Thorn (book review)// ft. brilliant characters + A GIVEAWAY!

Hey everyone!

I hope you are all doing fabulous! If you’ve been self-isolating you need to tell me your secrets because I am already bored. If you’re doing online school please give me your tips because motivation? i don’t know her. If you’re still free, enjoy your life and stay safe! i feel like such a teacher writing that 😂

 

Today’s post is a review of Thorn by Intisar Khanani as part of The Fantastic Flying Book Club’s blog tour! (they’re one of my fave blog tour companies; you should check them out!). FYI, Thorn’s preorder campaign has been extended to the end of the month and you could get some amazing stuff if you order Thorn or place a library request! More info can be found here. (what are you waiting for?!)

What you get if you order a copy!

Note: the creator of the floral image (in the background of my feature image) can be found here. All credit goes to them!

Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher (Hot Key Books) in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are my own and no one else’s. 

Thorn

by Intisar Khanani// A princess with two futures. A destiny all her own

Between her cruel family and the contempt she faces at court, Princess Alyrra has always longed to escape the confines of her royal life. But when she’s betrothed to the powerful prince Kestrin, Alyrra embarks on a journey to his land with little hope for a better future.

When a mysterious and terrifying sorceress robs Alyrra of both her identity and her role as princess, Alyrra seizes the opportunity to start a new life for herself as a goose girl.

But Alyrra soon finds that Kestrin is not what she expected. The more Alyrra learns of this new kingdom, the pain and suffering its people endure, as well as the danger facing Kestrin from the sorceress herself, the more she knows she can’t remain the goose girl forever.

With the fate of the kingdom at stake, Alyrra is caught between two worlds and ultimately must decide who she is, and what she stands for.

Published: March 24th 2020 by Hot Key Books

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (4.5 stars)

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Intisar Khanani grew up a nomad and world traveller. She has lived in five different states as well as in Jeddah on the coast of the Red Sea. Until recently, Intisar wrote grants and developed projects to address community health with the Cincinnati Health Department, which was as close as she could get to saving the world. Now she focuses her time on her two passions: raising her family and writing fantasy. She is the author of The Sunbolt Chronicles and Thorn (HarperTeen (US) / Hot Key (UK), 2020).

My thoughts

Reading Thorn made me really happy. I mean, it’s a Young Adult fantasy retelling by an Asian author – what’s not to love?! I’ve been struggling when it’s come to reading fantasies at the moment but as soon as I started this, I could tell that I would enjoy this book! Khanani’s writing completely sucked me in and kept me captivated throughout. It was descriptive without being too flowery and I could imagine Thorn’s world vividly!

Something I really loved in this book was how the idea of justice was explored! We were told there was a King’s law but also Thieves’ law that apostrophe is deffo in the wrong place which really intrigued me as I’m super into gangs and criminals (read: Kaz Brekker) the justice system ended up not being enough (despite trying) to punish crime which I felt reflects real life. 

The plot was pretty interesting! I really love how everything played out and the ending left me feeling completely satisfied and with a warm feeling! One of the best things about this book?! No instalove! Especially when and I’m trying to keep this as spoiler-free as possible two characters get pushed together and decide to handle life in a mature (non-instalove) way!

Thorn was really sweet and thoughtful and I instantly connected to her but I was so confused as to why she didn’t try some obvious things to warn the prince. The prince was pretty awesome; he and Thorn had quite a bit of chemistry and it was pretty interesting seeing their hate-love relationship develop!

Sage, Violet, Rowan, Ash and Oak were low-key the bEST. I loved how they welcomed Thorn into their family and the way they ended up becoming really close! I’ve always wanted an older brother who can just look out for me. Rowan and Ash were literally that to Thorn and Violet and I loved them so much for it!!

“I swear to protect you as if you were my sister.”

The Red Hawk was pretty cool and he gave me sERIOUS Kaz Brekker vibes. I loved that he was kind to Thorn but I’m still confused as to why SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER (the text is in white; highlight it if you want to know!) he asked for Thorn’s friendship. Did he know she was a princess?? Is this setting something up for the next book because I would love a princess/thief heist/adventure! (there needs to be a sequel!!)

Valka was such an irritating character but she didn’t have much screen time which I liked as I was much more interested in Thorn’s life as a goose girl and the friends she made! I feel as if the sorceress could have been crafted better – she’s supposed to be this powerful, magical being and she can barely do anything?! but maybe it’s just me…

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and reading this was a really fun experience! I loved the world-building and characters and would totally recommend this if you’re into fantasy. 4.5 stars!

Giveaway!

The Fantastic Flying Book Club is also hosting a giveaway that is INTERNATIONAL!

1st prize: A book of your choice from Book Depository

2nd prize: A THORN swag pack (stickers, bookmark and signed bookplate)

Click here to enter!

Do you like the sound of Thorn? What are some of your fave retellings? What’s your favourite fairytale? How’s the social distancing lifestyle treating you? Hope you’re all safe! Divulge your secrets…

Hugs and stay safe!

Kerys xx

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