Published: September 2011-August 2013
Pages: 1,266
Source: Gifted
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Once a century, one person is chosen for greatness.
Elisa is the chosen one.
But she is also the younger of two princesses, the one who has never done anything remarkable. She can't see how she ever will.
Now, on her sixteenth birthday, she has become the secret wife of a handsome and worldly king—a king whose country is in turmoil. A king who needs the chosen one, not a failure of a princess.
And he's not the only one who seeks her. Savage enemies seething with dark magic are hunting her. A daring, determined revolutionary thinks she could be his people's savior. And he looks at her in a way that no man has ever looked at her before. Soon it is not just her life, but her very heart that is at stake.
Elisa could be everything to those who need her most. If the prophecy is fulfilled. If she finds the power deep within herself. If she doesn’t die young.
Most of the chosen do.
Elisa is the chosen one.
But she is also the younger of two princesses, the one who has never done anything remarkable. She can't see how she ever will.
Now, on her sixteenth birthday, she has become the secret wife of a handsome and worldly king—a king whose country is in turmoil. A king who needs the chosen one, not a failure of a princess.
And he's not the only one who seeks her. Savage enemies seething with dark magic are hunting her. A daring, determined revolutionary thinks she could be his people's savior. And he looks at her in a way that no man has ever looked at her before. Soon it is not just her life, but her very heart that is at stake.
Elisa could be everything to those who need her most. If the prophecy is fulfilled. If she finds the power deep within herself. If she doesn’t die young.
Most of the chosen do.
In short: The Fire and Thorns Trilogy by Rae Carson is a memorable epic with a strong female lead.
Rae Carson's writing is of the sort that I would have claimed I did not enjoy prior to reading the Fire and Thorns Trilogy. Her pacing is so rapid fast that she is able to accomplish many events plot-wise within the space of a few chapters when it takes the average author thrice as long. And she is somehow able to manage this while still saving room for little character moments to progress their development, which I found hugely impressive. Of course, there is also very little in the way of description and flowery prose - which I personally really love to read - so I was a bit disappointed about that.
Perhaps the thing that shines above all in the Fire and Thorns Trilogy is its protagonist, Elisa (My Queen!). She is a rarity in YA fantasy as she is described as plump and dark-skinned (and thus NOT like the model on the covers). She also struck me as legit smart in every decision that she made. Like, sometimes so-called "smart" characters in books make lots of decidedly un-smart decisions. But not Queen Elisa. Her confidence in her abilities and in herself made her a protagonist that I admire greatly and an incredible ruler to her people.
I applaud Rae Carson for crafting such a memorable epic with exciting, forward-moving pacing and great character arcs. Elisa will go down as one of my all-time favourite fictional rulers. Here's to more amazing fantasies with strong female leads by Rae Carson!
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I'm so glad you read this series! It's truly underrated, IMHO, even if it isn't "perfect" in some ways. Carson's latest, "Walk on Earth a Stranger" is pretty good too, though I prefer this Fire & Thorns series a bit more.
ReplyDeleteAh yes, that's the impression I get of her next series... I still want to read it though :)
DeleteWell, you're definitely not the last person to read this book since I've had it on my tbr for years and still haven't read it. I really need to fix it especially since I love a strong, smart heroine. Great review!
ReplyDelete:) I think you'd really like the series Rummanah!
DeleteI'm so pleased to see that you enjoyed this series! I read this a while and also really liked it. I thought Elisa was a wonderful character and definitely sticks out among the many YA fantasy heroines!
ReplyDeleteRight?? She is such a treasure.
DeleteI still need to read this series! And I own the first book...I've owned it for years...I have no excuse! The shame!! I'm so happy you enjoyed this series so much Aylee ♥ I need to remember this the next time I can't decide what to read! I so excited by the way you described QUEEN ELISA I want to meet her straight away. I like flowery prose too but I can easily get sucked into action and plot.plot.plot so I am IN :D
ReplyDeleteYEAH! I can't wait for you to read this series because I know you'll love it as much as me :D
DeleteI haven't read any of these but I'm kind of thinking I might really like them. I LOVE that the MC is described as plump. It's a bit annoying they don't show this on the cover. If you want a cover model, make it accurate, right? haha
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing - glad you enjoyed these. It's great to see you reviewing books again!
-Lauren
Thanks Lauren :) And yes, it ain't right that they colour wash and skinny wash characters on covers.
DeleteI have had these books on my audible wishlist for ages. I really want to read them- especially now that I am kind of in love with these fantasy novels. I am so glad you enjoyed this trilogy- it's giving me a kick in my pants to start reading them.
ReplyDeleteOoh yes, I think you would enjoy the series Sara!
DeleteI'd like to try to read more series back-to-back. I do such a bad job getting back to them otherwise! I'm glad you enjoyed these when you got to them :)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous review Aylee :D YAY for enjoying this series. <3 It's been ages since I read them.. but I really loved them too :) Must re-read soon, I think, haha :) Thank you for sharing your awesome thoughts. <3
ReplyDelete