This was very dark and interesting. Though I didn't find the characters to be very likeable (and I don't think they're supposed to be), the depth and focus on the darker themes was well-worth the read. I really don't think this will work for everyone, but it kept me very entertained.

Grimdark isn't a genre I read a lot of, even if it comes highly recommended. That said, horror fans will certainly love Ava Reid's latest. You don't necessarily have to read The Wolf & The Woodsman to follow this one but I think if you enjoyed that book, you will also love this one. While not an easy read, I think it could be a satisfying one for dark fantasy fans.

Beautiful story about sisters held hostage by their father's paranoia and desire for power, and a dancer who is held hostage by his talent and those who think they are owed it. One sister and the dancer think they can find freedom in one another. This reads like an old fairy tale. Beautifully written!

Cannot overstate how much I loved this book!!! The story is incredibly dark, but the writing style is so beautiful and engaging that it works super well. (Some might find it purple prose-y, but it didn't cross that line, imo.) The romance felt a little instalove-ish to me, but I also thought it worked because of the intensity of emotion the characters are feeling throughout -- it's not as well-developed as I usually like, but it makes sense within the characters' worlds.

That being said, do check for cw's before you read. I didn't find it nearly as disturbing as other readers had warned me it would be, but there may be some aspects that are too much for some readers.

Strongly recommend, and I hope to buy my own copy someday!

The Juniper Tree is one of my favorite fairytales so I was excited to get a copy of Juniper and Thorn. The author did an amazing job with this retelling. It’s entirely unique, but holds the same darkness of the original, while creating a more in-depth world with a richer story and characters.

I have never read “The Juniper Tree” so I am not sure how this story compares to the original but wow this story was a RIDE.

I really like Ava Reid and this was the first book that introduced me to them. The book follows Marlinchen and her two sisters who live with their wizard farther who is.. lets just say crazy. They are last Oblya true witches and we read about the horrors that the sisters endure while living under this roof.

When the sisters venture out into the town with out their fathers knowledge, Marlinchen meets a dancer and they quickly fall in love. Obviously he wants to rescue Marlinchen from the horrible home that her father keeps her in but in doing so, her father becomes even more crazy (if that’s possible) the things this man does is INSANE. Like crazy crazy.

I did enjoy the revenge that Marlinchen got in the end and the life she was able to live. After reading about the horrors that she grew up in and what happened to her mother, I feel that this was a great ending. All together it was a weird book but a fun read.

Juniper and Thorn by Ava Reid is a perfect fit for readers who crave a dark, atmospheric, and suspenseful tale of magic, violence, and gothic horror, with a strong female protagonist and a richly detailed setting, and who enjoy the works of Shirley Jackson and Catherynne M. Valente.

I really enjoyed this book. The story felt a bit disjointed at times, but it all came together in the end for a pretty satisfying conclusion.

I've loved seeing Ava Reid develop as an author! Her writing style continues to evolve with each book, and I consistently enjoy the unique plots that she creates. Juniper and Thorn is no exception. Perfect for fans of Uprooted or Spinning Silver who want just a *bit* more darkness and horror in their dark fairytales. This book won a Goodreads award for a reason!!

I forgot to leave a review for this, but I really enjoyed it! It's been out for ages, so I won't say much more than I need to for my star rating. <3

This book is the gothic fairy tale romance of your dreams. The perfect fantasy novel, haunting and delightful, just pure magic. I revel in Ava Reid’s ability to craft the perfect adult fairy tale. Her writing is like a cross between Shirley Jackson, Katherine Arden, and Shannon Hale.

"Juniper & Thorn" by Ava Reid is a spellbinding masterpiece that seamlessly weaves together fantasy and romance into a mesmerizing tapestry of intrigue and enchantment. From the very first page, Reid's lyrical prose drew me into a world where magic is as real as the beating of the heart, and love is a force that transcends time and barriers. Ava Reid's world-building is nothing short of extraordinary. The intricately crafted setting is rich in detail, from the enchanting forests to the mystical creatures that inhabit it. I felt transported to this magical realm, where every turn of the page brought a new discovery. Ava Reid's storytelling prowess is on full display, creating a world and characters that will linger in your mind long after the final page.

Juniper & Thorn is narrated with a sweet innocence. Marlinchen's wholesomeness makes her a very likeable character who you want to have her heart's desires and be able to escape her tyrannical father.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an open and honest review.

This book is beautiful! I couldn't put it down. I look forward to reading more of Ava Reid's books in the future.

This book immediately wowed me with the proses and how imaginative the world is. I truly felt transported to a world of dark fairytale meeting the industrial world. I couldn't put this down, and I couldn't get enough. I was thoroughly engrossed into this adult gothic horror fantasy (my new favourite genre possibly?). I cannot wait to pick up anything Reid writes and see if it buries itself into my heart and soul the way Juniper & Thorn has.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.

Reid's world-building is a standout aspect of the novel, creating a rich and immersive setting filled with lush descriptions and imaginative details. The characters in "Juniper and Thorn" are well-drawn and relatable, each with their own distinct personalities and motivations. Juniper herself is a resilient and determined protagonist, and her journey of self-discovery is both compelling and inspiring.
"Juniper and Thorn" is a delightful and immersive fantasy adventure that will appeal to fans of magical worlds, courageous heroines, and tales of self-discovery. Ava Reid's vivid storytelling, captivating characters, and enchanting prose make this novel a worthy addition to the fantasy genre.

I loved Marlinchen (I know that she’s a point of contention for a lot of readers, but her darkness, her anger, her pain, and the innocent blankness which she paints over it in order to protect herself feels altogether too real to ignore or dismiss) and I very much appreciated Sevas both as love interest and also as a character in his own right.

The rest of the story however felt a little too fairytale. Now part of that may be because Marlinchen believes in fairytales and has been sheltered and molded such that fairytales are the only context she has for the world outside of her home. Even so, the rigidity of the side characters (namely the father and sisters) just felt uncanny; they didn’t have nearly the depth of Marlinchen and Sevas.

Though I did love the gothic descriptions of the house and grounds, I feel like the story would have been more effective if the magic turned out to be a lie.

Ava Reid has created a pitch black fairy tale retelling that is definitely not for everyone. There's some really dark subject matter here, particularly child sex abuse, so look up the trigger warnings ahead of time. That being said, Reid manages to inject some really good horror into this story, and I found a lot of those elements interesting. The book genuinely unsettled me, which is a feat all its own. Well done Ava Reid!

I would say the controversy on this book stands. I definitely was on the edge for awhile and while I’m not passionately for or against this book I can see both sides. I think the setting and the storytelling in this book is beautiful and well flushed out, but I can also see how some people may not enjoy that. I think it deals with heavy topics but is done well. I think this book is worth picking up and seeing for yourself how it is because everyone has their own opinions!