Thornspell - Book Review

Thornspell by Helen Lowe

What is it about:
Prince Sigismund has grown up hearing fantastical stories about enchantments and faie spells, basilisks and dragons, knights errant and heroic quests. He'd love for them to be true — he's been sheltered in a country castle for most of his life and longs for adventure — but they are just stories. Or are they?
From the day that a mysterious lady in a fine carriage speaks to him through the castle gates, Sigismund's world starts to shift. He begins to dream of a girl wrapped, trapped, in thorns. He dreams of a palace, utterly still, waiting. He dreams of a man in red armor, riding a red horse — and then suddenly that man arrives at the castle!

Sigismund is about to learn that sometimes dreams are true. That the world is both more magical and more dangerous than he imagined. And that the heroic quest he imagined for himself as a boy . . . begins now.

What did I think of it:
As some may have guessed from the description this book is based on the fairy tale 'The Sleeping Beauty'. But if you expect a re-telling then you're wrong! This is a very original story and a great one at that. Lowe uses the basics of the fairy tale, but weaves an intriguing and action filled tale that is all her own. Sigismund is a very likable character and there are some very cool other characters as well. It's a YA book and more focused on action than romance, but I think I can safely say older readers will enjoy this story as well, especially those who like fairy tales.

Why should you read it:
If you like fantasy and fairy tales you will like this book.