Publisher’s Description of Girl, Serpent, Thorn
There was and there was not, as all stories begin, a princess cursed to be poisonous to the touch. But for Soraya, who has lived her life hidden away, apart from her family, safe only in her gardens, it’s not just a story.
As the day of her twin brother’s wedding approaches, Soraya must decide if she’s willing to step outside of the shadows for the first time. Below in the dungeon is a demon who holds knowledge that she craves, the answer to her freedom. And above is a young man who isn’t afraid of her, whose eyes linger not with fear, but with an understanding of who she is beneath the poison.
Soraya thought she knew her place in the world, but when her choices lead to consequences she never imagined, she begins to question who she is and who she is becoming…human or demon. Princess or monster.
Rebecca’s Thoughts on Girl, Serpent, Thorn
An atmospheric retelling of tales from Persian culture. Girl, Serpent, Thorn begins as many retellings do, with a neglected princess hidden away from the world. But the fact that Soraya’s skin is poisonous to the touch gives the story a unique twist. As the princess begins to see her condition not as a curse but as a source of power, the story really becomes interesting.
Demons & a neglectful god; hidden passageways & the forbidden place of the dead are all elements in this story. Bashardoust explores themes of good vs. evil, hidden evil, and what turns a person toward darkness.
Girl, Serpent, Thorn will appeal to fans of retellings and feminists who cheer for the princess to save both herself and those around her. The audiobook production is great, so it will also appeal to those who enjoy listening to their favorite reads.
I received a free arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Girl, Serpent, Thorn was released on July 7th. You can check it out on Goodreads, or pre-order via Indiebound, Barnes & Noble, or Amazon.
If Girl, Serpent, Thorn sounds like a book you’d like, you might be interested in other young adult speculative fiction books we’ve reviewed on the Winged Pen:
Where Dreams Descend by Janella Angeles
Lobizona by Romina Garber
The CYBILS Award YA Speculative Fiction Short List – A Wrap-up
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