Girl of Fire and Thorns (1) by Rae Carson
Part one of the trilogy about belief, love and learning to be strong: Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson (in German Der Feuerstein, in French La fille de Braises et de Ronces) I read it in German where it contained 524 pages. For girls (and boys) age 13 +. Originally published 2011.
Elisa is a princess. The younger of two sisters. Chosen by God himself and blessed with the Godstone. But she's also neither attractive, nor diplomatic or manipulative enough for court life. The only positive thing she can say about herself is that she knows the Belleza Guerra, the book of war, by heart. But suddenly, she’s married off and has no choice but to become what she never really wanted: A queen. And she has to hide the Godstone from everyone… When she's taken prisoner, Elisa has to find out why exactly the Godstone is a curse as well as a gift – and that she is the only hope for a whole lot of people.
I really liked this series. Elisa is very intelligent and easy to love. It's impressive how she develops from a princess by heritage to a real leader and role model, but, as drastic these changes are, it stays realistic. Her secret powers (in personality, not in magic) are introduced before, with the heir to the throne and her dealings with Cosmé. She is actually quite the good politican and can capture people’s heart, if she just believes in her own worth – and if people will give her a chance.
After the kidnapping, she finally has the opportunity to be useful. She takes it, she grows on her tasks. But still, at the very core of her heart she stays the same person. And that is very, very well done.
But Elisa isn't the only interesting person in this book. I like Hector, Cosmé, Belén and Humberto as well.
You’re not exactly positive whether Cosmé is the good guy or not, but one thing’s for sure: She wants what’s best for her people and she’s far more layered than most people think.
I am sorry for Humberto’s fate, and I don’t know exactly what to make of Belén…
But now to two different characters. Hector and Alejandro.
I love how the reader’s view on Alejandro changes. In the beginning, he’s a dream of a man, the perfect knight in the shining armor, sensible, empathetic, over-all the perfect package. But as Elisa begins to grow, she sees that he’s nowhere as perfect as she thinks: He’s too afraid of responsibility, he wants to keep all options open – and, through that, looses all alternatives.
Hector on the other hand is a practical, hands-down, loyal and intelligent, decisive warrior. He’s a calm and steady presence, someone you like from the very beginning.
Every character I mentioned is round, has an own history and way to deal with the past.
Apart from that, the way religion – the "normal" and the fanaticism – are presented is very close to reality and astonishingly well done.
Even though Elisa of all people knows about God, she is the only one who openly doubts and doesn't know what He wants from her. But the others, especially Ximena, seem to know exactly what He wants - and, what a miraculous surprise! It's what they want, too!
It is really very well done. The storyline itself is gorgeous, I didn't find any mistakes and the book was very tense.
In brief:
All in all, I give it stars for characters, content, ideas, and style.
Sequel: