Heart of Thorns is a daring, fun and hilarious new fantasy novel that I finished in less than a day. The plots follows the flight of ex-huntress Mia Rose and her reluctant, new husband Prince Quin following their interrupted nuptials. Mia's world has been turned upside down because she learns that she has magical powers - same as the demons she has hated and hunted all her life. The relationship between the two newlyweds is strained; but the banter was full of great sarcastic quips and the world was developed with lush scenery and language.
"You said you'd never manned a boat before."
"I said I'd never been on a river. In my royal bathtub hewn of gold, I steered small ships made of walnuts."
The origin of magic as a result of centuries of oppression and violence against women is an interesting concept. A very unique way to apply feminism to a fantasy novel. I am sure many women (myself included) wouldn't mind having unblooding powers some days. Who am I kidding? MOST Days.
The book is a 5 star fantasy for me if not for the dialogue Mia has with Zaga upon their initial meeting. Now, I understand that Mia needs to be able to use/open her heart (ergo the subtitle) to access magic but I hate the argument that ALL knowledge has blinded and twisted her. Sure Mia has been taught to think poorly of the Dujia but that the blame can equally be laid on the environment. Instead, Zaga spits Mia's years of studies (history, medicine, languages, etc.) back in her face, while also arguing that the greatness gift of an inquisitive mind is its ability to silence its own inquisitions. To which I wanted to say: why can't it be both? Why can't you use your mind and heart to create brilliant things? As a creative person with a background in math and economics, I found this chapter hard to get through. Furthermore, to think with your heart means to act brashly. I don't think Mia would have survived as long as she had if she was a purely emotional person.
In any case, it was a small pain point so nevertheless I persisted and I was not disappointed. The ending came on with a rush of adrenaline. Mia is forced to make a life-altering decision and this catapults us into book two. I won't say much more because I don't want to give away all the magic. But if you are looking for a fantasy book with a strong female cast that rises up against their male oppressors - this book for you. The only thing I will add is: I really hope that there is no love triangle in the following books. Familial and romantic love are veins in the plot but don't detract from the story. Soo... I will be immensely disappointed if the two sisters have to duke it out over a guy in the second book. (Small spoiler)
Happy Reading XX
