September 20th 2011, Greenwillow Books
432 Pages, ARC
First in the Fire and Thorns series
Young Adult
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.
Opinion:
Newly turned 16 year old princess Elisa is a gift from God. She bears the Godstone, a special honor. She is expected to perform a great service to the people, one she doesn’t even know yet. Married off to the king of Joya d'Arena, Alejandro, Elisa is thrust in a world she hardly recognizes. In trying to find herself, she also delves into her faith and develops the makings of a great queen.
The Girl of Fire and Thorns is a high fantasy novel set in a beautiful world the reader can’t help but experience along with her. If only I could have a taste of all the delicious pastries! I was captivated by the adventure and the unpredictable plot.
Elisa represents all the imperfect girls out there. She starts off lazy and fat but as the novel develops, she gains confidence in herself and her new body image, which I can easily relate to. There was romance, but an unexpected and sweet one, which also kept me guessing and still does.
I enjoyed the debut and am eager to read Rae Carson’s next book in the series.
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