A review by mybooksarenovel
The Thorns Remain by J.J.A. Harwood

4.0

I was expecting this to be a historical romance with some fantasy. But what it ended up being was not at all what I was expecting! It was more of folklore horror. Something in the vein of Holly Black (but more creepy sinister).

This was so good. Starts out a touch slow, but picks up momentum. The ending seemed a little lackluster after all the tension build-up, and fever-dream climax. But not bad, definitely on a happy note.

The folklore was excellent. And I want more stories like this one. I don't know The Ballad of Tam Lin well enough to tell if this is a retelling, or just a nod in that direction.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book for review!