Status
Available
Call number
Series
Collections
Publication
Greenwillow Books (2011), Hardcover, 432 pages
Description
A fearful sixteen-year-old princess discovers her heroic destiny after being married off to the king of a neighboring country in turmoil and pursued by enemies seething with dark magic.
User reviews
LibraryThing member beserene
I've lived with this book behind my mind for a few days now; I like it, very much, but there are parts of it that have snagged my thoughts, in good ways and bad, and made it more difficult to articulate why I like it. That's a perfectly acceptable problem to have with a book; thought-provoking is
Thought the first: Carson has created a wonderful main character in Elisa. Elisa is a princess from birth, soft and coddled when we meet her. She is also overweight. That trait in and of itself is unusual enough in YA literature to be laudable -- when was the last time you met with a book in which the main character was overweight and pretty and intelligent and a princess? Yeah, that's what I thought -- but the intimacy with which Elisa's relationship to her own body is described resonates with the reader in such a genuine way, it deserves more than just kudos for uniqueness. Particularly in the first half of the novel, Elisa is so lost in her own shape, she cannot see herself in any other context; her perspective is so flawed, yet so real, that the reader -- especially any reader who has ever had body issues -- instantly and completely relates. The way that Elisa interprets -- often wrongly -- the expressions of others to fit within her skewed context also resonates as genuine, a coping structure that many readers will recognize. But weight and self-esteem problems are not all there is to consider in Elisa. The balance of the character defies "type"; she is pampered and unintentionally self-absorbed, certainly, yet also good-intentioned, bright and open. In other words, even among the trappings of royalty, in a fantasy novel, with a supernatural jewel plugged into her belly, Elisa is Everygirl.
That superb humanity and relatability brings me to thought the second: Flaws make for great, incredibly human characters all around. The vast majority of the characters, including but not limited to Elisa, are complex and beautifully flawed here. Carson plays with common expectation around every turn: look, there's the handsome prince -- oh, wait, he's not perfect. Look, there's the prettier-than-thou maidservant -- oh, wait, she is seriously complicated. Look, there's the enemy -- oh, wait... maybe not. That happens time and time again, and each time the story twists a stereotype or subverts an expectation, it makes things even more compelling.
Compelling reading is, in fact, the stuff this novel was made of. Yes, that's thought the third. The plot of the novel -- which involves spiritual destiny, arranged marriage, kidnapping, faith lost and found, love found and lost, guerilla warfare, palace intrigue, and (can we fit anything else in here?) treasonous plots -- is brimful of adventure and moves along at a brisk pace. While there is plenty of introspection throughout Elisa's experience, the novel doesn't get bogged down in her melancholy, even when there is plenty of opportunity to do so, and her reasonably heroic transformation isn't forced, but for the most part naturally meshes with the plot points. (I wish I could discuss some of those plot points in more detail, because some of Carson's choices are wicked awesome, but that would be entirely too spoilerriffic.)
In fact, given that this unusual YA novel is mostly about a young woman's self-esteem -- you know, with plot -- it's pretty amazing that it manages to avoid preachiness for as long as it does. Which is almost to the end. And thought the fifth is that one word... almost. At the end of the novel, there is one point where I, the reader, suddenly felt like I had been McGuffined into an after-school special. That feeling of overemphasized "lesson" may have been because the novel lost some balance there at the end, with an almost too-swift climax being swamped by extra introspection needed for our characters' closure, or it might simply have been that it is incredibly difficult to wrap up a novel that has as many facets (yep) as this one does -- or, it might just have been me. Regardless, an otherwise strong story wobbled a bit there. Even so, given that each of the "lesson" moments -- the subtle ones as well as that not-so-subtle one -- delivers an idea that is deeply positive, and very different from the messages most modern media aims at teens, a bit of wobbling can be easily forgiven. While I do have to say **SLIGHT SPOILER COMING! ** that it would be nice, someday, to read a story where the overweight girl can realize her self-worth before she loses weight, that might be asking too much of humanity there, not just novelists. Also, that might be me being bitter. Given that those are the biggest issues this novel has, in my opinion, it's pretty darn good.
Final thoughts: This is not your average teen girl fantasy novel, and that is a very good thing. Certainly, there are some parts of the novel that are flawed or that may bother readers, for one reason or another -- there is even one amazing, major change, which I will not reveal here, in the second half of the novel that will make some readers rage aloud momentarily -- , but Carson has made bold choices and taken the road less traveled, and that has made a positive difference (thanks, Frost). I think you should read this. It is, in fact, a Very Good Book.
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always a good determination to make. And it is quite true -- Rae Carson's novel provokes a lot of thought. Thought the first: Carson has created a wonderful main character in Elisa. Elisa is a princess from birth, soft and coddled when we meet her. She is also overweight. That trait in and of itself is unusual enough in YA literature to be laudable -- when was the last time you met with a book in which the main character was overweight and pretty and intelligent and a princess? Yeah, that's what I thought -- but the intimacy with which Elisa's relationship to her own body is described resonates with the reader in such a genuine way, it deserves more than just kudos for uniqueness. Particularly in the first half of the novel, Elisa is so lost in her own shape, she cannot see herself in any other context; her perspective is so flawed, yet so real, that the reader -- especially any reader who has ever had body issues -- instantly and completely relates. The way that Elisa interprets -- often wrongly -- the expressions of others to fit within her skewed context also resonates as genuine, a coping structure that many readers will recognize. But weight and self-esteem problems are not all there is to consider in Elisa. The balance of the character defies "type"; she is pampered and unintentionally self-absorbed, certainly, yet also good-intentioned, bright and open. In other words, even among the trappings of royalty, in a fantasy novel, with a supernatural jewel plugged into her belly, Elisa is Everygirl.
That superb humanity and relatability brings me to thought the second: Flaws make for great, incredibly human characters all around. The vast majority of the characters, including but not limited to Elisa, are complex and beautifully flawed here. Carson plays with common expectation around every turn: look, there's the handsome prince -- oh, wait, he's not perfect. Look, there's the prettier-than-thou maidservant -- oh, wait, she is seriously complicated. Look, there's the enemy -- oh, wait... maybe not. That happens time and time again, and each time the story twists a stereotype or subverts an expectation, it makes things even more compelling.
Compelling reading is, in fact, the stuff this novel was made of. Yes, that's thought the third. The plot of the novel -- which involves spiritual destiny, arranged marriage, kidnapping, faith lost and found, love found and lost, guerilla warfare, palace intrigue, and (can we fit anything else in here?) treasonous plots -- is brimful of adventure and moves along at a brisk pace. While there is plenty of introspection throughout Elisa's experience, the novel doesn't get bogged down in her melancholy, even when there is plenty of opportunity to do so, and her reasonably heroic transformation isn't forced, but for the most part naturally meshes with the plot points. (I wish I could discuss some of those plot points in more detail, because some of Carson's choices are wicked awesome, but that would be entirely too spoilerriffic.)
In fact, given that this unusual YA novel is mostly about a young woman's self-esteem -- you know, with plot -- it's pretty amazing that it manages to avoid preachiness for as long as it does. Which is almost to the end. And thought the fifth is that one word... almost. At the end of the novel, there is one point where I, the reader, suddenly felt like I had been McGuffined into an after-school special. That feeling of overemphasized "lesson" may have been because the novel lost some balance there at the end, with an almost too-swift climax being swamped by extra introspection needed for our characters' closure, or it might simply have been that it is incredibly difficult to wrap up a novel that has as many facets (yep) as this one does -- or, it might just have been me. Regardless, an otherwise strong story wobbled a bit there. Even so, given that each of the "lesson" moments -- the subtle ones as well as that not-so-subtle one -- delivers an idea that is deeply positive, and very different from the messages most modern media aims at teens, a bit of wobbling can be easily forgiven. While I do have to say **SLIGHT SPOILER COMING! ** that it would be nice, someday, to read a story where the overweight girl can realize her self-worth before she loses weight, that might be asking too much of humanity there, not just novelists. Also, that might be me being bitter. Given that those are the biggest issues this novel has, in my opinion, it's pretty darn good.
Final thoughts: This is not your average teen girl fantasy novel, and that is a very good thing. Certainly, there are some parts of the novel that are flawed or that may bother readers, for one reason or another -- there is even one amazing, major change, which I will not reveal here, in the second half of the novel that will make some readers rage aloud momentarily -- , but Carson has made bold choices and taken the road less traveled, and that has made a positive difference (thanks, Frost). I think you should read this. It is, in fact, a Very Good Book.
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LibraryThing member foggidawn
Princess Lucero-Elisa de Riqueza of Orovalle is not one of the sword-wielding, butt-kicking heroines that one encounters in some fantasy novels. She's not known for her bravery or her skill with a blade. She's known for her scholarship, her fondness for pastries, and her skill at embroidery. She's
Elisa has always know that, as the younger princess, she will make a politically advantageous marriage. When she is betrothed to Alejandro de Vega, king of Joya d'Arena, she prays that her husband will be old and ugly, that he will not mind that he is marrying her and not her lovely older sister. Instead, she finds Alejandro to be handsome, charming . . . and weak. All is not well in Joya d'Arena -- criminals and revolutionaries lurk in the jungle, an invading army menaces the territories to the east, and the royal court is riddled with intrigue and political backstabbing. Then, something happens that Elisa never expected, and she is thrown into a situation that changes her inside and out. When faced with the biggest challenges life has ever thrown at her, Elisa finds hidden reserves of strength and courage.
I love so many things about this book. Elisa's character development is pitch-perfect, and she's believable and relatable all the way through. The secondary characters are well-drawn, the setting is fully described (though I wish the book included a map), and Carson does not shy away from hard decisions about the lives and deaths of really likable characters. I also like the way religion is handled in the book, and how central it is to Elisa's life. I strongly recommend this book to all fantasy fans, and I know it's one I will return to often.
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overweight and (mostly) content to be so. The only other unique thing about Elisa is that she bears the Godstone in her bellybutton -- one person in a century is given this mysterious gift, marked as someone who will do a great act of service.Elisa has always know that, as the younger princess, she will make a politically advantageous marriage. When she is betrothed to Alejandro de Vega, king of Joya d'Arena, she prays that her husband will be old and ugly, that he will not mind that he is marrying her and not her lovely older sister. Instead, she finds Alejandro to be handsome, charming . . . and weak. All is not well in Joya d'Arena -- criminals and revolutionaries lurk in the jungle, an invading army menaces the territories to the east, and the royal court is riddled with intrigue and political backstabbing. Then, something happens that Elisa never expected, and she is thrown into a situation that changes her inside and out. When faced with the biggest challenges life has ever thrown at her, Elisa finds hidden reserves of strength and courage.
I love so many things about this book. Elisa's character development is pitch-perfect, and she's believable and relatable all the way through. The secondary characters are well-drawn, the setting is fully described (though I wish the book included a map), and Carson does not shy away from hard decisions about the lives and deaths of really likable characters. I also like the way religion is handled in the book, and how central it is to Elisa's life. I strongly recommend this book to all fantasy fans, and I know it's one I will return to often.
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LibraryThing member andreablythe
Elisa bears the Godstone, a diamond-like jewel in her belly that marks her as destined to perform some great act of service in the future — if she can survive in the turbulent times ahead with war on the horizon. When she is secretly married on her sixteenth birthday to a king in a neighboring
I enjoyed seeing Elisa's personal transition. Her story, as much as it is about war, adventure, love, and magic, is also very much about growing up and meeting the challenges life puts in front of you, something especially difficult when you're young. In the beginning, she's struggling. She feels useless and like and outcast, believing her sister hates her and that her family is happy to be rid of her through marriage. She eats to sooth her emotions. She's a large girl and because she compares herself with her slender, graceful sister, she indulges in further self-loathing. Some readers might find her whiny, but I could sympathize with Elisa. Being a teenager can really suck. I know, I've been there. I've spend a fair share of my teenage days hating my body and feeling like an horrible, ugly unwanted outcast. Maybe that's a part of the reason why it was so cool seeing her grow as a person as she faced each new challenge, becoming stronger in confidence, body, and soul.
Something I also really liked was the world-building and setting. The towns and people's names are inspired by the Spanish language and the people are generally dark skinned. The setting is jungles and the deserts and hills, so not the typical British Isles-style feudal fantasy.
While the religion described in the book seemed a little too simple and too widespread with no competing belief systems, I appreciated that there were variations in how characters approached their belief. In fact, it's the variations in interpretation that causes much of the overall problems throughout the book.
While far from a perfect read, The Girl of Fire and Thorns was enjoyable. I'll be picking up the sequel soon.
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country, she finds herself thrust directly into that turmoil. I enjoyed seeing Elisa's personal transition. Her story, as much as it is about war, adventure, love, and magic, is also very much about growing up and meeting the challenges life puts in front of you, something especially difficult when you're young. In the beginning, she's struggling. She feels useless and like and outcast, believing her sister hates her and that her family is happy to be rid of her through marriage. She eats to sooth her emotions. She's a large girl and because she compares herself with her slender, graceful sister, she indulges in further self-loathing. Some readers might find her whiny, but I could sympathize with Elisa. Being a teenager can really suck. I know, I've been there. I've spend a fair share of my teenage days hating my body and feeling like an horrible, ugly unwanted outcast. Maybe that's a part of the reason why it was so cool seeing her grow as a person as she faced each new challenge, becoming stronger in confidence, body, and soul.
Something I also really liked was the world-building and setting. The towns and people's names are inspired by the Spanish language and the people are generally dark skinned. The setting is jungles and the deserts and hills, so not the typical British Isles-style feudal fantasy.
While the religion described in the book seemed a little too simple and too widespread with no competing belief systems, I appreciated that there were variations in how characters approached their belief. In fact, it's the variations in interpretation that causes much of the overall problems throughout the book.
While far from a perfect read, The Girl of Fire and Thorns was enjoyable. I'll be picking up the sequel soon.
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LibraryThing member keristars
I basically read The Girl of Fire and Thorns in a single day, because once I began, it was so engrossing that I couldn't bear to wait until the next day to finish reading. It is one of my favorite genres, which helps a bit - princess adventures with a touch of magic. (There's a little bit the "Farm
It really is an adventure story, with a lot going on. I can't really say that it is about any one thing, as there are a lot of things that it could be about - I don't think you could even limit it to being about the main character and our narrator, Elisa, since some of the topics are more general and are simply explored through her.
Of course, if you read other reviews and synopses, some of the major topics become clear: religion, faith, destiny, self-confidence, body size/image, war, friendship, and trust.
I think that Carson did a splendid job at handling the very many plot hooks and themes, and didn't really feel let down at any one point. I was surprised by some of her narrative choices, whether because she went an unexpected route, or because she did what I expected - but only after leaving very obvious red herrings. Since much of the foreshadowing came to play out very regularly, those red herrings were all the more surprising in the end.
Speaking of the end, I think that while it was a bit rushed and a little beyond my ability to suspend belief regarding the stated passage of time, I thoroughly enjoyed that it is very bittersweet. Without spoiling too much, I hope, I found that the ending was hopeful and as positive for Elisa as it could be, considering the hardships she suffered to get to that point. I'm given to understand that there may be a sequel in the works, but I don't think a sequel is necessary at all. I am very happy to think of Elisa growing into a mature woman and capable queen (oops, spoiler?) with the pieces that were set out in the last chapters, and I don't need more. (I'll probably read a sequel anyway, though!)
Two themes in the book had me wary before reading, worrying that it might be totally horrible and not my thing and I'd hate it. Luckily, this wasn't the case!
The first item is the religious aspect. Elisa is very devout to her faith, and is, in fact, living proof of a supernatural God. There is a crystal or gemstone lodged in her abdomen that spontaneously and miraculously appeared at her nameday, and which burns hot or cold with no clear physical reason. While titled "religion" and all, I felt that this wasn't very indistinguishable from much magic in other books. The God and religion in The Girl of Fire and Thorns is very tangible and with an unmistakable presence.
I did like the way Carson addressed religious schisms and fundamentalism, as well as different translations/interpretations of the religious texts. In the context of the story, the ultimate message to "continue to have faith and trust that things will work out as God intends, but there's nothing wrong with stepping up and trying to help things along" makes a lot of sense, though I'd think it's kind of stupid in a story based in our reality with no proof of the supernatural.
The second item is Elisa's appearance, though again, a lot of it is helped by the context of the story. I hate the idea that in order to have self-confidence and happiness, one must be thin and conventionally attractive, and a lot of stories force their overweight heroines to slim down for no particular reason than to get that "happy" ending. But for Elisa, things are a bit different. While she is terribly overweight and unhappy about it in the beginning of the book, with doubt that anyone looks beyond her appearance even while having no motivation to change it (something so many of us can relate to!), and she does become much slimmer by the end, it isn't just for the "happy". Her weight loss is due to some pretty serious events and accompanies weeks or months of grueling physical exertion and not-quite-enough food. It is not a positive thing for her, though it does result in positive effects - being more physically fit and able to walk long distances or being able to fit into ready-made disguises more easily. In fact, much later, Elisa jokes that her new size is only temporary, but it seemed to me that she was only half-joking, that she accepts that she might gain much of the weight back - she often mentions how food is a comfort to her, and that and the lack of physical exertion needed as a member of royalty is part of why she became overweight in the first place. She also points out that she may have lost a lot of weight and looks better in clothes, but she's by no means conventionally attractive, with loose skin due to the sudden near-starvation, and I suspect that she's still a bit overweight, if not nearly as much so as at the beginning.
On the whole, I found Elisa to be a very believable and sympathetic character. She is a princess and was raised as a princess, so is pampered and spoiled and a little self-centered, but she grows in the story, recognizes this, and attempts to improve these faults. But she's also quiet (a bit shy, really), observant, studious, and cares deeply about others. She does her best with what she has at hand, but isn't always successful, and sometimes makes the wrong choice.
I could go on about many other things I found interesting in the book, from the other characters to the various relationships, but they can mostly be described as the more important they are to the basic workings of the plot, the more nuanced they are, without being wholly Black or White, which was very nice.
I very much enjoyed The Girl of Fire and Thorns and can see why it's received so many positive comments, and why it took a month for my library hold to come in!
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boy" story and romance as well!)It really is an adventure story, with a lot going on. I can't really say that it is about any one thing, as there are a lot of things that it could be about - I don't think you could even limit it to being about the main character and our narrator, Elisa, since some of the topics are more general and are simply explored through her.
Of course, if you read other reviews and synopses, some of the major topics become clear: religion, faith, destiny, self-confidence, body size/image, war, friendship, and trust.
I think that Carson did a splendid job at handling the very many plot hooks and themes, and didn't really feel let down at any one point. I was surprised by some of her narrative choices, whether because she went an unexpected route, or because she did what I expected - but only after leaving very obvious red herrings. Since much of the foreshadowing came to play out very regularly, those red herrings were all the more surprising in the end.
Speaking of the end, I think that while it was a bit rushed and a little beyond my ability to suspend belief regarding the stated passage of time, I thoroughly enjoyed that it is very bittersweet. Without spoiling too much, I hope, I found that the ending was hopeful and as positive for Elisa as it could be, considering the hardships she suffered to get to that point. I'm given to understand that there may be a sequel in the works, but I don't think a sequel is necessary at all. I am very happy to think of Elisa growing into a mature woman and capable queen (oops, spoiler?) with the pieces that were set out in the last chapters, and I don't need more. (I'll probably read a sequel anyway, though!)
Two themes in the book had me wary before reading, worrying that it might be totally horrible and not my thing and I'd hate it. Luckily, this wasn't the case!
The first item is the religious aspect. Elisa is very devout to her faith, and is, in fact, living proof of a supernatural God. There is a crystal or gemstone lodged in her abdomen that spontaneously and miraculously appeared at her nameday, and which burns hot or cold with no clear physical reason. While titled "religion" and all, I felt that this wasn't very indistinguishable from much magic in other books. The God and religion in The Girl of Fire and Thorns is very tangible and with an unmistakable presence.
I did like the way Carson addressed religious schisms and fundamentalism, as well as different translations/interpretations of the religious texts. In the context of the story, the ultimate message to "continue to have faith and trust that things will work out as God intends, but there's nothing wrong with stepping up and trying to help things along" makes a lot of sense, though I'd think it's kind of stupid in a story based in our reality with no proof of the supernatural.
The second item is Elisa's appearance, though again, a lot of it is helped by the context of the story. I hate the idea that in order to have self-confidence and happiness, one must be thin and conventionally attractive, and a lot of stories force their overweight heroines to slim down for no particular reason than to get that "happy" ending. But for Elisa, things are a bit different. While she is terribly overweight and unhappy about it in the beginning of the book, with doubt that anyone looks beyond her appearance even while having no motivation to change it (something so many of us can relate to!), and she does become much slimmer by the end, it isn't just for the "happy". Her weight loss is due to some pretty serious events and accompanies weeks or months of grueling physical exertion and not-quite-enough food. It is not a positive thing for her, though it does result in positive effects - being more physically fit and able to walk long distances or being able to fit into ready-made disguises more easily. In fact, much later, Elisa jokes that her new size is only temporary, but it seemed to me that she was only half-joking, that she accepts that she might gain much of the weight back - she often mentions how food is a comfort to her, and that and the lack of physical exertion needed as a member of royalty is part of why she became overweight in the first place. She also points out that she may have lost a lot of weight and looks better in clothes, but she's by no means conventionally attractive, with loose skin due to the sudden near-starvation, and I suspect that she's still a bit overweight, if not nearly as much so as at the beginning.
On the whole, I found Elisa to be a very believable and sympathetic character. She is a princess and was raised as a princess, so is pampered and spoiled and a little self-centered, but she grows in the story, recognizes this, and attempts to improve these faults. But she's also quiet (a bit shy, really), observant, studious, and cares deeply about others. She does her best with what she has at hand, but isn't always successful, and sometimes makes the wrong choice.
I could go on about many other things I found interesting in the book, from the other characters to the various relationships, but they can mostly be described as the more important they are to the basic workings of the plot, the more nuanced they are, without being wholly Black or White, which was very nice.
I very much enjoyed The Girl of Fire and Thorns and can see why it's received so many positive comments, and why it took a month for my library hold to come in!
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LibraryThing member fyrefly98
Summary: Princess Elisa has known from birth that she is destined for great things. She bears the Godstone, a jewel in her navel, the sign that she is a Bearer, one who comes once every four generations to perform a great service in the name of God. But Elisa doesn't feel like she's capable of a
Review: This book didn't quite work for me, but I'm having a heck of a time trying to pin down exactly why not. More specifically, I'm trying to figure out why I was so decidedly "meh" about this book while I absolutely loved The Curse of Chalion, given that their major theme - what it means to be chosen by God (or a god) to carry out their will in the world - is essentially the same.
I think a large part of it boils down to the difference between "chosen by God" vs. "chosen by a god." The religious system in The Girl of Fire and Thorns is never explicitly Christian, but apart from some changes in the details, it's pretty obviously Christian in derivation. There's a lot of emphasis on the sustaining power of prayer, and the nobility of self-sacrifice and service to others, etc. And while I've said that I like books about religion, I don't like religious books, and this one felt like it too often tipped to the wrong side of that line. There wasn't a whole lot of critical thinking about the religion within the scope of the book, and the one avenue that I thought was promising - what if God had also chosen Bearers among the enemy? - was dismissed as heretical and not explored very fully. Maybe that's the difference: while Elisa is trying to figure out what it means to be a Bearer, she never questions that it is something sacred and holy, but Cazaril from The Curse of Chalion is able to look at the process of being a saint with a more wryly self-reflective eye, and he's able to admit that the whole process is damned inconvenient at times.
I think another reason The Girl of Fire and Thorns didn't really work for me as well as it could have is that I didn't really care for any of the characters. I like my heroines strong-willed and competent, and while Elisa gets there (sort of) eventually, I was already pretty annoyed with her uselessness and doormat-ish-ness by the time she did. I also wasn't thrilled with the fact that she doesn't find her self-confidence and skills until she loses weight. I appreciated that she didn't magically become super-skinny, but I would have been better pleased if she'd realized that she had the ability to do great things etc. etc. no matter what she looked like, rather than the realization of "hey, I'm not fat anymore! Maybe I can be useful after all!" It's subtle, but it still bugged.
It's a shame that I had these problems with the characters and the religious system, though, since I thought the worldbuilding, and Carson's prose style, had a lot of potential. I don't see a lot of Spanish-flavored fantasy (although there's another similarity to The Curse of Chalion!), and I enjoyed how Carson was able to move the setting from castle to jungle to desert and back, really capturing the feeling of each. Jennifer Ikeda also did a fine job with the audiobook reading, really bringing the characters to life and doing a nice job differentiating the voices. 3 out of 5 stars.
Recommendation: Overall, this book wasn't bad, and I can definitely see it appealing to those who don't mind a strong Christian-y flavor to their fantasy, but I never really got into it enough to be motivated to seek out the sequels.
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great service: she's well-educated, but not as politically savvy, as confident, or as thin as her elder sister. When she's married to the King of a neighboring country, a country that is on the verge of war with the sorcerous mages of Invierne, she will have to find the confidence in herself to complete her destined task. But how will she even know what that task is, when she knows so little about the Godstone and what it means, and when even the few people she thinks she can trust are keeping secrets from her?Review: This book didn't quite work for me, but I'm having a heck of a time trying to pin down exactly why not. More specifically, I'm trying to figure out why I was so decidedly "meh" about this book while I absolutely loved The Curse of Chalion, given that their major theme - what it means to be chosen by God (or a god) to carry out their will in the world - is essentially the same.
I think a large part of it boils down to the difference between "chosen by God" vs. "chosen by a god." The religious system in The Girl of Fire and Thorns is never explicitly Christian, but apart from some changes in the details, it's pretty obviously Christian in derivation. There's a lot of emphasis on the sustaining power of prayer, and the nobility of self-sacrifice and service to others, etc. And while I've said that I like books about religion, I don't like religious books, and this one felt like it too often tipped to the wrong side of that line. There wasn't a whole lot of critical thinking about the religion within the scope of the book, and the one avenue that I thought was promising - what if God had also chosen Bearers among the enemy? - was dismissed as heretical and not explored very fully. Maybe that's the difference: while Elisa is trying to figure out what it means to be a Bearer, she never questions that it is something sacred and holy, but Cazaril from The Curse of Chalion is able to look at the process of being a saint with a more wryly self-reflective eye, and he's able to admit that the whole process is damned inconvenient at times.
I think another reason The Girl of Fire and Thorns didn't really work for me as well as it could have is that I didn't really care for any of the characters. I like my heroines strong-willed and competent, and while Elisa gets there (sort of) eventually, I was already pretty annoyed with her uselessness and doormat-ish-ness by the time she did. I also wasn't thrilled with the fact that she doesn't find her self-confidence and skills until she loses weight. I appreciated that she didn't magically become super-skinny, but I would have been better pleased if she'd realized that she had the ability to do great things etc. etc. no matter what she looked like, rather than the realization of "hey, I'm not fat anymore! Maybe I can be useful after all!" It's subtle, but it still bugged.
It's a shame that I had these problems with the characters and the religious system, though, since I thought the worldbuilding, and Carson's prose style, had a lot of potential. I don't see a lot of Spanish-flavored fantasy (although there's another similarity to The Curse of Chalion!), and I enjoyed how Carson was able to move the setting from castle to jungle to desert and back, really capturing the feeling of each. Jennifer Ikeda also did a fine job with the audiobook reading, really bringing the characters to life and doing a nice job differentiating the voices. 3 out of 5 stars.
Recommendation: Overall, this book wasn't bad, and I can definitely see it appealing to those who don't mind a strong Christian-y flavor to their fantasy, but I never really got into it enough to be motivated to seek out the sequels.
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LibraryThing member callmecayce
I really, really liked this book. I thought it was well written and plotted and the characters were immensely interesting and entertaining. I was worried that they were going to have a Stockholm syndrome type relationship between the main character and her kidnapper, but luckily Carson was able to
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avoid that and instead create a unique relationship without pushing any of my buttons. I also found that the risks she (and the characters, of course) took were well thought out and while sad, the end was very rewarding and satisfying. Show Less
LibraryThing member Coranne
I have been mulling over this review. I am still a little unsure of what to write. I loved this book so much, but any books where the protagonist is overweight automatically puts me on edge. Being a plus sized lady, I did NOT want to read another "This girl got skinny and beautiful and THEN
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everything good happened to her." I even went to my good friend Google and read through the author's interviews about her perception of the book. I doubt I have had to work this had for a review in awhile.I really did enjoy this book. It had a good fantasy story (although I did giggle to myself once or twice that Elisa reminded me of a Treasure Troll with the jewel in her belly). I liked that she was an unlikely hero. Elisa is not a likable character- she is lazy and deals with her emotions by eating. She is very selfish and doesn't think far beyond herself. I really loved the evolution of Elisa's character during the course of the book. Does she lose weight? Yes. Did that bug me? Yes. But I had to get off of my own problems with weight discrimination and see that the changes that happened to Elisa had nothing to do with her weight- or loss of weight. She grew up and took responsibility for herself and others. She stopped running and hiding and stopped trying to be coddled by others. Elisa's weight was not the point of the book. Elisa is a selfish spoiled girl who turns into someone who is prepared to run an entire kingdom. She grows up.I am glad this story is the first of a trilogy. I really want to see what is going to happen to Elisa. Although the story was tied up to some degree at the end- there are still many unanswered questions for the reader- namely in Elisa's love life.I would absolutely recommend reading this book- but even more, I hope that you will take the time to think through the character and what happens to her. Show Less
LibraryThing member devilwrites
The premise: ganked from publisher's website: Once a century, one person is chosen for greatness.
Elisa is the chosen one.
But she is also the younger of two princesses. The one who has never done anything remarkable, and can’t see how she ever will.
Now, on her sixteenth birthday, she has become
And he’s not the only one who seeks her. Savage enemies, seething with dark magic, are hunting her. A daring, determined revolutionary thinks she could be his people’s savior, and he looks at her in a way that no man has ever looked at her before. Soon it is not just her life, but her very heart that is at stake.
Elisa could be everything to those who need her most. If the prophecy is fulfilled. If she finds the power deep within herself. If she doesn’t die young.
Most of the chosen do.
My Rating: Couldn't Put It Down
The Girl of Fire and Thorns came THISCLOSE to getting my top rating of "My Precious," but because I kept debating it, I decided that was reason enough to make it my second best rating (which is still damn awesome), because my top rating should not be any books I debate about. Still, The Girl of Fire and Thorns is a marvelous book that is rich with themes and important issues, yet is also an utterly enjoyable epic fantasy with an utterly capable heroine (weight doesn't matter!). People talk about wanting to have coffee with certain characters, and I'll just say, I'd totally hang out with Elisa. I loved her, and this book is one of the many reasons I postpone my Top Ten list because it snuck in under the 2011 deadline, and my reading year is all the richer for it. It's a book that has an unusual heroine and twists a lot of the genre's expectations for plot, which excited me greatly. It's also one of those that makes me forget I'm reading a YA novel, because the age of the characters is rather irrelevant in light of the story. It's a fantastic read, and I can't recommend it enough. I can't wait to get my hands on the rest of the trilogy! Oh! And if you like Megan Whalen Turner? Pearl North? You'll like this.
Spoilers, yay or nay?: Oh, yay. I'm sorry, but so much happens in this book that I can't resist talking about it! If you haven't read it, but want to, do yourself a favor and DO NOT read the full review, which is at my blog, which is linked below. Everyone else, comments and discussion are always welcome.
REVIEW: Rae Carson's THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS
Happy Reading!
Elisa is the chosen one.
But she is also the younger of two princesses. The one who has never done anything remarkable, and can’t see how she ever will.
Now, on her sixteenth birthday, she has become
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the secret wife of a handsome and worldly king—a king whose country is in turmoil. A king who needs her to be the chosen one, not a failure of a princess.And he’s not the only one who seeks her. Savage enemies, seething with dark magic, are hunting her. A daring, determined revolutionary thinks she could be his people’s savior, and he looks at her in a way that no man has ever looked at her before. Soon it is not just her life, but her very heart that is at stake.
Elisa could be everything to those who need her most. If the prophecy is fulfilled. If she finds the power deep within herself. If she doesn’t die young.
Most of the chosen do.
My Rating: Couldn't Put It Down
The Girl of Fire and Thorns came THISCLOSE to getting my top rating of "My Precious," but because I kept debating it, I decided that was reason enough to make it my second best rating (which is still damn awesome), because my top rating should not be any books I debate about. Still, The Girl of Fire and Thorns is a marvelous book that is rich with themes and important issues, yet is also an utterly enjoyable epic fantasy with an utterly capable heroine (weight doesn't matter!). People talk about wanting to have coffee with certain characters, and I'll just say, I'd totally hang out with Elisa. I loved her, and this book is one of the many reasons I postpone my Top Ten list because it snuck in under the 2011 deadline, and my reading year is all the richer for it. It's a book that has an unusual heroine and twists a lot of the genre's expectations for plot, which excited me greatly. It's also one of those that makes me forget I'm reading a YA novel, because the age of the characters is rather irrelevant in light of the story. It's a fantastic read, and I can't recommend it enough. I can't wait to get my hands on the rest of the trilogy! Oh! And if you like Megan Whalen Turner? Pearl North? You'll like this.
Spoilers, yay or nay?: Oh, yay. I'm sorry, but so much happens in this book that I can't resist talking about it! If you haven't read it, but want to, do yourself a favor and DO NOT read the full review, which is at my blog, which is linked below. Everyone else, comments and discussion are always welcome.
REVIEW: Rae Carson's THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS
Happy Reading!
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LibraryThing member Juhina
The Girl of Fire and Thorns was my first try at historical fiction AND Fantasy, and i gotta admit, I like the combination! I applaud Rae Carson for choosing a non standard protagonist. Looking back, i was very shocked with the description of the protagonist.. an overweight, young princess with
Ok back to the story, got sidetracked a bit. So The Girl of Fire and Thorns. I honestly don't know the fire and thorn part, but she was The Girl with the Blue Stone. The idea that there is a chosen one and is imprinted by having a stone embedded in the navel grosses me out and fascinates me. At the beginning Elisa started off as a typical youngest daughter, off to be married too early (age of sixteen), and even though she's the chosen one, she doesn't know WHY or HOW she could make a difference. Then she moved away from her family and palace and into a foreign and quite hostile surroundings where she had to learn to buckle up and grow a spine.
This book had so much going on, so many events, and shocking discoveries, journeys, and near death experiences. I was totally invested in the characters. Which is why Rae Carson broke my heart so many times throughout the book. While this isn't what I'm typically used to, it was very refreshing and quite frankly exceeded my expectations when I first started reading it.
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family issues. Good to know that in the land of princesses, not everyone is a carbon copy of cinderella or snow white. Ok back to the story, got sidetracked a bit. So The Girl of Fire and Thorns. I honestly don't know the fire and thorn part, but she was The Girl with the Blue Stone. The idea that there is a chosen one and is imprinted by having a stone embedded in the navel grosses me out and fascinates me. At the beginning Elisa started off as a typical youngest daughter, off to be married too early (age of sixteen), and even though she's the chosen one, she doesn't know WHY or HOW she could make a difference. Then she moved away from her family and palace and into a foreign and quite hostile surroundings where she had to learn to buckle up and grow a spine.
This book had so much going on, so many events, and shocking discoveries, journeys, and near death experiences. I was totally invested in the characters. Which is why Rae Carson broke my heart so many times throughout the book. While this isn't what I'm typically used to, it was very refreshing and quite frankly exceeded my expectations when I first started reading it.
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LibraryThing member Bookswithbite
I loved the book! Loved it so much I did not put it down at all! One thing I enjoyed about this book is the amazing character growth and fulfilling her destiny. I love it when the characters grow so much. From being scared and weak, to something strong and unstoppable.
So first, the plot line. I
The characters! OMG! I loved it when a character grows before my eyes. Love it even more when the character, fulfills his/her destiny. I can say that this characters grew so much not only in psychically strength, but in herself as well. Her strength in who she became in the end amazed me. While at first she is weak and scared, she become triumphant and strong. She learned who she is and what she had to become.
The love in the book is very enduring. She lost friends, love, but she gained so much more in the end. I like how following her destiny lead her to somewhere greater, somewhere she never thought she be. Ms. Carson wrote an amazing book! This is something you must read. With great characters, and an action filled destiny, The Girl of Fire and Thorns is the book you want to read!
So first, the plot line. I
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must say that right off from the start of the book I was hooked. Why? Well Ms. Carson did a great job on the plot pacing and the history of the characters. One thing I enjoy in a book is when the author can bring you into the story. Ms. Carson hooked me from the first few lines of her book. I loved the the characters came off fresh and strong. There were no drastic changes or confusing point of view changes. Just a great plot that kept you reading till the very end.The characters! OMG! I loved it when a character grows before my eyes. Love it even more when the character, fulfills his/her destiny. I can say that this characters grew so much not only in psychically strength, but in herself as well. Her strength in who she became in the end amazed me. While at first she is weak and scared, she become triumphant and strong. She learned who she is and what she had to become.
The love in the book is very enduring. She lost friends, love, but she gained so much more in the end. I like how following her destiny lead her to somewhere greater, somewhere she never thought she be. Ms. Carson wrote an amazing book! This is something you must read. With great characters, and an action filled destiny, The Girl of Fire and Thorns is the book you want to read!
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LibraryThing member jacindahinten
I wanted to pick up The Girl of Fire and Thorns when I heard it being compared to another fantasy young adult novel which told a story of a kick-ass girl…one of my favorite heroine characters of all time. I admit I had very high hopes going into this one and I was almost iffy to start reading
I was pulled into this book within the first couple of pages. I was interested in Elisa and I wanted to know her story. I was sympathetic to her and I wanted to know where this journey of marriage to a King and the Godstone she’s been blessed with is going to take her. This story blesses us with a main character that isn’t always seen as beautiful, she’s overweight and knows this and she has thoughts about it constantly.
The story and world is very complex (including names of people and places) and it is somewhat difficult to understand at first. After reading for 50 pages or so everything starts to fall into place. After about halfway through, I started to lose interest in the book. It was another situation where I was just reading to get to the ending. I’m not sure of the reason for my lost interest, but it did pick up at the ending. I was surprised by how things turned out and I was a bit shocked.
The story does have an ending that gives you closure even though it isn’t all happy, but at the same time we know there’s more to come from Elisa. Will I read Fire and Thorns #2? I might…I’m still undecided at this point. I’m happy with the ending of book number one and it seems almost as if it could be a standalone.
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it…I didn’t want to be let-down. The Girl of Fire and Thorns didn’t live up to my expectations, but I did enjoy reading it.I was pulled into this book within the first couple of pages. I was interested in Elisa and I wanted to know her story. I was sympathetic to her and I wanted to know where this journey of marriage to a King and the Godstone she’s been blessed with is going to take her. This story blesses us with a main character that isn’t always seen as beautiful, she’s overweight and knows this and she has thoughts about it constantly.
The story and world is very complex (including names of people and places) and it is somewhat difficult to understand at first. After reading for 50 pages or so everything starts to fall into place. After about halfway through, I started to lose interest in the book. It was another situation where I was just reading to get to the ending. I’m not sure of the reason for my lost interest, but it did pick up at the ending. I was surprised by how things turned out and I was a bit shocked.
The story does have an ending that gives you closure even though it isn’t all happy, but at the same time we know there’s more to come from Elisa. Will I read Fire and Thorns #2? I might…I’m still undecided at this point. I’m happy with the ending of book number one and it seems almost as if it could be a standalone.
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LibraryThing member krau0098
I got an advanced reading copy of this book through NetGalley(dot)com. This was a spectacular book, a really phenomenal fantasy read. I was drawn into the story right away and enjoyed practically every moment of it. This is the first book in a planned trilogy.
Elisa is the Chosen One, she bears the
The world in this book is a desert world, which was fun to read about. You don't see many fantasy books set in the desert. The world is intricate and well built and I really enjoyed it.
Elisa is an inspiring character. In the beginning she is kind and smart, but lazy and untried. She changes so much over the course of the book, her struggle to become something more really captured my attention and my heart. The fact that she partakes in this struggle even knowing that most of the Chosen Ones fail and die, just made her all the more courageous. Elisa's attitude is awesome; she never despairs and always makes the best of what she is given.
All of the side characters are so well done, they are all so well filled out and have complex lives of their own. I wished we could have spent a bit more time getting to know them all and hopefully we will in future books.
The descriptions are wonderful, making the world and the characters easy to picture. The action scenes incredibly well done and the pacing perfect. I was impressed at the breadth of the story and at how well the main story line is tied up in this book, but still eager to see what Elisa does next.
There were a couple things about this book that bothered me. Firstly I wasn't a big fan of Elisa's husband, the King. After all Elisa went through I just wanted so much more for her than this King. It's not that he was evil or even mean, he just wasn't enough for her. I am hoping in future books they will grow more as a couple and her husband will be able to learn from his weaknesses.
Secondly religion and God are extremely prominent in this book. I am not saying this is good or bad; although I am not usually a fan of books that rely heavily on religion as a plot device. Religion was the driving factor for a lot of the characters' decisions. Just something to mention. The religion was actually a necessary component of this world and really seemed to be story driven (some of this story seems a bit based on the Crusades); it's not like the author was trying to lecture readers or force religion on readers. But it was definitely there, Elisa's main form of combating her opponents in by praying and there is a ton of it in this book.
Overall this was just a fantastic adventure fantasy of sorts. There was political intrigue, a wonderful world, action, adventure, romance, and a coming of age tale that will capture every-one's heart. If you are a fantasy fan you have to read this book. I adored it and cannot wait to read what the next book has in store for Elisa.
Elisa is the Chosen One, she bears the
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God Stone in her navel. She is also the youngest daughter and is pampered, kind but a bit lazy and overweight. When her marriage to a King of the neighboring kingdom is planned, she doesn't know what to expect. She doesn't want to rule and she doesn't want to love her husband; but she wants to finally live up to her title as the Chosen One and wants her husband to love her. When Elisa is kidnapped shortly after arriving in the new kingdom everything she knows changes. She will embark on a forced quest to find what it really means to be the Chosen One.The world in this book is a desert world, which was fun to read about. You don't see many fantasy books set in the desert. The world is intricate and well built and I really enjoyed it.
Elisa is an inspiring character. In the beginning she is kind and smart, but lazy and untried. She changes so much over the course of the book, her struggle to become something more really captured my attention and my heart. The fact that she partakes in this struggle even knowing that most of the Chosen Ones fail and die, just made her all the more courageous. Elisa's attitude is awesome; she never despairs and always makes the best of what she is given.
All of the side characters are so well done, they are all so well filled out and have complex lives of their own. I wished we could have spent a bit more time getting to know them all and hopefully we will in future books.
The descriptions are wonderful, making the world and the characters easy to picture. The action scenes incredibly well done and the pacing perfect. I was impressed at the breadth of the story and at how well the main story line is tied up in this book, but still eager to see what Elisa does next.
There were a couple things about this book that bothered me. Firstly I wasn't a big fan of Elisa's husband, the King. After all Elisa went through I just wanted so much more for her than this King. It's not that he was evil or even mean, he just wasn't enough for her. I am hoping in future books they will grow more as a couple and her husband will be able to learn from his weaknesses.
Secondly religion and God are extremely prominent in this book. I am not saying this is good or bad; although I am not usually a fan of books that rely heavily on religion as a plot device. Religion was the driving factor for a lot of the characters' decisions. Just something to mention. The religion was actually a necessary component of this world and really seemed to be story driven (some of this story seems a bit based on the Crusades); it's not like the author was trying to lecture readers or force religion on readers. But it was definitely there, Elisa's main form of combating her opponents in by praying and there is a ton of it in this book.
Overall this was just a fantastic adventure fantasy of sorts. There was political intrigue, a wonderful world, action, adventure, romance, and a coming of age tale that will capture every-one's heart. If you are a fantasy fan you have to read this book. I adored it and cannot wait to read what the next book has in store for Elisa.
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LibraryThing member ReadingFanatic09
Wow...let's just say that this book plus Witchlanders by Lena Coakley have give me a whole new perspective on my "dislike" of fantasy. Obviously I just haven't been reading the right fantasy books!
The Girl of Fire and Thorns was a truly fabulous coming-of-age story. Elisa is married off to a
Elisa was such a dynamic character and I absolutely fell in love with her. At the beginning of the novel, we area introduced to a fifteen-almost-sixteen year old girl who is preparing for her out-of-the-blue wedding. She is clearly uncomfortable in her own skin. She's been chosen for some great act of Service, but she feels like it must have been a mistake. How can she ever be as successful as her beautiful older sister? How could anyone ever fall in love with an overweight, less-than-perfect naive Princess? Her lack of confidence is fed by the secretive nature of her marriage and the multitude of secrets that she is forced to keep when she arrives in her new husband's country. Elisa was such a fabulous character because you literally watch her grown up and come into her own. She is forced to embark on this harrowing journey and along the way she transforms into a strong young woman. She experiences the joy of first love and the pain of death that war brings.
The world and cast of characters that Rae Carson has presented in this book left me longing for more. The world is phenomenally and intelligently crafted. Carson's descriptions of the landscape gave me a real sense of the world without becoming cumbersome. In addition, her characters were understated but well-developed. We learn about them through Elisa's eyes and in a very "show not tell" way, which I appreciated. When characters were successful, I cheered, and when bad things happened to good people, I got upset (VERY upset in some cases).
My overall sense about this book is that it is the start to a fabulous trilogy that I cannot wait to devour. I must also applaud Carson for wrapping up this book without any major cliffhangers! The world and characters have a lot of room to grow and develop in future books, but I wasn't left beginning for a conclusion to a completely undeveloped (or suddenly new) plot line.
(As an extra aside, after reading this book, I'm even happier that they chose to change the cover for this book. The original was beautiful with it's swirling blues and beautiful girl in a dress, but it lends itself to the criticism that the publisher was white-washing and weight-washing. Elisa describes herself as dark and overweight--not the thin, pale girl who was on the original cover.)
The Girl of Fire and Thorns was a truly fabulous coming-of-age story. Elisa is married off to a
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foreigner on her sixteenth birthday, whisked off to a new land, and then hidden away as a secret. She can't reveal her Godstone and she can't reveal her marriage. Not the best start to a whole new life! She feels even more alone and worthless than she did in her home. What she doesn't realize is why it is so important to hide...and what could happen when her secrets are uncovered.Elisa was such a dynamic character and I absolutely fell in love with her. At the beginning of the novel, we area introduced to a fifteen-almost-sixteen year old girl who is preparing for her out-of-the-blue wedding. She is clearly uncomfortable in her own skin. She's been chosen for some great act of Service, but she feels like it must have been a mistake. How can she ever be as successful as her beautiful older sister? How could anyone ever fall in love with an overweight, less-than-perfect naive Princess? Her lack of confidence is fed by the secretive nature of her marriage and the multitude of secrets that she is forced to keep when she arrives in her new husband's country. Elisa was such a fabulous character because you literally watch her grown up and come into her own. She is forced to embark on this harrowing journey and along the way she transforms into a strong young woman. She experiences the joy of first love and the pain of death that war brings.
The world and cast of characters that Rae Carson has presented in this book left me longing for more. The world is phenomenally and intelligently crafted. Carson's descriptions of the landscape gave me a real sense of the world without becoming cumbersome. In addition, her characters were understated but well-developed. We learn about them through Elisa's eyes and in a very "show not tell" way, which I appreciated. When characters were successful, I cheered, and when bad things happened to good people, I got upset (VERY upset in some cases).
My overall sense about this book is that it is the start to a fabulous trilogy that I cannot wait to devour. I must also applaud Carson for wrapping up this book without any major cliffhangers! The world and characters have a lot of room to grow and develop in future books, but I wasn't left beginning for a conclusion to a completely undeveloped (or suddenly new) plot line.
(As an extra aside, after reading this book, I'm even happier that they chose to change the cover for this book. The original was beautiful with it's swirling blues and beautiful girl in a dress, but it lends itself to the criticism that the publisher was white-washing and weight-washing. Elisa describes herself as dark and overweight--not the thin, pale girl who was on the original cover.)
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LibraryThing member BookAddictDiary
This one has been getting a lot of hype. In fact, I think it got even more hype before the cover change occurred. As someone who really enjoyed Tamora Pierce when I was younger, this book had my name written all over it and I couldn't wait to dive into it.
Elisa is the chosen one -whether she likes
I liked this book. I mean, Girl of Fire and Thorns is a decent read for younger readers, particularly middle school-aged readers, but not really anyone else. It seems strange, even to me, but I wasn't in love with this book. Perhaps I am just too far beyond the book's target audience, but I just couldn't suspend enough belief to buy into this book. The plot felt recycled and unoriginal, the characters were flat and hard to relate to. The writing was blunt, average and felt strangely repetitive.
However, this formula might work for a young girl around 13 or 14, but I'm afraid that I'm just not the audience intended for this book. In fact, sometimes it's hard for me to get into certain young adult novels because of this. Not a horrible book, but just not for me.
Elisa is the chosen one -whether she likes
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it or not. But being the bearer of the Godstone isn't that easy, and it doesn't help that Elisa is a princess. And like most princesses, her first duty is to her country, not her own happiness. As soon as she turns sixteen, she is married off in secret to the king of a powerful country -a country that needs her to be the chosen one that she is. Suddenly forced into a world she never wanted, or could ever expect, Elisa finds herself hunted by savage enemies and working to understand and fulfill an ancient prophecy.I liked this book. I mean, Girl of Fire and Thorns is a decent read for younger readers, particularly middle school-aged readers, but not really anyone else. It seems strange, even to me, but I wasn't in love with this book. Perhaps I am just too far beyond the book's target audience, but I just couldn't suspend enough belief to buy into this book. The plot felt recycled and unoriginal, the characters were flat and hard to relate to. The writing was blunt, average and felt strangely repetitive.
However, this formula might work for a young girl around 13 or 14, but I'm afraid that I'm just not the audience intended for this book. In fact, sometimes it's hard for me to get into certain young adult novels because of this. Not a horrible book, but just not for me.
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LibraryThing member GreatImaginations
The Girl of Fire and Thorns was a pretty awesome book. And I gotta say, I had read a few of the reviews before reading and I was a little worried. Because of the religious undertones. But guess what? It didn't bother me in the least! There was a lot of God talk, but absolutely no talk of
I also really enjoyed the atmosphere and imagery. I can't really say that I have ever read a book set in the desert before. And I didn't think it would be something that would interest me. Again, I was wrong. I thought the world-building and the descriptions were fantastic. The setting felt very real and I love how the author used it to her advantage. It really became a part of the story. I loved the scene set in the jungle where the royal caravan was attacked by the Perditos. Awesome imagery and action. I also really enjoyed when Elisa was captured by the Inviernos. Really fantastic and it almost played out like a movie in my head.
I really wish I could give The Girl of Fire and Thorns five stars, but I can't because once again, I felt a lack of emotional connection to the story. And I wish I could figure out why, but I just can't figure out where it went wrong. There was one event that happened where I was just shocked that the author went there. And if it had been written by one of my favorite authors, I would have been devastated. And I didn't even shed a tear. This is a problem for me. I need an emotional connection to my books. It is what pushes a great book into amazing territory. Ya know? Maybe it's just me. But the fact of the matter is, that even without the emotional connection, this was still a great book and a ton of fun to read.
I loved Elisa as a character. I like adored her. She was quirky, fun, normal, and very interesting. She was flawed and felt very real. But yet, she could not have been more likeable. She was a beautiful person inside and out and she totally made me want to root for her. I think this is going to be a series that just keeps getting better as we progress into the books. I don't know how many books there will be, but I definitely will continue. I can't wait to find out what happens next. Oh yeah, and the message that came with the story was great too. I cannot recommend it enough.
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Christianity. It's very hard to explain, but the book wasn't about God in the Christian sense at all. They just believed in a God, period. And to be honest, the religion in the book was pretty cool. I thought it was interesting and I totally did not picture myself going there. I also really enjoyed the atmosphere and imagery. I can't really say that I have ever read a book set in the desert before. And I didn't think it would be something that would interest me. Again, I was wrong. I thought the world-building and the descriptions were fantastic. The setting felt very real and I love how the author used it to her advantage. It really became a part of the story. I loved the scene set in the jungle where the royal caravan was attacked by the Perditos. Awesome imagery and action. I also really enjoyed when Elisa was captured by the Inviernos. Really fantastic and it almost played out like a movie in my head.
I really wish I could give The Girl of Fire and Thorns five stars, but I can't because once again, I felt a lack of emotional connection to the story. And I wish I could figure out why, but I just can't figure out where it went wrong. There was one event that happened where I was just shocked that the author went there. And if it had been written by one of my favorite authors, I would have been devastated. And I didn't even shed a tear. This is a problem for me. I need an emotional connection to my books. It is what pushes a great book into amazing territory. Ya know? Maybe it's just me. But the fact of the matter is, that even without the emotional connection, this was still a great book and a ton of fun to read.
I loved Elisa as a character. I like adored her. She was quirky, fun, normal, and very interesting. She was flawed and felt very real. But yet, she could not have been more likeable. She was a beautiful person inside and out and she totally made me want to root for her. I think this is going to be a series that just keeps getting better as we progress into the books. I don't know how many books there will be, but I definitely will continue. I can't wait to find out what happens next. Oh yeah, and the message that came with the story was great too. I cannot recommend it enough.
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LibraryThing member shaunterria
Fans of strong female heroines everywhere, rejoice! "The Girl of Fire and Thorns" fits well into the recent pantheon of female characters who stand center-stage and bravely face adversity to save themselves and the people they care about. If you enjoy the works of Tamora Pierce or the Hunger Games
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series you will find much to like about this book, the first in a new series by Rae Carson. First, a few caveats. The plot does take a little while to thicken, the relationship between the main character Elisa and the king of a neighboring kingdom seems almost an afterthought, and the revelation of certain secrets seem more forced than organic to the story. Still, the way Elisa steps up to the challenge of becoming the savior of her people is satisfying and compelling - you will not be able to put this one down once the storyline really starts to take off. Elisa's desire to love and be loved resonates with the YA audience this book is written for, and most readers will eagerly await the next installment coming next year. I know I will. Show Less
LibraryThing member usagijihen
This one was a bit slow to get started, but once it got going, I literally could NOT put it down. I think it’s really interesting how the author used Spanish culture and language within this world of hers, which makes me wonder whether or not these countries were based on actual places within our
I guess my one large problem with the book is that the first third is slow to get started, even with the first eventful scenes after Elisa’s marriage. There was a bit more telling than showing up until that point (and I won’t tell you which eventful scene I’m referring to, because it’d really spoil the first third of the book), but once it got started, it really took off. Once Elisa got to her new husband’s home, she started to change for the better. In Act II, that’s when things really kicked into high gear and I started looking at her as a real heroine for the book, connecting to her emotionally instead of not at all.
As for the magical reality part, the magic only really comes into play within the last…third, I guess you could say, of the book. The Godstone is only really talked about and explored in terms of lore (and in terms of what was kept from Elisa from birth) and history, and I did kind of have a problem with that. I wanted to know more sooner rather than having it play out as slowly as it did, but once things really got started, the pacing was so fast that I can see why Carson paced things with the magic/Godstone parts the way she did.
Regardless, this is a great new voice in YA fantasy, and as I said before, has the definite potential to climb into the high fantasy sub-genre. At the end of the book, all I wanted to do was to climb back into Elisa’s world and go on adventures with her. Carson really used the multiple sub-arcs in her book to make Elisa grow as a character, which should be the main target for any author. You want your character to grow and change by the end of the book, whether it be for better or worse, and Carson really did a great job with this (slow start not withstanding). I would love to learn more about this world, however, and I hope that Carson delves more into that instead of just going into Elisa’s journey of being queen in the next book.
So if you love fantasy, I think you guys will really love “The Girl of Fire and Thorns”. I know I did. I can’t wait for the next book, which is scheduled to be out sometime in 2012, and a third book in 2013. If you want something new and interesting, give “Girl of Fire and Thorns” a try. You definitely won’t be disappointed.
(posted to goodreads, librarything, shelfari, and witchoftheatregoing.wordpress.com)
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own world, magical reality or not. Regardless, “The Girl of Fire & Thorns” is a wonderful new YA debut if you love fantasy, and it definitely has the potential to jump into the high fantasy subgenre.I guess my one large problem with the book is that the first third is slow to get started, even with the first eventful scenes after Elisa’s marriage. There was a bit more telling than showing up until that point (and I won’t tell you which eventful scene I’m referring to, because it’d really spoil the first third of the book), but once it got started, it really took off. Once Elisa got to her new husband’s home, she started to change for the better. In Act II, that’s when things really kicked into high gear and I started looking at her as a real heroine for the book, connecting to her emotionally instead of not at all.
As for the magical reality part, the magic only really comes into play within the last…third, I guess you could say, of the book. The Godstone is only really talked about and explored in terms of lore (and in terms of what was kept from Elisa from birth) and history, and I did kind of have a problem with that. I wanted to know more sooner rather than having it play out as slowly as it did, but once things really got started, the pacing was so fast that I can see why Carson paced things with the magic/Godstone parts the way she did.
Regardless, this is a great new voice in YA fantasy, and as I said before, has the definite potential to climb into the high fantasy sub-genre. At the end of the book, all I wanted to do was to climb back into Elisa’s world and go on adventures with her. Carson really used the multiple sub-arcs in her book to make Elisa grow as a character, which should be the main target for any author. You want your character to grow and change by the end of the book, whether it be for better or worse, and Carson really did a great job with this (slow start not withstanding). I would love to learn more about this world, however, and I hope that Carson delves more into that instead of just going into Elisa’s journey of being queen in the next book.
So if you love fantasy, I think you guys will really love “The Girl of Fire and Thorns”. I know I did. I can’t wait for the next book, which is scheduled to be out sometime in 2012, and a third book in 2013. If you want something new and interesting, give “Girl of Fire and Thorns” a try. You definitely won’t be disappointed.
(posted to goodreads, librarything, shelfari, and witchoftheatregoing.wordpress.com)
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LibraryThing member ReadingWithMartinis
This book was very unique. I was prepared for this book to be mediocre. Thankfully, this book was far from mediocre! I loved Elisa. I found her to be such an amazing character. I wish that less emphasis was placed on Elisa’s weight. Especially when her weight loss comes through harrowing
Elisa was really strong, which I loved. She was faced with really difficult situations and a heritage that was a heavy burden to bare. Elisa could have easily buckled under the pressure of her legacy, but she handled all of the wonderful and torturous situations that come her way.
The secondary characters were just an awesome as Elisa. I enjoyed the young rebels, Elisa’s husband, and particularly Elisa’s step-son. Carson definitely knows how to craft a character.
The plot was spectacular. I was completely engrossed by the story and plot. The idea of the Godstone was fabulous. I was so intrigued by what it was and how it played a major role in the plot of the novel. This novel and the historic feel of the plot reminded me of Jacqueline Carey’s Kushiel’s Dart, but appropriate for a YA audience.
I definitely recommend this novel. I am anxiously awaiting its sequel!
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circumstances, I can see how it might come across as harrowing circumstances = the perfect diet. I absolutely don’t think that is what Carson intended, but I can see how it might come across that way to some readers.Elisa was really strong, which I loved. She was faced with really difficult situations and a heritage that was a heavy burden to bare. Elisa could have easily buckled under the pressure of her legacy, but she handled all of the wonderful and torturous situations that come her way.
The secondary characters were just an awesome as Elisa. I enjoyed the young rebels, Elisa’s husband, and particularly Elisa’s step-son. Carson definitely knows how to craft a character.
The plot was spectacular. I was completely engrossed by the story and plot. The idea of the Godstone was fabulous. I was so intrigued by what it was and how it played a major role in the plot of the novel. This novel and the historic feel of the plot reminded me of Jacqueline Carey’s Kushiel’s Dart, but appropriate for a YA audience.
I definitely recommend this novel. I am anxiously awaiting its sequel!
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LibraryThing member TheLostEntwife
Elisa is not your typical heroine. She likes to eat, and her figure shows it. She’s the second born girl, with an older sister who has been trained to be a Queen. Elisa loves to read and is incredibly smart, but rarely gets to show that off due to a low self-esteem.
The Girl of Fire and Thorns
What I really appreciated about this book was, although Rae Carson went just a little overboard with Elisa’s “fat” figure (references to eating, to calling herself a ‘pig’, etc), she also made sure to give a fairly accurate picture of what it feels like to be large. The whispers and glances, even a wedding night – all made sense, especially during later events. I was worried that this would be one of those stories where the fat girl loses weight and all of the sudden everyone likes her, but Carson manages to skirt around that cliche and still maintain the integrity of the story.
There is a lot of religion on this book, it’s a world based around the premise of religion and of Elisa being the first “chosen-one” in about 100 years. It’s fascinating stuff, but also very, very religious so it was interesting to me to read a fantasy based so heavily on prayer.
I really enjoyed The Girl of Fire and Thorns. I loved that, although there is love, it is not the central focus of the story, but rather Elisa’s growth and confidence is. The fantasy world was interesting, but could have been a little more fleshed out (with less prayer next time, please!) and I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series to see where Carson takes us next.
The Girl of Fire and Thorns
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begins with a wedding. Elisa’s wedding. She is being married to a King and sent away from her family on her 16th birthday, and so begins her adventures.What I really appreciated about this book was, although Rae Carson went just a little overboard with Elisa’s “fat” figure (references to eating, to calling herself a ‘pig’, etc), she also made sure to give a fairly accurate picture of what it feels like to be large. The whispers and glances, even a wedding night – all made sense, especially during later events. I was worried that this would be one of those stories where the fat girl loses weight and all of the sudden everyone likes her, but Carson manages to skirt around that cliche and still maintain the integrity of the story.
There is a lot of religion on this book, it’s a world based around the premise of religion and of Elisa being the first “chosen-one” in about 100 years. It’s fascinating stuff, but also very, very religious so it was interesting to me to read a fantasy based so heavily on prayer.
I really enjoyed The Girl of Fire and Thorns. I loved that, although there is love, it is not the central focus of the story, but rather Elisa’s growth and confidence is. The fantasy world was interesting, but could have been a little more fleshed out (with less prayer next time, please!) and I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series to see where Carson takes us next.
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LibraryThing member Candacemom2two
Honestly, I'm not sure there are words to portray my love for this book. The awesomeness that is between the pages. It was truly a thing of beauty. Rae Carson is a genius. I felt like everything was exactly, exactly how it should have been. It's not often that through a story I'm thinking the whole
Elisa was a character I truly, completely connected with. She had a personality that I loved and she was flawed. She was real. First of all, she struggles with her weight. She really really loves food and it's a comfort to her when she's stressed. How often do you see that in a young adult fantasy? Like NEVER! It made her more real. To see her go from having such low self esteem to finding her strength and her purpose was a fantastic journey. She was afraid, she was deathly afraid. But she pushed past her fear and her feeling of being inadequate and she did what she had to do when she had to do it. She was an amazing character. I really couldn't rave enough about her.
Okay, so I'm struggling with words here. But let me see here what I can come up with. Okay, I mentioned I love Elisa. Well, all the characters in this book were perfect. Each role they played was perfect. Whether it was a good guy, a bad guy or just someone who needed to be there. It was perfect.
The action, the plot, the story line. Perfection. I was on my toes the whole time. At one point in time I looked up and realized that an hour had passed since I'd last looked at the clock. I have small children! That's not good! Luckily they were just playing and being good, but it could have been bad! So be careful the book doesn't suck you in too much. The thing is, it will! I read the whole thing in a day. And it's fairly large at 400+ pages.
This book is going on my favorite list. If I could get it higher than 5 stars I would. I absolutely loved it!
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time that the author is genius but I was in this one. Elisa was a character I truly, completely connected with. She had a personality that I loved and she was flawed. She was real. First of all, she struggles with her weight. She really really loves food and it's a comfort to her when she's stressed. How often do you see that in a young adult fantasy? Like NEVER! It made her more real. To see her go from having such low self esteem to finding her strength and her purpose was a fantastic journey. She was afraid, she was deathly afraid. But she pushed past her fear and her feeling of being inadequate and she did what she had to do when she had to do it. She was an amazing character. I really couldn't rave enough about her.
Okay, so I'm struggling with words here. But let me see here what I can come up with. Okay, I mentioned I love Elisa. Well, all the characters in this book were perfect. Each role they played was perfect. Whether it was a good guy, a bad guy or just someone who needed to be there. It was perfect.
The action, the plot, the story line. Perfection. I was on my toes the whole time. At one point in time I looked up and realized that an hour had passed since I'd last looked at the clock. I have small children! That's not good! Luckily they were just playing and being good, but it could have been bad! So be careful the book doesn't suck you in too much. The thing is, it will! I read the whole thing in a day. And it's fairly large at 400+ pages.
This book is going on my favorite list. If I could get it higher than 5 stars I would. I absolutely loved it!
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LibraryThing member pacey1927
"The Girl of Fire and Thorns" was one of the absolute best books I have read in years. I really didn't know what this book was about and the decision to read this one was a pretty hasty one. I am so grateful that I read it almost as soon as it arrived. I was concerned at first because the language
The book opens as Elisa turns sixteen and is being married to King Alejandra of Joy D'Arena, the country that neighbors her own father's realm. The two Kings arrange this marriage to unite the two countries. Alejandra especially needs Elisa's father's support for his forthcoming war against the Inviernos. Elisa is surprised to find her new husband quite handsome and charming and begins to be hopeful about their marriage. Until they arrive at her new home and she learns the King plans to keep their marriage a secret `for now'.
Elisa considers herself to be a lumpy thing and not very attractive. Although she loves to read and knows much about war, she doesn't give herself enough credit as a person. She compares herself to her older sister and believes she fails miserably. But Elisa is very special and if certain people knew her secret she would be in a lot of danger. For Elisa has a godstone in her navel. The godstone appeared as a gift from God on her naming day and only one person every century is gifted with it. It tells that God has a plan for Elisa. But Elisa knows not what God wants with heavy girl like her. She often questions whether God has made a mistake.
(Now I want to stop here and say that this isn't a preachy book. Its not a Christian book although certain themes come up in the novel. Basically whether you are Christian or not, this book should be enjoyable.)
When Elisa's secret gets out, she is kidnapped and thus begins the non-stop action in this book. I personally was invested after the first chapter or so, but if you can make it to her kidnapping, there is no way you will be able to tear yourself from the book. I don't want to give anything away about what happens from this point out because anything would be too much!
Just know that the characters are all delightful. The evil ones are really worth hating and the good ones you will root for. However people aren't always good or bad here and a lot of times you (along with Elisa) will not know who to trust. Elisa's character development from the start to finish of the book is phenomenal. She grows stronger in body, mind and spirit. The author makes some daring decisions and I know more than a few people were disappointed by a shocking event that happens later in the book. I wasn't happy about it happening at all but I can commend an author who is strong enough to tell the story the way it should be told even if it makes some readers unhappy. I laughed and cried with this book. I hurt for Elisa.
The story ends in a solid place. You could read this book and feel completely fulfilled by the story. But there are hints at more to come and if you are like me, you won't hardly be able to wait to see where Elisa's life takes her next.
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structure was a little different and there was references to places I didn't know (made up places) and words that seemed like they were maybe Spanish in origin (and I don't know Spanish). But I pressed onward and before too long I was hooked on the story and everything about the writing seemed perfect. The book opens as Elisa turns sixteen and is being married to King Alejandra of Joy D'Arena, the country that neighbors her own father's realm. The two Kings arrange this marriage to unite the two countries. Alejandra especially needs Elisa's father's support for his forthcoming war against the Inviernos. Elisa is surprised to find her new husband quite handsome and charming and begins to be hopeful about their marriage. Until they arrive at her new home and she learns the King plans to keep their marriage a secret `for now'.
Elisa considers herself to be a lumpy thing and not very attractive. Although she loves to read and knows much about war, she doesn't give herself enough credit as a person. She compares herself to her older sister and believes she fails miserably. But Elisa is very special and if certain people knew her secret she would be in a lot of danger. For Elisa has a godstone in her navel. The godstone appeared as a gift from God on her naming day and only one person every century is gifted with it. It tells that God has a plan for Elisa. But Elisa knows not what God wants with heavy girl like her. She often questions whether God has made a mistake.
(Now I want to stop here and say that this isn't a preachy book. Its not a Christian book although certain themes come up in the novel. Basically whether you are Christian or not, this book should be enjoyable.)
When Elisa's secret gets out, she is kidnapped and thus begins the non-stop action in this book. I personally was invested after the first chapter or so, but if you can make it to her kidnapping, there is no way you will be able to tear yourself from the book. I don't want to give anything away about what happens from this point out because anything would be too much!
Just know that the characters are all delightful. The evil ones are really worth hating and the good ones you will root for. However people aren't always good or bad here and a lot of times you (along with Elisa) will not know who to trust. Elisa's character development from the start to finish of the book is phenomenal. She grows stronger in body, mind and spirit. The author makes some daring decisions and I know more than a few people were disappointed by a shocking event that happens later in the book. I wasn't happy about it happening at all but I can commend an author who is strong enough to tell the story the way it should be told even if it makes some readers unhappy. I laughed and cried with this book. I hurt for Elisa.
The story ends in a solid place. You could read this book and feel completely fulfilled by the story. But there are hints at more to come and if you are like me, you won't hardly be able to wait to see where Elisa's life takes her next.
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LibraryThing member edspicer
Carson, R. (2011). The girl of fire and thorns. New York: HarperCollins/Greenwillow. 424 pp. ISBN: 978-0-06-202648-4. (Hardcover); $17.99.*
Each year during our annual high school writing contest, I read numerous very bland pieces of writing from students in which religion plays a prominent role. I
Each year during our annual high school writing contest, I read numerous very bland pieces of writing from students in which religion plays a prominent role. I
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usually tell students that there is nothing in the writing that distinguishes the voice and gives it guts. The writing lacks personality. It may be useful for sharing with families and pastors and priests and close friends, but it is not writing that we will ever publish. The Girl of Fire and Thorns writes about religion in a voice that sings faithfully. Carson’s book brims with personality and the main thread of the story concerns Elisa, a young woman who many believe will be their savior. She is chosen by the Gods and has the Godstone embedded in her navel to prove it. Only one person each century receives this gift. With the gift is the knowledge that those chosen are expected to fulfill an essential, but unknown task. On her sixteenth birthday Elisa is secretly married to a king in the hopes that this marriage will forge an alliance that will preserve the peace in this troubled kingdom. However, her gemstone is also a very serious military target. Evil animagi are able to use these stones to wreak havoc. Other countries want these gemstones for their own reasons. On her way to His Majesty, Hitzedar de Riqueza, King of Orovalle’s kingdom, their party is attacked. While Elisa and crew manage to survive this attack, later she is kidnapped and force-marched through the dessert to a company of rebels who believe that she will be their savior. These details, however, are not nearly as important as Elisa’s doubts. Everyone who knows of her Godstone, believes she is chosen. The only one who doubts this is Elisa! The plot is not as important as Elisa’s poor self-esteem. She realizes early on that the King, who is the most beautiful man she has ever seen, has a mistress and does not love her. She is not a svelte princess; she is a heft young woman who loves to eat. The plot is not as important as her intense struggle to read her holy books, study the wisdom of religious scholars, and pray faithfully to learn how to deal with the problems of life. She prays and studies while she is a princess and she prays and studies while she is a captive. She prays and studies when she has a major role in the war with the animagi. Religion is an essential element of her life and she is the most unique character in a cast of extremely distinctive characters. Elisa is a character that is like many of her teen readers: a normal person that has a valuable spiritual gift and is frustrated because she is not always sure just how to use her gift. She is anxious because she is not sure what her god wants her to do. In fact, she believes that she is chosen by mistake! Turns out that Elisa’s god has not made a mistake and maybe someday Elisa will accept this fact. While the character development is a major strength and more important than the plot, that should not fool readers into thinking that the plot is in any way deficient. This is a nail biting, white knuckle read that will have readers buckled into their reading chairs! This is a book that reads much faster than its 424 pages. While this book does deal with marriage and sex and violence, these topics are mostly implied and are not treated explicitly. This book is most at home in a high school, but mature middle school students will also enjoy reading it. And for all its serious religious nature and lofty themes, one thing that I appreciate about this book is its carefully chosen humor! Don’t be surprised to see this one make lists and even, perhaps, win awards. Show Less
LibraryThing member gwenythlove
This is a beautifully written first novel by Rae Carson. It is reminiscent of a younger, more toned down storytelling type such as Jacqueline Carey is known for in her Kushiel series. The language is so vivid and imaginative. I can picture every single thing that is happening in the book, like a
"Beside me, Ximena's gray bun has come loose and her hair swings below her shoulders."
I am immediately intrigued by this gem that is somehow located in Elisa's bellybutton area. But I am guessing that is the point! It's very interesting how it reacts to Elisa's emotions and actions with heat and cold, almost as if it is a living creature, yet hard as stone.
I think Elisa, the main character and heroine of this novel, is one of my favourite female characters in a long time. She is not perfect. She is not the ultimate slender and stunningly beautiful lead that is most often seen. She is "lumpy" and "awkward" and "clumsy", and she is much more likely for readers to be able to understand. Her sister is the family favourite and as such Elisa is often ignored and pushed aside, invisible.
One of my favourite things about this book is that not only is Elisa described as an overweight girl, but it's not just pointed out once in the beginning of the novel and then never mentioned again, hoping the reader will forget she isn't perfect. It's brought up over and over again throughout the whole story, without being too obvious. It is noted in her actions, and in the way the people around her perceive her and react to her. It is amazingly woven in.
"I feel so slow as I run toward my husband, my belly and breasts bouncing painfully with each step."
As the story progress and certain things occur it is interesting how the author even works in some fluctuations in her weight, eating style and overall appearance and character as her life forces her down different paths. She experiences amazing growth throughout the story and ultimately works toward and deserves the strong role her character is placed in. And it's not just Elisa, all characters get equal treatment from the author with vivid descriptions and depth of emotion and overall character development. Every character is their own person who exists and struggles with their own stories, emotions and experiences their own growth.
There is enough action in this story to keep even the most overactive boys sitting eagerly on the edge of their seat. Add to that all the mystery, intrigue and politics and you have the making of a great novel!
Some parts of the story are highly predictable and therefore take the shock and awe out of what takes place. Also, many of the areas I found lacking flow and very jolting to the reader, hopping from one part of the story to another without any kind of warning pause or break. There are also some minor editing issues with missing words, incorrect words and spelling errors which jolt the reader from their reading flow, but as this is an ARC it is to be expected.
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little movie playing out in my head."Beside me, Ximena's gray bun has come loose and her hair swings below her shoulders."
I am immediately intrigued by this gem that is somehow located in Elisa's bellybutton area. But I am guessing that is the point! It's very interesting how it reacts to Elisa's emotions and actions with heat and cold, almost as if it is a living creature, yet hard as stone.
I think Elisa, the main character and heroine of this novel, is one of my favourite female characters in a long time. She is not perfect. She is not the ultimate slender and stunningly beautiful lead that is most often seen. She is "lumpy" and "awkward" and "clumsy", and she is much more likely for readers to be able to understand. Her sister is the family favourite and as such Elisa is often ignored and pushed aside, invisible.
One of my favourite things about this book is that not only is Elisa described as an overweight girl, but it's not just pointed out once in the beginning of the novel and then never mentioned again, hoping the reader will forget she isn't perfect. It's brought up over and over again throughout the whole story, without being too obvious. It is noted in her actions, and in the way the people around her perceive her and react to her. It is amazingly woven in.
"I feel so slow as I run toward my husband, my belly and breasts bouncing painfully with each step."
As the story progress and certain things occur it is interesting how the author even works in some fluctuations in her weight, eating style and overall appearance and character as her life forces her down different paths. She experiences amazing growth throughout the story and ultimately works toward and deserves the strong role her character is placed in. And it's not just Elisa, all characters get equal treatment from the author with vivid descriptions and depth of emotion and overall character development. Every character is their own person who exists and struggles with their own stories, emotions and experiences their own growth.
There is enough action in this story to keep even the most overactive boys sitting eagerly on the edge of their seat. Add to that all the mystery, intrigue and politics and you have the making of a great novel!
Some parts of the story are highly predictable and therefore take the shock and awe out of what takes place. Also, many of the areas I found lacking flow and very jolting to the reader, hopping from one part of the story to another without any kind of warning pause or break. There are also some minor editing issues with missing words, incorrect words and spelling errors which jolt the reader from their reading flow, but as this is an ARC it is to be expected.
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LibraryThing member sithereandread
THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS, by Rae Carson, is a fantasy coming-of-age novel. In this new world that Carson created, Elisa is thrust into a journey of epic proportions to fight for what she believes in and those she loves.
To be honest after reading about 50 pages I almost put this book down. I was
Elisa was initially the 'fat girl' who had little to no self-confidence and ate her feelings. Her father arranged her marriage to Alejandro and when she arrived at his home, she was kept a secret from everyone. We learn that she is the keeper of the Godstone which resided in her navel (which initially I thought was like belly piercing but come to find out it is actually really attached to her navel). She had been chosen at birth to complete a Service but what that was was nobody's guess. I felt Elisa was whiny and spoiled initially but that made her transformation even more real and distinct.
The relationship dynamics that Elisa formed throughout the book were definitely layered and I found myself questioning loyalties as much as she did. I enjoyed her motherly affection for Alejandro's son Rosario and his ultimate importance in the book was interesting and quite comical. Elisa had so much on her plate and at times her only ally was Humberto. I enjoyed their relationship in the desert immensely. Elisa's ability to adapt to new environments and people made her my hero. She was tested over and over and ultimately learned much about herself and the life she was meant to lead.
Carson definitely is a strong contender in the fantasy genre. Her ability to create stunning visuals through her words and a thought-provoking story is definitely top notch. This is definitely the To-Read YA Fantasy of this year! I am so happy I finished it and I can't wait for the next two books in the series!
To be honest after reading about 50 pages I almost put this book down. I was
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bored, confused, and willing to let it go. I searched for reviews online (this is why I think book bloggers are so great!) and I found one in particular that agreed with me that the first Part (sidenote: there are three 'parts' to this novel) was a little tough to get through but if I persisted, Parts Two and Three were totally worth it. So I pushed through the novel, finding some difficulties with the names and places and when I reached Part Two, I could not put it down! When I finished, I realized Part One's background about Elisa was completely necessary to envision the epic changes she went through throughout the book.Elisa was initially the 'fat girl' who had little to no self-confidence and ate her feelings. Her father arranged her marriage to Alejandro and when she arrived at his home, she was kept a secret from everyone. We learn that she is the keeper of the Godstone which resided in her navel (which initially I thought was like belly piercing but come to find out it is actually really attached to her navel). She had been chosen at birth to complete a Service but what that was was nobody's guess. I felt Elisa was whiny and spoiled initially but that made her transformation even more real and distinct.
The relationship dynamics that Elisa formed throughout the book were definitely layered and I found myself questioning loyalties as much as she did. I enjoyed her motherly affection for Alejandro's son Rosario and his ultimate importance in the book was interesting and quite comical. Elisa had so much on her plate and at times her only ally was Humberto. I enjoyed their relationship in the desert immensely. Elisa's ability to adapt to new environments and people made her my hero. She was tested over and over and ultimately learned much about herself and the life she was meant to lead.
Carson definitely is a strong contender in the fantasy genre. Her ability to create stunning visuals through her words and a thought-provoking story is definitely top notch. This is definitely the To-Read YA Fantasy of this year! I am so happy I finished it and I can't wait for the next two books in the series!
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LibraryThing member stephxsu
With the mysterious but mystical Godstone in her belly, Princess Lucero-Elisa has grown up knowing she has a special role to play, but she feels as far from a proper Godstone bearer as possible. Elisa is not beautiful or politically apt like her sister, and when she enters a political marriage with
After a rocky start, Rae Carson’s debut novel, THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS, quickly grew into a YA fantasy tour de force, with an admirable complexity and characterization that makes it worthy of consideration from every high fantasy fan.
Admittedly, approximately the first third of THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS was difficult for me to get into. I found it hard to connect with Elisa and her predicament of being the plain and passive princess who is supposed to have a big role.
The more I read, however, the more I respected—and then eventually loved—Elisa, her world, and the story. Elisa turned out to be a supremely capable protagonist of the highest caliber, who seemed to blossom with every page I eagerly absorbed. Her lifetime of dullness and dissatisfaction is what gives her clarity in her new role as a princess and Godstone-bearer that everyone looks to for inspiration and guidance. This is one heroine whose future, beyond the confines of this particular story, is quite clear: she will make a remarkable queen, mother, and wife, even if, happily, the first book in this trilogy leaves her future appealingly wide open.
At first I wasn’t quite convinced that Carson’s fantastical world was on par with those of fantasy masters such as Tamora Pierce and Robin McKinley, but as THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS unfolded, I was happily proven wrong. Elisa’s world is every bit as complex, logical, and entwined in tradition and lore as a fantasy world should be. As Elisa extends her horizons and understandings, so does the scope of the story and the fictional world.
THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS is one of those rare few YA speculative fiction books published nowadays that proves that writing and world-building can still be complex and intriguing without being completely “overwhelmed” by an underwhelming romantic plotline. I wasn’t sure at the beginning, but Rae Carson fully won me over, and I now eagerly await the next installment in Elisa’s adventures!
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Alejandro, ruler of the neighboring kingdom, she’s immediately in over her head at the political games and shocking revelations surrounding her heritage and destiny. And yet, as Elisa learns more about her new people, she begins to invest in their—and her own—well-being with a strength that she never knew she had in her.After a rocky start, Rae Carson’s debut novel, THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS, quickly grew into a YA fantasy tour de force, with an admirable complexity and characterization that makes it worthy of consideration from every high fantasy fan.
Admittedly, approximately the first third of THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS was difficult for me to get into. I found it hard to connect with Elisa and her predicament of being the plain and passive princess who is supposed to have a big role.
The more I read, however, the more I respected—and then eventually loved—Elisa, her world, and the story. Elisa turned out to be a supremely capable protagonist of the highest caliber, who seemed to blossom with every page I eagerly absorbed. Her lifetime of dullness and dissatisfaction is what gives her clarity in her new role as a princess and Godstone-bearer that everyone looks to for inspiration and guidance. This is one heroine whose future, beyond the confines of this particular story, is quite clear: she will make a remarkable queen, mother, and wife, even if, happily, the first book in this trilogy leaves her future appealingly wide open.
At first I wasn’t quite convinced that Carson’s fantastical world was on par with those of fantasy masters such as Tamora Pierce and Robin McKinley, but as THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS unfolded, I was happily proven wrong. Elisa’s world is every bit as complex, logical, and entwined in tradition and lore as a fantasy world should be. As Elisa extends her horizons and understandings, so does the scope of the story and the fictional world.
THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS is one of those rare few YA speculative fiction books published nowadays that proves that writing and world-building can still be complex and intriguing without being completely “overwhelmed” by an underwhelming romantic plotline. I wasn’t sure at the beginning, but Rae Carson fully won me over, and I now eagerly await the next installment in Elisa’s adventures!
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Awards
Andre Norton Nebula Award for Middle Grade and Young Adult Fiction (Finalist — 2011)
Sequoyah Book Award (Nominee — High School — 2014)
Eliot Rosewater Indiana High School Book Award (Nominee — 2014)
Ohioana Book Award (Finalist — Juvenile Literature — 2012)
Arkansas Teen Book Award (Honor Book — 2013)
Colorado Blue Spruce Award (Nominee — 2015)
Truman Readers Award (Nominee — 2014)
William C. Morris YA Debut Award (Finalist — 2012)
Evergreen Teen Book Award (Nominee — 2014)
Georgia Peach Book Award for Teen Readers (Nominee — 2014)
Best Fiction for Young Adults (Top Ten — 2012)
CCBC Choices (2012)
OYAN Book Rave (2012)
Language
Original publication date
2011-09-20
ISBN
0062026488 / 9780062026484
Local notes
Princess Elisa is a disappointment to her people. Although she bears the Godstone in her navel, a sign that she has been chosen for an act of heroism, they see her as lazy and useless and fat. On her sixteenth birthday, she is bartered off in royal marriage and shipped away to a kingdom in turmoil, where her much-older and extremely beautiful husband refuses to acknowledge her as his wife. Devastated, Elisa decides to take charge of her fate. As an invading army threatens to destroy her new home, and everyone at court maneuvers to take advantage of the young princess, Elisa becomes convinced that, not only is her own life in danger, the whole world needs saving.
Vividly described changing scenery and interesting characters. A good read.
Vividly described changing scenery and interesting characters. A good read.