Thistle is overall a fun read, best-suited for young teens or preteens. The trajectory of the story took me by surprise, as the majority of it takes place in or talking about a human factory rather than being focused on fairy life. I've seen some comments that the book should be longer, but I disagree with those; this is meant as a quick read and should only be written as one. It was a good length.

I was uncertain if this book is meant as just a fictional tale, or if its pointed references to human machines destroying the fairy land were intended as strikes against real humans' treatment of the earth. I mean, it very much seems like the latter, but I had gone into it not expecting any kind of lecture on human nature, so I was thrown off by that and couldn't quite come to terms with how to view it. Add in the main characters' views in the end, and the confusion left me more unsettled. I was trying to just enjoy a fun fairy story, but kept being drawn out of it by the encroaching real-world issues and trying to make sense of the narratives on offer. So this isn't a book for escapism or light fun; it's a soapbox wrapped in a covering of fairytale. Fortunately, the fairytale itself is entertaining.

The village in which Thistle grows up is interesting, and I would have liked to see more of it and have more of a feel for life there. The plot trots along at a good pace, though, carrying the characters beyond the menial life of the village, so it works that there wasn't a ton of time spent just enjoying the fairy life. The interplay of relationships was interesting, varying from close friendships to outward loathing, and there is good complexity that develops in how some of the characters relate to one another. Thatch was my favorite character.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC of this book.

This is one I sadly gave up on while reading. It’s hard for me to DNF a book but I felt this one was way to thin in it’s plot, although the writing was good.

Thistle is a fairy who thinks she is not special, something I think a lot of girls go through at some point in their life sadly. This book would've been really great for freshman year of college me, and I think a lot of people will find this relatable.

Going on this journey with Thistle and watching her grow was such a great journey, this was something I read in one sitting.

If you are not the biggest fan of fantasy, this is a great start. Reading about the world was very atmospheric and easy to follow. This is a shorter book, so some things of course could use more explanation but I think in the page count it was done very well.

Loved the adventure of Thistle & her friends. This story had me drawn in from the first page. Giving Tinkerbell vibes (who I love) 🧚🏻‍♀️. Bringing to light of social classes & when you feel like you just don't fit in. I loved the growth of Thistle of her seeing her worth. It's a short read but worth it & look forward to reading more.

Thanks to Netgally & author for the Arc

I loved the story the characters were likeable and well developed. It started a little slow but picked up around a quarter way theough. Fairies power struggles friendship and love with a steampunk feel. Where fantasy meets machine..

Thistle is a book that speaks to those who feel like they do not fit in. Thistle herself is a very relatable character, who makes mistakes, but she learns from them. She loves her friends, and her personality draws you to like her. There is a bit of a romance between her and Thatch, and while it is a sweet romance, it did feel just a bit quick and a bit predictable. Probably not for Thatch, but most definitely for the reader. I would have loved it to be more fleshed out or even a chapter or two told from Thatch’s perspective.

The world of the fairies is highly intriguing, and it feels like there is more to this world to explore. The book honestly felt like it was a prequel to a series already out. Like the books that have already established the world, we are getting the origins, the back story.

Overall, the story is very sweet; it gave me Fern Gully vibes as I read it. It’s what I would term a light read, but it was delightful, and I would love to one day return to the world of THISTLE and see what has happened to Thistle, Thatch, Ildray, Saris, and Fern.

Content
This book has some intense scenes and descriptions, but overall, it has no cursing and no sexual scenes and would be perfect for young readers to read if they are interested in the world of Faries. It deals with themes of Loneliness, abandonment, as well as rejection of family and others.

Our Rating
Overall, I give THISTLE a 4 out of 5. This story was highly enjoyable and would be perfect for someone’s first dip into a fantasy world.

I received an Advanced Reader copy of this book in return for an honest review.

This book was a short and interesting tale in a magical world reminiscent of Tinkerbell and the fairies of Pixie Hollow. Taking inspiration from children's stories, Cathy Greco has captured the atmosphere and essence of this folk law to create an interesting and fresh story. The characters are likeable and work well together and the story takes many twists and turns.

My one criticism is that I feel the magic system could use more depth however this will perhaps come in later books within the series.

Overall a short but great read!

On a journey to prove her worth Thistle, the overlooked fairy, sets off a chain of events that takes her head-to-head with the unknown world of Man.
I enjoyed this story, following Thistle and her friends on this once in a lifetime adventure. I loved the characters and all the roles they played throughout. I had a love/hate with the shortness of the story. I love a quick read, but I wasn't ready for it to be over. The length of the story didn't hinder the author from filling this story with action and allowing me to become attached to the characters.

Great story and characters, I would recommend this. Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for this free arc in exchange for my honest review.

Such a lovely story. I love short books but at the same time I wish I had more of this to read. 4.5 stars from me <3

3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.

Overall I enjoyed Thistle’s journey. She wants nothing more than to feel like she belongs, which is relatable. I like that when her friends were placed in different guilds than her they didn’t change their opinions of her. I also like the author didn’t put in unnecessary fluff- she created a fairly simple but effective world that doesn’t take chapters to understand.

I hope there’s more to come!

Charming tale of the underdog finding their self-worth and true friends in the vein of "A Bug's Life" but with flower fairies. A fun and rather quick feel-good read for any age.

This was a great read it reminds you of tinkerbell but more action packed. I love how her other fairy friends come into the picture. I would love other books like thistle maybe a sequel. The characters were fun and exciting. This would even make a great movie or TV series. This book was approved for me to read and review by netgalley and the publisher.

This was such a fun fast paced read, a woman who is strong, knows her worth (even if told otherwise) and is prepared to stand up for herself and her beliefs. It’s a great look at class and the path thistle takes to learn these things. Great read hoping for more in future

Thistle is a Fairy story with a hidden world in our very own and a coming of age story that explores a strong social class structure.
The story itself was atmospheric despite it being a short read and fast paced enough to keep you on your toes. The character development of Thistle is well delivered and the relationships between the characters are well written.
However, I found the writing to be simple, whereas with a story revolving around the fae and hidden worlds (perhaps wrongly), I assumed the prose would reflect the nature of the story. The characterisation I found to be two-dimensional and I didn't find them necessarily likeable, whereas for this story I believe that was not intended to be unlikeable, therefore I did not feel the value of build-up and pay-offs as I ought to have due to my lack of investment into the characters.
Overall I enjoyed the story and am intrigued to see what the author writes next.

'Thistle' was a very sweet, fantastical fairy story. It's a story on the shorter side, but the fast paced plot is able to do so much in a relatively small amount of time. Throughout the story, Thistle's character development really shines as she goes from thinking that she is nothing to finally seeing her worth and place. The relationship between all of the characters is beautiful as well. I recommend to anyone looking for a fun, whimsical read!

This book was such a good read! It's relatively short, but still packed with so much action and drama. Cathy Greco was able to do so much in so many pages, as every chapter kept me on my toes and wanting to read more. The character development in this story was simply phenomenal. In the beginning, Thistle thinks of herself as an outcast and is very insecure, but throughout the story she is finally able to see her worth. I absolutely loved her story and her character. I absolutely recommend reading this book!

Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for this free arc in exchange for my honest review.

3.25

Thistle has never been special, but that doesn't mean she will stay that way... or does it?

Thistle is an action packed romance novel that gives off strong Tinkerbell vibes. The more that I read the book the longer I wanted it to take.

I didn't think that I would be able to get into it right away since it was a little hard for me to follow but after you are introduced to everyone and things start to roll, you find out that Thistle isn't nimble and breakable but that she is a strong willed-amazing MC, I cannot wait to see what else comes out of this author..,. Hopefully another thrilling fantasy romance just like Thistle.

This was a really neat novel. I loved the insight into the world of fairies and adored that they were all
Some sort of flower. Even tho it seemed to high down in parts I was invested in the plot and needed to know how Thistle and her friends were going to come out of their ordeal on the other side!

A down to earth fantasy about a fairy that learns her true value. While the setting and characters are fantasy based the message of the story can easily be translated into today's society where we are all trying to find our place.

With break-neck action and swoony romance, THISTLE is a fantasy romance with a strong main female lead you do NOT want to miss.