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The Thorns Remain
From the Sunday Times bestselling historical fantasy author of THE SHADOW IN THE GLASS comes a tour-de-force of faerie bargains, perfect for fans of THE INVISIBLE LIFE OF ADDIE LA RUE, MEXICAN GOTHIC, and TEN THOUSAND DOORS OF JANUARY
A dance with the fae will change everything
1919. In a highland village forgotten by the world, harvest season is over and the young who remain after war and flu have ravaged the village will soon head south to make something of themselves.
Moira Jean and her friends head to the forest for a last night of laughter before parting ways. Moira Jean is being left behind. She had plans to leave once – but her lover died in France and with him, her future. The friends light a fire, sing and dance. But with every twirl about the flames, strange new dancers thread between them, music streaming from the trees.
The fae are here.
Suddenly Moira Jean finds herself all alone, her friends spirited away. The iron medal of her lost love, pinned to her dress, protected her from magic.
For the Fae feel forgotten too. Lead by the darkly handsome Lord of the Fae, they are out to make themselves known once more. Moira Jean must enter into a bargain with the Lord to save her friends – and fast, for the longer one spends with the Fae, the less like themselves they are upon return. If Moira Jean cannot save her friends before Beltine, they will be lost forever…
Completely bewitching, threaded with Highland charm and sparkling with dark romance, this is a fairytale that will carry you away.
A dance with the fae will change everything
1919. In a highland village forgotten by the world, harvest season is over and the young who remain after war and flu have ravaged the village will soon head south to make something of themselves.
Moira Jean and her friends head to the forest for a last night of laughter before parting ways. Moira Jean is being left behind. She had plans to leave once – but her lover died in France and with him, her future. The friends light a fire, sing and dance. But with every twirl about the flames, strange new dancers thread between them, music streaming from the trees.
The fae are here.
Suddenly Moira Jean finds herself all alone, her friends spirited away. The iron medal of her lost love, pinned to her dress, protected her from magic.
For the Fae feel forgotten too. Lead by the darkly handsome Lord of the Fae, they are out to make themselves known once more. Moira Jean must enter into a bargain with the Lord to save her friends – and fast, for the longer one spends with the Fae, the less like themselves they are upon return. If Moira Jean cannot save her friends before Beltine, they will be lost forever…
Completely bewitching, threaded with Highland charm and sparkling with dark romance, this is a fairytale that will carry you away.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 23, 2023
252 people are currently reading
11384 people want to read
About the author
J.J.A. Harwood
3 books317 followersJJA Harwood is an author, editor and blogger. She grew up in Norfolk, read History at the University of Warwick and eventually found her way to London, which is still something of a shock for somebody used to so many fields.
When not writing, she can be found learning languages, cooking with more enthusiasm than skill, wandering off into clearly haunted houses and making friends with stray cats. THE SHADOW IN THE GLASS is her debut novel.
When not writing, she can be found learning languages, cooking with more enthusiasm than skill, wandering off into clearly haunted houses and making friends with stray cats. THE SHADOW IN THE GLASS is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 678 reviews
April 6, 2023
At first, this book reads like it's going to be a typical Fae & Human bargain tale in which a creepy Fae kidnaps humans to keep as amusement and pets. It has all the expected Fae lore elements from Celtic mythology: dangerous creatures, exchanges of gifts and favours because nothing is free, the eternal dance till you drop dead, an otherworldly Fae that lords over them all, a plucky human girl that resists their influence, the fear of iron... All the details, big and small.
Then, by the middle of the book, it starts to read like a retelling of the legend of Tam Lin, the fairy knight that the Queen of Fairies keeps as a slave and intends to offer as a teind (tithe) on Halloween and who is rescued by Janet. This element had a twist here, but was so apparent that I was sure this book was going to be it.
But then, by the end of the book, the story was its own. Neither a typical Fae/Human bargain tale nor a Tam Lin retelling. It had both, but was still a different story than I expected. I am both delighted and disappointed, truth be told.
Delighted because the story was unique. It starts in 1919 in a village in Scotland, one year after the war and with the Spanish Flu pandemic still ongoing, where we met Moira Jean Kinross and her five friends, all youths intending to leave the village for better futures, except for Moira Jean herself. She had intended to leave too, but her fiancé had survived the Great War only to fall to the Spanish Flu, so she stays with her mother. On the night before they all depart, the six friends go to a clearing in the woods to have some fun drinking and dancing around a fire, and there they are approached by and ultimately kidnapped by the Folk Under the Hill.
Except for, again, Moira Jean herself, whose fiancé's medal was of iron and saved her from the kidnapping. Determined to rescue her friends, she strikes a series of dangerous bargains with The Dreamer, the Lord of the Folk Under the Hill that feel abandoned and forgotten by humans and want to have them around again, and who becomes fascinated by Moira Jean. In the process of saving her friends, Moira Jean becomes the target of the villagers' distrust and has to learn what really matters to her.
I liked this aspect. Moira Jean is spunky and determined, but she has one big flaw: she's emotionally codependent. When we meet her, she's still mourning Angus and has whitewashed him in her memories. She's a people pleaser, always so nice and helpful to the villagers even when they're nosy and rude to her, and she's so clingy in her relationship with her mother. Given this psychological profile, you'd expect someone like her to cling like a woman drowning to The Dreamer when he offers her everything she'd ever wish for, including love. But that doesn't happen. Instead, Moira Jean has to break away from this codependency and break free from it all to go pursue a better future on her own, as she always wanted.
What's disappointing, then? The ending! It's rushed, abrupt, and leaves questions unanswered. How did The Dreamer deal with forsaking the tithe obligations and how was he allowed to live after that? How was he able to be there in that last scene? And I also didn't like that Moira Jean needed to be "rescued" from the villagers by her mother, that it had to be her mother who gave her that one last push to break her last bond of codependency instead of Moira Jean doing it by herself. That felt like it weakened her character progression.
It's a fine story if you like Fae stories in which they're not nice little pixies or just humans with pointy ears. The pace is annoying in the beginning, and annoying again in the ending, so writing-wise that's the worst problem. And there's some weird elements that seems to be there for . . . reasons, e.g. the scene where The Dreamer changes from a he into a she for . . . reasons. That felt out of the blue, and I have a suspicion that was the Token LGBTQ+ bone thrown in for the "make it gayer" crowd, because at no point before did we get a hint that Moira Jean was bi until that plot point demanded it. Moira Jean's petulant many times, which makes the dialogue feel childish and her character also feel childish, and you have to wonder sometimes what exactly The Dreamer sees in her. He must be too starved for human company that he'll take anyone. Props for a codependent Fae?
I did enjoy it most of the time. It's not the best Fae story I've read, but it isn't terrible, and it definitely deserves kudos for not going the way of all Fae/Human bargain stories these days with romance and pixie dust and powerful fairy lords that shift into sweet puppies the moment a pretty human female shows up.
Bottom line: Plot is decent, execution could've been much better.
I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Then, by the middle of the book, it starts to read like a retelling of the legend of Tam Lin, the fairy knight that the Queen of Fairies keeps as a slave and intends to offer as a teind (tithe) on Halloween and who is rescued by Janet. This element had a twist here, but was so apparent that I was sure this book was going to be it.
But then, by the end of the book, the story was its own. Neither a typical Fae/Human bargain tale nor a Tam Lin retelling. It had both, but was still a different story than I expected. I am both delighted and disappointed, truth be told.
Delighted because the story was unique. It starts in 1919 in a village in Scotland, one year after the war and with the Spanish Flu pandemic still ongoing, where we met Moira Jean Kinross and her five friends, all youths intending to leave the village for better futures, except for Moira Jean herself. She had intended to leave too, but her fiancé had survived the Great War only to fall to the Spanish Flu, so she stays with her mother. On the night before they all depart, the six friends go to a clearing in the woods to have some fun drinking and dancing around a fire, and there they are approached by and ultimately kidnapped by the Folk Under the Hill.
Except for, again, Moira Jean herself, whose fiancé's medal was of iron and saved her from the kidnapping. Determined to rescue her friends, she strikes a series of dangerous bargains with The Dreamer, the Lord of the Folk Under the Hill that feel abandoned and forgotten by humans and want to have them around again, and who becomes fascinated by Moira Jean. In the process of saving her friends, Moira Jean becomes the target of the villagers' distrust and has to learn what really matters to her.
I liked this aspect. Moira Jean is spunky and determined, but she has one big flaw: she's emotionally codependent. When we meet her, she's still mourning Angus and has whitewashed him in her memories. She's a people pleaser, always so nice and helpful to the villagers even when they're nosy and rude to her, and she's so clingy in her relationship with her mother. Given this psychological profile, you'd expect someone like her to cling like a woman drowning to The Dreamer when he offers her everything she'd ever wish for, including love. But that doesn't happen. Instead, Moira Jean has to break away from this codependency and break free from it all to go pursue a better future on her own, as she always wanted.
What's disappointing, then? The ending! It's rushed, abrupt, and leaves questions unanswered. How did The Dreamer deal with forsaking the tithe obligations and how was he allowed to live after that? How was he able to be there in that last scene? And I also didn't like that Moira Jean needed to be "rescued" from the villagers by her mother, that it had to be her mother who gave her that one last push to break her last bond of codependency instead of Moira Jean doing it by herself. That felt like it weakened her character progression.
It's a fine story if you like Fae stories in which they're not nice little pixies or just humans with pointy ears. The pace is annoying in the beginning, and annoying again in the ending, so writing-wise that's the worst problem. And there's some weird elements that seems to be there for . . . reasons, e.g. the scene where The Dreamer changes from a he into a she for . . . reasons. That felt out of the blue, and I have a suspicion that was the Token LGBTQ+ bone thrown in for the "make it gayer" crowd, because at no point before did we get a hint that Moira Jean was bi until that plot point demanded it. Moira Jean's petulant many times, which makes the dialogue feel childish and her character also feel childish, and you have to wonder sometimes what exactly The Dreamer sees in her. He must be too starved for human company that he'll take anyone. Props for a codependent Fae?
I did enjoy it most of the time. It's not the best Fae story I've read, but it isn't terrible, and it definitely deserves kudos for not going the way of all Fae/Human bargain stories these days with romance and pixie dust and powerful fairy lords that shift into sweet puppies the moment a pretty human female shows up.
Bottom line: Plot is decent, execution could've been much better.
I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 28, 2023
Could've been gayer...
October 16, 2023
this slapped, i'm never trusting an average goodreads rating again
March 29, 2024
I swear I really tried, but dnf at 55%. Well written but most definitely intended for people who enjoy taking their sweet time with everything, very domestic and slow moving plots.
December 31, 2022
The Thorns remain is the second book from J.J.A Harwood that I have read. I enjoyed her previous novel ‘The Shadow in the glass’ so I was looking forward to reading this.
Even though this had an interesting premise. I thought this started really slow and although the protagonist Moira Jean was her aim to save her friends from ‘The Dreamer’ the story kept going off track and describing Scottish folk lore and her relationship with her mother instead. There was also not a lot of background about her friends and why she was so hell bent in saving them. The only part I really liked of this story was the ending and the reasons why ‘The dreamer’ did what he did to Moira Jean thinking that there was a future between them 3 stars from me.
Even though this had an interesting premise. I thought this started really slow and although the protagonist Moira Jean was her aim to save her friends from ‘The Dreamer’ the story kept going off track and describing Scottish folk lore and her relationship with her mother instead. There was also not a lot of background about her friends and why she was so hell bent in saving them. The only part I really liked of this story was the ending and the reasons why ‘The dreamer’ did what he did to Moira Jean thinking that there was a future between them 3 stars from me.
May 23, 2023
This book had so much potential to be a favourite but it just … fell so flat! It was a major disappointment and I’m glad I got this from my library and didn’t end up purchasing it
February 8, 2023
Sometimes you all of a sudden come across books screaming your name. I found this book via Twitter, placed a pre-order on Amazon and then I got an invitation from the publisher to get an arc. It had to be a sign. It had to be a sign that this was a me book, that I was gonna love it. However, when I got the book the release day was still a couple of months away so I made myself wait and two days ago it was finally time to dive into this arc.
For quite some time now we're mostly reading about the fair folk in romance novels. This book is in a way a romance and in a way it's not. But the fair folk in this book are at least a lot more like the fair folk you read about in myths and hear about in local legends. They're not human. They don't know much about human emotions. They don't really know what love is and how to express feelings and how to help people deal with their feelings. It doesn't mean they don't try.
Throughout the book we feel how our heroine is growing more and more helpless. How she's fighting for her friends, against the prejudice of the people in her village because she's acting strange, against the games the Dreamer is playing, against the deals he's trying to make with her. It's clear that things are not getting any easier for our heroine. On the contrary. The closer we get to the end of the story, the more pressing the situation becomes.
My favorite part of this book though is how our heroine is dealing with grief and pain and memories. I don't want to give too much away, because this is the kind of book you want to experience without knowing too much, without expecting too much, but throughout the novel we feel her love for the one friend who didn't return from the war. We relive her memories of him, their shared moments and we understand that some loves are worth hurting for.
It's not a light hearted YA novel, but it's an emotional journey with a touching, gripping and action packed finale. I'm glad I have this book pre-ordered and can't wait for my copy to arrive.
For quite some time now we're mostly reading about the fair folk in romance novels. This book is in a way a romance and in a way it's not. But the fair folk in this book are at least a lot more like the fair folk you read about in myths and hear about in local legends. They're not human. They don't know much about human emotions. They don't really know what love is and how to express feelings and how to help people deal with their feelings. It doesn't mean they don't try.
Throughout the book we feel how our heroine is growing more and more helpless. How she's fighting for her friends, against the prejudice of the people in her village because she's acting strange, against the games the Dreamer is playing, against the deals he's trying to make with her. It's clear that things are not getting any easier for our heroine. On the contrary. The closer we get to the end of the story, the more pressing the situation becomes.
My favorite part of this book though is how our heroine is dealing with grief and pain and memories. I don't want to give too much away, because this is the kind of book you want to experience without knowing too much, without expecting too much, but throughout the novel we feel her love for the one friend who didn't return from the war. We relive her memories of him, their shared moments and we understand that some loves are worth hurting for.
It's not a light hearted YA novel, but it's an emotional journey with a touching, gripping and action packed finale. I'm glad I have this book pre-ordered and can't wait for my copy to arrive.
October 25, 2022
Absolutely loved this brilliant read, the magic system has a certain whimsy and the writing style is beautiful. I particularly enjoyed the way the Fae were presented. The pacing was perfect for me. Recommended!
January 3, 2024
Almost DNF'd it. But instead skim read the last 2 chapters. Recently I've made the grave mistake of choosing books based on their stunning cover designs. The wise folks who warned us not to "judge a book by it's cover" weren't wrong.
Story/Plot: 0.5* an amalgamation of several fae legends, poorly executed to create a word salad.
Writing style: 0* dire. Dialogue couldn't decide if it was early 20th century or modern. And as for the fairy folks convo, the horror persisted. I've heard more riveting exchanges between the Teletubbies.
Fantasy/ World building: 1.5* showed potential here as the author clearly researched the various types of faes and legends.
Try Fire and Hemlock by Diana Wynne Jones (modern rendition of Tam Lin), or The Hollow Kingdom: THe Hollow Kingdom, Book 1 for a Goblin King story.
Characters: 0* biggest let down.
Moire Jean: protagonist. I failed to see what anyone, let alone a centuries old Fae, would be enchanted by? A loud-mouth, vulgar, immature, intellectually-challenged young woman with little to no interesting hobbies, skills or conversation. And zero character development.
The Dreamer: slightly more interesting than Moire Jean. Which is hardly a challenge.
For those who are pressed for time, the story went like this:
Moire Jean (MJ): I am soooooooooo sad because I have lost my fiancé Duncan so I will have a PARTY.
MJ's friends: yay PARTY in the WOODS!
Next day
MJ: OMG ALL MY FRIENDS ARE GONE. POOR ME!!! I AM SO SAD. The fae have stolen them and I have to be nice to The Dreamer or they will NEVER be free!!!
The Dreamer: be nice to me or you shall never see your friends.
**MJ throws tantrums & fits**
MJ: you b****** I hate you. AARGGHHHH SCREAMING.
The Dreamer: HOW DARE YOU silly mortal. Don't you want your friends back.
**readers wondering the same thing**
MJ: YES I DO!! BUT I HATE YOU!!
The Dreamer: I play tricks. You will fall under my spell and be tricked.
MJ: oh no I have fallen into The Dreamer's tricks!!
**tortuous dialogue continues for several pages**
The Dreamer: gosh I am enchanted by this vulgar offensive mortal. She is like NO ONE ELSE in the WHOLE MORTAL WORLD!
**puzzled... These fae have clearly been living under a rock, they weren't exaggerating re the lack of entertainment**
The Dreamer: I will let you live because you are the most spectacular mortal I have EVER encountered. Give me a memory of your first kiss and I will release one of your friends.
**MJ throws tantrums & fits**
MJ: NOOOOOO POOR ME!! Give me back my friends!!! You b***** you are so mean!
The Dreamer: you are the most fascinating mortal I have ever met. Einstein doesn't have a thing on you. Jane Austen would weep for your wit. Emmeline Pankhurst would sacrifice her legs for your courage.
MJ: I HATE YOUUUUUUU!
Next Day
**MJ thinking to herself "ohh I have to be nice to The Dreamer eurgh!!!!"
MJ: NOOOOOO POOR ME!!
**MJ goes to the forest to confront The Dreamer**
MJ: Oooii you!! You returned my friend but he was harmed!! It's not FAIR that I have to be nice you! GIVE ME BACK MY FRIENDS UNHARMED NOW!
The Dreamer: you must be nice to me. I am ALL POWERFUL and you are a mere mortal.
**MJ throws tantrums & fits**
MJ: you b*****!! I hate you!!
The Dreamer: you are so enchanting and interesting!! Such witty repertoire!
MJ: poor me. Everyone is so mean!!
The end.
Story/Plot: 0.5* an amalgamation of several fae legends, poorly executed to create a word salad.
Writing style: 0* dire. Dialogue couldn't decide if it was early 20th century or modern. And as for the fairy folks convo, the horror persisted. I've heard more riveting exchanges between the Teletubbies.
Fantasy/ World building: 1.5* showed potential here as the author clearly researched the various types of faes and legends.
Try Fire and Hemlock by Diana Wynne Jones (modern rendition of Tam Lin), or The Hollow Kingdom: THe Hollow Kingdom, Book 1 for a Goblin King story.
Characters: 0* biggest let down.
Moire Jean: protagonist. I failed to see what anyone, let alone a centuries old Fae, would be enchanted by? A loud-mouth, vulgar, immature, intellectually-challenged young woman with little to no interesting hobbies, skills or conversation. And zero character development.
The Dreamer: slightly more interesting than Moire Jean. Which is hardly a challenge.
For those who are pressed for time, the story went like this:
Moire Jean (MJ): I am soooooooooo sad because I have lost my fiancé Duncan so I will have a PARTY.
MJ's friends: yay PARTY in the WOODS!
Next day
MJ: OMG ALL MY FRIENDS ARE GONE. POOR ME!!! I AM SO SAD. The fae have stolen them and I have to be nice to The Dreamer or they will NEVER be free!!!
The Dreamer: be nice to me or you shall never see your friends.
**MJ throws tantrums & fits**
MJ: you b****** I hate you. AARGGHHHH SCREAMING.
The Dreamer: HOW DARE YOU silly mortal. Don't you want your friends back.
**readers wondering the same thing**
MJ: YES I DO!! BUT I HATE YOU!!
The Dreamer: I play tricks. You will fall under my spell and be tricked.
MJ: oh no I have fallen into The Dreamer's tricks!!
**tortuous dialogue continues for several pages**
The Dreamer: gosh I am enchanted by this vulgar offensive mortal. She is like NO ONE ELSE in the WHOLE MORTAL WORLD!
**puzzled... These fae have clearly been living under a rock, they weren't exaggerating re the lack of entertainment**
The Dreamer: I will let you live because you are the most spectacular mortal I have EVER encountered. Give me a memory of your first kiss and I will release one of your friends.
**MJ throws tantrums & fits**
MJ: NOOOOOO POOR ME!! Give me back my friends!!! You b***** you are so mean!
The Dreamer: you are the most fascinating mortal I have ever met. Einstein doesn't have a thing on you. Jane Austen would weep for your wit. Emmeline Pankhurst would sacrifice her legs for your courage.
MJ: I HATE YOUUUUUUU!
Next Day
**MJ thinking to herself "ohh I have to be nice to The Dreamer eurgh!!!!"
MJ: NOOOOOO POOR ME!!
**MJ goes to the forest to confront The Dreamer**
MJ: Oooii you!! You returned my friend but he was harmed!! It's not FAIR that I have to be nice you! GIVE ME BACK MY FRIENDS UNHARMED NOW!
The Dreamer: you must be nice to me. I am ALL POWERFUL and you are a mere mortal.
**MJ throws tantrums & fits**
MJ: you b*****!! I hate you!!
The Dreamer: you are so enchanting and interesting!! Such witty repertoire!
MJ: poor me. Everyone is so mean!!
The end.
November 26, 2022
A dance with the fae will change everything.
Thank you to HarperCollins UK and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
1919. In a highland village forgotten by the world, harvest season is over and the young who remain after war and flu have ravaged the village will soon head south to make something of themselves. Moira Jean and her friends head to the forest for a last night of laughter before parting ways. Moira Jean is being left behind. She had plans to leave once – but her lover died in France and with him, her future. The friends light a fire, sing and dance. But with every twirl about the flames, strange new dancers thread between them, music streaming from the trees. The fae are here. Suddenly Moira Jean finds herself all alone, her friends spirited away. The iron medal of her lost love, pinned to her dress, protected her from magic. For the Fae feel forgotten too. Lead by the darkly handsome Lord of the Fae, they are out to make themselves known once more. Moira Jean must enter into a bargain with the Lord to save her friends – and fast, for the longer one spends with the Fae, the less like themselves they are upon return. If Moira Jean cannot save her friends before Beltine, they will be lost forever…
Moira Jean is a people pleaser - but it’s to her detriment. She does a lot for others at her own expense. When she gets involved with the Fae, I expected her to become increasingly more bolstered, perhaps think more of herself and how she can save her friends. But this wasn’t the case in my mind. She remained rather one note throughout the entire book, lacking the growth that most characters go through during their story. I felt like Moira Jean fell rather flat which meant I was rather disinterested in her and what may happen to her. It’s such a shame but she definitely could have been fleshed out more, could have had more growth and fire. If she had, I perhaps would have enjoyed the story more.
This is a book with a really strong idea. I just think that, for me, the overall execution was lacking. It felt very repetitive throughout and I found myself wanting things to move forward quite a lot instead of feeling stuck in a rut. I liked the idea of the Far coming out of their world and into ours, putting down unwanted roots and twisting bargains. The whole premise of mortals being the playthings of the Fae wasn’t really my cup of tea and that was rather prevalent throughout the story. The other characters fell a little flat and it seemed like we never properly got to know anyone else. I really pushed myself to finish this book as I wanted to give up earlier on but I was so hopeful that it may improve and just be a very late “bloomer” and grip me and never let go. The ending felt very lacklustre and rushed. It didn’t feel satisfactory for me - in fact, I felt very little emotion at the end of the book beyond being relieved that it had reached its completion. It’s not at all how I want to feel about a book but unfortunately, there are always a few that end up that way for a reader.
Overall, The Thorns Remain is a book that sadly I won’t be recommending but I hope others enjoy it.
⭐️⭐️/5
Thank you again to HarperCollins UK and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.
Thank you to HarperCollins UK and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
1919. In a highland village forgotten by the world, harvest season is over and the young who remain after war and flu have ravaged the village will soon head south to make something of themselves. Moira Jean and her friends head to the forest for a last night of laughter before parting ways. Moira Jean is being left behind. She had plans to leave once – but her lover died in France and with him, her future. The friends light a fire, sing and dance. But with every twirl about the flames, strange new dancers thread between them, music streaming from the trees. The fae are here. Suddenly Moira Jean finds herself all alone, her friends spirited away. The iron medal of her lost love, pinned to her dress, protected her from magic. For the Fae feel forgotten too. Lead by the darkly handsome Lord of the Fae, they are out to make themselves known once more. Moira Jean must enter into a bargain with the Lord to save her friends – and fast, for the longer one spends with the Fae, the less like themselves they are upon return. If Moira Jean cannot save her friends before Beltine, they will be lost forever…
Moira Jean is a people pleaser - but it’s to her detriment. She does a lot for others at her own expense. When she gets involved with the Fae, I expected her to become increasingly more bolstered, perhaps think more of herself and how she can save her friends. But this wasn’t the case in my mind. She remained rather one note throughout the entire book, lacking the growth that most characters go through during their story. I felt like Moira Jean fell rather flat which meant I was rather disinterested in her and what may happen to her. It’s such a shame but she definitely could have been fleshed out more, could have had more growth and fire. If she had, I perhaps would have enjoyed the story more.
This is a book with a really strong idea. I just think that, for me, the overall execution was lacking. It felt very repetitive throughout and I found myself wanting things to move forward quite a lot instead of feeling stuck in a rut. I liked the idea of the Far coming out of their world and into ours, putting down unwanted roots and twisting bargains. The whole premise of mortals being the playthings of the Fae wasn’t really my cup of tea and that was rather prevalent throughout the story. The other characters fell a little flat and it seemed like we never properly got to know anyone else. I really pushed myself to finish this book as I wanted to give up earlier on but I was so hopeful that it may improve and just be a very late “bloomer” and grip me and never let go. The ending felt very lacklustre and rushed. It didn’t feel satisfactory for me - in fact, I felt very little emotion at the end of the book beyond being relieved that it had reached its completion. It’s not at all how I want to feel about a book but unfortunately, there are always a few that end up that way for a reader.
Overall, The Thorns Remain is a book that sadly I won’t be recommending but I hope others enjoy it.
⭐️⭐️/5
Thank you again to HarperCollins UK and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.
October 7, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Things I enjoyed about this book:
- the depictions of the Fae as dangerous, neither good nor evil and extremely otherworldly
- the descriptive language was very beautifully done at times
- the way magic was described was interesting and whimsical
Things I didn't enjoy:
- at times it was hard to know how old the characters were meant to be - especially the main character - as the prose and dialogue seemed strangely childish at times
- the pacing felt a little off at times, with parts seeming too slow when they should have been faster, and others speeding ahead when we needed to spend more time there
I think this book is good, but maybe just not for me.
Things I enjoyed about this book:
- the depictions of the Fae as dangerous, neither good nor evil and extremely otherworldly
- the descriptive language was very beautifully done at times
- the way magic was described was interesting and whimsical
Things I didn't enjoy:
- at times it was hard to know how old the characters were meant to be - especially the main character - as the prose and dialogue seemed strangely childish at times
- the pacing felt a little off at times, with parts seeming too slow when they should have been faster, and others speeding ahead when we needed to spend more time there
I think this book is good, but maybe just not for me.
Want to read
September 16, 2022➝ fae and dark romance make the perfect fairytales
January 29, 2024
“Moira Jean” appears over 1,000 times in this book. OVER 1,000 TIMES.
I cannot.
I have been informed the grand total was 1,782. Not sure where the editor was for this book.
I cannot.
I have been informed the grand total was 1,782. Not sure where the editor was for this book.
March 6, 2023
This pains me to write because I was so looking forward to this book but… it’s just not good. Okay maybe it actually is a “good” book? There wasn’t anything wrong with it but I checked it out almost three weeks ago and barely made it over 50%. It’s a slog and it’s boring and every time I go to pick it up I’m filled with dread and start to think of all the other things I’d rather be doing and other books I’d rather be reading.
I love a good fairytale and I feel like I’m the target audience for this book but I’ve been so bored. Time to set myself free and give up.
I love a good fairytale and I feel like I’m the target audience for this book but I’ve been so bored. Time to set myself free and give up.
January 9, 2025
Beautifully written story of one ordinary young woman who must fight to free her friends from fae captivity, set in the Scottish Highlands soon after the end of World War I. Great storytelling and a compelling plot.
February 21, 2023
Moira Jean lives in a small village. Her friends want more. They plan to move away in hopes of better jobs and better lives. That used to be Moira Jean's plan too. That all changed when the love of her life died.
On the night before her friends are set to leave, they decide to go into the forest to drink and hang out.
After a few drinks, they start dancing. They soon realize there are others dancing with them. The fae.
Once you dance with the fae, you never stop.
I liked this, but I don't think it will stick with me. I feel like it could've been a lot shorter. It dragged in a few spots. I did enjoy the glossary explaining the different types of fae.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an e-arc.
On the night before her friends are set to leave, they decide to go into the forest to drink and hang out.
After a few drinks, they start dancing. They soon realize there are others dancing with them. The fae.
Once you dance with the fae, you never stop.
I liked this, but I don't think it will stick with me. I feel like it could've been a lot shorter. It dragged in a few spots. I did enjoy the glossary explaining the different types of fae.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an e-arc.
February 23, 2023
This is one of these 'not for me' books.
I didn't enjoy the writing style, and it felt like it was pulling me away from the story. The pacing was all over the place. Slow where it didn't need to be, and too quick when we need to spend more time with the characters.
Our FMC came across as very flat and childish, and I couldn't really get a good grasp on the other characters. This book has an interesting premise but it was executed poorly so it's a no from me.
I didn't enjoy the writing style, and it felt like it was pulling me away from the story. The pacing was all over the place. Slow where it didn't need to be, and too quick when we need to spend more time with the characters.
Our FMC came across as very flat and childish, and I couldn't really get a good grasp on the other characters. This book has an interesting premise but it was executed poorly so it's a no from me.
February 16, 2024
Scottish dialogue, lovely to hear. What a Brilliant book!!! Clever plot. I was reminded of the Canny Scots of the 19th century. The idea of bargains is canny.
February 15, 2023
Nineteen-year-old Moira Jean lives in a small village in the Scottish Highlands, a village where all the inhabitants are tenants to the absent landlords who own the 'big house'. The year is 1919 & there are few young people left in the village now due to the war & influenza that has ravaged the population. Moira Jean lost her lover, Angus, to the sickness, & now she is stuck as all her siblings have left home & it is just her & her mother. The other young people have their plans & they & Moira Jean head into the forest for a last night of merriment, but as they drink & dance, Moira Jean notices something strange. There seem to be more of them than usual & these strangers give Moira Jean a foreboding feeling.
The next morning, only Moira Jean has returned but the villagers think nothing odd of her companions having disappeared - they all have a excuse as to where they are. Besides Moira Jean, only the oldest woman in the village, a woman who keeps iron at her windows & puts out bowls of cream every night, seems to realise that something is wrong. It seems that her friends have been taken by the Fae or Fairy Folk. Their leader, the Lord of the Land Under the Hill (aka The Dreamer) is angry that he has been forgotten by humans, but he strikes a bargain with Moira Jean - he will return her friends one at a time, but he requires an offering for each one. They have to be redeemed by Beltane, which is only six weeks away, or they will be lost forever. Moira Jean is about to learn that making a deal with the Fae can be very tricky indeed.
Wow, this is not my usual go-to genre, but it was definitely a very good read. I think the author conveys well the feeling of a people & village struggling to find their places in the more modern world after WWI, but still beholden to the old ways of doing things. Moira Jean was a strong main character without becoming whiny or easily swayed by magic or protestations of love. She did a lot for others without complaining, & sometimes you wondered why, especially when the other villagers don't seem to treat her particularly kindly. I also liked the range of Fae characters, brownies, kelpies, changelings, etc. Issues I had were with repetition, there was a lot of Moira Jean trudging in & out of the forest to meet 'the Dreamer' & it became a little too repetitive, & also many of the supporting characters weren't fleshed out - I kept forgetting who was who, & who was related to who. Overall though, I enjoyed reading it & recommend it if you like slow-building narratives. The cover is also rather pretty.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, HarperCollins UK, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
The next morning, only Moira Jean has returned but the villagers think nothing odd of her companions having disappeared - they all have a excuse as to where they are. Besides Moira Jean, only the oldest woman in the village, a woman who keeps iron at her windows & puts out bowls of cream every night, seems to realise that something is wrong. It seems that her friends have been taken by the Fae or Fairy Folk. Their leader, the Lord of the Land Under the Hill (aka The Dreamer) is angry that he has been forgotten by humans, but he strikes a bargain with Moira Jean - he will return her friends one at a time, but he requires an offering for each one. They have to be redeemed by Beltane, which is only six weeks away, or they will be lost forever. Moira Jean is about to learn that making a deal with the Fae can be very tricky indeed.
Wow, this is not my usual go-to genre, but it was definitely a very good read. I think the author conveys well the feeling of a people & village struggling to find their places in the more modern world after WWI, but still beholden to the old ways of doing things. Moira Jean was a strong main character without becoming whiny or easily swayed by magic or protestations of love. She did a lot for others without complaining, & sometimes you wondered why, especially when the other villagers don't seem to treat her particularly kindly. I also liked the range of Fae characters, brownies, kelpies, changelings, etc. Issues I had were with repetition, there was a lot of Moira Jean trudging in & out of the forest to meet 'the Dreamer' & it became a little too repetitive, & also many of the supporting characters weren't fleshed out - I kept forgetting who was who, & who was related to who. Overall though, I enjoyed reading it & recommend it if you like slow-building narratives. The cover is also rather pretty.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, HarperCollins UK, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
March 14, 2023
*3.75*
I don’t know what the hell is going on this month but i am in a slump and it is taking me so damn long to finish books, but anyway, i finally finished this one
the reason why this book lost stars is simple and probs a little harsh- but it has no chapters? Instead it is split into five parts with some of them being over 100 pages and i just cant vibe with that. I need chapters to mark my progress and help me get through a book and it’s just made it super difficult to read at times
anyway, with that aside: the book itself? amazing. I spent about the first 50 pages super confused, but I’ve found thats normal for fantasy books. once the plot kicked in though? I was HOOKED AND OBSESSED. I thought the world build and story setting was written so well, it was truly magical and i really did feel as though i was part of this beautiful little village <3
Moira-Jean (the main character) is such a bad bitch and written so well. I mean a female character with a range of emotions, a sad past that they fight through and who denies the fae princes offer of unlimited power because she wants to make her own way in the world? yeah, she did that. I love how the romance was kinda a romance but also not.. like the female main character acknowledged the toxicness of the romance and decided against it. she chose herself and walked away from a man who is not good for her- which i adored.
I think the plot was paced out really well and i enjoyed the storyline of trading secrets to save your friends- however, one kinda flaw is that by part four I felt like the main plot had kinda dropped off and instead was replaced by bathe potential romance, dont get me wrong i still enjoyed it but i wished there was a better combination of both?
either way, this book had all of the ingredients for an amazing fantasy read and I genuinely loved it, would 100% recommend
I don’t know what the hell is going on this month but i am in a slump and it is taking me so damn long to finish books, but anyway, i finally finished this one
the reason why this book lost stars is simple and probs a little harsh- but it has no chapters? Instead it is split into five parts with some of them being over 100 pages and i just cant vibe with that. I need chapters to mark my progress and help me get through a book and it’s just made it super difficult to read at times
anyway, with that aside: the book itself? amazing. I spent about the first 50 pages super confused, but I’ve found thats normal for fantasy books. once the plot kicked in though? I was HOOKED AND OBSESSED. I thought the world build and story setting was written so well, it was truly magical and i really did feel as though i was part of this beautiful little village <3
Moira-Jean (the main character) is such a bad bitch and written so well. I mean a female character with a range of emotions, a sad past that they fight through and who denies the fae princes offer of unlimited power because she wants to make her own way in the world? yeah, she did that. I love how the romance was kinda a romance but also not.. like the female main character acknowledged the toxicness of the romance and decided against it. she chose herself and walked away from a man who is not good for her- which i adored.
I think the plot was paced out really well and i enjoyed the storyline of trading secrets to save your friends- however, one kinda flaw is that by part four I felt like the main plot had kinda dropped off and instead was replaced by bathe potential romance, dont get me wrong i still enjoyed it but i wished there was a better combination of both?
either way, this book had all of the ingredients for an amazing fantasy read and I genuinely loved it, would 100% recommend
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2023
Thanks to Harper Voyager and Netgalley for the ARC.
The Thorns Remain scratches that dark, creepy forest magic and fae itch that I didn't realize needed scratching. JJA Harwood has a way of setting a time and place for you to get comfortable in and then she starts weaving in magic that soon becomes sinister and dark. Thorns is a slow dance with a powerful fae lord who you know you shouldn't trust but you really kind of want to see beyond the beautiful facade. The setting in rural Scotland post WW1 and in the midst of the Spanish flu epidemic is wonderfully laid out as the tenants are always in fear of being evicted. The characters are well rounded and it's easy to care about what happens to them. The story is populated with a myriad of fae creatures, some benevolent, many not and I certainly felt pulled along by the events. Thorns is a thoroughly enjoyable fae tale with just the right sense of danger and longing combined.
The Thorns Remain scratches that dark, creepy forest magic and fae itch that I didn't realize needed scratching. JJA Harwood has a way of setting a time and place for you to get comfortable in and then she starts weaving in magic that soon becomes sinister and dark. Thorns is a slow dance with a powerful fae lord who you know you shouldn't trust but you really kind of want to see beyond the beautiful facade. The setting in rural Scotland post WW1 and in the midst of the Spanish flu epidemic is wonderfully laid out as the tenants are always in fear of being evicted. The characters are well rounded and it's easy to care about what happens to them. The story is populated with a myriad of fae creatures, some benevolent, many not and I certainly felt pulled along by the events. Thorns is a thoroughly enjoyable fae tale with just the right sense of danger and longing combined.
March 29, 2023
2.5 stars. I really wasn’t a fan. Also, with a dedication like that I expected it to be way more gay and was disappointed.
April 12, 2023
DNF at 40% - Star rating reflects my thoughts until that point.
The cover and title of this book suggested a whimsical historical fairy story. On the surface, that's exactly what it is. Set immediately post WW1 in the a Scottish Village, Moira Jean and her friends go dancing and drinking in a forest. Unbeknownst to them,, they have trespassed into fairy lands and every but Moira Jean is kidnapped; the village thinking they're all elsewhere with only Moira jean knowing the truth. So, she embarks on a rescue mission by entering bargains with a fairy known only as 'The Dreamer'.
At 40% in, I would have expected events to have moved on, but I found myself on a continuous loop of 'make new bargain, the dreamer demanding respect, Moira Jean going home and doing village work, completes asked for task, make new bargain'. There was nothing of substance in her interactions with The Dreamer past their first, and every subsequent one I got to felt repetitive. At this point I lost interest in our MC and the repetitive nature of her inner monologue: "the dreamer is the most attractive man I've ever seen", "I'm blushing every time I'm touched by my female friend when she's telling me something distressing", "I dearly miss the love of my life who died in the war."
These thoughts didn't clash at all which is when I chose to give up. These heightened feelings would have clashed at some point.
Maybe this all happens later in the book, but I felt I'd given it enough of my time for events to shift. There's a difference between a slow burn and a slow pace and this book was the latter.
The cover and title of this book suggested a whimsical historical fairy story. On the surface, that's exactly what it is. Set immediately post WW1 in the a Scottish Village, Moira Jean and her friends go dancing and drinking in a forest. Unbeknownst to them,, they have trespassed into fairy lands and every but Moira Jean is kidnapped; the village thinking they're all elsewhere with only Moira jean knowing the truth. So, she embarks on a rescue mission by entering bargains with a fairy known only as 'The Dreamer'.
At 40% in, I would have expected events to have moved on, but I found myself on a continuous loop of 'make new bargain, the dreamer demanding respect, Moira Jean going home and doing village work, completes asked for task, make new bargain'. There was nothing of substance in her interactions with The Dreamer past their first, and every subsequent one I got to felt repetitive. At this point I lost interest in our MC and the repetitive nature of her inner monologue: "the dreamer is the most attractive man I've ever seen", "I'm blushing every time I'm touched by my female friend when she's telling me something distressing", "I dearly miss the love of my life who died in the war."
These thoughts didn't clash at all which is when I chose to give up. These heightened feelings would have clashed at some point.
Maybe this all happens later in the book, but I felt I'd given it enough of my time for events to shift. There's a difference between a slow burn and a slow pace and this book was the latter.
May 14, 2023
The vibes in this book are IMMACULATE. I was instantly drawn in to this historical Scottish setting. That period around and after WW1 is fast becoming one of my favoueite historical settings to read about and the excitement I felt when I realised that’s when this book is set was immense.
And who doesn’t love a spooky, magical forest with a fae prince to bargain with? I don’t think I’ve ever given much thought to Scottish folklore before, but it was used here so perfectly I’ll be keeping an eye out for more.
I’m also always here for queer characters in all forms, and this book definitely hit the mark for me without strictly being a “queer story”.
Moira Jean was a great MC. Feisty and fighty and full of heart and compassion, she really carries this whole story. She was so determined, and in so much pain, and watching her navigate her fears and insecurities and the way The Dreamer preys on them was so engaging and honestly a little relatable.
I would have liked more from Moira Jean’s friends, because most of the other characters in this book are written to be intentionally quite frustrating, and I’m a sucker for a side character to love. The faerie creatures she befriends along the way were definitely fascinating, but ultimately untrustworthy so didn’t scratch that itch.
I also feel like this book could have been a lot shorter. I wouldn’t say I was necessarily bored in any parts, but it did feel unnecessarily drawn out and a little repetitive at times.
Overall, a fantastic read and I highly recommend!
And who doesn’t love a spooky, magical forest with a fae prince to bargain with? I don’t think I’ve ever given much thought to Scottish folklore before, but it was used here so perfectly I’ll be keeping an eye out for more.
I’m also always here for queer characters in all forms, and this book definitely hit the mark for me without strictly being a “queer story”.
Moira Jean was a great MC. Feisty and fighty and full of heart and compassion, she really carries this whole story. She was so determined, and in so much pain, and watching her navigate her fears and insecurities and the way The Dreamer preys on them was so engaging and honestly a little relatable.
I would have liked more from Moira Jean’s friends, because most of the other characters in this book are written to be intentionally quite frustrating, and I’m a sucker for a side character to love. The faerie creatures she befriends along the way were definitely fascinating, but ultimately untrustworthy so didn’t scratch that itch.
I also feel like this book could have been a lot shorter. I wouldn’t say I was necessarily bored in any parts, but it did feel unnecessarily drawn out and a little repetitive at times.
Overall, a fantastic read and I highly recommend!
September 22, 2022
Thank you HarperCollins UK and NetGalley for providing me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review. My review is my own and not influenced by others.
I got the opportunity to read this e-arc provided by HarperCollins UK and I’m honored they contacted me to read and review this book.
However, this book didn’t work for me even though the description sounds really good. I’ve decided to DNF the book at 42% because the writing style kept pulling me out of the story and I felt cringy everytime I decided to continue reading.
It can be a 'not working for me ' but 'working for others' kind of book so I would suggest to give it a try if you like the description. For me it was better to DNF it and pick another book to read.
I got the opportunity to read this e-arc provided by HarperCollins UK and I’m honored they contacted me to read and review this book.
However, this book didn’t work for me even though the description sounds really good. I’ve decided to DNF the book at 42% because the writing style kept pulling me out of the story and I felt cringy everytime I decided to continue reading.
It can be a 'not working for me ' but 'working for others' kind of book so I would suggest to give it a try if you like the description. For me it was better to DNF it and pick another book to read.
March 14, 2023
4.5 stars.
A dark atmospheric read, incorporating Scottish folklore and a focus on grief.
The imagery to do with grief I really liked, though I did notice it got a tad repetitive towards the end.
The fairies were included well, I loved all the lore behind it and learning as Moira Jean learned about them.
A dark atmospheric read, incorporating Scottish folklore and a focus on grief.
The imagery to do with grief I really liked, though I did notice it got a tad repetitive towards the end.
The fairies were included well, I loved all the lore behind it and learning as Moira Jean learned about them.
June 25, 2023
i actually really loved this book until the ending. it ruined it for me :(
plus the lack of chapters was painful
plus the lack of chapters was painful
September 1, 2023
I wanted it to be so much more. Story concept is 10/10 but execution was a 2/10. I still have so many questions.
February 23, 2025
Steeped in Scottish Folklore, this novel had an interesting premise but struggled with pacing, hindering the story.
The Faes were beautifully incorporated to the storyline, showing the blurred lines of the mortal world and the land under the hill. The descriptions of the Dreamer were enchanting: I enjoyed Harwood's characterisation of the cunning of the Fae, and their struggle to become corporeal or mimick humans was stunningly done.
I struggled to be invested in Moira Jane's quest to free her friends - I found her friends one-dimensial and underdeveloped, hindering any investment I had in them with the exception of Fiona
The complex relationship between Moira Jane and the Dreamer was captivating, complex, and had great depth, changing over the course of the story.
I did feel the endung was rushed. Harwood had an opportunity to better explore the relationship between Moira Jane and The Dreamer, which I think she failed to fully explore.
When Harwood chose to give her charcaters depth they were intriguing, but a lot of the villagers fell flat on the page. However, the descriptions of the various Fae Folk and their charactisation was beautifully done.
I enjoyed Harwood exploring the sexuality of her characters and the specturm therein, but again, I think she failed to explore this as fully as she could.
Overall, it was a really lovely read, with tension and infatuation and fiendish little faes.
The Faes were beautifully incorporated to the storyline, showing the blurred lines of the mortal world and the land under the hill. The descriptions of the Dreamer were enchanting: I enjoyed Harwood's characterisation of the cunning of the Fae, and their struggle to become corporeal or mimick humans was stunningly done.
I struggled to be invested in Moira Jane's quest to free her friends - I found her friends one-dimensial and underdeveloped, hindering any investment I had in them with the exception of Fiona
The complex relationship between Moira Jane and the Dreamer was captivating, complex, and had great depth, changing over the course of the story.
I did feel the endung was rushed. Harwood had an opportunity to better explore the relationship between Moira Jane and The Dreamer, which I think she failed to fully explore.
When Harwood chose to give her charcaters depth they were intriguing, but a lot of the villagers fell flat on the page. However, the descriptions of the various Fae Folk and their charactisation was beautifully done.
I enjoyed Harwood exploring the sexuality of her characters and the specturm therein, but again, I think she failed to explore this as fully as she could.
Overall, it was a really lovely read, with tension and infatuation and fiendish little faes.
February 7, 2023
Set in 1919 in a remote Scottish village, The Thorns Remain is a well written and charming fairytale with a wonderful mix of Scottish history, folklore and mythological creatures. There is some beautiful imagery, with dark, creepy forest magic and a busy rural village setting. The pacing is quite slow which I struggled with from time to time, however I enjoyed the world building and descriptions of the Scottish village. It’s the post World War One era when times are hard, compounded by the fact the community is currently being ravaged by an influenza epidemic. Grim and dark in parts this is not a particularly happy tale but it’s certainly atmospheric. The time period has been well researched and it’s immediately apparent this is set in Scotland by the writing alone.
Although there are a lot of characters featured in the story, it is Moira Jean and the fae lord ‘The Dreamer’ who feature prominently, with an unusual connection which is completely different to customary ‘romantasy’ book relationship.
Admittedly, this is not one of my top reads so far this year but nevertheless it’s an enjoyable and interesting story with some beautiful descriptions and Scottish folklore which I found fascinating.
Thank you to the publisher for the eARC via Netgalley.
Although there are a lot of characters featured in the story, it is Moira Jean and the fae lord ‘The Dreamer’ who feature prominently, with an unusual connection which is completely different to customary ‘romantasy’ book relationship.
Admittedly, this is not one of my top reads so far this year but nevertheless it’s an enjoyable and interesting story with some beautiful descriptions and Scottish folklore which I found fascinating.
Thank you to the publisher for the eARC via Netgalley.
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