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A review by libraryofabibliotaph
Of Thorns and Beauty by Robin D. Mahle, Elle Madison
3.0
Of Thorns and Beauty had been on my reading list for a while, with a cover that immediately attracts attention and an interesting blurb. So I started reading it with great enthusiasm, but had quite some trouble getting into the story. It takes quite a while before you get any background information about Zaina and her past, even about Einar and his court you get little explanation in the beginning. There is also little thrill in the first few chapters. Nevertheless, Zaina's character takes shape right from the start, she is sassy, does everything for those she cares about and stands her ground well.
Throughout the story, you gradually learn more about the characters' past by means of flashbacks that are really well and vividly told. I also really liked how Zaina's behaviour evolves throughout the story, how she starts to participate more in the world surrounding her. Yet she always remains herself, which makes her a really strong and realistic main character with recognisable strengths and weaknesses. While the story continues, you also get to know Einar better. By getting to know his history, he becomes a lot more likeable for both us as readers but also for Zaina in her daily dealings with him.
The story kind of ends in the middle of an important part, which makes you want to continue to the second book immediately. Overall, the story was slow to start, but it was worth the effort to keep on reading and find out what it is all about. Though it isn’t a classical Beauty and the Beast retelling, I am curious to find out how things will go with the "curse" that rests on the inhabitants of the castle.
Thank you for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. My review isn’t influenced by this, my opinion is 100% my own.
Throughout the story, you gradually learn more about the characters' past by means of flashbacks that are really well and vividly told. I also really liked how Zaina's behaviour evolves throughout the story, how she starts to participate more in the world surrounding her. Yet she always remains herself, which makes her a really strong and realistic main character with recognisable strengths and weaknesses. While the story continues, you also get to know Einar better. By getting to know his history, he becomes a lot more likeable for both us as readers but also for Zaina in her daily dealings with him.
The story kind of ends in the middle of an important part, which makes you want to continue to the second book immediately. Overall, the story was slow to start, but it was worth the effort to keep on reading and find out what it is all about. Though it isn’t a classical Beauty and the Beast retelling, I am curious to find out how things will go with the "curse" that rests on the inhabitants of the castle.
Thank you for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. My review isn’t influenced by this, my opinion is 100% my own.