Thursday, November 10, 2011

THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS by Rae Carson

Okay, I have put off writing this review all week. (It's like 11 PM on Wednesday.) And the reason is because I do not have words for the awesomeness that is THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS.

I just don't. I can't find adequate words (and that's sad when you're a writer) to express my love for this book.


I suppose we can just dive in. About THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS: 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, and 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 her to be the chosen one, not a failure of a princess.

And he’s not the only one who seeks 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.


See? See?! And after you read it... Dude, you will not be disappointed. I think it's the highest compliment for a book when someone says "such-and-such book made me want to write." And THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS does just that.

In fact, my NaNo novel is a fantasy in the vein of GRACELING and... THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS. I think they're both beautifully written, with fantastic characters, and brilliant plots. If you like this GRACELING kind of fantasy, you'll love THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS.

I know I haven't said anything specific, but you'll just have to read it and see if you have words to describe this book.

I do have one specific thing: Rae Carson went there. She did something in the book that literally made me gasp and cry and moan and cheer all at the same time.

As a reader, I cried. As an author, I cheered. It was that kind of moment. I dream of achieving that moment in a book.

Maybe one day...

What book have you read that inspired you to write a similar/in the vein of story?


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17 comments:

Sophia Chang said...

I feel exactly the same way - in fact I even sent her a message that said only, "You're a genius."

The boohoo is that the novel I wrote a few years ago and am editing has quite a few similarities as this awesome book and I'm terrified people will think I bit off it. Argh!

Matthew MacNish said...

So I met Rae at WFC, she's friends with all our friends, and she's was so nice! Really cool.

The bad news is I haven't read her book yet. But I will, it definitely sounds like my kind of thing. Even more now, thanks to you.

Natalie Aguirre said...

I just read this a few weeks ago and totally agree with you. I totally loved this book. Yours sounds good too.

Katy Upperman said...

You're so right... any book that makes someone else WANT to write is definitely worth a read. I've heard great things about GIRL... can't wait to get my hands on it!

Jenilyn Collings said...

I just got this one and this is making me even more excited to read it. Yay!

Sara {Rhapsody and Chaos} said...

I LOVED Rae's book. And I had the exact same moment of crying as a reader, but cheering as an author when she "went there" too :)

Liz said...

Oooo! I can't wait to read it then cause Graceling is one of my top 5's. Good luck on your NaNo!!

Alice said...

The title alone makes me want to read it. And the review makes me want to read it even more.

Tyrean Martinson said...

Wow! Great review! I really want to read it now.
Thanks!

Bonnie @ A Backwards Story said...

I adored this book so much and have been clutching it to my chest. It's such a powerful fantasy. I've also considered it when thinking of GRACELING. Because you mentioned both of those alongside your NaNo project, I am already DYING to read it (plus, I already know I love your writing!). A couple weeks ago, I finished INCARNATE by Jodi Meadows, which comes out Jan. 31, and I would also add it alongside these books. It might have even beaten GRACELING as my favorite teen fantasy. I'm still pondering if that's possible.

I'm really excited to meet Rae at Books of Wonder this Sunday!!!

Jenny S. Morris said...

I still need to read this book. Just reserved at the library.

Matched was a book that made me want to write love a different way. And, Graceling made me want to write a girl that way. And, Forest of Hands and Teeth made me want to write suspense that way. And, The Day Before made me want to write beautiful words.

Donna K. Weaver said...

I'm so putting this on my to-read list.

Book Bomb on my blog today if you want to drop by ...

http://weavingataleortwo.blogspot.com/2011/11/mother-of-all-book-bombs.html

Melody said...

This book is now on my TBR list :) :) :)

lisa and laura said...

I. Want. This. Book. I'm buying it for myself as a Christmas present.

Jemi Fraser said...

Sounds completely awesome! Adding it to my list! :)

Miriam Forster said...

Yay for Rae!

The ARC of this was one of the first things my editor ever sent me. If my book turns out half as awesome, I will be very happy. :)

Taffy said...

I so loved this book! I started stalking her online and sent a note like this: "your book helped me with my writing. I lack in internal dialogue and was inspired by your work!"
I need to buy this book for my library.

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