A Hunger of Thorns is a magical fantasy. If you are a fan of The Hazelwood or Among the Beasts and Briars, I think you'd enjoy this.
Not everyone has magic, but some do and it this world it has been highly regulated and commercialized. Maude comes from a family of witches, but she lost her magic when she hit puberty, and her mother was taken by the auditors and is labeled a traitor.
When her former friend, Odette, goes missing, Maude embarks on a fairy tale like journey to save her.
This was definitely dark and violent at times.

Thanks to Netgalley and Random House Children's Publishing for an early copy for review.

A Hunger of Thorns is a fourth through eighth grade adventure of self-discovery and friendship for Maude, our 12-year-old heroine. Maude is a witch who had powers until she reached menses. The adventure begins sometime after the death of Maude's mother and she is being raised in a loving home by her coupled grandmothers. She is grounded and self-aware. Maude though not cut from the same cloth as her neighbors and classmates, harbors no sadness at being "different". Maude accepts herself and her life as it is. Life with her grandmothers is stable and consistent. The grandmothers' one rule: Stay away from Sticklehurst.

Everyone in their village is not magical, but everyone does possess a gift. Maude has the gift of brilliant storytelling. Her classmate Rufus has the gift of insight into one's heart and soul. He understands people and sees what motivates them, which give him wisdom beyond his age. He sees Maude for who she is and wants only to be her friend.

Maude's former best friend, Odette, goes missing. Maude thinks she can win back Odette's friendship if she finds her. Rufus and Maude conclude the most likely plat to look is Sticklehurst.

I highly recommend this book for grades 4-8 because of its strong, independent, believable characters who are not treated as lesser people because they are children..

What I liked most was the tasteful depiction of innocent pubescent exploration. Well done.

I love this author and I absolutely loved this book!! I read this book so fast and I can't believe its over already. This books story is so gripping and full of action. I will be recommending this author and book to everyone I know.