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Thorn & Dagger #258
The Thorn and the Sinking Stone
Warring families. Forbidden love. And danger they can’t escape…
Daggers. Roses. Cowboys. Boat Men. Survivors of Earth's Last War, four “families” vie to rule the dreary streets of Rain City through violence and blood. Valencia Hara, Princess of the wealthy Black Roses, is raised in warrior ways with sharpened steel. But she is no ordinary Rose. She is Cursed—tainted with the ability to see seconds into the future…
To avenge his father's death, Sebastian Leold, of the rival gang Two Daggers, must face off against the Black Princess, he with his dagger, she with her katana sword. Yet a secret from a shared past leaves him unable to kill beautiful Valencia; nor can she kill him. For they once knew each other beyond their blood feud…and they have more secrets in common than they know.
But in a world filled with vengeance and violence, there can be no room for love…
Daggers. Roses. Cowboys. Boat Men. Survivors of Earth's Last War, four “families” vie to rule the dreary streets of Rain City through violence and blood. Valencia Hara, Princess of the wealthy Black Roses, is raised in warrior ways with sharpened steel. But she is no ordinary Rose. She is Cursed—tainted with the ability to see seconds into the future…
To avenge his father's death, Sebastian Leold, of the rival gang Two Daggers, must face off against the Black Princess, he with his dagger, she with her katana sword. Yet a secret from a shared past leaves him unable to kill beautiful Valencia; nor can she kill him. For they once knew each other beyond their blood feud…and they have more secrets in common than they know.
But in a world filled with vengeance and violence, there can be no room for love…
247 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 9, 2015
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531 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
February 2, 2016
"Our reality was this: we were enemies caught in our parents' war, trapped in a desperate situation where desperate people did desperate things. I wanted to trust him. I wanted him to trust me. But neither of us can do it blindly"
That was a.. surprise. I didn't expect to love the book so so much. After the last page of my eArc, I was so ready to make a huge fandom for this book and I already asked the author if there's gonna be a sequel and thank the book gods that there will be because my FANGIRL HEART CAN'T TAKE IT if there'll be nothing to follow that breathtaking ending.
I was drawn instantly from the first chapter. I was intrigued and excited because the atmosphere of this book is unbelievable. You can really FEEL everything that is happening in the book. The pain, the action, the love... you will be transported inside Sebastian and Valencia's world and you know what? You'll love it! Every moment of it.
Sebastian and Valencia are part of two different gangs that rules Rain City. Yes people, GANGS. ROYALTY GANGS. And they're rivals. We're talking about black motorcycles, daggers, katanas and lots and lots of running and fighting. See, my favorite part of this book is the whole concept and the whole premise. Its just.. ITS EPIC OKAY. I don't remember being pumped by a book like this.
Valencia is all about taking revenge and proving to the other gang that they don't mess with roses. Or the thorns, as the daggers call them. Valencia is a kickass. I am absolutely impressed by this heroine and okay, we need more of this kind of heroine in YA.
"Finally, finally, after so many years of hating them for what they'd done to my father, I'd have a shot to show them what it meant to face the wrath of a true Thorn."
The girl is fierce and likeable. I love that she has her head on her shoulders even when Sebastian is starting to get under her skin. We all know it tends to go downhill when the romance starts to take over the book. But the romance was well done. (We'll get more to that later)
Now, Sebastian... Sebastian is a sad sad love interest. Not the kind of sad that is irritating and annoying, but the kind that you want to hug and hurt for.
"I wanted time to stop. I wanted everyone to understand how profound this loss was. I was turning into stone."
A Dagger that is hurting and a Rose that is full of hate.. could it be more epic?????
The answer is yes because the romance is just intense. Totally sweet and swoony but absolutely intense. Romeo and Juliet kind of romance doesn't usually work for me but for Valencia and Sebastian, I'm so ready to cut somebody if the odds doesn't work in their favor.
"Look at you. You're beautiful and terrifying and how could God ever put someone like you on Earth for me to kill.."
Some things that needs more work, in my opinion, is giving more information about Rain City.. their culture, their history and some of the terms that are used. But I have a feeling that everything will be more improved and epic because of what happened in the ending.
It is true that this book has The Young Elites feel into it but I wouldn't say that they are the same. There's a lot of different elements and comparing is just wrong anyway, right?
One thing I wouldn't forget to mention is that the writing is terrific! It's absolutely stunning. I cannot believe this is a debut novel. This series is absolutely to watch out for. You people need to choose sides.. Are you a Dagger or a Rose? Me? I'm wherever Bast and Vali will be. This book is surely a 2015 favorite!
March 9, 2015
As soon as I heard about The Thorn and the Sinking Stone I was immediately curious about it. I have to be honest when I say I hadn’t seen it around the blogging world and for that reason I was hesitant. But no matter what my curiosity go the better of me and I decided to take a chance on the story. I wanted to love this book – I did. But sometimes taking chances doesn’t always pay off and unfortunately this was the case for me and The Thorn and the Sinking Stone.
I had really high hopes with the book because it was clearly based Romeo and Juliet and I love that story, no matter how sad it is. While it’s clearly not the same as Shakespears’ tale The Thorn and the Sinking Stone is a story full of gang rivals set in a dystopian world with a paranormal aspect and it’s a world that if I’m honest confused me and wasn’t really built up enough.
For the first 20% of the story I quickly flew through the pages but soon enough I slowly started to lose interest. I found the more I read the more things didn’t add up and there were several plot holes. The world that was created was a good idea but poorly executed and not enough back ground information so as a reader, you completely understand how things are. People just accept things, like the Watchmen and the Cursed. I felt like although the main story is about The Black Roses and Two Daggers, there are too many other players in the story, that really could have been left out and maybe introduced into a sequel. There was also a lot of cold-hearted violence in the book which I think would look great on a big screen – if that’s what you’re into.
Sebastian and Valencia were the reason I kept reading. I wanted to see how their story would come together and while I liked it in most part I still couldn’t help feeling disappointed that their romance wasn’t as epic as I was hoping it was going to be. It was a little bland and in the end, I felt like the romance could have been left out because both characters were stronger without their new-found romance.
In all, The Thorn and the Sinking Stone wasn’t a great read for me but it’s one I’m glad I read because otherwise I would have always been curious about it.
Thank you to Entangled Teen for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review.
I had really high hopes with the book because it was clearly based Romeo and Juliet and I love that story, no matter how sad it is. While it’s clearly not the same as Shakespears’ tale The Thorn and the Sinking Stone is a story full of gang rivals set in a dystopian world with a paranormal aspect and it’s a world that if I’m honest confused me and wasn’t really built up enough.
For the first 20% of the story I quickly flew through the pages but soon enough I slowly started to lose interest. I found the more I read the more things didn’t add up and there were several plot holes. The world that was created was a good idea but poorly executed and not enough back ground information so as a reader, you completely understand how things are. People just accept things, like the Watchmen and the Cursed. I felt like although the main story is about The Black Roses and Two Daggers, there are too many other players in the story, that really could have been left out and maybe introduced into a sequel. There was also a lot of cold-hearted violence in the book which I think would look great on a big screen – if that’s what you’re into.
Sebastian and Valencia were the reason I kept reading. I wanted to see how their story would come together and while I liked it in most part I still couldn’t help feeling disappointed that their romance wasn’t as epic as I was hoping it was going to be. It was a little bland and in the end, I felt like the romance could have been left out because both characters were stronger without their new-found romance.
In all, The Thorn and the Sinking Stone wasn’t a great read for me but it’s one I’m glad I read because otherwise I would have always been curious about it.
Thank you to Entangled Teen for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 8, 2015
2.5 stars: It was okay! I bumped it up to 3 stars because it was the authors first novel. Nice job!
Short version: An inventive world, and an interesting concept washed down with a horrible plot, terrible character attributes and dialogue, and a forced love story.
Long version: First off, I absolutely loved the concept of this story. It reminded me of a gritty, modern version of Romeo and Juliet meets The 100 (in fact Valencia, our main character here is strikingly similar to a character from The 100). Despite post apocalyptic worlds and their stories being a bit passe and overdone, I liked what the author did here. Some parts felt fresh. However, some parts also felt very familiar, almost like rehashed version of some of the more recent best-sellers.
Where this book ultimately failed was the plot. It was not only predictable, but it was very poorly planned and filled with plot holes, left and right. It started off quite well, and it was interesting enough to hold my attention well into the meat of the book, but it fell apart quite quickly after that which is often the case with first time authors and their debut novels (I'm going by the goodreads author page, if this is wrong let me know!). The characters weren't particularly strong either. Valencia, just like this book had potential but she was so lacking, I really struggled to like her and empathize with her and her cause. I almost didn't care. Almost. There were a few book saving moments (it was the quiet points in the story that I really started to feel like there was a real character there that I cared about in her POV diatribes, but those parts were few and far between (the bike scenes were great!). The dialogue (and to some degree even the writing) wasn't very strong and there were times when I simply rolled my eyes because it felt way over the top; like the author was trying to do and be more than she was capable of. (This is not intended to be mean, many first time authors make this mistake of trying to write better than they are capable of. It's still good writing, but it's painful to have to read 6 lines about Garrett smoking cigarettes. That kind of detail is nice if it has to do with plot or character development, but it was mostly just filler and that was frustrating. As much as this tries to be a love story, this is not a book you'll remember for it's romance or love (there's no Bella and Edward here) or much of anything to be honest.
Which is a shame because this book had tremendous potential but it ultimately fell flat and is easily forgettable. I would encourage the author to continue because she seems like a good story teller (who needs to work on a few things like plot development!) but having written her first book she'll no doubt have improved. Great first effort, and while I think there are great points to this book, it's not a recommend from me as it was "okay" as per my scale.
Short version: An inventive world, and an interesting concept washed down with a horrible plot, terrible character attributes and dialogue, and a forced love story.
Long version: First off, I absolutely loved the concept of this story. It reminded me of a gritty, modern version of Romeo and Juliet meets The 100 (in fact Valencia, our main character here is strikingly similar to a character from The 100). Despite post apocalyptic worlds and their stories being a bit passe and overdone, I liked what the author did here. Some parts felt fresh. However, some parts also felt very familiar, almost like rehashed version of some of the more recent best-sellers.
Where this book ultimately failed was the plot. It was not only predictable, but it was very poorly planned and filled with plot holes, left and right. It started off quite well, and it was interesting enough to hold my attention well into the meat of the book, but it fell apart quite quickly after that which is often the case with first time authors and their debut novels (I'm going by the goodreads author page, if this is wrong let me know!). The characters weren't particularly strong either. Valencia, just like this book had potential but she was so lacking, I really struggled to like her and empathize with her and her cause. I almost didn't care. Almost. There were a few book saving moments (it was the quiet points in the story that I really started to feel like there was a real character there that I cared about in her POV diatribes, but those parts were few and far between (the bike scenes were great!). The dialogue (and to some degree even the writing) wasn't very strong and there were times when I simply rolled my eyes because it felt way over the top; like the author was trying to do and be more than she was capable of. (This is not intended to be mean, many first time authors make this mistake of trying to write better than they are capable of. It's still good writing, but it's painful to have to read 6 lines about Garrett smoking cigarettes. That kind of detail is nice if it has to do with plot or character development, but it was mostly just filler and that was frustrating. As much as this tries to be a love story, this is not a book you'll remember for it's romance or love (there's no Bella and Edward here) or much of anything to be honest.
Which is a shame because this book had tremendous potential but it ultimately fell flat and is easily forgettable. I would encourage the author to continue because she seems like a good story teller (who needs to work on a few things like plot development!) but having written her first book she'll no doubt have improved. Great first effort, and while I think there are great points to this book, it's not a recommend from me as it was "okay" as per my scale.
February 19, 2015
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this novel in return for an honest review
I haven't seen it marketed as such, but this book is clearly based on Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet'. It involves rival gangs, and star-crossed lovers (sort of), but also has a paranormal element, smarter characters (no one fakes a suicide) and is actually part of a dystopian world.
Though it's never really made clear what happened, this book is actually set in the future, after some sort of war that appears to have destroyed much of the world. It was rebuilt, and in the Rain City, where this is set, there are gangs that are struggling for control over the city, as well as the Watchmen, who work for the government (or some form of it, though it's never really talked about).
I would've liked a clearer sense of the world in this novel - it was a struggle for me to write those couple of sentences about when it's set. Despite this, though, I did really enjoy it, and though I couldn't tell you much about the world, we are given a good picture of the city and what it's like to live there.
The two main characters, Sebastian (the Sinking Stone) and Valencia (the Thorn), alternate points of view, and I liked them both. Sebastian grew up surrounded by gangs and murder and vengeance, but hasn't let it touch him; although he's saddened and angry over his father's death by the Black Roses (the rival gang), he doesn't want revenge. His dad was the leader of the Two Daggers gang, but taught him that love was more important than hate. Sebastian is brave and kind, and tries his hardest to be a good person.
Valencia isn't as naive as Sebastian. She's the sister of the leader of the Black Roses, and is only through Sebastian's influence that she realises that she can't be part of the life that's expected of her. She's expected to kill him, but instead finds herself drawn to him.
There's also a paranormal element to this novel, though it's existence is never explained as anything other than a mutated gene, and then never in anything other than passing. Both Valencia and Sebastian are Cursed - they have paranormal gifts - and this makes them automatically enemies of the Watchmen. It's through this connection that they become unlikely allies, even though their families are feuding.
This book is fast paced, full of action and adventure and romance. I really enjoyed it, and read it all in one sitting. It was funny and light-hearted, and the characters were great. I would've liked a better explanation of the world, but I think this might be coming in the second novel, maybe. The novel was easy to read, and I enjoyed the style, though there were a couple of moments when the thorn/sinking stone metaphors were hammered in a bit too hard. Thankfully those stopped about half way through.
Overall, I'd definitely recommend this book if you're looking for a quick, action-packed read.
I haven't seen it marketed as such, but this book is clearly based on Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet'. It involves rival gangs, and star-crossed lovers (sort of), but also has a paranormal element, smarter characters (no one fakes a suicide) and is actually part of a dystopian world.
Though it's never really made clear what happened, this book is actually set in the future, after some sort of war that appears to have destroyed much of the world. It was rebuilt, and in the Rain City, where this is set, there are gangs that are struggling for control over the city, as well as the Watchmen, who work for the government (or some form of it, though it's never really talked about).
I would've liked a clearer sense of the world in this novel - it was a struggle for me to write those couple of sentences about when it's set. Despite this, though, I did really enjoy it, and though I couldn't tell you much about the world, we are given a good picture of the city and what it's like to live there.
The two main characters, Sebastian (the Sinking Stone) and Valencia (the Thorn), alternate points of view, and I liked them both. Sebastian grew up surrounded by gangs and murder and vengeance, but hasn't let it touch him; although he's saddened and angry over his father's death by the Black Roses (the rival gang), he doesn't want revenge. His dad was the leader of the Two Daggers gang, but taught him that love was more important than hate. Sebastian is brave and kind, and tries his hardest to be a good person.
Valencia isn't as naive as Sebastian. She's the sister of the leader of the Black Roses, and is only through Sebastian's influence that she realises that she can't be part of the life that's expected of her. She's expected to kill him, but instead finds herself drawn to him.
There's also a paranormal element to this novel, though it's existence is never explained as anything other than a mutated gene, and then never in anything other than passing. Both Valencia and Sebastian are Cursed - they have paranormal gifts - and this makes them automatically enemies of the Watchmen. It's through this connection that they become unlikely allies, even though their families are feuding.
This book is fast paced, full of action and adventure and romance. I really enjoyed it, and read it all in one sitting. It was funny and light-hearted, and the characters were great. I would've liked a better explanation of the world, but I think this might be coming in the second novel, maybe. The novel was easy to read, and I enjoyed the style, though there were a couple of moments when the thorn/sinking stone metaphors were hammered in a bit too hard. Thankfully those stopped about half way through.
Overall, I'd definitely recommend this book if you're looking for a quick, action-packed read.
February 23, 2015
I kindly got this ARC via Entangled teen Publisher
AH, This Book was Freaking awesome!!!! So glad I got this ARC!
Rating- 4.5
I truly enjoyed it, it was action packed and made me reminiscent of the book 'Young Elites' by Marie Lu.
"Finn 'Lucky' Leold was dead. My Father was dead. Murdered by a Black Rose."
Rain City is divided by four gangs, two of these gangs- The Black Roses and the Daggers hate each other and yearn to annihilate one another.
There is a genetic mutation in Rain city that gives people special abilities, however, these abilities are outlawed and the government will do anything to eradicate this genetic abnormality.
The Princess of the Black Roses- Valencia has a genetic mutation which makes her invincible in combat, she is a warrior and nothing will stand in her way of avenging her father.
However, she never forgot the little boy who had saved her one night years ago.
So what happens when this little boy- Sebastian, is now all grown up and also the son of the deceased leader of the Daggers is made to fight the Princess of the Black Thorns to the death?
Has Valencia, found her weakness at last? Will Sebastian remember her?
“Why are you being so nice to me? I just tried to shove a blade in you?”
There is a love story- and oh my, what a love story it is!
I usually hate the Romeo and Julliette type romances but I totally LOVED this one!
“I’m already in your head,” He whispered, “and you know it, I’m beating through your pulse. I’m in the air you breathe, because we’re the same”
HOW CAN YOU NOT MELT AT THAT!?
Sebastian is freaking dreamy!
There's a Masquerade scene...that...that, i have no words, but the Gif is pretty accurate.
Everything is against them, everyone wants to kill or separate them.
To love each other is death, to be with each other is suicide.
To be cursed…is beyond all that.
But there is a myth that there are those curse named the ‘gifted few’ Are they myth or fact?
Read to find out!
I love the writing and the story and the characters! While reading I was so shocked when I realised I finished it! I wanted more!
It’s safe to say I can’t wait to have the next book, especially considering where it finished off!
Stay awesome and read this book!
-The Book Herald
Find me on Twitter- @thebookherald
AH, This Book was Freaking awesome!!!! So glad I got this ARC!
Rating- 4.5
I truly enjoyed it, it was action packed and made me reminiscent of the book 'Young Elites' by Marie Lu.
"Finn 'Lucky' Leold was dead. My Father was dead. Murdered by a Black Rose."
Rain City is divided by four gangs, two of these gangs- The Black Roses and the Daggers hate each other and yearn to annihilate one another.
There is a genetic mutation in Rain city that gives people special abilities, however, these abilities are outlawed and the government will do anything to eradicate this genetic abnormality.
The Princess of the Black Roses- Valencia has a genetic mutation which makes her invincible in combat, she is a warrior and nothing will stand in her way of avenging her father.
However, she never forgot the little boy who had saved her one night years ago.
So what happens when this little boy- Sebastian, is now all grown up and also the son of the deceased leader of the Daggers is made to fight the Princess of the Black Thorns to the death?
Has Valencia, found her weakness at last? Will Sebastian remember her?
“Why are you being so nice to me? I just tried to shove a blade in you?”
There is a love story- and oh my, what a love story it is!
I usually hate the Romeo and Julliette type romances but I totally LOVED this one!
“I’m already in your head,” He whispered, “and you know it, I’m beating through your pulse. I’m in the air you breathe, because we’re the same”
HOW CAN YOU NOT MELT AT THAT!?
Sebastian is freaking dreamy!
There's a Masquerade scene...that...that, i have no words, but the Gif is pretty accurate.
Everything is against them, everyone wants to kill or separate them.
To love each other is death, to be with each other is suicide.
To be cursed…is beyond all that.
But there is a myth that there are those curse named the ‘gifted few’ Are they myth or fact?
Read to find out!
I love the writing and the story and the characters! While reading I was so shocked when I realised I finished it! I wanted more!
It’s safe to say I can’t wait to have the next book, especially considering where it finished off!
Stay awesome and read this book!
-The Book Herald
Find me on Twitter- @thebookherald
February 27, 2015
Science & Fantasy Kings Review: Your Kings for what's cool in the world of nerds.
Pirates (boatmen), Cowboys, Samurai's (Black roses)--and a post apocalyptic world with a section of the population slowly becoming mutants? What could be better?... How about a good story?
When I received this book for review I had high hopes. Really high hopes. It sounded fantastic, but each page I trekked the more and more I wanted to throw things. Because it had potential, but the author threw it all away for low hanging fruit.
Perhaps more frustrating than the over overarching story, was the fact that by the halfway point of the book, the differences between the Rain City gangs were pretty much non-existent. You could have flipped open this book at any page in the 200's and thought it was something else completely. The hook (Cowboys, Ninjas, and Pirates) was completely forgotten about in favor of a love story and a really weak sort of Lord of the Rings Wraith side-plot.
Besides a massive information dump (of almost useless proportions, nothing you want to know is actually explained or even commented on! Why was this Rain City a dystopian wasteland? Why Katanas besides the fact that the Roses come from old Asia?) fans of the S&F Kings will find the plot devices in this novel to be quite infuriating, and little bit insulting (the main character is OP as hell with her mutant powers, and she can even see a little bit into the future) and as stated before nothing is actually explained to the point where I doubt any interesting scientific information could ever be gleaned from this work; yep folks...it's lowest common denominator science fiction. The Big Bang Theory of Sci-Fi novels if you will.
The Rundown
Plot 2/5: If you've managed to hold on this far, you're in for some good news. At it's core this "The Thorn and the Sinking Stone" has some redeeming qualities. Particularly in its wanton violence. I was quite surprised how violent this book actually was and how little remorse any of the characters actually had. It's a stark contrast from the rest of the book. Normally I'm not a fan of senseless blood, but it added an interesting element. It was almost Kill-Billian. As for the actual plot, the story isn't Star Wars Episodes 1-3 bad, but it's certainly nothing you haven't read a thousand times before (see flip test from before) and as far as tropes and cliches go, this novel hits a bunch of them over the wall (bases loaded bottom of 9th style).
Characters 3/5: If you're on the lookout for a book with a strong female character, Valencia Hara won't go down in history as anything memorable but she's a cool girl, with mutant powers, and a katana. She's actually pretty bad ass for the first half of the novel. One of my big gripes with this book is idea that we had to have romance here. Strong female characters don't need to revolve around a romance plot. It just didn't fit the Valencia character, at least in book 1.
Science 1/5: There's about as much science in this book as what your mom knows about the X-Men. "Radiation causes mutations!!!! Duh!" If you're looking for anything interesting in the world of science, you won't find it here. I understand that the author probably never had the nerd demographic in mind, and was simply trying to cash in on some big pop culture buzzwords and themes, but I found the simplicity and cardboard like generalizations to be rather insulting to modern readers.
Overall Experience: 40%
In all, The Thron and the Sinking Stone by CJ Dushinski can be enjoyable for some mindless binge-reading, especially if you can't get enough Dystopian Lit. However, it comes up entirely short of most of its goals and ambitions, and you're aren't going to find anything particularly interesting or even nerdy in this book outside of some really bad characterizations.
Pirates (boatmen), Cowboys, Samurai's (Black roses)--and a post apocalyptic world with a section of the population slowly becoming mutants? What could be better?... How about a good story?
When I received this book for review I had high hopes. Really high hopes. It sounded fantastic, but each page I trekked the more and more I wanted to throw things. Because it had potential, but the author threw it all away for low hanging fruit.
Perhaps more frustrating than the over overarching story, was the fact that by the halfway point of the book, the differences between the Rain City gangs were pretty much non-existent. You could have flipped open this book at any page in the 200's and thought it was something else completely. The hook (Cowboys, Ninjas, and Pirates) was completely forgotten about in favor of a love story and a really weak sort of Lord of the Rings Wraith side-plot.
Besides a massive information dump (of almost useless proportions, nothing you want to know is actually explained or even commented on! Why was this Rain City a dystopian wasteland? Why Katanas besides the fact that the Roses come from old Asia?) fans of the S&F Kings will find the plot devices in this novel to be quite infuriating, and little bit insulting (the main character is OP as hell with her mutant powers, and she can even see a little bit into the future) and as stated before nothing is actually explained to the point where I doubt any interesting scientific information could ever be gleaned from this work; yep folks...it's lowest common denominator science fiction. The Big Bang Theory of Sci-Fi novels if you will.
The Rundown
Plot 2/5: If you've managed to hold on this far, you're in for some good news. At it's core this "The Thorn and the Sinking Stone" has some redeeming qualities. Particularly in its wanton violence. I was quite surprised how violent this book actually was and how little remorse any of the characters actually had. It's a stark contrast from the rest of the book. Normally I'm not a fan of senseless blood, but it added an interesting element. It was almost Kill-Billian. As for the actual plot, the story isn't Star Wars Episodes 1-3 bad, but it's certainly nothing you haven't read a thousand times before (see flip test from before) and as far as tropes and cliches go, this novel hits a bunch of them over the wall (bases loaded bottom of 9th style).
Characters 3/5: If you're on the lookout for a book with a strong female character, Valencia Hara won't go down in history as anything memorable but she's a cool girl, with mutant powers, and a katana. She's actually pretty bad ass for the first half of the novel. One of my big gripes with this book is idea that we had to have romance here. Strong female characters don't need to revolve around a romance plot. It just didn't fit the Valencia character, at least in book 1.
Science 1/5: There's about as much science in this book as what your mom knows about the X-Men. "Radiation causes mutations!!!! Duh!" If you're looking for anything interesting in the world of science, you won't find it here. I understand that the author probably never had the nerd demographic in mind, and was simply trying to cash in on some big pop culture buzzwords and themes, but I found the simplicity and cardboard like generalizations to be rather insulting to modern readers.
Overall Experience: 40%
In all, The Thron and the Sinking Stone by CJ Dushinski can be enjoyable for some mindless binge-reading, especially if you can't get enough Dystopian Lit. However, it comes up entirely short of most of its goals and ambitions, and you're aren't going to find anything particularly interesting or even nerdy in this book outside of some really bad characterizations.
April 21, 2015
I received this from Netgalley for my honest review. Publisher: Entangled Publishing LLC
This story had real potential. I had high hopes for it. Turns out it couldn't deliver.
This story felt like a mix of dystopian and fantasy to me. It takes place in a futuristic city, Rain City and is centered around two gangs, the Roses and the Daggers. It felt very Romeo and Juliet or A West Side Story, only with out the drama and flare. Don't get me wrong, plenty of drama takes place in this book; it just wasn't executed well in my opinion. It felt more like description, than actual storytelling.
A fun idea for a story, just not my cup of tea.
This story had real potential. I had high hopes for it. Turns out it couldn't deliver.
This story felt like a mix of dystopian and fantasy to me. It takes place in a futuristic city, Rain City and is centered around two gangs, the Roses and the Daggers. It felt very Romeo and Juliet or A West Side Story, only with out the drama and flare. Don't get me wrong, plenty of drama takes place in this book; it just wasn't executed well in my opinion. It felt more like description, than actual storytelling.
A fun idea for a story, just not my cup of tea.
March 20, 2015
http://badbirdreads.com/review-the-th...
At A Glance
I like that it was twist on Romeo and Juliet but the execution was meh.
The Good
Rival gangs, forbidden lovers, paranormal aspects, all set in a dystopia world. Pretty freaking awesome idea, right? I thought so too, that's what drew me to The Thorn and the Sinking Stone. A twist on Romeo and Juliet. I couldn't pass it up.
The violence and grit of this world appealed to me. You would have to be a hard person to live in it. There was nothing soft or gentle about it. Except for Sebastian and Valencia. These two are different from their murdering families and rough citizens. Valencia is tough but caring, while Sebastian is brave and kind. And together they really brought out the specialness in each other. They start out fighting each other to a possible death and end up with an uncertain future, but at least they are going into it together. There isn't flowers and candy, but there is friendship and understanding and that's a good base for a relationship.
I liked the Cursed aspect. I want to know more about why these gifted humans are hunted. There was a lot of action and suspense. And the mystery at the end still has me intrigued.
The Bad
Um, background info? Hello? Are you there? No? Well that sucks. This book really needed a better background base because I felt like I was just thrown into this world and it took me the whole book just to understand a quarter of it. I don't like feeling lost.
I am cool with violence but how cavalier these characters were about it just irked me sometimes.
There was some plot holes and I wanted more character development.
The Snuggly
I like that this wasn't an epic love story, it was more gritty and uncertain. It was a nice change up. But I also missed having a strong feeling about "the couple." I want more from Valencia and Sebastian next time.
Only kissing, so very YA.
Final Thoughts
It was a good read with a meh plot and background. I might read the next one, but I am not sure yet. I am still intrigued enough to keep an eye out for the sequel. Somewhat Recommended.
Quotes
“Why are you being so nice to me? I just tried to shove a blade in you?”
“I’m already in your head,” He whispered, “and you know it, I’m beating through your pulse. I’m in the air you breathe, because we’re the same”
For a long time I'd been consumed by anger. Then Valencia Hara appeared, too wild and beautiful to ignore, and the anger faded into the background. She dulled my sadness, making it easier to think and easier to feel.
[about-author]
Giveaway
I like that it was twist on Romeo and Juliet but the execution was meh.
The Good
Rival gangs, forbidden lovers, paranormal aspects, all set in a dystopia world. Pretty freaking awesome idea, right? I thought so too, that's what drew me to The Thorn and the Sinking Stone. A twist on Romeo and Juliet. I couldn't pass it up.
The violence and grit of this world appealed to me. You would have to be a hard person to live in it. There was nothing soft or gentle about it. Except for Sebastian and Valencia. These two are different from their murdering families and rough citizens. Valencia is tough but caring, while Sebastian is brave and kind. And together they really brought out the specialness in each other. They start out fighting each other to a possible death and end up with an uncertain future, but at least they are going into it together. There isn't flowers and candy, but there is friendship and understanding and that's a good base for a relationship.
I liked the Cursed aspect. I want to know more about why these gifted humans are hunted. There was a lot of action and suspense. And the mystery at the end still has me intrigued.
The Bad
Um, background info? Hello? Are you there? No? Well that sucks. This book really needed a better background base because I felt like I was just thrown into this world and it took me the whole book just to understand a quarter of it. I don't like feeling lost.
I am cool with violence but how cavalier these characters were about it just irked me sometimes.
There was some plot holes and I wanted more character development.
The Snuggly
I like that this wasn't an epic love story, it was more gritty and uncertain. It was a nice change up. But I also missed having a strong feeling about "the couple." I want more from Valencia and Sebastian next time.
Only kissing, so very YA.
Final Thoughts
It was a good read with a meh plot and background. I might read the next one, but I am not sure yet. I am still intrigued enough to keep an eye out for the sequel. Somewhat Recommended.
Quotes
“Why are you being so nice to me? I just tried to shove a blade in you?”
“I’m already in your head,” He whispered, “and you know it, I’m beating through your pulse. I’m in the air you breathe, because we’re the same”
For a long time I'd been consumed by anger. Then Valencia Hara appeared, too wild and beautiful to ignore, and the anger faded into the background. She dulled my sadness, making it easier to think and easier to feel.
[about-author]
Giveaway
This is a Tour Wide Giveaway
November 24, 2015
*eARC kindly provided by Entangled Publishing, LLC via NetGalley*
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The Thorn and the Sinking Stone was not at all what I was expecting, which was such a pleasant surprise. It was fun and engaging and had an excellent Romeo and Juliet vibe with the main characters.
Valencia Hara, the Black Princess of the Roses, puts loyalty to her family above all else. She is tough, grew up in a harsh household, and determined to become a part of her brother's gang. To be accepted as one of them. Even if that means killing a boy who saved her as a little girl. I thought Valencia was such a strong character, one who doesn't show her emotions and one who doesn't let weakness or fear stop her from doing what is necessary. But she also had a quiet vulnerability; she's still a teen, still a girl who feels something for a boy she shouldn't. I loved that she made her own decisions and got out under the toxicity of the Rose household. Was that selfish? To her family. Was I completely rooting for her anyway? Hell yes!
I was also rooting for Sebastian Leold. He's had a much easier life than Valencia, but he doesn't like how the gang operates. And he's dealing with grief over the loss of his father, too. But he wants so much more out of life than revenge and fighting. However, it's hard to let go of something that you've been taught your whole life. It's hard to fight against family. And it's hard to think for yourself when people are whispering in your ear about what is right and what you should do. But ultimately, Sebastian opened up his mind and heart to new ways, and to the girl he’s not supposed to be thinking about.
I would have liked a bit more romance development, though I thought they were so cute together. Great banter, a playfulness that comes with familiarity, and a shared important memory that convinces the both of them that what they've been told is not always right, or good. They both had a lot of growing to do, and I was so happy when they grew together.
Valencia's family kind of sucks. There is no lost love between them. They are hardened criminals who think revenge is always the answer. They are led by Valencia's brother, who is such a bastard for throwing his sister out to the wolves and making her fight for her life. Sebastian's older brother did the same, but I wasn't as mad. Because I know that Kane cares for his younger brothers and only wants them to be safe. But this is how it goes, they can't back down from a fight, and Sebastian understands that. Plus the relationships with Sebastian and his brothers is full of love, respect, and loyalty, which is more than I can say for the Roses.
The plot was very entertaining, and I loved the superhero power aspect! I'm definitely intrigued for more of this post-apocalyptic series. I really liked the characters, and I’m excited to see where they go and where the sequel takes this story-line. :) The Thorn and the Sinking Stone was a cute, fast-paced Romeo and Juliet style book with superpowers.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The Thorn and the Sinking Stone was not at all what I was expecting, which was such a pleasant surprise. It was fun and engaging and had an excellent Romeo and Juliet vibe with the main characters.
Valencia Hara, the Black Princess of the Roses, puts loyalty to her family above all else. She is tough, grew up in a harsh household, and determined to become a part of her brother's gang. To be accepted as one of them. Even if that means killing a boy who saved her as a little girl. I thought Valencia was such a strong character, one who doesn't show her emotions and one who doesn't let weakness or fear stop her from doing what is necessary. But she also had a quiet vulnerability; she's still a teen, still a girl who feels something for a boy she shouldn't. I loved that she made her own decisions and got out under the toxicity of the Rose household. Was that selfish? To her family. Was I completely rooting for her anyway? Hell yes!
I was also rooting for Sebastian Leold. He's had a much easier life than Valencia, but he doesn't like how the gang operates. And he's dealing with grief over the loss of his father, too. But he wants so much more out of life than revenge and fighting. However, it's hard to let go of something that you've been taught your whole life. It's hard to fight against family. And it's hard to think for yourself when people are whispering in your ear about what is right and what you should do. But ultimately, Sebastian opened up his mind and heart to new ways, and to the girl he’s not supposed to be thinking about.
I would have liked a bit more romance development, though I thought they were so cute together. Great banter, a playfulness that comes with familiarity, and a shared important memory that convinces the both of them that what they've been told is not always right, or good. They both had a lot of growing to do, and I was so happy when they grew together.
Valencia's family kind of sucks. There is no lost love between them. They are hardened criminals who think revenge is always the answer. They are led by Valencia's brother, who is such a bastard for throwing his sister out to the wolves and making her fight for her life. Sebastian's older brother did the same, but I wasn't as mad. Because I know that Kane cares for his younger brothers and only wants them to be safe. But this is how it goes, they can't back down from a fight, and Sebastian understands that. Plus the relationships with Sebastian and his brothers is full of love, respect, and loyalty, which is more than I can say for the Roses.
The plot was very entertaining, and I loved the superhero power aspect! I'm definitely intrigued for more of this post-apocalyptic series. I really liked the characters, and I’m excited to see where they go and where the sequel takes this story-line. :) The Thorn and the Sinking Stone was a cute, fast-paced Romeo and Juliet style book with superpowers.
February 21, 2015
*I received a free ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
MY REVIEW
After the war, four families have risen to power and taken control over the lands of Rain City. The east bank was taken over by the Hara house-known as the black roses or thorns. The west bank by the Daggers, the south warf by the cowboys and the north by the Boat Men.
The roses and the daggers hate each other from generations back and when the daggers killed Valencia's father, her brother and his men got revenge and killed their father. The daggers are angry and demand the roses to meet them for a confrontation. Garett, Valencia's brother, never backed down from a challenge and he's arrogance pushed him to accept. At night, they ride on their bikes to the confrontation where Garett orders Valencia to fight Sebastian. The fight ends badly as they remember each other from their childhood and neither wants to deliver the killing blow. The watchmen of the society arrive and send the two gangs fleeing. These watchmen capture the Cursed and Valencia is in danger of being discovered. As they arrive, Valencia, Sebastian and his brother are forced to flee together to escape the watchmen. They forge and unlikely friendship. Valencia and Sebastian start to doubt their hate for each other. But as love blossoms, who will they stand by? Their family or each other? With the government chasing them throughout Rain City they are in constant danger. Will they give betray one another to the watchmen just because of their rivalry and what they grew up believing in?
From the title to the very last sentence, i loved this book. Valencia is as beautiful as a rose and as dangerous as its thorns. After his father's death, Sebastian is sinking like a stone but Valencia makes him feel alive. Am i the only one thinking this is a perfect title?? I loved the atmosphere of the rivalry especially when the roses were called, The black prince and the black princess. I don't know how it explain it but this book was just perfect in all ways. It had action, a forbidden romance and tested loyalties. How can you go wrong there? The romance was lovely despite all the odds against them, the plot itself was thrilling and intriguing.
Loved the characters. Loved the setting. My favorite aspect was the rivalry though. The roses on bikes coming for the daggers. The hate, the planning-just everything. I'm going to say this again,I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! Can't wait for the sequel! BTW EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS!!!
MY REVIEW
After the war, four families have risen to power and taken control over the lands of Rain City. The east bank was taken over by the Hara house-known as the black roses or thorns. The west bank by the Daggers, the south warf by the cowboys and the north by the Boat Men.
The roses and the daggers hate each other from generations back and when the daggers killed Valencia's father, her brother and his men got revenge and killed their father. The daggers are angry and demand the roses to meet them for a confrontation. Garett, Valencia's brother, never backed down from a challenge and he's arrogance pushed him to accept. At night, they ride on their bikes to the confrontation where Garett orders Valencia to fight Sebastian. The fight ends badly as they remember each other from their childhood and neither wants to deliver the killing blow. The watchmen of the society arrive and send the two gangs fleeing. These watchmen capture the Cursed and Valencia is in danger of being discovered. As they arrive, Valencia, Sebastian and his brother are forced to flee together to escape the watchmen. They forge and unlikely friendship. Valencia and Sebastian start to doubt their hate for each other. But as love blossoms, who will they stand by? Their family or each other? With the government chasing them throughout Rain City they are in constant danger. Will they give betray one another to the watchmen just because of their rivalry and what they grew up believing in?
From the title to the very last sentence, i loved this book. Valencia is as beautiful as a rose and as dangerous as its thorns. After his father's death, Sebastian is sinking like a stone but Valencia makes him feel alive. Am i the only one thinking this is a perfect title?? I loved the atmosphere of the rivalry especially when the roses were called, The black prince and the black princess. I don't know how it explain it but this book was just perfect in all ways. It had action, a forbidden romance and tested loyalties. How can you go wrong there? The romance was lovely despite all the odds against them, the plot itself was thrilling and intriguing.
Loved the characters. Loved the setting. My favorite aspect was the rivalry though. The roses on bikes coming for the daggers. The hate, the planning-just everything. I'm going to say this again,I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! Can't wait for the sequel! BTW EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS!!!
March 11, 2015
**DNF** this is a did not finish book for me guys. I got about 40% in and I just can't read anymore. The main characters are hard to relate to. I found the world building incredibly slow and boring. I wish I could've liked this book enough to finish it especially because it had such an amazing synopsis. But sadly it just wasn't for me.
February 20, 2015
Solid dystopian with some slight paranormal twists. Enjoyed the characters, but I'd have preferred a little more world building. Good set-up for volume 2.
March 8, 2015
Confession time! I was ensnared by the dramatic cover right away. Black, red, that grim rose behind the intriguing title. As I read the synopsis, it looked like my cup of tea, a remake of Rome and Juliette, wow. I assumed it would be set in the past, but to my surprise the story has a modern setting. Anyway, the truth is that it makes an interesting contrast between the semi-fantasy and the modern world. There are even some paranormal elements thrown in thanks to the figure of the main female character, Valencia, whose power resides in her ability to predict the near future through the Fate lines of people. Still, the story retains some old Italian atmosphere in the city and the rivalry of the feuding families in power. The main characters' roles seem to be reverted at first, but nothing is as it seems in this surprising story.
Rain City reminds me of a dystopian Venice of sorts. Under a heavy cloak of gloomy weather, it harbours gangs of revengeful families, all hell-bent on perpetrating a destructive vendetta. Caught in the middle, two brothers and a girl make for wonderful characters with their secrets, soulful backgrounds, and a fate riddled with impossible odds.
Even though the story starts off slowly, when it catches on fire, it's amazingly addictive. A sudden plot twist blew my mind and it never ceased to engage me from then on. Dangerous mask balls, forbidden powers, star-crossed lovers, all the elements of sweeping drama are present.
I think the family honour and the twisted sense of revenge are masterfully interwoven with the cautious, but profound feelings that blossom between Sebastian and Valencia. History and loyalty weigh heavily on their shoulders, but they both crave something beyond mere repetition of endless struggle to survive over your enemies. The fast-paced plot advances with rising adrenaline through scenes that threaten the caracters' lives at every turn. While any kind of gentle relationship seems improbable, their feelings can't be stopped but the world around them keeps pushing their limits. Persecution, traps, bullying relatives, inquisitorial authorities, a society hovering between dystopian oppression and Renaissance power play, all entangled in an endless chain of dangers that claw at Sebastian and Valencia from all corners.
I was so excited about everything that happened to them. Breathless action with no respite, and I never saw it coming. The story is very original, gritty, with the perfect amount of vulnerable romance to make you sigh for a few seconds wedged in the non-stop drama.
The author's style is swift, breathing life into her characters with no effort. Both Sebastian and Valencia are clever and strong-willed but also sensitive. The writher has devised a flawless, dynamic plot where no scene is arbitrary, everything works seamlessly to advance the ever-growing impression that something in the city is rotten and the gangs are only a part of a bigger horizon. When Valencia finds herself in a compromising situation, what she discovers had my mind reeling with mysterious possibilities.
With an ending as exhilarating and vibrant as the rest of the story, this book is an amazing mixture of genres full of intrigue, swoony romance and lively characters that I've loved to me. This is another book that makes me crave the second part right away.
Favourite quote:
For a long time I'd been consumed by anger. Then Valencia Hara appeared, too wild and beautiful to ignore, and the anger faded into the background. She dulled my sadness, making it easier to think and easier to feel.
Rain City reminds me of a dystopian Venice of sorts. Under a heavy cloak of gloomy weather, it harbours gangs of revengeful families, all hell-bent on perpetrating a destructive vendetta. Caught in the middle, two brothers and a girl make for wonderful characters with their secrets, soulful backgrounds, and a fate riddled with impossible odds.
Even though the story starts off slowly, when it catches on fire, it's amazingly addictive. A sudden plot twist blew my mind and it never ceased to engage me from then on. Dangerous mask balls, forbidden powers, star-crossed lovers, all the elements of sweeping drama are present.
I think the family honour and the twisted sense of revenge are masterfully interwoven with the cautious, but profound feelings that blossom between Sebastian and Valencia. History and loyalty weigh heavily on their shoulders, but they both crave something beyond mere repetition of endless struggle to survive over your enemies. The fast-paced plot advances with rising adrenaline through scenes that threaten the caracters' lives at every turn. While any kind of gentle relationship seems improbable, their feelings can't be stopped but the world around them keeps pushing their limits. Persecution, traps, bullying relatives, inquisitorial authorities, a society hovering between dystopian oppression and Renaissance power play, all entangled in an endless chain of dangers that claw at Sebastian and Valencia from all corners.
I was so excited about everything that happened to them. Breathless action with no respite, and I never saw it coming. The story is very original, gritty, with the perfect amount of vulnerable romance to make you sigh for a few seconds wedged in the non-stop drama.
The author's style is swift, breathing life into her characters with no effort. Both Sebastian and Valencia are clever and strong-willed but also sensitive. The writher has devised a flawless, dynamic plot where no scene is arbitrary, everything works seamlessly to advance the ever-growing impression that something in the city is rotten and the gangs are only a part of a bigger horizon. When Valencia finds herself in a compromising situation, what she discovers had my mind reeling with mysterious possibilities.
With an ending as exhilarating and vibrant as the rest of the story, this book is an amazing mixture of genres full of intrigue, swoony romance and lively characters that I've loved to me. This is another book that makes me crave the second part right away.
Favourite quote:
For a long time I'd been consumed by anger. Then Valencia Hara appeared, too wild and beautiful to ignore, and the anger faded into the background. She dulled my sadness, making it easier to think and easier to feel.
September 13, 2015
Originally posted on: Book Scents
Basically, in this dystopian-esque world, there are four different groups (also called gangs or families) that exist and they're all kind of enemies. The two we focus on in particular are the Daggers and the Roses. I like this concept of rivalry but with the rivaling families I guess I should've known that it would take a Romeo and Juliet spin. Unpopular opinion: I'm not a big Romeo and Juliet fan. I think the main thing that irritated me here with the R&J feel was that the war between the Daggers and the Roses just seemed stupid from the start. I feel like if I could've seen a really legitimate reason for the hatred even one that's since become muddled since the beginning, I could've been more on board with it.
Anyway, another part of the R&J feel came from our two main characters, Sebastion, from the Daggers and Valencia, from the Roses. I am all about forbidden love, I really am. But these two felt insta-lovey to me and I was skeptical at their sudden love. Maybe I'm just cynical.
So far, it makes me sound like I really didn't like the book which isn't true! I enjoyed the story. There is a paranormal aspect here, because there are people in this city who have what they call Curses which are supernatural abilities. This part I found really interesting -- think X-men-like. There are also the Watchmen who are kind of like police? Except the scary dystopian government kind, not the trustworthy, help the people kind. I kind of wanted more insight on the Watchmen but that may be coming in the sequel. I also wanted more plot focus on the Curses, and less Garrett (Valencia's stupid older brother in charge of the Roses) being stupid and picking fights with the Daggers. I have a feeling we'll also get more of this in the sequel but the other two gangs -- the Boat Men and the Cowboys: do they just not care? Because they were barely in the plot and I was curious.
In Short...
I really liked the concept of this world and the paranormal aspect with the Curse abilities. I was less excited about the romance part which felt like instalove. I wanted more in depth plot but it's set up for a sequel so perhaps that will focus more about the things I'm curious about and hope it will explore!
Basically, in this dystopian-esque world, there are four different groups (also called gangs or families) that exist and they're all kind of enemies. The two we focus on in particular are the Daggers and the Roses. I like this concept of rivalry but with the rivaling families I guess I should've known that it would take a Romeo and Juliet spin. Unpopular opinion: I'm not a big Romeo and Juliet fan. I think the main thing that irritated me here with the R&J feel was that the war between the Daggers and the Roses just seemed stupid from the start. I feel like if I could've seen a really legitimate reason for the hatred even one that's since become muddled since the beginning, I could've been more on board with it.
Anyway, another part of the R&J feel came from our two main characters, Sebastion, from the Daggers and Valencia, from the Roses. I am all about forbidden love, I really am. But these two felt insta-lovey to me and I was skeptical at their sudden love. Maybe I'm just cynical.
So far, it makes me sound like I really didn't like the book which isn't true! I enjoyed the story. There is a paranormal aspect here, because there are people in this city who have what they call Curses which are supernatural abilities. This part I found really interesting -- think X-men-like. There are also the Watchmen who are kind of like police? Except the scary dystopian government kind, not the trustworthy, help the people kind. I kind of wanted more insight on the Watchmen but that may be coming in the sequel. I also wanted more plot focus on the Curses, and less Garrett (Valencia's stupid older brother in charge of the Roses) being stupid and picking fights with the Daggers. I have a feeling we'll also get more of this in the sequel but the other two gangs -- the Boat Men and the Cowboys: do they just not care? Because they were barely in the plot and I was curious.
In Short...
I really liked the concept of this world and the paranormal aspect with the Curse abilities. I was less excited about the romance part which felt like instalove. I wanted more in depth plot but it's set up for a sequel so perhaps that will focus more about the things I'm curious about and hope it will explore!
July 28, 2015
And the surprise of the month goes to this book because if NetGalley had not proposed it, I think Iwould have missed this nugget.
This book is clearly a mix of several gender and classic, the war between the family make me think of clearly Romeo and Juliet, there is a bit of dystopia with the watchmen, the poverty, the insecurity and finally a touch of magic and/or paranormal with the psychic abilities of our characters named Cursed because of it. This mix gives a very nice universe, not necessarily the most original, but very catchy with the desire to discover more.
Then the characters, I just loved them. Valencia is a young girl rather isolated, protected by the rest of her family, she can only rely on her bodyguard with whom she spends a lot of time. Sebastien can, howewer count on his brothers, the recent death of his father shot him down, and though his clan is counting on him, he is still supported by it. What I've noticed with these characters, it's the maturity they got, they know that their actions will have consequences, but they think and act, no tears, no regrets and they move on which is so great.
In the plot, the book is more about our characters, we feel that certain aspects are going to be more developed in the second volume like their “powers”, but I was not at all bothered to wait because the relationship created between our characters is really touching and well built. We feel the weight of their duty, their desire to change their lives, to act according to what they believe is good and not according to what is asked of them and I loved it.
In short, a very good first book, the universe has for me the potential to be developed more, but the characters are just extras and touching and I'm anxious to see where they will go.
This book is clearly a mix of several gender and classic, the war between the family make me think of clearly Romeo and Juliet, there is a bit of dystopia with the watchmen, the poverty, the insecurity and finally a touch of magic and/or paranormal with the psychic abilities of our characters named Cursed because of it. This mix gives a very nice universe, not necessarily the most original, but very catchy with the desire to discover more.
Then the characters, I just loved them. Valencia is a young girl rather isolated, protected by the rest of her family, she can only rely on her bodyguard with whom she spends a lot of time. Sebastien can, howewer count on his brothers, the recent death of his father shot him down, and though his clan is counting on him, he is still supported by it. What I've noticed with these characters, it's the maturity they got, they know that their actions will have consequences, but they think and act, no tears, no regrets and they move on which is so great.
In the plot, the book is more about our characters, we feel that certain aspects are going to be more developed in the second volume like their “powers”, but I was not at all bothered to wait because the relationship created between our characters is really touching and well built. We feel the weight of their duty, their desire to change their lives, to act according to what they believe is good and not according to what is asked of them and I loved it.
In short, a very good first book, the universe has for me the potential to be developed more, but the characters are just extras and touching and I'm anxious to see where they will go.
March 13, 2015
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The first time that I read the summary for this book; I realized that it was one that I wanted a copy of ASAP.
My first thoughts were that it was a futuristic, dystopian re-telling of Romeo and Juliet - which I see lots of other reviewers saying they thought the same thing - even though this book isn't marketed as such. Personally, I feel that I'd have picked this one up without a second thought if it had been marketed as such. Romeo and Juliet is one of my fave stories of all time!
The world-building in this story was pretty remarkable. I think that the author had a clearly defined world in her imagination and was able to perfectly portray her visions onto the pages.
I liked the characters too. Each was 3d and able to stand out from the rest. There was such an array of different types of characters too - apart from the main characters that really made this book stand out in its genre.
The writing style was just okay - I don't think that there was anything that would make it stand out or have me remember it as being incredible.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, if you love sci-fi/dystopian/paranormal/tragedies.
Will I continue this series? Yes, I anticipate finishing the series.
The first time that I read the summary for this book; I realized that it was one that I wanted a copy of ASAP.
My first thoughts were that it was a futuristic, dystopian re-telling of Romeo and Juliet - which I see lots of other reviewers saying they thought the same thing - even though this book isn't marketed as such. Personally, I feel that I'd have picked this one up without a second thought if it had been marketed as such. Romeo and Juliet is one of my fave stories of all time!
The world-building in this story was pretty remarkable. I think that the author had a clearly defined world in her imagination and was able to perfectly portray her visions onto the pages.
I liked the characters too. Each was 3d and able to stand out from the rest. There was such an array of different types of characters too - apart from the main characters that really made this book stand out in its genre.
The writing style was just okay - I don't think that there was anything that would make it stand out or have me remember it as being incredible.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, if you love sci-fi/dystopian/paranormal/tragedies.
Will I continue this series? Yes, I anticipate finishing the series.
February 25, 2015
I had a hard time following the book at the beginning but thank goodness it got better! This book is very much like Romeo and Juliet except for the deaths, so it's not a huge tear jerker but it is set in the future where people who have been born into abilities are captured and mostly killed by the watchmen (government of sorts) . Then there are also gangs feuding ex daggers/stones vs black roses /thorns which have been at each other for ever. Now u get the Romeo Juliet bit. Overall I enjoyed this book.
March 11, 2015
Oh, such a great book! I enjoyed it so much, such great characters! And everything came together so well!
November 13, 2015
„The Thorn and the Sinking Stone“ ist der Debütroman der kanadischen Autorin CJ Dushinski. Wie schon Red von Alyxandra Harvey bekam ich auch diesen Roman als ARC von Entangled Teen zur Verfügung gestellt. Als ich den Klappentext las, sprang mir sofort die grundsätzliche Ähnlichkeit mit Shakespeares „Romeo und Julia“ ins Auge. Sie ist ja auch schwer zu übersehen. Obwohl dieser Stoff schon zur Genüge wieder und wieder verarbeitet wurde, war ich wild entschlossen, mich nicht davon stören zu lassen. „Romeo und Julia“ ist schließlich die Mutter aller Liebesgeschichten – wunderschön und herrlich tragisch. Wieso also nicht mal einer modernen Adaption eine Chance geben?
Seit Jahrzehnten wird Rain City von Bandenkriegen beherrscht. Rivalisierende Gangs bestimmen die Stadt und wachen eifersüchtig über ihre Territorien. Immer wieder fordern die Fehden hohe Blutzölle. Die Feindschaft zwischen den Black Roses und den Two Daggers ist legendär und besteht schon so lange, dass niemand mehr sicher ist, wie sie entstand. Sebastian Leold und Valencia Hara wurden in diesen Krieg hinein geboren. Er, der Dagger; sie, die Black Rose. Nachdem sowohl Valencias als auch Sebastians Vater von der jeweils anderen Gang ermordet wurden, ist es für sie undenkbar, nicht in ihre Fußstapfen zu treten, um den Krieg weiterzuführen. Als sie sich das erste Mal im Kampf gegenüber stehen, sind sie jedoch nicht von Rachegelüsten überwältigt, sondern von einer überraschenden Erkenntnis: sie kennen sich bereits. Die Umstände bringen sie einander näher, als sie es sich je träumen ließen. Doch wie kann zwischen all dem Blutvergießen Platz für Liebe sein?
Für mich las sich „The Thorn and the Sinking Stone“ schwerfällig. Es konnte mich nicht richtig fesseln. Ich habe einige gute Ideen und Ansätze erkannt, doch in der Umsetzung war spürbar, dass es sich um einen Erstling handelt. Ich fand es unausgereift. CJ Dushinski hat zwar auf das altbekannte „Romeo und Julia“-Motiv zurückgegriffen, ihr Weltenaufbau ist dafür jedoch recht kompliziert. Vielleicht zu kompliziert, um alles unter einen Hut zu bringen. Die schwierige Liebesgeschichte, die Gangs, die Dystopie… Sie hat sich möglicherweise etwas viel aufgebürdet.
Zu Beginn dachte ich noch, dass es sich bei diesem Roman um Young Adult Urban Fantasy handelt. Valencia ist nämlich „Verflucht“ (Cursed). Sie kann für ein paar Sekunden in die Zukunft sehen und weiß so, wie sich die Menschen um sie herum verhalten werden. Ziemlich praktisch im Nahkampf. Dies ist jedoch keine magische Fähigkeit, sondern das Resultat einer genetischen Mutation. Dementsprechend ist „The Thorn and the Sinking Stone“ eher als YA Dystopie einzuordnen. Dafür spricht des Weiteren, dass sich die LeserInnen anscheinend in der Zukunft befinden; nach einem verheerenden Krieg, der die Welt in Trümmern zurückließ. Hier endet mein Wissen allerdings auch schon, denn mehr gibt Dushinski nicht preis. Sie streift die Hintergründe ihres Universums nur. Natürlich ist es möglich, dass sie bewusst Informationen zurückhielt, die sie in den nächsten Bänden der Serie offenbaren möchte; ich war damit allerdings unzufrieden. Es war einfach etwas sehr dürftig. Darüber hinaus sehe ich auch andere Punkte ihres Weltenaufbaus kritisch. Laut Dushinski wird Rain City von vier verfeindeten Gangs regiert. Ich bin nicht sicher, wie sie das anstellen, denn das nötige Kleingeld für dieses Ausmaß an Macht hat wohl keine dieser Banden. Ich denke, wenn überhaupt jemand diese Stadt kontrolliert, dann sind es die Watchmen, eine Art Polizei. Der lange Arm einer Regierung, die leider niemals zur Sprache kommt. Alle Gangmitglieder kuschen vor ihnen. Gehörte Rain City tatsächlich den Gangs, hätten sie das nicht nötig.
CJ Dushinski hat ihren Erstling abwechselnd aus Sebastians und Valencias Perspektive geschrieben. Trotz dessen bin ich der Meinung, dass es eigentlich nur eine Protagonistin gibt: Valencia. Sie nimmt in der Geschichte wesentlich mehr Raum ein. Ich empfand sie als omnipräsent, denn Sebastian denkt an kaum etwas anderes. Valencia hier, Valencia da, Valencia überall. Das hat mich genervt, vor allem, weil Valencia nicht die großartige Kriegerprinzessin ist, als die CJ Dushinski sie wohl gern sieht. Weder verhält sie sich wie eine Kriegerin, noch rettet sie sich je selbst aus einer Situation. Mit meiner Vorstellung einer Kick-Ass-Heldin hat sie nicht viel gemein. Sie handelt meist völlig unüberlegt und unlogisch und kann keinen Schritt tun, ohne in Schwierigkeiten zu geraten.
All diese Punkte störten mich, doch meinen Lesefluss hätten sie vermutlich nicht behindert. Die Tatsache, dass Dushinski actiongeladene Szenen eher kurz hielt und diverse Gespräche dafür unglaublich streckte, allerdings schon. Langatmig schlachtete sie jeden Dialog aus, sodass sogar ein Gespräch über Schuhe mehr als eine Seite einnahm. Es fiel mir deswegen schwer, dranzubleiben.
„The Thorn and the Sinking Stone“ ist kein Meisterwerk. Es ist das Werk einer kreativen Autorin, der es meines Erachtens nach noch an Erfahrung fehlt. Besonders in den Kampfszenen hatte ich den Eindruck, dass CJ Dushinski sich unwohl und unsicher fühlte beim Schreiben. Vielleicht flüchtete sie sich deswegen in die Dialoge. Ich denke nicht, dass ich die Serie Thorn and Dagger rund im Sebastian und Valencia weiter verfolgen werde. Ich bin einfach nicht sonderlich neugierig auf die nächsten Bände. Ich könnte mir aber vorstellen, es in ein paar Jahren noch einmal mit CJ Dushinski zu versuchen.
Wie so oft bei 2-Sterne-Bewertungen ist eine Empfehlung für „The Thorn and the Sinking Stone“ schwierig. Vielleicht würde es euch besser gefallen als mir, vielleicht nicht. Wenn ihr mit dem Gedanken spielt, es zu versuchen, würde ich euch raten, auf CJ Dushinskis Website vorbei zu schauen, um euch noch vor dem Lesen einen ersten Eindruck von Rain City zu verschaffen.
March 13, 2015
The Thorn and Sinking Stone is CJ Dushinski’s debut novel and what a novel it was. When I read this synopsis was got me was the forbidden love. The rest just added to the mystery. To be honest I haven’t really heard this book talked about in the blogging world and that is disappointing. This book was a lot better than I thought it was going to be after the first couple chapters. Once I really got into it I couldn’t put it down, the story sucked me in and kept me there until I finished the story.
Rain City is split and controlled by four gangs. The Black Roses, The Two Daggers, The Boat Men, and The Cowboys. They all hate each other but no one hates each other more than the Daggers and the Black Roses. Their feud has been going on since the beginning and has left the city covered in blood. With the heads of the family both dead it is left to the oldest brothers to take over and neither of them is ready to let the past be the past. They want blood for blood and the Black Prince is willing to do anything to get it.
The Black Princess, Valencia Hara has been training her entire life to be a warrior. The next intiate of the Black Roses. She has been getting ready for the day she can get vengeance for the death of her father. Valencia has a secret only her brother and her father knew. She was Cursed. She could see a few seconds into the future, making her an unstoppable opponent. When Daggers and Black Roses meet to set out “terms” of a truce the Black Prince, her brother, calls her to fight someone she never thought she would see again. The one person she knows she can’t kill. Valencia was a hard, unbreakable, bad ass character. At the beginning she was cold. All she cared about was being a warrior and fighting. I loved the moment she realized she wasn’t ready. She couldn’t kill someone. She slowly grew into someone who could see past the feud her family was a part of. Valencia realized there was someone else she should be fighting and it wasn’t Daggers. She became a character that I really liked by the end.
Sebastian Leold is a Dagger. Recovering from the recent death of his father, he is numb. Sebastian knows he is different. He will kill if he has to but he feels guilt and he can’t bring himself to hate the Black Roses. No matter what they have or will do he can’t hate them. When his brother calls on him to kill the one person from his past he can’t kill he doesn’t know what to do. He just knows that he wont let her kill him. Sebastian was a very swoon-worthy character. He was a bad ass and can be scary at times and the he comes out with lines that could leave you a puddle on the floor. While it took Valencia longer to see how wrong and pointless the feud was, Sebastian has always known it. He takes time by himself and doesn’t really want to be a part of the feud anymore. Sebastian was definitely a loner.
While this story wasn’t marketed as a Romeo and Juliet retelling it definitely is. I am one of the people that loves Romeo and Juliet and I think that is why I really liked this book. There are a few things that I had a problem with that can definitely be fixed in future novels. The world wasn’t as flushed out as I wanted it to be. It wasn’t clear if this was supposed to be a dystopian, which it clearly was, there were hints dropped but we never got a clear history on what happened. The side characters were not as developed as Valencia and Sabastian was. We got to know some of them but not as much as I would have liked. While I loved the romance I think it could have been better. It wasn’t as epic as I wanted it to be. It really didn’t add anything to the characters. I just wanted more and didn’t really get it. I mean I don’t think either of them actually told each other they loved one another.
While there were some problems with the plot and the romance I still really liked this story. The writing was done well and the plot was definitely interesting. It was a dystopian with some paranormal twists that kept it interesting. The romance wasn’t as great as Romeo and Juliet but that aspect of the story was good. I loved both characters and they did well together. Valencia and Sebastian are both strong independently and together. It was a great story and I can’t wait to read more.
Rain City is split and controlled by four gangs. The Black Roses, The Two Daggers, The Boat Men, and The Cowboys. They all hate each other but no one hates each other more than the Daggers and the Black Roses. Their feud has been going on since the beginning and has left the city covered in blood. With the heads of the family both dead it is left to the oldest brothers to take over and neither of them is ready to let the past be the past. They want blood for blood and the Black Prince is willing to do anything to get it.
The Black Princess, Valencia Hara has been training her entire life to be a warrior. The next intiate of the Black Roses. She has been getting ready for the day she can get vengeance for the death of her father. Valencia has a secret only her brother and her father knew. She was Cursed. She could see a few seconds into the future, making her an unstoppable opponent. When Daggers and Black Roses meet to set out “terms” of a truce the Black Prince, her brother, calls her to fight someone she never thought she would see again. The one person she knows she can’t kill. Valencia was a hard, unbreakable, bad ass character. At the beginning she was cold. All she cared about was being a warrior and fighting. I loved the moment she realized she wasn’t ready. She couldn’t kill someone. She slowly grew into someone who could see past the feud her family was a part of. Valencia realized there was someone else she should be fighting and it wasn’t Daggers. She became a character that I really liked by the end.
Sebastian Leold is a Dagger. Recovering from the recent death of his father, he is numb. Sebastian knows he is different. He will kill if he has to but he feels guilt and he can’t bring himself to hate the Black Roses. No matter what they have or will do he can’t hate them. When his brother calls on him to kill the one person from his past he can’t kill he doesn’t know what to do. He just knows that he wont let her kill him. Sebastian was a very swoon-worthy character. He was a bad ass and can be scary at times and the he comes out with lines that could leave you a puddle on the floor. While it took Valencia longer to see how wrong and pointless the feud was, Sebastian has always known it. He takes time by himself and doesn’t really want to be a part of the feud anymore. Sebastian was definitely a loner.
While this story wasn’t marketed as a Romeo and Juliet retelling it definitely is. I am one of the people that loves Romeo and Juliet and I think that is why I really liked this book. There are a few things that I had a problem with that can definitely be fixed in future novels. The world wasn’t as flushed out as I wanted it to be. It wasn’t clear if this was supposed to be a dystopian, which it clearly was, there were hints dropped but we never got a clear history on what happened. The side characters were not as developed as Valencia and Sabastian was. We got to know some of them but not as much as I would have liked. While I loved the romance I think it could have been better. It wasn’t as epic as I wanted it to be. It really didn’t add anything to the characters. I just wanted more and didn’t really get it. I mean I don’t think either of them actually told each other they loved one another.
While there were some problems with the plot and the romance I still really liked this story. The writing was done well and the plot was definitely interesting. It was a dystopian with some paranormal twists that kept it interesting. The romance wasn’t as great as Romeo and Juliet but that aspect of the story was good. I loved both characters and they did well together. Valencia and Sebastian are both strong independently and together. It was a great story and I can’t wait to read more.
March 11, 2015
* I received this novel in exchange for an honest review *
Thank you Entangled Teen and Ms. Dushinski!
It’s been a while since I’ve had a novel pull me in quite like this one. The Thorn and the Sinking Stone, I kind of imagine, would be like if The Gangs of New York and Romeo and Juliet had a baby. This novel wasn’t something I devoured overnight, rather, it was something that I savored, stretched out over the course of 5 days to fully appreciate all that was going on in this dark world/gem of a YA novel.
There are so many key players in this novel, but all centered around Valencia and Sebastian. Valencia is from Hara House, she is a Rose, the princess of a dynasty forged in the samurai way. Sebastian is a Dagger, part of another gang leading the way in Rain City. The conflict: the Roses and Daggers are sworn enemies. The delicious plot that pulls you in: Valencia and Sebastian slowly empathize with one another, and that turns into sympathy and then that turns into the most unlikely thing that can occur between feuding households: love.
There was a beautiful Brazilian movie I watched years ago with a similar theme: two feuding families. The sons of each family would kill one another and after each death, the son from the alternating family would attend the funeral of the son they killed and ask the patriarch of the family for forgiveness. Of course the father would never forgive and the feuding continued and continued until tragedy struck. The alternating family’s last son accidentally shot and killed the youngest son from the other family, a little boy no older than 7-8. It took something that egregious to end the feuding. The Thorn and the Sinking Stone reminded me of that movie. I hate that Valencia’s brother was so willing to sacrifice her out of pride, but loved the way the author brought the two opposing sides together.
From decade after decade of bloodshed, violence and death, finally a couple emerges that can set aside who they are and where they come from. And how, you ask, does that occur? When they are faced with similar issues, ones that present a larger enemy than themselves. The Watchmen are the police-like force in Rain City and at all costs they hunt down individuals considered Cursed. Cursed folks have supernatural abilities like telekinesis, etc. Not wanting to give away too much, suffice it to say that both Valencia and Sebastian are Cursed. When they are faced with having to fight each other to settle yet another blood debt, they discover they share the same trait and from there, a friendship of sorts, is formed.
Told from alternating view points, Valencia’s and Sebastian’s story was beautifully written set against the dark streets of Rain City where there’s a constant threat around every corner. I suppose this could be considered a standalone novel, but I suspect there’s so much more to tell.
The two feuding houses were unique and I’d have to say, aside from Godfrey and Valencia, I didn’t care for her brother or mother. And of course I understand that those characters had to be that way, otherwise it would be boring cheering for everyone. But it did allow me to empathize more with the Dagger household. Kane and Callen seemed so much easier to empathize with. There was a genuine brotherly love and concern amongst them, where Valencia’s crew was ice-old.
The ending was wonderful, nicely concluding what the novel had worked up to: the ability to accept a new future where things are uncertain, but with rays of sunshine gleaming through bringing with it the promise of a better life.
I’d highly recommend The Thorn and the Sinking Stone to lovers of YA with a dark theme, a dystopian feel with a nice dose of suspenseful romance. This was a charming novel, a delight to the literary senses and deserves to be read slowly so as to enjoy all that is going on in this dark, alluring world.
Thank you Entangled Teen and Ms. Dushinski!
It’s been a while since I’ve had a novel pull me in quite like this one. The Thorn and the Sinking Stone, I kind of imagine, would be like if The Gangs of New York and Romeo and Juliet had a baby. This novel wasn’t something I devoured overnight, rather, it was something that I savored, stretched out over the course of 5 days to fully appreciate all that was going on in this dark world/gem of a YA novel.
There are so many key players in this novel, but all centered around Valencia and Sebastian. Valencia is from Hara House, she is a Rose, the princess of a dynasty forged in the samurai way. Sebastian is a Dagger, part of another gang leading the way in Rain City. The conflict: the Roses and Daggers are sworn enemies. The delicious plot that pulls you in: Valencia and Sebastian slowly empathize with one another, and that turns into sympathy and then that turns into the most unlikely thing that can occur between feuding households: love.
There was a beautiful Brazilian movie I watched years ago with a similar theme: two feuding families. The sons of each family would kill one another and after each death, the son from the alternating family would attend the funeral of the son they killed and ask the patriarch of the family for forgiveness. Of course the father would never forgive and the feuding continued and continued until tragedy struck. The alternating family’s last son accidentally shot and killed the youngest son from the other family, a little boy no older than 7-8. It took something that egregious to end the feuding. The Thorn and the Sinking Stone reminded me of that movie. I hate that Valencia’s brother was so willing to sacrifice her out of pride, but loved the way the author brought the two opposing sides together.
From decade after decade of bloodshed, violence and death, finally a couple emerges that can set aside who they are and where they come from. And how, you ask, does that occur? When they are faced with similar issues, ones that present a larger enemy than themselves. The Watchmen are the police-like force in Rain City and at all costs they hunt down individuals considered Cursed. Cursed folks have supernatural abilities like telekinesis, etc. Not wanting to give away too much, suffice it to say that both Valencia and Sebastian are Cursed. When they are faced with having to fight each other to settle yet another blood debt, they discover they share the same trait and from there, a friendship of sorts, is formed.
Told from alternating view points, Valencia’s and Sebastian’s story was beautifully written set against the dark streets of Rain City where there’s a constant threat around every corner. I suppose this could be considered a standalone novel, but I suspect there’s so much more to tell.
The two feuding houses were unique and I’d have to say, aside from Godfrey and Valencia, I didn’t care for her brother or mother. And of course I understand that those characters had to be that way, otherwise it would be boring cheering for everyone. But it did allow me to empathize more with the Dagger household. Kane and Callen seemed so much easier to empathize with. There was a genuine brotherly love and concern amongst them, where Valencia’s crew was ice-old.
The ending was wonderful, nicely concluding what the novel had worked up to: the ability to accept a new future where things are uncertain, but with rays of sunshine gleaming through bringing with it the promise of a better life.
I’d highly recommend The Thorn and the Sinking Stone to lovers of YA with a dark theme, a dystopian feel with a nice dose of suspenseful romance. This was a charming novel, a delight to the literary senses and deserves to be read slowly so as to enjoy all that is going on in this dark, alluring world.
March 26, 2015
The Thorn and the Sinking Stone is the first book in CJ Dushinski's Thorn and Dagger series and reminded me a lot of Romeo and Juliet with its rival families, only it's set in a futuristic dystopian world and has a surprising touch of the paranormal in the mix.
I enjoyed the atmosphere of Rain City and thought it was well done. It felt dark and gritty, and you had the sense that it was once a beautiful river city before the Last War destroyed so much. I kept picturing something along the lines of a port city you might find in Spain. The story opens with the now four great houses that rule Rain City with two in a desperate blood feud. I loved the unique details that were are given about each "family" especially the rival families of the Black Roses and Two Daggers.
Told from both perspective, Valencia and Sebastian come from opposing families. They meet unexpectedly and are quite curious/intrigued by one another. Both feel trapped by the endless feuding among their families. Valencia comes from the house of the Black Roses and has been training since she was a child in the art of a Samurai and carries a katana sword. She also is the carrier of the "curse" which gives us the paranormal aspect I was talking about. Sebastian comes from the Two Daggers clan. He is charming, boyishly good looking, and has the dangerous ability to wield a dagger with deathly precision which made him very appealing. But it was his voice, even more so than Valencia's, that really won me over and helped me to enjoy the story as much as I did.
The story ended up being more romance driven, which I really enjoyed. These two had some nice chemistry that made me forget about any other issues I may have had. There's masked dances, sword fights and kisses all the while on the run from their families, the watchmen and even the legacy of the "curse."
"I'm already in your head," he whispered, "and you know it. I'm beating through your pulse. I'm the air you breathe, because we're the same. More the same that you are to any other Rose and more the same than I am to any Dagger. We share a different bond they can't possibly understand. They don't know what it's like for us. But we do. We understand one another like no one else possible could."
The highlight for me in The Thorn and the Sinking Stone was its great atmosphere and yummy forbidden romance that unfurled through alternating points of view.
But, although I enjoyed the book, I had higher hopes for Valencia and the overall world building. I wanted more kick-ass time with Valencia and that amazing Katana she carries around. I wanted more awesome Samurai moves. The world building in Rain City was great, but I kept waiting for the Cowboys and Boat Me, the other two rivalry families, to show up and add to the mix. I got very little, so I was disappointed in that aspect. I was also hoping for more interaction between the four "families" instead I really only got the interaction between the Daggers and Roses. CJ Dushinski writes very descriptively and I would have loved more details given on the Last War and more background.
In the end, the age-old feud and bitter rivalry between the families kept me engrossed with some nice kick-ass action scenes and I enjoyed the forbidden romance between Sebastian and Valencia. Even though the plot felt somewhat predictable, and I had a few quibbles with the world-building and the Valencia's character, I still enjoyed the story thanks to the alternating point of views, great atmosphere and the surprise touch of paranormal. I'm curious enough to want to try the sequel in the Thorn and Dagger series.
My rating: 3.5 Stars. I liked it.
PLEASE NOTE: A courtesy review copy of this book was provided by Entangled Teen in exchange for my fair review. Thank you, Entangled Teen for the review opportunity!
I enjoyed the atmosphere of Rain City and thought it was well done. It felt dark and gritty, and you had the sense that it was once a beautiful river city before the Last War destroyed so much. I kept picturing something along the lines of a port city you might find in Spain. The story opens with the now four great houses that rule Rain City with two in a desperate blood feud. I loved the unique details that were are given about each "family" especially the rival families of the Black Roses and Two Daggers.
Told from both perspective, Valencia and Sebastian come from opposing families. They meet unexpectedly and are quite curious/intrigued by one another. Both feel trapped by the endless feuding among their families. Valencia comes from the house of the Black Roses and has been training since she was a child in the art of a Samurai and carries a katana sword. She also is the carrier of the "curse" which gives us the paranormal aspect I was talking about. Sebastian comes from the Two Daggers clan. He is charming, boyishly good looking, and has the dangerous ability to wield a dagger with deathly precision which made him very appealing. But it was his voice, even more so than Valencia's, that really won me over and helped me to enjoy the story as much as I did.
The story ended up being more romance driven, which I really enjoyed. These two had some nice chemistry that made me forget about any other issues I may have had. There's masked dances, sword fights and kisses all the while on the run from their families, the watchmen and even the legacy of the "curse."
"I'm already in your head," he whispered, "and you know it. I'm beating through your pulse. I'm the air you breathe, because we're the same. More the same that you are to any other Rose and more the same than I am to any Dagger. We share a different bond they can't possibly understand. They don't know what it's like for us. But we do. We understand one another like no one else possible could."
The highlight for me in The Thorn and the Sinking Stone was its great atmosphere and yummy forbidden romance that unfurled through alternating points of view.
But, although I enjoyed the book, I had higher hopes for Valencia and the overall world building. I wanted more kick-ass time with Valencia and that amazing Katana she carries around. I wanted more awesome Samurai moves. The world building in Rain City was great, but I kept waiting for the Cowboys and Boat Me, the other two rivalry families, to show up and add to the mix. I got very little, so I was disappointed in that aspect. I was also hoping for more interaction between the four "families" instead I really only got the interaction between the Daggers and Roses. CJ Dushinski writes very descriptively and I would have loved more details given on the Last War and more background.
In the end, the age-old feud and bitter rivalry between the families kept me engrossed with some nice kick-ass action scenes and I enjoyed the forbidden romance between Sebastian and Valencia. Even though the plot felt somewhat predictable, and I had a few quibbles with the world-building and the Valencia's character, I still enjoyed the story thanks to the alternating point of views, great atmosphere and the surprise touch of paranormal. I'm curious enough to want to try the sequel in the Thorn and Dagger series.
My rating: 3.5 Stars. I liked it.
PLEASE NOTE: A courtesy review copy of this book was provided by Entangled Teen in exchange for my fair review. Thank you, Entangled Teen for the review opportunity!
March 11, 2015
Full review up on the blog: http://gloriousbooks.blogspot.com/201...
This book reminded me a lot of Romeo and Juliet. I have a feeling a lot of people will read this and think the same. There's two clashing families and a forbidden romance, it's just set apart by the more paranormal aspect of 'Curses' - an extraordinary ability - and the more dystopian, futuristic feel to the settings of the story.
I liked this read. It was very quick, simple and enjoyable. The plot wasn't as complicated as I might have liked and it was a little predictable, but it was full of great action, and that's always a plus for me. There was no chance for me to get bored with all that was going on - something was always happening and it was always something relevant and important to the plot. It was a very, in your face, here's what happens sort of read. And sometimes, that's just what I need.
What stood out to me most though, was Sebastian. I loved his simplicity as a character, and I don't mean simple in the sense that he had nothing to him aside from his backstory. He was still a well rounded character in a way, it's just he wore his heart and thoughts on his sleeve. I think the novel being written in first person helps, but I loved knowing what he was thinking every step of the way. He never lied to himself or kidded himself about his identity as a huge member of the Daggers and I really appreciated that. He stood up - at the very least in his own mind - and decided to be different to the rest and try and change as many minds, and protect as many people as possible. In my eyes, that makes a very strong, unwavering, hero to the story. Loved him.
So I liked the plot, the action, one of the main characters and I also liked the rival families and gang aspect of the story. What really let me down was Valencia. She was basically the polar opposite to Sebastian. Everything I loved about him, Valencia had all the same attributes but it just didn't work for her. What happened in the plot went against her thoughts and feelings she was displaying throughout the read.
Val was very confident in the beginning of the read and I loved it. She was this fierce warrior for her family, ready for her calling and looking forward to it. But throughout the read she fell incredibly flat. Instead of a warrior and protector, she became a damsel in distress, even though she had this awesome ability to see seconds into the future and she'd worked so hard to become this bad girl fighter. It became really annoying.
I do have a feeling that Val will feature more in the second read and grow into a better character and I'm interested to see where it goes from here.
This book reminded me a lot of Romeo and Juliet. I have a feeling a lot of people will read this and think the same. There's two clashing families and a forbidden romance, it's just set apart by the more paranormal aspect of 'Curses' - an extraordinary ability - and the more dystopian, futuristic feel to the settings of the story.
I liked this read. It was very quick, simple and enjoyable. The plot wasn't as complicated as I might have liked and it was a little predictable, but it was full of great action, and that's always a plus for me. There was no chance for me to get bored with all that was going on - something was always happening and it was always something relevant and important to the plot. It was a very, in your face, here's what happens sort of read. And sometimes, that's just what I need.
What stood out to me most though, was Sebastian. I loved his simplicity as a character, and I don't mean simple in the sense that he had nothing to him aside from his backstory. He was still a well rounded character in a way, it's just he wore his heart and thoughts on his sleeve. I think the novel being written in first person helps, but I loved knowing what he was thinking every step of the way. He never lied to himself or kidded himself about his identity as a huge member of the Daggers and I really appreciated that. He stood up - at the very least in his own mind - and decided to be different to the rest and try and change as many minds, and protect as many people as possible. In my eyes, that makes a very strong, unwavering, hero to the story. Loved him.
So I liked the plot, the action, one of the main characters and I also liked the rival families and gang aspect of the story. What really let me down was Valencia. She was basically the polar opposite to Sebastian. Everything I loved about him, Valencia had all the same attributes but it just didn't work for her. What happened in the plot went against her thoughts and feelings she was displaying throughout the read.
Val was very confident in the beginning of the read and I loved it. She was this fierce warrior for her family, ready for her calling and looking forward to it. But throughout the read she fell incredibly flat. Instead of a warrior and protector, she became a damsel in distress, even though she had this awesome ability to see seconds into the future and she'd worked so hard to become this bad girl fighter. It became really annoying.
I do have a feeling that Val will feature more in the second read and grow into a better character and I'm interested to see where it goes from here.
March 8, 2015
3.75 stars
~A kind thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Teen for providing me with a copy of The Thorn and the Sinking
Stone in exchange for an honest review. ~
Romeo and Juliet develop powers and meet a dystopian society. That is probably the simplest way that I can explain this one to you dear readers. And quite frankly, it was rather awesome.
Set years into the future four ‘families’ vie to become the leaders of Rain City. There is a death for a death mentality between two of the waring families, who have been killing each other for years in a never ending feud. Valencia is the princess of the Black Roses. She’s been training her whole life to be a warrior, with a kickass samurai sword. But she’s Cursed. She has the ability to see fate lines, which makes her the ultimate weapon. After the murder of the Two Daggers leader, the Daggers seek revenge. In an attempt to finally end the feud between the waring houses Valencia is deemed suitable to fight Sebastian, one of the leaders sons. But the Watchmen don’t take kindly to the waring families constant parade of murder, and when they intervene trouble ensues and romance blooms.
Dushinski weaves together all of my favourite things in a YA novel rather flawlessly. Unrequited love, supernatural powers in a dystopian society …sign me up always! I did find that the world building was slightly lacking, only because the waring families didn’t rule the world but someone did. And the Watchmen worked for them, but I still have no idea who they are…am I missing something obvious?
There is slight insta love, although thank the book heavens that none of the romantic teens say the ‘L’ world. So it’s more like insta like…which I completely understand given the like is in reference to Sebastian. Although I do truly believe their connection has more to do with Valencia’s power to see fate lines, which would make such an awesome twist.
The end of the novel took a really interesting turn. The Cursed aren’t favoured. In fact it is illegal to be a Cursed, to befriend a Cursed, to really be associated with them in all regards. Which isn’t quite a leap of understanding, given the negative connotations associated with ‘cursed’. If you’re caught you end up in prison where they run horrible tests on you until you die. For what reason, it is yet uncertain, but it surely has something to do with whoever is actually running Rain City. And of course if there are circumstances such as these then there is a rebel following, and I look forward to seeing how that pans out in the next novel.
It was a great, fast paced read, with a really great cast of characters. There is humour and love, awesome fighting scenes and just a really great (slightly missing something) world.
~A kind thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Teen for providing me with a copy of The Thorn and the Sinking
Stone in exchange for an honest review. ~
Romeo and Juliet develop powers and meet a dystopian society. That is probably the simplest way that I can explain this one to you dear readers. And quite frankly, it was rather awesome.
Set years into the future four ‘families’ vie to become the leaders of Rain City. There is a death for a death mentality between two of the waring families, who have been killing each other for years in a never ending feud. Valencia is the princess of the Black Roses. She’s been training her whole life to be a warrior, with a kickass samurai sword. But she’s Cursed. She has the ability to see fate lines, which makes her the ultimate weapon. After the murder of the Two Daggers leader, the Daggers seek revenge. In an attempt to finally end the feud between the waring houses Valencia is deemed suitable to fight Sebastian, one of the leaders sons. But the Watchmen don’t take kindly to the waring families constant parade of murder, and when they intervene trouble ensues and romance blooms.
Dushinski weaves together all of my favourite things in a YA novel rather flawlessly. Unrequited love, supernatural powers in a dystopian society …sign me up always! I did find that the world building was slightly lacking, only because the waring families didn’t rule the world but someone did. And the Watchmen worked for them, but I still have no idea who they are…am I missing something obvious?
There is slight insta love, although thank the book heavens that none of the romantic teens say the ‘L’ world. So it’s more like insta like…which I completely understand given the like is in reference to Sebastian. Although I do truly believe their connection has more to do with Valencia’s power to see fate lines, which would make such an awesome twist.
The end of the novel took a really interesting turn. The Cursed aren’t favoured. In fact it is illegal to be a Cursed, to befriend a Cursed, to really be associated with them in all regards. Which isn’t quite a leap of understanding, given the negative connotations associated with ‘cursed’. If you’re caught you end up in prison where they run horrible tests on you until you die. For what reason, it is yet uncertain, but it surely has something to do with whoever is actually running Rain City. And of course if there are circumstances such as these then there is a rebel following, and I look forward to seeing how that pans out in the next novel.
It was a great, fast paced read, with a really great cast of characters. There is humour and love, awesome fighting scenes and just a really great (slightly missing something) world.
March 8, 2015
Originally posted on http://angreads.blogspot.com
***Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Teen for providing me with a copy of The Thorn and the Sinking Stone in exchange for an honest review. ***
As far as debut novels go, this was not bad. The story was an interesting take on Romeo and Juliet, albeit with a different outcome for the star crossed lovers. The characters were well developed. The only bad thing was the poor world building and the annoying overuse of the title metaphors, which thankfully stopped at some point in the book.
Valencia was strong in her own way, but she was also vulnerable. Torn between her duty to her family and the duty to her heart, she often has to make hard choices. Sebastian was a good love interest. He wasn't overbearing or cocky, but the perfect blend of a flawed man who knows he's not perfect. He loves someone and he did not want some ancient feud to destroy that love. Godfrey was my favorite for many reasons. I liked Kane and Callan. Kane was the more levelheaded out of the brothers, while Callan was a hothead still reeling from his father's death. Garrett was the only character I truly hated, but I think he has his reasons for his behavior.
The lack of world building really bothered me and took away from the entire book. All we are told is that a Last War decimated the Earth and that four families are in charge of this one city. I don't even think the book mentioned where Rain City was geographically located. If it did, I don't remember because it must have been mentioned only once. The Watchmen are like a form of police that capture the Cursed and are charged with keeping the peace when gang violence breaks out. There is no mention of a higher government, although it is implied.
There is also slight insta-like, which didn't bother me because it was slightly unrequited at first, and the relationship took time to build. Nobody mentioned the word 'Love,' which made me happy. That gets thrown around too often in YA.
I liked the ending, and the revelation of a rebel faction that wants to take down the Watchers and whoever is controlling them. It was nicely done to set up a sequel, which I will read. Hopefully we get more world building though.
The Thorn and The Sinking Stone may not have been original, but it delivered a new take on and old classic that will be sure to please fans of the supernatural, action, and of course, the star crossed lovers.
***Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Teen for providing me with a copy of The Thorn and the Sinking Stone in exchange for an honest review. ***
As far as debut novels go, this was not bad. The story was an interesting take on Romeo and Juliet, albeit with a different outcome for the star crossed lovers. The characters were well developed. The only bad thing was the poor world building and the annoying overuse of the title metaphors, which thankfully stopped at some point in the book.
Valencia was strong in her own way, but she was also vulnerable. Torn between her duty to her family and the duty to her heart, she often has to make hard choices. Sebastian was a good love interest. He wasn't overbearing or cocky, but the perfect blend of a flawed man who knows he's not perfect. He loves someone and he did not want some ancient feud to destroy that love. Godfrey was my favorite for many reasons. I liked Kane and Callan. Kane was the more levelheaded out of the brothers, while Callan was a hothead still reeling from his father's death. Garrett was the only character I truly hated, but I think he has his reasons for his behavior.
The lack of world building really bothered me and took away from the entire book. All we are told is that a Last War decimated the Earth and that four families are in charge of this one city. I don't even think the book mentioned where Rain City was geographically located. If it did, I don't remember because it must have been mentioned only once. The Watchmen are like a form of police that capture the Cursed and are charged with keeping the peace when gang violence breaks out. There is no mention of a higher government, although it is implied.
There is also slight insta-like, which didn't bother me because it was slightly unrequited at first, and the relationship took time to build. Nobody mentioned the word 'Love,' which made me happy. That gets thrown around too often in YA.
I liked the ending, and the revelation of a rebel faction that wants to take down the Watchers and whoever is controlling them. It was nicely done to set up a sequel, which I will read. Hopefully we get more world building though.
The Thorn and The Sinking Stone may not have been original, but it delivered a new take on and old classic that will be sure to please fans of the supernatural, action, and of course, the star crossed lovers.
March 22, 2015
I just cannot recommend it...
Retellings of classics and fairy tales seem to be really hot right now and I am 110% on the bandwagon. I love them and have loved them as long as I can remember. But, if I'm honest, I getting really sick of seeing Romeo and Juliet retold. Its' theme is one I enjoy seeing but outright retellings have begun to lose any freshness. Sadly, THE THORN AND THE SINKING STONE had the elements in place to be really good. Your Juliet and Romeo are from rival Japanese and Irish influenced gangs and some people are Cursed with special abilities (I was reminded of the X-Men a lot with the way it was presented). But the actual plot, world, and writing left a lot to be desired.
I found myself struggling to sit down and read this book. It was very much a case of a lot of words were being read and nothing was happening in them. I felt like I was watching 'snow' on an old television set. After three weeks of trying to read it every single day I finally hit about 2/3 and decided to skim. Even skimming the latter third of the book left me uninterested.
But why? I gave it a lot of thought and for me I think that the hugest factor was the lack of world building. The reader is thrust into Rain City and given very little understanding of what the world beyond the Hara house and the Daggers' place to work with. Is Rain City the only city? Why is it always raining/cloudy? Who actually runs the city? So much about this strange fantasy/futuristic/dystopian-ish world is unexplained. I need those details so I can have a clearer understanding of why the characters are feuding after several generations, why they live how they do, and why Cursed people are feared.
It also didn't help that Valencia is about as likable as a turnip and Sebastian is so dull and vaguely cookie-cutter... ugh, just could not bring myself to care what happened to either of them. They had zero chemistry which made their flirtation or whatever it was feel contrived. Considering the source material it's fair but I didn't enjoy it.
If you enjoy retellings I'm going to recommend a pass on this one. I just cannot recommend it. If it appeals to you for any other reason maybe you can pull something enjoyable out of it but I'm going to just overall suggest a pass.
Notes: ARC received via publisher.
Retellings of classics and fairy tales seem to be really hot right now and I am 110% on the bandwagon. I love them and have loved them as long as I can remember. But, if I'm honest, I getting really sick of seeing Romeo and Juliet retold. Its' theme is one I enjoy seeing but outright retellings have begun to lose any freshness. Sadly, THE THORN AND THE SINKING STONE had the elements in place to be really good. Your Juliet and Romeo are from rival Japanese and Irish influenced gangs and some people are Cursed with special abilities (I was reminded of the X-Men a lot with the way it was presented). But the actual plot, world, and writing left a lot to be desired.
I found myself struggling to sit down and read this book. It was very much a case of a lot of words were being read and nothing was happening in them. I felt like I was watching 'snow' on an old television set. After three weeks of trying to read it every single day I finally hit about 2/3 and decided to skim. Even skimming the latter third of the book left me uninterested.
But why? I gave it a lot of thought and for me I think that the hugest factor was the lack of world building. The reader is thrust into Rain City and given very little understanding of what the world beyond the Hara house and the Daggers' place to work with. Is Rain City the only city? Why is it always raining/cloudy? Who actually runs the city? So much about this strange fantasy/futuristic/dystopian-ish world is unexplained. I need those details so I can have a clearer understanding of why the characters are feuding after several generations, why they live how they do, and why Cursed people are feared.
It also didn't help that Valencia is about as likable as a turnip and Sebastian is so dull and vaguely cookie-cutter... ugh, just could not bring myself to care what happened to either of them. They had zero chemistry which made their flirtation or whatever it was feel contrived. Considering the source material it's fair but I didn't enjoy it.
If you enjoy retellings I'm going to recommend a pass on this one. I just cannot recommend it. If it appeals to you for any other reason maybe you can pull something enjoyable out of it but I'm going to just overall suggest a pass.
Notes: ARC received via publisher.
March 8, 2015
Actual Rating: 3.5 ⭐
First off, I must say that I'm absolutely in love with this book's cover and title. I love the black rose and the blood red font, as well as the dagger in the word "Stone". It's so dark and beautiful, yet simple, which I think fits perfectly to the book. Also, the title has an intriguing ring to it that it's what caught my eye in the first place, even before seeing the stunning cover. Both of these promise a good story, a mysterious tale of love, revenge and magic.
I was pretty excited about The Thorn and the Sinking Stone and after reading through it, I can say it is a good read, but not as great as I expected. I liked the characters and I liked how it faintly reminded me of Romeo & Juliet, what with the rival families and falling in love with the enemy, but I got a bit confused with the setting and I feel that the book lost its way and forgot to focus on a few key elements that I thought were the strong points of this book.
I wanted this book to show off how amazing Valencia is and to see her kick-ass left and right. I wanted everyone to fear her and think twice before crossing her path, and to develop her ability to the point of truly being the invisible person she was trained to be. With that said, I still liked her a lot. I admired that she was a strong person, one who didn't let herself be poisoned by her brother's anger towards the daggers. I loved that she never gives up without a fight, and when things get ugly, she still tries to help, even if it means helping the enemy and sacrificing her safety.
Sebastian, whose point of view we also get in this book, is the kind of book boyfriend everyone is waiting to meet. He's handsome, mysterious, kind-hearted and loyal. He was the best developed character in this book and I fell in love with him. His curse (and his brother, Callan's) is impressive and something I didn't see coming. With it, he certainly took the spotlight off of Valencia as a deadly weapon for the moment, but I still expect great things from her curse.
As a couple, Sebastian & Valencia are great and I totally ship them, though it did bug me at first that they have a love-at-first-sight thing. However, I got over it quickly and I was desperately flipping pages so I could get to the part where they finally kiss. I almost finished the book waiting for it *LOL*. Not enough kisses! Still, that one first kiss was worth it.
I hope that in the next book there's more world building and we come to learn more about Rain City and the other rival gangs. These aspects were forgotten to give space to the watchmen and Valencia's struggle to not be captured and taken into a cursed prison, and though I know it was bound to happen, I wish it could have waited a bit longer. I have a million questions that need to be answered.
Even though it wasn't a perfect book, I still feel drawn to The Stone and the Sinking Stone. I liked it and I want to fall in love with the series, so there should better be a sequel. Just a dash more of dangerous romance (not mindless) and fiery strength in a few characters, and I think it will make the Thorn and Dagger one heck of a series.
*Thanks to Entangled Teen and Netgalley for the ARC copy in exchange of my honest opinion. This book review was also posted on my blog, The Reader and the Chef.*
First off, I must say that I'm absolutely in love with this book's cover and title. I love the black rose and the blood red font, as well as the dagger in the word "Stone". It's so dark and beautiful, yet simple, which I think fits perfectly to the book. Also, the title has an intriguing ring to it that it's what caught my eye in the first place, even before seeing the stunning cover. Both of these promise a good story, a mysterious tale of love, revenge and magic.
I was pretty excited about The Thorn and the Sinking Stone and after reading through it, I can say it is a good read, but not as great as I expected. I liked the characters and I liked how it faintly reminded me of Romeo & Juliet, what with the rival families and falling in love with the enemy, but I got a bit confused with the setting and I feel that the book lost its way and forgot to focus on a few key elements that I thought were the strong points of this book.
I wanted this book to show off how amazing Valencia is and to see her kick-ass left and right. I wanted everyone to fear her and think twice before crossing her path, and to develop her ability to the point of truly being the invisible person she was trained to be. With that said, I still liked her a lot. I admired that she was a strong person, one who didn't let herself be poisoned by her brother's anger towards the daggers. I loved that she never gives up without a fight, and when things get ugly, she still tries to help, even if it means helping the enemy and sacrificing her safety.
Sebastian, whose point of view we also get in this book, is the kind of book boyfriend everyone is waiting to meet. He's handsome, mysterious, kind-hearted and loyal. He was the best developed character in this book and I fell in love with him. His curse (and his brother, Callan's) is impressive and something I didn't see coming. With it, he certainly took the spotlight off of Valencia as a deadly weapon for the moment, but I still expect great things from her curse.
As a couple, Sebastian & Valencia are great and I totally ship them, though it did bug me at first that they have a love-at-first-sight thing. However, I got over it quickly and I was desperately flipping pages so I could get to the part where they finally kiss. I almost finished the book waiting for it *LOL*. Not enough kisses! Still, that one first kiss was worth it.
I hope that in the next book there's more world building and we come to learn more about Rain City and the other rival gangs. These aspects were forgotten to give space to the watchmen and Valencia's struggle to not be captured and taken into a cursed prison, and though I know it was bound to happen, I wish it could have waited a bit longer. I have a million questions that need to be answered.
Even though it wasn't a perfect book, I still feel drawn to The Stone and the Sinking Stone. I liked it and I want to fall in love with the series, so there should better be a sequel. Just a dash more of dangerous romance (not mindless) and fiery strength in a few characters, and I think it will make the Thorn and Dagger one heck of a series.
*Thanks to Entangled Teen and Netgalley for the ARC copy in exchange of my honest opinion. This book review was also posted on my blog, The Reader and the Chef.*
March 9, 2015
See this review and more on my blog, Lilybloombooks
“ORomeo Sebastian, Romeo Sebastian, wherefore art thou Romeo Sebastian?"
Looking at the blurb now, it's so obvious The Thorn and the Sinking Stone has a Romeo and Juliet vibe. I obviously didn't pick up on that. Had I, I might have gone into this book with different expectations. Never the less; The Thorn and the Sinking Stone had such an interesting premise, because HI families at war = organized crime. YES.
Plus, if a book starts off at a funeral, you know things are going to be bleak.
We have 4 rival families, all struggling to gain the upper hand in the Rain City. Then there are the Watchmen, a makeshift police force that work for.. the government? Add in a paranormal twist... and you have yourself a pretty good set up, yeah? However much I enjoyed the world (of what I know of it), the build up was seriously lacking and I was left with more questions about the world than facts I know about it.
What little we do know about the world was dumped on us en masse. Is there room later to find out? Yes, but so much more would have made sense had I know about it now. This "war" has been going on for generations, but why did it start? And what happened to the Cowboys and the Boat Men? We hit about 40% and they were just GONE. Never to be mentioned again.
My biggest issue was with the curses. Don't get me wrong, I loved it. It was actually my favorite aspect of the book. But I wanted more about it. I have a theory on how they came about, but it was never really elaborated on. Why do they have these powers? How do they have these powers? Why are the Watchmen so set to destroy anyone with these powers? (because obviously, something happened,right?)
Valencia was raised more or less in a bubble; trained to fight but never knew how things really worked within the gangs. Sure, she was "informed" but she was kept in the dark for ages. She is tough, smart and has it in her to truly think about the repercussions on their actions. She's loyal too and not always siding with her family. More or less, she's a rebel. Sebastian and her were very similar. However, Sebastian had more insight to the raging war between the families but was tired of it all.
Their romance was subtle at first - but slowly moved into insta love territory. They had few encounters with each other, but both went to extremes to help and save one another. It's almost as if their relationship is purely a plot device. I mean, it is because forbidden love but I didn't have that connection to it that I felt like I should have. Make sense?
Overall though, I did enjoy The Thorn and the Sinking Stone. I loved the setting and the what I do know of the world is fascinating. The set up for book 2 was great - with only a slight cliff hanger.
*I received a copy of this book from The Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.*
“O
Looking at the blurb now, it's so obvious The Thorn and the Sinking Stone has a Romeo and Juliet vibe. I obviously didn't pick up on that. Had I, I might have gone into this book with different expectations. Never the less; The Thorn and the Sinking Stone had such an interesting premise, because HI families at war = organized crime. YES.
Plus, if a book starts off at a funeral, you know things are going to be bleak.
We have 4 rival families, all struggling to gain the upper hand in the Rain City. Then there are the Watchmen, a makeshift police force that work for.. the government? Add in a paranormal twist... and you have yourself a pretty good set up, yeah? However much I enjoyed the world (of what I know of it), the build up was seriously lacking and I was left with more questions about the world than facts I know about it.
What little we do know about the world was dumped on us en masse. Is there room later to find out? Yes, but so much more would have made sense had I know about it now. This "war" has been going on for generations, but why did it start? And what happened to the Cowboys and the Boat Men? We hit about 40% and they were just GONE. Never to be mentioned again.
My biggest issue was with the curses. Don't get me wrong, I loved it. It was actually my favorite aspect of the book. But I wanted more about it. I have a theory on how they came about, but it was never really elaborated on. Why do they have these powers? How do they have these powers? Why are the Watchmen so set to destroy anyone with these powers? (because obviously, something happened,right?)
Valencia was raised more or less in a bubble; trained to fight but never knew how things really worked within the gangs. Sure, she was "informed" but she was kept in the dark for ages. She is tough, smart and has it in her to truly think about the repercussions on their actions. She's loyal too and not always siding with her family. More or less, she's a rebel. Sebastian and her were very similar. However, Sebastian had more insight to the raging war between the families but was tired of it all.
Their romance was subtle at first - but slowly moved into insta love territory. They had few encounters with each other, but both went to extremes to help and save one another. It's almost as if their relationship is purely a plot device. I mean, it is because forbidden love but I didn't have that connection to it that I felt like I should have. Make sense?
Overall though, I did enjoy The Thorn and the Sinking Stone. I loved the setting and the what I do know of the world is fascinating. The set up for book 2 was great - with only a slight cliff hanger.
*I received a copy of this book from The Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.*
March 12, 2015
Words Fueled by Love
A Romeo-Juliet-esque story: warring families, forbidden love, danger? That's all I had to read on the summary to know this was one story right up my alley. Add in cowboys too - yeehaw! And the cover - gorgeous! It really drew me in, despite it's dark colors.
I found the beginning to be a little slow but really enjoyed the story as it went along. The description was a little deceiving as far as cowboys go. Though that gang is mentioned, they don't ever make a physical appearance. Basically this story is that there are 2 main warring gangs in Rain City - the Black Roses and the Two Daggers. Their war has been long lasting for more than a century and the hate runs deep between the two groups with revenge constantly being taken out on the other into a never-ending cycle. Both groups are blamed for killing the patriarch leader of each gang. But Sebastian, a brother of the head of the Daggers and Valencia, a princess of the Thorns no longer want to hate each other and they find they have a connection that goes far deeper than any they have with the members of their own gangs. Their story is definitely one of forbidden love.
Valencia is a warrior in a line of Samurai fighters and her gang is the most formidable in Rain City and as such holds a wealthier area of the city. Sebastian, though very poor and lives in the slums of the city, is a strong fighter in an Irish gang. They couldn't be more different in how they live.
Then there is the Cursed. They are those who are born with special abilities. The government's security, called Watchmen, wants to capture, imprison, and kill if necessary, all Cursed as they are deemed unnatural. Valencia is Cursed; she has the ability to see seconds into the future which makes her an unbeatable opponent in a battle. That is until she comes up against someone who has a Curse that is more effective than her own ability.
There's fighting, there's danger, there's despair, there's sacrifice and there's love. Many elements which together make up a great fantasy story. I see great potential for this series and look forward to seeing what's next for Sebastian and Valencia.
Though this is categorized as Young Adult, I found the language to be more mature than a lot of books in the same genre. There's a lot of "F bombs" among other "bigger" curse words.
Favorite Quotes:
..."life is complicated enough with love, best leave hate well enough alone."
"Are you going to fly us across on your magic carpet?"
"I'm already in your head," he whispered, "and you know it. I'm beating through your pulse. I'm in the air you breathe, because we're the same."
Language Rating: 2 (medium)
Mature Content Rating: 0 (none)
Final Rating: 3.5 stars
A Romeo-Juliet-esque story: warring families, forbidden love, danger? That's all I had to read on the summary to know this was one story right up my alley. Add in cowboys too - yeehaw! And the cover - gorgeous! It really drew me in, despite it's dark colors.
I found the beginning to be a little slow but really enjoyed the story as it went along. The description was a little deceiving as far as cowboys go. Though that gang is mentioned, they don't ever make a physical appearance. Basically this story is that there are 2 main warring gangs in Rain City - the Black Roses and the Two Daggers. Their war has been long lasting for more than a century and the hate runs deep between the two groups with revenge constantly being taken out on the other into a never-ending cycle. Both groups are blamed for killing the patriarch leader of each gang. But Sebastian, a brother of the head of the Daggers and Valencia, a princess of the Thorns no longer want to hate each other and they find they have a connection that goes far deeper than any they have with the members of their own gangs. Their story is definitely one of forbidden love.
Valencia is a warrior in a line of Samurai fighters and her gang is the most formidable in Rain City and as such holds a wealthier area of the city. Sebastian, though very poor and lives in the slums of the city, is a strong fighter in an Irish gang. They couldn't be more different in how they live.
Then there is the Cursed. They are those who are born with special abilities. The government's security, called Watchmen, wants to capture, imprison, and kill if necessary, all Cursed as they are deemed unnatural. Valencia is Cursed; she has the ability to see seconds into the future which makes her an unbeatable opponent in a battle. That is until she comes up against someone who has a Curse that is more effective than her own ability.
There's fighting, there's danger, there's despair, there's sacrifice and there's love. Many elements which together make up a great fantasy story. I see great potential for this series and look forward to seeing what's next for Sebastian and Valencia.
Though this is categorized as Young Adult, I found the language to be more mature than a lot of books in the same genre. There's a lot of "F bombs" among other "bigger" curse words.
Favorite Quotes:
..."life is complicated enough with love, best leave hate well enough alone."
"Are you going to fly us across on your magic carpet?"
"I'm already in your head," he whispered, "and you know it. I'm beating through your pulse. I'm in the air you breathe, because we're the same."
Language Rating: 2 (medium)
Mature Content Rating: 0 (none)
Final Rating: 3.5 stars
March 16, 2015
4.5/5 stars.
Cowboys? Katanas? Forbidden love?
Yes please.
The moment I read the synopsis for this book, I knew I had to read it. And boy, was my instinct right. I really enjoyed The Thorn and the Sinking Stone.
This book is a really intriguing blend of dystopian, romance, fantasy, fairy tale, scifi, and urban fantasy. I know that sounds like a lot of genres but oddly, it somehow works. I can't explain how. The chapters are written in two alternating points of view, from both Sebastian and Valencia who are in rival families. This brings a nice layer of character (and plot) depth to the "Romeo and Juliet" trope of fighting families and forbidden love, because we are able to read what each character is going through and feeling. This made them all the more relatable, and allows the reader to see both sides of things- that means villains are not truly villains, and heroes are not always heroes. Valencia and Sebastian are given unique, independent voices that are easy to separate while switching chapters.
I really liked watching the main couple's past become clearer, and their feelings towards one another develop. I hate the term "book boyfriend", but I definitely loved me some Sebastian. He's caring and protective and torn in half about his life. I also really liked how strong and kick ass Valencia was. She's a fierce sword wielder who knows how to swallow her fears and seize opportune moments. Reading them together was really interesting, seeing how they handle the world that seems to be against them.
The writing was very descriptive and well done. It was easy for me to get swept up in the scenery among the characters and play the scenes out like a movie in my head. The one thing that I wish had been developed more was the historical context/dystopian dynamic. This book takes place in the future when a city was reclaimed, but we are only really given a nutshell version of what happened and why their lives/cities are this way. I would have appreciated some more world building in that respect, because I think it would have helped me to better grasp why the four houses/families act the way they do.
I recommend this book to young adult fans who like any combination of forbidden love, fantasy, princesses, scifi, Romeo and Juliet, curses, weapons, or dystopia. This book does deal with violence and contains some profanity, so take note of that if that's undesirable to you. I sincerely look forward to reading the next book in (what I think and really hope) is a series.
I received a copy from YA Bound Book Tours in exchange for my honest review. This review can also be found on my blog, Bitches n Prose.
Cowboys? Katanas? Forbidden love?
Yes please.
The moment I read the synopsis for this book, I knew I had to read it. And boy, was my instinct right. I really enjoyed The Thorn and the Sinking Stone.
This book is a really intriguing blend of dystopian, romance, fantasy, fairy tale, scifi, and urban fantasy. I know that sounds like a lot of genres but oddly, it somehow works. I can't explain how. The chapters are written in two alternating points of view, from both Sebastian and Valencia who are in rival families. This brings a nice layer of character (and plot) depth to the "Romeo and Juliet" trope of fighting families and forbidden love, because we are able to read what each character is going through and feeling. This made them all the more relatable, and allows the reader to see both sides of things- that means villains are not truly villains, and heroes are not always heroes. Valencia and Sebastian are given unique, independent voices that are easy to separate while switching chapters.
I really liked watching the main couple's past become clearer, and their feelings towards one another develop. I hate the term "book boyfriend", but I definitely loved me some Sebastian. He's caring and protective and torn in half about his life. I also really liked how strong and kick ass Valencia was. She's a fierce sword wielder who knows how to swallow her fears and seize opportune moments. Reading them together was really interesting, seeing how they handle the world that seems to be against them.
The writing was very descriptive and well done. It was easy for me to get swept up in the scenery among the characters and play the scenes out like a movie in my head. The one thing that I wish had been developed more was the historical context/dystopian dynamic. This book takes place in the future when a city was reclaimed, but we are only really given a nutshell version of what happened and why their lives/cities are this way. I would have appreciated some more world building in that respect, because I think it would have helped me to better grasp why the four houses/families act the way they do.
I recommend this book to young adult fans who like any combination of forbidden love, fantasy, princesses, scifi, Romeo and Juliet, curses, weapons, or dystopia. This book does deal with violence and contains some profanity, so take note of that if that's undesirable to you. I sincerely look forward to reading the next book in (what I think and really hope) is a series.
I received a copy from YA Bound Book Tours in exchange for my honest review. This review can also be found on my blog, Bitches n Prose.
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