When I first heard that Thorn was a retelling of The Goose Girl I was so intrigued; it appealed to the fairytale-lover in me and offered a fresh take on one of the more lesser-known traditional tales out there.
Khanani's writing style was one of the biggest winners of Thorn for me - to be able to craft a character so tentatively whilst at the same time building a decadent, lively kingdom which leaps off the page really had me hooked.
Alyrra's character was gradually unravelled and revealed through clever structuring and layers upon layers of plot and action. The episodes where Alyrra discusses her turbulent relationships with her mother and brother show her vulnerabilities and that allowed me to develop an empathy and connection with her. As the plot unfolds, so too does Alyrra's confidence and strength creating for a thrilling character arcs she really comes into her own towards the end of the novel.
Add to that a talking horse who definitely raises the side-kick game and a complex plot dealing with all manner of politics, justice and slavery, Thorn offered both a magical tale balanced with a compelling and thought-provoking storyline.
I really liked the detail and depth in which Khanani expanded and retold the original tale, although at times I felt the pace was a little slow for me which is why I think it took me so long to get through it.
If you're looking to broaden your fairytale retelling horizons or you're wanting something with an atmospheric setting, captivating main character and poignant plot then Thorn may be the one to add to your TBR!
Khanani's writing style was one of the biggest winners of Thorn for me - to be able to craft a character so tentatively whilst at the same time building a decadent, lively kingdom which leaps off the page really had me hooked.
Alyrra's character was gradually unravelled and revealed through clever structuring and layers upon layers of plot and action. The episodes where Alyrra discusses her turbulent relationships with her mother and brother show her vulnerabilities and that allowed me to develop an empathy and connection with her. As the plot unfolds, so too does Alyrra's confidence and strength creating for a thrilling character arcs she really comes into her own towards the end of the novel.
Add to that a talking horse who definitely raises the side-kick game and a complex plot dealing with all manner of politics, justice and slavery, Thorn offered both a magical tale balanced with a compelling and thought-provoking storyline.
I really liked the detail and depth in which Khanani expanded and retold the original tale, although at times I felt the pace was a little slow for me which is why I think it took me so long to get through it.
If you're looking to broaden your fairytale retelling horizons or you're wanting something with an atmospheric setting, captivating main character and poignant plot then Thorn may be the one to add to your TBR!