The Girl of Fire and Thorns, Book 1
By Carrie R. Wheadon,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Unlikely princess turns leader in spiritually tinged tale.
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this book.
Where to Read
Community Reviews
Based on 1 parent review
Really fun book but has some intense scenes
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What's the Story?
At her naming ceremony, Princess Elisa is given the blessing that only one person in 100 years receives: a Godstone in her navel declaring her as God's chosen to perform an unknown task. Despite this honor, she still grows up in the shadow of her older (and much more petite) sister. That is, until she's shipped off at 16 as the bride of King Alejandro to preside over a larger kingdom. It's a kingdom in trouble. A war is brewing against the Inviernos, a huge army led by sorcerers who know that Elisa is out there and want the mysterious power of her Godstone at all costs. But they're not the only ones, she finds out, when she's kidnapped and marched through the desert to one of the kingdom's far-flung villages hardest hit by attackers.
Is It Any Good?
THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS will attract more than the typical fantasy fan thanks to its fabulous princess. And no, she's not fabulous just because she's an affirmation that girls who weigh more than their peers can be heroes. She's whip-smart, and she gives her life's purpose and the plight of those around her serious thought. And isn't it always the reluctant leaders who make the best ones in the end? She's someone definitely worth following in the next two books in the trilogy.
The unique mystical quality of The Girl of Fire and Thorns will attract others. No wonder the Young Adult Library Services Association (a division of the American Library Association) placed the book on its 2012 Top Ten Best Fiction for Young Adults list. It makes religion both personal -- with Elisa's Godstone and the way it responds directly to her -- and topical, with a war perpetuated by religious fervor and fear. And the sorcerers from Invierno are still enough of a mystery that it keeps the reader guessing about the nature of the magic they summon. It's another reason to eagerly await the sequel.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the unlikely princess in The Girl of Fire and Thorns. Do you root for her more because she's called fat by the young prince in front of the whole court? How many other unlikely princesses can you think of?
How does Elisa change over the course of the novel?
For those with a spiritual practice, there's lots to discuss: the power of prayer, overcoming doubts, trusting God's plan. How does the spiritual world that Elisa inhabits compare with yours?
Book Details
- Author: Rae Carson
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Princesses, Fairies, Mermaids, and More, Great Girl Role Models
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
- Publication date: September 20, 2011
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 12 - 17
- Number of pages: 432
- Available on: Paperback, Nook, Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: June 3, 2021
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Where to Read
Our Editors Recommend
Books with Strong Female Characters
Romantic Fantasy Books for Teens
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