3.75 stars for me rounded up. This started off fairly strong, but it got a little lost in the second half.

In the kingdom of Daradon, aristocrat Alissa is coming upon her 18th year, and hiding a secret that could get her killed. She’s a Wielder, someone who is able to wield a specter of force, and someone who is hunted by the Capewell family (and her own cousins), aptly called the Hunters. She’s been able to keep her secret for years, with few knowing about it at all. The customary Rose Season is about to begin, where all members of court in their 18th year swear fealty to King Erik. But this year is different - there are more and more hunts occurring, and this year the court is joined by an Ansoran ambassador Keil, who isn’t who he seems. As the season carries on, Alissa is unraveling a plot that goes deeper than she ever thought, and will have to play her part at court to get the answers she needs.

Court intrigue • Enemies to lovers • Unique magic • Cunning FMC

I really liked the beginning half of this book. Alissa’s relationship with her father, her friendship with Tari, and her experience at court all had me very intrigued. Without any spoilers, I loved the way we meet Keil and watching the tension build between them, even in front of Erik knowing his intentions. The additional side characters are all vital to the story, and it was really interesting watching how each of them played a part.

However, the last 30% of the book or so were harder for me to get through. I started to get really frustrated with Alissa as a character, despite knowing she was grieving. I think she was making a lot of rash decisions and treating people cruelly when she didn’t need to, refusing to ask anyone for help, even people she trusts. I think Alissa’s plan in particular in the latter part of the story got a bit too twisty and complicated, but I do want to know what happens next (if only for some answers about Keil).

Thank you HarperCollins and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thorn Season is deliciously addicting. Reserve yourself a full day to read, you will not want to put this book down!

Thank you to NetGalley and Kiera Azar and HarperCollins for this eARC 🫶🏻

Wow! I was so absolutely unexpectedly blown away by this one! I was a little unsure how I was going to feel going into it. YA is always a mixed bag as an adult. Sometimes I get so frustrated by the characters or it feels obtuse - again as an adult hehe - that I have to put the book down because I’m very much not the target audience. I didn’t feel that way for this one, so if that is a concern you have I would say you don’t need to be worried :) sometimes the characters did frustrate me a little but I don’t think it was an age thing.

Okay! On to the things I loved:

- the plot!! The book blurb both tells you exactly what to expect but also leaves so much out I was pleasantly surprised by the trajectory of the plot. I don’t know if plot twist is the right word, but I wasn’t fully sure where the story was going to end up, which was a feeling I loved. I stayed up until 4 am reading this (as mentioned above) because I was in fact so invested in what was going to happen next. There were times I literally had to put it down cause I was reacting so strongly to things happening on page.

- the magic?? So unique!!! I don’t think I’ve read anything like it before and I was super intrigued

- the main character Alissa. I am obsessed with this icon. I don’t want to say too much, but she’s strong and clever without feeling infallible, is independent without being hyper independent, and quite honestly was just really multi faceted. I don’t know how to explain it but she felt so real and unique to me. Like I don’t want to say she’s morally grey necessarily, but she’s cynical and kinda scrappy in a way that felt very fresh and new.

- something about the relationships in this book hurt in all the best ways and I will leave it at that lol 🫡

My only real complaint is that there was some weird scenes of info dumping in the first few chapters, due to unnatural dialogue. Like one character would be explaining one thing to another and I remember being like “wouldn’t they already know this?”, but all in all that’s not too egregious an offense because the info dumping wasn’t super intense.

This is not really a good or a bad thing but this book was not what I was expecting given the blurb, especially the beginning few chapters which took me some adjusting to but I was not mad about it.

The ending was excellent, not entirely predictably in the best way (something not a lot of authors are good at) and I’m really excited for what the follow up will entail and the new situations it’ll put the characters in!!

All in all, I really enjoyed this read. I’m excited to see what else this author does, both with this series and with other works!! Add this to your TBR!!

This book surprised me and I enjoyed it. I love a good story of political intrigue that always keeps you guessing. The writing overall is pretty good and engaging. The pacing struggles at times with telling rather than showing. There were moments where I was a bit bored but I kept reading. The ending is a highlight and makes me excited for more.

The characters are engaging, especially a FMC with my name :) I felt her growth while she went through all the twists and turns in the story. Alissa truly had to figure it out on her own and find her own way to survive. She's literally up against the wall finding her way out. I can't wait to see her continue to grow in the next book!

The ending is also noteworthy! I definitely wanted more. Can't wait for this book to be out and have more people read a wonderful story.

Thank you to Harper Collins Childrens and Netgalley for the eARC of this book! It's awesome!

Thorn Season was absolutely fantastic! The author wrote a story that was so well written I found myself flying through the pages, unable to put the book down, pondering what would happen next. My favorite piece of this entire story was how believable the characters were.

The writing is clear and clean, and very immersive. The book hums along at a good clip, but the pacing makes sure we're given time to breathe between plot-intensifying moments. The story was absolutely engaging and the work that went into the settings was noticeable and superb. I felt absolutely transported and I'm so incredibly glad I was able to read an arc of this story.

I really enjoyed this book and everyone in it. I was not expecting to get as swept up in the story as I was, I did not want to put this book down for anything, not even to go to sleep. Thorn Season was a gripping story from start to finish. Kiera Azar has a way with characters, everyone was complex, but so well written that their motivation made sense. This was a fantastic first book, and I cannot wait to get my hands on the rest of the series! Great for fans of Bridgerton or These Hollow Vows.

Thorn Season by Kiera Azar is a compelling and well-written novel that pulled me in from the very first pages and held my interest throughout. The storytelling is immersive, with a strong narrative that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.

One of the book’s strengths is its subtle yet intriguing undercurrent of romance. While a love interest is hinted at, it remains unresolved in this installment, leaving room for future developments in the series. Though some readers may wish for more immediate resolution, this slow build adds an element of anticipation.

Since Thorn Season is the start of a series, I’m eager to see where the story goes next. Azar has created a world and strong female characters that are worth following, and I’ll be looking forward to the next release. If you enjoy well-crafted fiction with a mix of tension, depth, and a hint of romance, this book is worth picking up.

This book was amazing from start to finish! The mystery, the banter, the potential love triangle had me eating it up.the slow burn definitely had me reading just one more chapter every time just to read those important moments. Perfect for fans of The Selection and Caraval.

Thorn Season by Kiera Azar marks an impressive and captivating debut, introducing readers to a mesmerizing blend of fantasy, romance, and courtly intrigue. Azar crafts a rich, imaginative world brimming with sharp wit, sizzling chemistry, and unexpected twists that keep the reader thoroughly engaged from start to finish.

The novel centers around compelling characters whose complexities and layered dynamics create an emotional depth reminiscent of beloved series such as Shadow and Bone and The Selection. Azar's narrative style is sharp and confident, effortlessly combining humor and suspense in a manner that feels both fresh and irresistible.

What sets Thorn Season apart is its skillful balance between romantic tension and political drama, all set against a vividly described backdrop that immerses readers fully into its fantastical setting. Azar's protagonist is relatable yet nuanced, and the supporting characters each carry their own intriguing backstories, adding richness to the overarching plot.

Readers looking for a captivating romantasy filled with sharp dialogue, lush world-building, and characters that resonate long after the final page will find Thorn Season a delightful and unforgettable read. Kiera Azar's debut heralds the arrival of an exciting new voice in young adult fiction—one that promises much anticipation for the subsequent installments of this trilogy.

Let me start by saying—this was impressive for a debut novel. Kiera Azae’s writing is solid, the world-building is fantastic, the characters are well-developed, and the plot had all the right elements to make for an incredible story. On paper, this should have been a win for me. But despite all of that… I was so bored. Like, staring-at-the-wall-questioning-my-life-choices bored.

Everything felt rushed. The buildup? The suspense? Practically nonexistent. It’s like the story just barreled through major moments without letting them breathe, making it hard to really care about the stakes. And let’s talk about Erik—the most interesting and compelling character in the book. He had so much potential, but we barely scratched the surface of his history. Meanwhile, Alissa, our FMC, was strong and brilliant (love that for her), but it wasn’t enough to fully hook me.

Also, let’s get one thing straight—this is not a romantasy. Are there romantic subplots? Sure. But if you're picking this up expecting romance to be central to the story, you’re gonna be disappointed.

All in all, Thorn Season had the bones of a great book, but the execution didn’t land for me. I wanted to love it, but instead, I had to fight the urge to skim. If there’s a sequel, I might give it a shot—if only for Erik—but otherwise, this one just wasn’t for me.

Note: I will not be posting this review publicly until after release, as I don’t want to create any bias against the author or novel before it has a fair chance to find its audience.

Disclaimer: Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for an ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I loved the story, the world building and meeting the different characters. I felt completely immersed in the story and couldn't stop reading it.

I loved it! I didn’t want to put it down. This book has everything. Mystery, secrets, betrayal, tension! I’m hoping for more love story is the next book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this e-arc for my honest review.

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.
I really enjoyed this book. The main character, Alissa, has to keep her magic hidden because magic wielders are hunted and killed in her kingdom. When an old friend comes back into her life asking for her help to find a magic compass that points to magic wielders, Alissa decides to go to the King's Palace for Rose Season to try to figure out who stole the missing compass.

I really liked the characters, the world building, and the plot of the book. If you like political intrigue, an interesting magic system, and a Victorian era, then this book is for you.

I don’t know that I’ve ever been this torn as to what I should rate a book. Half stars are not a thing though so I’m landing at a just barely four stars.

The beginning caught my interest quickly but the middle of the story just felt like it dragged on… the ending sucked me back in. The world building was great but I felt like Alissa wasn’t the most likable of female main characters. It was a struggle to connect with her and care about what happened to her. I do know this is a debut from a new author and I’m hoping she’ll continue to get better as the series progresses. The story itself is great - power, political intrigue, a dash of romance - I just need to feel more invested in the outcome of the characters I’m meant to be rooting for.

Also, can I say that this felt a bit dark to be categorized as YA? I’m not mad at it… just surprised. Overall this is a promising debut in what I hope ends up being an exciting series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the chance to read an early copy!

This book was fantastic! The plot twists that continued to twist, the direction of the story never quite going where you think it will! This book had me on the edge of my seat nearly the entire time! And that ending!!! Speechless!!! This YA fantasy book is so well written and so captivating I couldn't put it down! A well-deserved five star!!

This book had me hooked. I went in expecting a fun romantasy, but what I got was pure chaos, in the best way!! The tension, the betrayals, the emotional damage? Chef’s kiss. The world-building was a bit overwhelming at times, and some moments felt rushed, but the story still kept me invested. And the characters? Some I adored, some I wanted to throw into a lake, but either way, I cared.

Even with a few things that could’ve been fleshed out more, it was a super fun read. If the sequel was out right now, I’d already be halfway through it.

This was a mistake on my end, as I did not realize this was a Young Adult romantasy book. I still enjoyed the portion I sampled, but I can tell I need to be in the proper mood for this book and I want to get the physical version since it is on the longer side. I am also not 100% sure I am the target audience for this book. I heavily enjoyed the writing style though, so I do plan to pick it up again at some point.

I am grateful to have seen this book via Net Galley, as I can get it if i see it in stores.

Thank you for the opportunity to provide honest feedback voluntarily. I received a free eARC

I thoroughly enjoyed this one! You get political/court intrigue, romantasy, twists and turns, secrets and more.
The pacing was good, I was invested in nearly every character, and the premise kept me interested throughout.
I did feel like some of the big moments were a tad rushed and could have been fleshed out a bit more but I still enjoyed this and the ending definitely left me wanting more.

Rose season is upon the kingdom of Daradon which means ladies in their eighteenth season have the opportunity to make their societal debut. Alissa Paine is the daughter of an influential family. While her father has stood strong against his cousins, the Hunters' attacks are becoming more and more frequent. Alissa has a secret, she's a Wielder and apart of the group the Hunters seek to eradicate. In order to evade them Alissa must go to court, but there she meets royals that are equally as threatening. King Erik, whom is known for his determination as well as an ambassador from a foreign kingdom who's intentions are unclear. In order to survive Alissa must be a thorn, beautiful and unassuming but quick to draw blood and defend herself.

Azar does such an amazing job at taking aspects from other stories we know and love and then turning them into something completely unique and intriguing. I loved the complexness of Alissa and how she interacted with people she loved, hated and manipulated. She is fierce, strong, deeply flawed but has the ability to care for herself. I am chomping at the bit for the second book already.

What did they lace this book with?! I had to physically restrain myself from staying up all night to finish it—stupid real job getting in the way of my reading time! Thorn Season, mark my words, is going to be the BookTok girlies’ obsession this fall. It hits every single beat that makes romantasy so addictive (minus the spice), and I absolutely did not want to put it down.

The courtly intrigue, the betrayals, the endless hidden agendas—I was getting whiplash from all the jaw-dropping reveals! Kiera Azar masterfully crafts complex characters, and holy hell, does she know how to write pure evil. (Was it weird that I found myself slightly attracted to said evil? I blame it on the name and hair color resembling my favorite TV vampire—mild spoilers there.)

And that ending? Absolutely agonizing in the best way—I need the next book yesterday. I’m already planning my reread before the sequel drops, and I cannot wait to devour everything else Kiera Azar writes.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children’s Books | Storytide for the advance eARC—this was an incredible read!