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thebookphile 's review for:
Thorn
by Intisar Khanani
4.5
Oh. my. god.
This was so much better that I anticipated. Khanani weaves a magical fairy-tale full of curses, stolen identities, and cruel nobility. I was blown away by the intricate plot and the beautiful story.
Alyrra is a princess who finally gets a chance to escape her abusive family. But on her way to salvation, she is betrayed by her lady companion, and switches bodies with her. For awhile Alyrra is happy to be able to escape her fate, but she cannot outrun her destiny. It takes great loss and tragedy to finally let go of her fear and stand up for what she really believes in. I really, really, liked Alyrra. Though I did begin to get annoyed with her self-pity after awhile. I just wanted her to seize the day, instead of being so passive and happy cleaning horse and goose shit all day. But she's so kind, so smart, so likable that I couldn't help but see that this was just balm on her soul after years of abuse.
Our noble prince is certainly a flawed, but a lovable character. I really enjoyed the fact that their relationship was build slowly, on tentative trust, and loyalty. Both wanted to save the other because they saw the potential in them. I really liked the Kestrin kept reaching out to her, but at the same time gave her space to decide for herself and allowed her to make her own choices. The romance though was very underplayed and not the focus of the story, which I was extremely happy with.
I really liked all the supporting characters as well. Violet and Laurel, and the boys. Of course I cannot forget Falada. I loved all of them without question.
One thing I wished was better was the explanation and backstory for some things. At times it came too late and for awhile I'd be confused about things. Something were not explained at all. I would have liked to know more about the magic in this world and how some people get to know it. How does their city survive without justice when murders can basically get away with shit and guards only work for bribes?
Either way, I think this is fantastic story and I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves fantasy.
Oh. my. god.
This was so much better that I anticipated. Khanani weaves a magical fairy-tale full of curses, stolen identities, and cruel nobility. I was blown away by the intricate plot and the beautiful story.
Alyrra is a princess who finally gets a chance to escape her abusive family. But on her way to salvation, she is betrayed by her lady companion, and switches bodies with her. For awhile Alyrra is happy to be able to escape her fate, but she cannot outrun her destiny. It takes great loss and tragedy to finally let go of her fear and stand up for what she really believes in. I really, really, liked Alyrra. Though I did begin to get annoyed with her self-pity after awhile. I just wanted her to seize the day, instead of being so passive and happy cleaning horse and goose shit all day. But she's so kind, so smart, so likable that I couldn't help but see that this was just balm on her soul after years of abuse.
Our noble prince is certainly a flawed, but a lovable character. I really enjoyed the fact that their relationship was build slowly, on tentative trust, and loyalty. Both wanted to save the other because they saw the potential in them. I really liked the Kestrin kept reaching out to her, but at the same time gave her space to decide for herself and allowed her to make her own choices. The romance though was very underplayed and not the focus of the story, which I was extremely happy with.
I really liked all the supporting characters as well. Violet and Laurel, and the boys. Of course I cannot forget Falada. I loved all of them without question.
One thing I wished was better was the explanation and backstory for some things. At times it came too late and for awhile I'd be confused about things. Something were not explained at all. I would have liked to know more about the magic in this world and how some people get to know it. How does their city survive without justice when murders can basically get away with shit and guards only work for bribes?
Either way, I think this is fantastic story and I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves fantasy.