Synopsis

But powerful men have powerful enemies–and now, so does Alyrra. Betrayed during a magical attack, her identity is switched with another woman’s, giving Alyrra the first choice she’s ever had: to start a new life for herself or fight for a prince she’s never met. But Alyrra soon finds that Prince Kestrin is not at all what she expected. While walking away will cost Kestrin his life, returning to the court may cost Alyrra her own. As Alyrra is coming to realize, sometime the hardest choice means learning to trust herself.
Thorn will be re-released by HarperTeen in Winter 2020.
Mini Audiobook Review
Between 4 and 4,5 stars
As I am so behind on reviews and audiobook don’t allow to take notes while listening to it (contrary to ebooks) I will go with a list of thoughts about that story.
- I was thinking that this story had a fairy tale like quality when I learned that it’s been inspired by the Goose Girl’s tale! I don’t know that tale and don’t know if the author took many liberties. And yes I want blind in this book after having seen some of my friend (Micky that’s you from https://atakefromtwocities.home.blog/ )
- The narrator in the book was an excellent choice as she had a very soothing voice, perfectly impersonating shy and rather silent Alyrra. The pace was rather on the slow side but not a snail’s pace and this narrator took the time to set the story, let us know get Alyrra intimately.
- This was certainly not a romance, even if there is some feelings by the end of the book but I was happy that the author chose to focus on Alyrra’s ordeal, her journey, her finally finding her voice instead of some romantic element.
- I was angry with Alyrra at some point in the story as I didn’t understand why she accepted her fate so easily. She even relished in it and didn’t try to reclaim her right of being a princess. But at the same time, I got why she was in no hurry to get back to a life of duty. A life she had no control over from her past experience. Then I came to appreciate the author’s choice to go for that path.
- I truly loved that family abuse was an underlying topic in what is basically a reinterpretation of a fairy tale. It also explained why Alyrra was so reluctant to be under a prince’s thumb again. She didn’t know him nor the king and had a traumatic past so why should she have trusted them?
- I also thought that the writing was influenced by what is maybe the author’s heritage (honestly that’s my personal guess here) as it felt like reading one of these Persian tales with the main purpose being in the journey the character had to go on to learn something. Be stronger or smarter or more independent. The ending was also nearly an open ending. I can’t pinpoint exactly why I felt that way but that’s how I experienced that story.
Listening to that slow/steady paced story felt soothing, compelling and magical. A unique tale that I recommend wholeheartedly if you are looking for something different from the fast paced and action-packed magical stories.
Have you read that book already?
Thanks for reading!
I’m so glad to hear that you liked it! 🙂 I purchased a copy — then heard some mixed reviews, and started to doubt my choice. As you have excellent taste in books … I’m now super excited to read it!
Great review! 🙂
I hope you’ll love it Em!
I’m pretty sure that’s now certain! I think the general trend is: if you like a book, I like a book! We both have amazing taste 😀
I love a fairytale-esque story and when it has the moral learning journey vibe so I think I would get along well with this book!
I think so too Olivia!
Great review! I’ve read this book and loved it!
Thank you!!!
Great review! I think any tale that has fairy tale touch to it often ends up being more than enjoyable! 😀
Thank you Lashaan! And I completely agree!
Love the sound of the fairy tale feel and I keep hearing how unique this is! Excellent review!
Thank you <3 <3 <3
Sounds pretty good! Glad you liked it Sophie!
Thank you Greg!
I’m not familiar with Goose Girl (so who knows how close this is to the original) but this sounds like an interesting story. Alyrra sounds like a character whose past has definitely shaped her and how she reacts.
Exactly Tanya. It was truly an enthralling journey.