Review ~The Girl of Fire and Thorns

The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Genre: YA fantasy
Source: Netgalley

Description 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.

My thoughts: Elisa is sixteen. On her sixteenth birthday she is given in marriage to the king of the neighboring kingdom. Elisa is the second born daughter of a king, as such she is used to make alliances.


Elisa's situation is unique. She is overshadowed by her older sister and lacks any self confidence what-so-ever. Elisa is a chubby girl and takes solace in food. (Unfortunately I can relate!) This is her form of self-medication when she is in a stressful situation


Her marriage is left unconsummated and the King doesn't recognize their marriage to his people. She is left floundering as to her place and the expectations of her station.


One thing she has that is very rare. On her naming day during the ceremony a blue stone was placed in her belly when there was a flash of light. It is called the Godstone, and only one bearer is chosen every 100 years. She has a destiny to fulfill but is left in the dark as to what God expects of her.


Once her secret is accidentally discovered, she is kidnapped and forced to march across the desert. This march is harsh and the food and water situation sparse. She is forced to overcome her sugar addiction.(Maybe I should spend a month walking in the dessert. ;)) Her body is transformed and she is put in situations that give her confidence. She is able to rise to the occasions that present themselves. She experiences love and loss.  She finds out who she can trust, and what a true friend is.


I liked the transformation that she undergoes. She is a young woman who craves affection and love from those around her to a compassionate woman who gives the love and affection and understands to receive you must first give. She finds her potential and rises to the trials placed before her.


I enjoyed this book, there is not content that I feel uncomfortable in recommending.