I was able to read this book as an ARC from NetGalley. I started and finished this book in one day. It’s a very easy ready. The magical aspects aren't complicated. I enjoyed all the characters and the story kept me guessing the whole time. I was disappointed when the story ended because, I wanted it to keep going. Can’t wait to read the sequel!

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for an advanced ecopy of this phenom. It is 6am and I’ve just stayed up all night reading Thorn Season. I will write a proper review soon but as far as first takes go - this is a book that reminds me why I love reading. Kiera Azar’s writing and storytelling blew me away and I will be rereading this again soon to catch the details that so intricately wove together to shape the first installment of Alissa’s story in this brutally sharp world.

-- Added after sleep--
This story grabs you and doesn't let go. In a world where her very existence is punishable by death, Lady Alissa Paine must be just as sharp as the blades hunting people like her to survive. There is so much tension, urgency, political intrigue, and the perfect amount of romantic tension (I kept changing who I was rooting for). While I suspect aspects of the plot, the executions of well-developed plot made every detail count, even those that seemed meaningless. I am excited to see where this story goes next, as the plot has only thickened as the first book of this trilogy came to a close.

Thank you to Harper Collins and NetGalley for this early copy of Thorn Season. I enjoyed the first novel of this fantasy trilogy and am intrigued to see where this story leads.

I enjoyed the world building and interesting idea of a “specter.” The FMC, Alissa was very introspective and her constant thoughts and questions helped propel the story. I did find it a little confusing at times as her inner monologue provided question after question. I often had to stop reading and ponder them myself which somewhat took away from just enjoying the story.

I wouldn’t necessarily classify this as a “romantasy.” There are definite romantic themes, but Alissa’s drive to find the compass and unlock all the mysteries of the Wielders in her realm is what drives the story. I would have enjoyed more interactions with Kiel leading up to their farewell(hopefully that’s not the last we see of him!)

I found Erik to be the most interesting of characters. I very enjoyed the “twist” at the end involving his desires.

I would definitely recommend this book and am looking forward to continuing this series.

This new fantasy series had great character and world development. Alissa will lead you through a her journey of how to embrace the power of her bloodline. I can not wait to see what happens in the rest of the series.

3.75/5
Of all the treasonous acts I'd ever committed, this shouldn't have been the one to get me caught.
After going onto Netgalley and seeing that this book was able to be read I jumped at the chance! Having found out about this book fairly recently I was very excited to read it. I personally enjoyed the book! The concept behind the specter was really unique and different. Throughout the book I kept envisioning it differently, in the beginning it seemed to be more like an arrow but towards the middle I ended up seeing it as telekinesis. Alissa was a very interesting protagonist, I had enjoyed seeing the fantasy world from her perspective and I loved the world building throughout the book. Though, I will say I felt like the characters' interactions with each other always felt rushed… Erik’s character had to have been one of my favorites in the book, I felt like he was a compelling character with an interesting history. The overall tone of the book felt magical with a hint of darker tones, like this world has this magic system and a hierarchy, but something is fishy. Overall, it was a very fast read with a unique magic system and I am interested in seeing what happens next.

I downloaded Thorn Season this morning and finished it tonight, I couldn’t stop reading. The story kept pulling me in as the stakes of our FMC were so high and at every turn I wondered how the story would play out. The selection meets shadow and bone with high society political intrigue and a sense of urgency throughout the whole book. One of the best YA books that I have read this year. I can’t wait for book 2 and for everyone to discover Thorn Season.