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Iron Crown Faerie Tales #1
The Thorn Princess
Ivy Hawthorne is certain of one she’s a complete freak. Quiet, intelligent, and a little odd, Ivy has always felt like an outsider at Kingston Academy, a private boarding school in the middle of nowhere. Maybe it’s because she sees auras that reveal people’s moods and motives. Or it could be the connection she feels with the animals that watch her from beyond the school’s iron gate. It could also be her ethereal complexion and glass green eyes. Perhaps it’s because sometimes, her dreams play out in reality. And let’s not forget about the fact that her mother is institutionalized for a mental illness. But even for Ivy, things have gone from strange to downright bizarre. The animals have started following her. Strangers have been watching her. And when she gets angry or upset, inexplicable things are bound to happen. But the craziest thing of all is the sudden arrival of Barrett Forbes, a dark, mysterious transfer student who finds her abilities fascinating and causes her to question who—and what—she really is. The more Ivy gets to know Barrett, the more she learns about the dark truth behind her lonely, isolated childhood. As she digs deeper into her past, Ivy discovers the shocking truth about her family and where her true destiny lies. Filled with magic, romance, and mystery, The Thorn Princess is the first book in Bekah Harris’ captivating new series, The Iron Crown Faerie Tales. Purchase your copy today.
268 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2019
717 people are currently reading
3595 people want to read
About the author
Bekah Harris
21 books151 followersBorn and raised in the mountains of East Tennessee, Bekah Harris has been writing since she could hold a pencil. The beauty of her home in the Appalachian Mountains, along with the legends, myths, and folklore of that area, is what inspires the unique plots and settings captured in her young adult fiction. In addition to her love of all things fictional, Bekah is also a freelance writer and editor, an occasional adjunct professor, and a high school English teacher. When not working, Bekah can be found at home building block towers for her son to knock down, drinking coffee and watching Netflix with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
January 13, 2020
3 thorny STARS ★★★✩✩
⤐ Overall.
I think I'm slowly learning how to take the fairytale genre. Altogether, this was merely a lukewarm story, it had its pros and cons. I was positively surprised that the teenage romance wasn't some flat, superficial, innocent crush, but something tangible that clearly held some mild sexual tension. Adult authors usually seem to love to pretend teenagers aren’t aware of sexual impulses. I'm sure that's grounded in some weird desire to "protect" their readers which is just a laughing matter at a certain point.
I loved the first kiss in this one, I care more about the first kisses of my MCs than my own, anyways. This one I was listening to unmoving, in awe and utterly concentrated. It was beautiful.
Unremarkable characters, at first glance, but especially the last chapters introduce some interesting figures. I love me some evil villains. I was quite unhappy that we have a stereotypical highschool mean girl. They're overrated and even toxic for society. Please stop.
World(-building). I think Bekah was very smart about this. Since the alternate reality features a faerie court marked by a wintery climate, atmosphere and setting, it was easy to picture it all since the mundane side of the story starts off in winter as well. Faeries, although not my favourite mystical creature, are incredibly easy to picture which made for an effortless falling-in-place of the world.
The arch of suspense. Since Ivy's family mystery and the romance are the prime variables for the arch of suspense, it can only be described as mediocre. The first one is splendid, it's obvious from the beginning that there's some dark family secret to be revealed. I couldn't wait for it to happen. The romance, however, my goddess, was so stereotypical sometimes. In those moments, it was barely endurable. But I made it through and was rewarded with a decent listening experience. From the first 20% of the next book I can assure you, it's getting better. Lots of teenage angst, my favourite angst.
Minor spoiler , which I think is important and should be worth the risk.
⤐ What’s happening.
Except in this case. Be careful what you wish for.
You know things are gonna get real weird real fast when you notice animals following you around and strange powers growing inside of you. Ivy's got no clue what's happening to her, especially when the newbie at her school seems a little too nice and fairy-tale like to be the simple noble gentleman he acts like. Enter teenage angst and all them feelz and we have a recipe fordisaster a fairytale.
This book is for you if… you buy into romances quickly and easily and love a nasty twist. This is sort of a Snowwhite x fairy crossover. TW: a love triangle seems to be in the making.
⤐ Overall.
I think I'm slowly learning how to take the fairytale genre. Altogether, this was merely a lukewarm story, it had its pros and cons. I was positively surprised that the teenage romance wasn't some flat, superficial, innocent crush, but something tangible that clearly held some mild sexual tension. Adult authors usually seem to love to pretend teenagers aren’t aware of sexual impulses. I'm sure that's grounded in some weird desire to "protect" their readers which is just a laughing matter at a certain point.
I loved the first kiss in this one, I care more about the first kisses of my MCs than my own, anyways. This one I was listening to unmoving, in awe and utterly concentrated. It was beautiful.
Unremarkable characters, at first glance, but especially the last chapters introduce some interesting figures. I love me some evil villains. I was quite unhappy that we have a stereotypical highschool mean girl. They're overrated and even toxic for society. Please stop.
World(-building). I think Bekah was very smart about this. Since the alternate reality features a faerie court marked by a wintery climate, atmosphere and setting, it was easy to picture it all since the mundane side of the story starts off in winter as well. Faeries, although not my favourite mystical creature, are incredibly easy to picture which made for an effortless falling-in-place of the world.
The arch of suspense. Since Ivy's family mystery and the romance are the prime variables for the arch of suspense, it can only be described as mediocre. The first one is splendid, it's obvious from the beginning that there's some dark family secret to be revealed. I couldn't wait for it to happen. The romance, however, my goddess, was so stereotypical sometimes. In those moments, it was barely endurable. But I made it through and was rewarded with a decent listening experience. From the first 20% of the next book I can assure you, it's getting better. Lots of teenage angst, my favourite angst.
Minor spoiler , which I think is important and should be worth the risk.
⤐ What’s happening.
‘But wishes are only granted in fairy tales..’
Except in this case. Be careful what you wish for.
You know things are gonna get real weird real fast when you notice animals following you around and strange powers growing inside of you. Ivy's got no clue what's happening to her, especially when the newbie at her school seems a little too nice and fairy-tale like to be the simple noble gentleman he acts like. Enter teenage angst and all them feelz and we have a recipe for
Con:
⇢ heritage more questionable by the minute
⇢ accidents increasingly dangerous
Pro:
⇢ adorable first kiss
⇢ perfect winter scenes
_____________________
writing quality + easy of reading = 3*
pace = 4*
plot/story in general = 3*
plot development = 3*
characters = 2*
enjoyability = 3*
insightfulness = 3*
_____________________
Many thanks to the author Bekkah Harris, who provided me with an eArc in exchange for an honest review.
January 1, 2021
At first when I started the Thorn princess it seemed like it would be the usual trope: "teenage discovers they are the lost-heir to the throne". Even though it is a rather known trope, the story was able to grab me entirely in an addictive manner and I couldn't put the book down!
The story is told in two parallel realms: Ivy, an out-of-place girl in a boarding school who carries unique abilities, and of Lyric, Queen of the Winter Faeries. I love stories about the fae and their magic and the Thorn Princess delivered an easy to grasp magical system combined with a great world building. My favorite aspect however was the slow-burn romance between Ivy and her protector, Bear.
Ivy's world is turned upside down after she meets handsome and charming Barrett, known as Bear. Behind his chivalry and charming manners, Ivy senses there is some darker secret he is keeping from her. A secret she suspects is related to the weird things that keep happening to her. The side characters were very well developed, my hatred for Chelsea was so real that her name makes me cringe just hearing it. I like how the story included important elements such as how bullying can be harmful and traumatic.
My two favorite tropes of all time are arranged marriage and forbidden romance, and this series has BOTH. I was reeling with the ending and the sneak peak included, I need to find out what is happening! I am super excited to get my hands on the next book in the series!
The story is told in two parallel realms: Ivy, an out-of-place girl in a boarding school who carries unique abilities, and of Lyric, Queen of the Winter Faeries. I love stories about the fae and their magic and the Thorn Princess delivered an easy to grasp magical system combined with a great world building. My favorite aspect however was the slow-burn romance between Ivy and her protector, Bear.
Ivy's world is turned upside down after she meets handsome and charming Barrett, known as Bear. Behind his chivalry and charming manners, Ivy senses there is some darker secret he is keeping from her. A secret she suspects is related to the weird things that keep happening to her. The side characters were very well developed, my hatred for Chelsea was so real that her name makes me cringe just hearing it. I like how the story included important elements such as how bullying can be harmful and traumatic.
My two favorite tropes of all time are arranged marriage and forbidden romance, and this series has BOTH. I was reeling with the ending and the sneak peak included, I need to find out what is happening! I am super excited to get my hands on the next book in the series!
May 7, 2019
This was so fun to read. I'm looking forward to see what happens next for Ivy and the gang.
On a side note, I'm doing that thing again where I'm shipping Ivy with the Unseelie Prince instead of Bear. Dark eyed, potentially bad princes are my thing.
On a side note, I'm doing that thing again where I'm shipping Ivy with the Unseelie Prince instead of Bear. Dark eyed, potentially bad princes are my thing.
March 26, 2020
it was very... blah.
there's not a single plot twist or big turn of events. no build up to anything.
very disappointing.
there's not a single plot twist or big turn of events. no build up to anything.
very disappointing.
May 6, 2021
Too short and too cliche.
The fact that I can think of at least 10 books with the same plot doesn’t exactly bode well. So that’s a no for book two.😪
The fact that I can think of at least 10 books with the same plot doesn’t exactly bode well. So that’s a no for book two.😪
August 3, 2021
“The new series fans of Sarah J Maas, Victoria Aveyard, and Holly Black are craving”… well that’s a bold statement if I ever saw one.
This was cute, but pretty forgettable.
This was cute, but pretty forgettable.
Want to read
June 26, 2019FOUND ANOTHER FAERIE SERIES. YES. Please, for me, be good.
December 3, 2019
Perfect for fans of Sarah J Maas, Holly Black and Marissa Marr.
It’s hard to find good faerie books that aren’t Holly Black or Maas, but this one deserves to be up there with the big names. It was so good, and had me captured right from the first chapter. My only complaint was that there was not enough action at the end. I would have preferred to see a grander, more epic ending, but I can’t wait to read the next book.
It’s hard to find good faerie books that aren’t Holly Black or Maas, but this one deserves to be up there with the big names. It was so good, and had me captured right from the first chapter. My only complaint was that there was not enough action at the end. I would have preferred to see a grander, more epic ending, but I can’t wait to read the next book.
March 31, 2022
The only reason I finished this book was because I had nothing else to read. Absolutely cannot put into words how terrible this was. Extremely boring character development that made me want stop reading. Ivy’s BFF carries this book on her back. I do not take to hating books easily. I have never written a book review before but had to because of how horrible this book was. I have discovered book PTSD because of this novel.Future readers, I guarantee you this book is not worth your time and a very excellent choice to skip over. Perhaps the reason I dislike this book is because I’ve just finished reading ACOTARs and the Throne of glass series, but even then I can’t understand how someone can write such a book so badly. Such a promising plot and it was ruined because Ivy was so boring it gave me a headache. Our ML also carried the book on his back, but unfortunately, this book wasn’t about him.
TL;DR
please stay away from this book it is so horrible I wanted to quit reading instantly after 20 pages I was bored. Main character is stupid. Ur welcome ;)
TL;DR
please stay away from this book it is so horrible I wanted to quit reading instantly after 20 pages I was bored. Main character is stupid. Ur welcome ;)
December 14, 2019
“You’re not just any faerie. Your mother is Lyric, Queen of the Winter Court within the Seelie Realm.”
When the evil machinations of her ambitious sister Alena threatens her daughters life, Queen Lyric of the Winter Court is compelled to make a difficult decision; to send her daughter to the mortal realm and raise a human changeling in her stead. Seventeen years later, having been weakened by the death of her husband, King Dristan, who was poisoned (possibly at the hands of Alena) Lyric knows she must share her magic with her true heir or she cannot access the magic of the ancestors that sustains the Winter Court. With the melting of the snow as well as the Queen’s health deteriorating, the Fae of the Winter Court have run out of time and are vulnerable of being taken over by the Summer and Autumn Courts with the Seelie Queen turning a blind eye.
Ivy Hawthorn has always known she was different. Not only can she see people’s auras, but animals watch her wherever she goes and sometimes her dreams actually come true. Things take a bizarre turn with the arrival of Barrett Forbes, a mysterious transfer student who always seems to be in the right place at the right time when her life is threatened. With the Queen’s health fading fast and Alena aware of Ivy’s whereabouts, Barrett is forced to come clean to her regarding her royal lineage and where her true destiny lies..
The Thorn Princess is the first instalment of the Iron Crown Faerie Tales. I was already familiar with the author’s hugely enjoyable Native Guardian series so I was looking forward to delving into this book. From the offset, the author draws you in effortlessly with a glimpse of the stunning world of the Winter Court Fae. Her wonderful use of descriptive and vivid imagery had me feeling as though I was there, practically tasting the snow on my tongue.
The plot moved along fluidly and the characters were quickly introduced, developed and understood. The book is told from multiple points of view most notably Ivy, Barrett, Queen Lyric and a last moment teaser by the Unseelie Prince Arden which paves the way for an intriguing plot development in the follow up instalment.
This is an encouraging introduction to what looks to be a promising series. I recommend this to fans of faeries, shifters and paranormal romance.
I received an advanced free audible copy of The Thorn Princess and I am voluntarily reviewing it. Nikki Delgado has masterfully brought the characters and story to life with her clear, concise delivery which made it easy to differentiate between characters.
When the evil machinations of her ambitious sister Alena threatens her daughters life, Queen Lyric of the Winter Court is compelled to make a difficult decision; to send her daughter to the mortal realm and raise a human changeling in her stead. Seventeen years later, having been weakened by the death of her husband, King Dristan, who was poisoned (possibly at the hands of Alena) Lyric knows she must share her magic with her true heir or she cannot access the magic of the ancestors that sustains the Winter Court. With the melting of the snow as well as the Queen’s health deteriorating, the Fae of the Winter Court have run out of time and are vulnerable of being taken over by the Summer and Autumn Courts with the Seelie Queen turning a blind eye.
Ivy Hawthorn has always known she was different. Not only can she see people’s auras, but animals watch her wherever she goes and sometimes her dreams actually come true. Things take a bizarre turn with the arrival of Barrett Forbes, a mysterious transfer student who always seems to be in the right place at the right time when her life is threatened. With the Queen’s health fading fast and Alena aware of Ivy’s whereabouts, Barrett is forced to come clean to her regarding her royal lineage and where her true destiny lies..
The Thorn Princess is the first instalment of the Iron Crown Faerie Tales. I was already familiar with the author’s hugely enjoyable Native Guardian series so I was looking forward to delving into this book. From the offset, the author draws you in effortlessly with a glimpse of the stunning world of the Winter Court Fae. Her wonderful use of descriptive and vivid imagery had me feeling as though I was there, practically tasting the snow on my tongue.
The plot moved along fluidly and the characters were quickly introduced, developed and understood. The book is told from multiple points of view most notably Ivy, Barrett, Queen Lyric and a last moment teaser by the Unseelie Prince Arden which paves the way for an intriguing plot development in the follow up instalment.
This is an encouraging introduction to what looks to be a promising series. I recommend this to fans of faeries, shifters and paranormal romance.
I received an advanced free audible copy of The Thorn Princess and I am voluntarily reviewing it. Nikki Delgado has masterfully brought the characters and story to life with her clear, concise delivery which made it easy to differentiate between characters.
March 1, 2019
So to start out I gave it four stars because I know the next one is going to be even better so I had to set the bar “low”!!!
Absolutely brilliant story-love the description of everything in this book. The story takes place at a boarding school for 90% and I actually could picture/believe that it was a real school. The description throughout the story is spot on. I found myself wanting to find the nearest portal and visit the faerie land of winter!
The characters are all high school aged kids and I’m sure we have all met/been one of the characters. It does make it more relatable for sure. The story has a great plot twist with a heart breaking revelation to it and the end does leave us with the feeling that defiance is brewing in our main character, Ivy.
This was the first story I’ve read from the author, Bekah Harris, but it certainly won’t be the last!! Anyone that is a fan of faeries should definitely add this to their TBR pile.
Absolutely brilliant story-love the description of everything in this book. The story takes place at a boarding school for 90% and I actually could picture/believe that it was a real school. The description throughout the story is spot on. I found myself wanting to find the nearest portal and visit the faerie land of winter!
The characters are all high school aged kids and I’m sure we have all met/been one of the characters. It does make it more relatable for sure. The story has a great plot twist with a heart breaking revelation to it and the end does leave us with the feeling that defiance is brewing in our main character, Ivy.
This was the first story I’ve read from the author, Bekah Harris, but it certainly won’t be the last!! Anyone that is a fan of faeries should definitely add this to their TBR pile.
February 21, 2020
If you love faerie tales where things are not quite as they seem... if you love Holly Black's The Folk of the Air series... than give the Iron Crown series a try.
Ivy Hawthorne has always felt like an outsider, even at her elite boarding school. She often has dreams that later come true. So when she wakes up one morning and discovers a new transfer student has arrived at school, and she had a dream about him only the night before, things really start to get strange. Especially with all the woodland animals staring at her.
I really enjoyed this book as I love new tellings of faerie tales. I look forward to reading more about Ivy in the future.
Ivy Hawthorne has always felt like an outsider, even at her elite boarding school. She often has dreams that later come true. So when she wakes up one morning and discovers a new transfer student has arrived at school, and she had a dream about him only the night before, things really start to get strange. Especially with all the woodland animals staring at her.
I really enjoyed this book as I love new tellings of faerie tales. I look forward to reading more about Ivy in the future.
March 25, 2019
Ivy & Bear
A fairy tale story. Ivy was switched at birth with a human to protect the fairy princess. Now she's of age and her mother Lyrica needs her magic . Bear infiltrates her boarding school, and becomes her friend and protector. After several attempts on her life, Bear tells Ivy her story. After finals he takes her to her mothers winter fairy palace. There their magic combines and stability is restored. She is introduced to her betrothed, an unseelie Prince named Arden. Magical intriguing story !!! Loved it.
A fairy tale story. Ivy was switched at birth with a human to protect the fairy princess. Now she's of age and her mother Lyrica needs her magic . Bear infiltrates her boarding school, and becomes her friend and protector. After several attempts on her life, Bear tells Ivy her story. After finals he takes her to her mothers winter fairy palace. There their magic combines and stability is restored. She is introduced to her betrothed, an unseelie Prince named Arden. Magical intriguing story !!! Loved it.
August 13, 2021
This book was not what I was expecting it to be. When I first started reading it I wasn't sure I was going to like it, but I liked it quite a bit. I'm excited to read the next book in the series to see where ivys life/adventure goes next.
June 24, 2019
A quick and fun read about an awkward teenager who turns out to be a fairy princess engaged to a dark prince. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2021
So this wasn't my favorite. I had a really hard time liking Ivy. She wasn't a great character to be honest. He inability to speak anything in anything other than a whisper got real old, real quick. I liked Bear. He was at least interesting. I was also not a fan of how it ended (dropped off really, sounded unfinished). I know it's because there are more books, but honestly I don't want to read them. At least this was a quick read.
July 22, 2023
This was a clean fantasy romance aimed at a younger audience (more like high school). I gave this such a low rating because I listened to this as an audiobook and the narrator completely ruins the entire book. She has a British accent even though this is set in the United States. And then the author writes about how amazing this the MMC Scottish brogue is but the narrator couldn’t do one. And also, the narrator clearly struggled with differentiating characters with her voice.
The book itself was pretty bland in and of itself. A straightforward storyline and the characters are very run of the mill.
The book itself was pretty bland in and of itself. A straightforward storyline and the characters are very run of the mill.
October 12, 2019
This book is...so weird and so bad. I got like halfway through but I can't anymore oml.
March 31, 2019
ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE!!!
I read this in a few hours. I was sucked into this world and could not break free! This book is magnificent in every way and I need the next book now!!
I felt connected to all the characters in a variety of different ways. I loved Bear and Ivy’s relationship and it felt so real. My heart aches for them! This story will leave you with answers, but not ones that fall flat. This story flows so well that those answers you seek at the end of the book make you want to dive into the next book. I loved everything about this book! It was action packed, funny, intense, heart wrenching and just lovely.
My opinion on the Queen is that she is down right oblivious and selfish, even with this whole sacrificing Queen duties. I don’t want to give spoilers. Maybe I’ll come to like her in the next book, but as of now her choices are just not wise and she is so self absorb in her own decisions. She doesn’t stop to be sensitive to others and throws them in a place of chaos expecting them to fit it. Plus, her not making certain decisions affects others in a bad way, but she still holds on selfishly to what she wants. I’m intrigued to see how her behavior plays out in the next book! I’m so ready!! Also, I’m intrigued by the Prince. I’m not he’s all bad, but we shall see what he’s up to!
GO READ THIS BOOK ASAP!!
I read this in a few hours. I was sucked into this world and could not break free! This book is magnificent in every way and I need the next book now!!
I felt connected to all the characters in a variety of different ways. I loved Bear and Ivy’s relationship and it felt so real. My heart aches for them! This story will leave you with answers, but not ones that fall flat. This story flows so well that those answers you seek at the end of the book make you want to dive into the next book. I loved everything about this book! It was action packed, funny, intense, heart wrenching and just lovely.
My opinion on the Queen is that she is down right oblivious and selfish, even with this whole sacrificing Queen duties. I don’t want to give spoilers. Maybe I’ll come to like her in the next book, but as of now her choices are just not wise and she is so self absorb in her own decisions. She doesn’t stop to be sensitive to others and throws them in a place of chaos expecting them to fit it. Plus, her not making certain decisions affects others in a bad way, but she still holds on selfishly to what she wants. I’m intrigued to see how her behavior plays out in the next book! I’m so ready!! Also, I’m intrigued by the Prince. I’m not he’s all bad, but we shall see what he’s up to!
GO READ THIS BOOK ASAP!!
August 6, 2019
Picked this up as a quick read based on the reviews but it was not enjoyable. I found the writing style over explanatory and descriptive for the length of the story. The characters fell too much in to typical troupes for me as well. Will not continue forward with story.
January 7, 2020
I received a copy of this audiobook via the author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
What is up with my obsession of Faeries this year?! Y’all I’m devouring everything I can get my hands on that mention Fae and LOVING IT! The Thorn Princess is no exception. The first book in Bekah Harris's Iron Crown Faerie Tales, The Thorn Princess follows Ivy Hawthorne as she discovers a hidden world living around her.
Ivy Hawthorne is a seventeen year old, living at a boarding school in the Carolinas. She’s an outsider, a little quirky and a little magical. You see Ivy can see auras, animals seem to follow her around, and her dreams are sometimes prophetic. Now the boy from her dreams is the new kid at school and Ivy is about to follow him down the rabbit hole. I like Ivy. I empathize with her. Her mother went crazy and is in a home, her father never had much to do with Ivy after that, and Ivy thinks he blames her. Her one constant is her Irish grandmother who is just as quirky as Ivy. She’s a little shy and keeps to herself, and I can’t fault her for that. Then Bear shows up, and Ivy’s world is turned upside down.
Barrett Forbes’s transfer to Ivy’s school is questionable and mysterious, but a welcoming surprise to all. But he isn’t all he seems to be. An Irish accent and an uncanny ability to be where Ivy is when she needs help leaves the reader questioning who and what he really is. Bear was sent to find Ivy and bring her home to the Winter Court where her true mother, the winter queen, waits.
The plot of the story is interesting. As the reader, we see all sides and know things before Ivy does which I love. It creates some suspense and fantastic irony. I love the multiple POV too. We get a glimpse from Bear’s perspective, the queen’s and Ivy’s. The world-building around the Seelie and unseelie Fae, the mysterious reasons for Ivy being in the human world, and the dying magic of winter drive the plot and kept me interested to the very end.
Nikki Delgado narrates and I found myself drawn in, unable to stop listening. Clocking in at just under 6 hours, I finished it in one sitting. Delgado’s tone and inflection was enough that I had no trouble distinguishing between characters. I plan to listen to more from this narrator.
Overall I really enjoyed The Thorn Princess. I cannot wait to read more about Ivy, the Winter Court, and of course Bear. If you enjoy YA fantasy, I highly recommend it.
This review first appeared on Mom with a Reading Problem. To see it and other reviews, follow the link.
What is up with my obsession of Faeries this year?! Y’all I’m devouring everything I can get my hands on that mention Fae and LOVING IT! The Thorn Princess is no exception. The first book in Bekah Harris's Iron Crown Faerie Tales, The Thorn Princess follows Ivy Hawthorne as she discovers a hidden world living around her.
Ivy Hawthorne is a seventeen year old, living at a boarding school in the Carolinas. She’s an outsider, a little quirky and a little magical. You see Ivy can see auras, animals seem to follow her around, and her dreams are sometimes prophetic. Now the boy from her dreams is the new kid at school and Ivy is about to follow him down the rabbit hole. I like Ivy. I empathize with her. Her mother went crazy and is in a home, her father never had much to do with Ivy after that, and Ivy thinks he blames her. Her one constant is her Irish grandmother who is just as quirky as Ivy. She’s a little shy and keeps to herself, and I can’t fault her for that. Then Bear shows up, and Ivy’s world is turned upside down.
Barrett Forbes’s transfer to Ivy’s school is questionable and mysterious, but a welcoming surprise to all. But he isn’t all he seems to be. An Irish accent and an uncanny ability to be where Ivy is when she needs help leaves the reader questioning who and what he really is. Bear was sent to find Ivy and bring her home to the Winter Court where her true mother, the winter queen, waits.
The plot of the story is interesting. As the reader, we see all sides and know things before Ivy does which I love. It creates some suspense and fantastic irony. I love the multiple POV too. We get a glimpse from Bear’s perspective, the queen’s and Ivy’s. The world-building around the Seelie and unseelie Fae, the mysterious reasons for Ivy being in the human world, and the dying magic of winter drive the plot and kept me interested to the very end.
Nikki Delgado narrates and I found myself drawn in, unable to stop listening. Clocking in at just under 6 hours, I finished it in one sitting. Delgado’s tone and inflection was enough that I had no trouble distinguishing between characters. I plan to listen to more from this narrator.
Overall I really enjoyed The Thorn Princess. I cannot wait to read more about Ivy, the Winter Court, and of course Bear. If you enjoy YA fantasy, I highly recommend it.
This review first appeared on Mom with a Reading Problem. To see it and other reviews, follow the link.
June 30, 2019
Boring read
The storyline sounded interesting but ended up to be boring. The mc is weak and bullied by the mean girl. Couldn't finish.
The storyline sounded interesting but ended up to be boring. The mc is weak and bullied by the mean girl. Couldn't finish.
February 9, 2019
Unbeknownst to Ivy she is a daughter of the fae realm. Strange things start to happen around her at school that start to make her question her sanity. With the help of her friend Jules and the new boy at school she will Persevere. Definitely one of those books that makes you cheer and say yes...what’s next for this character.
Loved it and didn’t want to put it down.
Loved it and didn’t want to put it down.
December 25, 2019
I got like 17 pages in and honestly could not go any further, so make what you will out of this book. Ivy is a super privileged and super unrelatable special snowflake who annoys the fuck out of me. I get that it’s geared towards younger audiences, but the writing style was really lacking, and world building was meh (although I did not give the latter much more of a chance to be fair).
February 12, 2019
The Thorn Princess is absolutely amazing. It drew me in immediately. The characters are intriguing - especially Bear! The story itself is full of magic, drama, and relationships, some of my favorite things! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
September 2, 2020
Could have used a good edit, but otherwise it was truly good. I started on book one and by the time I came up for a breather I'd finished book two.
This series reminded me of the Trylle series by Amanda Hocking. Is there going to be a book seven right soon?
This series reminded me of the Trylle series by Amanda Hocking. Is there going to be a book seven right soon?
April 11, 2019
Love !
I love it so much ! It’s really great I have no idea what’s gonna happen next but I’m here for it !!
I love it so much ! It’s really great I have no idea what’s gonna happen next but I’m here for it !!
April 29, 2019
Kindle Unlimited fantasy with faeries. Like a pg version of Sarah Maas “court” series. Book one of a series
March 9, 2024
Ivy Hawthorne has been at a boarding school since she was 8. She doesn't fit in and it bothers her. She has one friend, Jules, who accepts her for who she is. Lately she has become aware of some unusual occurrences. A Cardinal has been following her and a crow watches and caws to her as if it is trying to tell her something. An Owl hoots at her during the daytime and she wonders why he isn't sleeping instead of watching her.
Two weeks before finals a new student checks in, Barrett Forbes. The girls all stare and giggle because he is beautiful, has good manners, and speaks with a Scottish brogue. He shuns the school hottie who reeks of jealousy and is a bully. When Chelsea sees that Barrett has eyes for only Ivy, she sends out a video to the school of a couple having sex and tells everyone it is Ivy and Barrett. Ivy is mortified.
On Parents' Day Ivy asks her grandmother about her mother who is in an insane asylum. Her nan doesn't want to talk about it because Ivy's father has forbidden any discussion on the subject and Ivy is not allowed to even visit the woman. Ivy discovers her mother tried to kill her as an infant because she believes Ivy is a Fae Changeling. One day her daughter has blue eyes and acts like a normal baby and the next morning her baby has bright green eyes and makes no noise. Everyone thinks the woman is crazy and she is committed to and Insane asylum.
Barrett is very attentive to Ivy and walks her to all her classes and accompanies her to meals in the cafeteria. When other students try to taunt her he steps in and puts a stop to the bullying. When Chelsea tries again to embarrass Ivy she suddenly develops a case of acne.
One weekend at the local city mall Ivy is attacked by two horrific looking beings and Barrett rushes in and kills them. Barrett then heals Ivy and waves his hand and all the gory mess disappears.
Ivy is shaken and trembling but she wants some answers. Barrett appears out of thin air into her dorm room which is strictly not allowed and begins to explain. Ivy is actually a Faery princess of the Winter Court and she is a changeling. Her real mother is the Queen of the Winter Court and she must appear before the winter Solstice to save the kingdom.
Two days before the Winter Solstice Barrett takes Ivy to the Winter Court and they are ambushed by hell hounds and Red Cap Goblins. Ivy's magic suddenly appears but is not strong enough so when a hell hound attacks Barrett she stabs the hound in the neck. Barrett is wounded but he and Ivy then flee to the Winter Court and Ivy meets her real mother for the first time. She is overwhelmed by everything and the Queen sends her to her room to bathe, rest, and recover.
Ivy discovers there is to be a ball where announcements and ceremonies are to take place. She will also be introduced to her fiancée and they will dance the first dance together. She and her mother will bind their magic and Ivy will choose her new title. Barrett assures her nothing will happen because he will be beside her. He is her personal guard forever.
I enjoyed this book and would have given it 5 stars but the editing was sloppy and extra words that did not fit were abundant. I read where there was an overall editor and a line editor plus a proof reader. Hmmm.
Two weeks before finals a new student checks in, Barrett Forbes. The girls all stare and giggle because he is beautiful, has good manners, and speaks with a Scottish brogue. He shuns the school hottie who reeks of jealousy and is a bully. When Chelsea sees that Barrett has eyes for only Ivy, she sends out a video to the school of a couple having sex and tells everyone it is Ivy and Barrett. Ivy is mortified.
On Parents' Day Ivy asks her grandmother about her mother who is in an insane asylum. Her nan doesn't want to talk about it because Ivy's father has forbidden any discussion on the subject and Ivy is not allowed to even visit the woman. Ivy discovers her mother tried to kill her as an infant because she believes Ivy is a Fae Changeling. One day her daughter has blue eyes and acts like a normal baby and the next morning her baby has bright green eyes and makes no noise. Everyone thinks the woman is crazy and she is committed to and Insane asylum.
Barrett is very attentive to Ivy and walks her to all her classes and accompanies her to meals in the cafeteria. When other students try to taunt her he steps in and puts a stop to the bullying. When Chelsea tries again to embarrass Ivy she suddenly develops a case of acne.
One weekend at the local city mall Ivy is attacked by two horrific looking beings and Barrett rushes in and kills them. Barrett then heals Ivy and waves his hand and all the gory mess disappears.
Ivy is shaken and trembling but she wants some answers. Barrett appears out of thin air into her dorm room which is strictly not allowed and begins to explain. Ivy is actually a Faery princess of the Winter Court and she is a changeling. Her real mother is the Queen of the Winter Court and she must appear before the winter Solstice to save the kingdom.
Two days before the Winter Solstice Barrett takes Ivy to the Winter Court and they are ambushed by hell hounds and Red Cap Goblins. Ivy's magic suddenly appears but is not strong enough so when a hell hound attacks Barrett she stabs the hound in the neck. Barrett is wounded but he and Ivy then flee to the Winter Court and Ivy meets her real mother for the first time. She is overwhelmed by everything and the Queen sends her to her room to bathe, rest, and recover.
Ivy discovers there is to be a ball where announcements and ceremonies are to take place. She will also be introduced to her fiancée and they will dance the first dance together. She and her mother will bind their magic and Ivy will choose her new title. Barrett assures her nothing will happen because he will be beside her. He is her personal guard forever.
I enjoyed this book and would have given it 5 stars but the editing was sloppy and extra words that did not fit were abundant. I read where there was an overall editor and a line editor plus a proof reader. Hmmm.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2021
Warning! 🚨
This book is full of slut shaming, stupid teenagers, love at first sight and your classic and most hatred trope of YA books, the you are not like the others trope, yes, for real. Because this books was released on 2019 I immediately thought this is going to be good and mature and it definitely won't have slut shaming, right? because as a society we are so over it, right? right? *awkward silence*
So here are some quotes from the book that would make you think.
“Well, that figures,” Jules said. “It’s not enough she’s basically dated every guy at Kingston since freshman year. I mean, I was really hoping this one would be above her skanky perfume and hair toss.”
“Oh, please, you’re about a million times prettier than Chelsea,” Jules said. “You just don’t fawn all over everything with a Y chromosome. Her full dating schedule definitely isn’t the work of her sparkling personality.”
Her aura shone a putrid green color. Jealousy. Possessiveness. When referring to Chelsea, the "bully" of the school that we as readers are supposed to hate just because. The next one it's the one quote that made me despise Bear Barret once and for all. I'll hate him forever, he's a disgusting jerk, just read this: She was long and lean like a model, but the jealousy and lust that emanated from her reflected a possessiveness and desire for power Bear found to be dangerous qualities. UNATTRACTIVE QUALITIES. He supposed she might be well-suited for a few hours of fun, if that was what she was after, but the trouble she would cause in the days that followed wouldn’t be worth even the most minimal efforts. Why do authors keep writing women like this? If the girl is white as snow and shy and someone who doesn't seek power or recognition that means she's good and pure but if the girl is redhead or burnette or just different from snow-white then she's not worth it and she's evil and malicious and a slut WTF. Why does this keeps happening?
At first I was so excited to read this as it had my favorite topics: the fae realm, royal romance, magic and political drama and even if it was YA I still wanted to read it but oh boy, I was so disappointed, I wanted to punch myself for reading, lol and you know what's the worst thing? that I already got all 6 books (through kindle) and that I actually want to read the next one because of one character and one character only: The Unseelie Prince Ardan, so the 2 stars that I'm giving to this books are for him, and he only appears in like one page! imagine his power lol. I'm trusting the next books are better and I'm definitely expecting character development and an actual worldbuilding. And by the way, reading this book felt like reading a crossover fanfic of Twilight/The Cruel Prince. 🤔
This book is full of slut shaming, stupid teenagers, love at first sight and your classic and most hatred trope of YA books, the you are not like the others trope, yes, for real. Because this books was released on 2019 I immediately thought this is going to be good and mature and it definitely won't have slut shaming, right? because as a society we are so over it, right? right? *awkward silence*
So here are some quotes from the book that would make you think.
“Well, that figures,” Jules said. “It’s not enough she’s basically dated every guy at Kingston since freshman year. I mean, I was really hoping this one would be above her skanky perfume and hair toss.”
“Oh, please, you’re about a million times prettier than Chelsea,” Jules said. “You just don’t fawn all over everything with a Y chromosome. Her full dating schedule definitely isn’t the work of her sparkling personality.”
Her aura shone a putrid green color. Jealousy. Possessiveness. When referring to Chelsea, the "bully" of the school that we as readers are supposed to hate just because. The next one it's the one quote that made me despise Bear Barret once and for all. I'll hate him forever, he's a disgusting jerk, just read this: She was long and lean like a model, but the jealousy and lust that emanated from her reflected a possessiveness and desire for power Bear found to be dangerous qualities. UNATTRACTIVE QUALITIES. He supposed she might be well-suited for a few hours of fun, if that was what she was after, but the trouble she would cause in the days that followed wouldn’t be worth even the most minimal efforts. Why do authors keep writing women like this? If the girl is white as snow and shy and someone who doesn't seek power or recognition that means she's good and pure but if the girl is redhead or burnette or just different from snow-white then she's not worth it and she's evil and malicious and a slut WTF. Why does this keeps happening?
At first I was so excited to read this as it had my favorite topics: the fae realm, royal romance, magic and political drama and even if it was YA I still wanted to read it but oh boy, I was so disappointed, I wanted to punch myself for reading, lol and you know what's the worst thing? that I already got all 6 books (through kindle) and that I actually want to read the next one because of one character and one character only: The Unseelie Prince Ardan, so the 2 stars that I'm giving to this books are for him, and he only appears in like one page! imagine his power lol. I'm trusting the next books are better and I'm definitely expecting character development and an actual worldbuilding. And by the way, reading this book felt like reading a crossover fanfic of Twilight/The Cruel Prince. 🤔
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