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ursula_garciagomez 's review for:
Thorn
by Intisar Khanani
The first book in a long time that I read in one sitting! (Technically)
A co-worker had recommended this book to me and I started reading it one evening while out and then continued it when I'd made my way back home and stayed up until I'd finished the whole thing and quite frankly, I don't regret missing those hours of sleep at all.
I honestly had no idea that this was a loose fairy tale retelling but even without knowing, there were many fairy tale elements in this story (magic, wicked family members, a cursed prince, and a princess whose kindness stands strong in the face of adversity).
However, it's so much more than just a fairy tale. There are the elements of street justice in the face of systemic justice failure and indifference, the inheritance of hatred and prejudice, survival from abusive relatives, sexism, and the learning of one's identity when stripped of everything you thought you were.
Alyrra, our princess in this tale, is undoubtedly kind, but there's a wariness in her that influences her decisions throughout the story. Understandably, her experiences with her family have left their mark. And while she would be more than happy to leave court life behind, her own unwavering morals won't allow her to shy from seeking justice and her own responsibilities. While the story may have started seemingly slow, I actually thought that Alyrra carried the story well, and I found myself invested in seeing her survive and thrive.
A co-worker had recommended this book to me and I started reading it one evening while out and then continued it when I'd made my way back home and stayed up until I'd finished the whole thing and quite frankly, I don't regret missing those hours of sleep at all.
I honestly had no idea that this was a loose fairy tale retelling but even without knowing, there were many fairy tale elements in this story (magic, wicked family members, a cursed prince, and a princess whose kindness stands strong in the face of adversity).
However, it's so much more than just a fairy tale. There are the elements of street justice in the face of systemic justice failure and indifference, the inheritance of hatred and prejudice, survival from abusive relatives, sexism, and the learning of one's identity when stripped of everything you thought you were.
Alyrra, our princess in this tale, is undoubtedly kind, but there's a wariness in her that influences her decisions throughout the story. Understandably, her experiences with her family have left their mark. And while she would be more than happy to leave court life behind, her own unwavering morals won't allow her to shy from seeking justice and her own responsibilities. While the story may have started seemingly slow, I actually thought that Alyrra carried the story well, and I found myself invested in seeing her survive and thrive.