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nymphread 's review for:
Thorn Season
by Kiera Azar
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
File this under one of those books I know pre-teen and teen me would have really loved. As an adult, I did like it, but felt it was a tiny bit too derivative and predictable for me to absolutely love. Still, as a YA release, I think this is a great read.
When I started, I immediately felt this was very much a throwback to titles like The Selection, Red Queen, and other 2010s releases. Its familiarity was quite evident, but not in a bad way. Fantasy romance only has so many variations when it comes to stories, tropes, and settings. It isn’t the most original, but the author executes her vision well and puts her own spin on some classic elements.
In the kingdom of Daronda, the FMC, Alissa Paine, is a noblewoman born a Wielder — someone with telekinetic-like abilities — in a world that actively hunts and seeks to eradicate every Wielder. Ironically, her family bloodline also belongs to the Hunters, a group dedicated to killing Wielders. So, she hides her powers, living in constant fear of being found. Now that she’s eighteen, she must participate in her Rose Season, where she’s presented at court and swears fealty to King Erik, the icy, vicious regent, who forms a strong interest in her.
Like I said, these story elements are all very well-trodden ground. Wielders are hunted and forced into hiding, though there are kingdoms where some still live freely. The setting is a gritty high fantasy world — dark enough to feel dangerous without tipping into full-on grimdark.
On the worldbuilding front, I’d say it felt a bit generic for a fantasy romance setting. Not bad, just serviceable. It didn’t blow me away with uniqueness, but it did enough to support the story and the dark atmosphere, which was well done! The constant paranoia and tension felt genuine, especially in how Alissa had to conceal her true nature at every turn. Her fear was almost palpable.
That said, my biggest issue was with the three prominent male characters, who were all framed as romantic options for the FMC, and how they were incorporated into the story.
These were: Garrett, the estranged childhood best friend who clearly still cares; Keil, the mysterious Wielder who helps her understand her powers; and Erik, the cold and ruthless king of Daronda.
I just found this constellation… boring. It was obvious early on who the true viable option was, so having all three share romantic moments with her felt a lot like reading a formulaic romance manhwa/manga — you know who the endgame is, and the others just feel like filler or distractions.
This book really shines when it focuses on Alissa scheming, playing “the game,” and involving herself in political intrigue. Watching her transform from a sheltered noble daughter into someone who literally learns to wield power was genuinely satisfying. Her time at court hit all the notes I love: fancy dresses, balls, balcony drama, gossipy courtiers — all the good stuff!
I also really liked the variety of female characters, who were mostly layered and nuanced. The one exception was Tari, Alissa’s best friend, who felt clumsily inserted and underdeveloped. She came across more like a cardboard cutout with the “FMC’s BFF” label slapped on than a fully realized character.
As the book drew to a close, the last few chapters really built to a crescendo, with lots of twisted, thrilling elements. A few emotional moments landed especially well, helping me connect with Alissa more deeply.
Overall, following her arc was genuinely entertaining, and her slow hardening was well portrayed.
It all ends on a compelling, intriguing note that sets up the next book perfectly — and yes, I’m definitely reading the sequel when it comes out!
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.