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Girl of Fire and Thorns #0.6
The Shattered Mountain
A powerful 50-page digital-only novella set in the world of Rae Carson's acclaimed and epic fantasy The Girl of Fire and Thorns. A teenage girl must fight to survive when her village is destroyed by enemy sorcerers.
While Princess Elisa was being forced across the desert by a band of rebel kidnappers, her future handmaiden—and best friend—Mara, was fighting for survival as enemy sorcerers destroyed the countryside. This is Mara's story.
Mara is finally going to escape. She is in love. And even her harsh, controlling, volatile father cannot keep her from running off with the boy who makes her feel beautiful. But on the day she and Julio plan to leave their desert village, the enemy sorcerers attack, burning it to the ground. The only survivors are a handful of children, and seventeen-year-old Mara has no choice but to lead them. She must make it through the mountains to the rumored rebel camp and protect the children following her. She might lose everything—and everyone—she's ever loved, but what she finds will lead her down a path that will change the world. Told from Mara's point-of-view, The Shattered Mountain is an alternate perspective of the beginning of the acclaimed The Girl of Fire and Thorns.
While Princess Elisa was being forced across the desert by a band of rebel kidnappers, her future handmaiden—and best friend—Mara, was fighting for survival as enemy sorcerers destroyed the countryside. This is Mara's story.
Mara is finally going to escape. She is in love. And even her harsh, controlling, volatile father cannot keep her from running off with the boy who makes her feel beautiful. But on the day she and Julio plan to leave their desert village, the enemy sorcerers attack, burning it to the ground. The only survivors are a handful of children, and seventeen-year-old Mara has no choice but to lead them. She must make it through the mountains to the rumored rebel camp and protect the children following her. She might lose everything—and everyone—she's ever loved, but what she finds will lead her down a path that will change the world. Told from Mara's point-of-view, The Shattered Mountain is an alternate perspective of the beginning of the acclaimed The Girl of Fire and Thorns.
Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2013
About the author
Rae Carson
33 books5,917 followersRae Carson was born in 1973 in California and now lives in Arizona. She developed an enthusiasm for storytelling in her earliest childhood. She studied social sciences and worked in various industries after graduating from university before she realized her dream and became a writer. The Girl of Fire and Thorns was her debut novel.
In her own words, she "write[s] books about teens who must do brave things. [Her] books tend to contain lots of adventure, a little magic and romance, and smart girls who make (mostly) smart choices. [She] especially love[s] to write about questions [she doesn't] know the answers to."
Has also published as Rae Carson Finlay.
In her own words, she "write[s] books about teens who must do brave things. [Her] books tend to contain lots of adventure, a little magic and romance, and smart girls who make (mostly) smart choices. [She] especially love[s] to write about questions [she doesn't] know the answers to."
Has also published as Rae Carson Finlay.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews
May 25, 2018
This is the story of how Mara found her way to the rebellion.
We’re with her when her village is attacked by the Invierno we watch her rescue the children and help them escape. We see the steel in her as she suffers loss and pain but pushes on.
I liked Mara in the series and this she shines in the novella.
November 8, 2014
9 out of 10
ревью на русском/review in russian
This is a story about Mara, her last day in a village she came from, her way to the rebellion camp, her losses and transformation.
I started to like Mara in the second book of this series, but the short story gave me so much more of this character, I would love to see her as MC *le sigh*
At the first pages I wasn't into this bonus (firstly, I knew about one important death; and secondly, I didn't like the world of Fire and Thorns, all its religious stuff), but Mara's world isn't about amulets and devotions (despite the fact that her father's a priest) and it was a great relief. In addition, the death I knew about didn't happen the way I expected it to.
Okay, so while I was reading, the story was getting more interesting, I decided to ditch my sleep and finish the bonus no matter what. It was a bad idea, 'cause there was a river of tears ahead of me. When I cry like that, the book receives about 9-10 stars. Really, I met all these characters (except for Mara) for the first time, we spent together about 40-50 pages (only!) and, still, I managed to feel and sympathize with them.
Moreover, this bonus is entwined with the story of the first book. It was awesome to learn more and to see a few moments and old heroes from a different perspective.
Well done.
Fire and Thorns (Шипы и огонь):
— The Shadow Cats (Призрачные кошки) #0.5/3
— The Shattered Mountain (Треснувшая гора) #0.6/3
— The King's Guard (Королевский гвардеец) #0.7/3
— The Girl of Fire and Thorns (Книга шипов и огня) #1/3
— The Crown of Embers (Корона из пепла) #2/3
— The Bitter Kingdom (Жестокое царство) #3/3
January 1, 2015
Mara's novella, quite liked this one. The plot wasn't all that gripping but the characters made up for that. Mara was great, her relationship with Julio and the children she was helping were written well considering how short the story was.
The novella didn't really add anything all that necessary to the series overall but it was nice to get some background and insight into Mara and her past, she was one of the best characters in the series.
The novella didn't really add anything all that necessary to the series overall but it was nice to get some background and insight into Mara and her past, she was one of the best characters in the series.
July 22, 2017
I'm sorry did I ask for that pain? I thought these novellas would be quick fun reads about other people in this world. Instead you make me love these children you hurt, love Julio and take him from me, like what is this torture? Not cool but also so amazing. My favorite of the mini stories so far.
November 17, 2017
Oh this novella broke my heart.
Here we meet Mara, who lives with her father in their tiny village. Not happy with her life - her abusive father the biggest reason - she longs for the day she can run away with her love, Julio. However, when that day comes, her village is attacked by Inviernos and Mara barely escapes and now finds herself in charge of a group of recently orphaned children.
This novella just didn't let up. From the fires, to floods, to life threatening injuries, everything was thrown at this poor group. And they kept going. The strength in these children was just baffling. Some were as young as 4 years old. I couldn't even imagine. And the heartbreak - novellas rarely make me cry, but this one did.
I liked seeing this novella connect to the first - with the Inviernos showing up (I'm really starting to not like them) to a familiar character showing up at the end. I can tell this is all leading to one (hopefully) amazing book. One more novella before that!
Here we meet Mara, who lives with her father in their tiny village. Not happy with her life - her abusive father the biggest reason - she longs for the day she can run away with her love, Julio. However, when that day comes, her village is attacked by Inviernos and Mara barely escapes and now finds herself in charge of a group of recently orphaned children.
This novella just didn't let up. From the fires, to floods, to life threatening injuries, everything was thrown at this poor group. And they kept going. The strength in these children was just baffling. Some were as young as 4 years old. I couldn't even imagine. And the heartbreak - novellas rarely make me cry, but this one did.
I liked seeing this novella connect to the first - with the Inviernos showing up (I'm really starting to not like them) to a familiar character showing up at the end. I can tell this is all leading to one (hopefully) amazing book. One more novella before that!
February 25, 2016
This is one of three prequels to The Girl of Fire and Thorns. The other two are best read after the main book, but I think this might be a good one to read BEFORE the main book (although, chronologically, this takes place at the same time as the events in the first half of GoFaT). This is the story of Mara, and how she joins the rebellion. Her story was really really sad, but it ends on a hopeful note.
November 10, 2017
I absolutely loved this novella. Mara seems very interesting and I feel like she's going to become a huge bad ass. I also found it interesting that Princess Elisa is mentioned, just briefly towards the end, in this novella. I have a feeling I'm going to get more about her. I can't wait to read the next novella.
December 14, 2016
So just like The Shadow Cats I really enjoyed this novella. It pulls you right in and you quickly grow to love Mara and Julio, and their ragtag bunch of munchkins as they trek to safety. You're rooting for them all to make it as they struggle through hunger, injuries, being hunted by Inviernos, and nature's wrath. There is definitely a moment that gets you all teared up, but then in the next moment you're smiling. It plays with your emotions a bit, but it's a great little read. And just like in the other novella, I want to keep reading more about these characters!! I'm afraid I will be sadly disappointed once I actually start reading the full novels since they're about Elisa. I just want more of Alodia & Zito, and now Mara and her gang of children. Carson writes some very good characters though, so I doubt I'll dislike the novels. Can't wait to read more!
October 19, 2013
From Mara's POV. This is the story of how her village was destroyed, and how she came to join the rebels. It really fleshes her out as a character, but it is not a happy story.
Again, a really good novella.
Again, a really good novella.
April 13, 2014
i always wondered what happened to mara before she met the princess
September 7, 2014
This novella explains how Mara became part of the revolution. Reading through these novellas has made me excited to go back and reread book one and finish the trilogy.
Pages: 106
Pages: 106
December 9, 2017
The Shattered Mountain by Rae Carson is a novella (sort-of prequel) to the Fire and Thorns trilogy (so I recommend you read that first). This book is centred around Mara, one of the ladies-in-waiting of the protagonist of the Fire and Thorns trilogy, and how her plans to escape from her abusive father with her boyfriend get interrupted when her village is burned down by animagi (evil magicians of sorts, for those of you who haven't read the Fire and Thorns series). But Mara survives, and she must journey to a refugee camp while taking care of herself and the children who follow her. An idea that really stood out to me when I read this is that hope, determination, and not giving up is crucial– in this book, giving up actually means death. I really admire Mara's bravery and resilience, and I saw a new side of her that didn't seem prominent to me in the Fire and Thorns trilogy. The Shattered Mountain helped me understand the cruelty people must go through, even today, as wars rage on and they feel pain and loss for the deaths of loved ones. Those who enjoy a lot of action, want to know Mara's story more, and can handle slight gore (e.g. tending to horrible wounds) will like this book.
January 16, 2025
This one takes place a few years after the Shadow Cats. Mara is the local priest's daughter and he is abusive, so her and her boyfriend are going to run away. The day they decide on, the town is attacked and they have to try and save as many people as they can while dodging flying arrows. The town is set on fire and Mara has to help children get out while Julio creates a diversion. They plan on meeting up later at a designated spot. Lots happen in this short story.
July 28, 2019
Ok so this novella have an intense plot .. there is a burned village and survivors trying to get to safety, but I don't know why I didn't enjoy this story as much .. it was fine, and I like Mara, but I guess we will see how is she relevant in the series when I begin
June 25, 2018
Bittersweet. I couldn’t stop reading though.
October 25, 2021
Mara's pov was kinda hard to read but it was good.
November 27, 2017
I'm close to the end of this book and I don't want to stop reading it. Mara's father has a strong connection with Tobias's father, Marcus, in the series Divergent. Both of them seem to be strongly respected in their society but violently abuse their children at home. While reading this, I was really amazed that they were so alike in the way that Mara and Tobias were both deeply affected by how violent their fathers were that they wanted to get away from home.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
January 1, 2013Rae Carson excels at reaching out while a reader is cherishing her words, squeezing on his or her heart, and forcing that person to care. She's exceptionally good at character development, which is one thing I love about all of her titles. I often don't buy e-novellas. They're too short or nothing more than a tease, often not worth the $2.99 price tag. Rae Carson's novellas have been worth every penny so far, and I've already pre-ordered this summers' upcoming novella. Each of the novellas focuses on a different character from the Girl of Fire and Thorns series, fleshing them out and making you see things from new angles, especially when it comes to looking at series heroine Elisa.
THE SHATTERED MOUNTAIN revolves around Mara, who is introduced late in the first book, and whose journey continues in both sequels. Right before I started my epic re-read of the series this month in order to enjoy THE BITTER KINGDOM to the fullest extent, I took a peek at the summary for THE SHATTERED MOUNTAIN to see what/who it was about. I'd pre-ordered it months ago, but never read it until now. I was saving it. I looked at a co-worker who had also read the series and asked, "Who's Mara? Do you remember?" This is through no fault of Carson's. My memory is notoriously bad. I often can't even remember the name of main characters--in favorite books, no less! Mara starts off as a minor character, but her role in the series becomes so important. There are times when Elisa observes something about Mara, or Mara makes an offhanded comments, that makes readers curious about her past. THE SHATTERED MOUNTAIN was created to answer some of these questions.
The events of THE SHATTERED MOUNTAIN take place during THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS, leading up to the moment when Mara has her first encounter with Elisa, before Elisa ever knows of her existence. We know a little bit about Mara's backstory from reading the series, but the novella delves into her rollercoaster of a relationship with her father, as well as expanding upon her relationship with Julio, the boy she fell in love with and was willing to risk everything for. We see the Invierno attack her home, the way Mara grows up in an instant. In some ways, her journey reminds me of Elisa's in the first novel; both girls start off weaker, but grow much strong by the time the last page is turned.
One of the things I appreciate the most about Carson is the way she isn't afraid to be real. Her characters live in a time of war. The world is a dangerous one, and she forces everyone to deal with the repercussions and fallout when events hit too close to home. Her characters don't sit around watching the action; they're involved in it. They are changed and defined by everything that occurs. Carson doesn't flinch away from the hard lessons of war, and I appreciate her writing and series even more for it.
If you've never read The Girl of Fire and Thorns series and you love fantasy, I highly recommend checking it out. If you're already a fan of the series, THE SHATTERED MOUNTAIN is a great addition that will whet your appetite until THE BITTER KINGDOM drops in late August.
THE SHATTERED MOUNTAIN revolves around Mara, who is introduced late in the first book, and whose journey continues in both sequels. Right before I started my epic re-read of the series this month in order to enjoy THE BITTER KINGDOM to the fullest extent, I took a peek at the summary for THE SHATTERED MOUNTAIN to see what/who it was about. I'd pre-ordered it months ago, but never read it until now. I was saving it. I looked at a co-worker who had also read the series and asked, "Who's Mara? Do you remember?" This is through no fault of Carson's. My memory is notoriously bad. I often can't even remember the name of main characters--in favorite books, no less! Mara starts off as a minor character, but her role in the series becomes so important. There are times when Elisa observes something about Mara, or Mara makes an offhanded comments, that makes readers curious about her past. THE SHATTERED MOUNTAIN was created to answer some of these questions.
The events of THE SHATTERED MOUNTAIN take place during THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS, leading up to the moment when Mara has her first encounter with Elisa, before Elisa ever knows of her existence. We know a little bit about Mara's backstory from reading the series, but the novella delves into her rollercoaster of a relationship with her father, as well as expanding upon her relationship with Julio, the boy she fell in love with and was willing to risk everything for. We see the Invierno attack her home, the way Mara grows up in an instant. In some ways, her journey reminds me of Elisa's in the first novel; both girls start off weaker, but grow much strong by the time the last page is turned.
One of the things I appreciate the most about Carson is the way she isn't afraid to be real. Her characters live in a time of war. The world is a dangerous one, and she forces everyone to deal with the repercussions and fallout when events hit too close to home. Her characters don't sit around watching the action; they're involved in it. They are changed and defined by everything that occurs. Carson doesn't flinch away from the hard lessons of war, and I appreciate her writing and series even more for it.
If you've never read The Girl of Fire and Thorns series and you love fantasy, I highly recommend checking it out. If you're already a fan of the series, THE SHATTERED MOUNTAIN is a great addition that will whet your appetite until THE BITTER KINGDOM drops in late August.
September 15, 2018
Finished reading: September 15th 2018
“Maybe a large, single dose of pain now is better than the slow, burning pain of withering hope.”
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
April 7, 2015
3.5 Stars
Style and Language
This short story is the second of the three before the actual novel The Girl of Fire and Thorns and it is about Mara.
Mara has to flee her home, not only because of her abusive father, but also because her small village was put under fire of her enemy. Together with a group of little children she flees into the mountain and has to face a lot of dangerous situations.
Although the plot has a lot of action and is very bloody and contains a lot of bravery as well, it wasn´t as entertaining and wonderful to read as the other books.
The content about Mara was nice, but not very necessary to know for me as reader when it comes to the novel trilogy itself. The author put – for a short story - too much action into it and brought (for my taste) too many characters in place.
Characters
Mara becomes involuntarily the leader of a small group of young children and a few teenagers. She hasn´t asked for it, but it turns out, that her way of thinking and being is more than good for the survival of her and the others. I still don´t know why the author needed to tell Mara´s story, but in the end it was nice to see where Mara ends up in the desert.
Result
Not one hell of a story, but nice to read.
Style and Language
This short story is the second of the three before the actual novel The Girl of Fire and Thorns and it is about Mara.
Mara has to flee her home, not only because of her abusive father, but also because her small village was put under fire of her enemy. Together with a group of little children she flees into the mountain and has to face a lot of dangerous situations.
Although the plot has a lot of action and is very bloody and contains a lot of bravery as well, it wasn´t as entertaining and wonderful to read as the other books.
The content about Mara was nice, but not very necessary to know for me as reader when it comes to the novel trilogy itself. The author put – for a short story - too much action into it and brought (for my taste) too many characters in place.
Characters
Mara becomes involuntarily the leader of a small group of young children and a few teenagers. She hasn´t asked for it, but it turns out, that her way of thinking and being is more than good for the survival of her and the others. I still don´t know why the author needed to tell Mara´s story, but in the end it was nice to see where Mara ends up in the desert.
Result
Not one hell of a story, but nice to read.
December 7, 2012
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After reading
OMG Mara is sooo amazing !!! totally different from the quiet one we know so brave so bold and a bit selfish and totally love struck this book is beautiful! It's amazing how this little tiny novella could be soo much better and hold so much more emotion than some of the novels I've read.
Before Reading:
I want Hector!!!
I know that there is very little chance for him to be in this book but still one can always hope!
Mara is totally awesome too! :P
http://ramblings-of-a-bookworm.tumblr...
After reading
OMG Mara is sooo amazing !!! totally different from the quiet one we know so brave so bold and a bit selfish and totally love struck this book is beautiful! It's amazing how this little tiny novella could be soo much better and hold so much more emotion than some of the novels I've read.
Before Reading:
I want Hector!!!
I know that there is very little chance for him to be in this book but still one can always hope!
Mara is totally awesome too! :P
May 16, 2017
“Hope. Such a dangerous thing.”
This is a short story about Mara's hard journey from her village attacked by Inviernos, throughout the Shattered Mountain and into the Rebel camp. Be warned that this is not a happy story. It actually made me tear up several times. Highly recommended for fans of Fire and Thorns.
Quotes:
“In the same way that the best lies have an element of truth, maybe evil is made all the more powerful when it is accompanied by the startling presence of grace.”
“We'll carry you for a bit. It's our turn.”
“I’m Cosmé. Welcome to our camp. If you betray us, I’ll kill you.”
“If you betray me or these children, I’ll kill you first.”
This is a short story about Mara's hard journey from her village attacked by Inviernos, throughout the Shattered Mountain and into the Rebel camp. Be warned that this is not a happy story. It actually made me tear up several times. Highly recommended for fans of Fire and Thorns.
Quotes:
“In the same way that the best lies have an element of truth, maybe evil is made all the more powerful when it is accompanied by the startling presence of grace.”
“We'll carry you for a bit. It's our turn.”
“I’m Cosmé. Welcome to our camp. If you betray us, I’ll kill you.”
“If you betray me or these children, I’ll kill you first.”
June 9, 2018
Mara is finally going to leave her village and defy her father. Together with Julio, the boy she loves, Mara will run away for a better life. Just as the two meet, the village is attacked. Julio and Mara work to evacuate as many of the children of the village as they can. She will lead these children through the mountains and to the group of rebels hiding there. Hopefully they can also help her save Julio, who was critically injured in the escape.
Again, this was a novella that provided background information on characters who don't get a lot of page time in the first book. I also have a feeling that Mara is going to be playing a much bigger role in the second and third books. This one did have some really good parts. It was also
Again, this was a novella that provided background information on characters who don't get a lot of page time in the first book. I also have a feeling that Mara is going to be playing a much bigger role in the second and third books. This one did have some really good parts. It was also
March 24, 2018
It is weird for me to read these short stories. I loved the books, so much, but this feels like it it patching all the plot holes the books had and I didn't mind them at all while I was reading the books. There were some emotional parts in this second story, but overall it wasn't important in my opinion. We'll see if the third one is better that the first two!
July 10, 2018
Loved the backstory on Mara and how she got to Cosme's group. Also told more about what happened between Julio and Mara and their love story. A recommended read, but only after you've read the entire series.
April 11, 2020
Mara is so strong. It makes me want to revisit the first book again even though I just finished it a few days ago lol. IDK how I overlooked her back then xP
March 26, 2013
My Review: 7 - Good Read
While reading my latest Star Wars pick, I realized I wouldn't finish it in time for my Wednesday flash review post. So in order to ensure I would have at least TWO reviews for you all today, I decided to put the SW novel aside and pull up Carson's latest novella on my Kindle. The Shattered Mountain takes place in the Girl of Fire and Thorns world, and in many ways, could be considered a prequel to the events in The Girl of Fire and Thorns. However, I don't feel this story stands on its own two feet: you really need to have read at least the first book in the trilogy, better still, the second, The Crown of Embers, to really appreciate the events of the story, which focus on Mara's history. The novella is utterly fast-paced: I finished it in a single sitting, and I constantly admire how Caron puts her heroines in horribly difficult situations and makes them do HARD THINGS. She makes her heroines make HARD DECISIONS, and poor Mara, she's no different. And even though this story was fast-paced, I'll be damned if Carson didn't make me all teary-eyed near the end, something I don't think would've happened if I hadn't read the first two books in the trilogy to date. So in short, if you're caught up on the trilogy and need something to tide you over until the third book, The Bitter Kingdom, comes out this fall, this is great. If you're new to the series, hold off until you're caught up, because the payoff is much more satisfying if you do.
While reading my latest Star Wars pick, I realized I wouldn't finish it in time for my Wednesday flash review post. So in order to ensure I would have at least TWO reviews for you all today, I decided to put the SW novel aside and pull up Carson's latest novella on my Kindle. The Shattered Mountain takes place in the Girl of Fire and Thorns world, and in many ways, could be considered a prequel to the events in The Girl of Fire and Thorns. However, I don't feel this story stands on its own two feet: you really need to have read at least the first book in the trilogy, better still, the second, The Crown of Embers, to really appreciate the events of the story, which focus on Mara's history. The novella is utterly fast-paced: I finished it in a single sitting, and I constantly admire how Caron puts her heroines in horribly difficult situations and makes them do HARD THINGS. She makes her heroines make HARD DECISIONS, and poor Mara, she's no different. And even though this story was fast-paced, I'll be damned if Carson didn't make me all teary-eyed near the end, something I don't think would've happened if I hadn't read the first two books in the trilogy to date. So in short, if you're caught up on the trilogy and need something to tide you over until the third book, The Bitter Kingdom, comes out this fall, this is great. If you're new to the series, hold off until you're caught up, because the payoff is much more satisfying if you do.
May 22, 2016
I really liked this novella. It stood by itself so which not all novellas do.
I felt bad for Mara throughout the story. First her father is a royal douchebag and then she loses Julio!! I can't believe how bad her short life has been so far. I wonder if her mother died as well since there was no mention of her?
The children were amazing. I can't believe they all made it alive with mostly minimal injury. My favorite was little Marlin. She was so brave!
I'm intruiged by the rebels and the concept of Animagi. I want to know more about the story. :)
I felt bad for Mara throughout the story. First her father is a royal douchebag and then she loses Julio!! I can't believe how bad her short life has been so far. I wonder if her mother died as well since there was no mention of her?
The children were amazing. I can't believe they all made it alive with mostly minimal injury. My favorite was little Marlin. She was so brave!
I'm intruiged by the rebels and the concept of Animagi. I want to know more about the story. :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2013
The Shattered Mountain, as far as YA novellas go, is strong. Mara, as a character we come to intimately know in Crown of Embers, is even more deeply prodded and understood and, although this was short, it was a valuable edition to the series. I enjoyed it, but it was too short to pack the emotional punch it was probably going for. Nevertheless, a solid installment and a must-read for all fans of this series.
January 17, 2013
I loved this. It wasn't entirely "necessary" to the series...BUT...it was wonderful and beautiful to get inside Mara's mind and really understand her better. She was one of my favorite characters from Crown of Embers so deeper insight into her character was really awesome. I am so looking forward to The Bitter Kingdom...and the other little tidbit we'll be getting this summer! =)
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