Brooke Reports: Trust Your Heart. Even if it Kills You.

Heart of Thorns

Author: Bree Barton

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Release Date: July 31st, 2018

In the ancient river kingdom, touch is a battlefield, bodies the instruments of war. Seventeen-year-old Mia Rose has pledged her life to hunting Gwyrach: women who can manipulate flesh, bones, breath, and blood.

Not women. Demons. The same demons who killed her mother without a single scratch.

But when Mia's father suddenly announces her marriage to the prince, she is forced to trade in her knives and trousers for a sumptuous silk gown. Only after the wedding goes disastrously wrong does she discover she has dark, forbidden magic—the very magic she has sworn to destroy.

From the very first page I could tell that Heart of Thorns was going to be special. Not only did the opening scene hook me, the writing itself had me mesmerized. Barton's prose is lyrical and sharp, captivating and tantalizing.

"On the eve of her wedding to the prince, Mia Rose ought to have been sitting at her cherrywood dresser, primping her auburn curls and lacing her whalebone corset. She should have been fussing with the train of her gown, a piece of oyster silk that unfurled behind her like a snow-kissed boulevard. Mia was doing none of those things." Pg. 1

I adored Mia. I thought she was sweet, intelligent, and humorous. Considering all the trials Mia is put through, she stayed incredibly level-headed. I mean, can you imagine believing something is true your whole entire life only to find out it wasn't? This poor girl has her entire set of core values turned upside down, yet never loses her sass or spirit.

I also really enjoyed Quin. He and Mia are forced into a harrowing journey that becomes one of survival. They go from barley speaking to having to trust and depend on one another—it was gratifying to see the change in their dynamic. Also, the amount of swoon these two create?! Immense.

"He peeled her shirt down at the neckline, just an inch, and blew cool air over her sweltering skin. Delicious sensations shivered down her spine."

"The river," she said.

They eased themselves into the Natha, the cool rush of water spilling over them. Their clothes clung to them like a second skin. Mia dug her fingers into his curls, mashed wet lips against his forehead, and tasted the plumpness of his bottom lip." Pg. 375

The magical element of Heart of Thorns was exceptionally unique. I loved learning about the Dujia/Gwyrach. Healing hearts, stopping blood flow, stealing breath, intensifying lust—rare and wonderful and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about it.