Book Review: The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson
Series: Fire and Thorns #1
Release Date: September 20, 2011
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Pages: 423
Received: ARC from publisher, via Netgalley
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Goodreads Page

Summary

From Goodreads:

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 needs 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.

Review

I <3 Elisa

Everyone seems to talk about is Elisa's weight. And then her weight loss. But Elisa is far more than how much she weighs.

Elisa starts out as a very depressed girl. She isn't depressed because she's fat. She's fat because she's depressed. Big difference. She felt powerless in her position as second daughter and I think she felt crushed under the expectations and preordained future set out for her by the godstone.

While normally I would be all unsympathetic and "Get those issues AWAY FROM ME!" I surprised myself by loving Elisa. Her sadness was so palatable and I felt sorry for her, but more than that, I actually liked and admired her.

Whaaat?? I know. I know. Most reviewers have been totally turned off by Fat Elisa, but I saw many redeeming qualities in her. She was smart and applied her intelligence to learning about military tactics, people, politics, and the history of her faith.

I loved seeing her put these skills into action. In the beginning Elisa's keen insight was quickly shot down, but as she gained confidence in herself, she was able to stand by her opinions in the face of opposition. I was SO proud of her.

Part 1 versus Part 2

Part one is slower and more focused on the day-to-day events of Elisa's life in court. And her life isn't all that interesting. She's married to a man who has only married her for political purposes and has very little interest in spending time with her.

You'd think I'd have been bored stiff with this part of the plot, right? But I wasn't. I loved the small triumphs Elisa scored in part one and the subtle alliances she was forging based on the strength of her personality.

There is also a character in this part named Hector who strongly reminded me of London from Cayla Kluver's Legacy. Sadly, just like London, Hector leaves the story early on and only reappears toward the end. But I see potential there!

Part two is significantly more fast-paced and action-oriented. It was exciting with battles, struggles, strategies, and pretty decent antagonists. If you're bored with part one, try to stick it out until part two before DNF-ing. (Though I thought the character development was much better in part one and took a hit in part two.)

I don't like things in belly buttons

I was kinda icked out by the idea of a stone magically appearing in Elisa's belly button, especially since it's somehow fused to her skin (and there's a vomit-inducing scene that makes this clear).

Elugghh ok, no more thinking about that.

Gross-factor aside, I loved the world building Rae Carson developed. Elisa narrates The Girl of Fire and Thorns, so the world is presented from her perspective. This was an interesting way to establish the world and religion because Elisa has been raised with an extremely censored and narrow understanding of the world that slowly changes as the book progresses.

This easily could have made her an obnoxious character to read, but Elisa is an intelligent girl and so she quickly absorbs and considers the new information she uncovers like the scholar she is. I liked seeing the history unfold this way--first establishing the world, and then turning it on its head.

Elisa's drive to seek out and understand the history and purpose of the godstone was mirrored by my own interest to delve into this facet of the story.

Wait, is this a praying book?

Yes, and no. The religion of the world does play a significant role in the story and things like prayer and god's plan do get a lot of page time. And though the religion is entirely fictional, I'm sure allusions can be drawn to real religions. 

But that's not my thing. I don't want to draw those connections (been there, done that, wrote the paper). I just want to be entertained now. On that, The Girl of Fire and Thorns delivers. Sure it's a religion, but it can be easily read as fantasy world building and the faith, culture, and history of those fantasy peoples.  

Love is NOT in the air

There are two love interests in The Girl of Fire and Thorns, but this is not a love triangle. The first potential suitor is Elisa's husband, and he's pretty much a jerk.

The second potential love interest might appeal to teens, but to me (very much not a teen anymore) he was very, very young. He was sweet, but I'd have to give him the, "I like you like a younger brother" line. His personality also wasn't developed enough to make me have any strong feelings about him. Disappointing, huh?

I'm pretty confident that book two will introduce a new romantic interest, thankfully. I'm crossing my fingers that Hector will be the one.

Bottom line

I didn't fall head over heels in love with The Girl of Fire and Thorns, but I did zip right through it (it's over 400 pages, but it felt much shorter). The plot could have been a little tighter and while some of the deaths devastated me, some I really couldn't have cared less about (and I should have).

I have no doubt that I will be continuing on with Elisa's story. She's hooked me, but even if she hadn't, her world and the opportunity to learn more about its faith and history would be enough to keep me interested in the sequel.

The Girl of Fire and Thorns ends well enough as a standalone, but it is clear there is more to come. There are many more secrets still left to uncover about the godstone, and while the battle is over, the war still looms.

Explanation of rating system: Star Rating Key 

Do you have any questions about The Girl of Fire and Thorns that I haven't addressed? 
Feel free to ask in the comments!

How do you feel about religions in fantasy books? Does it make it better for you if the religion is fictional, or do you still see this as too preachy? 


For those who have read the book already, did you cry in THE scene? What are your thoughts on Elisa's transformation? Did you prefer part 1 or part 2? And, most importantly, do you think I'm going to get to see some kissing action with Hector??

Looking for another book like this? 

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Click on the cover to go to Goodreads.

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