What do you think?
Rate this book
Thornhaven #1
Thornhaven: Season One
“Action-packed …. Rice's writing is solid and the premise intriguing.”
--Publishers Weekly (re A Quest of Heroes)
“I await each release by this author eagerly and have never been disappointed!”
--Book Reviewer (Wish)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
From #1 bestseller Morgan Rice comes the debut of a spectacular new fantasy series, THORNHAVEN, ideal for fans of Brandon Sanderson, Rebecca Yarros, and Sarah J. Maas.
Faye Wilderpath, age 20, leaves her grandmother and village behind to attend Thornhaven, a magical academy set in a dangerous jungle compound that trains students to combat the Netherkin, invaders intent on terraforming the continent with dark magic. As Faye struggles to adapt to the academy’s brutal training regimen and treacherous environment, she finds herself making enemies and friends alike—and torn between her affections for the prodigious hunter Callum, and the charming, magically-tattooed Ren.
Enter a romantasy world like nothing you’ve seen before, with an exhilarating realm filled with peril and promise. Destiny guides Faye to experiences of romance and magic while challenging her determination to endure in a saga characterized by unexpected twists and gripping excitement. It will captivate both young minds and experienced fantasy enthusiasts alike, as you fall in love and don't stop reading.
Future books in the series are available!
“Loved it. Kept me on my toes like the whole time. It made me want to keep reading even when I was supposed to be sleeping.”
--Book Reviewer (Wish)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“The beginnings of something remarkable are there.”
--San Francisco Book Review (re A Quest of Heroes)
“Has all the ingredients for an instant plots, counterplots, mystery, valiant knights, and blossoming relationships replete with broken hearts, deception and betrayal. It will keep you entertained for hours, and will satisfy all ages. Recommended for the permanent library of all fantasy readers.”
--Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (re The Sorcerer’s Ring)
--Publishers Weekly (re A Quest of Heroes)
“I await each release by this author eagerly and have never been disappointed!”
--Book Reviewer (Wish)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
From #1 bestseller Morgan Rice comes the debut of a spectacular new fantasy series, THORNHAVEN, ideal for fans of Brandon Sanderson, Rebecca Yarros, and Sarah J. Maas.
Faye Wilderpath, age 20, leaves her grandmother and village behind to attend Thornhaven, a magical academy set in a dangerous jungle compound that trains students to combat the Netherkin, invaders intent on terraforming the continent with dark magic. As Faye struggles to adapt to the academy’s brutal training regimen and treacherous environment, she finds herself making enemies and friends alike—and torn between her affections for the prodigious hunter Callum, and the charming, magically-tattooed Ren.
Enter a romantasy world like nothing you’ve seen before, with an exhilarating realm filled with peril and promise. Destiny guides Faye to experiences of romance and magic while challenging her determination to endure in a saga characterized by unexpected twists and gripping excitement. It will captivate both young minds and experienced fantasy enthusiasts alike, as you fall in love and don't stop reading.
Future books in the series are available!
“Loved it. Kept me on my toes like the whole time. It made me want to keep reading even when I was supposed to be sleeping.”
--Book Reviewer (Wish)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“The beginnings of something remarkable are there.”
--San Francisco Book Review (re A Quest of Heroes)
“Has all the ingredients for an instant plots, counterplots, mystery, valiant knights, and blossoming relationships replete with broken hearts, deception and betrayal. It will keep you entertained for hours, and will satisfy all ages. Recommended for the permanent library of all fantasy readers.”
--Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (re The Sorcerer’s Ring)
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 24, 2024
164 people are currently reading
260 people want to read
About the author
Morgan Rice
594 books3,396 followersMorgan Rice is the #1 bestselling and USA Today bestselling author of the epic fantasy series THE SORCERER’S RING, comprising seventeen books; of the #1 bestselling series THE VAMPIRE JOURNALS, comprising twelve books; of the #1 bestselling series THE SURVIVAL TRILOGY, a post-apocalyptic thriller comprising three books; of the epic fantasy series KINGS AND SORCERERS, comprising six books; of the epic fantasy series OF CROWNS AND GLORY, comprising 8 books; of the new epic fantasy series A THRONE FOR SISTERS, comprising eight books (and counting); and of the new science fiction series THE INVASION CHRONICLES. Morgan’s books are available in audio and print editions, and translations are available in over 25 languages.
TURNED (Book #1 in the Vampire Journals), ARENA ONE (Book #1 of the Survival Trilogy), A QUEST OF HEROES (Book #1 in the Sorcerer’s Ring) and RISE OF THE DRAGONS (Kings and Sorcerers—Book #1) are each available as free downloads!
Morgan loves to hear from you, so please feel free to visit www.morganricebooks.com to join the email list, receive a free book, receive free giveaways, download the free app, get the latest exclusive news, connect on Facebook and Twitter, and stay in touch!
TURNED (Book #1 in the Vampire Journals), ARENA ONE (Book #1 of the Survival Trilogy), A QUEST OF HEROES (Book #1 in the Sorcerer’s Ring) and RISE OF THE DRAGONS (Kings and Sorcerers—Book #1) are each available as free downloads!
Morgan loves to hear from you, so please feel free to visit www.morganricebooks.com to join the email list, receive a free book, receive free giveaways, download the free app, get the latest exclusive news, connect on Facebook and Twitter, and stay in touch!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 17, 2025
this book is proof that the author CAN write longer novels. not sure why she doesnt...
January 13, 2025
Thornhaven: Season One
Faye Wilderpath leaves her grandmother & her village to find help to get stronger & defend her village from the monsters who have arrived from another world & are killing everything in her world, to terraform the environment for their takeover.
Faye finds Thornhaven, a magical academy that trains students to fight against the invaders.
She makes great, loyal friends & there is a possible love triangle in her future.
Faye Wilderpath leaves her grandmother & her village to find help to get stronger & defend her village from the monsters who have arrived from another world & are killing everything in her world, to terraform the environment for their takeover.
Faye finds Thornhaven, a magical academy that trains students to fight against the invaders.
She makes great, loyal friends & there is a possible love triangle in her future.
January 28, 2026
3 – 3.5 Stars
Thornhaven: Season One.
The Thornhaven Series by Morgan Rice is a sweeping epic fantasy that blends magic, political intrigue, and survival against invading forces. It’s a story of kingdoms on the brink, ancient prophecies awakening, and unlikely heroes rising from the shadows.
The Thornhaven saga unfolds in a realm where the balance of power is incredibly fragile, survival isn’t guaranteed, with the enemy forging death and destruction across the land – we follow in the aftermath of the dark invasion where the storylines give off some serious post-apocalyptic intensity.
With a bit of a YA feel there was action and adventure aplenty – as well as magic/magical abilities, different realms, battles, quests, prophecy, mystery, danger, family, friendship, rivalry, tests, challenges, an academy, deception, betrayal, beasts, and more.
I plunged into this series with high hopes, but I just didn’t ‘connect’ fully with the books as the inconsistencies, repetition (of characters ‘thought’, narrative, and passages) frustrated me to death and kept pulling me out of the storyline. This meant that I didn’t find my groove with the books, even though I kept reading in the hopes that things would improve. There is so much potential here for a spellbinding series, but unfortunately, it missed the mark for me.
I have enjoyed many of Morgan Rice’s other books, so I feel really bad for not enjoying this series as much. Now I am off to explore some more of her work, because I know she normally does not disappoint.
Happy Reading…
Thornhaven: Season One.
The Thornhaven Series by Morgan Rice is a sweeping epic fantasy that blends magic, political intrigue, and survival against invading forces. It’s a story of kingdoms on the brink, ancient prophecies awakening, and unlikely heroes rising from the shadows.
The Thornhaven saga unfolds in a realm where the balance of power is incredibly fragile, survival isn’t guaranteed, with the enemy forging death and destruction across the land – we follow in the aftermath of the dark invasion where the storylines give off some serious post-apocalyptic intensity.
With a bit of a YA feel there was action and adventure aplenty – as well as magic/magical abilities, different realms, battles, quests, prophecy, mystery, danger, family, friendship, rivalry, tests, challenges, an academy, deception, betrayal, beasts, and more.
I plunged into this series with high hopes, but I just didn’t ‘connect’ fully with the books as the inconsistencies, repetition (of characters ‘thought’, narrative, and passages) frustrated me to death and kept pulling me out of the storyline. This meant that I didn’t find my groove with the books, even though I kept reading in the hopes that things would improve. There is so much potential here for a spellbinding series, but unfortunately, it missed the mark for me.
I have enjoyed many of Morgan Rice’s other books, so I feel really bad for not enjoying this series as much. Now I am off to explore some more of her work, because I know she normally does not disappoint.
Happy Reading…
August 11, 2025
Faye Wilderpath has grown up under the threat of the Netherkin, alien invaders intent on destroying humanity and terraforming the land. She's lost her parents and her best friend to the cruel creatures. Now she has left her beloved grandmother and village to attend Thornhaven Academy to learn how best to combat the Netherkin. There she makes friends, gets her soul creature, learns skills, and faces deadly challenges that test her limits. Netherkin aren't the only dangers of this world, and not everyone will make it through the Academy trials.
I struggled with this book. It wasn't terribly original, but it did have some interesting elements. However, it lacked a sense of fun. All adventures must have an element of excitement, fun, and this one was built on loss, anger, bitterness, fear, and revenge. The relationships lacked fun and relied on desperation for survival. I also missed the possible love connection until it was spelled out at the end because there was no spark of romance. Faye had more of a connection with another character. I understand wanting to set a sense of urgency and danger, but there must be deep connections based on love and laughter as well. Life isn't worth saving if it's all doom and gloom.
I struggled with this book. It wasn't terribly original, but it did have some interesting elements. However, it lacked a sense of fun. All adventures must have an element of excitement, fun, and this one was built on loss, anger, bitterness, fear, and revenge. The relationships lacked fun and relied on desperation for survival. I also missed the possible love connection until it was spelled out at the end because there was no spark of romance. Faye had more of a connection with another character. I understand wanting to set a sense of urgency and danger, but there must be deep connections based on love and laughter as well. Life isn't worth saving if it's all doom and gloom.
January 1, 2025
I was given an ARC of this book, the new series, Thornhaven.
I enjoyed the beginning of this series where Faye must leave her village in search of a special place called Thornhaven to equip herself to fight the Netherkin. The magical school will, hopefully, help Faye return to her village to protect it.
I liked the setting and Faye's strong character and determination. Finally arriving at the school, there are other 'students' on the same learning path - each an intriguing character. Of course, there's the 'spoiled brat' as always, to face.
It's well-written, fast-paced and engaging from start to finish with plenty of action and tense scenes. It will be good to see where it all leads.
Recommended.
I enjoyed the beginning of this series where Faye must leave her village in search of a special place called Thornhaven to equip herself to fight the Netherkin. The magical school will, hopefully, help Faye return to her village to protect it.
I liked the setting and Faye's strong character and determination. Finally arriving at the school, there are other 'students' on the same learning path - each an intriguing character. Of course, there's the 'spoiled brat' as always, to face.
It's well-written, fast-paced and engaging from start to finish with plenty of action and tense scenes. It will be good to see where it all leads.
Recommended.
January 14, 2025
Excellent!
The Netherkin destroyed Faye Wilderpath's village and killed her parents five seasons ago. Now that she is older, she travels to Thornhaven to learn the magic and fighting skills that will help her protect those who remain. The training is hard and unforgiving. Mistakes can mean expulsion or death. Allies are valuable for success, but friends are better for survival.
Morgan Rice is a master of the paranormal adventure genre. I can’t wait to read the next book. I received an advance copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
The Netherkin destroyed Faye Wilderpath's village and killed her parents five seasons ago. Now that she is older, she travels to Thornhaven to learn the magic and fighting skills that will help her protect those who remain. The training is hard and unforgiving. Mistakes can mean expulsion or death. Allies are valuable for success, but friends are better for survival.
Morgan Rice is a master of the paranormal adventure genre. I can’t wait to read the next book. I received an advance copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
October 1, 2025
(3.75/5)
Thornhaven was an enjoyable read with some engaging moments, though it didn’t quite leave me eager to rush into the next installment. Morgan Rice creates an interesting world, with an atmosphere that keeps curiosity alive and characters that gradually take shape. At times, however, the pacing felt a bit uneven and some parts were predictable.
Overall, I liked it and found it a solid start to the series, but not one that demands immediate continuation. It’s the kind of book you can read at a relaxed pace, appreciating the story without feeling compelled to binge through the saga.
Thornhaven was an enjoyable read with some engaging moments, though it didn’t quite leave me eager to rush into the next installment. Morgan Rice creates an interesting world, with an atmosphere that keeps curiosity alive and characters that gradually take shape. At times, however, the pacing felt a bit uneven and some parts were predictable.
Overall, I liked it and found it a solid start to the series, but not one that demands immediate continuation. It’s the kind of book you can read at a relaxed pace, appreciating the story without feeling compelled to binge through the saga.
November 24, 2025
I just don’t think the academy type storylines are for me. To me nothing happens in this book. And I’m sure the pay off is in watching them grow buuut they didn’t make me care enough to continue. If I had nothing to listen to I would listen to book 2. As far as the audio the narrator is ok but takes really random pauses and sometimes has too wet of a speaking voice and I don’t think she has enough variety in voices to distinguish characters
February 20, 2026
Ah yes another "special girl goes to academy to learn battle" - with all the tropes: quirky best friend, two supposedly hot guys fighting over her, a magical sidekick, different subjects, an evil outside of the walls, that no one knows but everyone fights and corrupt teachers. Love it or hate it.
for once, i really loved the atmosphere and setting in the jungle.
for once, i really loved the atmosphere and setting in the jungle.
January 8, 2025
This is another magical and mystical read by Morgan Rice in a mythical city and school setting where she thrives as a writer creating wonderful character and entertaining worlds and storylines. A very intriguing book.
August 6, 2025
Something New in Paranormal
Faye Wilderpath has chosen to leave her home and journey to a place of power to learn to fight for her people and her world. For they are at war and Faye seeks vengeance.
Faye Wilderpath has chosen to leave her home and journey to a place of power to learn to fight for her people and her world. For they are at war and Faye seeks vengeance.
Read
March 3, 2025No
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2025
Couldn’t get into this
July 25, 2025
Hard to review the book because I think the translation was not so good and inconsistent. But the story had some nice elements so I did finish it.
August 21, 2025
Nonstop adventure..
Morgan Rice true to form and never disappointing! Once one starts this series it is very hard not to continue
Morgan Rice true to form and never disappointing! Once one starts this series it is very hard not to continue
December 28, 2025
really interested book, great story telling and writing buy an incredible author, you get drawn in the story, really enjoyed the first book in the series
April 9, 2025
eine sehr spannende und abenteuerliche Fantasy-Saga !
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews