Heart of Thorns

Thornwood Fae #1

by Nicolette Andrews

A girl is dead.
But no one remembers her, except Catherine.
In a town full of secrets, asking questions can cost your life. But when neighbors start dying one by one, no one seems to remember the murders but her. Now, Catherine has to stop the killer, before she becomes his next victim.
Heart of Thorns is a fantasy mystery novel with a hint of magic and romance. This book is perfect for fans of gothic mysteries. Author Nicolette Andrews draws from her love of gothic novels, fantasy and mystery weaving them all together in this series starter.

Genres: Fantasy, Fae, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Mystery, Amazon, Historical Fiction

270 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 26, 2016

About the author

Nicolette Andrews is a born and raised San Diegan with a passion for fantasy, especially if it has a romance and some mystery and intrigue mixed it doesn't go amiss either. Apart from writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, preferably somewhere outside enjoying the San Diego sunshine.

Reviews

[Daniel Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be really fascinating. It's the first thing I've read from this author, and it makes me interested to read more. I'm definitely eager to continue series.

"Heart of Thorns" is a unique mix of two things, a combination of a Victorian novel and a paranormal story. Or maybe you would call it a Victorian novel with a heavy dose of the paranormal. I love both genres, so seeing them mixed together really grabbed my attention.

I especially loved all the twists and turns to the story, and how it became more twisty and involved as I read along. Like, really twisty in ways that surprised me. It genuinely didn't go where I thought it would go. There were some great villains, and I can see other readers really liking the ... I'll call him male lead, Ray Thorn. I always read books where the male lead is supposed to ooze sex appeal, but in this case, I felt he actually did, effortlessly. There was something really intriguing about the guy, like that bastard you love but probably you're not supposed to.

I can't really say more without spoiling the story, and I don't want to put up spoiler tags, but once again, I'm eager to read the next book. It better come out soon.

[DancingMarshmallow · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall: 2 stars. A historical fantasy murder mystery that doesn’t live up to the interesting blurb

This was honestly rather dull. A genre-bending historical fantasy mystery romance with fae sounds amazing, but this book just didn’t pull off any of those elements well. The romance subplot is essentially non-existent, as is the murder mystery. The book’s blurb makes it sound like the hero and heroine are going to team up to fight magical crime, but that doesn’t really happen in a satisfying away: Ray and Catherine sort of just bumble their ways around separately and end up saving the day (against a surprise villain with all the subtlety of a Scooby Doo bad guy).

I’d give this one a pass, kids. The writing was decent, but everything else was mediocre.

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart of Thorns (Thornwood Fae Book 1) by Nicolette Andrews is wonderful story to read. This is book number one in this wonderful start to a brand new series. I highly recommend this story to everyone.

I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/24/2021)! 🎁

[Kira Simion]

Fun fact: takes place in the same setting as the novella Fairy Ring by the same author.

[Fiona Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an awesome story. Totally unputdownable. Highly recommended..

[Dilyana · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first thing you notice about Nicolette Andrews’ books are the amazing covers. And when you actually pick up a book and open it (or go through the e-book), you realize that it’s a page-turner.

That was the case for me last year with The Priestess and The Dragon – book one of theDragon Saga and this month with the first book in the Thornwood series – Heart of Thorns.

The thing that I dislike to an extend in both books is that somewhere about two-thirds into the books a complication arises that makes things messy just when I thought I had figured out the solutions for most of the problems the characters were having. I find that slightly irritating, but at the same time, it provides new challenges for our heroes. A good not-so-little addition or unnecessary complication of the plot – grab either of the books and decide for yourselves.

As for the things I like in Heart of Thorns…

A small English village, bordering on an enchanted forest; what’s not to like?

There is a lot more mystery in this book and it kept me guessing who the murderer (or maybe murderers?) was for a really long while. The characters – main and side – all have distinct and diverse personalities and better yet: they all have their secrets. Like Catherine, I didn’t know who to trust.

Should I rely on Lord Thornton – seemingly the perfect devoted husband and a good person, who nevertheless has something off about him… Or is that all in my head?

Or should I give the cheeky and charming Mr. Thorn the benefit of the doubt even though he is the prime murder suspect from the beginning of the book?

Secrets, lies, mystery, magic and the enchanting way Nicolette presents them to us – that heady concoction will keep you glued to her Heart of Thorns.

I’d recommend Heart of Thorns to lovers of both the Fantasy and Mystery genres, especially if they enjoy books with an old-timey feel to them.

[Lynn Give 'Em Hel Vetica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this one. I love faery related stories and the additional murder mystery element was alluring. The writing wasn't bad, but I still found myself skimming through parts.

Here in the country, nightfall cloaked her like a burial shroud, and the cavernous silence echoed with each footstep.

When reading the description of the book I didn't get the impression that Catherine would just go around and be mostly useless. Alas, I was wrong. Catherine was just very milquetoast and far too spineless for my liking. Ray was for the most part bland and didn't leave an impression on me. I didn't really like or dislike him, he was just there.

Had it been a hallucination? In her insanity, had she wandered into the forest? Chased by her own insanity. “Are you real?” she croaked. Her throat ached. He stopped, and his brows shot up to his hairline. “The last I checked, I was.” He patted a long-fingered hand against his shirt. She cracked a smile, though it felt inappropriate to do so. She felt as if she were unraveling like a spool of thread. And she was reaching the end. Hysteria clawed at her insides, twisted her stomach into knots.

The cover was lovely though, so there's that.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story

So this was a good story with some twists and I'm sure in the next book there will be more regarding the Faerie world, there's some interaction as things are getting set up. As always, when dealing with faerie, there's the knowing and sense your only getting a glimpse of what is truly moving and turning in the background. However, this is just a personal thing with me, I really disliked Catherine, the main female character. I struggle with stories where woman are no more than property, do not seem to have a mind of their own beyond what their husbands or fathers tell them to do or say. Now Catherine is broken, she has past issues but she never finds her strength. It's just a continued inner monologue inside her head about how weak she is, no one will ever love her, she can't lift her eyes to look into another males, and I just can't. Like I said, personal preference. The story in itself is really good but when I can't connect to the main character it's a done deal for me. I would absolutely encourage you to read for yourself, especially if you enjoy this time period, and stories written in it.

[chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fuck this shit. I hate you, Nicolette.

*full review to come*

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catherine was able to see the little folk since a very early age but her parents called her insane and locked her away in Elk Grove, a sanatorium where under the hands of Dr Armstrong she was treated so cruelly, these years left an indelible mark on her very soul. So when she finally get married and travels to her home, Thornwood Abbey she pretends she does not see the ghost trying to give her warning but when she sees a young woman murdered she just cannot pretend any longer. She keeps encountering Ray Thorn, a gardener on their property and hearing music which seems to call her towards it and towards the gateway which she and Ray enter into. It is the way into faerie, and though their trip their and back is fraught with danger Catherine finally realises she is not insane and all those years of torment were in vain. However something dreadful was going on in Thornwood, and she together with Ray must get to the bottom of the mystery before more young women ended up dead! Her sanity keeps playing tricks on her and her troubled soul wants to just seek peace but Catherine knows she cannot allow the evil threatening Thornwood to go any further. I love the mystery and the conflict existing between the mortal and the faerie realms, I also loved the world building of the lower court of the queen and the magical rituals used. It is a fine line drawn between sanity and insanity and poor Catherine walked this tightrope which threatened to engulf her and swallow her up whole. I am dying to read book 2 as I am just a sucker for tales about the Fae!

[elika lor. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spoilers

okay soooo i’m confused but also not?? this story is very interesting so i will be reading the next two books but this one i only kinda got into it like 60-70% in lol. at least it was short

anyway… catherine is a descendent of the fae king, bella is really isobel (or the other way around lol?) and she was the murderer who’s trying to look for her daughter and she had a thing with ray, ray was banished from the fae lands because they thought he and bella killed the king, edward died and then came back to life and was the werewolf but wasn’t actually killing anybody because bella/isobel was? i think i got the main points LOL not sure. many times i was confused on who’s perspective it was and where we were and who was who LOL idk why the specifics never stuck with me rip

im confused on if the first two novellas (fairy ring and pricked by thorns) actually had anything to do with the story, maybe im forgetting stuff. but they seemed to all be in different time periods with different people, so im assuming it was the same world just different people and times. maybe it should’ve been made more clear im not sure

⋆｡ ﾟ☼ ｡ ⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡ ⋆

“Perhaps it was her blood, or maybe it was something else, but if she asked him to pluck the stars from the sky in that moment, he would have done it for her.” (Ray)

“If only he could vanquish her guilt, the way he would any other enemy.” (Ray)

[Morgana Lefaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is volume 1 of a series, and doesn’t have the same claustrophobic unrelenting tension as the prequel, Pricked by Thorns, in part because the prequel was only from Catherine’s perspective and this book introduces another perspective, that of a fae who goes by the human name of Ray Thorne, and the story steps into the world of Fairie, where Catherine realizes that she is not insane, and begins to own her powers. However, she remains highly traumatized by her time in the asylum, and at times I felt quite impatient with her for being so fearful. I had hoped that by the end of the book she would have made more progress towards recovery than she did, and would be less fearful and more able to trust herself. It remains to be seen how far she’ll progress in the next book.

The world of Faerie is intriguing but only partially developed. I look forward to learning more about it as the series progresses. All in all, it was an enjoyable Gothic fantasy, although not as much of a heart in mouth read as the prequel, which is probably a good thing. If the whole book had read like the prequel, the unending tension would have been hard to take.

I strongly recommend you read the prequel first, rather than coming onto it cold.

Note that while this is fantasy with a tinge of horror, it is not erotica. There is no spice in this book.

[Fay Wouk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is volume 1 of a series, and doesn’t have the same claustrophobic unrelenting tension as the prequel, Pricked by Thorns, in part because the prequel was only from Catherine’s perspective and this book introduces another perspective, that of a fae who goes by the human name of Ray Thorne, and the story steps into the world of Fairie, where Catherine realizes that she is not insane, and begins to own her powers. However, she remains highly traumatized by her time in the asylum, and at times I felt quite impatient with her for being so fearful. I had hoped that by the end of the book she would have made more progress towards recovery than she did, and would be less fearful and more able to trust herself. It remains to be seen how far she’ll progress in the next book.

The world of Faerie is intriguing but only partially developed. I look forward to learning more about it as the series progresses. All in all, it was an enjoyable
Gothic fantasy, although not as much of a heart in mouth read as the prequel, which is probably a good thing. If the whole book had read like the prequel, the unending tension would have been hard to take.

I strongly recommend you read the prequel first, rather than coming onto it cold.

[Helgaleena Healingline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not truly a romance, even though it will tug mightily upon your heart-strings. It is mainly a supernatural thriller. Andrews is very adept at delineating characters with whom it is easy to relate, be they fae nature spirits or local hybrids, shape-shifting helpers or greedy villainesses.

Our shy heroine has been told she's mad for most of her life, when in fact she is predominantly the descendant of another world than ours. Her whirlwind courtship with the young Lord of Thornwood Abbey is inexplicable but also wonderful, and the young lovers are determined to make a good couple. But the night of their arrival at the ancient family seat has left puzzling gaps in their memories. Nobody and nothing is really as it appears on the surface, and they all end up struggling to trust what they experience, however uncanny their lives become.

I guarantee you will not find out who the 'bad guy' is until you have made your way right to the end. And you will find yourself switching allegiances with the various locals surrounding her a dozen times.

Best book by Ms. Andrews I have yet read.

[Ilona Nurmela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane Eyre mashup with Sherlock Holmes but with a fae spin on it, loved it!

In Catherine’z ladies’ novels heroes weren’t accused murderers and heroines weren’t mad women. The secrets of Lord Thornton and the mental health theme reminded me of Jane Eyre, actually as did the story feels - it’s a whodunnit with an angsty will-they-won’t-they feel. Catherine is plucked from a mental asylum and into a marriage by a lord. Her lady’s maid is found in the firbiddn woods with her heart carved out, but everyone seems to have forgotten the deed and the girl by next morning. Suspicion falls on the gardner, the charming Ray Thorn who, unbeknownkst to the mansion folk is a cast-out fae. As Catherine can resist glamours she investigates and enmeshes herself deeper in the horrors yet to come. I loved Catherine’s struggles of “is this real” and her coming into her powers and absolutely adored Ray, gimme more!

Recced for lovers of dark fae whodunnits with some gory scenes.

Trigger warning: people struggling with mental health might find the FMC’s doubts about her sanity difficult to read.

[Shivani McFarland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found Heart of Thorns by Nicolette Andrews an intriguing mix of romance, murder and fairies all in the wonderful setting of Gothic Thornwood Abbey. Crimson Peak, Mary Shelly anyone? What a perfect time for a rewrite or her novel than the Halloween dark November season. This Gothic story is a mystery, a who done it, with any one in the household or surrounding neighbors as possible suspect. The only draw back I have is with all the flashbacks that Catherine has of abuse at the asylum and her current questioning sanity. I wanted Catherine to relax a little but I do understand the years of being told your crazy and not trusting yourself can create a bit of PTSD. I fell in Love with the interaction between the main characters Mr. Thorn and Catherine, our gardener and heroine, and Catherine's new husband Lord Thornton who seems caring but often missing or just too busy. The story line pulled me along as if slowly reeling me in like a fish hooked on the line. The book ended all too soon and by the time I finished it a few questions were answered but many more were left hanging. What better combination than fairies, hedge witches, love and murder in a Gothic setting.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart of Thorns was such a fun read for the month of October! Although it may not be a more traditional pick for a Halloween read, the book had a nice Gothic feel to it that kept me turning pages to see what would happen next. After all, can anyone really resist the call of the spooky woods in the town of Thornwood?

I will admit, I was originally thrown off by the switching of narrative POV from chapter-to-chapter (there were at least 4), but I quickly adjusted as the story pulled me in. And though I really like Catherine (the main character), other characters like Ray Thorn and Tabitha really make the story so great.

I really look forward to reading more of this series and the author soon!

[SD · Rating 3 out of 5]

(writing this after finishing the series but writing only what I thought JUST after i finished the first book)

Okay i thought the PREMISE (gothic fae adventure + some minor romance) sounded interesting. And it was. The execution was somewhat lacking, however--and as book 1 the plot took a lot (all book) to build up (but I somewhat expected that of a first book).

I could've done without the boring husband and loved MORE with the possible fae romance, though. :// way too much bland boring husband, way too little intriguing fae gardener.

also i've read Mansfield Park SO i am *not totally* disregarding weak/quieter/less action-y heroines, and I also take into account Catherine's long time in an asylum as character-crushing, but gotta admit, Catherine's weak-willed temperament is not quite my fave flavor of heroine. I am hoping she gets stronger-willed with her decisions in future books.

also also: i strongly suggest this author needed to get someone else to edit/copy edit book because there were So Many obvious grammar/punctuation errors i cringed as i read (and i cringed often). :c

[Clairisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book by Nicolette Andrews. This was a great read and I loved the mystery of the little town Of Thornwood Abbey and it's inhabitants. Newly wed Catherine Thornwood and her husband Edward Thornwood arrive at his mansion after a whirlwind romance which led to them getting married very quickly. Catherine doesn't exactly fit in with the society of Thornwood and the servants for some reason hates her. There are a lot of mystery and betrayal going on in the background that involves everyone and especially Catherine. Nothing isn't what it seems and the history of the missing girls with their hearts cut out are in link with those who dwell in the thorns.

[Marilyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of Catherine who at a young age could see the fae in her garden. She tried to be nice and feed them but they had tricks in return. She tried to tell her parents about seeing them but they thought she was crazy and ended up in a Sanitarium and mistreated. When she gets out she doesn’t talk about them at all. She gets married and goes to Thornwood to live. But she sees them there also as the kill a young woman. She knows that she has to find why and the gardener seems to know what’s happening. Will they work together to find answers? I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Linda Romer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved heart of Thorns. This book is reminiscent to Holly Black's books in my opinion, which is a huge compliment since I adore her books especially the first ones I read The Spiderwick Chronicles. The characters are awesome, the story gives off an eerie feeling. I loved Mr. Thorn and The Thorn Dwellers. The ending was great and I can't wait to read book 2 Tangled in Thorns to find out what happens, very exciting.

I give Heart of Thorns 5 stars for its pure fantasy.
I would recommend this book to Fantasy Lovers.

[Melissa (missy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun story. Victorian style in the setting, it is a paranormal mystery/romance. Nicolette Andrews does a great job of creating a believable, though fantastical in parts world, with characters I came to care for. As with all novels, there are one or two who seem created just to be hated
With strong hints of the Gothic novel elements, a few characters are focused on and followed throughout the various story lines. it's an easy story to become immersed in.
While the story wrapped up nicely, there are portions of plot that beg to be told. I can not wait for the next book

[Charity Chimni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I've been waiting forever to read this story. Ever since I first read Pricked for Thorns and needed to know what happened next. I love the tale Nicolette has weaved and can't wait to find out how all the moving pieces fit together. How do the fae fit into the grand scheme of things. Catherine found out a lot about herself in this book and I can't wait to see her continue to evolve throughout the series. I have soooo many questions and can't wait for the next book. This series has definitely captured my attention!

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Relax, put your feet up and enjoy reading this engaging murder mystery story. Catherine had a decision to make, either she marries a man she doesn’t love or remains in an asylum. Seems like an easy choice, but will there be consequences? Young women have gone missing and murdered near her new home. Who can she trust? Why does no one talk about it? Who is murdering theses women and why? Is she in danger? book has action, danger, murder, magic, Fae, werewolf, mystery, suspense, deceit, a witch, revenge and twists and turns.

[Encanto Atelier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a unique take on a lead character. The first book I ever read of a character being considered crazy and the results of it on her. She’s easily skiddish and apologizes saying she’ll be good.
I would recommend this book to both adults and youth. I believe it is appropriate enough.
Disclaimer There are some bloody scenes involving hearts being ripped from chest.
I have yet to read the 2nd or 3rd book.
loved this one for being refreshing and will happily read it again.
I recommend reading the prequel first.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this Gaslamp fantasy written by Nicolette Andrews. I found the juxtaposition of a historical setting populated with paranormal beings to be interesting and engrossing. I liked the character of Catherine from the prequel titled, "Pricked By Thorns". This continuation of her story was entertaining. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I recommend this book to others who enjoy this genre. Mia Hutchinson-Shaw's narration was vivacious and added to the story's enjoyment. I was given a free copy of the audiobook and I have voluntarily posted this review.

[Scarlet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this audiobook via a promo code and this is my voluntary review.

It was a nice story with some unexpected twists,the majority of it is a supernatural thriller. Heart of Thorns by Nicolette Andrews intrigues me with her unique blend of love, murder, and fairies all in the beautiful Gothic Thornwood Abbey setting. the book had a nice Gothic feel to it that kept me turning pages to see what would happen next. I have definitely become engrossed in this series! Performance by Mia Hutchinson-Shaw was brilliant.

[Susan May · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story and I loved the narrator. Catherine had always seen things. She also was put into a mental institution because of it. After she got married to Edward, she hoped for some normalcy. But it happened again. A dead body & a ghoost giving her a warning. She tried so hard to tell herself it wasn't real . Over and over. What happened after that was very interesting. Maybe she wasn't crazy, or was she? A story full of fae, insecurity & lies. I loved the rest of the story, surprise ending as well.

[Jadelynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting

Though Catherine is a victim in all the events that have occured, her mind had been traumatized by all that she went to until she was made to believe it was all her fault. I couldn’t help but feel for her, I wish that by the end of the series that she’ll come to realize her worth.
I loved this book quite a bit. The writing, the characters, the story, it was all very captivating. Looking forward to the next book.