Gina Chen

There’s always a price for defying destiny.

Violet is a prophet and a liar, influencing the court as Seer with her cleverly phrased – and not always true – divinations. Honesty is for suckers, like the oh-so-not-charming Prince Cyrus, who plans to strip her of her title once he’s crowned.

After the king asks her to falsely prophesy Cyrus’s love story for an upcoming ball, Violet awakens a dreaded curse about the prince’s future bride. Her wits may protect her in the cutthroat court, but they can’t protect her against fate – nor the doomed attraction growing between her and the prince . . .

Violet Made of Thorns

A darkly enchanting fantasy debut about a morally gray witch, a cursed prince, and a prophecy that ignites their fate-twisted destinies—perfect for fans of The Cruel Prince and Serpent & Dove.

Violet is a prophet and a liar, influencing the royal court with her cleverly phrased—and not always true—divinations. Honesty is for suckers, like the oh-so-not charming Prince Cyrus, who plans to strip Violet of her official role once he’s crowned at the end of the summer—unless Violet does something about it.
 
But when the king asks her to falsely prophesy Cyrus's love story for an upcoming ball, Violet awakens a dreaded curse, one that will end in either damnation or salvation for the kingdom—all depending on the prince’s choice of future bride. Violet faces her own choice: Seize an opportunity to gain control of her own destiny, no matter the cost, or give in to the ill-fated attraction that’s growing between her and Cyrus.
 
Violet’s wits may protect her in the cutthroat court, but they can't change her fate. And as the boundary between hatred and love grows ever thinner with the prince, Violet must untangle a wicked web of deceit in order to save herself and the kingdom—or doom them all.

Alice Perelta

You're saying that to save yourself," I whisper. "My curse, my ruin, my Violet-my heart is yours. It was always yours. Take it." Cyrus reaches up, thumb brushing my cheek. I flinch at the wet press of skin-my own tears. 

The first in a darkly enchanting fairytale-tinged fantasy duology about a morally grey witch, a cursed prince, and a prophecy that ignites their fate-twisted destinies, perfect for fans of The Cruel Prince and Serpent & Dove.

There’s always a price for defying destiny.

Violet is a prophet and a liar, influencing the court as Seer with her cleverly phrased – and not always true – divinations. Honesty is for suckers, like the oh-so-not-charming Prince Cyrus, who plans to strip her of her title once he’s crowned.

After the king asks her to falsely prophesy Cyrus’s love story for an upcoming ball, Violet awakens a dreaded curse about the prince’s future bride. Her wits may protect her in the cutthroat court, but they can’t protect her against fate – nor the doomed attraction growing between her and the prince . . .

Kimmy Hobden

My hands curl into his shirt. “You can’t seduce me.” 

Cyrus slips a finger through my choker and tugs me toward him.

Rina

But I don't believe in anything that supposes it knows me better than I know myselt.

fc ♡

She threw herself over the beast and kissed him until her lips bled. When she finally withdrew, the king was human in her arms, and he remembered he loved her. There was a prophecy that the king’s heart would be damnation and salvation. That the land would fall dark before it found dawn. The girl was the axis on which these words spun—for the king’s heart was hers. It had been, since he was a prince. Thrice she saved him. She would save them all again. 

This was all that mattered: the land was blooming with blood and roses, and war was coming. He asked her to be his queen and she said yes

A grin spreads across his face, the first show of joy to grace him since before his near-wedding. “You already figured out a plan, haven’t you? Tell me how, Violet. Spin me gold.” 

 “It has to be convincing,” I say, offering him my hand. “Nothing short of a miracle.” 

Cyrus lowers his lips to my bandaged palm. “Then we will give them one."

His thumb strokes my jaw wonderingly. “I’ve always known that the queen beside me would be better made of ice than flesh,” he murmurs. “That it would be cruel to love anyone less resilient. But I didn’t expect to find myself so willing.”

Had I killed him, I might have simply carved him from my mind. But I had too much heart to play villain and not enough to be savior, so instead I’ve cursed him twice: once with a thorn and once with his love for me.

If I must be a villain, I will be one of my own making

The hole in his chest should be evidence that I will never be who he wants. But he loves me anyway. That’s his true curse.

“The worst mistake I ever made,” Cyrus says, stained lips cracked and swollen, “was letting Camilla convince me we should sneak out to the Moon District that day.”

 I finish the thought for him. “Because you met me?” 

 Liar. Charmer. Liar. “You’re saying that to save yourself,” I whisper. 

“My curse, my ruin, my Violet—my heart is yours. It was always yours. Take it.” Cyrus reaches up, thumb brushing my cheek.

 I flinch at the wet press of skin—my own tears. I hate him. I hate him so much for making me feel this way. “Shut up.” 

“Make me.” He has the audacity to smile.

“I hate you,” I whisper. I’ll be honest: I just want to kick Cyrus while he’s down. 

“I don’t regret it,” he says, wincing. “I would do it all over again.”

"Don’t you dare say this was for my own good. Don’t you put up that act—” I surge forward and crash down on Cyrus on all fours. Push him flat against the floor, my hands at his neck. “Don’t put up that princely act like everything you do is so damn honorable. You wanted to get rid of me, admit it.” 

“It’ll always be one of us at the strings and the other one clawing at them.” He shuts his eyes, letting his head loll. Smiles ruefully with those pearly white teeth, stained red. “I was never rash when I wanted to get rid of you, Violet. Only waited too long to do it. I knew we would never be able to work together. We’ll never trust each other enough, and my feelings for you don’t change that.”

My thumbs press harder at the hollow of his throat and, limp in my grip, he lets it happen

"People always talk. This is the last time we can speak before I go through with a ceremony I might regret. I’ll risk it.” I hear the prince shift on his feet. “What if I wished the bride who will walk through those double doors was you?” 

Now I look at Cyrus. His smile is like a hook. The way he says it—half-joke, half-not—sounds like truth as much as it does fiction. Or maybe it’s half-love, half-not, two halves at odds. A dare as much as a confession and just enough of an act to deny things later.

 I shouldn’t humor him. But I want to know, so I ask barely above a breath, so quietly that I might not have spoken aloud: “Are you in love with me?”

 A word seems to waver on his tongue, and the answer seems to change as my glare hardens. 

“Stop trying to guess what I want to hear. It’s a yes or no. Are you in love with me?” 

“I don’t know,” he whispers, somehow choosing the most agonizing answer of all

"I promise I won’t be my father. I won’t—” 

“No promises, remember?” I don’t mean for the words to come out like an apology, and I tell myself, Better to fight a fool than partner with one. I feel myself trembling and I know I need to leave.

 His thumb presses into my wrist to hold me here. He leans in as if to kiss me again, but I move away before he can. Before the image of him pleading can imprint into memory.

“You could have anyone. Why do you want me? Why, after all these years—” 

He only laughs, weary and strained. “It wasn’t after. It was always.”

A sliver of curtained light skims the planes of Cyrus’s needlessly fine body, his hair is tousled just so, and he gazes at me like he can see something I can’t, like there’s meaning to this moment. 

“I told you not to look at me that way,” I say. 

Cyrus lets out a bright laugh and my heart stutters in its beating. He swallows the sound down with an apologetic smile, like he hadn’t meant to let it free, and an impossible wish slices through me, the stupidest, most naive thing— I wish that what we’re doing were real. 

That laugh was real. But Cyrus knows, like I know, that we have our parts to play

I laugh. “You’re so easy to read.” I let my robe fall and pool at my feet. 

“Then enlighten me”—Cyrus nudges me onto his desk, hands sliding up my legs—“as to what it is I want to do.”

Pushing him onto his knees, I give him an order as much as an answer. “Humble me.”

One hand around his throat, the other around the part of him that aches for me, I relish my victory as he utters my name in delirious prayer. 

If I don’t already haunt his dreams, I will now.

Our attraction is simple: we both think we’re one step ahead and we have to prove the other wrong. I want him because I don’t trust him. Love is a fickle thing traded by fools, but lust is exactly that—no promises. It’s as hungry as any starving creature but honest in what it wants.

“No promises,” I answer and I kiss his open mouth

“I don’t forgive you for trying to push me out,” I snap, staring through him. 

 “Whatever you’re doing here—it’s an act.”

A shiver runs through my bones as Cyrus nears. He isn’t fighting back and it throws me off-balance, my tongue tripping over retorts I don’t have the opportunity to say. He smells faintly of the river; he used to like to spend his afternoons swimming, and I’m close enough to see the damp under his collar. 

My hands curl into his shirt. “You can’t seduce me.”

 “I think I already have.” Cyrus lowers his head past my lips and presses his mouth to my neck, dipping down into the valley of my collarbone. Any hold I have on him is useless. If I could breathe, I would curse; it shouldn’t be so easy for him, I shouldn’t make it so easy for him— 

“I have a bride.” His lips move below my ear. “But I want you.” 

I grip him by his hair and think to pull him off but something roughens in his throat that makes me want to keep him there. “I am Seer. I will not be your mistress.” 

"What do you want?” I ask again. That question—the real, underlying question—remains unanswered between us no matter how many times it comes up. 

Cyrus hesitates. In the space of that held breath, I imagine every thread that might unravel from this moment; so many are at his disposal to choose. The boy who was born with everything meets my gaze. “You,” he utters, no deflection, no adornment.

Instead, leaning against the divining table, is Cyrus, waiting. His arms are crossed and his legs are outstretched.

Take a hint, I think of snapping, but my mouth is dry. He’s claimed the one spot that best frames his features in the honeyed light of late afternoon. The tug of his collar is a little lower than it should be and a sweep of hair frays over his brow in an uncommon display of dishevelment. It’s appealing. 

A little too appealing. I narrow my eyes. “How long have you been posed like that?” 

Cyrus pushes himself off the table. “I heard you come up the stairs.” 

"You could plan to pose for an hour waiting to seduce me but you couldn’t plan for this?” Legs wobbly, I stomp over to the entryway as 

Cyrus mutters, “It was twenty minutes.”

Sometimes I want to kiss him and sometimes I want to ruin him, but most of the time, I want those actions to be one and the same.

“You still are the biggest problem.” His tone is unkindly, but when he glances up, his gaze is unmarked by the caution I’m accustomed to. Lingering and rueful. 

The space between his brows twitches into a furrow. Something like understanding filters through his expression. “Would that be so bad? You asked me to figure out what I want. What if what I want is you after all?” 

A shiver passes through me, one that I can’t blame on the evening chill. “I wouldn’t believe you.” 

“Of course not. You aren’t some easy mark. You care for no one but yourself, so you can never be played for a fool.”

 I open my mouth to protest, but actually…“That’s right.” 

“Ever so clever.” Cyrus smiles like he’s won something, and I bristle

He regards me with a sigh. I regard him with a scowl. 

Dante pinches the bridge of his nose. “Is there something you two need to discuss in private first?” 

“No,” we both snap at the same time. 

His gaze flattens. “I’m going to head down. In the meantime, whatever it is, work it out or make out or I swear…” 

“You know about—” Us? I clamp my lips shut as I realize my mistake.

 “Now I do.” A smirk hooks Dante’s mouth. Even in the fading light, I can see Cyrus turn a brilliant red while his friend clutches his chest in mock horror. “Cyrus, you harlot, here I thought you were a man of honor.” 

“I don’t want to talk about this at this moment,” Cyrus snarls, shoving Dante forward.

 “Or ever, I assume? When I said you should tell her, I meant before you got engaged.” There is bite to his accusation.

 “Tell me?” I glance between them, curiosity overtaking any embarrassment. “Tell me what?”

 Now Dante looks flushed, and Cyrus is the one pinching his regal nose.

issa

millena

This is ok-ish at best and mediocre at worst. The only thing the book manage to do is entertaining me a bit and thanks to the I-write-like-I-talk writing style. 

Honestly I didn’t understand where the blooming attraction between the two characters was coming from? It felt so rushed and very unbelievable. I never compare stories but honestly this book tried so hard to recreate the Jude/Cardan dynamics. Well l, it failed. 

The world building felt very rudimentary. We have a map at the beginning of the book with places that are not mentioned at all lol. 

The ending was not great, the pacing ok also what with the overuse of italic words to make a point ? That’s lazy and I couldn’t help but notice it and be bothered by it.

Amira BEN

This is ok-ish at best and mediocre at worst. The only thing the book manage to do is entertaining me a bit and thanks to the I-write-like-I-talk writing style. 
Honestly I didn’t understand where the blooming attraction between the two characters was coming from? It felt so rushed and very unbelievable. I never compare stories but honestly this book tried so hard to recreate the Jude/Cardan dynamics. Well l, it failed. 
The world building felt very rudimentary. We have a map at the beginning of the book with places that are not mentioned at all lol. 
The ending was not great, the pacing ok also what with the overuse of italic words to make a point ? That’s lazy and I couldn’t help but notice it and be bothered by it.

It was a little slow at first but then it got really good 

Stella

mirin

4.5 stars because i was wary at first and then it engULFED ME

i love violet's snark remarks and i love cyrus and her together. 
gina chen i need book 2 NOW

Lara Engle

This book has some typical first novel problems and more. The pacing is really rough. It's so slow in the beginning and the ending is rushed and unsatisfying. The characterization is shallow and uneven. And the first-person narrator is not interesting. I thought about three-quarters of the way in that it was getting better, but it got worse. Add three overly descriptive awkward sexual encounters to the mix and it's a definite no from me.

i don’t know how to feel about him being an asshole to her all the time just because he had feelings for her flop

the ending….?

i don’t know how to feel about him being an asshole to her all the time just because he had feelings for her flop

Gillian Rose

Um, I loved this book?!? I've been in a weird reading mood this year where I have truly enjoyed a lot of books but none of them felt very five star for me. But this one? The fairy tale elements, the overall vibes of the book and how both leads were pretty morally grey, but the CHEMISTRY between them. I was mesmerized. Not only were Violet and Cyrus so fun to read, but I also adored Camilla and Dante, truly incredible supporting characters. The world was fascinating to me. I love love loved this and can't wait to see what happens next.

I thought this was going to be dark with morally grey characters...but it was just mid. "Perfect for fans of The Cruel Prince and Serpent & Dove" also wasn't a good comparison...I didn't get either of those vibes tbh.

I liked the story in theory, the writing was nice but just something was missing! It just felt so shallow? Like there would have been so much more depth and world building but it just all felt very surface level. I saw someone say it was enemies to lovers but it was more...employee/boss to occasional fling with mildly graphic "romance" scenes...

I could see how this was based on so many fairy tales all at once and even though I think this could have worked, it just didn't. I was just kinda boredddd...I wanted to love this so badly but I just felt neutral about most of it for most of the book.

I probably won't be picking up the sequel :')

This is nothing like any book I've read before. It's darkly twisted, but in an amazing way! You'll let yourself get carried away in this new fantasy world and love the independent heroine, who doesn't shy away from showing the prince his place 

Vivien Luisa Seifert

Emily B

3.5 STARS:

This one was pure fun. It wasn't the deepest or the most complex, but it was so entertaining!

The main draw is definitely the romance. From their first interaction, Violet and Cyrus have so much chemistry. And they did not go where I thought they were going. Their relationship was the reason I kept coming back. The vibes of the book were very fairytale-ish, but with more darkness to it than I was expecting. It helped to make up for some parts that were a bit lacking.

Other than that, though, every other element was rather simplistic. The world-building was minimal. The characters had layers but were not too deep. And the plot was very straightforward (mostly; that ending was rather twisty). Still, there was enough there that I enjoyed it. Violet was very prickly, but I found it more endearing than annoying. The only big complaint I would have was that she didn't seem to have grown by the end of the book.

Overall, while not my absolute favorite, I can recommend this if you just want some mindless fun. I will be continuing the series because I am just so interested in where Violet and Cyrus go from here. They have quickly cemented themselves as one of my favorite couples!

Violet is the kind of slightly unlikable, self sufficient, scrappy main characters that truly shine in YA fantasy. I was never quite sure if I wanted her to win. 

Prince Charming and the Witch, who have known and despised each other all their lives, navigating a new chapter for the fate of the kingdom. There is a bit of court politics and descriptions into the relations with other lands but it was not tedious or overwhelming. 

This book was very entertaining and well done. It feels like a set up for future books but also the story has an ending, for now. 

Once I got toward the last 75% I could not put it down and desperately wanted to know where it was going. 

Megan BV

I quite enjoyed this book.

Violet is the kind of slightly unlikable, self sufficient, scrappy main characters that truly shine in YA fantasy. I was never quite sure if I wanted her to win. 

Prince Charming and the Witch, who have known and despised each other all their lives, navigating a new chapter for the fate of the kingdom. There is a bit of court politics and descriptions into the relations with other lands but it was not tedious or overwhelming. 

This book was very entertaining and well done. It feels like a set up for future books but also the story has an ending, for now. 

Once I got toward the last 75% I could not put it down and desperately wanted to know where it was going. 

I feel so conflicted on this book. The beginning was really good and interesting, but it felt poorly developed and like I was thrust into a world with no help whatsoever. I know a lot of people despise info-dumps, but sometimes an info-dump can be incredibly helpful.

Cyrus and Violet's relationship is weird. There's no build-up, or tension really. I've said it once and I'll say it again, it is not enemies to lovers when it's just the two of them being mean to each other until they suddenly kiss.

The ending was good and action packed, but everything else felt rushed. 

I fully expected to love this book, but it really was disappointing. I still have higher hopes for the next one, but my enthusiasm has been dampened.

Holly

I feel so conflicted on this book. The beginning was really good and interesting, but it felt poorly developed and like I was thrust into a world with no help whatsoever. I know a lot of people despise info-dumps, but sometimes an info-dump can be incredibly helpful.

Cyrus and Violet's relationship is weird. There's no build-up, or tension really. I've said it once and I'll say it again, it is not enemies to lovers when it's just the two of them being mean to each other until they suddenly kiss.

The ending was good and action packed, but everything else felt rushed. 

I fully expected to love this book, but it really was disappointing. I still have higher hopes for the next one, but my enthusiasm has been dampened.

Actual rating: ★★★★.75

Well shit. Now I have to wait until 2023 for the sequel. This cover! 😌👌 Violet made of thorns is a great and very entertaining debut. As a major fan of morally grey characters, enemies to lovers and dark fantasy this book was perfect for me. People who hate and kiss each other? 😈 Yes please. 

Cyrus, a cursed prince who's kingdom's fate relies on him choosing a bride, wants to marry for love. He has been stalling for too long so the king, with the help of his seer, sets him up with a noblewoman. But the seer–Violet– has dreams and visions. The prince's bride is not who she seems to be. Together they work to unravel the secrets to prevent something terrible from happening. 

The burning question: Is Violet made of thorns similar to The cruel prince? Not really in my opinion, other than the enchantments and intense love/hate relationship between Cyrus and Violet. I'd say it's a bit more romance focused. 

The story is inspired by multiple fairytales. I noticed subtle references to Cinderella, Beauty and the beast and Sleeping Beauty.

I loved Violet for being brutally honest and an unapologetic liar at the same time. Cyrus is a pretentious ass lol. He and Violent were always bickering at the beginning. Later they start to get along better. Sometimes. He wants to have her gone but Violent, well... She's determined to keep her position as the kingdom's seer. Then we have Dante, Cyrus' best friend and confidant,who was also a favorite. He's the neutral middle ground between them. And lastly Camilla, Cyrus' twin sister, a supportive sapphic queen. 😏

The pacing was moderate from the beginning the 2nd half however was packed with twists. 

What I was missing were the ✨fantasy names✨ (at least for the main characters) . The names were flowery (and modern?) It felt weird. Then again roses, vines, thorns were significant to the story so maybe it was going for that kind of vibe? 

Arc provided by publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. 

From the author's website:

Content Warnings:
one instance of parent harming child physically, themes of emotional manipulation fantasy-typical levels of violence, including death and body horror
self-harm in a ritual/magical context
some instances of casual racism

Other Notes:
non-explicit sexual content, does not fade to black

Take your favorite fairy tale and picture it in your mind's eye. Do you see it? The way the prince and princess overcome an evil villain and find true love along the way? Got it? Good.

Now take that tale, and twist it. Bend it until the lines blur between the heroine and villains. Until the love is barbed and tainted between the prince and his princess. Sometimes, the best fairy tales aren't bathed in gold and end in "happily ever afters". 

Gina Chen takes all those special moments and deceptive turns that we love traditional fairy tales for, and completely flips them on their heads. Chen creates characters with complex and dimensional feelings that you can't help but root for. Violet, our main protagonist (of sorts), burns with ambition, pride, and a bit of magic. Cyrus is cunning, courageous, and too soft-hearted for his own good. Together, these two light the matches for ruin. 

While this book was a bit slow to start and didn't quite capture my attention until a few chapters in, the ending had me open-mouthed and wanting more. Chen excellently placed red herrings throughout the book, which made the reveals that much sweeter. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next. 

Cassie Burke

Take your favorite fairy tale and picture it in your mind's eye. Do you see it? The way the prince and princess overcome an evil villain and find true love along the way? Got it? Good.

Now take that tale, and twist it. Bend it until the lines blur between the heroine and villains. Until the love is barbed and tainted between the prince and his princess. Sometimes, the best fairy tales aren't bathed in gold and end in "happily ever afters". 

Gina Chen takes all those special moments and deceptive turns that we love traditional fairy tales for, and completely flips them on their heads. Chen creates characters with complex and dimensional feelings that you can't help but root for. Violet, our main protagonist (of sorts), burns with ambition, pride, and a bit of magic. Cyrus is cunning, courageous, and too soft-hearted for his own good. Together, these two light the matches for ruin. 

While this book was a bit slow to start and didn't quite capture my attention until a few chapters in, the ending had me open-mouthed and wanting more. Chen excellently placed red herrings throughout the book, which made the reveals that much sweeter. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next. 

This book wasn't so good as I thought it would be, but was stil good. I can't decide if I like Cyrus or not, he seems like a real ass sometimes. But the rest of the story was good. I didn't like the ending tho....

And am I the only own who liked Dante more than Cyrus and was shocked about the reveal at the end?

Eslie

This book wasn't so good as I thought it would be, but was stil good. I can't decide if I like Cyrus or not, he seems like a real ass sometimes. But the rest of the story was good. I didn't like the ending tho....

And am I the only own who liked Dante more than Cyrus and was shocked about the reveal at the end?

fun fantasy with a good ending. enjoyable and easy read.

paloma

The synopsis of Violet made of Thorns promised a lot of elements that I love in YA fantasy: A strong-minded heroine, enemies-to-lovers romance, a curse, and cut-throat politics. Unfortunately, the story fell flat for me, leaving me unsatisfied.

The plot started of promising with an immediate antagonism between Violet, the heroine, and prince Cyrus. Furthermore, the reader is soon introduced to the political situation and the curse. The rest of the book is focused on the dynamics between Violet and Cyrus. Those scenes were my favourite of the book due to their quick banter. However, the focus on the love story resulted in less page time for the politics and the curse which made both with unfounded. Due to the lack of foundation for the politics and the curse, the plot lacked urgency. My main issue with the plot was the sometimes-irrational development. I could not always understand the consequences of events. Lastly, the final confrontation in the end felt rushed and inconsistent.

The main characters, Violet and Cyrus, were interesting enough. Violet is a strong-willed heroine who has a pessimistic worldview. While it took me some time to warm to her, I respected her from the beginning of the story. Cyrus is the idealistic crown prince who is unnecessarily harsh towards Violet. I was intrigued by him due to his hypocrisy. The interactions between Violet and Cyrus were my favourite part of the story. However, I need a bit more depth in their characters. Furthermore, I found Cyrus characterisation to be inconsistent. The side characters were one-dimensional. Characters who were supposed to be the villain were not as frighting or evil due to the lack of character development.

I die enjoy the writing style of Gena Chen. Her writing felt accessible, and it did not pull me out of the story. In general, the writing was sharp and direct. Chen’s writing shone during the interactions between Violet and Cyrus. Furthermore, the visual descriptions were excellent. It was easy to visualise the surroundings and the characters. The whole story was written from Violet’s perspective, but through her gift other perspectives were presented. This made the reading experience more interesting.

The fictional world was not distinguishable from other YA fantasy stories. It was set in the capital of a kingdom and there was some mention of other countries. However, the world was not described in sufficient detail to make it stand out. I wanted more information about the magic system, the politics, and the logistics of the capital. Despite the lack of development, the magic was fascinating. I liked that the magic was connected to dreams and visions of the future.

In conclusion, I enjoyed my time reading Violet made of Thorns especially the dynamics between Violet and Cyrus. The book could be improved by more development of the plot and the world. However, I am enough intrigued to read the sequel.

Rating breakdown: plot (3.6/5), characters (2.5/5), writing (4.1/5), worldbuilding (2.8/5), overall enjoyment (2.5/5)

Trigger warnings: Graphic violence, murder.

Lisa van der Heijden 

 

Title: Violet made of Thorns

Author: Gina Chen

Pages: 364

Published: July 2022

Rating: 3.3/5.0

 

The synopsis of Violet made of Thorns promised a lot of elements that I love in YA fantasy: A strong-minded heroine, enemies-to-lovers romance, a curse, and cut-throat politics. Unfortunately, the story fell flat for me, leaving me unsatisfied.

 

The plot started of promising with an immediate antagonism between Violet, the heroine, and prince Cyrus. Furthermore, the reader is soon introduced to the political situation and the curse. The rest of the book is focused on the dynamics between Violet and Cyrus. Those scenes were my favourite of the book due to their quick banter. However, the focus on the love story resulted in less page time for the politics and the curse which made both with unfounded. Due to the lack of foundation for the politics and the curse, the plot lacked urgency. My main issue with the plot was the sometimes-irrational development. I could not always understand the consequences of events. Lastly, the final confrontation in the end felt rushed and inconsistent.

 

The main characters, Violet and Cyrus, were interesting enough. Violet is a strong-willed heroine who has a pessimistic worldview. While it took me some time to warm to her, I respected her from the beginning of the story. Cyrus is the idealistic crown prince who is unnecessarily harsh towards Violet. I was intrigued by him due to his hypocrisy. The interactions between Violet and Cyrus were my favourite part of the story. However, I need a bit more depth in their characters. Furthermore, I found Cyrus characterisation to be inconsistent. The side characters were one-dimensional. Characters who were supposed to be the villain were not as frighting or evil due to the lack of character development.

 

I die enjoy the writing style of Gena Chen. Her writing felt accessible, and it did not pull me out of the story. In general, the writing was sharp and direct. Chen’s writing shone during the interactions between Violet and Cyrus. Furthermore, the visual descriptions were excellent. It was easy to visualise the surroundings and the characters. The whole story was written from Violet’s perspective, but through her gift other perspectives were presented. This made the reading experience more interesting.

 

The fictional world was not distinguishable from other YA fantasy stories. It was set in the capital of a kingdom and there was some mention of other countries. However, the world was not described in sufficient detail to make it stand out. I wanted more information about the magic system, the politics, and the logistics of the capital. Despite the lack of development, the magic was fascinating. I liked that the magic was connected to dreams and visions of the future.

 

In conclusion, I enjoyed my time reading Violet made of Thorns especially the dynamics between Violet and Cyrus. The book could be improved by more development of the plot and the world. However, I am enough intrigued to read the sequel.

 

Rating breakdown: plot (3.6/5), characters (2.5/5), writing (4.1/5), worldbuilding (2.8/5), overall enjoyment (2.5/5)

 

Trigger warnings: Graphic violence, murder.

VIOLET MADE OF THORNS is compared to two of my favorite YA fantasy books: 

, but this, along with the huge social media hype, may have unfairly raised my expectations. The premise is definitely the book’s biggest strength. We have two characters who can’t seem to stand each other and yet lust for one another, and a curse to break. Those are all elements I love in any book, so if you do as well, I think this is worth a try.

 is a book that should be binged. I read this one in 10 days to pace myself for a read-along, but I think it would be enjoyed more when read swiftly. The beginning is quite slow, and it has a messy introduction to the world-building and characters, which made me struggle to get into it. This might have been easier to stomach with a strong characterization, but unfortunately I think both main characters promise more than they give. While both fall in the “morally gray” spectrum, Violet feels more ruthless in her mind than she does in her actions, and Cyrus struggles to break through due to a shortage of scenes with him in the first half of the book. I can’t say these issues really get resolved, however around the halfway mark I started to enjoy myself. Coincidentally (not), it’s when there were more interactions between Cyrus and Violet.

Now here’s the sad thing: the dynamic between Cyrus and Violet works, and so I’m sad we didn’t get to experience it fully from the start. Once the passion ignites between them, the hate-angst and unpredictability of their encounters was exciting to read, and crowned by great banter and kissing scenes. You just have to warm up to them and trust that these two really don’t like each other, because you hardly get to see those “why do I want to kiss you and slap you at the same time?” moments 

 the two characters admit to an attraction. This makes their interactions enjoyable, but not yet as memorable as those of the couple they wish to evoke (Jude and Cardan).

Admittedly, because of the convoluted world-building, I was more interested in the relationship than I was in the plot. However, the climax of the story offers some great twists and promises interesting scenarios for the next book. With how things leave off, I think the sequel will offer opportunities to better explore the world and magic as well as the nature of Cyrus and Violet’s relationship. Without spoiling, I think it hits a sort of reset button… and I’m excited to see where it goes.

Chiara Vitale Zelaia

VIOLET MADE OF THORNS is compared to two of my favorite YA fantasy books: The Cruel Prince and Serpent & Dove, but this, along with the huge social media hype, may have unfairly raised my expectations. The premise is definitely the book’s biggest strength. We have two characters who can’t seem to stand each other and yet lust for one another, and a curse to break. Those are all elements I love in any book, so if you do as well, I think this is worth a try.

My advice: Violet Made of Thorns is a book that should be binged. I read this one in 10 days to pace myself for a read-along, but I think it would be enjoyed more when read swiftly. The beginning is quite slow, and it has a messy introduction to the world-building and characters, which made me struggle to get into it. This might have been easier to stomach with a strong characterization, but unfortunately I think both main characters promise more than they give. While both fall in the “morally gray” spectrum, Violet feels more ruthless in her mind than she does in her actions, and Cyrus struggles to break through due to a shortage of scenes with him in the first half of the book. I can’t say these issues really get resolved, however around the halfway mark I started to enjoy myself. Coincidentally (not), it’s when there were more interactions between Cyrus and Violet.

Now here’s the sad thing: the dynamic between Cyrus and Violet works, and so I’m sad we didn’t get to experience it fully from the start. Once the passion ignites between them, the hate-angst and unpredictability of their encounters was exciting to read, and crowned by great banter and kissing scenes. You just have to warm up to them and trust that these two really don’t like each other, because you hardly get to see those “why do I want to kiss you and slap you at the same time?” moments before the two characters admit to an attraction. This makes their interactions enjoyable, but not yet as memorable as those of the couple they wish to evoke (Jude and Cardan).

Admittedly, because of the convoluted world-building, I was more interested in the relationship than I was in the plot. However, the climax of the story offers some great twists and promises interesting scenarios for the next book. With how things leave off, I think the sequel will offer opportunities to better explore the world and magic as well as the nature of Cyrus and Violet’s relationship. Without spoiling, I think it hits a sort of reset button… and I’m excited to see where it goes.

I need to stop getting too hyped up from the hype, because more often than not this year it has led me astray.

 was a nice read that is definitely more enjoyable if you read quickly—which is not what I did, as this was this month’s book for the Book Talk With Wifey readalong on IG. If you read it fast, you won’t have time to linger on the things that fell a bit short, and you’ll likely be concentrating on all the positive aspects of the book.

Reading it while following the readalong’s schedule, I found the first half of the book to be a little slow. The setting was cute and with a modern fairytale vibe that reminded me a little 

, but what sparked my interest above everything else were the interactions between Violet and Cyrus. Their hate/lust—and eventually love—dynamic was really addicting, but their scenes were too brief and sporadic for me to truly grasp 

 they hate each other, which is ultimately what frustrated me about the first half of the book. I mean, on Violet’s part it’s pretty straight-forward—Cyrus acts like a self-righteous prick with her—but for Cyrus it took me almost the whole book to maybe understand his true motive. I would have loved for there to be more scenes and banter between the two, because I truly believe their dynamic is the book’s strongest point—as proven by the second half of the book, which sees the plot picking up and more scenes between the couple.

In the end, I enjoyed this book enough to be curious about the sequel, but seeing the hype, I’d been expecting to find a new favorite ship and, unfortunately, Cyrus and Violet are not there yet for lack of scenes and build-up.

Maria Elena Vitale Zelaia

I need to stop getting too hyped up from the hype, because more often than not this year it has led me astray.

Violet Made of Thorns was a nice read that is definitely more enjoyable if you read quickly—which is not what I did, as this was this month’s book for the Book Talk With Wifey readalong on IG. If you read it fast, you won’t have time to linger on the things that fell a bit short, and you’ll likely be concentrating on all the positive aspects of the book.

Reading it while following the readalong’s schedule, I found the first half of the book to be a little slow. The setting was cute and with a modern fairytale vibe that reminded me a little Ella Enchanted or Shrek, but what sparked my interest above everything else were the interactions between Violet and Cyrus. Their hate/lust—and eventually love—dynamic was really addicting, but their scenes were too brief and sporadic for me to truly grasp why they hate each other, which is ultimately what frustrated me about the first half of the book. I mean, on Violet’s part it’s pretty straight-forward—Cyrus acts like a self-righteous prick with her—but for Cyrus it took me almost the whole book to maybe understand his true motive. I would have loved for there to be more scenes and banter between the two, because I truly believe their dynamic is the book’s strongest point—as proven by the second half of the book, which sees the plot picking up and more scenes between the couple.

In the end, I enjoyed this book enough to be curious about the sequel, but seeing the hype, I’d been expecting to find a new favorite ship and, unfortunately, Cyrus and Violet are not there yet for lack of scenes and build-up.

The first half (~175 pages) were pretty good. Fun banter, interesting characters, and a mysterious presence spouting prophecy. The next 100 pages were just tedious. The same banter becomes annoying and the characters didn't even bother actually trying to solve the problem at hand. If Violet didn't want to tell anyone about the entirety of her prophecy she should have at least started working on her magic because you know an evil presence is trying to convince her to kill people?? But no she just wallows in self pity. Then the ending is just rushed which makes sense since this book was originally a stand-alone but is now getting a sequel? We at least deserve a proper ending to book 1 rather than the "fairytale" chapter we got at the end. I just.... this book was so disappointing. Maybe the sequel will be better but this one just didn't do it for me.

Cassidy Webb

Warning: May Contain Spoilers

The first half (~175 pages) were pretty good. Fun banter, interesting characters, and a mysterious presence spouting prophecy. The next 100 pages were just tedious. The same banter becomes annoying and the characters didn't even bother actually trying to solve the problem at hand. If Violet didn't want to tell anyone about the entirety of her prophecy she should have at least started working on her magic because you know an evil presence is trying to convince her to kill people?? But no she just wallows in self pity. Then the ending is just rushed which makes sense since this book was originally a stand-alone but is now getting a sequel? We at least deserve a proper ending to book 1 rather than the "fairytale" chapter we got at the end. I just.... this book was so disappointing. Maybe the sequel will be better but this one just didn't do it for me.

Laura Kehoe

This was such a fun, fast read! If you love snarky, amoral characters, enemies to lovers, and magic, then this is a book for you!

I instantly loved Violet. She was not exactly a good person, but her actions made sense and she always kept things interesting; even when I wanted to smack her for being an idiot! And the rest of the characters were equally infuriating and entertaining.

The world Chen created was also so fun and interesting. I loved the magic system and the politics in this book. It all felt very real, like I could step right into this world.

I'm so glad I had the chance to read this book. It was exactly what I wanted and was so much fun. I can't wait to see where the story goes next!

Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review!

This is probably closer to a 3.75 ⭐️ read. I had a lot of fun with this book. The tension between the two main charterers was great, and I loved that Cyrus had been in love with her the whole time. But I struggled with some of this book. The worldview of Violet is interesting but I think Chen takes it too far to the point of unbelievability in some sense? Maybe it’s also in part why I struggle with YA sometimes, as an adult, some of their choices and thought processes are so clearly wrong I can’t understand how anyone could believe certain things are plausible. I’m excited that there’s a second book though and I will definitely be reading! Interesting and captivating quick read for sure. 

Violet Made of Thorns

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