Juniper and Thorn by Ava Reid
Reviewed by: Susie Rivera, Reference Assistant
Genre: Fantasy/Horror
Suggested age: Adult
What is this book about? Set in an alternate Ukrainian fantasy world, this second novel by Ava Reid focuses on Marlinchen, the daughter of an evil wizard. Marlinchen, along with her two sisters, are witches who charge for their services. People in their town come to have their futures told or buy various potions. The sisters are highly controlled by their father who does not allow them to leave the house and uses them to constantly serve him. One night, though, they all sneak out and see the local ballet performance. Marlinchen develops an instant crush on Sevas, the lead male dancer. Afterwards she begins to question her own purpose in life and begins to hunger for more freedom and escape.
My review: This book is loosely inspired by the Juniper Tree, a lesser-known Grimm’s fairy tale. It really just has similar motifs such as cannibalism, magic, child abuse and murder. It is not for the faint of heart as it does include some disturbing content and I would say, goes more towards the horror, rather than fantasy genre. The world-building and writing is very well done and pulls the reader in to Marlinchen’s story. I listened to the digital audiobook on Hoopla and was completely invested in Marlinchen and Sevas’ story.
Three words that describe this book: Dark, Immersive, Lyrical
Give this a try if you like: The Wolf and the Woodsman by Ava Reid, Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik, For the Wolf by Hannah Whitten
Rating: 4/5
