A review by jasmineteagirl
Juniper & Thorn by Ava Reid

dark emotional funny mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated

4.5

I really liked this book. It was gothic and weird, but so entrancing and easy to read at the same time. It seems like a book that could have many good analyses written on it. Ava Reid’s writing was so descriptive, this explores abusive dynamics and retribution in a loose retelling of the juniper tree fairy tale, which I wasn’t familiar with at all. Unfortunately I think this book has been largely misunderstood by many readers. 

Honestly, I love that it was shorter but I kinda wish it was a big longer just because I’d love some more worldbuilding in terms of the magic system and magic’s impact on the world around Oblya. 

Spoiler

like how come Marlinchen’s father couldn’t use magic to get out of the prison? Were there limits I missed that were discussed while reading?