Title: Thorns Among Shadows: A Rapunzel Retelling
Author: Ally Kelly
Publication Date: November 12th, 2024
Genre: Young adult fantasy fairytale retelling
Audience: 12+ (though someone younger could have it read to them and have some of the court related things explained)
Spice: None.
Tropes: Fairytale retelling, Rapunzel, royalty, fairies, magic, magic spells, evil stepmother, childhood sweethearts, adventure, true love, happily ever after, strong female character, gallant prince
Tag line: For anyone who loves fantasy adventure, sweet romance, and a chance for the girl to be the hero of the fairytale.
Blurb: Strong of Root, Strong of Thorn
Meira is the daughter of a nobleman, expected to take her father’s place at court. Bound by family duty, she returns to the capital city for the first time in years, feeling out of place as she enters the intricacies of court life and all that it entails.
Since his father’s death, a shadow has fallen over Crown Prince Gaelen and his kingdom of Alythia. Gaelen’s stepmother is acting as Queen Regent, with a mysterious hold over the prince. Meira’s appearance at court provides a welcome distraction from his troubles.
Just as Meira begins to rekindle a childhood romance with Gaelen, the prince disappears. But finding Gaelen proves to be no small matter. In order to rescue him, Meira must travel through both the Fae realm and Shadowlands, facing obstacles that will test the limits of her resolve and forces that threaten everything she cares about.
Thorns Among Shadows is a Rapunzel retelling for anyone who loves fantasy adventure, sweet romance, and a chance for the girl to be the hero of the fairytale.
Very Immersive
I will admit that fantasy is not my most-read genre. For me to give a fantasy story five stars is a big deal, but Thorns Among Shadows earned every one of them. I was actually startled when the story ended, because I didn’t realize I’d devoured it so quickly.
There’s a lot to like. Flipping the traditional roles and having the girl save the prince was refreshing. And she didn’t just luck into it – Meira had to really work hard to find and rescue the love of her life, Prince Gaelen. And the prince didn’t ruin the effort by trying to negate or diminish her accomplishments. This really is a power couple, well matched and complimentary to each others strengths and weaknesses.
Author Ally Kelly’s writing skills are top-notch. The writing flowed like silk. I wasn’t pulled out of my immersion in the story even once due to awkward writing, typos, or formatting errors. It’s clear that she’s put in the work to ensure that readers are given a well-crafted story. As a bonus, there’s also a short story after the main one.
I also want to mention her involvement with a writing community called Worldsmyths. As a writer myself, I know the importance of being able to collaborate with other writers, and recruit them to help with feedback and advice during the writing process. The way she describes Worldsmyths impressed me a lot. Ally Kelly writes what she’s passionate about and has the support of others who share those passions. What a great way to live your life!