GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS by Rae Carson, A Bookanista Review

From Goodreads:

Once a century, one person is chosen for greatness.

Elisa is the chosen one.

But she is also the younger of two princesses, the one who has never done anything remarkable. She can’t see how she ever will.

Now, on her sixteenth birthday, she has become the secret wife of a handsome and worldly king—a king whose country is in turmoil. A king who needs the chosen one, not a failure of a princess.

And he’s not the only one who needs her. Savage enemies seething with dark magic are hunting her. A daring, determined revolutionary thinks she could be his people’s savior. And he looks at her in a way that no man has ever looked at her before. Soon it is not just her life, but her very heart that is at stake.

Elisa could be everything to those who need her most. If the prophecy is fulfilled. If she finds the power deep within herself. If she doesn’t die young.

Most of the chosen do.


From me:

I love a great YA fantasy novel centered around a female protagonist.

Tamora Pierce. Robin McKinley. Kristin Cashore.

These are the authors whose books I can count on for beautifully crafted stories about strong young women. Well, guess what? There's a new kid in town.

I was thoroughly captivated by Rae Carson's GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS. Gorgeous prose. Incredible detail and world-building. Unique storyline and fabulous (and eminently likeable) protagonist. I can't find a single flaw with this book.

I was particularly fond of two aspects of the novel. First, Elisa. I can't remember the last time I connected with a protagonist as much as I did with her.  She's smart, brave, and yet vulnerable and real. She was a joy to follow through the course of the novel, as she discovered her confidence. Secondly, I loved the world Carson has built. It's Spanish and religious influences aren't what I typically see in fantasy novels, and the level of detail--from Carson's descriptions of the geography, down to Elisa's favorite pastries--is fantastic. Beautifully written, transportive, unique and totally satisfying.

I highly recommend this book. Count me as a new fan of Rae Carson!

Check out what the rest of the Bookanistas are reading this week:

LiLa Roecker  hosts The White Assassin blog tour stop – with giveaway

Christine Fonseca  celebrates How to Save a Life

Jessi Kirby twirls for Audition

Shana Silver shivers for Shatter Me

Stasia Ward Kehoe applauds Virtuosity

Veronica Rossi  is ensnared by Girl of Fire and Thorns

Shelli Johannes-Wells delves into Ditched