Content levels
Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Heroine archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Synopsis
The instant #1 New York Times bestseller! Shadow and Bone meets The Selection in this first book in Kiera Azar's sharp, sexy, and twisty debut YA romantasy trilogy! “Dark, sexy, and completely addictive, romantasy lovers will devour Azar’s Thorn Season. With epic betrayals, shocking twists, and delicious tension, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. An absolute thrill of a novel.”—Rachel Griffin, New York Times bestselling author of The Nature of Witches In the Kingdom of Daradon, a persecuted few are Wielders, in possession of a magical Spectre–a shimmering thread that can extend beyond their visible body to give a loving caress, pick a lock . . . even kill. Feared for this ability, Wielders have always been Hunted. Alissa Paine, heiress and daughter of a Hunter family . . . is also a Wielder. At eighteen, Alissa knows she’s escaped execution thus far only due to painful self-control and the efforts of her beloved father. Summoned to the harsh and glittering royal court for the debutante season, Alissa finds herself caught in a web of intrigue and betrayal—and caught between two equally dangerous men: one a brutal ruler with the handsome face of a fairy-tale prince, who would destroy her if he knew the truth—and the other a beguiling foreign ambassador with secret agendas of his own. With the threat of discovery lurking around every corner—and romance becoming an increasingly dangerous temptation—Alissa will find that she has more to lose than her secrets. It’s Rose Season at the palace, but to survive she’ll need to become the most vicious of thorns. . . .
Is Thorn Season: A #1 NYT Bestselling YA Fantasy Romance of Forbidden Magic and Deadly Secrets appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 16 and up.
This YA romantasy features a protagonist hiding lethal magical abilities at a dangerous royal court, with meaningful violence (magical combat, killing potential), steamy romantic content between the heroine and two love interests, court intrigue, and themes of persecution and betrayal.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, steamy sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include death, violence, and persecution (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens will be hooked by the forbidden romance, dangerous secrets, and the high-stakes survival game as Alissa navigates a glittering but deadly court while hiding her magical powers.