Violet made of thorns by Gina Chen

Fans of love-hate relationships will delight in this fantasy starring Violet, a Seer and a liar and a not-so-charming Prince Cyrus. As a child Violet had seen the death of Prince Cyrus in a dream and had saved his life. Taken to the palace she is soon elevated into the role of Seer for King Emilius and finds herself not only prophesying but lying for the King who wants to further his empire. The previous Seer had left a dire prediction that the safety of the kingdom relies on the Prince’s marriage otherwise war, blood and chaos will follow. Violet is in a precarious position. Can she survive amongst the machinations of the King and his court and the antagonistic relationship she has with Cyrus? What do the Fates have in store for Cyrus and for her?

Violet is an unusual heroine – often selfish and self-serving. She has no qualms about lying for the King and bad-mouthing Prince Cyrus in front of the courtiers. Her dreams of blood and roses and horned beasts haunt her and the voice that she hears in her head making dire predictions keep her awake. Her snarky comments and outlook are often more contemporary than one would expect from someone  in the medieval kingdom of Auveny, but this will appeal to teen readers who are likely to identify with Violet’s dilemmas and choices.

This was an enjoyable read with the love/hate relationship between Violet and Cyrus the central plot. The world building of Seers, horned beasts and fairy enchantments was not described in detail but are easy for the reader to imagine. Those who enjoyed Violet made of thorns may like to move onto more complex stories like The cruel prince by Holly Black and Gilded by Marissa Meyer.

Themes: Fantasy, Romance, Good and evil, Witches.

Pat Pledger