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A Thorn Among Roses: A Sapphic Beauty & the Beast Novella
At seventeen, Alana single-handedly defeated the biggest army that Thornwood had ever seen. By sunrise the very next day, she'd been shunned by her own people, forced to become a recluse and reside in the castle where she was supposed to rule over them. Now, with both her parents gone, she suffers alone, bearing a curse bestowed upon her by the village witch, making her resentful heart as twisted as a vine.
But when she finds trespassers on her land, she seizes an opportunity to break the curse from a travelling sorceress. Alana was never looking for company, and she has little faith that the sorceress can change her fate, but years of loneliness have left her craving connection, and unfamiliar emotions begin to surface in the presence of her new companion.
But love isn't the only thing on her mind. The kingdom is plagued with whispers of dark forces creeping their way across Thornwood's borders. Jaded by her past, can Alana save her kingdom from evil once more...or will she become the monster her people believe her to be?
A sapphic retelling of Beauty & the Beast which explores body image, self acceptance and the magic of love.
But when she finds trespassers on her land, she seizes an opportunity to break the curse from a travelling sorceress. Alana was never looking for company, and she has little faith that the sorceress can change her fate, but years of loneliness have left her craving connection, and unfamiliar emotions begin to surface in the presence of her new companion.
But love isn't the only thing on her mind. The kingdom is plagued with whispers of dark forces creeping their way across Thornwood's borders. Jaded by her past, can Alana save her kingdom from evil once more...or will she become the monster her people believe her to be?
A sapphic retelling of Beauty & the Beast which explores body image, self acceptance and the magic of love.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2023
78 people are currently reading
786 people want to read
About the author
Hayley Anderton
35 books145 followersHayley Anderton is an author, reader, baker and crazy cat lady, born and raised in the North West of England. She strives for diversity in her writing, and believes that books can change the world. She graduated from John Moores University in 2017, and is now searching for her next adventure.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
August 5, 2023
I knew as soon as this book was announced that I would love it, as an avid lover of both sapphic retellings and Hayley’s other books. It 100% delivered everything I hoped for and more. Once again, I’m in awe of Hayley’s ability to write so diversely, from horror to dystopian, contemporary to this: a stunning, dark, thorny fairytale of monsters, witches, castles, and learning to love oneself despite the imperfections and outward judgement.
A Thorn Among Roses packs so much magic and heart into less than two hundred pages. Though Alana’s story is one of cruelty and isolation, a message of hope and love bleeds through the pages by the end of the book, and it left me feeling soft and rosy. Fiora’s love and patience as Alana wrestles with her own self-loathing is so uplifting, offering a gentle, wholesome romance that made me feel a little bit healed by the end of the book.
If you’re looking for a uniquely striking and queer spin on Beauty & the Beast, you must pick this one up.
A Thorn Among Roses packs so much magic and heart into less than two hundred pages. Though Alana’s story is one of cruelty and isolation, a message of hope and love bleeds through the pages by the end of the book, and it left me feeling soft and rosy. Fiora’s love and patience as Alana wrestles with her own self-loathing is so uplifting, offering a gentle, wholesome romance that made me feel a little bit healed by the end of the book.
If you’re looking for a uniquely striking and queer spin on Beauty & the Beast, you must pick this one up.
November 3, 2023
another super fun and easy to read book from this author that I adored. I mean a classic story retelling but let’s make it gay full of female rage? sign me up.
I thought this was super easy to read, it had interesting fantasy elements that were fun, the pace was hella fast so it kept my interest going and I loved the main characters. the found family was sweet and the relationship was very very cute, overall definitely something you should read if you want easy and fun!!
my only *slight* issue is with how short the authors books are, if is hard to get depth sometimes, but I’m after fun so who cares
I thought this was super easy to read, it had interesting fantasy elements that were fun, the pace was hella fast so it kept my interest going and I loved the main characters. the found family was sweet and the relationship was very very cute, overall definitely something you should read if you want easy and fun!!
my only *slight* issue is with how short the authors books are, if is hard to get depth sometimes, but I’m after fun so who cares
July 2, 2023
*swoon*
Hayley's take on this classic fairytale is imaginative and wholesome, with many poignant lines on grief, loneliness, love, and pain from the POV of Alana, our "beast".
If you enjoy quick reads and fairytale reimaginings with LGBTQ+, mental health and body image representation, you should add this to your TBR!
Hayley's take on this classic fairytale is imaginative and wholesome, with many poignant lines on grief, loneliness, love, and pain from the POV of Alana, our "beast".
If you enjoy quick reads and fairytale reimaginings with LGBTQ+, mental health and body image representation, you should add this to your TBR!
October 21, 2023
Honestly I’m surprised this book isn’t popular with the sapphic community
The writing is great and the romance between our MC is amazing and heart warming 🥺
There’s a few things that bugged me but I highly recommend it
The writing is great and the romance between our MC is amazing and heart warming 🥺
There’s a few things that bugged me but I highly recommend it
November 28, 2025
⋆˙⟡ 2.5 stars rounded up ⋆˙⟡
I'm always down for a sapphic retelling, and Beauty and the Beast is one of my favourite fairytales - so this book seemed like it'd be an easy 5 stars. And while there's a lot to like about this book, unfortunately it missed the mark in some areas that brought the rating down for me.
⋆˙⟡ What I liked:
~ The retelling being told from the beast's perspective. I thought that was such an interesting way of viewing an age-old story. Rather than seeing the Beast through the eyes of the curse breaker, we get to see the world through the eyes of someone who was cursed and shunned, and became bitter because of it.
~ The ending. I won't go into spoilers, but I'm glad Alana made the choice she did after being tormented for so long.
~ Female rage and self acceptance: those aspects were two of the best written parts of this novella, and Alana definitely deserved her arc.
~ Bolt. (Sweetest boy, animal companions are *always* a highlight.)
⋆˙⟡ What was just okay:
~ The magic system was interesting but underdeveloped. We learn that some witches make potions, some excel at elemental magic, etc. And of course, some do dark magic, which is taboo. There's also different Goddesses. But we never go deeper than that, and I think the story, as well as the magical characters, could have benefited from that.
~ The pacing. This was a novella, so it's an understandably short and easy read, but it felt like things happened a little too suddenly or conveniently during certain scenes.
⋆˙⟡ What didn't work for me:
~ The romance. Listen, I ALWAYS root for the sapphics, and romance is usually one of my favourite aspects of a novel. But the relationship between Alana and Fiora felt very superficial. Alana was bitter and closed off, Fiora was kind and patient. Fiora makes Alana feel cared for. And that's it? There weren't any layers to their relationship beyond that and as a result it was hard to get invested in them as a couple. The closest we got was them talking about their love for books and Alana laughing with her for the first time, but that's the only memorable scene between them. Fiora never holds Alana accountable for her attitude either, and it could have helped her feel more fleshed out if she had. Her only flaw was that she couldn't make good potions. As a result, she felt very one note.
~ The narration. I didn't dislike Alana as a character or her POV, but the book suffered from a lot of telling, not showing. She would often TELL readers she felt angry, rather than the author showing us her anger. I think that's where the book suffered the most, imo.
All in all, it was a decent read with some nice elements, but I don't personally see it having a lasting impression or being one that I'd re-read.
I'm always down for a sapphic retelling, and Beauty and the Beast is one of my favourite fairytales - so this book seemed like it'd be an easy 5 stars. And while there's a lot to like about this book, unfortunately it missed the mark in some areas that brought the rating down for me.
⋆˙⟡ What I liked:
~ The retelling being told from the beast's perspective. I thought that was such an interesting way of viewing an age-old story. Rather than seeing the Beast through the eyes of the curse breaker, we get to see the world through the eyes of someone who was cursed and shunned, and became bitter because of it.
~ The ending. I won't go into spoilers, but I'm glad Alana made the choice she did after being tormented for so long.
~ Female rage and self acceptance: those aspects were two of the best written parts of this novella, and Alana definitely deserved her arc.
~ Bolt. (Sweetest boy, animal companions are *always* a highlight.)
⋆˙⟡ What was just okay:
~ The magic system was interesting but underdeveloped. We learn that some witches make potions, some excel at elemental magic, etc. And of course, some do dark magic, which is taboo. There's also different Goddesses. But we never go deeper than that, and I think the story, as well as the magical characters, could have benefited from that.
~ The pacing. This was a novella, so it's an understandably short and easy read, but it felt like things happened a little too suddenly or conveniently during certain scenes.
⋆˙⟡ What didn't work for me:
~ The romance. Listen, I ALWAYS root for the sapphics, and romance is usually one of my favourite aspects of a novel. But the relationship between Alana and Fiora felt very superficial. Alana was bitter and closed off, Fiora was kind and patient. Fiora makes Alana feel cared for. And that's it? There weren't any layers to their relationship beyond that and as a result it was hard to get invested in them as a couple. The closest we got was them talking about their love for books and Alana laughing with her for the first time, but that's the only memorable scene between them. Fiora never holds Alana accountable for her attitude either, and it could have helped her feel more fleshed out if she had. Her only flaw was that she couldn't make good potions. As a result, she felt very one note.
~ The narration. I didn't dislike Alana as a character or her POV, but the book suffered from a lot of telling, not showing. She would often TELL readers she felt angry, rather than the author showing us her anger. I think that's where the book suffered the most, imo.
All in all, it was a decent read with some nice elements, but I don't personally see it having a lasting impression or being one that I'd re-read.
July 19, 2023
Such a beautiful retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast (gonna refer to it as BATB throughout the review).
To read this through Alanas point of view, and not the typical experience with BATB is refreshing. You get to see the thoughts and feelings behind ‘the beast’s actions and choice of words. A beast who is not selfish and arrogant, but too good for it’s kingdom. Even when let down by her entire kingdom, she does not let them down.
The switch-up with the feministic vibe is also so lovely to read. At the front-lines of the fighting, there were women, not men, who battled and won. Some modernness mixed in with the scenery set back in ‘older ages’.
I really liked this book. It’s a great option to read when you’re looking for something short and fairytale-like. It made me feel like I was reading a modern Disney fairytale.
To read this through Alanas point of view, and not the typical experience with BATB is refreshing. You get to see the thoughts and feelings behind ‘the beast’s actions and choice of words. A beast who is not selfish and arrogant, but too good for it’s kingdom. Even when let down by her entire kingdom, she does not let them down.
The switch-up with the feministic vibe is also so lovely to read. At the front-lines of the fighting, there were women, not men, who battled and won. Some modernness mixed in with the scenery set back in ‘older ages’.
I really liked this book. It’s a great option to read when you’re looking for something short and fairytale-like. It made me feel like I was reading a modern Disney fairytale.
March 11, 2024
I struggled to get into the story and halfway through began skimming to get to the end. The story has a lot of potential and I believe it is a creative take on the classic beauty and the beast but I wish the author did more showing than telling. I appreciate that the story was from “the beast” Alana’s POV. It was good to see the growth in her self image throughout the story. I also liked how there wasn’t a ton of drama with “Gaston”.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2024
I didn't care for this one. The protagonist was unlikable, the lore was strange. The protagonist kept blaming her situation on a witch and completely ignoring that she was specifically warned about the cost and accepted it without asking any questions.
There was a weird part about womanhood as pain that made me deeply uncomfortable.
There was a weird part about womanhood as pain that made me deeply uncomfortable.
July 2, 2023
I absolutely loved this. The action takes place from the first page. However among the fighting, the spiders, the naughty witches.... there is so much emotion. I loved Alana. She was tough but she was soft. She'd be the type of person who would be difficult to understand if you met her, but how can you understand someone who doesn't understand themselves? I loved that this was explored and I love that Fiora was so gentle with her. Persistent but respectful.
Don't get me wrong, I loved all the fantasy elements but the self acceptance was my favourite thing in this book! It felt very relatable and inspiring.
It's a fairly quick tale and would be perfect for long time fantasy lovers or people who want to get into the genre. It's easy to follow and understand, giving you all the elements of the fantasy world but not being too intense / complex!
I love the dark vibes of the castle too. Stormy, rainy night in the library with a book and hot chocolate. Maybe a little hello from your pet wolf. Oh yes.
Don't get me wrong, I loved all the fantasy elements but the self acceptance was my favourite thing in this book! It felt very relatable and inspiring.
It's a fairly quick tale and would be perfect for long time fantasy lovers or people who want to get into the genre. It's easy to follow and understand, giving you all the elements of the fantasy world but not being too intense / complex!
I love the dark vibes of the castle too. Stormy, rainy night in the library with a book and hot chocolate. Maybe a little hello from your pet wolf. Oh yes.
July 22, 2023
"I may have wrapped myself in thorns, but she seems intent on untangling me from them"
This is such a beautiful YA retelling of Beauty and the Beast. It's refreshing, it's a new idea... And it is so beautiful in the way it blends dark elements of fantasy and mental health with romance and the feelings of finding new love.
I adored this book so much!
This is such a beautiful YA retelling of Beauty and the Beast. It's refreshing, it's a new idea... And it is so beautiful in the way it blends dark elements of fantasy and mental health with romance and the feelings of finding new love.
I adored this book so much!
July 1, 2023
I really tried to get into this but it just wasn’t for me I don’t think. I honestly don’t know what it was. It’s not badly wrote, for that reason, I don’t feel comfortable giving it 1/2 ⭐️’s because it wasn’t something I could get into.
August 31, 2023
4.5/5 stars | This is my fave from Hayley Anderton yet!
This is such a wonderful sapphic beauty and the beast retelling. The story begins with Alana & her family being in the thick of a brutal war, where she ends up making a life changing deal to save her kingdom. We jump into the action RIGHT away, and it was so riveting and high stakes. Afterward, Alana’s life is immeasurably changed and she has to learn to accept not only her new circumstances, but the changes to herself.
The romance in this one was so sweet and heartwarming. This story is ultimately about so much more than love, it’s about body image and acceptance and the ability to stand up for yourself, but this romance weaves so nicely together with all of these themes as well.
I also loved the magic in this tale, and that despite this being a short & sweet read (just 127 pages!), the lore of the different kingdoms and the stigma surrounding magic felt well explored and had a deep impact in the trajectory of Alana’s life after she falls for someone.
Overall this was just such a lovely story. If you want something fast paced, impactful, romantic and full of adventure and life lessons, this is the perfect thing to reach for! AND it can be found on KU! 🎉
Thank you to Hayley Anderton for the copy of this! I can’t wait to see what you do next 💕
This is such a wonderful sapphic beauty and the beast retelling. The story begins with Alana & her family being in the thick of a brutal war, where she ends up making a life changing deal to save her kingdom. We jump into the action RIGHT away, and it was so riveting and high stakes. Afterward, Alana’s life is immeasurably changed and she has to learn to accept not only her new circumstances, but the changes to herself.
The romance in this one was so sweet and heartwarming. This story is ultimately about so much more than love, it’s about body image and acceptance and the ability to stand up for yourself, but this romance weaves so nicely together with all of these themes as well.
I also loved the magic in this tale, and that despite this being a short & sweet read (just 127 pages!), the lore of the different kingdoms and the stigma surrounding magic felt well explored and had a deep impact in the trajectory of Alana’s life after she falls for someone.
Overall this was just such a lovely story. If you want something fast paced, impactful, romantic and full of adventure and life lessons, this is the perfect thing to reach for! AND it can be found on KU! 🎉
Thank you to Hayley Anderton for the copy of this! I can’t wait to see what you do next 💕
July 29, 2023
Such an enjoyable, quick read. While not my favourite genre, it was addictive and easy to read and a unique twist on an old classic.
December 3, 2023
There were a couple of things I really liked about this; the Sapphic rep of course, and having the POV from the Beast.
I didn't connect with the characters as much as I would have liked: which is a shame.
I didn't connect with the characters as much as I would have liked: which is a shame.
October 30, 2023
At this point I'm convinced Hayley can't write a bad book, because every single one I've enjoyed!
This sapphic Beauty and the Beast retelling was fast paced and full of magic, monsters and the idea of self-acceptance. The main character Alana made a life changing choice in order to save her kingdom, however instead of praise and gratitude she received hate and hurtful words. I felt so bad for her, and really understood her perspective. I loved that she's a fighter and still wants to protect those who despise her, and I think Fiora coming along was the perfect eye opener for her.
The world building was so good, I loved the magic and the descriptions of the eerie arachnid monsters, and the fight scenes were really well written. Bolt, the wolf who's Alana's BFF was so cute! The romance was sweet and gradual, and I liked that Fiora saw through Alana's doubts and 'thorns'.
I loved the ending and how the story wraps up, and I absolutely loved the journey of Alana accepting herself as she is despite her scars both externally and internally, I liked that it wasn't resolved and was realistically shown as a healing process at the end, it truly was inspiring.
The only wish I'd have for this book is for it to have been longer and more drawn out, it was fast paced but I'd liked to have more slower scenes where we can learn more about the world of Thornwood, the creatures and just some more cute moments between Alana and Fiora.
4/5 🌟
This sapphic Beauty and the Beast retelling was fast paced and full of magic, monsters and the idea of self-acceptance. The main character Alana made a life changing choice in order to save her kingdom, however instead of praise and gratitude she received hate and hurtful words. I felt so bad for her, and really understood her perspective. I loved that she's a fighter and still wants to protect those who despise her, and I think Fiora coming along was the perfect eye opener for her.
The world building was so good, I loved the magic and the descriptions of the eerie arachnid monsters, and the fight scenes were really well written. Bolt, the wolf who's Alana's BFF was so cute! The romance was sweet and gradual, and I liked that Fiora saw through Alana's doubts and 'thorns'.
I loved the ending and how the story wraps up, and I absolutely loved the journey of Alana accepting herself as she is despite her scars both externally and internally, I liked that it wasn't resolved and was realistically shown as a healing process at the end, it truly was inspiring.
The only wish I'd have for this book is for it to have been longer and more drawn out, it was fast paced but I'd liked to have more slower scenes where we can learn more about the world of Thornwood, the creatures and just some more cute moments between Alana and Fiora.
4/5 🌟
July 2, 2023
A Cute Short Book - SPOILERS
I really enjoyed this book and it is a great book for people that like to read shorter books if you have a hard time paying attention or just want another book to get your reading goal for the year.
I really liked the take on this book, especially since beauty and the beast is one of my favorite movies. I liked the growth of the character, even if I also found her frustrating at times. And at the end, I enjoyed that she was able to be the bigger person because honestly I could not be.
I think the only thing that really irritated me was how devoted she was to people that despised her for saving them. She say some of the first time and they are super ungrateful because she used magic.
Laurel I believe, was justified in her anger. I do believe maybe had she not twisted the curse in Alana maybe she wouldn’t have gone back on her word.
The second time when she in the towns, people in order to save the village, and they were still angry again upset me. If I were her, I will never even bothered saving them. I would’ve let them all be slaughtered. They didn’t deserve her kindness and compassion or the fact she had the ability and was willing to sacrifice a lot of her self to save them.
And at the end, I loved how it ended. I like how she was the bigger person, but a part of me is also still irritated that she didn’t flip them off or something. I understand the message was to move past it, but they had done her so wrong, that they deserve some kind of vengeance against them.
A part of me was hoping the curse involved. The people hitting her and maybe once it was broken they would at least feel some remorse or something. They didn’t and that is okay that was just me with some wishful hoping.
And it was a nice little twist that it wasn’t true love that saved her from a curse, but her doing it herself.
Another small thing that irked me about her is that she is so devoted to people that she can’t rationalize for the most part killing one person to save multiple of people. I always hate when this is a debate between characters though, so that is on me because it’s my personal opinion. I hate when characters debate, whether or not they should kill someone when it’s for the greater good or not. Sometimes you need to be able to put your morality away.
This is a great, and I recommend it if you love beauty and the beast.
I really enjoyed this book and it is a great book for people that like to read shorter books if you have a hard time paying attention or just want another book to get your reading goal for the year.
I really liked the take on this book, especially since beauty and the beast is one of my favorite movies. I liked the growth of the character, even if I also found her frustrating at times. And at the end, I enjoyed that she was able to be the bigger person because honestly I could not be.
I think the only thing that really irritated me was how devoted she was to people that despised her for saving them. She say some of the first time and they are super ungrateful because she used magic.
Laurel I believe, was justified in her anger. I do believe maybe had she not twisted the curse in Alana maybe she wouldn’t have gone back on her word.
The second time when she in the towns, people in order to save the village, and they were still angry again upset me. If I were her, I will never even bothered saving them. I would’ve let them all be slaughtered. They didn’t deserve her kindness and compassion or the fact she had the ability and was willing to sacrifice a lot of her self to save them.
And at the end, I loved how it ended. I like how she was the bigger person, but a part of me is also still irritated that she didn’t flip them off or something. I understand the message was to move past it, but they had done her so wrong, that they deserve some kind of vengeance against them.
A part of me was hoping the curse involved. The people hitting her and maybe once it was broken they would at least feel some remorse or something. They didn’t and that is okay that was just me with some wishful hoping.
And it was a nice little twist that it wasn’t true love that saved her from a curse, but her doing it herself.
Another small thing that irked me about her is that she is so devoted to people that she can’t rationalize for the most part killing one person to save multiple of people. I always hate when this is a debate between characters though, so that is on me because it’s my personal opinion. I hate when characters debate, whether or not they should kill someone when it’s for the greater good or not. Sometimes you need to be able to put your morality away.
This is a great, and I recommend it if you love beauty and the beast.
January 28, 2024
A Thorn Among Roses is a Sapphic Beauty and the Beast retelling by Hayley Anderton. Though it is a slim volume, clocking in under the 130 page mark, it is full of emotion and action packed and I can tell that every word has been carefully chosen.
Alana was only seventeen when she single-handedly defeated one the the most dangerous armies to attack her kingdom of Thornwood. She saved the kingdom but the price she paid to the witch who gave her the power to do so was immense, leaving her to live a bitter and lonely existence in her castle, shunned by the people she saved and unlikely to ever experience the true love that the witch assured her would break the curse. When she encounters trespassers on her land, including another witch, she takes the opportunity to try to break the curse in another way but soon finds herself facing the need to defend her kingdom once again, if she can find it within her shrivelled and twisted heart to do so.
Obviously when going into any retelling of a well known fairy tale, the broad bones of the story are well known and it is unlikely that there will be too many surprises along the way. That is certainly the case here but the book is not any the weaker for it. While it can be hard to get to know characters well enough to care about them in such a short book, I found myself really rooting for Alana, and later for her relationship with Flora which was surprisingly comforting in what initially seemed like a darker book. I loved the messages of self acceptance and knowing your worth that were woven into the story, and appreciate how delicately that weaving was carried out so that the messages hit home without being too obvious. If I could wish for anything ( other than a wolf companion like Bolt) it would be a follow up book so that I could enjoy more of the comfort and charm of Flora and Alana as a couple.
Alana was only seventeen when she single-handedly defeated one the the most dangerous armies to attack her kingdom of Thornwood. She saved the kingdom but the price she paid to the witch who gave her the power to do so was immense, leaving her to live a bitter and lonely existence in her castle, shunned by the people she saved and unlikely to ever experience the true love that the witch assured her would break the curse. When she encounters trespassers on her land, including another witch, she takes the opportunity to try to break the curse in another way but soon finds herself facing the need to defend her kingdom once again, if she can find it within her shrivelled and twisted heart to do so.
Obviously when going into any retelling of a well known fairy tale, the broad bones of the story are well known and it is unlikely that there will be too many surprises along the way. That is certainly the case here but the book is not any the weaker for it. While it can be hard to get to know characters well enough to care about them in such a short book, I found myself really rooting for Alana, and later for her relationship with Flora which was surprisingly comforting in what initially seemed like a darker book. I loved the messages of self acceptance and knowing your worth that were woven into the story, and appreciate how delicately that weaving was carried out so that the messages hit home without being too obvious. If I could wish for anything ( other than a wolf companion like Bolt) it would be a follow up book so that I could enjoy more of the comfort and charm of Flora and Alana as a couple.
June 30, 2023
A Thorn Among Roses is a Beauty & the Beast retelling story. I do believe that this is one of the best retellings I have ever read if not the best. I love the twist in the story. I loved getting the story from the beast’s point of view.
A Thorn Among Roses is a beautifully written story that grabbed my heart and attention from the very beginning and kept hanging on page after page and at this moment as I am writing this review it is still sitting with me. The feeling that it has left in my heart will stay with me for a very long time to come.
As the story is told from the beast’s point of view we get to go inside the heart of the beast and learn that the beast is not a beast at all. It is a beast with a very big heart that cares more for others than their own self.
A Thorn Among Roses may be a short read but what lies between its pages is not lacking at all as it read and felt like a full-length novel. A Thorn Among Roses has a lot between its pages. A Thorn Among Roses got straight to the point without any frilly bows, no pun intended there at all. It doesn’t need anymore as it is fine just the way it is.
I would highly recommend A Thorn Among Roses to all fans of Beauty & the Beast! Grab your copy of A Thorn Among Roses today!
A Thorn Among Roses is a beautifully written story that grabbed my heart and attention from the very beginning and kept hanging on page after page and at this moment as I am writing this review it is still sitting with me. The feeling that it has left in my heart will stay with me for a very long time to come.
As the story is told from the beast’s point of view we get to go inside the heart of the beast and learn that the beast is not a beast at all. It is a beast with a very big heart that cares more for others than their own self.
A Thorn Among Roses may be a short read but what lies between its pages is not lacking at all as it read and felt like a full-length novel. A Thorn Among Roses has a lot between its pages. A Thorn Among Roses got straight to the point without any frilly bows, no pun intended there at all. It doesn’t need anymore as it is fine just the way it is.
I would highly recommend A Thorn Among Roses to all fans of Beauty & the Beast! Grab your copy of A Thorn Among Roses today!
May 21, 2024
‘A Thorn Among Roses’ is a sapphic reimagining of the classic ‘Beauty and the Beast’ story. I have loved ‘Beauty and the Beast’ ever since I was a young girl, so to know there was a sapphic story inspired by it was a must read for me!
Although I was drawn to it due to the sapphic content, the plot itself didn’t disappoint. There was magic, battles, magical monsters, love, and a whole assortment of exciting things to keep you gripped throughout!
What I loved most about this novel was that it showed us that beasts can come in all forms, even in humans. When Queen Alana saves her kingdom with the ultimate sacrifice of cursing herself with magic, the people of the kingdom shun her and treat her poorly, even after she risked herself to ensure their safety. This showed the darker side of humanity and how people can be worse than monsters.
There were also several interesting witch characters and I loved how the author presented them as neither good nor bad. Dark magic is presented as evil, but to use it doesn’t make a witch either good or bad depending on why it’s used.
Overall, a great sapphic novel as well as a unique version of the classic Disney film! A must read for Disney lovers and those who love a queer love story.
Although I was drawn to it due to the sapphic content, the plot itself didn’t disappoint. There was magic, battles, magical monsters, love, and a whole assortment of exciting things to keep you gripped throughout!
What I loved most about this novel was that it showed us that beasts can come in all forms, even in humans. When Queen Alana saves her kingdom with the ultimate sacrifice of cursing herself with magic, the people of the kingdom shun her and treat her poorly, even after she risked herself to ensure their safety. This showed the darker side of humanity and how people can be worse than monsters.
There were also several interesting witch characters and I loved how the author presented them as neither good nor bad. Dark magic is presented as evil, but to use it doesn’t make a witch either good or bad depending on why it’s used.
Overall, a great sapphic novel as well as a unique version of the classic Disney film! A must read for Disney lovers and those who love a queer love story.
June 16, 2024
This is a beautiful story. I love that it is standalone (as far as I can tell) and you get everything you need out of one book. It has some beautiful language and I loved some of the names ; like the Kingdom and Fiora's nickname for Alana. It is so sweet and cosy and it may be short but it is powerful. The descriptions of the castle, the water, everything were amazing and you can really get a sense of the characters. I think alot of the topics were really important; the way body image and thoughts and feelings are handled , I liked the nods to fairytale with the roses and curses, as well as true loves kiss (I do like that there was always another way) , and the way this all grew around a person instead. I thought the inclusion of wolves was amazing, so cute and I think the relationship that started to develop between characters was done really well. I liked the slow build of feelings and moments rather than rushing and that it was not the only focus; in the end you could tell that Fioras friends had became friends with Alana and even Petra , how they all stared caring for her and it wasn't just about promises like she believed. The battles were well written and there's alot of cute scenes, I also love the cover art I think it works well for the book.
July 9, 2023
The book wastes no time and plunges us into the action, with Alana's kingdom under siege by monstrous, spider-like creatures. With no hope of victory, she flees to seek out a witch, offering to pay any price in exchange for the power to slay the invaders. The witch complies - Alana saves her kingdom but becomes despised by her ungrateful subjects, horrified at her turning to dark magic to save them.
After storming away, only then does the cost of her bargain become clear, as Alana becomes fused to her armour, her senses and emotions dulled, with only her true love's kiss able to break the curse.
Alana is exiled from her kingdom, with her resentment towards the smallfolk, self-loathing and isolation gnawing at her over three long years. Her intense hatred of magic is tested when she meets Fiora, an experienced young elemental witch, and her companions. Fiora agrees to help Alana break her curse using magic, and their budding friendship blossoms as their adventures progress...
An excellent, modern take on a loved classic, which will resonate with those who feel uncomfortable in their skin.
After storming away, only then does the cost of her bargain become clear, as Alana becomes fused to her armour, her senses and emotions dulled, with only her true love's kiss able to break the curse.
Alana is exiled from her kingdom, with her resentment towards the smallfolk, self-loathing and isolation gnawing at her over three long years. Her intense hatred of magic is tested when she meets Fiora, an experienced young elemental witch, and her companions. Fiora agrees to help Alana break her curse using magic, and their budding friendship blossoms as their adventures progress...
An excellent, modern take on a loved classic, which will resonate with those who feel uncomfortable in their skin.
May 16, 2024
A thorn among roses is a sapphic retelling of beauty and the beast in novella format where Beast is a Queen (Alana) and Beauty is a witch (Fiora). It has its typical nods to the classic, but also brings its own unique twists and added extras.
I particularly enjoyed that the romance was softer than typical beauty and the beast retellings, where the beast is portrayed as a forceful character. Yes, Alana has her moments, but her main “beast” tendency is that she pushes people away because she feels that she is not good enough. I feel that Hayley portrayed the emotional aspects of low self-confidence, and body-image insecurities well, and developed the relationship between the two characters in a gentle, wholesome way.
There are many beautiful quotes that really made me melt.
By the end of it, you are reminded that love comes in many shapes and forms. Where you may not feel that you are loveable, there is someone out there that will see the beauty in you. And I think that is truly magical.
I particularly enjoyed that the romance was softer than typical beauty and the beast retellings, where the beast is portrayed as a forceful character. Yes, Alana has her moments, but her main “beast” tendency is that she pushes people away because she feels that she is not good enough. I feel that Hayley portrayed the emotional aspects of low self-confidence, and body-image insecurities well, and developed the relationship between the two characters in a gentle, wholesome way.
There are many beautiful quotes that really made me melt.
By the end of it, you are reminded that love comes in many shapes and forms. Where you may not feel that you are loveable, there is someone out there that will see the beauty in you. And I think that is truly magical.
November 8, 2024
A Thorn Among Roses by Hayley Anderton is a fantastic sapphic retelling of Beauty and the Beast that’s packed with magic. The story follows Alana, a young woman who saved her kingdom but was cursed in the process, leaving her bitter and isolated. When a wandering sorceress named Fiora shows up, Alana sees a chance to break her curse.
The romance between Alana and Fiora is sweet and slow-burn, with Fiora’s kindness helping Alana peel back the layers of hurt and self-doubt. I loved how the relationship developed naturally, and the added warmth from Bolt gave the story some lighthearted moments. I really enjoyed how the book managed to blend high-stakes action with more personal, emotional moments.
As a super short and sweet read, the book doesn’t have a ton of time to dive into everything, but Anderton does a great job with what’s there. My only tiny gripe is that I wish it were a bit longer, just to flesh out a few more details. But overall, it’s a really enjoyable, quick read that Disney lovers, fantasy lovers, and readers of queer lit are bound to love.
The romance between Alana and Fiora is sweet and slow-burn, with Fiora’s kindness helping Alana peel back the layers of hurt and self-doubt. I loved how the relationship developed naturally, and the added warmth from Bolt gave the story some lighthearted moments. I really enjoyed how the book managed to blend high-stakes action with more personal, emotional moments.
As a super short and sweet read, the book doesn’t have a ton of time to dive into everything, but Anderton does a great job with what’s there. My only tiny gripe is that I wish it were a bit longer, just to flesh out a few more details. But overall, it’s a really enjoyable, quick read that Disney lovers, fantasy lovers, and readers of queer lit are bound to love.
December 27, 2024
When I look at myself in the mirror this morning, I see what the rest of the world must. A woman unable to let anyone through the armor.
The curse was a catalyst, but it wasn’t the beginning. I have always tried to hide myself away.
What a fun, easy read by Hayley Anderton! Alana, The Cursed Queen, has given everything to save her kingdom. After a witch curses her, love is the only thing that can break through the dark magic... And though she finds that fabled true love, she still manages to be her own knight in shining armor.
Fast-paced and with no shortage of action, I tore through this book in a few hours. I loved how Bolt showed that despite Alana's curse, there was a pool of humanity within her just awaiting a ripple of feeling. Enter Fiora, a tattooed witch who forces the self-exiled queen to finally feel again, and mix in a few mile-high arachnids for good measure and you've got a real page-turner.
I adored how the self-love felt so earned at the end of the story. I'd recommend this for fans of fantasy and classic fairytale retellings.
July 1, 2023
A Thorn Among Roses is a re-imagining of the well known Classic tale Beauty & The Beast but this time from the "Beasts" perspective.
Alana our main protagonist single handedly slays the creatures that overrun her village with the use of magic, the townsfolk then shun her despite her being their Queen.
Dark magic comes at a price which means the witch who helped Alana curses her and of course the way to break the curse is true loves kiss.
This story really grasps the psych of Alana, her isolation, the growing loneliness, her self destructive mode and abundance of self doubt and fear of finding true love cause who could love such a hideous beast?
Fiora and friends stumble upon the castle and she makes it her mission to save Alana, Fiora herself is a kind witch trying to perfect her craft.
This story has everything you could possibly want in a fairy tale, magic, curses, enemies and of course love.
Big thank you to Hayley for my arc!
Alana our main protagonist single handedly slays the creatures that overrun her village with the use of magic, the townsfolk then shun her despite her being their Queen.
Dark magic comes at a price which means the witch who helped Alana curses her and of course the way to break the curse is true loves kiss.
This story really grasps the psych of Alana, her isolation, the growing loneliness, her self destructive mode and abundance of self doubt and fear of finding true love cause who could love such a hideous beast?
Fiora and friends stumble upon the castle and she makes it her mission to save Alana, Fiora herself is a kind witch trying to perfect her craft.
This story has everything you could possibly want in a fairy tale, magic, curses, enemies and of course love.
Big thank you to Hayley for my arc!
July 19, 2023
I read this entire thing in one sitting and i just loved it. It was such a sweet and uplifting story with so many things i could relate to while still being a super fun fantasy adventure. Alana is a really amazing FMC, she has such a pure heart but struggles with so many things young women do and you cant help but love her and relate to her. I think that Fiora was such a complimentary character for her too, they really brought out the best in each other. I thought this was a really good twist on beauty and the beast, it kept the main points but had a very unique plot.
Bolt and Fioras crew were also really fun side characters that were easy to like. I really felt Alana throughout it and really wanted to see the townsfolk and the bad witch pay, but i was also glad to see her hold onto her character despite her trials.
It had a bit of steam but didn't go past kissing so i think this would be great for YA and adult alike.
Bolt and Fioras crew were also really fun side characters that were easy to like. I really felt Alana throughout it and really wanted to see the townsfolk and the bad witch pay, but i was also glad to see her hold onto her character despite her trials.
It had a bit of steam but didn't go past kissing so i think this would be great for YA and adult alike.
July 23, 2023
I loved this dark, emotional retelling of one of my all-time favorite fairy tales. There is a reason Beauty and the Beast has so many retellings it's timeless and will always get me craving more. This Sapphic retelling was so fresh and different, and I loved how it was from Alana (the beast's POV) as ordinary we are following the FMC. In this reimagining, Alana is a young warrior who ij the face of defeat and to save her people, makes a bargain to win the battle, but her price is to turn into a 'beast'. rather than being heralded a hero, she is shunned by her people, feared, and locks herself away in her castle. The description of her 'beastly' appearance is totally original, I really liked it, and I could totally feel her anguish.
This was a great love story, sweet and I sped through this quickly. Also, I love Bolt the Wolf. Thank you Hayley for writing such a wonderful book.
This was a great love story, sweet and I sped through this quickly. Also, I love Bolt the Wolf. Thank you Hayley for writing such a wonderful book.
August 8, 2023
Granted power for a day to save her kingdom, Alana ends up cursed, isolated and alone, viewed as a beast and shunned by those who she saved. But then along comes another witch, and things start to change. Perhaps there is hope, or is it lost underneath all of the hurt and pain?
A reimagining of Beauty and the Beast, it takes the core concepts of the fairytale and makes it into something very much of its own. Written from the perspective of the beast (Alana), you get to see what she is going through, all of her insecurities and fears, and the glimpses of something more. And all that she goes through as the relationship between her and the witch develops. The setting is one of magic and small kingdoms, of potential, and a rather cute wolf. And the story is done very well. It is enjoyable, engaging, and definitely worth the read.
A reimagining of Beauty and the Beast, it takes the core concepts of the fairytale and makes it into something very much of its own. Written from the perspective of the beast (Alana), you get to see what she is going through, all of her insecurities and fears, and the glimpses of something more. And all that she goes through as the relationship between her and the witch develops. The setting is one of magic and small kingdoms, of potential, and a rather cute wolf. And the story is done very well. It is enjoyable, engaging, and definitely worth the read.
June 27, 2023
"𝘐𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘻𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘰𝘸
𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦. 𝘐 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘴, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘮𝘴
𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘯 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮, 𝘯𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘩𝘦𝘳
𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘴. 𝘔𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯, 𝘪𝘧 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩, 𝘴𝘩𝘦
𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘢 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘧𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘭.
𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵."
You know I love me a dark fairytale retelling, but A Thorn Among Roses stands out from the rest as a beautifully refreshing examination of self acceptance with so much heart. This sapphic retelling of Beauty and the Beast balances its grim worldstate with a gentle romanticism us fairytale lovers swoon over. A quick, easy to devour story of love, magic, and the courage it takes to love oneself.
𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦. 𝘐 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘴, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘮𝘴
𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘯 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮, 𝘯𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘩𝘦𝘳
𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘴. 𝘔𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯, 𝘪𝘧 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩, 𝘴𝘩𝘦
𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘢 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘧𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘭.
𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵."
You know I love me a dark fairytale retelling, but A Thorn Among Roses stands out from the rest as a beautifully refreshing examination of self acceptance with so much heart. This sapphic retelling of Beauty and the Beast balances its grim worldstate with a gentle romanticism us fairytale lovers swoon over. A quick, easy to devour story of love, magic, and the courage it takes to love oneself.
May 8, 2024
4 stars. I really enjoyed this take on ‘Beauty and the Beast’. I will never turn down a retelling of that story. I thought this one was really good. While it is a romance the romance is understated. Alana and Fiora are wonderful together but the main focus of this story is a character story based in a fantasy world.
Alana is so complex and it’s all about her character growth. She’s easy to sympathize with and I loved how fiercely Fiora cared about her and protected her. Don’t go into this expecting smut. There’s no sex at all and I think that’s why it has the rating that it does which is unfortunate because I thought this was a great read. I would recommend it if you go in knowing that there’s no spice and it’s light on the romance.
Alana is so complex and it’s all about her character growth. She’s easy to sympathize with and I loved how fiercely Fiora cared about her and protected her. Don’t go into this expecting smut. There’s no sex at all and I think that’s why it has the rating that it does which is unfortunate because I thought this was a great read. I would recommend it if you go in knowing that there’s no spice and it’s light on the romance.
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