Title: Girl, Serpent, Thorn

Author: Melissa Bashardoust

Publisher: Flatiron Books 2020

Genre: YA Fantasy

Pages: 325

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Currently Reading RC - Takes Me to Another World; Modern Mrs. Darcy Summer Reading

There was and there was not, as all stories begin, a princess cursed to be poisonous to the touch. But for Soraya, who has lived her life hidden away, apart from her family, safe only in her gardens, it’s not just a story.

As the day of her twin brother’s wedding approaches, Soraya must decide if she’s willing to step outside of the shadows for the first time. Below in the dungeon is a demon who holds knowledge that she craves, the answer to her freedom. And above is a young man who isn’t afraid of her, whose eyes linger not with fear, but with an understanding of who she is beneath the poison.

Soraya thought she knew her place in the world, but when her choices lead to consequences she never imagined, she begins to question who she is and who she is becoming...human or demon. Princess or monster.

Now this is an excellent fairy tale retellings incorporated different myths and legends. I have read so many not well executed retellings and was hesitant to pick this one up. Thank goodness I did! In it, we get a beautiful combination of various Persian tales as well as elements of more western tales like Sleeping Beauty and Rapunzel. Bashardoust weaves a beautiful story that feels both historical and fantastical. We follow Soraya on her journey of identity from the poisoned princess locked away to the poisoned princess free. I was so hoping that her ending would not involve being a simple human and thankfully we get a very different ending. Beyond Soraya we get wonderful characters including my favorite cameo, Nasu. If you read this, make sure to read the end notes about Bashardoust’s inspirations. I learned so much and now really want to read a book of Persian tales.

Next up on the TBR pile: