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burnerkindle 's review for:
Thorn Season
by Kiera Azar
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I am completely and utterly obsessed. What a stunning debut novel.
Thorn Season captures everything I want in a book: richly described characters with tense emotional dynamics, excellent political intrigue and court drama, and of course, magic. I stayed up until 3 in the morning (which I never do). I just could not put this down.
Setting, World Building, & Plot
The world building is straightforward, maybe even a bit generic, but it's the author's vivid imagery and clever way with words that transported me into the story.
The plot twists and betrayals scattered throughout kept me reading and added genuine tension between characters. By the end, I was a nervous wreck waiting for all the shoes to drop.
My main gripe is that the early chapters are very info-dumpy. It made the story much more interesting, but this is definitely not a "brain off" book!
Characters
Our FMC Alissa is the FMC I've been waiting for -- witty, competent, and self-aware. Alissa knows she is spared from the Hunters because of her family and position at court. It's that understanding and sense of indebtedness that pushes her to sacrifice herself again and again to protect those she loves. Having this perspective on Alissa makes her reckless moments more understandable and believable as a reader. I felt myself rooting for her!
All the side characters have their own distinct personalities and hidden agendas at court. The relationships between some of them made my heart ache in the best way. By far, my favorite side character is Alissa's lovable best friend Tari. She brings levity to tense moments in the book and is Alissa's number 1 supporter.
Thorn Season captures everything I want in a book: richly described characters with tense emotional dynamics, excellent political intrigue and court drama, and of course, magic. I stayed up until 3 in the morning (which I never do). I just could not put this down.
Setting, World Building, & Plot
The world building is straightforward, maybe even a bit generic, but it's the author's vivid imagery and clever way with words that transported me into the story.
The plot twists and betrayals scattered throughout kept me reading and added genuine tension between characters. By the end, I was a nervous wreck waiting for all the shoes to drop.
My main gripe is that the early chapters are very info-dumpy. It made the story much more interesting, but this is definitely not a "brain off" book!
Characters
Our FMC Alissa is the FMC I've been waiting for -- witty, competent, and self-aware. Alissa knows she is spared from the Hunters because of her family and position at court. It's that understanding and sense of indebtedness that pushes her to sacrifice herself again and again to protect those she loves. Having this perspective on Alissa makes her reckless moments more understandable and believable as a reader. I felt myself rooting for her!
All the side characters have their own distinct personalities and hidden agendas at court. The relationships between some of them made my heart ache in the best way. By far, my favorite side character is Alissa's lovable best friend Tari. She brings levity to tense moments in the book and is Alissa's number 1 supporter.
"I don't agree with the path you're choosing...But I'll walk beside you, every step. Even if that means watching you tie yourself to a ship on fire."
I mean 😭❤️ If she's not in the next book, I'll riot.
Romance
The romance definitely took a backseat in this book and it has no spice, but gosh, does the author know how to write tension and banter. I'm not a "smiling and kicking my feet" kind of girl, but Alissa had even me in a chokehold with her clever quips with all the male love interests.
I can't say much more without spoiling, but this book is probably one of my all-time favorite examples of great banter. Also, a love square??? I can't wait to see where this goes.
Overall
I highly, highly recommend this book. I still can't believe this is a debut novel. Pick this up if you want an addictive and unputdownable read that'll keep you guessing from the very first chapter!
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books | Storytide for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.