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The Girl of Fire and Thorns
The Girl of Fire and Thorns
The Girl of Fire and Thorns
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The Girl of Fire and Thorns

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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The first book in the acclaimed and award winning New York Times bestselling trilogy. The Girl of Fire and Thorns is a remarkable novel full of adventure, sorcery, heartbreak, and power. "I stayed up until two a.m. reading this last night. Intense, unique. … Definitely recommended."—Veronica Roth, author of the best-selling Divergent series

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, and 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 her to be the chosen one, not a failure of a princess.

And he's not the only one who seeks her. Savage enemies, seething with dark magic, are hunting her. A daring, determined revolutionary thinks she could be his people's savior. 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.

"A page-turner with broad appeal."—Publishers Weekly

Supports the Common Core State Standards.

LanguageEnglish
PublisherHarperCollins
Release dateSep 20, 2011
ISBN9780062093325
Author

Rae Carson

Rae Carson is the author of two bestselling and award-winning trilogies, as well as the acclaimed stand-alone novels Any Sign of Life and The Empire of Dreams. Her debut, The Girl of Fire and Thorns, was named a William C. Morris Award finalist and an Andre Norton Award finalist. Walk on Earth a Stranger was longlisted for the 2015 National Book Award and won the Western Writers of America Spur Award. Her books tend to contain adventure, magic, and smart girls who make (mostly) smart choices. Originally from California, Rae Carson now lives in Ohio with her husband. www.raecarson.com

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Reviews for The Girl of Fire and Thorns

Rating: 4.182065217391305 out of 5 stars
4/5

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  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Ok, generic name. A princess is sent to marry the king one kingdom over to cement an alliance against invaders. He’s older and handsome, and she’s self-hating, fat and sixteen, and also the bearer of a Godstone, which gives her some kind of connection to divinity. Palace intrigue, kidnapping, and associated weight loss ensue, followed by her becoming the leader of a guerrilla band dedicated to fighting the invaders. It’s a decent coming-of-age story, but avoid if “she stops her disordered eating and loses weight due to privation and then keeps from regaining all the way to her previous weight due to self-confidence” will be a problem.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    The premise: ganked from publisher's website: 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, and 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 her to be the chosen one, not a failure of a princess.And he’s not the only one who seeks 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 Rating: Couldn't Put It DownThe Girl of Fire and Thorns came THISCLOSE to getting my top rating of "My Precious," but because I kept debating it, I decided that was reason enough to make it my second best rating (which is still damn awesome), because my top rating should not be any books I debate about. Still, The Girl of Fire and Thorns is a marvelous book that is rich with themes and important issues, yet is also an utterly enjoyable epic fantasy with an utterly capable heroine (weight doesn't matter!). People talk about wanting to have coffee with certain characters, and I'll just say, I'd totally hang out with Elisa. I loved her, and this book is one of the many reasons I postpone my Top Ten list because it snuck in under the 2011 deadline, and my reading year is all the richer for it. It's a book that has an unusual heroine and twists a lot of the genre's expectations for plot, which excited me greatly. It's also one of those that makes me forget I'm reading a YA novel, because the age of the characters is rather irrelevant in light of the story. It's a fantastic read, and I can't recommend it enough. I can't wait to get my hands on the rest of the trilogy! Oh! And if you like Megan Whalen Turner? Pearl North? You'll like this.Spoilers, yay or nay?: Oh, yay. I'm sorry, but so much happens in this book that I can't resist talking about it! If you haven't read it, but want to, do yourself a favor and DO NOT read the full review, which is at my blog, which is linked below. Everyone else, comments and discussion are always welcome. REVIEW: Rae Carson's THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNSHappy Reading!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I must congratulate the author on a great debut novel. "The Girl of Fire and Thorns" has a lovely mix of fantasy and adventure, and had me hooked from the first page to the last. Elisa is a refreshing protagonist. When the reader first meets her she is an overweight, insecure young girl who lives in the shadow of her older sister. Gradually, however, Elisa develops into a brave warrior and strong leader. Elisa is supported by a range of interesting secondary characters and the obligatory romance has an interesting twist. Can't wait to read the sequel.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Carson's writing style and general theme is extremely engaging, despite the fact that the plot occasionally bogs down and that there's a fat girl who becomes more slender before valuing herself (hence 4 not 5 stars). The overall 'vibe' of the book is reflective of Sharon Shinn's 'Samaria' series, a total win, in my opinion. The protagonist, Elisa, is a splendid character and Carson develops this persona exceedingly well (although I did hesitate over the metamorphosis of overeating). I have yet to understand why the delightful Humberto has to die, unless there's a strong reason in the sequel. Cosmé is an excellent foil for Elisa ~ I hope she reappears in the sequel.
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    This book really frustrated me. It had some great nuggets of potential but the way the concept of fatness is addressed is not good. I really wanted to like it more.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    3 .5 longer review to come soon
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I was excited when I finally got this book at the library. Immediately the story starts with a wedding and you get quickly absorbed in the romance, politics, religions, cultures, and of course the magic of Godstones. Godstones are seen as the blessing rocks of God, those blessed with the Godstone are seen as messengers or doers of god's will. Elisa was blessed with one and as a princess married off King Alejandro she just met at the end of the alter. Her hand in marriage was not for love but for assurance of soldiers if King Alejandro were to go to war. Their marriage is kept secret but Elisa, her love for food, and of course her good heart understand there will be the time to tell the kingdom.Elisa is kidnapped by rebels and taken to their camp. She is cared for and paid more attention to by Humberto. She willingly decides to help the Rebels face their side of the war. Her tactics and wise decisions of a true leader makes her a lovable strong heroine. In times of desperation she herself carries out and partakes in the harassment of of enemy camps. Elisa is chosen and she knows what she must do in order to be a good queen and a leader for a rebellion.I loved this book. I would rank it up there with Kristin Cashore's and Tamora Pierce's works involving inspirational and good hearted heroines. It's a page turner, believe me. I took it every where I went in order for me to read what happen next in this great adventure for peace and love. I highly recommend this book!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This was a SantaThing gift.I could hardly put it down and I wish the rest of the trilogy was already available. The writing is fantastic. Elisa is a great character, surrounded by other great characters. The story is fast-paced and easy to get caught up in. Definitely recommended!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I will say that it is rare that I randomly pull a book at Barnes and Noble and like it. Usually I regret wasting my money and not utilizing the public library. However, this book was a pleasant surprise. I did enjoy it and I do look forward to reading the rest of the series. Plus its a good excuse as a future librarian to practice my review skills. Elisa is a good character and I did not have any trouble relating with her. She was not overly flawed like many in the teen sector. That being said the constant focus on her weight did get a bit tiring after a while. I had to remind myself that she was 16 and what I was like at 16. Really many of us (not all) women when we are teens we are shallow and obsessed with our weight and our looks. We have not developed a strong sense of self quite yet. Yet I do agree with a reviewer that it would have been nice to have a bit of the story told from another characters perspective and not just hers. I think it would have added a bit more depth to the story instead of "I'm fat, everyone hates me". The religious tones were not overdone or preachy and that I think is hard to accomplish. Elisa has to determine what she believes and not what everyone else wants her to believe. I found this to be the best and strongest part of the story. The story pacing was smooth and the writing flowed. I managed to polish it off quickly in a day. I didn't get bored with the story like I do with some teen fantasy and I can see recommending this to teen readers. Carson keeps you turning the pages with well places action and plot twists. Good points:Well paced, lots of layers and likable characters, a non predictable endingIssues:From a singular point of view (I wanted to hear some of the other characters voices at times and get into their heads), a bit more back story on the bad guys, a bit more back history
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I got an advanced reading copy of this book through NetGalley(dot)com. This was a spectacular book, a really phenomenal fantasy read. I was drawn into the story right away and enjoyed practically every moment of it. This is the first book in a planned trilogy.Elisa is the Chosen One, she bears the God Stone in her navel. She is also the youngest daughter and is pampered, kind but a bit lazy and overweight. When her marriage to a King of the neighboring kingdom is planned, she doesn't know what to expect. She doesn't want to rule and she doesn't want to love her husband; but she wants to finally live up to her title as the Chosen One and wants her husband to love her. When Elisa is kidnapped shortly after arriving in the new kingdom everything she knows changes. She will embark on a forced quest to find what it really means to be the Chosen One.The world in this book is a desert world, which was fun to read about. You don't see many fantasy books set in the desert. The world is intricate and well built and I really enjoyed it. Elisa is an inspiring character. In the beginning she is kind and smart, but lazy and untried. She changes so much over the course of the book, her struggle to become something more really captured my attention and my heart. The fact that she partakes in this struggle even knowing that most of the Chosen Ones fail and die, just made her all the more courageous. Elisa's attitude is awesome; she never despairs and always makes the best of what she is given. All of the side characters are so well done, they are all so well filled out and have complex lives of their own. I wished we could have spent a bit more time getting to know them all and hopefully we will in future books.The descriptions are wonderful, making the world and the characters easy to picture. The action scenes incredibly well done and the pacing perfect. I was impressed at the breadth of the story and at how well the main story line is tied up in this book, but still eager to see what Elisa does next.There were a couple things about this book that bothered me. Firstly I wasn't a big fan of Elisa's husband, the King. After all Elisa went through I just wanted so much more for her than this King. It's not that he was evil or even mean, he just wasn't enough for her. I am hoping in future books they will grow more as a couple and her husband will be able to learn from his weaknesses. Secondly religion and God are extremely prominent in this book. I am not saying this is good or bad; although I am not usually a fan of books that rely heavily on religion as a plot device. Religion was the driving factor for a lot of the characters' decisions. Just something to mention. The religion was actually a necessary component of this world and really seemed to be story driven (some of this story seems a bit based on the Crusades); it's not like the author was trying to lecture readers or force religion on readers. But it was definitely there, Elisa's main form of combating her opponents in by praying and there is a ton of it in this book.Overall this was just a fantastic adventure fantasy of sorts. There was political intrigue, a wonderful world, action, adventure, romance, and a coming of age tale that will capture every-one's heart. If you are a fantasy fan you have to read this book. I adored it and cannot wait to read what the next book has in store for Elisa.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Hmm...well, I'm intrigued enough to be willing to continue the series, I'll say that. I did feel the main character could have been better written, especially during the first part of the series. It isn't til she is kidnapped that I started to even like her. I wish some of the secondary characters were better developed and wish there had been more development of the relationship between Elisa and Humberto. Not the best young adult fantasy novel I've read, but I suppose my biggest compliant is that I want more, not less of the characters.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This book is all about Elisa's journey from a fat, lazy, self-loathing young princess to a brave and strong young woman. At the beginning of the novel we meet Elisa on her sixteenth birthday - also to be her wedding day to a man she has never met, King Alejandro. She is to replace the wife he lost in childbirth years before and give power to his kingdom against the Inviernos, a warring race that is attacking his kingdom through the Godstone in her navel. Elisa was blessed as a baby to be the one person in her century who carries the godstone, who is destined to do great things. Most of the carriers die very young with nothing accomplished. As with fantasy novels, things do not go according to plan quite so smoothly. Elisa is introduced as a guest and told to keep their marriage a 'secret' for now. Their traveling party is attacked on the way into the kingdom, forcing she and her maidservant to each kill a man. Political machinations and court intrigue surround her. She feels completely out of her element. Then she is kidnapped by people from a village in the desert of the kingdom who are desperate for the 'power and blessing' the godstone is said to bring. Elisa must become a warrior of mind and body if she is to survive and save her people from the Inviernos and the evil Animagus sorcerers. I loved this book in so many ways! It reminded me greatly of Tamora Pierce, but I lived inside this book in a way I've never been able to in hers. Probably because Elisa was flawed and deeply human, so very relatable it astonished me at times. Sometimes the ungainliness of the religious rules/codes, names of the peoples/kingdoms were distracting, but when a whole new world and its mythology are being created, that is bound to happen at times. This book ended with some resolution but also lingering questions. I cannot wait to see what Rae Carson has in store for the readers in the next book of the series. Elisa definitely has more adventures left in her! VERDICT: 4/5 Stars*No money was exchanged for this review. This book is now available in stores and online.*
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This was an interesting book. I really like the other version of the cover and it is what originally got me interested in reading the book (I know shocking). Elisa starting out was the sheltered insecure overweight daughter of a king. She knows that she is the chosen one although she really doesn't know what that involves. She starts out in the book by being married to the king of another territory and doesn't understand why it was her instead of her beautiful, more likeable sister. She travels to his territory only to find out that the king does not want anyone to know they are married so she struggles to understand what she is supposed to be doing and what her place is. She ends up being kidnapped and that is when she starts transforming into a strong confident person. I really enjoyed Elisa as a character. I enjoyed watching her grow and learn and turn into a strong leader. I felt the author did a fantastic job with conveying the emotions through out the book. I never found myself bored with the story, the plot was interesting and engaging. There was plenty of enjoyable supporting characters to help Elisa realize what she can be. I also liked that some of the main supporting characters ended up being lost and it wasn't the beautiful, every dream comes true happy ending that a lot of books end up being. The world the book was set in was described well. I could picture pretty much all the places the author took us. I am definitely excited to see what happens next for Elisa. She has a difficult road to defend and I will enjoy seeing how she handles it.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    The Girl of Fire and Thorns is a fantasy book about a princess destined to be a hero, so it seemed right up my alley, but it turns out it was an extraordinarily Christian fantasy book, which I thought would be an impossible combination before reading this book. It got a little too religious in message at times (power of prayer, God has a pre-destined plan, sorcery = bad, study the scripture, etc.), but it was very well written. I wouldn't recommend it though to the average person I know, but if you enjoy fantasy and are rather fervent in your religious beliefs, you may find this book to be extremely rewarding.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I basically read The Girl of Fire and Thorns in a single day, because once I began, it was so engrossing that I couldn't bear to wait until the next day to finish reading. It is one of my favorite genres, which helps a bit - princess adventures with a touch of magic. (There's a little bit the "Farm boy" story and romance as well!)It really is an adventure story, with a lot going on. I can't really say that it is about any one thing, as there are a lot of things that it could be about - I don't think you could even limit it to being about the main character and our narrator, Elisa, since some of the topics are more general and are simply explored through her.Of course, if you read other reviews and synopses, some of the major topics become clear: religion, faith, destiny, self-confidence, body size/image, war, friendship, and trust.I think that Carson did a splendid job at handling the very many plot hooks and themes, and didn't really feel let down at any one point. I was surprised by some of her narrative choices, whether because she went an unexpected route, or because she did what I expected - but only after leaving very obvious red herrings. Since much of the foreshadowing came to play out very regularly, those red herrings were all the more surprising in the end.Speaking of the end, I think that while it was a bit rushed and a little beyond my ability to suspend belief regarding the stated passage of time, I thoroughly enjoyed that it is very bittersweet. Without spoiling too much, I hope, I found that the ending was hopeful and as positive for Elisa as it could be, considering the hardships she suffered to get to that point. I'm given to understand that there may be a sequel in the works, but I don't think a sequel is necessary at all. I am very happy to think of Elisa growing into a mature woman and capable queen (oops, spoiler?) with the pieces that were set out in the last chapters, and I don't need more. (I'll probably read a sequel anyway, though!)Two themes in the book had me wary before reading, worrying that it might be totally horrible and not my thing and I'd hate it. Luckily, this wasn't the case!The first item is the religious aspect. Elisa is very devout to her faith, and is, in fact, living proof of a supernatural God. There is a crystal or gemstone lodged in her abdomen that spontaneously and miraculously appeared at her nameday, and which burns hot or cold with no clear physical reason. While titled "religion" and all, I felt that this wasn't very indistinguishable from much magic in other books. The God and religion in The Girl of Fire and Thorns is very tangible and with an unmistakable presence.I did like the way Carson addressed religious schisms and fundamentalism, as well as different translations/interpretations of the religious texts. In the context of the story, the ultimate message to "continue to have faith and trust that things will work out as God intends, but there's nothing wrong with stepping up and trying to help things along" makes a lot of sense, though I'd think it's kind of stupid in a story based in our reality with no proof of the supernatural.The second item is Elisa's appearance, though again, a lot of it is helped by the context of the story. I hate the idea that in order to have self-confidence and happiness, one must be thin and conventionally attractive, and a lot of stories force their overweight heroines to slim down for no particular reason than to get that "happy" ending. But for Elisa, things are a bit different. While she is terribly overweight and unhappy about it in the beginning of the book, with doubt that anyone looks beyond her appearance even while having no motivation to change it (something so many of us can relate to!), and she does become much slimmer by the end, it isn't just for the "happy". Her weight loss is due to some pretty serious events and accompanies weeks or months of grueling physical exertion and not-quite-enough food. It is not a positive thing for her, though it does result in positive effects - being more physically fit and able to walk long distances or being able to fit into ready-made disguises more easily. In fact, much later, Elisa jokes that her new size is only temporary, but it seemed to me that she was only half-joking, that she accepts that she might gain much of the weight back - she often mentions how food is a comfort to her, and that and the lack of physical exertion needed as a member of royalty is part of why she became overweight in the first place. She also points out that she may have lost a lot of weight and looks better in clothes, but she's by no means conventionally attractive, with loose skin due to the sudden near-starvation, and I suspect that she's still a bit overweight, if not nearly as much so as at the beginning.On the whole, I found Elisa to be a very believable and sympathetic character. She is a princess and was raised as a princess, so is pampered and spoiled and a little self-centered, but she grows in the story, recognizes this, and attempts to improve these faults. But she's also quiet (a bit shy, really), observant, studious, and cares deeply about others. She does her best with what she has at hand, but isn't always successful, and sometimes makes the wrong choice.I could go on about many other things I found interesting in the book, from the other characters to the various relationships, but they can mostly be described as the more important they are to the basic workings of the plot, the more nuanced they are, without being wholly Black or White, which was very nice.I very much enjoyed The Girl of Fire and Thorns and can see why it's received so many positive comments, and why it took a month for my library hold to come in!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I haven't been able to put my finger on it yet to determine what made this book such a good read. It kept me intrigued for several days, and that has become a rare occurance. The plot is nothing new. The religious world is just too close to our world as to be in slightly bad taste. The protagonist is kinda icky to begin, and yet, Carson managed to make me care about her right away. There is sympathy even for the characters that do not behave well.The theme I found surprisingly pertinent was the interpretation of God's will. Elisa is the only character who feels in the dark about what that might be. Everyone else has a firm conviction that might not agree with other interpretations. This is her strength in the end, that she keeps asking and praying about it.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This book was pretty great. The main character was flawed, cared much too much about outer beauty but all in all grew as a person and it was a pleasure to read about it. The story was fast paced and never boring. In the first few chapters I wasn't sure if I was going to like the book but the action and storyline kept me interested. Great read :)
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    I wanted to pick up The Girl of Fire and Thorns when I heard it being compared to another fantasy young adult novel which told a story of a kick-ass girl…one of my favorite heroine characters of all time. I admit I had very high hopes going into this one and I was almost iffy to start reading it…I didn’t want to be let-down. The Girl of Fire and Thorns didn’t live up to my expectations, but I did enjoy reading it.I was pulled into this book within the first couple of pages. I was interested in Elisa and I wanted to know her story. I was sympathetic to her and I wanted to know where this journey of marriage to a King and the Godstone she’s been blessed with is going to take her. This story blesses us with a main character that isn’t always seen as beautiful, she’s overweight and knows this and she has thoughts about it constantly.The story and world is very complex (including names of people and places) and it is somewhat difficult to understand at first. After reading for 50 pages or so everything starts to fall into place. After about halfway through, I started to lose interest in the book. It was another situation where I was just reading to get to the ending. I’m not sure of the reason for my lost interest, but it did pick up at the ending. I was surprised by how things turned out and I was a bit shocked.The story does have an ending that gives you closure even though it isn’t all happy, but at the same time we know there’s more to come from Elisa. Will I read Fire and Thorns #2? I might…I’m still undecided at this point. I’m happy with the ending of book number one and it seems almost as if it could be a standalone.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This is a beautifully written first novel by Rae Carson. It is reminiscent of a younger, more toned down storytelling type such as Jacqueline Carey is known for in her Kushiel series. The language is so vivid and imaginative. I can picture every single thing that is happening in the book, like a little movie playing out in my head."Beside me, Ximena's gray bun has come loose and her hair swings below her shoulders."I am immediately intrigued by this gem that is somehow located in Elisa's bellybutton area. But I am guessing that is the point! It's very interesting how it reacts to Elisa's emotions and actions with heat and cold, almost as if it is a living creature, yet hard as stone.I think Elisa, the main character and heroine of this novel, is one of my favourite female characters in a long time. She is not perfect. She is not the ultimate slender and stunningly beautiful lead that is most often seen. She is "lumpy" and "awkward" and "clumsy", and she is much more likely for readers to be able to understand. Her sister is the family favourite and as such Elisa is often ignored and pushed aside, invisible.One of my favourite things about this book is that not only is Elisa described as an overweight girl, but it's not just pointed out once in the beginning of the novel and then never mentioned again, hoping the reader will forget she isn't perfect. It's brought up over and over again throughout the whole story, without being too obvious. It is noted in her actions, and in the way the people around her perceive her and react to her. It is amazingly woven in. "I feel so slow as I run toward my husband, my belly and breasts bouncing painfully with each step."As the story progress and certain things occur it is interesting how the author even works in some fluctuations in her weight, eating style and overall appearance and character as her life forces her down different paths. She experiences amazing growth throughout the story and ultimately works toward and deserves the strong role her character is placed in. And it's not just Elisa, all characters get equal treatment from the author with vivid descriptions and depth of emotion and overall character development. Every character is their own person who exists and struggles with their own stories, emotions and experiences their own growth.There is enough action in this story to keep even the most overactive boys sitting eagerly on the edge of their seat. Add to that all the mystery, intrigue and politics and you have the making of a great novel!Some parts of the story are highly predictable and therefore take the shock and awe out of what takes place. Also, many of the areas I found lacking flow and very jolting to the reader, hopping from one part of the story to another without any kind of warning pause or break. There are also some minor editing issues with missing words, incorrect words and spelling errors which jolt the reader from their reading flow, but as this is an ARC it is to be expected.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I wanted to read The Girl of Fire and Thorns because I had read so many good reviews about it. I avoided it at first because it sounded like the fantasy might be rooted pretty firmly in the political aspect and that is something that is often over my head in high fantasy. But I read several who are like me and still adored it, so decided to give it a go. I liked Elisa immediately. The story starts on her 16th birthday and she is about to marry a king who she has never met. She tries to convince herself that he will be ugly, both to calm her nerves and to make herself dread it just a little bit less. That is a sense of her voice and narration, and it suited me well. I also liked that she was close with her ladies/servants. They mean more to her than just advice, or help getting ready, they are like another part of her family, ones that she trusts and confides in, who both try to make her see just how special she is. The king Alejandro isn't bad, but I did balk at him keeping the marriage a secret once he gets back home. Given, they are attacked while traveling back to his kingdom. But still. I did appreciate that he didn't force intimacy and that he levels with her when she asks what he wants from her and he says a friend. Elisa gets stronger, and realizes more about herself as the book progresses. She works with the religious leader to learn about the origins of her Godstone and prophecies. She is getting mixed in the politics, and trying to represent her home country and brings her expertise from studying war and religion texts in depth. There was a set of characters that really surprised me. They were set up as the bad guys for a while, but the more time she spent with them, she learned about their beliefs and their motivations, and couldn't help but sympathize. Trust and respect was built between her and them, and really set some things in motion for the ending and into the next book. One of them died though, and it really threw me because I wasn't expecting it, and thought that it might have set up as more of a love triangle. I def will be continuing with this series and am glad I gave it a try. Bottom Line: Unlikely heroine and great cast of secondary characters.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This review covers both the 1st and 2nd books (sort of) but mostly the first, and does contain some spoilers.
























    These are pretty amazing books. Elisa, the heroine of the books, makes an incredible transformation from the beginning of the first book, where she is a chunky, still growing, still learning and not very self-confident girl, to one who can deal with whatever gets tossed at her, mostly because she’s stubborn, doesn’t want to get teased, and wants to prove she can do what everyone else can. So, while she bewails her fate at having to leave her father’s home where there are no challenges and life is easy, leaving is the best thing that could have happened to her. She is very close to her nurse, Ximena, who is truly her best advisor. Elisa faces bloody violence, the subterfuges of court, a husband who doesn’t love her and who keeps a mistress openly, kidnapping, and a whole host of problems she doesn’t know how to deal with, surrounded by people she doesn’t know and unsure of who to trust. An interesting issue that I only remember being brought up in one other book that I am trying to remember is the fact that part of Elisa’s transformation is brought about by tramping through the desert after being kidnapped. As she comes more to terms with who she is and what she can do, she loses the weight, it serves almost as literal emotional baggage. Even though she’s “acceptably thin” at the end (a little annoying) it’s because she’s gone through a transformation. Princess Ben—that’s the other one, a sort of fairy tale, that deals with the princesses’ weight issue, especially when her parents die and she has to learn how to run the kingdom—for her, food serves much the same purpose as it does Elisa—comfort. Small deviation there, just remembered that. CoE concentrates more on what it’s like for Elisa to rule, and how she continues to grow and learn through her experience. I think I forgot to mention she has a godstone in her belly button, which makes some villainous type people want her for the sole reason she does. They want the godstone, not her necessarily attached to it. They are both very good reads, the middle book doesn’t suffer the “middle child” syndrome, and the third, I think, is coming out the end of this year (The Bitter Kingdom?).
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Plot: 2 stars
    Characters: 2 1/2 stars
    Style: 4 stars
    Pace: 3 stars
    Rounded up to 3 stars,

    I swear, I've read this story before. The plot hit every predictable fantasy note --The chosen one, the prophecies that only make sense in retrospect, the jaded but loveable cur--, and I could see the pieces lining up at every step. I did like that she had a fat, awkward character, but of course, like every other story that starts out with a fat, awkward character, they shed the fat first, and then the awkwardness. Because, you know, the only thing that makes you awkward is that you're fat and insecure about it. Riiiiiight. Granted, she did have some good reasons to grow in there too, but it fell flat for me.

    What made me finish this one was the style. I really like her descriptions, and the sensory details made it come to life even as I was rolling my eyes at trope-bingo. Luckily this was a quick read.

  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    I have always loved rereading, and with my memory it's both a necessity (if I want to remember any details of my favorite books) and a pleasure. Even once I have a book pretty well ensconced in my head, I love to revisit the characters, to discover intricacies of the plot or little jokes that previously escaped me. On first rereads, I can be caught off guard by twists I had forgotten. In this case, though, my first reread of a book I've reviewed on my blog, I am rereading a book I didn't care for originally. You see, I read it and it left a bad taste in my mouth, but then everyone with similar taste read it and thought it was awesome, and I just felt I had to try again. Unfortunately, I still don't love it, but I do think I was a bit overly harsh in my first assessment, when I simply was not in the mood for the story.I have two main issues with The Girl of Fire and Thorns: Elisa and religion. I'll discuss Elisa first. Initially, I was very excited to read a fantasy novel centering around an overweight heroine. Such a thing simply isn't seen. You do get some muscular heroines (like Kel from Tamora Pierce's Protector of the Small Quartet) who stand out from the svelte, trim crowd, but an unfit heroine...not so much. Then I met Elisa. She irritates the heck out of me. When the reader first meets her, she has sister issues like crazy, no self-esteem, hates herself for being fat, and eats everything in sight. Because of her inferiority complex, she moans and whimpers, blaming everyone else for her own shortcomings.What I hoped for was a plus size heroine who would be okay with her size, but, instead, Elisa hates herself for it, yet refuses to do anything about it, taking a sort of perverse comfort in not trying, because she doesn't think she could live up to Alodia anyway. She does, through the course of the story, lose some of the weight, though she never becomes slender. With the loss of weight, her sense of self improves, and she looks at her previous clothing and deems it a tent, judging her former self. If she doesn't have sympathy for herself, why should I? She does sort of comes to term with her size, whatever it may be, to some degree later, I felt, but only because she found a boy she knew would love her no matter what she weighed. Again, I would really like this to come from inside. Maybe I'm being too picky because something about her narration just grates on me, but this is how I felt.Pretty much the only thing I like about her in those first couple of chapters is how she wishes for an old, ugly husband or one with pock marks, even if it is so he won't be disappointed in her. Of course, what she actually gets is the most beautiful man she's ever seen, King Alejandro. For all that she hates how attractive she is, she kind of swoons all over him for a while, falling prey to his charms without really knowing anything about him.I will give Elisa this, though. When the chips are down, she usually steps up. In quiet moments and social situations, she feels awkward and comforts herself with food and hatred of herself and others. In the midst of adventure, her mettle shows through. I like that Elisa so much better, and, thankfully, she comes to the forefront as the novel progresses. Even at the end, though, there's something about her that just grates, though I can't put my finger on precisely what. Oh, and I know this isn't a smooth transition but this thought doesn't merit a full paragraph, I could have done without a full chapter that kept mentioning how she'd pissed herself. Mentioning it once is good enough; I can remember it happened without constant descriptions of the acrid smell, okay?Anyway, moving on to religion, Elisa happens to be the bearer of the Godstone, the Chosen One. This sounds really exciting and comes with some nice bling (a big jewel in her belly that appeared when she was a baby), but mostly just means she has to pray a lot and likely eventually give her life in service. For those that don't know, I am not religious, but I did minor in theology, so I do have some tolerance for religious discussions. I do not, however, generally like it to be a main theme in my novels. Sure, this religion has been made up, but aren't they all? The constant praying and such just wears on me. Again, this is my own issue, and other readers obviously weren't bothered, but, for those who are sensitive to such things, be forewarned.As far as the other characters go, I really wasn't interested in most of them. The only female character I like is the prickly Cosmé. I appreciate her candor and her refusal to pretend to like people when she doesn't. Alejandro, Elisa's hottie husband, is incredibly weak and pathetic. He just bores me to tears. Hector, his man-at-arms, hasn't been given a ton of personality yet, but fits into the same archetype as the heroes from Grave Mercy and Touch of Power, so I like him thus far. Humberto, Cosmé brother is a sweetheart and reminds me a lot of a puppy. Rosario, Alejandro's son, actually was one of my favorite characters. He already has way more sense than his father.The best thing about the novel, what really saved it from being all the way down in the 'didn't like it' end of my rating scale is that Carson does do some surprising things. While much of the book did feel unoriginal, she throws in some genuine twists. She's not afraid to hurt her characters, and I love that in an author. I hope she continues to take the plot in somewhat surprising directions.I will be listening to Crown of Embers shortly, and I hope I like Elisa a bit better in that installment. I've seen The Girl of Fire and Thorns compared to Kristin Cashore's novels or Maria V. Snyder's and so far, I don't see it, but I'm going to give the series another shot.Jennifer Ikeda's narration fits the story very well. She has a gift for accents, which helps keep the characters clear and separate in my mind. The voices she gave suited the characters well, and at no time did her narration make me roll my eyes. Her tone suited Elisa quite well, I felt. Her voice was an easy one to pay attention to.In this case, the audio worked much better for me, since I really liked Ikeda's narration. This made me try to think more kindly on Elisa, although obviously that was only somewhat successful.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Loved the creatively constructed setting and the character development. Lost interest in the plot.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I loved Elisa! She was so easy to relate to and not at all unreasonably whiny (like many female protagonists seem to be). Maybe one of the reasons that's true is she's not a skinny pretty girl who somehow has confidence issues but she's spoiled and fat (and knows it). This is the first time I've ever read a fantasy adventure book with a plump heroine - how refreshing! All of the secondary characters are also well-drawn. The desert scenery was vividly depicted and was as integral to the story as its characters. There is much love and loss in this book and the pages fly by with the action-packed plot.It is interesting to note how the author deals with skin-deep beauty. While it's not overt, pay attention to how those that flaunt their attractiveness fare compared to those who are scarred or hide their beauty. I can't say more without possibly being spoilery so I'll leave it at that!If you like fantasy books, adventure stories, and/or a bit of mysticism than you will thoroughly enjoy this book! Highly recommended.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I have been mulling over this review. I am still a little unsure of what to write. I loved this book so much, but any books where the protagonist is overweight automatically puts me on edge. Being a plus sized lady, I did NOT want to read another "This girl got skinny and beautiful and THEN everything good happened to her." I even went to my good friend Google and read through the author's interviews about her perception of the book. I doubt I have had to work this had for a review in awhile.I really did enjoy this book. It had a good fantasy story (although I did giggle to myself once or twice that Elisa reminded me of a Treasure Troll with the jewel in her belly). I liked that she was an unlikely hero. Elisa is not a likable character- she is lazy and deals with her emotions by eating. She is very selfish and doesn't think far beyond herself. I really loved the evolution of Elisa's character during the course of the book. Does she lose weight? Yes. Did that bug me? Yes. But I had to get off of my own problems with weight discrimination and see that the changes that happened to Elisa had nothing to do with her weight- or loss of weight. She grew up and took responsibility for herself and others. She stopped running and hiding and stopped trying to be coddled by others. Elisa's weight was not the point of the book. Elisa is a selfish spoiled girl who turns into someone who is prepared to run an entire kingdom. She grows up.I am glad this story is the first of a trilogy. I really want to see what is going to happen to Elisa. Although the story was tied up to some degree at the end- there are still many unanswered questions for the reader- namely in Elisa's love life.I would absolutely recommend reading this book- but even more, I hope that you will take the time to think through the character and what happens to her.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Lots of action, intrigue, loveable and not-so-loveable characters; only a few sentences with any sexual overtones so okay for middle school readers as well.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I enjoy the occasional detour from urban fantasy into the realm of what I think goes by the term "high fantasy," but the main distinction is that the story is set in an imaginary world rather than the world we currently live in.

    So from that perspective, I enjoyed this story, as it gave me a tour of a new place and introduced me to new kinds of characters. The idea of a "Godstone" was interesting, as was the gradually unfolding mystery about what these stones really mean.

    I also always enjoy reading stories told from the POV of strong women, and Elisa certainly has her strengths (which include her conflicting desires and wavering faith, as well as her political insights). At first I was hoping that Elisa might turn out to be a "plus sized" woman who can still kick ass, but alas, it was not to be, and everyone's reaction to the slimmer Elisa were boringly predictable.

    Now that it's been a few days since I finished listening, I'd also say that the story dragged on too long in places, which is making me somewhat hesitant to start the next book in the series. But the popularity of this series will likely draw me in.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    4Q, 4PElisa is the second princess in the country of Orovalle. She will not be chosen as the ruler of Orovalle because on her naming day she became "The Chosen One". The bearer of the Godstone. As the bearer, she is committed to service. Service to God and her people. Elisa lives a rather sheltered life and those around her believe that she will not accomplish much. Elisa takes this and her perceived and actual cruel treatment of her older sister to heart. Elisa takes comfort in food and is overweight. As the story begins Elisa is married off to a king of another country at 16 and sent to go live with him. Upon the arrival to her new kindom, her kind and handsome husband, Alexander, begs her to keep their marriage and her identity as the bearer of the godstone a secret. Elisa does as he asks.When Elisa is kidnapped away from her new kingdom by an unlikely kidnapper she is faced with a difficult journey across deserts and time that changes her both physically and emotionally. The strength she gains throughout the story as she encounters death, war, love and family mirrors the writing in the The Girl of Fire and Thorns. Elisa's personal growth over time is a major strength to the story. She is a likable and sympathetic character that is smart, savvy and perceptive beyond her years.This novel is very well written with many unexpected plot turns. Another major strength of this story is the imagery that Carson creates. The details and dialogue are well woven and she leaves you wanting for more. Thank goodness this is the first in a trilogy.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Wow! What an amazing story of strength and perseverance! Elisa showed incredible fortitude and strength of character throughout the novel. I was really inspired by her transformation from royalty with little responsibility to nomad Malficio leader to queen of Brisalduce. I think her story could be very inspirational to many readers, particularly teen girls. I will definitely be recommending this story to my patrons and fellow librarians.One thing that bothers me greatly is that the cover image of the book looks nothing like the way Elisa is described. I wonder if they chose a much thinner model to appeal to a wider audience?

Book preview

The Girl of Fire and Thorns - Rae Carson

PART I

Chapter 1

PRAYER candles flicker in my bedroom. The Scriptura Sancta lies discarded, pages crumpled, on my bed. Bruises mark my knees from kneeling on the tiles, and the Godstone in my navel throbs. I have been praying—no, begging—that King Alejandro de Vega, my future husband, will be ugly and old and fat.

Today is the day of my wedding. It is also my sixteenth birthday.

I usually avoid mirrors, but the day is momentous enough that I risk a look. I can’t see very well; the lead glass ripples, my head aches, and I am dizzy from hunger. But even blurred, the wedding terno is beautiful, made of silk like water with tiny glass beads that shimmer when I move. Embroidered roses circle the hem and the flared cuffs of my sleeves. It’s a masterpiece, given its rushed stitching.

But I know the terno’s beauty will be much diminished when buttoned.

I sigh and motion for help. Nurse Ximena and Lady Aneaxi creep toward me, armed with button hooks and apologetic smiles.

Take a deep breath, my sky, Ximena instructs. Now let it out. All of it, love.

I push air from my lungs, push and push until my head swims. The ladies jerk and loop with their flashing hooks; the gown tightens. The bodice in the mirror puckers. It digs into my skin just above my hips. A jagged pain shoots up my side, like the stitch I get walking up the stairs.

Almost there, Elisa, Aneaxi assures, but I have a sickening hunch that when next I inhale, the gown’s grip on my lungs will prove deadly. I want to rip it off. I want not to get married.

Done! they announce together, and step back, one on each side, to admire their handiwork. What do you think? Aneaxi asks in a tiny, faltering voice.

The terno only allows quick, shallow breaths. I think . . . I stare woozily at my breasts. The neckline presses a fleshy furrow into my skin. Four! I giggle anxiously. Four breasts!

My nurse gets a funny, choking look on her face. When my breasts overcame my chest last year, Ximena had been the one to assure me men would find them irresistible.

It’s a beautiful gown, Aneaxi says, looking pointedly at the skirt.

I shake my head. I am a sausage, I gasp. A big, bloated sausage in a white silk casing. I want to cry. Or laugh. It’s hard to decide.

Laughing nearly wins out, but my two ladies surround me, wrinkled, graying mother hens clucking sympathy and assurance. No, no, you are a lovely bride! Aneaxi says. "You’ve had another growth spurt, is all. And such beautiful eyes! King Alejandro won’t notice if the terno is a bit snug." So I cry, because I cannot bear sympathy and because Ximena won’t look me in the eye when Aneaxi speaks her kindly false words. After a moment, though, the tears are because I don’t want to wear the terno at all.

While I gulp and heave, Aneaxi kisses the top of my head and Ximena wipes at my tears. Crying requires breath. Great, heaping buckets of it. The silk strains, the puckers bite into my waist, the fabric rips. Crystal buttons tinkle against the glazed floor as air rushes into my famished lungs. My stomach responds with an angry growl.

My ladies drop to the floor and run their fingers through the hair of sheepskin rugs, along the crevices between clay tiles, seeking the liberated buttons. I need another week, Ximena mutters from the floor. Just one week to fit you properly. A royal wedding requires some notice! It frightens me too, the suddenness of it all.

The bodice is loose enough now that I can reach back and undo the remaining buttons by myself. I shrug my arms from the sleeves and start to tug the gown below my hips, but the fabric rips again, so I pull it over my head instead. I toss the gown aside, not caring when the skirt misses my bed and crumples onto the floor. I pull on a rough woolen robe. It scratches my skin, but it is huge and comfortingly shapeless.

I turn my back on the ladies’ scavenging and go downstairs to the kitchens. If my gown isn’t going to fit anyway, I might as well soothe my pounding head and rumbling stomach with a warm pastry.

My older sister, Juana-Alodia, looks up when I enter. I expect her to wish me a happy birthday at least, but she just scowls at my robe. She sits on the hearth ledge, her back against the curving oven. Her legs are elegantly crossed, and she swings a slender ankle back and forth while she nibbles on her bread.

Why is she not the one getting married today?

When he sees me, the kitchen master grins beneath a flour-dusted mustache and shoves a plate at me. The pastry on it is flaky and golden, dusted with ground pistachios and glazed with honey. My mouth waters. I tell him I’ll need two.

I settle next to Alodia, avoiding the hanging brassware near my head. She eyes my plate with distaste. She doesn’t roll her eyes at me, but I feel like she does, and I glare at her. Elisa . . . , she begins, but she doesn’t know what to say, and I make a point of ignoring her by shoving the flaky crust into my mouth. My headache lessens almost immediately.

My sister hates me. I’ve known it for years. Nurse Ximena says it’s because I was chosen by God for an act of service and Juana-Alodia was not. God should have chosen her; she is athletic and sensible, elegant and strong. Better than two sons, Papá says. I study her as I chew my pastry, her shining black hair and chiseled cheeks, the arched eyebrows that frame confident eyes. I hate her right back.

When Papá dies, she will be queen of Orovalle. She wants to rule and I do not, so it is ironic that by marrying King Alejandro, I will be queen of a country twice as large, twice as rich. I don’t know why I am the one marrying. Surely Joya d’Arena’s king would have chosen the beautiful daughter, the queenly one. My mouth freezes, midchew, as I realize that he probably did.

I am the counteroffer.

Tears threaten again, and I clench my jaw until my face aches, because I’d rather be trampled by horses than cry in front of my sister. I imagine what they said to make him agree to this match. She was chosen for service. No, no, nothing has happened yet, but soon, we are certain. Yes, she is fluent in the Lengua Classica. No, not beautiful, but she is clever. The servants love her. And she embroiders a lovely horse.

He would have heard truer things by now. He will know that I am easily bored, that my dresses grow larger with every fitting, that I sweat like a beast during the desert summer. I pray we can be a match in some strange way. Maybe he had the pox when he was young. Maybe he can barely walk. I want a reason not to care when he turns away in disgust.

Alodia has finished her bread. She stands and stretches, flaunting her grace and her length. She gives me a strange look—I suspect it’s pity—and says, Let me know if . . . if you need any help today. Getting ready. And she hurries away before I can answer.

I take the second pastry. It doesn’t taste like anything anymore, but it’s something to do.

Hours later, I stand with Papá outside the basilica, steeling myself for my bridal walk. The arching doors tower above me; the carved de Riqueza sunburst at their center winks balefully. Beyond the doors, the audience hall buzzes. I am surprised so many could attend on such short notice. Perhaps, though, it is the hurriedness of the whole affair that makes it irresistible. It speaks of secrets and desperation, of pregnant princesses or clandestine treaties. I don’t care about any of this, just that King Alejandro is ugly.

My papá and I await a signal from the herald. It has not occurred to Papá to wish me a happy birthday. I’m shocked when his eyes suddenly shimmer with tears. Maybe he’s sad to see me go. Or maybe he feels guilty.

I gasp with surprise when he pulls me to his chest and grips fiercely. It’s suffocating, but I return his rare embrace eagerly. Papá is tall and lanky like Juana-Alodia. I know he can’t feel my ribs, but I can feel his. He hasn’t eaten much since Invierne began harassing our borders.

I remember your dedication day, Papá whispers. I’ve heard the story a hundred times, but never from him. "You were lying in your cradle, swaddled in white silk with red bows. The high priest leaned over with a vial of holy water, ready to pour it on your forehead and name you Juana-Anica.

But then heaven’s light washed the receiving hall, and the priest sloshed it onto the blanket instead. I knew it was heaven’s light because it was white, not yellow like torchlight, and because it was soft and warm. It made me want to laugh and pray at the same time. He is smiling at the memory; I can hear it in his voice. I hear pride too, and my chest tightens. It focused into a tight beam that lit your cradle, and you laughed. He pats my head, then strokes the linen of my veil. I hear myself sigh. "Only seven days old, but you laughed and laughed.

Juana-Alodia was the first to toddle over after it faded. Your sister peeled back the wet swaddling and we saw the Godstone lodged in your belly button, warm and alive but blue and faceted, hard as a diamond. That’s when we decided to name you Lucero-Elisa. Heavenly light, chosen of God. His words suffocate me as surely as his embrace. All my life, I’ve been reminded that I am destined for service.

Trumpets blare, muffled by the doors. Papá releases me and pulls the linen veil over my head. I welcome it; I don’t want anyone to see my terror or the sweat collecting on my upper lip. The doors open outward, revealing the massive chamber with its curved ceiling and painted adobe. It smells of roses and incense. Hundreds of shapes rise from their benches, dressed in bright wedding colors. Through my veil they look like Mamá’s flower garden—orange clumps of bougainvillea dotted with yellow allamanda and pink hibiscus.

The herald calls, His Majesty, Hitzedar de Riqueza, King of Orovalle! Her Highness, Lucero-Elisa de Riqueza, Princess of Orovalle!

Papá takes my hand and holds it at shoulder level. His is as wet and fluttery as mine, but we manage a forward glide while a quartet of musicians strums the marriage blessing on their vihuelas. A man stands at the end of the aisle, black clad. His shape is blurred, but he is not short or stooped. Not fat.

We pass stone columns and oak benches. Out of the corner of my eye, I notice a lady, a splotch of blue fabric, really. I notice her because she bends and whispers something as I pass. Her companion twitters. My face flushes hot. By the time I reach my tall, steady fiancé, I am praying for pockmarks.

Papá gives my slick hand to the man in black. His hand is large, larger than Papá’s, and it grips with indifferent confidence, as if mine does not feel like a wet, dead fish in his. I want to wrench my fingers back to myself, wipe them on my dress maybe.

Behind me, a sniffle echoes through the hall; Lady Aneaxi’s, no doubt, for she has been teary with nostalgia ever since the announcement. Before me, the priest warbles about marriage in the Lengua Classica. I love the language for its lyrical vowels and the way it feels against my teeth, but I can’t pay attention.

There are things I have refused to consider in the days since the announcement. Things I have pushed deep inside with study and embroidery and pastries. And suddenly, standing here in my wedding terno, my hand in the iron grasp of this tall foreigner, I think about them, and my heart pounds.

Tomorrow I go to the desert country of Joya d’Arena to be its queen. I leave the jacaranda tree outside my bedroom window to bloom lilac without me. I leave my painted adobe walls and trickling fountains for a stone castle a millennium old. I leave a newer, vibrant nation for an enormous beast of a country—one scorched by the sun, and stale with the traditions that made my ancestors leave in the first place. I’ve not had the courage to ask Papá or Alodia why. I’m afraid to learn they are glad to be rid of me.

But the most frightening thing of all is I am about to be someone’s wife.

I speak three languages. I’ve nearly memorized the Belleza Guerra and the Scriptura Sancta. I can embroider the hem of a terno in two days. But I feel like a little girl.

Juana-Alodia has always tended to palace affairs. She is the one who tours the country on horseback, who holds court with our papá and charms the nobility. I know nothing of these grown-up, wifelike things. And tonight . . . I still cannot think about tonight.

I wish my mother were alive.

The priest announces that we are now married, in the sight of God, the King of Orovalle, and the nobleza d’oro. He sprinkles us with holy water harvested from a deep cenote and then motions for us to face each other, saying something about my veil. I turn toward my new husband. My cheeks are hot; I know they will be blotchy and shining with sweat when he lifts the shield from my face.

He releases my hand. I clench it into a fist to keep from wiping it on my terno. I see his fingers on the hem of my veil. They are brown and thick with short, clean nails. Not scholar’s hands, like Master Geraldo’s. He lifts the veil, and I blink as cooler air floods my cheeks. I peer up at the face of my husband, at black hair that sweeps back and curls at his neck, at brown eyes warmer than cinnamon, at a mouth as strong as his fingers.

Something flits across his features—nervousness? Disappointment? But then he smiles at me—not a pitying smile, not a hungry smile, but friendly—and I gasp just a little, my heart a puddle of helpless warmth.

King Alejandro de Vega is the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen.

I ought to smile back, but my cheeks won’t obey. He leans forward, and his lips brush mine—a chaste and gentle kiss. With the side of his thumb, he grazes my cheek and whispers, so that only I can hear, Nice to meet you, Lucero-Elisa.

Platters of food cover the long table. We sit side by side on the bench, and at last I have something to do besides avoid his eyes. Our shoulders touch as I grab for the battered squid and a glass of wine. I chew quickly, already considering: Green chiles stuffed with cheese, or shredded pork in walnut sauce? Before us, on the floor below the dais, the nobleza d’oro swirls about, goblets in hand. Juana-Alodia drifts among them, slender and beautiful and smiling. They laugh easily with her. I notice surreptitious glances cast toward the man sitting beside me. Why don’t they come and introduce themselves? It is unlike the golden horde to miss the opportunity to charm a king.

I feel his eyes on me. He has just watched me stuff a crisp-fried anchovy into my mouth. I am embarrassed, but I can’t resist turning to meet his gaze.

He still wears that friendly smile. Do you like fish?

My mouth is full. Ungh, I say.

The smile widens. He has beautiful teeth. Me too. He reaches for an anchovy and tosses it into his mouth. His eyes crinkle at the edges while he chews, watching me. His mouth is still full, his voice muffled when he says, We have much to discuss, you and I.

I swallow and nod. Hearing that ought to frighten me. Instead, a sweetness sparks in my stomach because the king of Joya d’Arena thinks I am a person one discusses things with.

Our banquet passes too quickly. We do talk, a little, but I am mostly a fool because all I can do is watch his lips as they move and listen to his voice.

He asks about my studies. I blurt to him about my hundred-year-old copy of the Belleza Guerra. His eyes flash with interest when he says, Yes, your sister told me you are well versed in the art of war. I’m not sure what to say to this. I don’t want to talk about Juana-Alodia, and I realize how ridiculous I must appear, a sausage child bride who never sits a horse and who wields a dagger only to cut meat. Yet I am fascinated by war and have studied every skirmish in my country’s history.

A hush settles over the milling nobility. I follow their collective gaze toward the small wooden stage. The musicians have departed—I don’t remember hearing the vihuelas cease—and in their place stand my father and sister. She raises a goblet, her arm bare and golden from the sun, and says in a loud, clear voice, Today we are witness to the new union between Joya d’Arena and Orovalle. May God bless this union with peace and understanding, with prosperity and beauty, and—she grins hugely—with many, many children! And the banquet hall fills with laughter, like it’s the cleverest blessing in the world. My face burns, and I hate my sister more in this moment than ever in my life.

Now, it’s time to bid the happy couple good-night, she continues. I’ve attended hundreds of marriage feasts. Still, I jump when Lady Aneaxi’s hand grabs my shoulder. A bevy of servants, dressed in white with garlands of paper flowers, has come with her to escort us to our nuptial chamber.

We rise, the king and I, though I’m not sure how, since my legs buzz with threatening numbness. My armpits feel sticky, my heart pounds. Oh, God. I don’t know what to do. I blink rapidly, determined not to cry.

The servants, grinning and giggling, surround us and herd us from the banquet hall as the golden horde shouts blessings and encouragement. I steal a glance at my husband. For the first time since he lifted the veil from my face, he avoids my gaze.

Chapter 2

OUR chamber is warm with the golden light and honeyed scent of beeswax candles. They flicker from all sides of the room, on the windowsill, on the stone hearth, on the mahogany tables that frame the curtained bed.

The bed . . .

On my right, my new husband is as much a statue as I, a dark pillar of shadow I dare not look at, so I stare at the bed’s canopy, a breezy red-dyed cotton. Servants scurry forward to fold back the curtains and tie them to the bedposts. An enormous de Riqueza sunburst smiles at me from the quilt. I glare at the minimalist features, at the tongues of yellow fire that flare from its points, but Lady Aneaxi tosses a bucket of rose petals onto the quilt and spreads them around with her fingertips, and I find I am glaring at nothing.

The rose petals, blushed pink, offer their delicate floral scent to the air—a heady mix with the honeyed beeswax—which makes me think of our rose-tinged wedding ceremony and the way his lips brushed mine too quickly.

I want him to kiss me again.

His was not my first kiss. A tall, gangly boy had that dubious distinction, at a wedding feast when I was fourteen years old. I was hiding in an alcove, too shy to dance with everyone else, when he found me and confessed his love. His eyes flashed an intensity that made my face pulse with warmth. His lips pressed against mine, and I tasted the basil on his tongue, but he kissed me the way I would recite a passage from the Common Man’s Guide to Service. By rote. Dispassionately.

I left the banquet flustered, and the next morning, while Juana-Alodia and I shared a breakfast of poached eggs with leeks, she spoke of a conde’s son who had pulled her into an alcove the night before, a lanky boy who’d declared his love and tried to kiss her. She had pinched his nose and walked away laughing. She said he’d been trying to get into bed with a princess.

Now Aneaxi presses her lips to my forehead. My Elisa, she whispers. Then she and the servants exit our chamber. Just before they close the door, I catch a glimpse of enormous sun-bronzed soldiers with steel chest plates. They wear the red silk banners of King Alejandro’s personal guard, and I wonder if His Majesty feels unsafe. But when I look at him, at the black hair curling at his neck, the strength of his sun-darkened hands, I forget the guards.

I want more than a little kiss. But the thought is terrifying.

My husband says nothing, just stares unblinking at the petal-strewn quilt. I would love to know what he is thinking, but I can’t bring myself to ask. Instead, I gaze at his profile and think of the passionless kiss of the conde’s son. Blood throbs in my ears as finally I whisper, I do not care to become intimate tonight.

His shoulders relax, and his lips betray a hint of a smile. He nods. As you wish.

I turn and plop onto the bed, displacing pink petals that flutter to the clay floor. I am hugely relieved. But I’m also disappointed at his ready acceptance, because it would have been nice to feel a little bit wanted.

With his arms crossed, King Alejandro leans against a thick bedpost. He regards me easily now; I suspect he is as relieved as I am. In the candlelight, his hair has deep red tints, like the Sierra Sangre in the evening sun. Well then, he says cheerfully. I suppose we could talk.

He has such a nice voice. Dark and warm. Talk? I say cleverly.

The quirk of his lips widens into a huge smile, and it is like the moon has just risen on a summer night. Unless you would prefer to be married to a stranger, of course.

Married . . .

Suddenly it all seems so preposterous, and I can’t stop the giggles that bubble from my chest. I cover my mouth with a fist and laugh into my knuckles.

I admit to feeling a certain awkwardness, he says, but it hadn’t occurred to me to laugh.

His words sober me. I look up, worried that I’ve angered him, but the smile remains, and his eyes hold a genuine crinkle.

I smile back. I’m sorry, Your Majesty—

Alejandro.

I swallow. Alejandro. The sympathy in his face breaks something inside me, and words tumble from my mouth. Papá and Alodia always said I’d marry for the good of Orovalle. I accepted it years ago. Still, I’m only fif—sixteen. I’d hoped to have some time. . . . And I didn’t expect . . . I mean, you’re very . . . I assure myself that his expression remains unmocking. You’re very kind, I finish lamely.

He moves to the window seat. Hand me a pillow?

I pull one from the bed, a round thing with a long red fringe, and I shake the petals off before tossing it at him. He catches it easily, then lifts long legs onto the seat and clutches the pillow at his abdomen. With his bent knees, his open gaze, he doesn’t seem so much older.

So, he says, looking at the ceiling. I’m glad he is willing to start the conversation. Is there anything about me or about Joya d’Arena you would like to know?

I think about this. I already know that his first wife died in childbirth, that his son is six years old, and that Invierne harries his borders more doggedly than our own with its need to acquire a seaport. Joya is mostly desert, but rich in silver and jewels, in cattle along the coastline. There isn’t much I don’t know. Except . . .

What is it? he prompts.

Alejandro . . . what do you want? From me?

His smile disappears. Briefly, I worry that I’ve irritated him, the way my questions always irritate Alodia, but then he moves his head and his jaw catches the light; it curves so perfectly into his hairline.

He sighs. Our marriage is part of a treaty I made with your father. And there are things you can help me with. But mostly . . . He runs his hand through thick black hair. Mostly, I could use a friend. Alejandro looks me in the eye and waits for my response.

Friend. My tutor, Master Geraldo, is a friend, I suppose. Nurse Ximena and Lady Aneaxi, though they are more like mothers. I realize I could use one too. Friend is a comforting word, and a painful one, but it doesn’t sound nearly so frightening as wife.

I find it exhilarating that I can help him in some way, yet odd too. It seems to me, I point out, feeling a little braver, that the king of the richest country in the world would have no trouble making friends.

He looks up, startled. Your sister says you have a way of getting to the soul of a matter.

I almost scowl, but I realize that Alodia’s words may not have been criticism.

Tell me, Lucero-Elisa. His lips curve into that gentle smile that already feels familiar. Do you find it easy to make friends? As a princess? As the bearer of the only Godstone in a hundred years?

I know exactly what he means. Remembering the conde’s son who tried to kiss both my sister and I those years ago, I say, You don’t trust anyone, do you?

He shakes his head. Very few.

I nod. I trust my nurse, Ximena, and my lady-in-waiting, Aneaxi. And Juana-Alodia too, in a way.

What do you mean, in a way?

I have to consider this before answering. She’s my sister. She wants what is best for Orovalle, but . . . Something closes my mouth. Maybe it’s the intensity of his eyes that darken from warm cinnamon to near black. I never hesitate to grumble about Juana-Alodia with my nurse. But with Alejandro . . .

But? he prompts.

His face is so intent on mine, so interested in what I have to say, that I blurt, She hates me.

King Alejandro says nothing at first. I feel I have disappointed him, and I want to suck the words back into my mouth.

Then: Why do you think that?

I don’t answer. Several candles have sputtered out, and I’m glad because it is easier to avoid his eyes in the flickering shadows.

Elisa?

Tell him about the Godstone, I say to myself. Tell him that Alodia is envious. That she is angry because I am already sixteen but show no inclination to fulfill my destiny as God’s chosen. But his open gaze commands my honesty, and I say to him what I have told no one.

I killed our mother.

His eyes narrow. What do you mean?

My lips tremble, but I inhale through my nose and distance myself from the words. Alodia says Mamá miscarried twice. So when she became pregnant with me, she took to bed. She prayed to God for a son, a prince. I have to grit my teeth for a moment before I can continue. It was a difficult pregnancy, and she was weak, and after I was born there was a lot of blood. Alodia says that when they placed me in her arms, Mamá saw that I was a girl. And dark skinned and fat. I feel the cold edges and aching hardness of my jaw. And grief overcame her, and she breathed her last.

Your sister said this? When? How long ago? Though his questions are pressing, his voice remains kind, like he really cares.

But I can’t quite remember.

He raises one eyebrow. A year ago? he prods. A few years ago? Maybe when you were both very young?

I frown, trying to place the moment. It was when Alodia and I still studied together. Our heads had nearly touched as we poured over a musty copy of the Common Man’s Guide to Service. When Master Geraldo asked her to explain the history of the Godstone, I interrupted by reciting the passage word for word. It was after that tutoring session, while Alodia pursued me down the steps to the kitchens, that she told me the story of Mamá’s death.

I don’t want him to know how long I’ve harbored this memory, so I say nothing.

He just stares, and I want to slither beneath the sunburst quilt. You think she still blames you for your mother’s death?

She hasn’t indicated otherwise. My voice is too sharp and hard, like a petulant child’s, but I refuse to lower my gaze.

I think you’d be surprised, he says.

At what?

At a lot of things, Elisa.

Lots of things would surprise me, it’s true. It’s easy to be surprised when no one tells you anything. And with a start, I realize I still don’t know what he wants from me. He could have found a friend in Alodia, or any number of young noblewomen. The king brushed off my questions as if I were a child, just like Papá and Alodia always do, and like a twitterpated fool, I let him.

Before I can muster the courage to press the matter, he says, I suppose we should sleep sometime tonight, since we’re traveling tomorrow. He stands and begins flicking rose petals from the quilt.

I tell him, You can have the bed; I’ll take the window seat.

The bed is large enough for us both. I’ll sleep atop the quilt, he says.

I freeze. Then: Fine. I sweep the remaining petals from the bed and pull the covers back. Sleep will be long in coming, I am sure. Not even the pulsing jewel in my belly can convince me to take off my wedding terno to get comfortable, and I don’t imagine that sensing Alejandro beside me all night will help. I blow out the candles on my nightstand and slide between the sheets, my back toward my husband.

The mattress shudders as Alejandro settles his weight next to me. I hear his forced breath as he extinguishes the candles on his side. Suddenly I feel warm lips on my cheek. I almost forgot. Happy birthday, Lucero-Elisa, he whispers.

I sigh into the dark. I thought the worst thing that could happen would be for my new husband to turn away from me in disgust. I was wrong. It is so much worse that he listens to me, sees me. That, in addition to being beautiful, he is kind.

It will be too, too easy to love him.

I am awake, eyes wide, heart fluttering, long after the last candle on the mantel flickers out, long after the man next to me settles into the steady, even breathing of sleep.

Our carriage heads a long procession that awaits beyond the cobbled courtyard. King Alejandro’s personal guards stand tall beside it, their dark faces inscrutable. To reach them, we must pass the fountains

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