Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. Alissa joins the kings court for her 18th season and is vying for the kings hand in marriage but has ulterior motives as she’s hiding who she truly is. I’ll be honest for the first half of this book I really didn’t care about anything that was happening with this book and I was kind of confused about some things. Once I started getting into the second half I did become invested and I was desperately hoping this would not be a series but alas I’ll have to read a second one because I’m not curious to see how this resolves. Overall this ended up being decent. Not a favorite.

I struggled with the first half of this book and the worldbuilding, but things got very interesting in the second half. I was also intrigued by the different men and the role of romance in this.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me an eARC of Thorn Season! I picked up this book because it promised to be like The Selection series and it did not disappoint. Before we start off with a review, I will note that it's similarities with The Selection are purely due to the court drama and the undercurrent of a rebellion. That being said, let's dive into the dazzling and dangerous world of Daradon.

Alissa is brilliant, beautiful, and snarky. She also happens to be a Wielder. This is a secret she has kept since birth. Wielders are hunted and killed in Daradon because they are considered dangerous due to the power they possess, a Specter. Alissa is expected to join court for the Rose Season since she has just turned 18. In Daradon, nobles in their eighteen season are expected to join court to then pledge their loyalty to King Erik. While in court, Alissa is tasked with looking for a compass that points to Wielders. Along the way she makes some allies and enemies.

The last 15 pages were a wild ride. I am already impatiently awaiting a sequel. The publisher provided synopsis does make it sound like Thorn Season has a love triangle. I was pleasantly surprised that it does not contain one. Keil is by far my favorite character. His banter was Alissa is delightful. King Erik is a terrifying and dangerous character who is also incredibly well written. Even the side characters were fleshed out and given a decent time to shine. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Thorn Season and cannot wait for the sequel!!

This book is 100% a new favorite of mine!
It has been such a long time since a book has had such a hold on me that I couldn’t physically put it down!

It has everything I want in a Romantasy book and more. There is an alluring magic system that is so unique and I LOVED the banter between Alissa and the MMC! I also felt pretty connected to Alissa early on, and I found myself rooting for her throughout the story.

I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for their next read and I am so excited to see where this series goes next!

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins/ Epic Reads for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really liked the first 30% and last 30% of this one! Unfortunately the middle just really slowed down and I was struggling to get back into it. I really liked the magic system and it was unique. Alissa is definitely a YA fmc she was fairly unlikeable and her choices could be very frustrated but had to constantly remind myself she is 18 and clueless. Once I got to the end the twists and turns sucked me back in.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is going to be a very popular release. It was that good.

I love layered, hard-to-guess-what-happens-next fantasy books. While Thorn Season has the familiar tropes/themes you'd read in many other books in this genre, the execution of them in this book was so well done.

The characters? Interesting, well developed, and have motives that aren't so easily determined. Alissa is a perfect example of a strong woman who isn't the typical bland copy & past idea of a SFC (Strong female character).

The wait for the next book will be worth it.

I had the chance to read an ARC of Thorn Season by Kiera Azar, and I was completely swept away. This is the kind of YA fantasy that pulls you in from the very first page and doesn’t let go. The world of Daradon is dark, elegant, and full of danger, and I loved every second of navigating it alongside Alissa.

Alissa is such a layered, compelling heroine—strong, conflicted, and hiding a secret that could destroy her. As a noble heiress and secret Wielder (in a kingdom that hunts Wielders), her life is a constant balancing act. Her internal struggle, especially being part of a family that hunts people like her, adds so much depth to her character. I found myself rooting for her even when she was forced to make morally grey decisions.

And then there’s the tension. The slow-burn chemistry between Alissa and Kiel? Absolutely delicious. I was obsessed with their dynamic from the start—clever banter, smoldering glances, and that constant will-they-won’t-they energy. Add in a brooding king, political intrigue, dangerous secrets, and you’ve got a recipe for a book I couldn’t put down.

The magic system is cool and unique, and the pacing kept me hooked the whole way through. Honestly, this feels like the start of something big, and I’m already dying for the sequel.

If you love court politics, forbidden magic, enemies-to-lovers vibes, and fierce heroines with dangerous secrets, Thorn Season needs to be on your radar.

4.5⭐️ - If this book doesn't become a BookTok sensation I will be so shocked. Although I would definitely categorize this more as a fantasy romance than a true Romantasy. But I have a feeling the second book will fall more in line with Romantasy, at least I'm hoping it will 👀

The only reason I didn't rate this a solid 5⭐️ is because the beginning felt a little bit info-dumpy to me. I felt like I was constantly referring back a few pages to try and keep up with all of the terminology that was being used, and some of it was introduced in the beginning just to create some shock moments and reveals, but they weren't ever used again, like the Oath Band. That was such a big deal in the beginning of the book but we didn't see another one ever again, and it felt like it was used just to create a moment with Garrett that could be truly shocking.

The magic in this world is really unique and I loved the idea of it being invisible to everyone but the wielder, it wasn't just like Harry Potter magic where things magically float around, there was a tangible essence to the magic that made it feel more realistic. The magic is described as almost like an extra limb, and it's physically painful for the person to not wield their magic. The suspense that was created by these wielders having to use their magic to relieve some of the pressure, but knowing that it's illegal and they can be literally executed on the spot if they're caught added this thick layer of tension over the entire story that I loved.

There were so many reveals in this book that I honestly did not see coming. Looking back the foreshadowing was so subtle and clever and I can definitely see readers enjoying annotating this story. Everything was written so subtly that nothing felt predictable, and the big plot twist in the end was SO. GOOD. I was so shocked and honestly I've never read a twist like that, but I loved every second of it.

And the banter. Oh my gosh the banter. I loved our MMC and FMC, I don't want to say his name because I feel like it was a bit of a reveal, but man do I love him. The tension and back and forth between the two of them was just so good, I couldn't get enough!

I can't wait to read the final version of this book when it's published and to own a physical copy for my shelf!

BookTok better be ready for this one! This was a perfectly done Romantasy that will have you unable to put it down. It was hard to keep up with all the twist and turns of the story and kept me from guessing what was coming next. The characters and the story itself was complex but not overly done that makes it impossible to understand. Can’t wait for book 2 thank you NetGalley and harpercollins children’s books for the arc! Can’t wait to see this book blow up!!!

This story grabbed me from the blurb, making me eager to dive into its pages. Once I did, I knew I was in for a fantastic read. "Thorn Season" by Kiera Azar is the first book in a romantasy trilogy and an excellent start to the series. Think "The Selection", but with magic - and even better.

The book takes place in the Kingdom of Daradon, where Wielders are persecuted for their invisible power, the Specter, which makes them feared by the common people. The story follows Alissa Paine—heiress to a noble lineage and daughter of a Hunter family sworn to hunt Wielders. But Alissa is a Wielder herself, forced to keep her abilities hidden to avoid detection. On her 18th birthday, she must attend the royal court for the debutante season, only to find herself ensnared in court intrigue and caught between two dangerous men: Eric, the cruel king, and Keil, a foreign ambassador. It may be the Rose Season at the palace, but only her wit and thorns will keep her alive.

Court intrigue, an original magic system, secrets and betrayals, hidden agendas, enemies to lovers, forbidden powers, slow-burn romance - this book has it all. While the romance takes a backseat to the plot, there's a touch of well-crafted sexual tension. Plus, no love triangle—a trope I'm more than happy to do without.

This is a highly entertaining romantasy, filled with rich world-building, vivid and original characters, and a captivating magical setting. The magic system is unique, creative, and well-thought-out. The author does an excellent job of portraying her characters - whether protagonists or side characters, each one feels fully developed, from the honorable to the wicked and everyone in between.

Alissa is a fantastic heroine - intelligent, beautiful, sharp-tongued, and strong-willed. But she’s also reckless, daring, and rash. More than once, I wanted to shake her and tell her to stop being such a daredevil! I especially liked her relationship with her father and the genuine care between them. The dialogue, particularly the snappy exchanges between the main characters, was a highlight - whether in moments of flirtation or otherwise.

The pacing is just right - not too fast, not too slow - keeping a steady flow of twists and turns. With its immersive world-building, compelling characters, intricate magic system, and suspenseful plot, this book is an absolute page-turner. The writing style is smooth and easy to follow, and the thrilling ending perfectly sets the stage for the second book in the trilogy.

From the very first page, this story pulled me in and kept me hooked. I loved it and can’t wait for the next installment. While aimed at a YA audience, this book is an engaging, fast-paced read that any adult fantasy lover would enjoy. Full stars from me!

*Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.

I highly enjoyed this title!! The romance was delightful to read & it had just the right amount of high stakes to keep me super engaged. The world the author has built was well done, and easy enough to follow along with. I’m very excited to see what happens to Alissa’s character in the next book!

I really can't believe that this is Kiera Azar's debut novel. This book was so well written. I thought the pacing was perfect, nothing felt rushed or too slow. The magic system was unique and well thought out. I didn't find it confusing nor hard to understand at all. Alissa's actions in the book did make me anxious but it kept my attention; I needed to know what was going to happen next. I didn't see the plot twists at the end coming.

I'm so excited for this to be released to the world. I will be (im)patiently waiting for the next book in the series.

I absolutley loved this book! I was gripped into the story as soon as I started and finished it in one sitting. I loved the authors writing style because it made it very easy to read and follow the plot. The characters were very unique but there journey was amazing and extremely satisfying to read. I will be recommending this book to all of my family and friends.

Wow, this book REALLY hooked me from the beginning. The premise was so good, I was so intrigued by Alissa, and Keil, and even Carmen the whole entire ride. Some of the twist and turns really got me thinking, and I found myself unable to put the dang book down after I hit the halfway mark! I just had to know what was happening, who was really at the bottom of the Hunters' unsanctioned murders... and I'll tell you, the reveal was SO worth it! I cannot wait to continue following Alissa's story in the next book... that I'm already fiending for!

I literally can’t believe I got to read this before it came out into the world…..
It’s almost like Kiera looked into my brain and found almost everything I could possibly want from a romantasy??? Like how did YOU know exactly what I wanted to read you wonderful woman!!! I remember telling my friend I need a book filled with explosive tension and did Kiera sign, seal, and deliver on that.
I loved this book from beginning to end. Hello new favorite balcony scene?? The mystery, the intrigue, the colorful story telling were all so amazing, I swear I was transported into the story on every page. Alissa is my new hero, thank you writing such a strong and sassy heroine.
Friends, when I tell you please add this book to your TBR, Im telling you it’s like a watching a romcom with your favorite takeout on the couch on a Friday night, the perfect way to enjoy your evening. I have a 6month old and you’re darned right I was reading during nap time and at every bed time!

I was thinking at the beginning that I read many books like this, but before I was halfway through I was thinking about how many different turns it took and it had become unique. I really enjoyed it. Great characters and storytelling. I'm already excited for the next one.

I enjoyed this book. I found it to be engaging, and at times could not put it down. I'm looking forward to the next one!

SO OBSESSED! FMC Alissa has a rare magic the king has executed a countless number of his subjects for. Fighting to stay alive by using her charm and whit, she blends in as a Lady of her province. Her father a Lord Heron has tried many many years working and covering her magical tracks, until he can t any longer. In this land or kingdom rather when the courtiers turn 18 they enter the season. A worldwind of lavish balls and several social/royal engagements. It is also at this time Alissa decided to proceed as tradition incurs and by doing so elects to stay at the palace. Her father fears the most he ever has for her daughters safety and begs her to delay. Headstrong and hating the king she does the exact opposite as she figures she can keep her enemy close with the king being besotted with her. She intends to use it to her advantage when an unexpected newcomer joins court. An ambassador who also has Alissa s deadly magic from a neighboring kingdom. She fights as hard as she can to continue to keep her gift a secret and she struggles because all she has ever wanted to do was find another with her magic. Meanwhile she ‘s thrust right into a battle with Hunters, and special group of soldiers set on detroying all those with the treasonous magic she posseses. While at court Alissa hides her secret well and is intrigued by the newcomer, the King only has eyes for her and vows she will be his. After quite sometime secrets emerge about one of the nobel familes and soon after a deep heartbreak befalls Alissa. She is then recruited to recover a magical device by jer childhood friend so it can be hidden from the Hunters to stop the slaughter of those with magic. A wild ride and I am COMPLETELY OBSESSED AND CANT WAIT UNTIL I HAVE MY PHYSICAL BOOK IN MY HANDS!!!!!

I LOVED THIS BOOK! The magic system was unique and interesting. The characters were so complex and the way the main character changes throughout the book based on events makes so much sense to the story. I laughed. I blushed. I cried.

The way the author kept me on my toes was wonderful. Often because of how much fantasy I read I have come to find books to be very predictable but there were so many twist and turns that I found myself surprised by a lot of this book. She has set up such an interesting heroine, an intriguing love interest and the perfect villain! My only regret in reading his arc is that I will now have to wait longer for book 2😭.

Binge worthy, I devoured this in one day. The magic is an inherited trait and a faceless guard will hunt you for it. I’m intrigued to see how this series continues in the next book.