BOOK REVIEW: Thornspell by Helen Lowe

Title: Thornspell

Author:  Helen Lowe 

Publisher:  Knopf Books for Young Readers 

Age Group & Genre: Fairy Tale Retelling/Fantasy for Young Adults

Reviewer: Kate Forsyth

Source of Book: I don’t remember! I either bought it or Helen sent it to me …





What I Thought: 

New Zealand writer Helen Lowe reimagines the Sleeping Beauty story from the point of view of the prince in this beautiful, romantic fantasy for young adults. Prince Sigismund has grown up in a castle whose gardens and parklands are surrounded by a deep, tangled forest. He is kept locked away from the world, and so longs for adventures like the ones in the stories he loves so much – fantastical tales of knights-errant and heroic quests, faie enchantments and shape-shifting dragons. 



One day a beautiful and mysterious lady in a fine carriage speaks to him through the castle gates, and Sigismund's world begins to change. He dreams of a raggedy girl trapped in thorns, and a castle that lies sleeping … soon he is caught up in an adventure as perilous and strange as that of any story he had ever heard …



I absolutely adored this book! I love fairy tale retellings, especially ones that are full of magic, peril, and romance, and ‘Thornspell’ is one of the best I’ve ever read. It reminded me of Robin McKinley’s early books, which are still among my favourite fairy tale retellings. ‘Thornspell’ very deservedly won the Sir Julius Vogel Award for Best YA Novel – it’s a must red for anyone who loves fairy-tale-inspired YA fantasy.



Interested in other fairy tale retellings I have loved? Here's a list!





Helen's website 



PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT – I LOVE TO KNOW WHAT YOU THINK



[image error]