The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a four-star book for me for only one reason: it took me a while to become invested. I have a bad habit of reading multiple reviews prior to the book, and several "so-so" reviews often hinder me from fully appreciating a entire body of work.

I read where others said this was a religious book, and that they weren't comfortable recommending it because of the God factor. I think it definitely is religious, relative to the book itself. The characters are deeply spiritual, but I never once felt "preached at" or encouraged to pick up my Bible. The God I serve doesn't put stones in people's navels, so I was certainly able to distinguish the line between fantasy and reality.

The book itself was an enjoyable read, and the characters were likable. I loved Alina, and how Carson develops and matures her character. She struggles with weight, trust, naivete, and general teenage girl issues. The writing never felt contrived or shallow.

Other reviews I read complained because Alina loses weight before the end of the story, and that others don't see her beauty until she is skinny. I disagree wholeheartedly. I am the reader, the most important person to the story, correct? I adored Alina from the get-go, even if I didn't understand the premise. Also, Hector and Humberto see Alina's worth well before she experiences her weight loss, and also, I'd like to point out, that Alina is never truly thin! She talks many times about extra skin and how she will never be dainty or delicate. What I gathered from my reading was that Alina became healthy. Her muscles grew strong, her appetite changed, and she also developed a firmer inner resolve.

I highly recommend this book.

View all my reviews