The first thing I noticed about this book was the unique physical structure of it. Rather than the traditional bound book, it was an accordion, with Evelyn's story on one side, and Brendan's on the other. It made for a bit unwieldy reading but it perfectly conveyed that the stories were two sides of the same piece.

The story is a simple and short one: boy meets girl. But there is an undertone of something fantastical which the reader is never quite sure is real or not - but does it really matter?

I started with Evelyn's story, and then continued on with Brendan, which introduced the fantastical earlier. I wish I could erase my memory and start again with Brendan and then Evelyn, because I think it might give just a different experience. Each story fills in gaps of the other and reveals some things that make the other perspective make sense.

The story ends before you find out if the two characters will ultimately end up together. The scene is ripe for them to do so, but it would be still a satisfying ending if they were not. ( )

I do 90% of my reading on an ereader, which is convenient for commute reading, easily brings me the sequel to the novel I’ve just finished, and fits neatly into my purse. So I was struck by the physical form of Theadora Goss’ new book, The Thorn and the Blossom, an accordion folded, double-sided story, in a heavy cardboard case for a package deceptively like a hardcover book. The book can be opened from either side, creating a physical book with two front covers, and a story with two beginnings and no end.

Read the rest ( )

I love anything and all things related to Arthurian Legend (as I am sure you are getting tired of hearing) and this book meets the cut of an old romance mixed with a new. This novel has the heard and soul of an old story told by a night's fire with a modern spin.

I love the dual nature of the book so I can read both sides of the story and I love how the book is simple and remains true to one theme and place. I think this book makes an excellent addition to my library and even though I read a ton of books only a few get a permanent place on my shelves.

I will look out for more lovely novels from this author and this publisher. ( )

I really enjoyed this lovely book by Theodora Goss. It is a love story told from both sides, with a twist of legend crossing into a contemporary setting. I'm glad I found this book to add to my collection! ( )

Originally posted at Paperback Wonderland.

Never judge a book by its cover.
I already knew this and yet, here I am.

This is, quite easily, one of the prettiest books I own. The book itself, as an object, is worth a whole star (perhaps even more...).

Now the story...
First of all, and this is important, it's not badly written.
The dialogue is a bit trite and at times unbelievable, but other than that it's fine.

The plot hinges on a cliché I personally hate: that of star crossed lovers who will fall in love because it was all meant to be. This may appeal to many people but it's a particular deterrent to my full enjoyment of a story. "Even so," I thought, "The characters... they'll be what will pull it all together, if they're great, it can still end up being good."
The characters didn't help.

I started with Evelyn's story, perhaps that was a mistake. Normally, when I find a character like this, I will dislike him or her. A spoiled rich girl whose "parents just don't understand" (thanks Fresh Prince) why she'll drop into whimsical considerations every other paragraph and whose only refuge is her poetry (which was criticised by the poet laureate, but that makes him an idiot because, really, what does he know, am I right?) Like I said, I don't like characters like this. But I couldn't even muster dislike for Evelyn. She was so wishy-washy, so barely interesting at all, that she gave me a serious case of "I nothing her."

Brendan's story was easier to get through. He was still annoying here and there, talking about how he'd never made real friends with the other boys in his fishing village because he "was different, a scholar", which just about tells us he doesn't know what friendship is at all, I mean, can you imagine how dull life would be if you were only friends with people who are like you? He just seemed snobbish, he was "a little hurt - that she'd assume he was just a poor boy from Clews." Seriously? Seriously? But not even that made him interesting.

In the end, the only thing I felt strongly about was the fact that I paid €12 for this :( ( )