Girl, Serpent, Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust

Girl, Serpent, Thorn

by Melissa Bashardoust

SOMETIMES THE PRINCESS IS THE MONSTER

From the author of Girls Made of Snow and Glass, this captivating and utterly original Persian-inspired fairy tale about a girl cursed to be poisonous to the touch is perfect for fans of Natasha Ngan and Naomi Novik.

'Monstrously beautiful and enchanting' Tasha Suri, author of Empire of Sand

There was and there was not, as all stories begin, a princess cursed to be poisonous to the touch. But for Soraya, who has lived her life hidden away from everyone, apart from her family, safe only in her gardens, it's not just a story.

As the day of her twin brother's wedding approaches, Soraya must decide if she's willing to step outside of the shadows for the first time. Below in the dungeon is a demon who holds knowledge that she craves, the answer to her freedom. And above is a young man who isn't afraid of her, whose eyes linger not with fear, but with an understanding of who she is beneath the poison.

Soraya thought she knew her place in the world, but when her choices lead to consequences she never imagined, she begins to question who she is and who she is becoming . . . human or demon. Princess or monster.

Reviewed by Brittany on

3 of 5 stars

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I enjoyed this book and the different references to fairytales and myths and the whole mystery of it all, but I felt like it was too much for one book.

SO much is constantly going on in such a detailed intertwined story that it was overwhelming to have all in one novel. I felt like character building and connection was lost due to the fact that the plot had to keep progressing quickly so there wasn’t enough time for character relationships to actually grow to their full potential.

I absolutely loved the fact that all of the characters were kind of dark and twisty which is why I wish I felt more of a connection to them all.

Even though I felt lacking in the character part the story itself was really interesting, after about 30% through the book I was hooked.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 19 July, 2020: Finished reading
  • 19 July, 2020: Reviewed