4 Stars: A Great Read
Series: Fire and Thorns #1
Hardback: 424 Pages
Publication: September 20, 2011 by Harper Teen
Once a century, one person is chosen for greatness.
Elisa is the chosen one.
But she is also the younger of two princesses, the one who has never done anything remarkable. She can’t see how she ever will.
Now, on her sixteenth birthday, she has become the secret wife of a handsome and worldly king—a king whose country is in turmoil. A king who needs the chosen one, not a failure of a princess.
And he’s not the only one who needs her. Savage enemies seething with dark magic are hunting her. A daring, determined revolutionary thinks she could be his people’s savior. And he looks at her in a way that no man has ever looked at her before. Soon it is not just her life, but her very heart that is at stake.
Elisa could be everything to those who need her most. If the prophecy is fulfilled. If she finds the power deep within herself. If she doesn’t die young.
Most of the chosen do.
Elisa is a very real and believable heroine. Having been sheltered her entire life, Elisa is unable to live up to the people’s expectations for the one blessed with the godstone, and she turns to food for comfort. The beginning drags a little, and it seems as though a dreary marriage life is all that Elisa can expect. Once the revolutionaries come in, however, Elisa must face the brutal realities of the world outside the castle walls.
Kidnapped, Elisa must learn how to survive on her own. Her transformation is miraculous, both physically and emotionally. She learns what it means to be truly loved, she learns what it means to love in return, and she realizes what it means to be a queen. Elisa is a wonderful heroine, possessing a great strength of heart. While the ending is not ideal, it is a peaceful conclusion, one that needed to happen. As The Girl of Fire and Thorns is but the first book in a trilogy, I hope for the best for Elisa.
The Girl of Fire and Thorns about a heroine growing out of her insecurities and awkwardness into becoming someone worthy of holding the title of Queen. It is about a girl who learns about the significance bearing the godstone, the fate of her people, and the immense duties that come with her position in life. I really enjoyed reading this book and will be looking forward to the next two books in the Fire and Thorns trilogy!
Add/Buy
An ARC was provided by the publisher for review purposes
Author: Crystal
A story girl at heart, Crystal is a bibliophile who can easily spend the day immersed in a good read. She writes under the name Kristy Wang. You can follow her writing adventures on X and Instagram @_kristywang.
LeeLou says
This is a book I am really looking forward to reading. Thank you for this review. Knowing it was 4/5 stars makes me bump it up on my to-read list!
Christina Kit. says
Elisa is awesome!
I also loved the world Carson created, from the deserts to her homeland – and it was so sad when you-know-who died. But Elisa grew up so much, she became such a great leader!
Canada says
The Girl of Fire and Thorns is a great read, complete with romance, suspense, and plenty of mystery – thank goodness this is projected trilogy! Highly recommended, though it wasn't original enough with its Godstones and Spanish Catholic trimmings; not quite a standout read amid a sea of strong female fiction (like Fire, Graceling, or Tamora Pierce's books) though it was certainly a wonderful ride. I'm an avid reader, and have had absolutely no complaints about this book – great writing, great plot, and AWESOME protagonist development and growth. I loved to watch Elisa grow as a person, and I hope you will too.
Jolene and Family says
Hmmm, this sounds really good! Great review, I need to add this to my asap list 🙂
Novels On The Run says
I have this in netgalley. I've been wanting to read , but time..so hopefully soon.
Great review!
Michelle
Giselle says
I just got this one in the mail yesterday and I'm really excited to get to it. Great review! It sounds so awesome.
Giselle
Xpresso Reads