A review by katethepodtherapyartist
The Thorns Remain by J.J.A. Harwood

dark sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

I liked this book for what it was, but the summary on the back is somewhat deceiving. The last bit on the back says “Bewitching, threaded with Highland charm, and sparkling with romance, this fairy tale will carry you away.” Given that, I was expecting charm, romance, and a tale to “carry me away.” What I got was a story mostly revolving around
grief,
struggle to survive post WWI during the Spanish Flu,
and
manipulation
. I feel like I would have enjoyed it more if that’s generally what I knew I was getting into. I think the themes of
grief
are overall well done, though sometimes the language gets repetitive, and I loved having fae that are tricky and cunning. Just don’t expect much romance or charm. 
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