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A review by ioannap_author
The Path of Thorns by A.G. Slatter
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
"The Path of Thorns" by A.G.Slatter is a standalone instalment in the Sourdough Universe about a mysterious governess, Asher Todd, who arrives at Morwood Grange with a secret agenda.
I want to start by saying that the book includes MANY things, and it is an achievement in itself that this is done in such an elegant way. Despite the vast worldbuilding that the novel opens for a new reader (this is my second novel in that universe) it doesn't take away too much from the main plot and Slatter deserves an applause for achieving that balance alone.
The most compelling elements of the story were the mystery of the previous governess's dissappearance and the uncovering the sheer toxicity the Morwood family displayed. Slatter created another delicate balance between hating the Manor family so intently, pitying Asher, and also being horrified at the choices she makes for them.
Which is the core theme of the book. The desperate need for family, the ways one allows themselves to be mistreated so they can continue to belong, and the toll such toxic parenting takes on a person. In this book, Asher is literally haunted by all this, and all the small openings that are presented to her for something away from it she postpones taking because of her daughterly duty. Does she deserve a chance at a better life after all she has done by the end of the book? I am still not sure. I don't really know if the end Slatter gave us is a wink for a happier future for Asher or one she simply cannot put the blame on her mother for her own darker impulses. I like to believe that there was a chance for inner peace, and Asher took it.
Asher is not the only character whose future is potentially bleak. The sexism in the book created more than one woman whose corruption the reader has to reconcile with their desperate desire to just escape it all. I personally really liked the interactions between Asher and Luned and the brutal honesty between them, especially during their final conversation.
"A Path of Thorns" is perfect for readers who enjoy gothic fairytales, with atmospheric environments and morally grey characters.
I want to start by saying that the book includes MANY things, and it is an achievement in itself that this is done in such an elegant way. Despite the vast worldbuilding that the novel opens for a new reader (this is my second novel in that universe) it doesn't take away too much from the main plot and Slatter deserves an applause for achieving that balance alone.
The most compelling elements of the story were the mystery of the previous governess's dissappearance and the uncovering the sheer toxicity the Morwood family displayed. Slatter created another delicate balance between hating the Manor family so intently, pitying Asher, and also being horrified at the choices she makes for them.
Which is the core theme of the book. The desperate need for family, the ways one allows themselves to be mistreated so they can continue to belong, and the toll such toxic parenting takes on a person. In this book, Asher is literally haunted by all this, and all the small openings that are presented to her for something away from it she postpones taking because of her daughterly duty. Does she deserve a chance at a better life after all she has done by the end of the book? I am still not sure. I don't really know if the end Slatter gave us is a wink for a happier future for Asher or one she simply cannot put the blame on her mother for her own darker impulses. I like to believe that there was a chance for inner peace, and Asher took it.
Asher is not the only character whose future is potentially bleak. The sexism in the book created more than one woman whose corruption the reader has to reconcile with their desperate desire to just escape it all. I personally really liked the interactions between Asher and Luned and the brutal honesty between them, especially during their final conversation.
"A Path of Thorns" is perfect for readers who enjoy gothic fairytales, with atmospheric environments and morally grey characters.