Review: The Language of Thorns by Leigh Bardugo

Hey all, Dani here.

Okay fans of the Grishaverse…did you hear the latest news? I mean the news that Leigh’s next Grishaverse books will focus on one of my absolute favorite characters, Nikolai? Yeah, I’m super excited about that. What I’m not excited about…having to wait until 2019 to get my hands on the first book.

I guess at least for now I will talk about this lovely collection of fairy tales from the world, and then reread the Six of Crows duology because I need to find a way to stay occupied until I get more Nikolai in my life.

Summary

Love speaks in flowers. Truth requires thorns.

Travel to a world of dark bargains struck by moonlight, of haunted towns and hungry woods, of talking beasts and gingerbread golems, where a young mermaid’s voice can summon deadly storms and where a river might do a lovestruck boy’s bidding but only for a terrible price.

Inspired by myth, fairy tale, and folklore, #1 New York Times–bestselling author Leigh Bardugo has crafted a deliciously atmospheric collection of short stories filled with betrayals, revenge, sacrifice, and love.

Perfect for new readers and dedicated fans, these tales will transport you to lands both familiar and strange—to a fully realized world of dangerous magic that millions have visited through the novels of the Grishaverse.

This collection of six stories includes three brand-new tales, all of them lavishly illustrated with art that changes with each turn of the page, culminating in six stunning full-spread illustrations as rich in detail as the stories themselves.

My Thoughts

Rating: Can I give this anything but a 5 star rating? The answer is no. 5 stars!

Okay, so this book of fairy tales from the Grishaverse contains a story from the Zemeni, three Ravkan stories, a Kerch story, and a Fjerdan story. The three tales from Ravka were the ones included in the sampler I read a couple months ago.

The artwork around the edges of the pages and then the full page art at the end of each story was just lovely to stare at. They also captured the essence of the story they accompanied as well.

Some of the stories were familiar, basically the author’s take on tales such as Hansel & Gretel.

I was mesmerized by the tales for the brief time they gave me to escape reality. Returning to this complex world that Bardugo has created was a wonderful experience, and I can just imagine some of the Dregs or any other characters growing up listening to tales such as these.

Honestly, the couple hundred pages of this collection flew by so quickly, and I would love to have future installments with more fairy tales, because they just build on a world that we have gotten to know.

And yes, these can be read even if you have not read the Grisha trilogy or the Six of Crows duology. However, I feel as if you’ll appreciate them more if you have a basic understanding of the world in which these stories take place.

I’d definitely recommend this book. I’m glad I have a lovely finished product in my hands now, and I’m rather happy that I picked my copy up from Barnes & Noble because I can add it to my signed books collection.

Where to Buy

You can pick up this wonderful addition to the Grishaverse from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-million, Book Depository, or your local indie bookstore. Oh, and in case anyone would like to know, the Barnes & Noble book is a signed copy.