
Between Two Thorns by Emma Newman, description from good reads.
Something is wrong in Aquae Sulis, Bath’s secret mirror city.
The new season is starting and the Master of Ceremonies is missing. Max, an Arbiter of the Split Worlds Treaty, is assigned with the task of finding him with no one to help but a dislocated soul and a mad sorcerer.
There is a witness but his memories have been bound by magical chains only the enemy can break. A rebellious woman trying to escape her family may prove to be the ally Max needs.
But can she be trusted? And why does she want to give up eternal youth and the life of privilege she’s been born into?
So I have decided a new way to review, it is inspired by buddy reads on good reads where you say what you are thinking about the book at certain points. Since I was reading it on my kindle I am going to do it every 10%, just a few sentences and wee remarks. I will give a general overview first for anyone who does not want possible spoilers.
General Overview
5 out of 5 stars
I loved this book. It was exciting and full of magic and wonder. Loved how there was a mirror of our cities but magical and eternal youth. I was a fan of how there was 4 or 5 different stories all at once but slowly coming together to form one story. It was well written and expertly carried out. The new race (Arbiters) were meant to be scary and lacking any emotion but I found Max endearing and was rooting for him. The talking gargoyle had me smiling from ear to ear, ye it sounds like a weird thing but it worked so well. I found myself wanting to know every little detail about the Fae world. I am looking forward to reading the next book.
Step by Step Review
0% (before start) – Looks like it will be different and full of interesting ideas.
10%- “That night in Bath was the third time Sam’s beer bladder had got him into trouble” A very strange first line to a book but an intriguing one, wondering where on earth this was going to take me. I want to know more about Arbiters. So far there is three POV’s : a Fae touched, an ordinary human and an Arbiter.
20%- Loving the talking gargoyle, not sure exactly yet how it came to walk and talk but it’s cool. It’s a unique idea that the gargoyle can feel Max’s feelings yet still have it’s own thoughts.
30% – A new POV has been introduced, William another fae touched, looking like this could get interesting. (Not wanting to give away too much).
40% – The sorcerer of Wessex trying to make small talk is very funny.
50% – The threads of the story are starting to weave themselves together and form part of a enticing picture. Cathrine’s dress at the ball sounds beautiful.
60% – Cathrine’s father is a vile vile man. I think in the long run Cathy and Will will be perfect for each other.
70% – I like all the popular culture references it shows clearly the difference between the Nether and Mundunas (our world). And the plot thickens.
80% – Exilium (the prison) sounds beautiful and dangerous, cannot decide if it would be a blessing or a curse to be imprisoned there.
90% – When someone says “what could possibly go wrong?” you know you are in for an adventure.
100% – Loved every page, can see what the next book in the series is going to be about and looking forward to it. There are a few aspects I am unclear on but I tend to skim read when I get engrossed in a book, so that may be my own fault.
Hopefully I will have the second one read and reviewed in the next week or so. What do you think of the new reviewing style?
Until next time, happy reading bookworms.
Emma