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The Thorns We Inherit
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Expected 7 Apr 26This lush dark gothic fantasy debut weaves haunting worldbuilding, goddess-blessed magic, and an aching slow-burn romance into a story of legacy, devotion, and survival. Perfect for fans of V.E. Schwab, Rachel Gillig, and Hannah Whitten—and for readers who crave gothic fantasy steeped in tension, magic, and emotional depth.
Aurelia Moirae never asked for power—or for the gods who carved her bloodline to come calling.
When her world collapses, Aurelia is dragged into Nyxarra, a mist-shrouded city ruled by blood bargains, ancient grudges, and magic long thought buried. What begins as a desperate attempt to save her brother quickly unravels into something far more dangerous.
With a haunted warrior at her side and a beautiful monster at her throat, Aurelia must face the stories etched into her blood—and the cost of daring to rewrite them.
Power is a curse. Love is a risk. And survival may cost her everything she has left.
“The thorns we inherit do not ask permission. They prick, they scar, they remind us that beauty was never meant to be harmless. And neither were we.”
532 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication April 7, 2026
34 people are currently reading
744 people want to read
About the author
Lindsey Hart
1 book50 followersLindsey is a writer who’s been reading and storytelling for as long as she can remember. Originally from the Midwest, she now lives in Southern California with her son, partner, and two cats. When she’s not mom-ing, working in tech, or reheating her coffee, she’s writing gothic fantasy and stories full of tension, magic, and characters who don’t always make the right choices—but she loves them anyway.
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February 2, 2026Here's my blurb:
What an incredible gothic fantasy debut from Lindsey Hart! The Thorns We Inherit is atmospheric and sexy, with unfolding mysteries that kept me turning the page long into the night. With lush world building, a sizzling slow burn romance, and a loathsome villain, it is perfect for romantasy readers!
What an incredible gothic fantasy debut from Lindsey Hart! The Thorns We Inherit is atmospheric and sexy, with unfolding mysteries that kept me turning the page long into the night. With lush world building, a sizzling slow burn romance, and a loathsome villain, it is perfect for romantasy readers!
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5⭐️ if you are looking for a unique, thought-provoking, character-driven gothic fantasy story with well-explored lore and lush worldbuilding that will intrigue and shock you while the romantic subplot keeps you giggling and on your TOES?!
Put this on your 2026 release radar IMMEDIATELY (or go sign up for an ARC!)
Tropes/themes:
✨goddess/universe creation lore
✨prophecy/chosen one
✨journey to heal one’s family
✨diverse cast/found family
✨forced proximity
✨mental health rep
✨vampyres & goddess blessed magic
✨slow burn & potential love triangle? (This ones not a real trope im kinda manifesting)
I’ve had the privilege of being one of Lindsey’s beta readers since her first concepts and it’s been an honor and a wonderous experience to see her story grow to the incredible book that it is today. From her very first renditions, it was so glaringly obvious that Lindsey was TALENTED and now in its ARC form, I truly believe it wil be a Fantasy romance story that fully stands out as a unique reader favorite when it debuts.
Her prose is so poetic; think a mix of V.E. Schwab and Sarah A. Parker. The descriptions and attributes she so eloquently delivers in her stories really showcase a style of writing you don’t see enough in recent publications. You can FEEL so many of the character’s emotions and turmoils; i feel more sensitive readers could even start tearing up within the first few chapters (looking at a few friends here hehe).
This is definitely a Fantasy romance, not a romantasy, meaning you should noooot go into this book expecting a fast paced spicy story - the development is a little slower paced in the first half of the story, particularly when it comes to our character development and worldbuilding. The world slowly reveals itself to you, while our character motivations are explored from the get-go, but its these foundations that make any romantic moments or high-stakes action in the second half of the story all the more exciting.
I’d say the spice rating is 1🌶️ from the few scenes we had, with mild suggestives here and there.
Aurelia is a badass main character who’s always relied on her strength and growing that strength to protect her hardened heart so SHE can protect her only loved ones - but our girl’s got a soft heart to her too. And a fierce mouth…maybe a temper too HAHA but that led to some very amusing moments. If you like a fiery fmc who doesn’t cower easily, you’ll definitely like her.
Malachi and Kaelith are our MMCs and even though Lindsey is my friend, I’m not convinced she’s not gaslighting me about who our MMC is. I think both of them are very droolworthy even though they might have some VERY questional opposing morals, kind of like a sun vs night personality here.
Our side characters also all had their own moments and I’m excited to see where some of their paths go in future books.
If you’re a gothic fantasy, dark fantasy, lover of healing journeys, fan of baddie fmcs, or just overall want a unique story to add to your 2026 tbr, I promise you this one won’t disappoint.
Put this on your 2026 release radar IMMEDIATELY (or go sign up for an ARC!)
Tropes/themes:
✨goddess/universe creation lore
✨prophecy/chosen one
✨journey to heal one’s family
✨diverse cast/found family
✨forced proximity
✨mental health rep
✨vampyres & goddess blessed magic
✨slow burn & potential love triangle? (This ones not a real trope im kinda manifesting)
I’ve had the privilege of being one of Lindsey’s beta readers since her first concepts and it’s been an honor and a wonderous experience to see her story grow to the incredible book that it is today. From her very first renditions, it was so glaringly obvious that Lindsey was TALENTED and now in its ARC form, I truly believe it wil be a Fantasy romance story that fully stands out as a unique reader favorite when it debuts.
Her prose is so poetic; think a mix of V.E. Schwab and Sarah A. Parker. The descriptions and attributes she so eloquently delivers in her stories really showcase a style of writing you don’t see enough in recent publications. You can FEEL so many of the character’s emotions and turmoils; i feel more sensitive readers could even start tearing up within the first few chapters (looking at a few friends here hehe).
This is definitely a Fantasy romance, not a romantasy, meaning you should noooot go into this book expecting a fast paced spicy story - the development is a little slower paced in the first half of the story, particularly when it comes to our character development and worldbuilding. The world slowly reveals itself to you, while our character motivations are explored from the get-go, but its these foundations that make any romantic moments or high-stakes action in the second half of the story all the more exciting.
I’d say the spice rating is 1🌶️ from the few scenes we had, with mild suggestives here and there.
Aurelia is a badass main character who’s always relied on her strength and growing that strength to protect her hardened heart so SHE can protect her only loved ones - but our girl’s got a soft heart to her too. And a fierce mouth…maybe a temper too HAHA but that led to some very amusing moments. If you like a fiery fmc who doesn’t cower easily, you’ll definitely like her.
Malachi and Kaelith are our MMCs and even though Lindsey is my friend, I’m not convinced she’s not gaslighting me about who our MMC is. I think both of them are very droolworthy even though they might have some VERY questional opposing morals, kind of like a sun vs night personality here.
Our side characters also all had their own moments and I’m excited to see where some of their paths go in future books.
If you’re a gothic fantasy, dark fantasy, lover of healing journeys, fan of baddie fmcs, or just overall want a unique story to add to your 2026 tbr, I promise you this one won’t disappoint.
January 15, 2026
ARC Review
A beautifully written gothic fantasy, I thoroughly enjoyed The Thorns We Inherit. This book has trauma, magic, goddesses, vampyres, hidden realms, a tough as nails FMC, a broody MMC, and more.
I appreciated the time that the author, Lindsey Hart, took to develop the characters and their world, while moving the story forward. The FMC, Aurelia, is tough. She has suffered immensely and continues to fight for what she loves even with the odds stacked against her.
I’m truly invested in the characters, and the ending has left me hanging for more. I look forward to seeing where the next book takes us!
4.5 🌟
Thank you Lindsey for allowing me an ARC read.
A beautifully written gothic fantasy, I thoroughly enjoyed The Thorns We Inherit. This book has trauma, magic, goddesses, vampyres, hidden realms, a tough as nails FMC, a broody MMC, and more.
I appreciated the time that the author, Lindsey Hart, took to develop the characters and their world, while moving the story forward. The FMC, Aurelia, is tough. She has suffered immensely and continues to fight for what she loves even with the odds stacked against her.
I’m truly invested in the characters, and the ending has left me hanging for more. I look forward to seeing where the next book takes us!
4.5 🌟
Thank you Lindsey for allowing me an ARC read.
October 4, 2025
can’t wait for this to drop! ❤️🔥😭
January 27, 2026
“Truth is not a blade—it’s a mirror. But some people still bleed when they see themselves in it.”
This isn’t a story you devour—it’s a story you marinate in. Lindsey’s writing is deeply lyrical and richly descriptive, the kind that sinks its teeth into you and refuses to let go until the final page. And even then, it leaves a mark.
The lore is unlike anything I’ve read before. Goddesses and vampyres coexist alongside a hauntingly poetic take on zombies. Shadow elves. Hidden realms. Secrets layered so deeply they feel alive. Every element of this world feels intentional and immersive.
The FMC, Aurelia, is dealt a devastating hand—forced into a role she never would have chosen for herself, yet accepts to save the ones she loves. She is powerful in the quietest way, carrying the weight of the world without letting it show. And while she bears it well, you can feel the seams of her identity stretching… fraying… becoming something that may not be recognizable in the books to come. Cue the feminine rage.
If you love stories that are thought-provoking and steeped in lore, rich character development, found family, intricate world-building, and political intrigue, this absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR.
Beautifully woven but heavy with tragedy and heartbreak—please check the full trigger warnings on the author’s website before diving in.
This isn’t a story you devour—it’s a story you marinate in. Lindsey’s writing is deeply lyrical and richly descriptive, the kind that sinks its teeth into you and refuses to let go until the final page. And even then, it leaves a mark.
The lore is unlike anything I’ve read before. Goddesses and vampyres coexist alongside a hauntingly poetic take on zombies. Shadow elves. Hidden realms. Secrets layered so deeply they feel alive. Every element of this world feels intentional and immersive.
The FMC, Aurelia, is dealt a devastating hand—forced into a role she never would have chosen for herself, yet accepts to save the ones she loves. She is powerful in the quietest way, carrying the weight of the world without letting it show. And while she bears it well, you can feel the seams of her identity stretching… fraying… becoming something that may not be recognizable in the books to come. Cue the feminine rage.
If you love stories that are thought-provoking and steeped in lore, rich character development, found family, intricate world-building, and political intrigue, this absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR.
Beautifully woven but heavy with tragedy and heartbreak—please check the full trigger warnings on the author’s website before diving in.
January 30, 2026
ARC Review.
Quicks Points:
* Tropes: Slowburn, Gothic, traumantasy, unique magic system, vampyres, gods/goddesses, found family, political intrigue.
* Spice: 🌶️
* PLEASE check TW’s! (full list on authors website)
I loved everything about this book. It gave me chills, laughs, tears, anger, etc. You name the emotion and I felt it. I feel like the writing style was beautifully unique while also being familiar in all the right ways. Lindsey pays SUCH attention to detail and therefore, it’s more like a movie in your head than with any other story. The world building and the characteristics of every single thing/character is just so meticulous while also drawing you further and further into the story.
Aurelia, our FMC who goes through all of this development within such a short amount of time and I only see her character growth getting stronger and bigger from here. I was able to connect with Aurelia so much because of the amount of love she has for those that she cares for. The way she only wants to do whatever is right for them and by them.
Malachi, our MMC, is this Vampyre who fights the battles within himself for the greater good while also yearning over Aurelia. You fall in love with him falling for Aurelia.
Our main characters are amazing, but even the side characters really catch your attention.
Lindsey, you truly have gone and created this beautiful story that I am so grateful I get to read early. I am so excited to see where this series leads!
Quicks Points:
* Tropes: Slowburn, Gothic, traumantasy, unique magic system, vampyres, gods/goddesses, found family, political intrigue.
* Spice: 🌶️
* PLEASE check TW’s! (full list on authors website)
I loved everything about this book. It gave me chills, laughs, tears, anger, etc. You name the emotion and I felt it. I feel like the writing style was beautifully unique while also being familiar in all the right ways. Lindsey pays SUCH attention to detail and therefore, it’s more like a movie in your head than with any other story. The world building and the characteristics of every single thing/character is just so meticulous while also drawing you further and further into the story.
Aurelia, our FMC who goes through all of this development within such a short amount of time and I only see her character growth getting stronger and bigger from here. I was able to connect with Aurelia so much because of the amount of love she has for those that she cares for. The way she only wants to do whatever is right for them and by them.
Malachi, our MMC, is this Vampyre who fights the battles within himself for the greater good while also yearning over Aurelia. You fall in love with him falling for Aurelia.
Our main characters are amazing, but even the side characters really catch your attention.
Lindsey, you truly have gone and created this beautiful story that I am so grateful I get to read early. I am so excited to see where this series leads!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Original and beautiful
The Thorns We Inherit opens with a beautifully lyrical beginning that instantly pulls you in. The imagery is divine, the characters are rich with depth, and the pacing feels absolutely perfect. And then there’s that ending—completely unexpected. I wanted to scream, I was furious, and I cannot believe we were left like that… which only proves this is the start of what will be a truly fantastic series.
Thank you to the author for the arc ❤️
The Thorns We Inherit opens with a beautifully lyrical beginning that instantly pulls you in. The imagery is divine, the characters are rich with depth, and the pacing feels absolutely perfect. And then there’s that ending—completely unexpected. I wanted to scream, I was furious, and I cannot believe we were left like that… which only proves this is the start of what will be a truly fantastic series.
Thank you to the author for the arc ❤️
January 23, 2026
I am absolutely obsessed with this book!!! Lindsey you did your big one, the way it ended has me DYING to read more!!
Tropes:
⭐️ slow burn romance
⭐️ yearning
⭐️political intrigue
⭐️meddling gods
⭐️forced proximity
⭐️vampyers / goddesses
Spice: 🌶️
A dark gothic fantasy , where a sister is willing to go to the ends of the earth to save her brother from himself (relatable). The world building is written beautifully in this book! It had me drawn in from page 1!!! The plot, the mystery, the secrets that were perfectly hidden within the story. The romance?! It had me giggling and kicking my feet, the slow burn just perfect building up to that moment.
Aurelia is truly a badass the way she relied on her instinct and willpower to get through her journey to Nyxarra, she was a warrior before the story even began. Still trying to figure out if our MMC is Malachi or Kaelith 👀 although I wouldn’t mind either.
Plot: Aurelia & her brother Aeryn have always been very close since their parents died when they were younger, murdered I should say. Aurelia and Aeryn were outcasts in their town synnex , Aeryn was suffering with something neither of them understood, he was getting worse having episodes frequently where it was like he changed into someone else, but Aurelia has a solution, and that solution was to go Nyxarra to get etherblooms which will heal her brother’s mind. the only problem was there was a forest full of things you’d never want to see, a place where most never return, and she has to go through it to get to Nyxarra to save her brother.. what could go wrong??
Lindsey you have truly written a beautiful story and I am honored to have read it early!!! Thank you for giving us this beautiful book! I can’t wait for more!! 🥰🥰💖
Top Quotes:
“The moon does not hate the sun, it always comes back to the light. They chase each other across the sky, always separate but never free of each other”
“ what had shamed me grew beautiful again in his hands” chefs kiss
“You will not rise alone.Look at who stands with you, let their love root you when the wind starts tearing things loose”
“The thorns we inherit do not ask permission. They prick. They scar. They remind us that beauty was never meant to be harmless. And neither were we.”
Tropes:
⭐️ slow burn romance
⭐️ yearning
⭐️political intrigue
⭐️meddling gods
⭐️forced proximity
⭐️vampyers / goddesses
Spice: 🌶️
A dark gothic fantasy , where a sister is willing to go to the ends of the earth to save her brother from himself (relatable). The world building is written beautifully in this book! It had me drawn in from page 1!!! The plot, the mystery, the secrets that were perfectly hidden within the story. The romance?! It had me giggling and kicking my feet, the slow burn just perfect building up to that moment.
Aurelia is truly a badass the way she relied on her instinct and willpower to get through her journey to Nyxarra, she was a warrior before the story even began. Still trying to figure out if our MMC is Malachi or Kaelith 👀 although I wouldn’t mind either.
Plot: Aurelia & her brother Aeryn have always been very close since their parents died when they were younger, murdered I should say. Aurelia and Aeryn were outcasts in their town synnex , Aeryn was suffering with something neither of them understood, he was getting worse having episodes frequently where it was like he changed into someone else, but Aurelia has a solution, and that solution was to go Nyxarra to get etherblooms which will heal her brother’s mind. the only problem was there was a forest full of things you’d never want to see, a place where most never return, and she has to go through it to get to Nyxarra to save her brother.. what could go wrong??
Lindsey you have truly written a beautiful story and I am honored to have read it early!!! Thank you for giving us this beautiful book! I can’t wait for more!! 🥰🥰💖
Top Quotes:
“The moon does not hate the sun, it always comes back to the light. They chase each other across the sky, always separate but never free of each other”
“ what had shamed me grew beautiful again in his hands” chefs kiss
“You will not rise alone.Look at who stands with you, let their love root you when the wind starts tearing things loose”
“The thorns we inherit do not ask permission. They prick. They scar. They remind us that beauty was never meant to be harmless. And neither were we.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Thorns We Inherit is a beautiful story - a gothic, lyrical piece of writing that reads like poetry unfolding on the pages.
There is a depth to this writing, with emotion and magic woven within the words, creating a piece of true artistry that lingers long after the final page is turned. The world building is lush and atmospheric with incredibly detailed lore and divine imagery. I found myself rereading paragraphs to embed them in my soul, to truly consider the words I was consuming.
The sentient world dragged me deeply into the pages... but it was the characters that kept me there.
There's a weight to these characters, a sadness that feels bone deep... magnetic. I wanted to know more about them, what creeps beneath Aeryn's skin, more of Malachi's history and Aurelia's buried power, why Gabriel is so drawn to her. Santiago added a much needed touch of levity to lighten the heavier tones.
There is an aching slow burn, with a deep yearning and simmering hunger between Aurelia and Malachi that culminates in raw and emotional scenes written so beautifully, heavy with meaning.
The ending left me urgently flipping the page, hoping for more, only to see the epilogue and realising I'm going to have to wait to see if redemption comes.
The Thorns We Inherit is a haunting, lyrical read that you should add to your tbrs if you crave just that little bit ✨️more✨️ when reading. Something with depth and layers, that requires you to slow down to absorb the meaning... something that feels like folklore.
Thankyou so much Lindsey Hart for the opportunity to be one of your early readers.
There is a depth to this writing, with emotion and magic woven within the words, creating a piece of true artistry that lingers long after the final page is turned. The world building is lush and atmospheric with incredibly detailed lore and divine imagery. I found myself rereading paragraphs to embed them in my soul, to truly consider the words I was consuming.
The sentient world dragged me deeply into the pages... but it was the characters that kept me there.
There's a weight to these characters, a sadness that feels bone deep... magnetic. I wanted to know more about them, what creeps beneath Aeryn's skin, more of Malachi's history and Aurelia's buried power, why Gabriel is so drawn to her. Santiago added a much needed touch of levity to lighten the heavier tones.
There is an aching slow burn, with a deep yearning and simmering hunger between Aurelia and Malachi that culminates in raw and emotional scenes written so beautifully, heavy with meaning.
The ending left me urgently flipping the page, hoping for more, only to see the epilogue and realising I'm going to have to wait to see if redemption comes.
The Thorns We Inherit is a haunting, lyrical read that you should add to your tbrs if you crave just that little bit ✨️more✨️ when reading. Something with depth and layers, that requires you to slow down to absorb the meaning... something that feels like folklore.
Thankyou so much Lindsey Hart for the opportunity to be one of your early readers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This rating is based on the eARC copy of the book
January 22, 2026
ARC Review - 4.75 stars
"If he weren't such a monster, I thought bitterly, he might have been beautiful."
I want to start by extending a tremendous thank you to @authorlindseyhart for selecting me as one of the ARC readers for her debut, The Thorns We Inherit. The prologue of this book immediately had me SAT and sobbing. The struggles that you see Aeryn express reminded me so much of my journey with major depressive disorder and suic-dal ideation. (I don't know what words can get me banished) The world building was done well and I imagine we will get even more in depth as the series continues. The magic system is interesting and there's still so much to unpack with it, but I loved the combination of gods, goddesses, vampires, elves, and the various other character creatures. Speaking of characters... side characters truly stand out. Lysara and Santi are my precious angel babies. 🥹 Kaelith gives hardcore Joffrey from GOT vibes and I might actually hate him. 🤨
All in all, this was an enjoyable read that I could barely put down. Make sure to pre-order for the April 7 release!
"If he weren't such a monster, I thought bitterly, he might have been beautiful."
I want to start by extending a tremendous thank you to @authorlindseyhart for selecting me as one of the ARC readers for her debut, The Thorns We Inherit. The prologue of this book immediately had me SAT and sobbing. The struggles that you see Aeryn express reminded me so much of my journey with major depressive disorder and suic-dal ideation. (I don't know what words can get me banished) The world building was done well and I imagine we will get even more in depth as the series continues. The magic system is interesting and there's still so much to unpack with it, but I loved the combination of gods, goddesses, vampires, elves, and the various other character creatures. Speaking of characters... side characters truly stand out. Lysara and Santi are my precious angel babies. 🥹 Kaelith gives hardcore Joffrey from GOT vibes and I might actually hate him. 🤨
All in all, this was an enjoyable read that I could barely put down. Make sure to pre-order for the April 7 release!
January 24, 2026
My friend, I’m so proud of you!
What a story! One that I know will find a home in so many hands and hearts. As easy as it would be to give the typical review, I’d like to take it to the Acknowledgments section because to me, that is where and why your story feels so alive. Your love runs deep, and it is felt in each character in such unique ways. I will forever admire your bravery in believing in yourself unapologetically and in fighting for voices that go unheard. Those parts of you quite literally breathe between each page. It is clear this is what you’re meant to do— never stop chasing your dreams.🖤🌙
What a story! One that I know will find a home in so many hands and hearts. As easy as it would be to give the typical review, I’d like to take it to the Acknowledgments section because to me, that is where and why your story feels so alive. Your love runs deep, and it is felt in each character in such unique ways. I will forever admire your bravery in believing in yourself unapologetically and in fighting for voices that go unheard. Those parts of you quite literally breathe between each page. It is clear this is what you’re meant to do— never stop chasing your dreams.🖤🌙
January 13, 2026
WOW. There is some kind of magic in Lindsey Hart's writing!
This story absolutely blew me away! Solid 5 star read for me!!!
What makes it stand out:
The author has a very distinct voice and writing style that is unique, poetic and compelling. I am amazed that this is her debut novel!
This is a book with HEART! It has everything I love about romantasy and fantasy while somehow feeling completely new and fresh! TTWI contains some familiar and beloved tropes like Enemies to Lovers, Found Family, Forced Proximity, but the way Lindsey writes them made them feel like I'm reading them for the first time. It was SO refreshing to read something that felt new and had a distinct feel to it. There are some heavier topics in this book and they are handled with such care and tenderness, I think this book will touch a lot of reader's hearts and be very relatable.
Overall, in a world where all Romantasy books are starting to blur together, TTWI stands on its own and breathed some fresh life back into this genre for me!
Vibes:
The Thorns We Inherit is deeper, darker, and leaning more towards epic fantasy/romanasty than your standard romantasy. The world is lush, thick with mystery, has incredible emotional depth, and intrigue that draws you in right away. The way love is portrayed and described feels very real, not cliche. It feels very much like stepping into another world.
Plot:
This is a story about Aurelia, our FMC, on a mission to save the last family member she has left- her brother. What starts out as a dangerous mission quickly unravels into something much bigger as she is thrown into a new world of politics, secrets and prophecies where she becomes a key piece on the chessboard of this dark and mysterious world.
FMC:
Our heroine is strong, fierce, relatable and also tender hearted. Aurelia reminds me of Ciri from The Witcher meets Tomb Raider. The balance of being fierce and badass while also being tenderhearted and vulnerable at times was so beautifully shown. I think a lot of readers will relate to her.
MMC:
Our MMC has so much depth and history that has made him who he is. I can't even think of an MMC to compare him to, he felt very original, complex and nuanced. Also the tension and yearning between him and Aurelia was absolutely top tier.
Side characters: Obsessed with all of them!!! Each one felt so complete, interesting and fully realized.
Setting and world building:
The world has history, depth and lore that is so beautifully written and woven into the story and dialogue it never felt like a chore reading the world building. It was absolutely intriguing, fascinating and just built the intrigue of the story.
I can't recommend this book enough, this book breathes a much needed breath of fresh air into this genre, it is full of heart, has an incredibly fascinating world, has very relatable characters, and was not only an epic story but also made me tear up frequently and go straight to my heart. I'll say it again: There is some kind of magic in Lindsey's writing! Go read this book and see for yourself!
Thank you so much for letting me be an early reader, it was an absolute joy!
This story absolutely blew me away! Solid 5 star read for me!!!
What makes it stand out:
The author has a very distinct voice and writing style that is unique, poetic and compelling. I am amazed that this is her debut novel!
This is a book with HEART! It has everything I love about romantasy and fantasy while somehow feeling completely new and fresh! TTWI contains some familiar and beloved tropes like Enemies to Lovers, Found Family, Forced Proximity, but the way Lindsey writes them made them feel like I'm reading them for the first time. It was SO refreshing to read something that felt new and had a distinct feel to it. There are some heavier topics in this book and they are handled with such care and tenderness, I think this book will touch a lot of reader's hearts and be very relatable.
Overall, in a world where all Romantasy books are starting to blur together, TTWI stands on its own and breathed some fresh life back into this genre for me!
Vibes:
The Thorns We Inherit is deeper, darker, and leaning more towards epic fantasy/romanasty than your standard romantasy. The world is lush, thick with mystery, has incredible emotional depth, and intrigue that draws you in right away. The way love is portrayed and described feels very real, not cliche. It feels very much like stepping into another world.
Plot:
This is a story about Aurelia, our FMC, on a mission to save the last family member she has left- her brother. What starts out as a dangerous mission quickly unravels into something much bigger as she is thrown into a new world of politics, secrets and prophecies where she becomes a key piece on the chessboard of this dark and mysterious world.
FMC:
Our heroine is strong, fierce, relatable and also tender hearted. Aurelia reminds me of Ciri from The Witcher meets Tomb Raider. The balance of being fierce and badass while also being tenderhearted and vulnerable at times was so beautifully shown. I think a lot of readers will relate to her.
MMC:
Our MMC has so much depth and history that has made him who he is. I can't even think of an MMC to compare him to, he felt very original, complex and nuanced. Also the tension and yearning between him and Aurelia was absolutely top tier.
Side characters: Obsessed with all of them!!! Each one felt so complete, interesting and fully realized.
Setting and world building:
The world has history, depth and lore that is so beautifully written and woven into the story and dialogue it never felt like a chore reading the world building. It was absolutely intriguing, fascinating and just built the intrigue of the story.
I can't recommend this book enough, this book breathes a much needed breath of fresh air into this genre, it is full of heart, has an incredibly fascinating world, has very relatable characters, and was not only an epic story but also made me tear up frequently and go straight to my heart. I'll say it again: There is some kind of magic in Lindsey's writing! Go read this book and see for yourself!
Thank you so much for letting me be an early reader, it was an absolute joy!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I want to make a point to say that this is my very first time reviewing a book, and on top of this, I am new to reading and to reading romantasy. Definitely not advanced in this subject, and just sharing my personal thoughts.
My overall rating is 3.5/5 stars, but is rounded up to 4 due to half stars not being an option here.
A TLDR; I was very excited to read this book based on the description and advertising. I enjoyed the characters and themes, however, some aspects such as the writing and character actions left me personally feeling unsure.
**Spoilers pass here**
For me, the most enjoyment I got from reading this book came from the characters. I think the supporting characters were endearing and fun to love/love to hate. I think Santigo and Lysara have a great side romance going on, and at times I enjoyed it more than the main romance pairings. Kaelith is also an easy-to-hate, yet too sexy not love villain. Honestly, I'm a sucker for men with silver hair and an "I'll have what I want" attitude. So being questionably enamored with him was oh so fun for my girlish heart!
I enjoy the themes of creation lore, and vampires (of course), the most. They definitely helped keep me in even when the parts I was unsure about came around.
On the opposite side, I'm afraid to say that there are a few parts of this book that just didn't work for me, personally.
I do agree with most that I am also a fan of flowy, lyrical writing. Unfortunately, I do think there are some times when vague, prophetic writing can actually hurt the story. It is mostly during parts where the author is trying to describe parts of their world-building. Even now, I still couldn't explain to someone what exactly the Veil is in this world. Was it the mist around Nyxarra? Or something else entirely separate?
I was also constantly frustrated when there was the continued vagueness around Aurelia and what she really is. There was constant talk of her being extremely powerful and having "the power to balance the realm", but this was never very well explained, even when characters that would be thought to have more knowledge on this show up. I'll give some benefit of the doubt and say that maybe this vagueness is intentional? Either way, it left me personally unable to connect with the story at these parts.
The next thing that I did not enjoy much was some of the actions of our FMC. Unfortunately, Aurelia was the character I think I enjoyed the least, as I found some of the things she did to just not make sense.
There is a point when she is at the castle in Nyxarra that she is told about how special her bloodline is, and I questioned her neutral reaction to it. Maybe she and I are different people, but I don't know why she wouldn't immediately question and seek out the answers as to what that means. It could be argued that maybe she didn't care and only wanted to focus on saving her brother, but there are many points where it is described that Aurelia has trained and learned that she needs to stay ahead of her enemies.
Wouldn't having her blow off this new information go against her very ideals on how to survive this quest?
Another moment that was very frustrating for me was towards the end. During the whole story, Aurelia is constantly talking about how she needs to get back to her brother. When she and her group arrive back in her hometown, no one knows where her brother is, so you would think she would immediately go straight off to track him down.
However, she first decides there is time to sit by a seaside cliff with a friend and have a side chat. What? What about your brother?
Then as she finally gets into town to search she is stopped by some villains from her past, which is fine, villains will villain. Once she's done with that she suggests going to a friend's shop to see if she knows where her brother is. I thought the obvious first thing to do would be to say "Hey, is my brother here? Have you seen him?"
This is not what happens, and instead, she stops to learn some backstory about her childhood friend from this character. This is a cool development for the childhood friend, but aren't we supposed to be finding her brother????
I don't know, maybe I'm focusing too hard on this, but this just didn't make sense for Aurelia to make time for that when it was made to seem like finding her brother was super dire in the moment.
There is another part where she claims to need to go out for some air, but somehow almost lets herself wander into the dangerous mist outside the castle? She is described as being smart, but this out-of-character action just seemed like an excuse to create a scene with Kaelith.
These were just some of the questionable things I did not expect from an FMC who is supposed to be pretty capable about all this.
To give some slack, I will say that this was the first ebook I've ever read fully. I do not have a traditional reading device, and had to read from my phone. I want to highlight this, because I think I came to discover that I don't enjoy reading electronically while reading this book. I do wonder if the parts of this book I had trouble with might have been clearer to me if I had read it physically?
I suppose it will be something to keep in mind for next time.
Overall, I think like all art, the opinion of the viewer is subjective. I can definitely see who would love this book completely and why. I could not say why I had so much trouble here, as I'm normally pretty open-minded and lenient with parts of a story I'm confused about. I'm definitely interested in seeing if some of my questions are answered a bit more in the next parts, despite everything.
That being said, if you think you'll enjoy this book, I definitely would say to give it a read, because you probably will. 💙
Thank you again to the author for the eARC, and for letting me speak my thoughts.
My overall rating is 3.5/5 stars, but is rounded up to 4 due to half stars not being an option here.
A TLDR; I was very excited to read this book based on the description and advertising. I enjoyed the characters and themes, however, some aspects such as the writing and character actions left me personally feeling unsure.
**Spoilers pass here**
For me, the most enjoyment I got from reading this book came from the characters. I think the supporting characters were endearing and fun to love/love to hate. I think Santigo and Lysara have a great side romance going on, and at times I enjoyed it more than the main romance pairings. Kaelith is also an easy-to-hate, yet too sexy not love villain. Honestly, I'm a sucker for men with silver hair and an "I'll have what I want" attitude. So being questionably enamored with him was oh so fun for my girlish heart!
I enjoy the themes of creation lore, and vampires (of course), the most. They definitely helped keep me in even when the parts I was unsure about came around.
On the opposite side, I'm afraid to say that there are a few parts of this book that just didn't work for me, personally.
I do agree with most that I am also a fan of flowy, lyrical writing. Unfortunately, I do think there are some times when vague, prophetic writing can actually hurt the story. It is mostly during parts where the author is trying to describe parts of their world-building. Even now, I still couldn't explain to someone what exactly the Veil is in this world. Was it the mist around Nyxarra? Or something else entirely separate?
I was also constantly frustrated when there was the continued vagueness around Aurelia and what she really is. There was constant talk of her being extremely powerful and having "the power to balance the realm", but this was never very well explained, even when characters that would be thought to have more knowledge on this show up. I'll give some benefit of the doubt and say that maybe this vagueness is intentional? Either way, it left me personally unable to connect with the story at these parts.
The next thing that I did not enjoy much was some of the actions of our FMC. Unfortunately, Aurelia was the character I think I enjoyed the least, as I found some of the things she did to just not make sense.
There is a point when she is at the castle in Nyxarra that she is told about how special her bloodline is, and I questioned her neutral reaction to it. Maybe she and I are different people, but I don't know why she wouldn't immediately question and seek out the answers as to what that means. It could be argued that maybe she didn't care and only wanted to focus on saving her brother, but there are many points where it is described that Aurelia has trained and learned that she needs to stay ahead of her enemies.
Wouldn't having her blow off this new information go against her very ideals on how to survive this quest?
Another moment that was very frustrating for me was towards the end. During the whole story, Aurelia is constantly talking about how she needs to get back to her brother. When she and her group arrive back in her hometown, no one knows where her brother is, so you would think she would immediately go straight off to track him down.
However, she first decides there is time to sit by a seaside cliff with a friend and have a side chat. What? What about your brother?
Then as she finally gets into town to search she is stopped by some villains from her past, which is fine, villains will villain. Once she's done with that she suggests going to a friend's shop to see if she knows where her brother is. I thought the obvious first thing to do would be to say "Hey, is my brother here? Have you seen him?"
This is not what happens, and instead, she stops to learn some backstory about her childhood friend from this character. This is a cool development for the childhood friend, but aren't we supposed to be finding her brother????
I don't know, maybe I'm focusing too hard on this, but this just didn't make sense for Aurelia to make time for that when it was made to seem like finding her brother was super dire in the moment.
There is another part where she claims to need to go out for some air, but somehow almost lets herself wander into the dangerous mist outside the castle? She is described as being smart, but this out-of-character action just seemed like an excuse to create a scene with Kaelith.
These were just some of the questionable things I did not expect from an FMC who is supposed to be pretty capable about all this.
To give some slack, I will say that this was the first ebook I've ever read fully. I do not have a traditional reading device, and had to read from my phone. I want to highlight this, because I think I came to discover that I don't enjoy reading electronically while reading this book. I do wonder if the parts of this book I had trouble with might have been clearer to me if I had read it physically?
I suppose it will be something to keep in mind for next time.
Overall, I think like all art, the opinion of the viewer is subjective. I can definitely see who would love this book completely and why. I could not say why I had so much trouble here, as I'm normally pretty open-minded and lenient with parts of a story I'm confused about. I'm definitely interested in seeing if some of my questions are answered a bit more in the next parts, despite everything.
That being said, if you think you'll enjoy this book, I definitely would say to give it a read, because you probably will. 💙
Thank you again to the author for the eARC, and for letting me speak my thoughts.
December 27, 2025
What do I do with my life after getting a sneak peek..🫠
I finally have my hands on the ARC😍 not getting any sleep tonight!
I finally have my hands on the ARC😍 not getting any sleep tonight!
February 5, 2026
The Thorns We Inherit completely pulled me in. While the opening is rather abrupt and (I suspect intentionally) disorienting, the story becomes more and more immersive as it unfolds. I found myself increasingly invested in the characters and the world, to the point where it became genuinely hard to put the book down.
The writing style is lyrical and atmospheric throughout, and while it may not work for everyone right away, it fits the gothic setting beautifully. What initially feels dreamlike and confusing gradually reveals itself as a deliberate narrative choice, especially in Aurelia’s point of view. As the plot solidifies, the lyrical writing style starts to feel less distancing and more immersive.
The story alternates between Aurelia’s and Malachi’s POVs, which was one of the strongest aspects of the book for me. Aurelia’s chapters remain a bit fragmented and dreamlike, reflecting her lack of control and the overwhelming nature of her power, while Malachi’s POV provides clarity, context, and an understanding of the wider consequences at play. That contrast creates tension and depth, both emotionally and politically.
The slow burn romance between Aurelia and Malachi is another highlight. The yearning between them is palpable and beautifully restrained, making the eventual intimacy feel earned rather than rushed. While the book does include some explicit sexual content, it is written in a respectful, almost poetic way. This is clearly an adult book, but it is not smut-driven. Readers looking for purely closed-door romance should take note though.
The ending is a bit of a cliffhanger and a genuine “what just happened?” moment, with a twist I did not see coming. I know cliffhangers are not for everyone, but I personally do not mind them, and this one left me very eager to continue the series.
Overall, The Thorns We Inherit is a beautifully written gothic romantasy with a strong slow burn, compelling dual POVs, and a rich, moody atmosphere. I would highly recommend it to readers who enjoy lyrical prose and emotionally charged romance.
I am very curious to see where this story goes next!
The writing style is lyrical and atmospheric throughout, and while it may not work for everyone right away, it fits the gothic setting beautifully. What initially feels dreamlike and confusing gradually reveals itself as a deliberate narrative choice, especially in Aurelia’s point of view. As the plot solidifies, the lyrical writing style starts to feel less distancing and more immersive.
The story alternates between Aurelia’s and Malachi’s POVs, which was one of the strongest aspects of the book for me. Aurelia’s chapters remain a bit fragmented and dreamlike, reflecting her lack of control and the overwhelming nature of her power, while Malachi’s POV provides clarity, context, and an understanding of the wider consequences at play. That contrast creates tension and depth, both emotionally and politically.
The slow burn romance between Aurelia and Malachi is another highlight. The yearning between them is palpable and beautifully restrained, making the eventual intimacy feel earned rather than rushed. While the book does include some explicit sexual content, it is written in a respectful, almost poetic way. This is clearly an adult book, but it is not smut-driven. Readers looking for purely closed-door romance should take note though.
The ending is a bit of a cliffhanger and a genuine “what just happened?” moment, with a twist I did not see coming. I know cliffhangers are not for everyone, but I personally do not mind them, and this one left me very eager to continue the series.
Overall, The Thorns We Inherit is a beautifully written gothic romantasy with a strong slow burn, compelling dual POVs, and a rich, moody atmosphere. I would highly recommend it to readers who enjoy lyrical prose and emotionally charged romance.
I am very curious to see where this story goes next!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Some stories do not simply sit upon your shelf; they linger in the corners of your mind like woodsmoke and velvet. The Thorns We Inherit is an exquisite, haunting debut that feels less like a book and more like an invitation into a fever dream of mist and moonlight. From the moment Aurelia Moirae is pulled into the shrouded city of Nyxarra, the prose wraps around you like a heavy, silken cloak. The worldbuilding is decadent and dripping with gothic atmosphere, think blood bargains, ancient grudges, and magic that feels as dangerous as it is beautiful. It is the kind of setting where the shadows have teeth, and the silence speaks in riddles, perfectly suited for those who find comfort in the macabre. 🥀✨🌙
At its core, this is a story about the weight of what we are given versus the price of what we choose. Aurelia is a protagonist of remarkable depth; her journey isn’t just one of survival, but of reclamation as she faces the stories etched into her blood and the gods who demand payment. Watching her navigate the labyrinthine politics of a city ruled by forgotten powers is nothing short of captivating. The romance, meanwhile, is a masterclass in slow-burn tension, pulled taut between a haunted warrior who feels like a steady anchor and a beautiful monster who feels like a sharp blade. It is aching, devoted, and perfectly paced, making every stolen glance and whispered bargain feel like a revelation. 🕯️🖤
This novel is a love letter to the readers who find beauty in the dark, echoing the atmospheric mastery of V.E. Schwab and the lyrical sharpness of Rachel Gillig, yet carving out a throne entirely its own. It reminds us so poignantly that the thorns we inherit do not ask permission, they prick, they scar, and they remind us that beauty was never meant to be harmless." For the atmospheric reader who craves a story steeped in legacy, devotion, and a touch of the divine, this is a breathtaking debut that proves power is indeed a curse, but one I would gladly bear again. 🍷🖋️✨
At its core, this is a story about the weight of what we are given versus the price of what we choose. Aurelia is a protagonist of remarkable depth; her journey isn’t just one of survival, but of reclamation as she faces the stories etched into her blood and the gods who demand payment. Watching her navigate the labyrinthine politics of a city ruled by forgotten powers is nothing short of captivating. The romance, meanwhile, is a masterclass in slow-burn tension, pulled taut between a haunted warrior who feels like a steady anchor and a beautiful monster who feels like a sharp blade. It is aching, devoted, and perfectly paced, making every stolen glance and whispered bargain feel like a revelation. 🕯️🖤
This novel is a love letter to the readers who find beauty in the dark, echoing the atmospheric mastery of V.E. Schwab and the lyrical sharpness of Rachel Gillig, yet carving out a throne entirely its own. It reminds us so poignantly that the thorns we inherit do not ask permission, they prick, they scar, and they remind us that beauty was never meant to be harmless." For the atmospheric reader who craves a story steeped in legacy, devotion, and a touch of the divine, this is a breathtaking debut that proves power is indeed a curse, but one I would gladly bear again. 🍷🖋️✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dark romantasy? Gothic? Mysterious?
Period, I'm sat. Gagged. All of the new age adjectives for excited, here for it and obsessed.
Lindsey crafted such a phenomenal story with her ability to provide the reader with so much detail as far as settings, characters and environments.
For example:
"Rows of black roses, moon-pale lilies, and violet blooms kissed with frost stretched out in careful lines."
ARE YOU KIDDING?! As a certified outdoors hater, you would find me only ever in that garden.
Aside from the intricate details she provides with setting a scene, Lindsey also wrote her characters with so much depth. We have Aurelia, our FMC. Her only care is to protect and save her little brother. As we go on that journey with her, we get so much insight to her inner thoughts, feelings and fears which enables the reader to feel connected to her in their own way. Our MMC, Malachi, the yearning king, I'll tell ya. Malachi is written with so much mystery and vulnerability, he is this big, tough general, but he also has no qualms showing his soft side when needed, especially for those he cares for.
Santiago, he is the MVP of the story for me. While the story contains some darker themes and messages, Santiago brings the humor and lightheartedness to the story. I honestly didn't expect him to be such a prominent character at the beginning of the story, but I can't imagine what the story would have been without him. Live, laugh, love, Santi <3
My final point I want to touch on is Lindseys writing as a whole. As I mentioned earlier, she makes great use of detail, however, her writing in general is extremely poetic and at times, lyrical. Everything is written with a purpose, with a deeper meaning. If there is one thing I love in a book, it's a heavy hitting, thought provoking one-liner and she delivered, several times.
Thank you Lindsey, for the opportunity to read this book early and I can't wait for everyone else to experience it.
Period, I'm sat. Gagged. All of the new age adjectives for excited, here for it and obsessed.
Lindsey crafted such a phenomenal story with her ability to provide the reader with so much detail as far as settings, characters and environments.
For example:
"Rows of black roses, moon-pale lilies, and violet blooms kissed with frost stretched out in careful lines."
ARE YOU KIDDING?! As a certified outdoors hater, you would find me only ever in that garden.
Aside from the intricate details she provides with setting a scene, Lindsey also wrote her characters with so much depth. We have Aurelia, our FMC. Her only care is to protect and save her little brother. As we go on that journey with her, we get so much insight to her inner thoughts, feelings and fears which enables the reader to feel connected to her in their own way. Our MMC, Malachi, the yearning king, I'll tell ya. Malachi is written with so much mystery and vulnerability, he is this big, tough general, but he also has no qualms showing his soft side when needed, especially for those he cares for.
Santiago, he is the MVP of the story for me. While the story contains some darker themes and messages, Santiago brings the humor and lightheartedness to the story. I honestly didn't expect him to be such a prominent character at the beginning of the story, but I can't imagine what the story would have been without him. Live, laugh, love, Santi <3
My final point I want to touch on is Lindseys writing as a whole. As I mentioned earlier, she makes great use of detail, however, her writing in general is extremely poetic and at times, lyrical. Everything is written with a purpose, with a deeper meaning. If there is one thing I love in a book, it's a heavy hitting, thought provoking one-liner and she delivered, several times.
Thank you Lindsey, for the opportunity to read this book early and I can't wait for everyone else to experience it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Thorns We Inherit shows all shapes of beauty. A deeper meaning where you feel the emotions, scars that tell a story, makes you feel seen, silence, and acceptance.
You enter Nyxarra that felt atmospheric. This world felt rich and lush where you can feel the chills in the whispering woods. A welcoming fog that feels like it’s listening to you. Ready to claim you that feels dangerous but yet ancient as if the mist is watching.
This realm felt like a trap but a shifting power that’s dangerous ready to bloom or burst. Aurelia is our center. Fierce and relatable. She was sent something more powerful and dangerous. A curse with unspoken truths. She embodies emotion, rhythm, scars that tell a story wrapped around her body, and yet beauty.
This was an enthralling and lyrical writing style that felt so unique and raw that we don’t get a lot in fantasy romance books. Lindsey absolutely delivered something richer and you can feel she wanted to tell a story that could mean something to you. Something more powerful to remember and hold onto. That it’s okay to have these wounds, hidden scars, and love that costs.
It was well enriched that left me speechless. Especially both of our MMCs. Malachi and Kaelith were both mesmerizing yet spine-chilling. I loved both of them I mean why choose right!? Their character descriptions felt original. Malachi may be dangerous and mysterious but the softness in him made you awe. He was alluring and sexy. Then you have Kaelith. He is a collector and powerful man that steels it, yet you don’t want to make a bargain with him. He is intriguing and treacherous but something about him keeps you wanting more. Both of them made my pulse flare that I craved more of!
I loved the moments we got between Malachi and Aurelia because their eyes not only meet but their souls dance. The tension was shown between the pages and Lindsey did a fantastic job pulling you in from start to finish 🥀🖤
You enter Nyxarra that felt atmospheric. This world felt rich and lush where you can feel the chills in the whispering woods. A welcoming fog that feels like it’s listening to you. Ready to claim you that feels dangerous but yet ancient as if the mist is watching.
This realm felt like a trap but a shifting power that’s dangerous ready to bloom or burst. Aurelia is our center. Fierce and relatable. She was sent something more powerful and dangerous. A curse with unspoken truths. She embodies emotion, rhythm, scars that tell a story wrapped around her body, and yet beauty.
This was an enthralling and lyrical writing style that felt so unique and raw that we don’t get a lot in fantasy romance books. Lindsey absolutely delivered something richer and you can feel she wanted to tell a story that could mean something to you. Something more powerful to remember and hold onto. That it’s okay to have these wounds, hidden scars, and love that costs.
It was well enriched that left me speechless. Especially both of our MMCs. Malachi and Kaelith were both mesmerizing yet spine-chilling. I loved both of them I mean why choose right!? Their character descriptions felt original. Malachi may be dangerous and mysterious but the softness in him made you awe. He was alluring and sexy. Then you have Kaelith. He is a collector and powerful man that steels it, yet you don’t want to make a bargain with him. He is intriguing and treacherous but something about him keeps you wanting more. Both of them made my pulse flare that I craved more of!
I loved the moments we got between Malachi and Aurelia because their eyes not only meet but their souls dance. The tension was shown between the pages and Lindsey did a fantastic job pulling you in from start to finish 🥀🖤
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book has some of my favourite tropes. Slow burn, enemies to lovers, found family, and twists and turns right when you want them. It especially hits if you’re a fan of the Vampire Diaries!
3.5 ⭐️
First off, the title for this book is immaculate. It immediately drew me in. The writing has a lyrical, poetic quality. There are a lot of beautiful descriptions and similes. I particularly enjoyed the writing around grief and pain and the way it was described. It was haunting and beautiful. My favourite was the line about waking with someone else’s grief in your mouth, or the one about veins as a grotesque tapestry of suffering.
I found it harder to connect with Aurelia at first, but by the end I really liked her strength and wit. She’s a fighter willing to do anything for the people she loves. I also found myself chuckling a few times at her actions (she’s a biter 😂)
I loved Malachi’s chapters and seeing the world through his eyes. He was easy to connect with right away because I found him interesting and complex. The world building was well thought out and intricate, particularly with the lore around the gods and goddesses.
The only reason I can’t rate this higher is because I really struggled with the dialogue. A lot of it fell flat because the majority of the emotion is explicitly told through dialogue tags, as opposed to readers feeling the emotion through the character’s words and actions. I think the dialogue would be harder hitting if the characters weren’t constantly describing their own voice or other character’s voices. Adverbs are doing a lot of the heavy lifting for the scenes, and I would have preferred the same richness that we got throughout the rest of the novel.
Overall, this was an interesting read with intriguing characters and thought-provoking themes!
This book has some of my favourite tropes. Slow burn, enemies to lovers, found family, and twists and turns right when you want them. It especially hits if you’re a fan of the Vampire Diaries!
3.5 ⭐️
First off, the title for this book is immaculate. It immediately drew me in. The writing has a lyrical, poetic quality. There are a lot of beautiful descriptions and similes. I particularly enjoyed the writing around grief and pain and the way it was described. It was haunting and beautiful. My favourite was the line about waking with someone else’s grief in your mouth, or the one about veins as a grotesque tapestry of suffering.
I found it harder to connect with Aurelia at first, but by the end I really liked her strength and wit. She’s a fighter willing to do anything for the people she loves. I also found myself chuckling a few times at her actions (she’s a biter 😂)
I loved Malachi’s chapters and seeing the world through his eyes. He was easy to connect with right away because I found him interesting and complex. The world building was well thought out and intricate, particularly with the lore around the gods and goddesses.
The only reason I can’t rate this higher is because I really struggled with the dialogue. A lot of it fell flat because the majority of the emotion is explicitly told through dialogue tags, as opposed to readers feeling the emotion through the character’s words and actions. I think the dialogue would be harder hitting if the characters weren’t constantly describing their own voice or other character’s voices. Adverbs are doing a lot of the heavy lifting for the scenes, and I would have preferred the same richness that we got throughout the rest of the novel.
Overall, this was an interesting read with intriguing characters and thought-provoking themes!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Characters: 4.25⭐️
Setting: 4.50⭐️
Plot: 4.25⭐️
Themes: 4.50⭐️
Personal enjoyment: 4.25⭐️
Emotional Impact: 4.00⭐️
Overall rating: 4.25⭐️
The Thorns We Inherit is a moving gothic fantasy with wonderful worldbuilding, deep character development and a prose which rivals that of Rachel Gillig's Shepherd King Duology. The story lingers, burying itself into your bones with rich descriptions and devastating characters.
As a romantasy, we are met with unique main and side characters. Aurelia, our FMC, is protective of those she loves and is willing to sacrifice anything to help her brother, even if that means her own life. I really loved how strong she was in such a quiet sort of way because it was way more impactful throughout the story. The two MMC's, Malachi and Kaelith were multi-dimensional with different purposes in the end, but each held a power on the page that you typically don't see with MMC's in romantasy books like this. Kaelith is dangerous and powerful whereas Malachi is strong, mysterious and deeply caring.
I truly loved the development of the character arc between Malachi and Aurelia, there was yearning and subtle desperation that they needed from one another. The tension was felt coming off the page. This is truly, a slow burn romance at its finest.
Lindsey's writing is beautiful and almost poetic. The vivid descriptions made me feel fully immersed in this world, and I cannot wait to jump back into it.
Would I recommend this book? YES.
Thank you to Lindsey Hart for sending me an eARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Setting: 4.50⭐️
Plot: 4.25⭐️
Themes: 4.50⭐️
Personal enjoyment: 4.25⭐️
Emotional Impact: 4.00⭐️
Overall rating: 4.25⭐️
The Thorns We Inherit is a moving gothic fantasy with wonderful worldbuilding, deep character development and a prose which rivals that of Rachel Gillig's Shepherd King Duology. The story lingers, burying itself into your bones with rich descriptions and devastating characters.
As a romantasy, we are met with unique main and side characters. Aurelia, our FMC, is protective of those she loves and is willing to sacrifice anything to help her brother, even if that means her own life. I really loved how strong she was in such a quiet sort of way because it was way more impactful throughout the story. The two MMC's, Malachi and Kaelith were multi-dimensional with different purposes in the end, but each held a power on the page that you typically don't see with MMC's in romantasy books like this. Kaelith is dangerous and powerful whereas Malachi is strong, mysterious and deeply caring.
I truly loved the development of the character arc between Malachi and Aurelia, there was yearning and subtle desperation that they needed from one another. The tension was felt coming off the page. This is truly, a slow burn romance at its finest.
Lindsey's writing is beautiful and almost poetic. The vivid descriptions made me feel fully immersed in this world, and I cannot wait to jump back into it.
Would I recommend this book? YES.
Thank you to Lindsey Hart for sending me an eARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
NetGalley ARC Review
4.5⭐️ close to a 5⭐️ read
I really loved how this story unfolded. The world building was easy to follow, making it easier to immerse myself into the story without feeling overwhelmed.
The story follows Aurelia, who is willing to give up everything she knows and loves to save the only family she has left. But will it be enough? or will it cost her more than she’s prepared to lose? The tension builds steadily, and by the end, you’re left with no clear idea of where the story is going, which only adds to the intrigue.
I still don’t know who the MMC is, and I genuinely loved being kept guessing. Is there a potential love triangle? Possibly. The uncertainty adds so much tension. The romance is full on slow burn , leaving you yearning and wanting more. There’s spice, but it’s less intense, than some other Romantasy’s I’ve read! which I personally enjoyed. It leaves room for the imagination and makes it, in my opinion, open to a wider audience.
The title is absolutely perfect 👌🏽 It connects beautifully to the generational conflicts and war passed down through time, as well as the lore surrounding goddesses and mortals.
I was fully immersed in this world and its characters, and that cliffhanger was both cruel and brilliant. I’m definitely left wanting more and very much looking forward to the next book.
4.5⭐️ close to a 5⭐️ read
I really loved how this story unfolded. The world building was easy to follow, making it easier to immerse myself into the story without feeling overwhelmed.
The story follows Aurelia, who is willing to give up everything she knows and loves to save the only family she has left. But will it be enough? or will it cost her more than she’s prepared to lose? The tension builds steadily, and by the end, you’re left with no clear idea of where the story is going, which only adds to the intrigue.
I still don’t know who the MMC is, and I genuinely loved being kept guessing. Is there a potential love triangle? Possibly. The uncertainty adds so much tension. The romance is full on slow burn , leaving you yearning and wanting more. There’s spice, but it’s less intense, than some other Romantasy’s I’ve read! which I personally enjoyed. It leaves room for the imagination and makes it, in my opinion, open to a wider audience.
The title is absolutely perfect 👌🏽 It connects beautifully to the generational conflicts and war passed down through time, as well as the lore surrounding goddesses and mortals.
I was fully immersed in this world and its characters, and that cliffhanger was both cruel and brilliant. I’m definitely left wanting more and very much looking forward to the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Thorns We Inherit by Lindsey Hart is haunting, raw, and achingly beautiful. From the very first page, there’s a quiet heaviness that settles in — the kind that lingers in your chest long after you’ve finished reading. This story doesn’t just unfold; it seeps into you.
Hart writes with a sharp tenderness, exploring grief, love, and the complicated weight of the past with unflinching honesty. The characters feel bruised and real, shaped by the choices they’ve made and the scars they carry. Every interaction feels loaded with unsaid words and buried emotion, making even the smallest moments feel significant.
The atmosphere is thick and immersive — shadowed, intimate, and emotionally charged. There’s a slow-burning intensity to the relationships that makes the eventual payoffs feel earned and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of book that understands that love isn’t always soft; sometimes it’s thorned, messy, and beautifully painful.
This is a five-star read for me because it committed fully to its tone and emotional depth. It didn’t shy away from the darkness, and that honesty made the light moments feel even more powerful.
If you love stories that ache in the best way — that explore inherited wounds, complicated love, and the fragile hope that grows in difficult soil — The Thorns We Inherit will stay with you long after the final page.
Hart writes with a sharp tenderness, exploring grief, love, and the complicated weight of the past with unflinching honesty. The characters feel bruised and real, shaped by the choices they’ve made and the scars they carry. Every interaction feels loaded with unsaid words and buried emotion, making even the smallest moments feel significant.
The atmosphere is thick and immersive — shadowed, intimate, and emotionally charged. There’s a slow-burning intensity to the relationships that makes the eventual payoffs feel earned and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of book that understands that love isn’t always soft; sometimes it’s thorned, messy, and beautifully painful.
This is a five-star read for me because it committed fully to its tone and emotional depth. It didn’t shy away from the darkness, and that honesty made the light moments feel even more powerful.
If you love stories that ache in the best way — that explore inherited wounds, complicated love, and the fragile hope that grows in difficult soil — The Thorns We Inherit will stay with you long after the final page.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Strength of this book lies in a lush, poetic and lyrical writing style that brings to live gothic mysterious world and makes it easy to immerse in the story. Elements of world are unique (Shadow Elves) and have a fresh intake on standard tropes (bonds). The MMC, Malachi is a ‘broken, trying to save it all, don’t deserve love’ man who’s POV has an own style and I honestly couldn’t get more of it, hope we will discover more of his story in next book (I need to say that I hope he will stay main love interest, seen comments that Kaelith may be in the running, but any character who implies SA is unredeemable for me). The background romance of Santi and Lysara is lovely developed, and I liked every minute of it. The only thing that I didn’t enjoy was a cliffhanger at the end – (SPOILER) – just happens in many books that one of characters betrays/has secrets/turn back on the FMC that it felt very schematic and unoriginal. Yet, I am looking forward to next books to discover more.
In this book you are going to find:
Gothic atmosphere
Poetic writing style
Vampires
Ancient magic and gods
Bonds
Siblings love
Political intrigues and high stakes
Overall, this is a fantastic romantasy for fans of S. Parker and Keri Lake.
Thanks NetGalley for the arc copy of this title.
In this book you are going to find:
Gothic atmosphere
Poetic writing style
Vampires
Ancient magic and gods
Bonds
Siblings love
Political intrigues and high stakes
Overall, this is a fantastic romantasy for fans of S. Parker and Keri Lake.
Thanks NetGalley for the arc copy of this title.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
🌑🗡️𝘛𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘴:
→𝘌𝘯𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘛𝘰 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴
→𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘹𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘺
→𝘚𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘉𝘶𝘳𝘯
→𝘊𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘯 𝘖𝘯𝘦
→𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘸 𝘋𝘢𝘥𝘥𝘺(:𝘋𝘋𝘋𝘋)
→𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘎𝘳𝘦𝘺 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴
→𝘝𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘴 & 𝘎𝘰𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘴
→𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘶𝘮𝘢
⸻
Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0Ro...
("The Thorns We Inherit")
⸻
Oh, wow. It was cool
I absolutely loved the description!!! While reading, I felt like I was standing right next to the FMC, experiencing everything with her. Emotions were vivid and incredibly immersive!!!
That said, sometimes the descriptions were a bit too heavy, and I had to push myself to get through certain chapters.
The world-building felt a little unclear, and I was missing some details. But I hope we will get more explanations in the next books!!!😉
I lowkey hated Malachi(MMC) because he was cold, and very much the untouchable alpha male type in the beggining, but honestly, that’s pretty standard for books like this :DDDD
Aurelia(our favorite FMC), however, was amazing. She’s exactly the kind of heroine I adore, and she was definitely my favorite part of the book!!!
Overall, I enjoyed reading very much.
If you love dark, mysterious aesthetics and moody vibes, this book is definitely for you!!🗡️🌑
⸻
Thank to NetGalley for the ARC!
Thank to the author for all the hard work!
→𝘌𝘯𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘛𝘰 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴
→𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘹𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘺
→𝘚𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘉𝘶𝘳𝘯
→𝘊𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘯 𝘖𝘯𝘦
→𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘸 𝘋𝘢𝘥𝘥𝘺(:𝘋𝘋𝘋𝘋)
→𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘎𝘳𝘦𝘺 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴
→𝘝𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘴 & 𝘎𝘰𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘴
→𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘶𝘮𝘢
⸻
Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0Ro...
("The Thorns We Inherit")
⸻
Oh, wow. It was cool
I absolutely loved the description!!! While reading, I felt like I was standing right next to the FMC, experiencing everything with her. Emotions were vivid and incredibly immersive!!!
That said, sometimes the descriptions were a bit too heavy, and I had to push myself to get through certain chapters.
The world-building felt a little unclear, and I was missing some details. But I hope we will get more explanations in the next books!!!😉
I lowkey hated Malachi(MMC) because he was cold, and very much the untouchable alpha male type in the beggining, but honestly, that’s pretty standard for books like this :DDDD
Aurelia(our favorite FMC), however, was amazing. She’s exactly the kind of heroine I adore, and she was definitely my favorite part of the book!!!
Overall, I enjoyed reading very much.
If you love dark, mysterious aesthetics and moody vibes, this book is definitely for you!!🗡️🌑
⸻
Thank to NetGalley for the ARC!
Thank to the author for all the hard work!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’m a HUGE fan of Lindsey’s poetic writing. The writing was beautiful and compelling! There’s lines that you’d appreciate for how beautiful they sound. But there’s lines that you’d appreciate for how they make you feel. I was squealing, snapping * slam poetry snaps * and clapping! The writing was insane! Honestly, the writing unexpectedly pulled me in during the prologue. And the amount of highlights I have! It’s beautifully written!
I love our FMC’s, Aurelia’s, quiet strength. She’s a badass. She’s sharped tongued, fierce but not completely reckless. Her heart is her compass and that’s what made me love her! I can’t wait to see her growth!
Our MMCs are both dark and mysterious, but have opposing motives. But I already know who I’m rooting for! The side characters have some layers to them, they don’t phase in the background! I can’t wait to explore their storylines.
Please check TWs before diving in! Gothic fantasy and dark fantasy lovers, this is a must read in April!
Thank you, Lindsey for letting me experience this arc!
I love our FMC’s, Aurelia’s, quiet strength. She’s a badass. She’s sharped tongued, fierce but not completely reckless. Her heart is her compass and that’s what made me love her! I can’t wait to see her growth!
Our MMCs are both dark and mysterious, but have opposing motives. But I already know who I’m rooting for! The side characters have some layers to them, they don’t phase in the background! I can’t wait to explore their storylines.
Please check TWs before diving in! Gothic fantasy and dark fantasy lovers, this is a must read in April!
Thank you, Lindsey for letting me experience this arc!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Oh my goodness, this book took me completely by surprise, I went in blind and can’t even begin to tell you how much I enjoyed it!
It is an absolutely stunning read. From the very first page, I was completely immersed in the world she created. The writing is beautiful—lyrical, emotional, and so incredibly descriptive that every scene feels vivid and alive. You don’t just read this book; you experience it.
The author has a remarkable way of weaving atmosphere and emotion together, making even the quietest moments feel powerful and meaningful. The imagery is breathtaking, and her descriptions paint such clear pictures that it feels cinematic. Every detail is thoughtfully crafted, pulling you deeper into the story with each chapter.
Beyond the gorgeous prose, the characters are layered and compelling, and their journeys feel authentic and heartfelt. The themes linger long after you turn the final page, making this a story that truly stays with you.
I need to know what happens next, I’m rooting for Aurelia ♥️
It is an absolutely stunning read. From the very first page, I was completely immersed in the world she created. The writing is beautiful—lyrical, emotional, and so incredibly descriptive that every scene feels vivid and alive. You don’t just read this book; you experience it.
The author has a remarkable way of weaving atmosphere and emotion together, making even the quietest moments feel powerful and meaningful. The imagery is breathtaking, and her descriptions paint such clear pictures that it feels cinematic. Every detail is thoughtfully crafted, pulling you deeper into the story with each chapter.
Beyond the gorgeous prose, the characters are layered and compelling, and their journeys feel authentic and heartfelt. The themes linger long after you turn the final page, making this a story that truly stays with you.
I need to know what happens next, I’m rooting for Aurelia ♥️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Arc Review
The Thorns We Inherit by @authorlindseyhart
Thanks you for the e arc, for an honest review.
Tropes and Themes:
goddess/universe creation lore
prophecy/chosen one
journey to heal one’s family
diverse cast/found family
forced proximity
mental health rep
vampyres & goddess blessed magic
slow burn & maybe love triangle
Aurelia is feminine rage but also a really tender heart. Would do anything to help the last of her family, her beloved brother. I know this you would do anything to put a smile on your siblings face have their energy lighten not carry darkness around and feeling of worthlessness and fog fingers in your mind giving you so many dark days than good. The daily struggle to wanting to to carry on.
She has a mouth on her, sass, definitely the courage and bravery to step into the challenges, obstacle she must face.
The MMCs don't get me started. One I like the other kind of drove me nuts.
Releases: April 7, 2026.
The Thorns We Inherit by @authorlindseyhart
Thanks you for the e arc, for an honest review.
Tropes and Themes:
goddess/universe creation lore
prophecy/chosen one
journey to heal one’s family
diverse cast/found family
forced proximity
mental health rep
vampyres & goddess blessed magic
slow burn & maybe love triangle
Aurelia is feminine rage but also a really tender heart. Would do anything to help the last of her family, her beloved brother. I know this you would do anything to put a smile on your siblings face have their energy lighten not carry darkness around and feeling of worthlessness and fog fingers in your mind giving you so many dark days than good. The daily struggle to wanting to to carry on.
She has a mouth on her, sass, definitely the courage and bravery to step into the challenges, obstacle she must face.
The MMCs don't get me started. One I like the other kind of drove me nuts.
Releases: April 7, 2026.
February 13, 2026
I NEED MORE!!!
This book took me a while to get into which is totally normal for me reading fantasies as it takes me a while to understand the characters.
The word iron is used a lot at the start of the book which frustrated me a little.
My interest peaked from around 20% when I started to understand each character and what powers they held.
The story is complex with a lot to take in regarding each character and the ancient history that builds the story.
I flew through the second half in a day! My heart was racing, my stomach was doing flips. I couldn’t get enough of it.
I really liked the characters and how their bonds developed. I connected to each one and found each of them fascinating in their own way.
This author is extremely talented and I expect this to be an outstanding series. I already can’t wait for the next one!
This book took me a while to get into which is totally normal for me reading fantasies as it takes me a while to understand the characters.
The word iron is used a lot at the start of the book which frustrated me a little.
My interest peaked from around 20% when I started to understand each character and what powers they held.
The story is complex with a lot to take in regarding each character and the ancient history that builds the story.
I flew through the second half in a day! My heart was racing, my stomach was doing flips. I couldn’t get enough of it.
I really liked the characters and how their bonds developed. I connected to each one and found each of them fascinating in their own way.
This author is extremely talented and I expect this to be an outstanding series. I already can’t wait for the next one!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book had me hooked from the very first page. The pacing was gripping right away, and I genuinely loved getting to know the characters… they felt layered, real, and easy to become invested in. There were moments where the writing was so good I had to stop reading just to jot down quotes.
And the ending… wow. The twists and turns were completely unexpected. I truly did not see it coming.
I actually reread the final chapter twice, thinking, there is no way it ends like that. And then, yup. It sure did. I just sat there afterward, stunned.
If you love books that pull you in, make you pause to savor the writing, and then completely wreck your expectations in the best way possible, this one delivers.
And the ending… wow. The twists and turns were completely unexpected. I truly did not see it coming.
I actually reread the final chapter twice, thinking, there is no way it ends like that. And then, yup. It sure did. I just sat there afterward, stunned.
If you love books that pull you in, make you pause to savor the writing, and then completely wreck your expectations in the best way possible, this one delivers.
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