Thorn by Intisar Khanani

Thorn (Dauntless Path, #1)

by Intisar Khanani

Princess Alyrra has never enjoyed the security or power of her rank. Between her family's cruelty and the court's contempt, she has spent her life in the shadows. Forced to marry a powerful foreign prince, Alyrra embarks on a journey to meet her betrothed with little hope for a better future. 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 realise, sometimes the hardest choice means learning to trust herself.

Inspired by The Goose Girl fairytale by the Brothers Grimm.

Reviewed by layawaydragon on

5 of 5 stars

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I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Today, find out all about Thorn by Intisar Khanani with a review, excerpt, quotes, and a promotion for goodies when you order it by March 31st, 2020!

About Thorn:



Excerpt from Thorn:



IMHO: Thorn


Content Warning: Abusive family, rape threats, violent attacks, death, injustice,

Thorn is a gem, and in expected ways. I wasn't expecting a talking horse, or such a deft depiction of abuse and grief, but they're my favorite aspects.

  • LOVE Alyrra

  • Writing is to die for

  • Instantly won over & immersed

  • Found family & sister squad!!

  • Nuanced about abusive men, families, and the cycle of abuse,

  • Subtle, building romance that's adorable

  • This princess isn't spoiled and is totally believable as a goose girl

  • Actual learning and acclimation time for a new immigrant in a foreign country

  • Badass witch foe that doesn't get brought down in a typical or stupid way

  • Price & King are clever and grow on you

  • Bad things happen, people die, but it's not all dreary

  • Love the gradual building and reveals, so many were unexpected

  • The ending is so, so good ya'll. It's satisfyingly clear and hopeful. 


 



Thorn is a no-brainer for fans of fantasy and re-tellings. Best if you're looking for a slower, more thoughtful and insightful tale of survivors and justice.

Favorite Quotes from Thorn:


Still, this I will fight for: a future free of fear and a life I wish to live, away from the court.

 
My brother called a fool by a talking horse, and I the hope for humanity?

 
I know Falada will be well cared for, that my trunks will not be lost, that the only thing, truly, that may be lost is the prince, and of him I will not think

 
Deep inside, I hear Ash ask, Who pushed you? It is a question I have waited half a lifetime to hear. I am amazed the sun does not shine.

 
It is a normality that grieves me at unexpected moments, but there is no fighting it.

 
"Thieves' justice or king's justice, so long as it's a known law, I don't care."

About the Author:



Promotion:


On March 24th, Thorn will be releasing from Hot Key (UK) and HarperTeen (US/CA)! To celebrate, the author Intisar Khanani is offering some amazing Thorn goodies to everyone who …

  • pre-orders/orders a copy of Thorn before March 31st at 23.59.

  • OR requests it from their library (library hold / suggested purchase) before March 31st at 23.59.


Here’s what’s up for grabs:


Physical goodies (US/UK): 



  • A Thorn Bookmark

  • A set of Chibi Stickers featuring Thorn characters

  • A Signed Bookplate


PLUS Digital goodies (worldwide):

  • A PDF of Brambles – a Thorn prequel short story so you can jump into Alyrra’s world now!

  • A PDF of The (Annotated) Goose Girl – the original fairytale with annotations from yours truly in the margin

  • A coloring page of three Thorn-themed bookmarks


All you need to do to enter is send a proof of purchase (or screenshot of your library hold), your name and address to khananipreorder@gmail.com. T&Cs apply!

UK entrants: Hot Key Books rocks and can mail you physical goodies as well as the digital. Check it out here: http://hotkeybooks.com/thorn-pre-order/

Non-US/UK entrants: I really, really wanted to offer you the physical goodies, but postage is a bear. If you would like to cover the cost of an international stamp ($1.20), I can absolutely mail you the goodies as well. E-mail in your proof/screenshot for your digital goodies, and I’ll link you up so you can do that.

Original link: http://booksbyintisar.com/thorn-pre-order/

The universal book link for purchasing Thorn is: www.books2read.com/thorn

 

Giveaway for Thorn:


1st Prize: Win a book of your choice from Bookdepository (INT*)
2nd Prize: Win a THORN swag pack (stickers, bookmark, and a signed bookplate) [INT]

Starts: 24th March 2020
Ends: 7th April 2020
a Rafflecopter giveaway


T&Cs:
- Bookdepository: Open INTERNATIONALLY, *where Bookdepository ships to (https://www.bookdepository.com/help/topic/HelpId/3/Which-countries-do-you-deliver-to#helpContent).
- Swag bundle: Open INTERNATIONALLY.

Tour Schedule:


This review was originally posted on The Layaway Dragon

Last modified on

Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 1 March, 2020: Finished reading
  • 1 March, 2020: Reviewed