I think that the premise is really original - I’ve read several books by this author and this is unlike any of those.
As a big historical fic fan, I love when magical elements are infused into real world moments and the backdrop of the napoleonic wars was something I don’t often see. I think this style of magic too was really mysterious and well thought through.
I do, and totally recognize this as my own personal issue, have a problem with rape and its inclusion did kind of take some lustre away for me.

Overall, would recommend

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishing Team for this Advanced Digital Readers Copy, I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

I read this book as part of my witchy season reading, and it was so perfect. The concept is unique, the characters are engaging and interesting to read about - it was just great!

The Book of Thorns is a magical historical fiction where you follow the parallel stories of two sisters as they deal with the pressures of life leading up to the Battle of Waterloo and the emergence of more flower magic powers they’ve had sprinklings of from their youth.

This did a beautiful job of bringing camp life with Napolean’s army alive for the reader. It was such vivid descriptions and details that I, as a history buff, felt like I could see it and be there with our characters. I had an off and on love hate for each of the sisters, which showcases their complex development by the author, but I found myself falling for the love interests of both sisters.

I enjoyed the bi-rep for Cornelia as she falls for feisty Sophie and the inner softie Henri. Henri was, admittedly, my favorite. His vibe of only soft for his lady reminds me of my husband (hello personal bias!).

If you want a complex, war torn love story with a touch of magic grab this!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review an advanced copy of this novel. I highly enjoyed it and will be recommending it to others.

Loved this. I’ve really enjoyed everything by this author. She’s an autobuy author for me. I love how every one of her stories is completely different from the others but you can still feel she’s the author. A very strong voice - one I really enjoy.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

3.75 out of 5 stars.

This was hard to rate. On the one hand, I swallowed this book whole. As I've mentioned before, I have four kids, a full time job, I am in school. So, when I "stay up past my bedtime" I mean I read until 10:30, sometimes 11 pm at the absolute very latest. I read this in one fell swoop and was up until 2 am finishing it.

There were elements to the story that grabbed my heart and made me cry. When Lijsbeth lost her "friend," I grieved with her. There were elements of the story that made me rage. When Isidore accosted Lijsbeth, I wanted her to burn him alive.

The magical realism, such as it was, was scintillating.

But I wanted more. It was like catching the sunlight on windblown waves in your peripheral vision, then, when you turn to look, the sun has disappeared behind the clouds, all glitter gone. I was very disappointed in how Cornelia/Collette treated Sophie after the battlefield. I felt as though all her feelings were rendered naught but spoiled fancy. I felt the relationship between Lisjbeth and the soldier was rushed, incredibly rushed, and almost unbelievable.

The historical aspect was interesting, although I have no idea what the point of Cornelia being appointed a naturalist to Napolean when it never came to pass. The only thing I can think of is there was no other way the author could think of to get her to fall in love with a soldier and a laundress at the same time and have them both okay with this...situation.

Still.... It's been a minute since I was willing to spend five hours and stay up past 11 pm for a book. So, there's that. This is the first book by Hester Fox I have read, but I will say my curiosity is piqued, and I am likely to pick up another one.

Interesting book of two sisters, separated by unfortunate circumstances in early childhood. Each suffers abuse that shapes their individual paths and choices along the way. They both share a love for flowers and the power to wield magic over flora. I expected a story of magical realism, but this seemed to be forced with the historical fiction storyline.

I am a reader who prefers closed door romance so am giving a content warning for those readers who might be uncomfortable with more. Content warning: abuse, love triangle, LBBTQ themes

What I did like:
1) the historical detail along the war front in the Napoleonic wars. Ms. Fox has obviously done her research and weaves historical fact throughout the story. Her plot is original.

2) Lisbeth's hero is almost too good to be true. A wonderful foil for the villains in the story.

3). Each sister has to dig deep within herself for strength, as she travels her own journey to find purpose and happiness. Each has reason to distrust others, but learning to open their hearts takes courage.

I have enjoyed several of Ms. Fox's books and look forward to reading more in the future.

***** I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher through Netgalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Good book. I like this author. Great multi pov and interesting time period (napoleonic wars). Would recommend.

Very engaging read! I was behind on my reads and decided to get the audiobook of this on Audible (after I had read few chapters). I needed something outstanding to listen to on my road trip over the summer. This is it! Two female narrators. Both very good!! Hester Fox is an author that I have been enjoying since her first book, which I was able to read from NetGalley a few years ago. She is an author to watch for sure.

Great writing and storyline for this Historical Fiction read. Two women. Challenging lives. A page turner for me. I highly recommend it !

Many thanks to Hester Fox, the publisher, and NetGalley for a digital ebook to read for review. Very enjoyable!

This was a captivating historical novel that intertwines gothic elements with rich historical detail. Set in a remote estate, the story revolves around a young woman who discovers dark secrets and hidden agendas as she unravels the mystery surrounding her new home. Fox’s writing is atmospheric and immersive, effectively creating a sense of dread and intrigue. The novel’s strength lies in its evocative setting and the layered characters, though some plot elements may feel predictable to seasoned readers of the genre. Overall, an engaging read that combines historical drama with a touch of the supernatural, offering a compelling escape into a world of mystery and suspense.

While the historical details and the incorporation of flower-based magic were intriguing, I felt the pacing dragged at times and some plot points seemed overly convoluted.

Despite its immersive setting and the promising premise, the book didn't quite captivate me as much as I had hoped. If you enjoy historical fiction with a touch of the supernatural, it might still be worth a read, but it wasn't my favorite.

This is my sixth read by this author and comes in a close second to my favorite, The Witch of Willow Hall. I switched between listening to the audiobook and reading the ebook. The audiobook was expertly narrated by Ell Potter and Fiona Hardingham. The story is told in alternating dual first-person from Cornelia in Sussex and Lijsbeth in Brussels in 1815. Each chapter begins with a specific flower and its special meaning. Both main characters have an affinity for floriography or the language of flowers. Hmmm…

Cornelia lives in Sussex with her uncle but quickly flees her home when her uncle tries to marry her off to a man she deems unsuitable. She eventually joins a group of Napoleon’s soldiers under the name Collette as a traveling naturalist though she often frustrated by the restrictions put on her by her assigned guard, Lt Peusol, but manages to form a relationship with their traveling launderess. While those relationships develop into more, the ensuing war encroaches on their happiness.

Lijsbeth was acquired from an orphanage by an affluent family in Brussels as a companion for their children, but has now been relegated to the duties of a domestic servant in the household. She spends her time ducking the advances of the older son and is relieved when one of their guests wishes to engage her in their own household due to her affinity for flower arranging. There were pitfalls in navigating both households, but Lijsbeth meets a military man and falls in love.

As the stories begin to merge, amidst accusations of treason and witchcraft, these two women will fight to be together again. I loved both characters, even if I was sometimes frustrated with their decisions or situations, most of which had to do with their treatment by men, of course. I haven’t read many stories about the Napoleonic Wars or that time period, so the setting was refreshing, well for a war anyway. I really enjoyed the introduction to floriography.

Recommended to historical fiction and flower lovers alike.

Thank you to Netgalley, HTP Books, The Hive and Graydon House for a copy provided for an honest review.

I enjoyed Hester Fox's "A Lullaby for Witches," so I was excited to see another offering from her on NetGalley; as a whole, though, it paled somewhat in comparison to the former. While the premise and characters were engaging, overall, it felt like it took a little too long to get to the climax, and then had to hurry to wrap everything up. I did enjoy it, don't get me wrong, and I had a hard time putting it down when I really got into it, but once it was finished, there was a sense of having been let down by it. What did shine, however, was Fox's ability to weave magic into her work in ways that feel organic and natural. She's an artist of character creation, and I think that's part of the reason it ultimately fell flat = I wanted more time with the characters, and more from their stories.

In the Book of Thorns, sisters Cornelia and Lijsbeth are on opposite sides of Napoleonic wars, having no clue about each others existence. The girls were separated in childhood and share a magical connection to flowers that have allowed them to survive and heal others. This floral enchantment creates a mystical tie that eventually leads the siblings together.

I give this book a 3 out of 5 stars. The story didn’t hold my attention. It dealt with the siblings romances more than anything. So if you are into historical romances (including a throuple/queer love) this is for you.

Thank you netgalley and publishers for this advanced copy!

Hester Fox is quickly becoming one of my favourite voices in the historical/women's fiction genre.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6549174966

This book is AMAZING. Such a fun fantasy read. Fast paced and exciting, and just the perfect amount of romance to make you swoon. The combination of historical fiction and magical exposure makes this a treat. Fascinating and fun at the same time.

It is a hot or miss for me when it comes to Hester Fox. I liked some of her other novels, but this one was a drag in terms of telling, then subject matter.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this book. The premise of this book sounded excellent but it fell flat. The writing is superb but it tended to drag. Hoping for more from Fox's next book.