Reviews

The Rose and the Thorn by Michael J. Sullivan

lost_inabook's review against another edition

4.0

This book sneaked up on me.

I was prepared to give this book 2 stars. But it delivered in the later half.


THA CALLBACKS! THE CONNECTIONS!!!!
THE WHEELS BEING SET IN MOTION!!!!!!!

lex24's review against another edition

I loved the first book, but this was so incredibly boring. 

a_chickletz's review against another edition

5.0

This is me, right now, finishing this book.

A part of me wishes that I was just starting this series over, from the beginning, and reading through them. But I think I'm satisfied with the way I read them, so I'm not upset.

So 'satisfied' is a perfect word to sum up this story, followed by a ton of swear words.

I wish I could spoil, but it'd totally ruin the experience. I will say how awesome it was that everything once talked about in passing or in reminiscence was now fleshed out fully in this story. We got to be Albert, Arista, Alaric, Hilfred, and even some baddies.

What I found so cute was Royce's relationship with Gwen. You just had to 'aww' at how awkward he was being around her and smile at it. Knowing Royce previously from the other books, I was already accustomed to 'how far her could go' and just reading it again was a total nail biter (which is where a lot of the swear words came in).

Overall: I enjoyed the book. No matter the order in which you read them in, you'll still come out wanting more.

jpribb's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

cinnabunbooks's review against another edition

4.0

Seeing how Hadrian and Royce have really grown together from the first book to the second was great. I love the grumpy x sunshine trope that they have as friends. Per usual MJS made me cry actual tears. I need to just stop getting attached to characters in any of his books. But he makes it so difficult to not care.

shleyg's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

whattamess's review against another edition

5.0

Buddy read over at Epic Fantasy Books

Good ole Gwen gave me an ugly cry, so now I have to give it 5 stars.

I love going back and seeing how Riyria all started. Royce was a very dangerous, and dark character in the beginning. He was also got in his own way a bit. I'm glad Sullivan gave Royce a TSTL moment so his character could grow.

It was great seeing Gwen and Hilfred's beginnings. I just want to grab all the characters hands and say, "See children? This is how it all started. Oh, don't worry, it gets worse."

mockh2's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny sad tense medium-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? It's complicated

4.75

curivm's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional funny lighthearted mysterious relaxing sad tense 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? It's complicated

4.75

jneeni's review against another edition

adventurous emotional medium-paced

4.5