A review by slatereads
Juniper & Thorn by Ava Reid

dark emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I originally rated this a 4 star - but have come back after three months of being totally unable to stop thinking about it to give it a 5 star. I don't know if it's for everyone, but I also need everyone I know to read this book.

At multiple points in this novel I wasn't expecting to rate it so highly. But Reid brings everything together so solidly in the final three chapters that it changes the entire experience - bringing the mystery and overlapping plotlines into a fully formed, clear image, and tying up threads you may even have forgotten about. 

This book grabbed me by the throat and didn't let me go until I was done reading - or even then, as I'm still thinking about it regularly days after finishing it. Marlinchen had this gradual, solid character development arc that takes you almost by surprise when you realise she's no longer the girl you started with at the beginning of the book. Sevas is sweet, and doting, and still complex - despite the book not focusing on him, you feel like you know him, and know that there are depths you don't see, as well. I wish we saw him more, but I understand how the narrative doesn't allow for it. 

I can't wait to reread this and pick up on all the hints and foreshadowing from the beginning.

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