I really read this book. I was immersed in the plot right off the bat. I found that the characters all work together really well, even when they were from the opposing viewpoints. The universe and round that the author created in this book I did a ton to the story, and it made that much better of a read because of it. I found that I actually enjoy the side characters a lot more than the main characters just because of how much they added to the plots and how diverse they made the story as I was reading.

Honestly, I struggled a bit with this book. I found it slow, it did not draw me in or keep my attention. The FMC is determined to save her friends - but why? What was the background that created such a motivation? I just felt, maybe, a bit lost in this one. But Even with that it was not a terrible read and the premise of the story was interesting.

Received a free review copy in excjhange for an honest review

This book had so much potential to be a favourite but it just … fell so flat! It was a major disappointment.

The Thorns Remain by JJA Harwood is an enthralling blend of historical fiction and dark fantasy. Harwood’s writing is richly atmospheric, immersing readers in a world where folklore and reality intertwine. The characters are well-crafted, each with their own compelling arcs, particularly the protagonist whose journey is both gripping and emotionally charged. The plot weaves together mystery and magic seamlessly, keeping readers hooked from start to finish. While some plot points feel a bit predictable, the overall storytelling is strong and engaging. The Thorns Remain is a haunting and memorable read that lingers long after the final page.

In the remote Highland village of 1919, where war and flu have taken their toll, the young residents are preparing to embark on new journeys. Among them is Moira Jean, who once dreamed of leaving but now feels anchored by the memory of her lost love. As she and her friends gather for a final night of revelry in the forest, they unwittingly attract the attention of the Fae.

Dancing around the fire, Moira Jean and her companions find themselves ensnared in a mystical encounter as the Fae join their festivities. But when the otherworldly dancers whisk her friends away, Moira Jean must confront the darkly handsome Lord of the Fae and strike a perilous bargain to save them.

As she delves deeper into the realm of the Fae, Moira Jean discovers the hidden desires and longings of these ancient beings, driven by a desire to reclaim their place in the world. With time running out before the magical Beltane celebration, Moira Jean must navigate a treacherous path to rescue her friends and prevent them from being lost forever.

Infused with the enchanting allure of the Scottish Highlands and woven with romance, "The Thorn Remains" by JJA Hardwood is a captivating fairy tale that will transport readers to a world where magic and destiny collide.

This was an interesting fantasy novel, that I would recommend to those who think it sounds good!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher

I appreciated that this book subverts many of the tropes that have become popular with the rise of the Romantasy genre. The story takes the familiar premise in some interesting and unexpected directions, and I also enjoyed the horror elements, but the ending was unfortunately unsatisfying.

I am sorry for the inconvenience but I don’t have the time to read this anymore and have lost interest in the concept. I believe that it would benefit your book more if I did not skim your book and write a rushed review. Again, I am sorry for the inconvenience.

This was such a good read I loved it and was completely hooked from the first page. Definitely recommend

A very atmospheric YA novel with a fallible and likeable protagonist who feels very true to her written age. The supportive characters were also delightful, but I wish the lens on them had been a bit tighter. Sometimes this one feels a little stretched thin across its cast.

I enjoyed this book way more than I thought I was going too! This is my first Fae book and I went in not knowing what to expect at all. There were definitely times I was confused or had to look up what words meant but overall I thought it was put together well.

The story flowed. There weren’t really any parts that I wished we’d rush through or parts I wanted to move along faster. I was actually pulled in pretty quickly and couldn’t put it down.

Now Moira Jean should have checked her local villagers earlier than she did and I know her Mom was busy and tending to everyone but MAAM!!! How do you not see what’s going on around the village!?! This is really the only part that drove me nuts.

In the end, Moira did her thing and didn’t fall into the trap I thought she was going too. She cared about The Dreamer but the fog cleared for her and she stuck to her guns. GO HEAD MOIRA JEAN!

This was not one of those Fae love stories (like I mistakenly thought) and I think I enjoyed it more because of it. It felt like I was getting to experience and read through the lenses of another culture just from the dialect used and world that was painted. Now let me find another Fae book to read because I think I’m hooked!

"The Thorns Remain" took me on a journey that defied my initial expectations. In an era where romantasy books dominate the literary scene, this novel offered a refreshing departure from the usual formula. It isn't about a plucky teenage villager finding her perfect match in a scary fae lord; instead, it offers a more classic exploration of fae/human interactions.

The Dreamer, a key character in the story, is anything but the typical fae love interest. He is cold and calculating, devoid of human emotions, and certainly not seeking a destined mate. However, what sets this book apart is its focus on the evolution of emotions in characters who were previously emotionless. The transformation of the Dreamer, as he grapples with the concepts of pain, hurt, and love, is the book's most captivating aspect. His journey is akin to that of a powerful child navigating the complexities of emotions without any prior understanding, making him an endearing and multi-dimensional character.

"The Thorns Remain" may start deceptively slow, but once it gains momentum, it captivates you and refuses to let go. While the pacing could deter some readers initially, the gradual development and depth of the characters ultimately draw you in. The story's strength lies in its ability to explore human and inhuman emotions, providing a fresh perspective on the fae-human dynamic.

In summary, "The Thorns Remain" offers a unique and thought-provoking take on the romantasy genre, deviating from the typical trope of destined love. While it may take a bit of patience to get through the slower beginning, the character development and emotional exploration make it a rewarding read. If you're looking for a novel that challenges your expectations and leaves you pondering the intricacies of emotions, this book is well worth your time.

Thank you very much for the opportunity to read this book early! I really enjoyed it. I thought the writing was very well done, and the story kept me interested. I believe my students/patrons would also love this book and will be acquiring it for the library!

I’ve been pleasantly surprised by most of the books I’ve read recently that contain more traditional Fae elements, and The Thorns Remain was no exception. Though I was originally drawn in by the stunning cover, the story that developed was just as stunning. The blend of realism and the fantastical set against a backdrop of World War I and the Spanish Flu was so intriguing and kept me hooked from the start.

I loved that the fae in The Thorns Remain were morally gray and that they had tendencies that leaned more in towards them being tricksters instead of the love interest fae that have been emerging more in recent fantasy. This felt more like folklore and I absolutely loved the little bits of actual folklore that were added in. Those bits added just a little extra to the story.

It was a little hard to keep all of the characters straight at the very beginning because we were introduced to so many people, but once I could hold all the characters in my head, it was much more enjoyable.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper 360/Magpie, and JJA Harwood for the e-arc of The Thorns Remain in exchange for an honest review.

I was bored reading this. It clunky and wordy without any payoff. I felt unattached to the characters or the plot of the story

3.75 stars — When I first picked up The Thorns Remain by JJA Harwood, I wasn't sure what I was in for, and I certainly didn't expect I'd have so many feelings and thoughts by the time I set it down. However, The Thorns Remain and its heroine are slow burners and all the more satisfying for being so.

In the Scottish highlands of 1919, still reeling from the devastation of World War I and the influenza, six young friends go into the forest for a night of illicit fun — and five are stolen by the fae. Moira Jean is the only one left, protected only by the iron medal of her late fiancé. More sinister still, she's the only one in the village who realizes something is wrong. To get her friends back, she must deal with the Dreamer, a capricious lord of the fae who demands an ever higher price. As the boundaries between mortal and fae, friend and foe, blur, how much will Moira Jean sacrifice? And will it be worth it in the end?

In the beginning, Moira Jean's life seems mundane, even in its sorrow and drudgery, but as the book progresses and the web tightens around her, she proves she's not as ordinary as she first appears. She's generous, stubborn, and loyal, and she is incapable of giving up on doing what's right, even when the personal cost is devastating. And when she finally stops playing the game by the Dreamer's rule, I think I fell in love a little bit.

The Dreamer himself is a fantastic antagonist, in more than just the obvious way. He is casually cruel and selfish, treating humans like toys for his amusement. But he's also compelling, and through his obsession with Moira Jean, he acquires traits that give him the occasional appearance of something like humanity, trapping the reader as effectively as he traps Moira Jean. His character growth only adds to his mystery and appeal, and while it doesn't mean he isn't a villain, it does make one question the exact nature of his villainy.

This is very much a fairy tale in the ancient sense, with tricks and terrors, but it's grounded by the historical setting. I was drawn in by the ever-increasing suspense and moved by the explorations of love and courage, fear and grief. And while there are no easy answers in this story, I walked away satisfied by a good story and happy to ponder the questions on the my own.

My thanks to NetGalley and Harper 360, Magpie for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I thought this one sounded so interesting! Unfortunately it was a DNF from me.

I did like the writing, but wished the pacing wasn't all over the place. I would try this author again if there was improvement in the pacing.

The Thorns Remain didn't end up being what I expected when sitting down to this book. I was expecting A Court of Thorns and Roses vibes, but the main character didn't know much about the Fae. I found that odd. The beautiful atmosphere created by JJA Harwood was astounding though. Even though it didn't fall too deep into romance, I still enjoyed it.



Thank you #NetGalley and Harper360 for the copy in exchange for an honest review. The opinions above are my own.

Based on friend's reviews, I did not think I would like J.J.A. Harwood. But, color me surprised - their writing is beautiful! I was highlighting passages on every other page. I am so thankful I got an ARC to try out Harwood. This is only their second novel, and I am very excited to see how they will grow in the fantasy space.

Rather than writing a forgiving and submissive heroine, Harwood bodly writes a novel when romance doesn't come first. "She did not want to teach The Dreamer what it really meant to love someone, or the real value of truth and kindness. She had her own life to lead."

Some of my fav quotes:
"You have made everything else seem hollow, faded – everything but you is a shadow, Moira Jean! What is that, if not love?’"

"But you showed me that they were all hollow. You showed me what is real and what is true. You showed me how the world had changed, how much was waiting for me to discover. Everything else is empty, next to you! You have pulled my world apart and shown me that there is nothing inside it – nothing! Do you call that a game?’"

"She papered over the cracks and now, the hollow centre of her was hidden from view."

I feel bad rating this with 3 stars but the reality is that the ending is just too short and abrupt and it almost undoes all the magic that the author has created in the rest of the story.

It is magical, and unique and gives all the fae vibes you are expecting, but the ending really just brings it down.