Book cover of Juniper & Thorn

Book description

'A tale of fear and survival, hope and yearning and defiance, in timelessly elegant prose. It will enchant you, break your heart, and chill you to the very marrow.' Samantha Shannon on The Wolf and the Woodsman

From the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Wolf and the Woodsman comes…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked Juniper & Thorn as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This is a story of monsters and magic and a dark fantasy that is–finally–properly dark.

It is not an easy read since it describes domestic violence, abuse, and other kinds of dark depravity. However, it is also a beautiful take on one of the most disturbing Grimm tales, with a heroine I rooted for from the beginning and a fractured, twisted romance I loved.

Ava Reid can do no wrong, in my humble opinion.

She’s one of the best Jewish fantasy authors writing today, and she isn’t afraid to cover the darkest aspects of humanity (up to and including cannibalism). Juniper and Thorn is a retelling of The Juniper Tree and follows the story of Marlinchen, her sisters, and their absolutely repulsive wizard father.

Combining fairytale elements - there are hints of The Twelve Dancing Princesses, Cinderella, and Slavic folklore here - with Reid’s utterly immersive voice, Juniper and Thorn has earned its spot among my favorite books.

If you love Juniper & Thorn...

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