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A review by krgreen
Between Two Thorns by Emma Newman
5.0
I remember seeing the gorgeous covers for this series around the net months ago, but it was a recommendation at FantasyCon14 which reminded me I'd always planned to read it.
Between Two Thorns is a unique take on the realm of urban fantasy, using mirror aspects of well-known cities to create the Nether realm. We are introduced to the three worlds by two story-lines: one of a man desperate to solve a mystery which spans the mundane and magical worlds; and that of a Nether-girl living in the mundane world, until her family drag her back home against her wishes.
The mix of mundane and magical characters continually inject humour to this story, particularly when conversing together, with each voice unique to its owner. The characters were well-rounded, with clear back-stories and differing motives.
Through them, we are introduced to three worlds: that of our mundane cities; the realm of the Fae, and the Nether between. Having read other books where faeries are ruthless, shallow people rather than pretty, sparkly creatures; the setting and characters of the Fae world felt natural to explore, adding another layer of setting to this UF world. Emma has done a fantastic job making the worlds odd and magical, yet also believable as they are somewhat familiar.
The book had a fast pace which kept me reading, and the characters continued to draw me through the story with more compelling mysteries. However, I sometimes struggled to get into the head of a new point-of-view character during switches, some aspects felt a little stilted/unrealistic (Cathy's relationship with Josh, for example, is very quick to change) and I feel the book ended a little abruptly, although the main plot point was resolved and I recognise this is a series, not a standalone.
I look forward to reading the sequel, and overall, rate this book between four and five stars.
Between Two Thorns is a unique take on the realm of urban fantasy, using mirror aspects of well-known cities to create the Nether realm. We are introduced to the three worlds by two story-lines: one of a man desperate to solve a mystery which spans the mundane and magical worlds; and that of a Nether-girl living in the mundane world, until her family drag her back home against her wishes.
The mix of mundane and magical characters continually inject humour to this story, particularly when conversing together, with each voice unique to its owner. The characters were well-rounded, with clear back-stories and differing motives.
Through them, we are introduced to three worlds: that of our mundane cities; the realm of the Fae, and the Nether between. Having read other books where faeries are ruthless, shallow people rather than pretty, sparkly creatures; the setting and characters of the Fae world felt natural to explore, adding another layer of setting to this UF world. Emma has done a fantastic job making the worlds odd and magical, yet also believable as they are somewhat familiar.
The book had a fast pace which kept me reading, and the characters continued to draw me through the story with more compelling mysteries. However, I sometimes struggled to get into the head of a new point-of-view character during switches, some aspects felt a little stilted/unrealistic (Cathy's relationship with Josh, for example, is very quick to change) and I feel the book ended a little abruptly, although the main plot point was resolved and I recognise this is a series, not a standalone.
I look forward to reading the sequel, and overall, rate this book between four and five stars.