This was the perfect mix of Gothic, horror, and fairy tales! I really enjoyed this book and I think anyone into those genres will as well.

This was one dark tale. I don't know if I should categorize it as a fairy tale or a gothic tale or just historical fantasy, but that doesn't particularly matter, does it? It's a good book.

The world is reminiscent of Victorian England, only with traces of magic still around, and magical creatures still lurking in the shadows of everyday life (though who is to say that is not the case in our world as well?).

Asher Todd arrives at a remote manor in a remote village to assume the role of governess for the three grandchildren of the lady of the manor. Only Asher Todd is not who she seems, and her reasons for arriving here are not altruistic. She has two goals at Morwood Grange - one requested from her by the person who sent her there, and another one very personal. As customary for any gothic tale, things won't go well for anyone.

I liked Asher Todd, and I really rooted for her to accomplish her goals and win... until I slowly discovered what those goals were and who she was doing all this for. Then I rooted for her to finally break free of her past and the unhealthy hold her mother has on her. Because Asher never lived for herself a day in her life. Her mother made sure every breath she took was full of guilt and sense of duty. I'm glad that Asher managed to tear herself free of Morwood in the end.

The other inhabitants of Morwood Grange are rather depictable human beings. I was happy that they got their just desserts in the end. That whole house was like a big jar full of poisonous spiders ready to sting each other to death. The only innocents there were the children, so I'm glad they were spared.

I liked how the author introduced the world and slowly wove details from Asher's past into the unfolding story of Morwood Grange. And even though the book dragged a little in the dreaded middle, it still managed to keep me invested in Asher's quest. I will definitely check out other books by this author.

PS: I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Brilliant story and writing. Loved it.

5 stars!

Thanks to the publisher for an eArc via NetGalley.

Thank you to the publishers, author and NetGalley for the free copy of this book.

I loved this and don't know why I put off reading it for so long! I need to read more by this author, asap. Suspenseful and intriguing and very well written. I loved Asher as a character.

I'm a sucker for a fairy-tale feeling book if it's reasonably well-written. So many these days are YA that I haven't sought them out so I'm happy to find an author writing books that feel like they are for adults.

This book combines Jane Eyre, Frankenstein, Little Red Riding Hood and several other stories along the way. Asher Todd has decided to take a governess position at Morwood, a country estate with more than its share of secrets. Asher brings secrets of her own and a covert agenda- she is going into this house with her eyes wide open.

There are supernatural creatures in this book but the true horror is found in the family dynamics at Morwood. Asher possesses some specialized arcane knowledge and isn't afraid of much but she underestimates the evil around her. The book starts as a slow burn about a haunted house and careens into a classic gothic finale.

A. G. Slater creates a perfect autumnal read to get you in the Halloween spirit no matter when you pick it up.

Asher Todd joins the estate of Morwood Grange as the governess to the three children that live there, but as time passes, Asher shows she is invaluable to every member of the household and the local community with her talents with healing herbs. However, the more Asher does, the more she puts herself at risk. Morwood Grange is not as pure as its reputation would make one believe, and with secrets of her own she wants to keep locked away, Asher must be careful on the path she has taken. One thorn could be enough to make everyone bleed.

Slater's story is one that will keep readers guessing and fighting for the characters til the end. With her incredible talent of describing the setting and feeling of the novel, it will feel as if you are right there alongside Asher living at Morwood Grange.

For readers who love period dramas with magical gothic twists, this story is for you.

the best gothic fantasy i’ve read so far loved all the characters and the setting was beautifully written, thank you for the arc!

What a cool read! Leans more dark fantasy than outright horror, but that was absolutely fine with me as it was a refreshing departure from what I normally read.

The main character had such a strong voice and presence throughout the novel, which is always a good thing. I also enjoyed that, while the world was historical and fantasy-based, the trials and difficulties presented to women still were relatable. I think one of the biggest standouts to me was the relationship between the main character and Lunelle, a servant in the house- I found it quite realistic in that they don't necessarily get along, but ultimately understand and support one another.

Overall, this is a book I'd very much recommend, and will be looking for more by this author in the future.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

Asher Todd was a compelling main character on a sinister mission, with a cloud of mystery surrounding her. I was hooked from the very start,

I loved the sense of foreboding, rising tension snd suspense in this twisted and spellbinding tale of family secrets, dark magic, danger and revenge.

Fairytales interspersed throughout the book added to the haunting, supernatural vibe and I found the herbcraft and apothecary process so fascinating.

Best to go in knowing as little as possible, half the fun is in the anticipation and seeing how Asher adapts to the twists & turns along her path to justice.

"The Path of Thorns" by A.G. Slatter is a mesmerizing dark fantasy novel that swept me away into a world of twisted fairy tales and haunting beauty. Slatter's storytelling is masterful, weaving together intricate plots and complex characters that kept me guessing until the very end. The prose is lush and atmospheric, bringing to life a vivid and enchanting setting. I was captivated by the protagonist's journey through a treacherous and magical landscape, filled with secrets, betrayals, and the timeless power of folklore. Slatter's exploration of themes such as sacrifice, resilience, and the blurred lines between good and evil adds depth and complexity to the narrative. "The Path of Thorns" is a stunning and evocative tale that left me craving for more of Slatter's enchanting storytelling.

Probably my latest favourite author. I've read a few of the short stories set in this world and the full length 'All the Murmuring Bones' and can't wait to read more. They can be read as standalone's but every now and then a character, place or story will pop up that you recognise. Dark and sometimes gruesome, although I wouldn't say unrelentingly grim, there's an intriguing balance where 'good' characters sometimes commit bad deeds (albeit usually for a reasonably understandable reason...)

This one had a gothic Jane Eyre vibe, accompanied with a satisfying dose of witchery and wolves (among my favourite book themes!)

I'm very much looking forward to Slatter's next novel 'The Briar Book of the Dead' due February 2024.

(ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley)

DNF.

I struggled to get into this and cannot give a full knowledgable review so I’m sorry. However, this is just my opinion and I would suggest reading the more complete reviews!

"The Path of Thorns" by A.G. Slatter is a hauntingly beautiful collection of dark fairy tales that will leave you spellbound. Slatter's writing style is both lyrical and evocative, transporting the reader to a world of magic, wonder, and terror.

Each of the stories in this collection is masterfully crafted, weaving together elements of folklore, mythology, and horror to create a uniquely compelling narrative. Slatter's characters are complex and nuanced, grappling with themes of loss, love, and identity in the face of supernatural forces beyond their control.

What sets "The Path of Thorns" apart is Slatter's ability to imbue her stories with a sense of depth and complexity that is often lacking in the genre. Her prose is rich with metaphor and symbolism, exploring themes of trauma, grief, and the human condition with a depth of insight that is truly remarkable.

Overall, "The Path of Thorns" is a stunning work of dark fantasy that is sure to captivate readers who are looking for something a little different from the usual fare. Highly recommended.

The Path of Thorns is true to its title but not in the way intended. I expected beauty. Instead, I’m sore and angry about what I’ve just read.

With a cold-hearted witch on a hunt for revenge, a haunting fairy tale, deep family secrets, and classical gothic horror references, A.G. Slatter’s The Path of Thorns felt like a perfect escape when the days get hotter and I’m ready for the cold. Slatter is a magnificent writer but The Path of Thorns left me incredibly disappointed.

Entering into this book, you’ll find a witch-fearing village, gossiping townies, and an old privileged family rotting in an old manor. After her mother’s death, Asher Todd finds herself at the door of the mysterious Moorwood manor with revenge on her mind for the family that changed her life forever. Asher’s porcupine, knives-out demeanor attracts the local beastly groundskeeper, who grows into a wolf, loves to kiss a witch, and swears like a good boy. Torn between a daughter’s duty and a family that needs her, Asher’s heart warms for the Morwoods. Depicting the oppressive misogyny of women in gothic horror and fairy tales, domestic abuse becomes a cycle in The Path of Thorns.

For the most of The Path of Thorns, Slatter had me hooked. I lick up fairy tale inspired fantasy books. The natural, wood-encased feeling of Asher Todd’s entire world made me feel like putting on some witch boots and flying on a broomstick just to get closer to the moon. The innate meanness of Asher appealed to my love for the off-center heroine, who is equal parts messy and a little bit of a bitch. For me, a good story is about interesting characters. And Asher, the Moorwoods, the maid, the groundskeeper she can’t help but kiss a little bit? They are all so interesting.

But then, the pieces started to look wonky.

Much of The Path of Thorns is brilliant, but it developed into a story that looked a little too transphobic for me. A feminist fantasy, The Path of Thorns looks at women’s victimhood in fairy tales and classical gothics but also thinks about the rights white cis men received by inheritance, which women usually did not. As the book depends on that purpose, it caves in when feminist ideologies fell into stereotypes about trans people.

I found it hard to know what to do with multiple scenes of a heroine with no idea how to gender a Frankenstein creature with ‘large man’s hands.’ Time and time again I found myself up against a heroine unsure which pronouns to use for this horrific monster, which goes along with the idea that a ‘woman is stuck in a man’s body’. I’m confused, even sickened, as to how the feminist ideologies are clearly written as intentional, but these integral scenes are unintentionally socially unaware.

Suddenly the smile on my face disappeared, and I’m at odds with an underdeveloped story showing trans people as monstrous, vengeful creatures with bodies that don’t fit. The holes are a bit too gaping for me to ignore. It’s the purpose of the entire feminist message that shows me Asher Todd’s thoughts lead to an ultimately transphobic message. That’s what’s so enraging.

The Path of Thorns was mostly enjoyable to me. With gates covered in ivy, cottages that seemed to grow out of the dirty ground, and swaying trees, there was a lot to enjoy. If there had been more thought put into the larger editorial decisions, this intricate fantasy would have been a great read.

The Path of Thorns was a complete waste of my time.

I did not know what I expected when I started this, but at every turn, my assumptions up until that point were challenged. There are at least three books I have read in recent times which was similar to one part of the story, which is why I assumed I knew the direction of the narrative. I will not name them individually since that would reveal more of the book's plot than is appropriate.
The home that Asher has entered for her job is not what it seems. From the very first page, you get a sense of the menace that dogs her footsteps, or so we are led to assume. With some very deft touches, we realise that Asher is not as simple as leading ladies usually are. She has a purpose and is planning on going to any lengths to get to it. There is, however, the obvious chance of miscalculations, and this is a heavy mistake to bear.
Claustrophobia is prevalent, as are the secrets that get revealed every couple of chapters to keep us reading. It has a gothic feel throughout the series of events. Asher has her own softer moments where you can imagine her as a damsel in distress, but it does not last long. I am usually not a fan of the more ambiguous endings, but here it fits in with the rest of the narrative.
I liked the way the story was presented rather than the story itself. The inclination is more because of the aforementioned familiarity with the plotlines. I do not read books in this genre too often, but this is an author I wouldn't mind checking out other such books. I recommend this book to readers who like a touch of horror in their dramatic story.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

The Path of Thorns by A. G. Slatter is definitely a gothic story with some serious Brothers Grimm feels. This new release gives you hints of familiar fairy tales while not crossing over into the realm of a retelling. Continue reading down below to see where this book hit and also where it missed for me.

Pacing & World Building
Honestly, The Path of Thorns starts out and remains slow for a good portion of the book. I had trouble really becoming invested and drawn to the story and characters. In part, this is because certain aspects of the narrator are hidden from a time with her motivations were unclear. I could see some people deciding to not finish the book due to the slow start.

The world of The Path of Thorns is certainly interesting, dark, and at times creepy and morbid, but it is also not very robust. Aspects of magic are not very well explained and perhaps that is in part due to the limitations of a first-person narrative. While it is not explicitly necessary to really build out the world in a story, I just think it would have made this story much richer. This is where some of the slower start to the book could have felt worth the wait. Additionally, there were some portions of the book that could have been avenues that could help flesh out the world, but these parts mostly feel unconnected and not very relevant.

Main Character & Narrative
I feel like the summary does not paint the picture of our main character Asher very well. It is pretty early on that the reader can recognize she is not a governess that is naive and innocent. Instead is she a very gray character with even grayer motivations and background, which honestly I preferred. So it’s not always bad when the summary doesn’t quite capture the soul of a book.

Being a first-person narrative, The Path of Thorns is interesting considering how withholding Asher’s perspective is. At times this was a bit annoying as not as much is revealed about certain aspects of the plot. But it made you not entirely trust the motives of our main character.

Overall
The Path of Thorns was a solid enough book. It started off fairly slow and the world is not as enriched as I would have liked. I think honestly the Grimm fairy tale and gothic themes as well as the ambiguous nature of Asher really carry the book. In the end, if you do like dark fairy tales, that may be a good book for you.

Gothic fantasy with. a folktale vibe to it. You can see some allusions to Jane Eyre but they haven't that much in common. It's a world with all kinds of magical beings.

4 stars!

I went into The Path of Thorns with low expectations. I had never read anything by this author before, and I was intrigued by what I read in the description. I ended up with a dark fairytale which I actually really loved. It was very well written, and I actually really liked the main character. Would read more from this author!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Asher Todd come to the desolate Marwood Estate to be governess to the three children. All she has is an old sea chest & a lot of knowledge she probably would have been happier without. She is there in part to find out what happened to her predecessor, but she also has an agenda of her own.

This book just blew me away. A mix of dark fairy-tale, fantasy & witchcraft the author builds a world that draws the reader in. Any thoughts of logic left behind, I just let myself be captured by this world. Many of the characters are seriously evil. Asher is not exactly good but she keeps you rooting for her! Overall this was one of my favourite reads of the year. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this terrific book.

First time reading anything by this author. The story is very much a gothic like fairytale/folklore. It is well written and executed. Can't wait to read more by her!