Thorn was provided to me thanks to
NetGalley for an honest review. I have a
ton of books on my TBR list and have been requesting only ones I really want to
read from them right now until I get somewhat caught up but this cover caught
my eye. It was so simple and beautiful
that I had to know more. The concept was
compelling and I wanted it. I want to
know more and I was NOT disappointed. Thorn came out May 30th and
is available for your reading pleasure.
The
story follows that of Princess Alyrra who has never been one to bask in the
power of her position because her family are cruel and she would rather spend
her time helping out in their small kingdom rather than playing political
intrigue. She is then betrothed to the
Prince of a powerful kingdom, an engagement that makes no sense to her and
leaves her without much hope for things to improve. During the journey to meet her husband to be
Alyrra is betrayed and during the magical attack her identity is swapped with
that of another. This would terrify most
but this attack gives Alyrra the first choice she’s ever had: start a new life
for herself or fight for her name/body and a Prince/Kingdom she’s never
met. Arriving at her destination in a
different position than she ever could have expected Alyrra finds that Prince
Kestrin is not what she pictures. Alyrra
but decide if standing up and fighting for her place, save Kestrin, is worth
her life.
Intriguing
right? The story moved along pretty
quickly for me and from the start I felt for Alyrra. Her family sucks frankly. I wanted to step into the book and beat some
sense into this crazy family. But it’s
not all bad she does have people she cares for and care for her and that helped
solidify my affection for the princess.
The betrothal is a chance at the unknown and not really a choice. Getting to know the different characters
through Alyrra’s prospective was great.
Seeing how people reacted to her as a Princess and then as someone much
lower and how status really does change attitudes.
The
cast of characters grows with both enemies and friends making a diverse
cast. Even the villain of the story had
depth and dimension to her. The way that
magic fills the story but still has a completely normal and un-magical aspect
as well. It’s fantastical but also
enough is given to make it believable.
Even the most unbelievable, the talking horse! One of my favorite things in the story was
that it made sense and actions had consequences. Like you get hurt one day the next you are
sore/hurt and it effects things you do.
Sometimes I find in books someone is injured or something happens and
then next it’s like it never happened and coming from someone who has injured
themselves on a regular basis it hurts and it colors my
work/attitude/everything. Also as she
becomes a goose girl and has to tend to those evil demon spawn I was immediately
in fear of her life, but that may just be me being deathly afraid of chicken,
geese, and other feathered creatures.
Just saying that would have made my decision in her spot instantly!
The
way that Alyrra adapts to a completely different life and circumstance and makes
the best of it just makes you love her all the more. The people she befriends, the deals she
makes, and choices she makes just left me wanting to follow along. I was able to see much of myself in her and
she is someone you can respect. It also touches on the divide between the royal
and rich and those of much lesser means and what that means for them. Seeing Alyrra have a firsthand experience
from princess to goose girl is pretty drastic for sure. She handled it, just like the poor have to
handle things for themselves.
Everything
in the story just flowed and made sense. Including the
conclusion, which I won’t spoil, but I liked how it wrapped up. There is a good twist there and the
refreshing ending. Since reading it I
have discovered it is a retelling of a fairy tale “Goose Girl” which I had
never heard of before but now might check out.
I really enjoyed Thorn by
Intisar Khanani and rate it 5 Stars. It
is already out so if this sounds up your alley, the good book alley, then give
it a read. Until next time…read on!
Rating: 5
Stars
Great review! This sounds like a really good read, so I'm adding it to my post yallfest tbr. I think going from everything to nothing would be quite the challenge and I am curious to know how it all plays out :)
ReplyDeleteIt was good Bo and I hope you like it as well. OMG so many books to read and never enough time right :)
DeleteThe cover art is lovely. The cloak was the perfect foil. I howled (you know I speak the truth) with laughter as I read the bit about the demon spawn. I might have to pick this one up.
ReplyDeleteIt is lovely isn't it :) And yes laugh and howl at me all you like girl I named them aptly. Let me know what you think when you check it out, I'd love to discuss it with you.
DeleteThanks so much for this wonderful review of Thorn -- I'm so glad you enjoyed it so much! And too funny about the 'demon spawn.' I considered making them truly mean-tempered, aggressive fowl, and then I figured Thorn needed to catch a break somewhere. So I let her off with just a couple bruises, and figured hopefully they'd learned to cooperate a bit given they were herded about daily. And I completely hear you on the actions (and injuries) having consequences. That's definitely one of my pet peeves as a reader. :) Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteTotal fangirl moment here. I adored this book! As for the demon spawn I was chased by geese as a small child and then in my later years (yes an adult in college) I was attacked by my parents rooster and chickens whom I was leery of and avoided at all cost.
DeleteI was happy to get the chance to read this. I look forward to checking out your other titles in the future.