Violet Made of Thorns fills a gap that this genre needed. Something that has been annoying me for my entire life basically, is the fact that Chinese people are NEVER represented in fairytales. Society has gotten better with this lately, with movies casting Latina women in the roles of western fairytale princesses that years ago would have only gone to white women, and indie fairytale authors putting in more rep for their princess characters. Despite this, Chinese people have STILL BEEN NEGLECTED. And no, Mulan style empress/emperor imperial “fairytales” do not count (to me that’s not even a fairytale….). Chinese Americans want to be represented in the western fairytales they grew up watching. Who says we don’t want to dance with the prince at a royal ball, in a storybook fairytale kingdom? Violet Made of Thorns shows just how easy it is to incorporate the Asian ethnicity into a fairytale or fantasy setting so other authors can’t make the “the princess has to be white because it’s historically accurate” excuse. It’s about damn time we get to step into the spotlight for once.

One of my biggest complaints is lack of character development. The main character is an enigma; she is so unlikeable and a cold hearted villainous for no rhyme or reason. That’s the thing….she’s just a cold hearted bitch for no reason? I do believe that for the most part, villains are created, not born. There is no rhyme or reason for Violet to be so bloodthirsty or heartless. No crazy backstory showing how she became so inclined to being an uncaring, heartless person willing to kill. Sure, she was an orphan from a young age but was plucked out of the streets of the Moon District and lived in luxury in the palace short after. Why exactly is she this way? That’s a major gap that this book should’ve filled. It would have made me understand Violet better because the whole time, I kept thinking, WHY.

My other complaint is that the plot is too slow moving. I feel like I could sum up most of the plot in a couple short minutes and leave little to nothing out. It wasn’t very intricate and didn’t have me feeling wowed by the end of the book. I did like the ending, however. I think that is the perfect way to leave off book one.

I am giving this 4/5 stars due to the much needed representation in this genre being showed. Story wise it needs more intricacy, and the character development has plot holes. However, I do this this book is a perfect example of how Asian representation can so easily be shown in fairytale and fantasy novels.

Thank you to Netgalley and Delacorte Press for sending me an advanced copy in return for my honest review.

4.5ish ⭐️

Oh boy, did this book have that un-put-downable quality I love so much about great fantasy YA. Violet has clawed her way up from living on the streets to serving as the royal court’s Seer, relying on both her gift of prophesy and some clever lies to keep her king and his court happy. But as the (conveniently gorgeous, witty, and honorable) crown prince Cyrus faces a cursed prophesy and Violet finds herself increasingly entangled in it, she’ll need to decide whether to save herself or her kingdom.

What a fantastic fantasy debut. On top of loving some representation for an Asian protagonist and a female antihero, Violet’s wit and cunning make her lovable even in her most selfish and opportunistic moments. Her chemistry with Cyrus is palpable, and Chen absolutely nails the enemies-to-lovers trope here—the hatred versus the lust often comes out lopsided, but these two tread the line even in their most romantic moments. The plot was captivating, and it leaves you with enough of an ending to simultaneously feel satisfied with where things end and excited for what’s to come. It’s unclear if this is being marketed as a retelling, it definitely could be: I felt a LOT of influence from many of the classic fairy tales we know and love, particularly Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and Sleeping Beauty.

My one gripe, which makes me particularly torn between a 4.5 and 5 ⭐️ rating: I wish there had been a bit more world-building. I had a LOT of remaining questions about the various nations represented in this book, the roles and world(s) of faeries, the backstories of some side characters, and the nature of Violet’s powers that I hope will be answered in book 2–which I now eagerly await!

As a small aside given this is an ARC, I read a note from another reviewer that they’d wished the author’s note about Violet had come at the end instead of the beginning, and I couldn’t agree more. While I actually thoroughly enjoyed the note, I don’t want to be told what to expect out of a character before reading how their decisions unfold.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book so much more than I expected! It's so rare to be able to breeze through a book and forget about the outside world for a little while these days.
The protagonist, Violet, felt like a breath of fresh air. She was tough and closed off in ways that made perfect sense, given her circumstances, and her prickly perspective added to the story in unexpected ways. Her dynamics with the other characters were fun—providing her with a few genuine friends/allies gave her character some extra dimension, which I appreciated. The one relationship I wish the story had expanded upon was Violet's relationship with the king, since that dynamic plays such a heavy role in her decision-making but is usually just relayed to the reader through narration.
The fairy tale inspired worldbuilding was also a ton of fun! It took a while to settle into at first, but the politics were well thought-out and concisely explained without ever feeling superfluous. Seeing real world logic and a more grounded type of political intrigue in the context of a fairy tale world was very intriguing.
Personally, I found the romantic arc felt a little hurried at times, but I appreciated the layered dynamic between Violet and Cyrus, and there was definitely a decent amount of chemistry.
All-in-all, a very solid and enjoyable read!

I loved Violet as a protagonist. She is unapologetic, sarcastic, and very flawed yet also unapologetic. Those are my favorite types of characters. I appreciate a non perfect main character.
The romance in this one was lacking a bit for me however. I enjoy a good enemies to lovers romance, but this one felt rushed in the end.
Overall, this was a unique, dark diverse fantasy with a great antihero.

The writing was descriptive though I found the novel to be slow moving. Pacing, especially in the time of oversaturation of genre, tends to be a dealbreaker for me.

Violet is the perfect cynical and brash witch to take on the handsome prince in this debut fantasy by Gina Chen. The tension between Violet and Cyrus leaves you reeling for what’s next. Around every corner I found more mystery, intrigue, and surprise twists. I was captivated from the beginning and am only disappointed that the story ended. This story is perfect for those who enjoy fantasy, enemies to lovers, and forbidden love.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Children’s, and the author for an advanced copy of this book for my honest review.

What did I love so much about this book? I love a book that presents a truly flawed and raw heroin. She doesn't want to save the day, she wants to be left alone and mind her own business. I appreciate authors that delve into the selfishness that we all experience as humans in rough and raw emotions.

Violet is a seer who is forced by the king to lie to the people about prophecies. It creates a tangled mess with the prince and sends readers on a journey of discovery of human nature. Wonderfull writing and clever characterization.

I just reviewed Violet Made of Thorns by Gina Chen. #VioletMadeofThorns #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]

As an anticipated release this was a bit of a letdown. It’s not a bad book but just wasn’t what I was expecting is how I would describe my feelings for it. I can definitely see why they compare it to The Cruel Prince. Which again, wasn’t a book I loved but didn’t hate either. I do see this doing really well, especially if you enjoy unique retellings.

The book is told from one point-of-view and it comes from Violet. She is brash and speaks her mind way more than anyone probably wants her to, especially Cyrus. Haha. I would say that for the most part she is different than most other main characters as having friends and being liked isn’t a priority. You can even say that she is morally grey. She is a very interesting character.

There are obviously other characters in the book but I just didn’t feeling strongly towards any of them. I’m not sure why there was a disconnect for me but when they happened to be involved in a plot twist I just didn’t feel that “oh my!” moment. This could honestly just be me. The romance was another thing that just felt lackluster. The end of the book has definitely been set up for more in the sequel but I just don’t think there was enough substance for me to continue on, sadly.

The plot is filled with visions, fates, enemies-to-lovers, and a curse. It even has retelling elements from all sorts of fairytales which I didn’t realize would be in here. If you are a fan of Marissa Meyer I think you would like this book because of it. At times there is a lot going on and it bogs down the plot just a bit.

My only other complaint would be that I wanted more world-building. Nothing is ever really said why things are and what the kingdom is like politically etc. I just wanted more from this world that seemed so interesting.

Overall, this was good. It’s not a bad book but one that just didn’t stand out enough for me. I do think that in the right hands this book will flourish and I can see it doing well.

*I voluntarily read and received an eARC of this book via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

I’ve been trying to figure out what I like about this book . . . And there’s not much. Not only was I very bored, and disappointed, but I was able to come up with stuff that I didn’t like about this book. While I have read wayyy worse books than this, this wasn’t really that good. I liked very few things about this book.

The Plot:
I am going to start off with how I feel about the plot.
This story had a very interesting prologue, but the execution was extremely flat. Everything that happened happened very easily, it was very hard to believe that everything worked out that great and easily.

The Writing:
There were info dumps, which I am not the biggest fan of. Also, I feel like we were “told” everything rather than “seen.” Everything is very straight-forward, as well.
The stammers and all of the dashes also annoyed me a lot.

The Characters:
We barely get to know these characters. We don’t dive deeper into their personalities. I still don’t know their personalities, or even what they look like. I wish that their personalities were fleshed out better and that they actually had a personality, because I feel like they don’t really have any personalities.
The characters also feel like carbon cut outs of each other, they are all alike.

The Relationships:
There were parts of the relationships that I liked, but those were the only things I liked in this whole book, sadly.
The friendships were what I liked most. The characters were just cute as friends.
The romance was cute, but that’s about it. The romance happened and developed so fast, that it’s not very believable.

Now, this is not bad, and I’m sure if things were executed better this would be a GREAT book.

Overall: 1.5/5 stars.

Young adult fantasy is my bread and butter I’d say. I think I have Twilight to thank for that truly. Over the years I’ve found myself craving more romance and less adventure, I think that when I fell in love I understood and appreciated how amazing of a feeling it is and I wanted to read about it - constantly. However 2021 I rediscovered my love for YA fantasy, especially through THESE HOLLOW VOWS by Lexi Ryan. Here in VIOLET MADE OF THORNS by Gina Chen I felt the same excitement I felt reading Ryan’s book but in VIOLET I was faced with more morally greg characters, antiheroes, and betrayals and twists I was NOT anticipating… AND I LOVED IT!

Something I love in fantasy is how complex the maps can get and the magic systems. I love opening a book and seeing a beautiful map in front of me to explore. I received an ebook ARC from NetGalley and am extremely grateful, however, it was difficult going back and forth between the map and the current page I was on trying to visualize where my characters were. The world Chen created is makes me feel like I’m drawn into another time, with busy cobblestone streets, carriages striding past, and outfits I could only DREAM of trying on. Chen didn’t go into wild detail with the scenery but did just enough for the readers imagination to take over, for example Violet’s tower. It is a key piece in the story’s setting however the reader gets to make it our own for the most part which goes back to how magical YA fantasy is! I also appreciate the use of magic in this book. While Violet is a seer (which we’ve seen time and time again) is done in a way that feels refreshing and exciting, because she does not always want to see and SHE IS PURPOSEFULLY AMBIGUOUS WITH WHAT SHE SAYS SHE SEES! She bluffs! I love it! When reading these types of characters they either lie to get where they need to go or they always tell the truth because they feel as though lying is morally corrupt and awful. Violet however is just vague enough. I also love the idea of fate and the Fates throughout history so when I see that mentioned in a story I jump at the opportunity. The way the Fates are described here is very typical for the Fates: fickle, out for themselves, life is one big game and they’re in charge of it, you know how it goes.

The characters were charming, fun, and flawed and boy did I love it. Starting with our main character Violet, she does not easily trust (for no decent reason honestly), she believes she is always a step ahead because of her abilities, and she is a big fan of keeping your head down and doing what you’re meant to be doing. She plays her role as the king’s seer and does as he asks, it’s simple for her. Prince Cyrus is irritating and difficult, and hot, and everything you want in a leading man. Cyrus’s dialogue is smart and cute, and he is easy to visualize as a reader. He cares for his kingdom, he cares for his friends, and he doesn’t have all the answers he believes he does. The poor guy is meant for one purpose and keeps escaping it, but how long until the sand runs out? The two supporting characters in the bunch are Camilla, Cyrus’s eccentric but devoted twin sister who just embodies the princess stereotype perfectly, and Dante, Violet and Cyrus’s friend who they rely on to do research, get information, and help them solve the problems they’re all facing. Things aren’t always what they seem between each character and while some personality traits you can see coming (like Cyrus’s flirty side), some you just have to read and experience for yourself!

This story has so many layers, deals with many types of relationships, and isn’t just your generic YA fantasy novel. The ending catches you by surprise, and if you enjoyed it you’ll be craving more however it is satisfying in its own right and doesn’t leave us on a total end of worlds cliffhanger. Overall I really had a great time reading this story and I’m very much looking forward to the second book in this duology!

Honestly this was such a fascinating book, I really didn’t want it to end. The whole theme of dark magic, enemies to lovers and the royal set up and vibe, left me spell-bounded. Moreover, I really loved the pacing and the MC. Definitely, a 5 star read for me.

Violet Made of Thrones
By Gina Chen
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Violet Made of Thrones is a dark and captivating YA fantasy with an enemies to lovers romance.
This is a phenomenal YA.Fantasy. Romance novel.
I had so much fun reading it.
The characters were amazing.
Chen's writing is spellbinding.
Twisty action with a mix of adventure and romance this one was a hit for me.
And I couldn't have loved it more if I tried.
I read in two sittings if that tells you anything.
Everything about this created such a remarkable and magical book.
I'm so happy to see there will be a book two in the future, because I am desperate to continue the story!

Delacorte Press,
Thank You for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!
I will post my review closer to pub date.

Absolutely loved this read!! A wondrous fantasy novel that is easy to get invested in. So many great plot twists and high-intensity, suspenseful moments!
I really enjoyed the characters in this story. Violet is a great protagonist – her fierceness is complimented by her vulnerability, which makes her very realistic considering her circumstances. The romance between her and Cyrus fascinating, I love them.
In total, Violet Made of Thorns was fantastic. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in fantasy
or just an all-around immersive novel.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children's for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.

WOW!!
This has been one of the best books I’ve read in the past few months. Even better it’s enemies to lovers!!! The main character Violet is one of the best antiheroines I’ve seen so far. She thinks her nature is cruel and cold hearted, but there might be some fear guiding her decisions. And the romance with Cyrus. It’s absolutely Fantastic. They’ve know each other for years, after a fated 😉encounter. But even after all those years they can’t stand each other. But is there something more??🤭 Even when they become lovers there is still animosity.

And the plot twists… it’s just omggggg. But I can’t say anything 😶😶. The story is also giving beauty and the best retelling, with hints of like Cinderella. But even better than those stories. I literally need everyone to read this immediately. I’m looking forward to the next book and any other books Gina Chen publishes

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4405761954

I was so excited to see a main female character as sharp tongued, unapologetic, very prideful, and somewhat selfish person like Violet. I like to see more morally grey heroines in stories plus the Asian representation as an antiheroine was a plus for me in YA fantasies I've read. Her motive in the story were not always honorable but understandable and it was fun to follow.

The enemies to lovers trope in the book reminds me of The Cruel Prince. Prince Cyrus and Violet have a long and complicated history that has muddied, especially in recent years. I was happy to read how their conflicting feelings for each other unraveled into a romance though it was a bit rushed for me.

The pacing for the storyline was a bit rushed near the end with the plot twist even with the slow build up in the beginning of the book. The world building seems light.

If you're a fan of the enemies-to-lovers trope with an antiheroine main character this would be a good choice.

First, let me say that the cover of Violet Made of Thorns is gorgeous!
I really enjoyed this novel. I felt that it was more character driven than plot driven, I loved Violet. She was raw, flawed, jaded yet hopeful, and very fun to read about. I enjoyed hearing this story from her perspective, but I think I would have liked Cyrus more if some of the chapters were in his perspective as well. I like that this novel was a twisted fairytale and that it included some aspects of the fairytales that we have all grown up with. I can’t wait for the next novel to see where we are taken next.

Thank you to Net Galley and Delacorte Press for this digital arc in exchange for my honest review which is not affiliated with any brand.

#NetGalley #VioletMadeofThorns

I gave this book until 25% and then I skipped to the end. The ending didn't impress me enough to finish out the story. If you like The Cruel Prince, you'll probably like this book. For me personally, it's too YA. It's not really enemies to lovers, more like bickering teens to bickering teens that are attracted to each other. It's simply not my cup of tea.

Wow, I really loved this one! it grabbed me from the start, and I had to know what was going to happen. I loved Violet and though she wasn't always the nicest character I loved her voice. This book had everything I love in a story, and I can't wait to read more from this author. Hate to love! Morally grey characters! Plot twists, kissing and a wickedly fast paced storyline-seriously everything I hope for in a YA fantasy. This one is up there on my favorites list for sure.

Review of ARC, provided by Netgalley and Delacorte Press

Violet Made of Thorns is the story of a seer, Violet, who is in the employ of the King but who has a very contentious relationship with the crown prince. The kingdom needs Cyrus to find a bride, and Violet's job as Seer is to push him to do it asap. Violet is a flawed antiheroine who is not above doing morally questionable things in order to hold onto her position, and Cyrus is a charming, handsome, prince who resents Violet's efforts to manipulate his future and who has a more principled stance on the issues plaguing the kingdom than the king and Violet, who tend towards more utilitarian views.

What I appreciated most about this book was the representation of a fantasy protagonist who is part of a diaspora community. Violet's mother was a working class Yuenen immigrant but Violet's connection to her heritage is tenuous. She was raised in Auveny, and was elevated to the status of royal Seer as a child, but she has childhood memories, and when she visits the Moon District, which is the Yuenen quarter of town, she feels nostalgia for the sights and sounds and smells that she associates with her mother's homeland. Violet does not "fit in" in Auveny, and she is keenly aware that the status granted to her is conditional. In fact, others make her aware of this fact at various points in the narrative, reminding her that Cyrus could choose another Seer when he becomes king.

This isn't common in YA fantasy. While there are many books that are re-tellings of motherland mythologies, or which feature fantasy versions of real-world cultures, I have seen very few YA fantasy books that explicitly feature protagonists which my own 1.5 generation immigrant children (we moved to the USA when they were in elementary school) could specifically relate to.

It's for this reason that I rounded this book up from 3.5 stars to 4. I think it's an important book. That said, it's not entirely to my taste as a reader, although for mostly subjective reasons. While the author fully admits that the book is a bit meta about fairytales, at times the wink and the nod seemed a bit heavy handed. The worldbuilding also seems a bit surface-level in some ways. Whereas some fantasy worlds feel very lived in and fully fleshed out, and you could really imagine this place existing in some alternate reality, the world in Violet Made of Thorns seemed to me as if it could only really exist within the confines of a story.

The characters are mostly well drawn, and I appreciated that Prince Cyrus was not a "bad boy" but rather someone with a rather firm moral center. This book is often compared to the Cruel Prince, and the comparison of Violet to Jude is fairly apt -- both are protagonists trying to survive in a world where they are outsiders, who have to do morally objectionable things to survive. Cyrus is not cruel or wicked, however, which makes for an interesting dynamic. He is committed to marrying for love, he is against the burning of the magical forest on the kingdom's border, and seems to find Violet's lies and schemes pretty objectionable. I found the romance between the two to be a bit rushed. Violet mentions many times, early on, that she finds Cyrus attractive, but he doesn't seem to feel anything for Violet but contempt until quite far along in the book. Hopefully upcoming books with strengthen that connection and build up the tension between the two, as I predict more betrayals and misunderstandings before the end.

The prose is fine, but there are times when the voice is a bit contemporary for my taste ( although that's entirely personal preference). I'm a fully grown adult though, so I am not the target audience, and I think the voice will appeal to teenage readers like my students or my kids.

Overall this is a strong start to a new series and a promising debut. I look forward to reading more from Gina Chen.

I really enjoyed the subtle underplaying of the king and his court. Its very well written characters and plot but rather predictable ending. Good read for the pre-teen crowd.