Thorn

by Katie Rodante

Prue’s mother locked her away in a private realm to keep her safe from a vicious decades-long war happening on the mainland… at least that’s what she said. What if that was all a lie? With only her mother’s love to keep her company, Prue passed the years woodworking, gardening, and practicing archery in the privacy of her very own realm. Save for the few times her mother had returned bearing exotic foods and gifts, Prue had never met another person nor seen an animal, and books were her only companions. Until one day, a hunter and his canine companion found their way into Prue’s realm. All his life Kaleb had traveled through the forest near his village and never came upon a castle. Eager to explore a new place, he convinces a reluctant Prue to allow him entry to her castle. As the pair get to know each other, secrets are revealed, discrepancies are uncovered, and emotions reach levels the two have never experienced. This Rapunzel retelling takes place in the lush world of Avarthonia, where gods and goddesses roam their territories freely, dragons stalk the skies, and magic prevails.

Genres: Fairy Tales

221 pages, Paperback

Published March 25, 2023

About the author

Katie Rodante is a poet and writer obsessed with storytelling and creativity. Her books include Wreathbound, Autumn Reveries, Woodland Witch, and her upcoming novel Fangs and Frosting. When she isn’t writing, she can be found strumming her harp, practicing yoga, or playing games—video or tabletop, not the drama-between-characters kinds she writes in her books. She lives in sunny Dallas, Texas with her husband, two children, and a morkie named Hamphrey.

Reviews

[Sumbul Arsalan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was simple and easy to understand, which I liked. The writer did a good job, especially if you enjoy fairytales. But personally, I felt the story moved a bit slowly and was easy to predict. I really like fairytales, so I had high hopes for this book, but it was just okay. It's not a bad book, but I can't say it's amazing either. I think It's a nice and simple story suitable for preteens.

Connect with me Via:
Instagram
Facebook
BookTok

[kymagirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prue (h) has been locked away in a private realm by her mother, supposedly to protect her from a long-lasting war on the mainland. She spends her days alone, engaging in activities like woodworking, gardening, and archery, with books as her only companions. However, her solitary existence is interrupted when a hunter named Kaleb (H) and his dog, Pippa, stumble upon her realm and convince her to let them in. As Prue and Kaleb spend time together, secrets are revealed, discrepancies emerge, and their emotions reach new heights. A fun retelling of a classic fairy tale with unexpected and original twists in a fast-paced story that becomes increasingly gripping towards the end. Not the fault of the author that I failed to do my due diligence as reader to carefully read the blurb and examine the cover before reading this one and I have to say it's sweet and clean - which is not what I read 😈 and therefore this story isn't what I was looking for.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful Rapunzel retelling. This book has a strong, well-developed and an interesting story line with twists and unexpected turns that keep you reading and turning the pages. It pulled me in from beginning to end and held my attention. Amazing world building that is detailed and imaginative. I felt like I was right there watching, feeling, and experiencing the book...not just reading it. The atmosphere created and characters were so realistic. Strong, interesting, and fascinating characters that are well developed and diverse. I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this retelling genre. Many things happened in this story that were unexpected and original. Once I hit the mid-point, I flew through the last half. So many surprises and twists. In some books, the side characters aren't well fleshed out and as easily understood as the main characters, but in this story, they were clear in their motivations, desires and actions. Interesting rendition well worth my time.

[♡Rina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this - I loved the story, the world building, and I actually really enjoyed the length of the novel. There was plenty of story to enjoy, and I didn't feel like anything needed expanding or shortening. Highly recommended this.
My favourite part was all the motherly love in this - it was really heartwarming.

[River J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cool take on the classic fairy tale, with a likable cast of characters, good banter, and a fast paced story that really ramps up in the end. I didn't put this one down as I kept wanting to know what happened next. I would really love to hear more stories with these characters and their world.

[Melinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first Rapunzel retelling. Thorn follows Prue who has been isolated in a private realm with only her mother for company. This has been done to keep Prue safe from a decades long war. Prue's mother is sick and she seeks a way out of the realm to find medicine for her.

I enjoyed this retelling though I think it could benefit from a little expanding. There was interesting lore and world building. The characters were interesting and I enjoyed their banter. Ultimately it left me with questions. Example: Throughout the book Prue eats Rapunzel leaves and it seems to have some significance, but was never explained (or I completely missed the explanation.)

If you're looking for a short, clean, romance retelling this is a good one to try. Personally I would have enjoyed a little spice, but I couldn't resist the beautiful cover.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lorin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved reading this wonderful book! I loved the characters and the plot! I had a hard time putting this really wonderful book down! I absolutely loved this retelling of Rapunzel!

[Chasity Coquat · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful spin on Rapunzel's tale. The characters were well written and the emotions drag you deeper into the story.