Some Reviews
Reminder: Book Giveaway #2 ends tonight at midnight, so if you want to enter, take a look at the rules below and make sure you get your entry in the comments section!
Well, I know why I've been so tired for the last few days. I have some sort of stomach virus, the kind that makes you tired and achy, and makes you not want to eat anything. So I'm afraid you're not getting much of a blog post from me tonight.
Instead, I'm going to use this opportunity for what writers, using a technical term, call "shameless self-promotion." A number of wonderful reviews of The Thorn and the Blossom have come out recently, and I'm going to link to them here.
First, just today a podcast interview with me went up on Girls in the Stacks. I had so much fun doing this one!
And here are some of the reviews that have gone up so far. I'm going to link to them on the Novels page as well, but I thought I would link to them here to let you know the latest.
Paul Goat Allen on Unabashedly Bookish: The BN Community Blog: Leave it to Quirk Books to – once again – blow me away with an insanely innovative release. [ . . . ] The bottom line is this: the initial appeal of The Thorn and the Blossom is its unique construction but what makes this such a memorable reading experience is Goss' poignant and deeply lyrical writing style. The fusion of contemporary romance and English folklore with the Green Man motif throughout gives this novel a dreamy feel and makes for an undeniably enchanting read – romance fans who enjoy their literary escapism flavored with myth and folklore will absolutely cherish this innovative and heartrending novel.
A Little Sun Shy: I loved The Thorn and The Blossom, and so will you if legends, love stories, and modern-day Victoriana tickles your fancy. Somehow, a blend of Charlotte Bronte, Iris Murdoch, and Neil Gaiman has been achieved in two counterpart, intertwined, novellas. My hat is off to you, Ms. Goss, my hat is so far gone that I've lost sight of it.
Things Mean a Lot: The Thorn and the Blossom was one of my most eagerly anticipated releases of 2012, chiefly because of Theodora Goss' lovely short fiction (some of which you can read online). As I was hoping, the book is full of elements I love – folklore, scholarship, echoes of medieval literature, and plenty of intertextual references. Although Goss' style is very much her own, what she does here reminded me slightly of other authors I absolutely love, such as A.S. Byatt or Elizabeth Hand.
The Geek Inside: As in any good love story, things come between Evelyn and Brendan, and I was anxious that their story be resolved in a happy way. I'll admit it here: I'm a sucker for a good story of Hope – the promise of happiness is so important and so many stories don't give you that. I enjoyed this book, it's shorter than most books I read but definitely packs a punch.
La Deeta Reads: This is a good story. It is a fantasy where cursed, starcrossed lovers are seemingly reunited through time. It is romantic, sad and of course you are led to believe that all could possibly work out in the end. I loved that it was in this quirky format, beautifully packaged. This book would make a lovely gift for Valentine's Day, an anniversary, or just for a loved one.
Karissa's Reading Review: Overall I really loved this book. I loved the beautiful writing, the subtle magic, and the literary references. I loved the haunting romance and the star-crossed quality to their relationship. It was a quick read, but a very enjoyable one.
Geekstronomy: I found it very refreshing to read a romance story that concentrates on the interaction of the couple, not the contrived situation they have put themselves into. [ . . . ] I would recommend this book to all those people who want a little romance in their lives, but have no interest in the bulging pantaloons.
Sapphyria's Book Reviews: This is one of the most unique novels and I'm glad I was given a chance to read and review this. [ . . . ] I'm extremely proud to place this accordian-style book on my bookshelf!! eReaders only wish they could be as awesome as this hardcover, accordion-style book!!!
Inside of a Dog: I loved the way the story of the modern lovers echoed the story of the medieval ones. I loved the lyrical language of this story. I thought the concept of the book design was intriguing and perfectly suited to the story that Ms. Goss was telling. I recommend this book highly both for its art and for the wonderful language.
Reeder Reads: If the creative aspects of this beautiful novel don't blow you away, the story itself will. [ . . . ] This is a beautiful, gripping love story told from two different perspectives that will take you about an hour and a half to read if you read it front to back. I started with Brendan's story, but it can be read from either perspective and you'll still get the sense of their love for one another because it's evident on every page.
The Crazy Life of a Bookaholic Mom: The writing and storytelling are stunning and charming. [ . . . ] This would make a wonderful gift for someone who appreciates unique books or one who appreciates romantic fairy tales. It is a book I will be proud to display on my bookshelves and one I know I will enjoy time and time again! It is a truly enchanting gem of a book!
The Bookworm: The Thorn & the Blossom A Two-Sided Love Story is a sweet and quirky little book about two star-crossed lovers and I enjoyed it very much. These two short stories made me smile and sigh and had me wanting more. [ . . . ] All in all, a charming little romantic book with some mythology in the mix, that left me with a smile on my face.
Impressions: The story itself is beautifully written by Theodora Goss. This is a combination of the contemporary and the mythological, as Evelyn and Brendan's story seems to mirror that of Sir Gawan and Elowen which is found in the medieval poem The Book of the Green Knight, simultaneously giving the reader a sense of a concrete present and a magical atmosphere. It's a wonderful combination.
The book comes out on Tuesday, and you know, I really, really hope that people will like it. That it will find its audience. I suppose that's what we all hope for our books. They're like our children in that way – we know they're going to go out into the world on their own, and we just hope for the best . . .
