Reviews

Heir to Thorn and Flame by Ben Alderson

adelionax's review against another edition

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Maybe I'll start again someday, but I'm not finding motivation for continuing this book and it's been months since I read what I did

gracehhicks's review against another edition

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4.0

love me a good book where I am completely blindsided at the end <3 max you ARE the moment

hazelrayson's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

marisny's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25

wisewun1's review against another edition

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This read a little like a first draft. It had cool ideas but didn’t seem to be executed well enough to hold my attentions. 

irrationaltide's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

josh_vanrys's review against another edition

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adventurous dark reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

rociobn28's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

worming_through_books's review against another edition

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5.0

This book is incredible.

The characters are so well written and fleshed out that they are easy to fall in love with despite some of their deceptions. Max is beautifully presented main character that goes through so much but still come out stronger in the end.

The strong story arc is only made better by the abundance of twists and turns that keep you guessing until the end. The writing is easy to follow and creates an addictive flow to the book that you can’t put down. The ending is the best parts of completion and cliff hanger you expect from the first part of a trilogy. I can’t wait to read the next instalments of this series.

With M/M romances, arranged marriages, found families, mages, elemental magic, and not forgetting dragons, this book of a must read for anyone who enjoys YA fantasy.

I cannot recommend this book, and Ben Alderson’s other works, enough.

finitha's review against another edition

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3.0

'Heir to Thorn and Flame' is the first book in the War of the Wood series. I am no stranger to Ben Alderson's style and even though this story may not quite reach the heights of 'Lord of Eternal Night', it undeniably serves as a fantastic kick-off to the series. Mages, dragons, familial bonds and treacherous betrayals . . . what is not to like?
Accidentally killing the heir to the throne, Max is forced to wear his mantle and marry Prince Camron. Plagued by uncertainty and torn between loyalties, he finds himself in a precarious position as his parents remain captive in the clutches of his enemies. Whom should he trust? Dangerously attractive Camron or Simion the dragon riding spy or his loyal but secretive friend, Beatrice? Delving further into the plot will only spoil your reading experience, and thus, I better refrain from divulging any more details.
I should warn you though . .. there is sort of a love triangle in the beginning which is almost resolved towards the end. Aaah!! I do hope that the author will pick that plot point again . . . at present my sympathies lay with the (presumed) villain. Sigh! Can't wait to read the next one.