A Hunger of Thorns by Lili Wilkinson didn't disappoint. I loved everything about it. Thank to you NetGalley for the ARC!

"I cry out for every girl who was told to comb her hair and wash the mud from her face. To keep herself contained. To be ashamed of her voice, her hair, her flesh. To be quiet and good and nice. Girls are not nice. Girls are wild and fierce and powerful, and I will not let anyone take that away. Not ever again."

There were several moments in the last handful of chapters that had me in tears. The quote above had me sobbing. For this book, I kept switching between an audio and a physical book so I could keep going while driving. I was actually reading and listening for the above quote and the narrator's passion as she read those lines just really hit my emotions.

I found this book so interesting with how the storytelling further created the world. It never went in the direction I expected based on reviews, but it made me want a second book to find out what happens with all of the various characters.

Can we all just say how great Rufus is? He is clearly in love with Maude but never pushes it or lets that interfere with how he treats her after she basically rejects him. I feel like a lot of stories that I've read recently, the rejected characters becomes a villain and it was just so refreshing that it wasn't the case with them.

Maude's growth throughout the book was incredible. She was flawed from the start and still a badass. She recognized her mistakes and admitted (at least to herself) when she knew she was in the wrong. She truly grew as a person by the end and I just want more adventures and storytelling from her.

The only thing I did not really care for in this book was the redhead trope. It felt lazy and unnecessary.

A Hunger of Thorns by Lili Wilkinson got me to select it because of the plot/cover. However, I did not get sucked in to the story or enjoy the characters like I was hoping for.

In this captivating fantasy romance, the author weaves a beautifully intricate world filled with magic, adventure, and an undeniable chemistry between the protagonists. From the very first page, readers are drawn into a richly imagined landscape where the stakes are high, and love transcends boundaries.

The characters are delightfully complex, each facing their own trials and transformations. Their journey is not just about romance; it’s about self-discovery and the courage to embrace one’s true self. The chemistry between them crackles with tension, making every shared moment feel electric and deeply meaningful.

The plot is expertly crafted, balancing moments of heart-pounding action with tender, intimate scenes that linger long after the book is closed. The author’s lyrical prose brings the settings to life, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the beauty and danger of this enchanting world.

Overall, this book is a delightful escape that deftly combines elements of fantasy and romance. It’s a testament to the power of love and the strength found in vulnerability. Perfect for fans of the genre, it’s a story that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a magical journey of the heart!

This dark fairy tale fell a little short of expectations. I liked the magic system and the characters, although I would have liked to have seen them a little more fleshed out I didn't feel like I really understood what was going on until the end.

This was such a good one! The background of the mc is really well done and watching her navigate the loss of not only her best friend but magic all at once was so powerful.

Not a bad premise, but the writing and plot both dragged. The characters were hard to relate to, and the book would’ve benefited from some major fat trimming.

I would have loved to see more of a wild side to our young protagonist, but I know she had to arrive there slowly, VERY SLOWLY.

The weird obsession over her former friend is weird. Also the over explaining of every object was irritating. DNF at 70%.

Had potential but the writing was lacking.

I loved this feminist fairytale turned on its head. All things witchy appeal to me in a story, and this one with a mysterious edge and a premise that challenged the long- held traditions of princes saving princesses did not disappoint !

I'm still reeling from the emotional impact of A Hunger of Thorns by Lili Wilkinson. This book is a masterclass in storytelling, weaving together a complex tapestry of magic, mythology, and human emotion. From the opening pages, I was swept up in Maude's journey, and I couldn't help but be fully invested in her struggles and triumphs.

Maude's story is a deeply moving exploration of the complexities of identity, friendship, and the power of storytelling. Her journey is fraught with challenges, from grappling with her own lost magic to confronting the toxic relationships that have shaped her life. But it's her inner strength, resilience, and determination that ultimately drive her forward.

The world-building in this book is nothing short of breathtaking. Wilkinson's prose is evocative and immersive, transporting readers to a richly detailed world of myth and magic. The descriptions of the world around Maude are vivid and evocative, drawing me in and refusing to let me go.

One of the things that truly sets this book apart is its thoughtful exploration of the darker aspects of human relationships. Maude's struggles with her own inner demons and the toxic relationships that have shaped her life are both deeply relatable and uncomfortably honest. It's a testament to Wilkinson's skill as a writer that she's able to tackle these complex themes with such sensitivity and nuance.

The story itself is expertly crafted, with a pace that's both deliberate and propulsive. The twists and turns are expertly timed, building towards a crescendo that left me breathless. And yet, it's not just the plot that makes this book so compelling – it's the characters, too. Maude is a complex, flawed protagonist who is both relatable and admirable, and her relationships with those around her are nuanced and multifaceted.

Overall, I'd highly recommend A Hunger of Thorns to anyone who loves fantasy, mythology, or just great storytelling. This book is a true masterpiece, and I'm still reeling from its emotional impact.

"A Hunger of Thorns" offers a compelling premise with its tale of forbidden magic and political intrigue, but falls short in execution. While the world-building shows promise, the pacing feels uneven, and the characters lack depth, making it difficult to fully invest in their journey. Despite its shortcomings, the novel still manages to provide moments of intrigue and suspense, making it a decent read for fans of the fantasy genre.

This book didn't pull me in the way I was hoping, which made it take me a very long time to finish. I just found the characters to be distant and separate from me as a reader, which isn't my preference.

This is exactly what I wanted in a fantasy book. Maude's character is complicated and explored in such a way that kept me reading well into the night. Witches are always a trope that pulls me in and I loved how witches are presented. The writing is gorgeous and the pacing is perfect.

Extra points for the grannies. I loved them!

This book was a treasure. I can't wait to see what else the author does in her career.

This book just didn’t grab me like I was hoping it would. I don’t feel invested in the characters which left me even less invested in the story. I was really hoping to like this one too.

I was so excited for this book but it fell a little flat for me. It was slow paced but I was intrigued to keep reading it to see where it was leading. Unfortunately not one of the books that stuck with me.

again a good idea but poor execution, the details booged everything down and it felt like the pacing was way off. I felt like this could have done better with more edits and honing in.

The not like other girls of it all was too much for me. The world is confusing, and I just struggled to enjoy this one.

I do think there are some good pieces there and am interested in picking up other works by Wilkinson to see if there is an improvement as I do like the ideas in her plots.

A Hunger of Thorns by Lili Wilkinson is a spellbinding journey into a world where magic wanes, but mysteries loom large. Maude, daughter of witches, sets out to find her missing friend, Odette, in the ruins of Sicklehurst, an abandoned power plant concealing an ancient magical forest. The narrative, a blend of enchantment and suspense, unfolds with echoes of forgotten tales and the promise of lurking monsters. Wilkinson crafts a modern fairy tale that subverts expectations, making it a captivating read for those seeking a mix of dark fantasy and mysterious adventures. If you're in the mood for a bewitching escape, this one's a surefire pick.

I found this book difficult to follow. I wondered what is the author trying to say. I couldn't connect with the main character and found her best friend/ love interest deplorable. The main character and her relationships were unbelievable and at best superficial.