal and true its depiction of parental abuse is, how it sours Marlinchen's relationship with her sisters and colors her thoughts. I'm glad that things are hopeful in the end and was surprised at what I'd remembered and forgotten since my initial read. Will definitely return again some day!
July 2022
Started this last night and the only reason I didn't stay up all night to finish was because I had plans the next morning. And I did stay up till two because I was so engrossed! Perfect book to read late at night with rain pouring outside.
The vibes of this are immaculate, precisely what you want for a gothic horror fairytale retelling. Also, not a romance but there is a strong romance subplot that even gets a bit spicy! And it is sooo sooo beautifully written without being overwritten. I'd read it all over again just for the language.
Now to the story itself. Marlinchen is the youngest of three witches born to a tyrannical wizard and a now-dead mother. They live in a decaying house with an assortment of endearing and revolting monsters. The wizard has been cursed to never feel full and it is Marlinchen's job to cook for him and to see to the male clients that come to her for her magic of flesh divination. When her sisters invite her to sneak out and visit the ballet with them, Marlinchen discovers a whole new world and falls in love with the principal dancer.
Is this story often dark and disgusting? Yes, but also captivating and uniquely beautiful. I think as someone with a somewhat sheltered childhood and as a youngest daughter, I related to Marlinchen a lot. I also loved that Sevas is far from the overly masculine stereotype that is so often depicted in books and it is his vulnerability that makes him in part so lovable to Marlinchen and to the reader. The goblin also has a very special place in my heart.
This is such an incredible book and the only reason it doesn't rank higher in my favorites is because ASID exists. I love how brutal and true its depiction of parental abuse is, how it sours Marlinchen's relationship with her sisters and colors her thoughts. I'm glad that things are hopeful in the end and was surprised at what I'd remembered and forgotten since my initial read. Will definitely return again some day!
July 2022
Started this last night and the only reason I didn't stay up all night to finish was because I had plans the next morning. And I did stay up till two because I was so engrossed! Perfect book to read late at night with rain pouring outside.
The vibes of this are immaculate, precisely what you want for a gothic horror fairytale retelling. Also, not a romance but there is a strong romance subplot that even gets a bit spicy! And it is sooo sooo beautifully written without being overwritten. I'd read it all over again just for the language.
Now to the story itself. Marlinchen is the youngest of three witches born to a tyrannical wizard and a now-dead mother. They live in a decaying house with an assortment of endearing and revolting monsters. The wizard has been cursed to never feel full and it is Marlinchen's job to cook for him and to see to the male clients that come to her for her magic of flesh divination. When her sisters invite her to sneak out and visit the ballet with them, Marlinchen discovers a whole new world and falls in love with the principal dancer.
Is this story often dark and disgusting? Yes, but also captivating and uniquely beautiful. I think as someone with a somewhat sheltered childhood and as a youngest daughter, I related to Marlinchen a lot. I also loved that Sevas is far from the overly masculine stereotype that is so often depicted in books and it is his vulnerability that makes him in part so lovable to Marlinchen and to the reader. The goblin also has a very special place in my heart.