This debut from Kiera Azar exceeded my expectations! So many characters are introduced who all play their part in the story and, for the most part, contain layers that actually felt genuine. Though the world-building was nothing ground-breaking, it served the story well. And while this book is labeled as "romantasy", it doesn't feel like it suffers from the same issues as many others recently have. Though many plot points and tropes within the book have been done before, it didn't feel forced or copied and pasted from others. Azar did a wonderful job making this her own. If you like a clever heroine, political intrigue, and an ending that will have you ready for more - make this your fall read!

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for this ARC!

I enjoyed debut novel from Kiera Azar. Alissa is a strong FMC. The book had me pulled in from the beginning. The world building was good and had me pulling me in. The action scenes were great. I can't wait to see what happens next.

While the beginning was a little slow, from about a quarter of the way on, I was engrossed. It is definitely not your typical love triangle, as you know who to root for the entire time. You also follow a morally grey female character, who embraces her flaws and does what she thinks is just. The writing is so good, that you want to yell at Alissa as she makes some of her choices, especially towards the end. The twists throughout were amazing, and while some were predictable, it honestly just added to the story. If you are expecting spice, there isn't really anything, but its YA so that is perfectly fine with me. I cannot wait for the next in the series.

4⭐️

Thank you to Kiera Azar & Epic Reads for an ARC of this book ❤️

Holy shit dude, what a debut! I refuse to believe that this is her first novel because the plot was written so freaking well. I don’t remember a time being this captivated and on edge for an ending like this, especially for a YA?!?

This book is for all the book girlies (and boys ofc) who enjoy political intrigue, plot twists, a new shadow wielding mans AND for fans of the Selection and the Red Queen (esp the Red Queen). I will have to say, some of the verbiage of the book threw me off but once I got used to Kiera’s writing, I was mesmerized!

I’m very excited for book 2 and for this insane cliffhanger 😭 like the epilogue excuse me?????

This book was so good! I was hooked from the start, it did slow down a bit in the middle but that ending! I can't really tell if this will be a love triangle or not. I appreciated the witty banter between Alissa and Kiel but I couldn't help but feel she was being a bit to harsh with Garret. Though he was wrong, he was still trying to protect her. And King Erik, he reminded me so much of Aaron Warner from the first Shatter me book (but not in the way that makes you swoon). That ending gave me the shivers, he is pure evil! The twists in this book had my head reeling, it was a good combination of Thriller/mystery/fantasy. Thank you netgalley for the arc!

DNF @ 32%.

slow paced and felt flat to me. sighhh

i was looking forward to this book and the first printing special ed is so cute! unfortunately i was disappointed while reading— it did not interest me at all and i found myself wanting to pick something else up but i was forcing myself to make progress into the book so i can get a review out as i have the ARC. after a week of not reading it i decided it was time to dnf and let me tell u, I FEEL MUCH BETTER.

oh my gosh oh my gosh NEW FAVORITE READ OF 2025!!!

Okay so first die hard loved basically everything about this book and I can not stretch how much I need book 2 in my hands. right. now!!

* romance (legit swoon)
*friendships
*main character (she was epic!!)
* the TWISTS!!! (AHHHH!!!)
* the story itself, the court politics and intrigue, the world building--- SO GOOD!!!

And then my personal favorite is too big of a spoiler to share but literally the last 40% of this book had me on the edge of my seat and I HAD to devour in one sitting!!
The first 60% was still amazing, but like major heart eyes!!


shared on Goodreads already (linked below), review set to go on Instagram 08/31 in the morning at 7am

This debut YA romantasy is one of my favorite reads of the year! There is magic, secrecy, playing both sides in the war on magic, playing the game of court, mystery solving, and an heiress who saves herself.

Alissa, born a weirder, has always known it needed to be contained and a secret. If anyone knew, she would be executed. As an heiress, her eighteenth season meant being going to court for rose season and participating with other future heirs.

No one in court is your friend, everyone has their own secrets. King Erik is no exception. Known for being icy cold and following the declaration to execute all wielders, rose season gets much more dangerous when he sets his sights on Alissa as his future bride.

Ambassador Keil, from a country that celebrates being wielders, is invited to rose season by King Erik under the guise of political intrigue and opening trade. Can Alissa trust Keil after he reveals himself to be a wielder like her?

This epic romantasy with political intrigue that is easy to follow takes every character on an epic adventure to solve a mystery and pursue their own reasons for seeking power. I absolutely cannot wait until book 2!!

4.5 stars (rounded up)!! ty to netgalley for the arc + fairyloot (i think this is the oct book!!)

started off pretty typical, but then i was fully immersed in the gardens, palace intrigue, and mysteries (and there are lots!)

i was rooting for alissa with her 3 (yes, three) "love interests" but i have to say it's pretty obvious who she will end up with and i thought he was the least interesting (so far)

i appreciate the depth and fun twists brought by garrett & erik -- ty for actually being morally gray and intersting bc keil's "twist" was just he's an even better person than she thought... had some good scenes but why was the tension better with g & e !!!

has the nostalgic vibes of good ya fantasy like red queen, young elites, & the selection (GET ACOTAR COMPARISONS OUTTA HERE)

would recommend and can't wait to see where the next book goes!!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Oh my goodness! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars! Yes, this book has exceeded my expectations and climbed to one of my top reads and 6 star reviews of the year!
The plot?? Amazing. The characters? Immaculate. The way that I actually BELIEVED that these characters were real while I was reading! Our FMC was as frustrating as she was cunning, and I could not help adoring her even when she drove me crazy!
And honestly all the supporting characters - villains and protagonists alike - were all perfection. The realness of these characters mixed with the unique and beautiful form of magic made for a perfect novel. I simply cannot believe that this is the author’s debut novel. It read with the intrigue and precise of someone who’s been writing successful novels all her life. At this point, I’m considering asking if I can read her grocery lists.
CANNOT WAIT for the next one. I have a love/hate relationship with ARCs because as fun as it is to read books prior to their release, it just makes it that much longer of a wait for the next one 😭
Would definitely recommend to anyone who likes amazing twists in their plot, beautifully intricate complex characters, and a unique magical ability!!
My only request for this next one is MORE ROMANCE!!! PLEASE!!

A solid YA fantasy debut!

Let me start off by saying this book is a solid debut novel. It sets up a pretty unique world, and the characters are dynamic. There are also some unseen plot twists towards the end which was a nice surprise.

Overall, I enjoyed this one. I found it fairly easy to settle into this world and figure out these characters. Alissa is a rich character, and her dynamic throughout this book is fun to follow. At times, I did feel like I didn't quite understand her motives, but I think that's part of her character's flaw. There were also some super hate-able characters which I also really enjoyed. This book does has a little bit of a love competition between what appears to be three suitors: Erik, Garrett, and Keil. Now let me be honest, it was pretty obvious to me, that one of them was not really an actual option, but there were some weird moments that left me feeling almost unease. Personally, I feel like there was one option that is the BEST option, and I will be very interested to see how it plays out in the next book.

So the premise of this book deals with a society were wielders are marked for death just for being wielders. I thought this was a unique dynamic for a fantasy novel. It did read a little like a dystopian trope if that makes sense. I did think it was interesting that not all the kingdoms outlaw wielders. I do think that will come into play more in the next book. At times, the pacing drags, and it feels like plot isn't progressing. But the ending makes up for it. The last 25% moves along, and there is so much that happens.

This book was a great YA debut. It had it's flaws, but overall it set up a intriguing world and fun characters. I will continue this series. I'm interested to see how it will play out in the next book.

I would like to thank the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rating: 4/5

I have so many thoughts on this debut fantasy novel. First off I love how the author describes things. She's very detailed in her descriptions. This story kept me intrigued with Alissa the main character, she's a wielder which only a few people know as to be a wielder is to be a criminal in this kingdom. She's turning 18 and joining the court. She is trying to find the compass that leads to other wielders while trying to keep someone who is after her off her case and away from the hunters. I really loved this book I couldn't put it down

Well. I am going to need the next book immediately.

I did not want this to end. It was a stressful ride, with brief bits of swoon, but mostly stress, but in a good way.

Truly layered characters with realistic motivations and actions, some glorious descriptions, and I only guessed a couple of the reveals. (Which were things I wanted to be true anyway.)

I am excited for what is hopefully to come in the next book, without giving any spoilers.

Most definitely recommended.
I feel a book hangover coming on.

The Kingdom of Daradon has Wielders, who possess a magical spectre and non magic folks. The wielders have always been feared and are hunted for their spectre’s. Alissa Paine, heiress to one of the provinces and daughter of the primary Hunter family is also a weilder. From her privileged position in society and her father’s efforts, she has been able to maintain her freedom even while lacking self-control to hide her spectre. Since it is her 18th season at court, she is summoned to participate in Rose week, which culminates in pledging fealty to the King. There she finds herself as the King’s interest, and meets a foreign ambassador that is more like her than he knows.

As a YA Romantasy I enjoyed this book, and ended up reading it pretty quickly. I liked Alissa, and felt that for an 18 year old she was well thought out and multidimensional. The magic of the spectre’s was interesting, though it would have been nice to learn a bit more of the history of magic wielders. The romance portion of the book was well done, and added to the overall story, instead of taking away from it. I noticed this was going to be the first in a series prior to starting the book, so I’m hoping the second book will build upon things a bit more.

The court political intrigue was well done, and I hadn’t figured out a couple of the twists and turns. I’m interested to see where book two will take the story lines from this book.

Thank you to HarperCollins Childrens Books Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Step into a world of glittering jewels, powerful Kings and Queens, treacherous court dynamics, and a society so divided that people are hunted simply for who they are.

I put off reading Thorn Season, and I am both mad at myself and relieved that I did. Mad because I absolutely loved it and could have experienced this story so much sooner. Relieved because the wait for book two is already unbearable and at least delaying this one spared me a few months of torture.

Thorn Season is a thrilling, gutting, mind spinning ride that kept my heart racing. By the time I hit 90% I had to physically put the book down and take a breather because the anticipation was that intense.

At the center of the story is Alissa, our FMC who survives in a world that would despise her if it knew the truth of what she is. She is cunning, strong willed, imperfect, and full of heart. Her journey pulls her through high stakes dangers, devastating twists, and moments of surprising warmth. Along the way, she encounters multiple romantic connections, each unique, alluring in their own way, and sure to stir different reactions from readers. Some made me swoon, others made me recoil, but every one of them kept me invested.

Set in a Regency inspired era, complete with glittering gowns and dazzling balls, the book blends elegance with peril. The stakes are always high, the emotions raw: one moment you are aching with yearning so intense you can feel it, the next you are cringing at a betrayal or revelation that cuts deep.

Kiera Azar crafted something incredible here, a story that is both breathtaking and brutal, one that left me desperate for more.

ARC Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I was 40% in before I even realized it. It drops to a slower pace, then wham bam, it spun me round and let me know we were not done yet. I ended up staying up past bedtime because this needed to be read.

I felt like I got more then one epilogue. In the best way possible. I thought I was hitting the end, a cliff hanger for book 2, but it kept right on going, flinging itself back into the action.

While the ending does leave us hanging - the sequel is a MUST HAVE on my list, it felt like a good/natural place to stop.

Satisfying way to wrap up a majority of the events and leave plenty of leads for a smooth transition into the next installment.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books | Storytide for the ARC.

🌟 3.75- rounded up

For being a debut YA novel, this was pretty good!

This book started with some action and an interesting introduction to the FMC, Alissa.

While nothing in this book is groundbreaking, it's entertaining enough. It slowed down a bit after Alissa was in court.

I do believe a few of the other characters, including one of the main MMCs, could have been fleshed out a bit more. As it is, I'm just not super invested in his character - even though it seems like he might be the endgame? There will probably be much more of him in book 2 based on the ending of book 1.

Alissa is likable enough, and the storyline is good. Then, everything really picks up at around the 75% mark, and I flew through the ending!

Overall, as previously stated, it's pretty dang good for a debut! I would recommend it to people who read the blurb and think it sounds like something they would enjoy.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own and freely given.

Plot:⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters:⭐️⭐️⭐️
World Building:⭐️⭐️⭐️
Themes:⭐️⭐️⭐️
Writing:⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book has gotten a lot of marketing hype. It's being compared to Fourth Wing and ACOTAR. And I think it is neither one of those, and it's a stretch to even compare this YA book to those IPs. To be fair, it's not the author's fault that her publishers are calling this book the romantasy book of 2025, or that they say it's sexy and dangerous. I do think it's great for publishers to use best-selling novels to comp. However, those comps have to be accurate. I have seen that other booksellers have used The Selection and Shadow and Bone as comps, and I do agree with those comps.

Thorn Season is perfectly fine. It's got a derivative setting, generic main characters, uninspired romances, and a plot that is as interesting as the next YA fantasy. It's neither great nor horrible. Just average. The one thing it does have going for it is the magic, aka the wielders and their specter. It's something I haven't seen before in YA fantasy. This book is for people who have court politics, hidden powers, love triangle(ish), secret identities, dress and party descriptions, and sassy & stubborn heroines (TM).

As mentioned previously, the magic system is unique and interesting. Alissa is a wielder, as in she wields a specter, which is essentially a(n) invisible tendril(s) that's connected to her body. This specter can do things like knock things over, and no one will see who did it. I guess it's useful if you have secrets and want to do things without people seeing. But in Alissa's country, wielders are outlawed, and (un)fortunately for Alissa, she's a wielder. That's the tldr of the magic system.

The world-building in this book is lackluster. I don't really know how it's different from other 19th-century, European-inspired YA fantasy. We've seen a couple of those books this year. You could probably insert and remove the characters from one book to another, and they'd probably be able to fit in. As with all YA fantasy books with court politics, there are love triangles. But the romances felt off. One was obviously fake, the other contrived, and possibly a third existed. I actually hope Alissa doesn't fall for any of them.

The plot in this book is indeed full of twists. Some characters are very obviously the bad or the good. Some who are trustworthy but deceive. Some you'll wish will just go away. Yet, despite the court politics, which I typically do enjoy, I found Thorn Season to be boring. The pacing seemed off in this book. Act One was really good because there was momentum, and it did a great job setting up the plot. However, once Alissa heads to court for the Thorn Season, the plot slowed down and it became dull. I stopped caring for any of the characters. Even when something traumatic happens to her in the middle of the book (spoiler:(view spoiler)), I didn't find her characterization believable. Additionally, there were events seemingly out of order, and the timeline was off. In one case, Alissa gives someone three days to report back, but then weeks pass by. But it's possible that the ARC I read just hadn't fixed that yet. And there seemed to be some scenes missing because somehow Alissa suddenly gained important information. Again, it could be that those scenes hadn't been added to the book yet. Most of this occurred in the last act, towards the end of the book.

Overall, I didn't think the book was unique enough to stand out from the crowd of "Season" books. I do not think I will be continuing this series. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an eARC to review.

WOW! I am blown away by this debut fantasy. Lady Alissa was an extremely lovable FMC; she was complex with so many different facets to her: kind, yet unforgiving; fearful, yet brave in moments no one else could be; cunning, relentless, and uneasy to decipher. I truly loved her character’s journey, and I loved getting to see the darker side of her - she was pushed to the limits and reacted accordingly.

The complex relationship between her and Garrett was written beautifully. There was so much love and pain between the two of them, and I was happy to see that in the end he still chose her above all else. The scenes with Alissa and Keil were addicting. Absolutely loved the banter and heckling between them & his band of “friends”. Definitely excited to see if their relationship will continue to grow in the rest of the series. King Erik’s characterization was complex, and I found myself at times forgetting he was the villain. Having him show moments of softness and care add a depth to his characterization & doesn’t just give the typical “evil guy” vibes. However, the reason behind why he was soft and cared so much for Alissa reinforced that yes, he is very much the villain.

Overall, this was a fantastic fantasy read! My favorite thing about this book is that the romance aspect did not detract from the main story; the plot was well developed with twists and turns to keep the reader entertained. The dialogue flowed well and never felt forced. I will definitely be recommending this book & can’t wait to continue with this series!!

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

Thank you to NetGalley, and Harper Collin’s for the ARC!

This book blew my mind. I’m not sure if I underestimated the story, but I’m just sitting here staring at my hands not knowing what to do with myself now that I’ve finished it.

I’m glad that this is being marketed as a YA book because some elements are incredibly YA, but I felt the torture bits were a little much for a YA audience. There were also a few scenes I found to be cliche, but the twists and turns made up for them. (Though I did call one major plot point involving who has the compass. I will forever be smug about that.)

I’m pretty sure we know where the romance is going in book 2, but I’d be thrilled if all wasn’t as it seemed there.