Flame and Crystal Thorns (Fae and Crystal Thorns Book 1) by Kay L. Moody – Review by Alexandria Richard

Flame and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great YA fantasy read with adventure and trials while trying to save a dying fairy realm.

This is the first book in a new spin off series from the author’s other series, Court of Bitter Thorn. While I had not yet read the other series I didn’t find it difficult to follow along as the author did a good job of summarizing the relevant points to make us understand why it was mentioned in this novel. I will be picking up those books later on though to fully understand Chloe and Quintus’ back story.

I would classify this novel as upper young adult to new adult. The FMC is a little bit older than your average young adult heroine but unlike most New Adult I’ve read there isn’t a lot of sexual tension or sexual activity in this one.

Heads up that this novel does seem to be set more within a regency time period, so women end up in arranged marriages. I enjoyed Chloe’s character and her desire to be independent and providing for herself (at least until she can find an appropriate husband). I enjoyed hearing more about her being the town’s apothecarian despite the taboo of a female working alone, especially in that field.

I wish we got to read about some of the events from Quintus’ view as we only get to see him through Chloe’s POV and I would have loved to know what he was thinking and feeling.

I enjoyed the storyline overall and can’t wait to see what comes next. I will say some of the twists and turns at the end of the novel I absolutely was not expecting.

Highly recommend for the mystical and magical qualities, and for a young woman looking to figure out her place in society (or realm).

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