The Thorns Remain

I really enjoyed the setting of this book, and the vibrancy of the town that it was set in. The book carefully and slowly reveals the relationships between the characters, which felt very authentic. The dark, twisted fae and their unearthly beauty were compelling, and I couldn't put the book down until I knew how it ended. The romance wasn't what I expected, but worked, and despite the semi-anticlimactic ending it did feel like something was learned. Overall, a good book that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys dark fae/fantasy, and stories of normal, hardworking people who encounter hard times.

I really enjoyed this book!The story is great and so is all characters. It’s well written and uses a fantastic language that adds to the story.Got a bit whimsical towards the end but did not take away from how great the book was!Hard to put down, sad to have finished it!

I loved this book. It has everything I want from an excellent read. An atmospheric setting, a tough as nails (😉) heroine, good character development and a great style of writing.It deals with themes of grief, toxicity and queerness while avoiding typical YA clichés.

I didn’t really expect much from this book, but once I started I found I couldn’t put it down. I was never sure where the story would go, so it kept me on my toes. I thought Moira might fall in love with the fairy prince or he might bring back her lost lover. I thought her friends would be saved, or perhaps not. I thought there would be a “ fairy tale” ending and everybody would live happily ever after, or perhaps not. It kept me guessing right to the end. I also loved being introduced to the various far creatures. All in all, a delight. I recommend!

This book has done an amazing job of portraying grief, depression, and feeling trapped, while still being able to find an adventure, even in a tiny village - at least in the first half. I do think the protagonist ruins the book by being overly “loyal” to the people in her life that use her, without offering much in return, while rejecting the person who wants to literally give her a world. I feel like the MFC is portrayed as smart, but continues to make poor choices. I also really didn’t like the ending and thing the scenes leading up to it were drawn out disappointing. She couldn’t even wave goodbye to the fae that fell in love with her, that she then rejected. I think of the MFC and MMC, she is the one who doesn’t actually grow or learn from their situation, other than deciding to move - which was already her plan. Really great start to a book, lackluster and disappointing ending.