I had the chance to read an ARC of Thorn Season by Kiera Azar, and I was completely swept away. This is the kind of YA fantasy that pulls you in from the very first page and doesn’t let go. The world of Daradon is dark, elegant, and full of danger, and I loved every second of navigating it alongside Alissa.

Alissa is such a layered, compelling heroine—strong, conflicted, and hiding a secret that could destroy her. As a noble heiress and secret Wielder (in a kingdom that hunts Wielders), her life is a constant balancing act. Her internal struggle, especially being part of a family that hunts people like her, adds so much depth to her character. I found myself rooting for her even when she was forced to make morally grey decisions.

And then there’s the tension. The slow-burn chemistry between Alissa and Kiel? Absolutely delicious. I was obsessed with their dynamic from the start—clever banter, smoldering glances, and that constant will-they-won’t-they energy. Add in a brooding king, political intrigue, dangerous secrets, and you’ve got a recipe for a book I couldn’t put down.

The magic system is cool and unique, and the pacing kept me hooked the whole way through. Honestly, this feels like the start of something big, and I’m already dying for the sequel.

If you love court politics, forbidden magic, enemies-to-lovers vibes, and fierce heroines with dangerous secrets, Thorn Season needs to be on your radar.

4.5⭐️ - If this book doesn't become a BookTok sensation I will be so shocked. Although I would definitely categorize this more as a fantasy romance than a true Romantasy. But I have a feeling the second book will fall more in line with Romantasy, at least I'm hoping it will 👀

The only reason I didn't rate this a solid 5⭐️ is because the beginning felt a little bit info-dumpy to me. I felt like I was constantly referring back a few pages to try and keep up with all of the terminology that was being used, and some of it was introduced in the beginning just to create some shock moments and reveals, but they weren't ever used again, like the Oath Band. That was such a big deal in the beginning of the book but we didn't see another one ever again, and it felt like it was used just to create a moment with Garrett that could be truly shocking.

The magic in this world is really unique and I loved the idea of it being invisible to everyone but the wielder, it wasn't just like Harry Potter magic where things magically float around, there was a tangible essence to the magic that made it feel more realistic. The magic is described as almost like an extra limb, and it's physically painful for the person to not wield their magic. The suspense that was created by these wielders having to use their magic to relieve some of the pressure, but knowing that it's illegal and they can be literally executed on the spot if they're caught added this thick layer of tension over the entire story that I loved.

There were so many reveals in this book that I honestly did not see coming. Looking back the foreshadowing was so subtle and clever and I can definitely see readers enjoying annotating this story. Everything was written so subtly that nothing felt predictable, and the big plot twist in the end was SO. GOOD. I was so shocked and honestly I've never read a twist like that, but I loved every second of it.

And the banter. Oh my gosh the banter. I loved our MMC and FMC, I don't want to say his name because I feel like it was a bit of a reveal, but man do I love him. The tension and back and forth between the two of them was just so good, I couldn't get enough!

I can't wait to read the final version of this book when it's published and to own a physical copy for my shelf!

BookTok better be ready for this one! This was a perfectly done Romantasy that will have you unable to put it down. It was hard to keep up with all the twist and turns of the story and kept me from guessing what was coming next. The characters and the story itself was complex but not overly done that makes it impossible to understand. Can’t wait for book 2 thank you NetGalley and harpercollins children’s books for the arc! Can’t wait to see this book blow up!!!

This story grabbed me from the blurb, making me eager to dive into its pages. Once I did, I knew I was in for a fantastic read. "Thorn Season" by Kiera Azar is the first book in a romantasy trilogy and an excellent start to the series. Think "The Selection", but with magic - and even better.

The book takes place in the Kingdom of Daradon, where Wielders are persecuted for their invisible power, the Specter, which makes them feared by the common people. The story follows Alissa Paine—heiress to a noble lineage and daughter of a Hunter family sworn to hunt Wielders. But Alissa is a Wielder herself, forced to keep her abilities hidden to avoid detection. On her 18th birthday, she must attend the royal court for the debutante season, only to find herself ensnared in court intrigue and caught between two dangerous men: Eric, the cruel king, and Keil, a foreign ambassador. It may be the Rose Season at the palace, but only her wit and thorns will keep her alive.

Court intrigue, an original magic system, secrets and betrayals, hidden agendas, enemies to lovers, forbidden powers, slow-burn romance - this book has it all. While the romance takes a backseat to the plot, there's a touch of well-crafted sexual tension. Plus, no love triangle—a trope I'm more than happy to do without.

This is a highly entertaining romantasy, filled with rich world-building, vivid and original characters, and a captivating magical setting. The magic system is unique, creative, and well-thought-out. The author does an excellent job of portraying her characters - whether protagonists or side characters, each one feels fully developed, from the honorable to the wicked and everyone in between.

Alissa is a fantastic heroine - intelligent, beautiful, sharp-tongued, and strong-willed. But she’s also reckless, daring, and rash. More than once, I wanted to shake her and tell her to stop being such a daredevil! I especially liked her relationship with her father and the genuine care between them. The dialogue, particularly the snappy exchanges between the main characters, was a highlight - whether in moments of flirtation or otherwise.

The pacing is just right - not too fast, not too slow - keeping a steady flow of twists and turns. With its immersive world-building, compelling characters, intricate magic system, and suspenseful plot, this book is an absolute page-turner. The writing style is smooth and easy to follow, and the thrilling ending perfectly sets the stage for the second book in the trilogy.

From the very first page, this story pulled me in and kept me hooked. I loved it and can’t wait for the next installment. While aimed at a YA audience, this book is an engaging, fast-paced read that any adult fantasy lover would enjoy. Full stars from me!

*Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.

I highly enjoyed this title!! The romance was delightful to read & it had just the right amount of high stakes to keep me super engaged. The world the author has built was well done, and easy enough to follow along with. I’m very excited to see what happens to Alissa’s character in the next book!

I really can't believe that this is Kiera Azar's debut novel. This book was so well written. I thought the pacing was perfect, nothing felt rushed or too slow. The magic system was unique and well thought out. I didn't find it confusing nor hard to understand at all. Alissa's actions in the book did make me anxious but it kept my attention; I needed to know what was going to happen next. I didn't see the plot twists at the end coming.

I'm so excited for this to be released to the world. I will be (im)patiently waiting for the next book in the series.

I absolutley loved this book! I was gripped into the story as soon as I started and finished it in one sitting. I loved the authors writing style because it made it very easy to read and follow the plot. The characters were very unique but there journey was amazing and extremely satisfying to read. I will be recommending this book to all of my family and friends.

Wow, this book REALLY hooked me from the beginning. The premise was so good, I was so intrigued by Alissa, and Keil, and even Carmen the whole entire ride. Some of the twist and turns really got me thinking, and I found myself unable to put the dang book down after I hit the halfway mark! I just had to know what was happening, who was really at the bottom of the Hunters' unsanctioned murders... and I'll tell you, the reveal was SO worth it! I cannot wait to continue following Alissa's story in the next book... that I'm already fiending for!

I literally can’t believe I got to read this before it came out into the world…..
It’s almost like Kiera looked into my brain and found almost everything I could possibly want from a romantasy??? Like how did YOU know exactly what I wanted to read you wonderful woman!!! I remember telling my friend I need a book filled with explosive tension and did Kiera sign, seal, and deliver on that.
I loved this book from beginning to end. Hello new favorite balcony scene?? The mystery, the intrigue, the colorful story telling were all so amazing, I swear I was transported into the story on every page. Alissa is my new hero, thank you writing such a strong and sassy heroine.
Friends, when I tell you please add this book to your TBR, Im telling you it’s like a watching a romcom with your favorite takeout on the couch on a Friday night, the perfect way to enjoy your evening. I have a 6month old and you’re darned right I was reading during nap time and at every bed time!

I was thinking at the beginning that I read many books like this, but before I was halfway through I was thinking about how many different turns it took and it had become unique. I really enjoyed it. Great characters and storytelling. I'm already excited for the next one.

I enjoyed this book. I found it to be engaging, and at times could not put it down. I'm looking forward to the next one!

SO OBSESSED! FMC Alissa has a rare magic the king has executed a countless number of his subjects for. Fighting to stay alive by using her charm and whit, she blends in as a Lady of her province. Her father a Lord Heron has tried many many years working and covering her magical tracks, until he can t any longer. In this land or kingdom rather when the courtiers turn 18 they enter the season. A worldwind of lavish balls and several social/royal engagements. It is also at this time Alissa decided to proceed as tradition incurs and by doing so elects to stay at the palace. Her father fears the most he ever has for her daughters safety and begs her to delay. Headstrong and hating the king she does the exact opposite as she figures she can keep her enemy close with the king being besotted with her. She intends to use it to her advantage when an unexpected newcomer joins court. An ambassador who also has Alissa s deadly magic from a neighboring kingdom. She fights as hard as she can to continue to keep her gift a secret and she struggles because all she has ever wanted to do was find another with her magic. Meanwhile she ‘s thrust right into a battle with Hunters, and special group of soldiers set on detroying all those with the treasonous magic she posseses. While at court Alissa hides her secret well and is intrigued by the newcomer, the King only has eyes for her and vows she will be his. After quite sometime secrets emerge about one of the nobel familes and soon after a deep heartbreak befalls Alissa. She is then recruited to recover a magical device by jer childhood friend so it can be hidden from the Hunters to stop the slaughter of those with magic. A wild ride and I am COMPLETELY OBSESSED AND CANT WAIT UNTIL I HAVE MY PHYSICAL BOOK IN MY HANDS!!!!!

I LOVED THIS BOOK! The magic system was unique and interesting. The characters were so complex and the way the main character changes throughout the book based on events makes so much sense to the story. I laughed. I blushed. I cried.

The way the author kept me on my toes was wonderful. Often because of how much fantasy I read I have come to find books to be very predictable but there were so many twist and turns that I found myself surprised by a lot of this book. She has set up such an interesting heroine, an intriguing love interest and the perfect villain! My only regret in reading his arc is that I will now have to wait longer for book 2😭.

Binge worthy, I devoured this in one day. The magic is an inherited trait and a faceless guard will hunt you for it. I’m intrigued to see how this series continues in the next book.

Smartly written and brimming with court intrigue, artifice, and deceit, Thorn Season had me gripped from the very first page. Though heavily plot driven, it was fascinating from a character study perspective to see the motivations of Alissa evolve throughout the story, particularly through her unflinching willingness to show a cruel hand when and where needed. I firmly believe that to truly understand a character, you have to see their thorns. And boy, there were brambles.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for the E-arc!

This book will grip you from the first chapter and have you at the edge of your seat the entire time!

Thorn Season – Kiera Azar
A dark, atmospheric novel that blends folklore with contemporary themes of resilience and survival. Azar’s writing is lyrical yet haunting, crafting a tale that feels both timeless and urgent. A must-read for those who love stories of strong-willed characters facing impossible odds.

Overall: 5/5
Spice: 0/5
Tropes/Themes: Forbidden power & hidden heritage, court intrigue & political schemes, unique magic system, secrets & betrayals, complex characters

"After all, power was only deemed dangerous when it couldn’t be commandeered by those in authority."

From the very first chapter, I knew this book was going to be something special. You know that feeling when you start a book and you feel that spark and you just can't stop reading? Yeah, well that was me with this one. I haven't felt that way about a fantasy novel in a while, probably not since Fourth Wing or Spark of the Everflame. It was sooo addicting!

This story follows Alissa Paine, a girl who has been hiding a secret for the past 18 years, she’s a wielder. In this world, wielders are hunted down and killed. Ironically, Alissa comes from a family of hunters. When girls turn 18, they enter society to participate in a courtly event called the Rose Season. Thrust into this dangerous environment, Alissa must learn to survive by becoming the sharpest thorn.

I absolutely loved Alissa as the main character. She was cunning, brash, and unafraid to stand her ground. She went through so much! King Erik was fascinating, so many layers to uncover! And ugh, Keil 🤌. I loved how every character had purpose and contributed to the plot in meaningful ways. The plot twists! Wow! I didn't expect any of them lol

If you're looking for your next book, this one NEEDS to be on your radar!! If you liked The Red Queen or even The Selection, you’ll definitely enjoy this. The world-building and writing were phenomenal. I can’t stop thinking about it. I need book two. Now. I’m completely obsessed with these characters!

When I saw all my friends and mutuals receiving a manuscript to what is told to be the next best romantasy, I knew that I needed to get my hands on this immediately. ‘Thorn Season’ by Kiera Azar is a phenomenal, twisty ride that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish!

We meet Alissa Paine's, our main character, whose journey as a Wielder is quite intense, and the world-building in Daradon is both brutal and dazzling. I couldn't get enough of the court intrigue, the political tension, and the romance that had my heart racing like CRAZY. Everything about this book was so complex. It was a story filled with dangerous secrets and two beautiful men just vying for her attention. And I’m no love triangle girly….but gosh this ate up and is exactly what I’m looking for when it comes to a love triangle.

The stakes in this book were incredibly high, and deadly, and the secrets unravel in the most unexpected ways that you don’t even see it coming. I was hooked from the very beginning and the edge of toes. I can’t believe this is only book 1 of a TRILOGY. The fact that I have to wait is diabolical because now I’m desperate for the next book.

This book sharp, sexy, and absolutely unputdownable. A 5-star read for sure and I need everyone to pick this up immediately👏

Thorn Season, the story of Alissa--a girl who is born with forbidden powers--sucked me in from the very beginning. This is book one of the trilogy, and I can't wait for the rest of the series. I'm not usually a fantasy fan, but I loved this one! Alissa is a wielder in a world where being a wielder is punishable by death. She and her father have hidden her powers from the nobility, but once Alissa reaches her 18th season, she finds herself in the middle of court being wooed by King Erik, a ruthless hunter of wielders. There are so many twists and turns that I stayed engaged the entire time. Highly recommend for YA Fantasy lovers!