A Review: Flame and Crystal Thorns

If you loved  A Court of Thorns and Roses by SJM, you'll love Flame and Crystal Thorns.

Flame and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody  is the first book of a fantasy novel series spin off from her original series the Fae of Bitter Thorn. If you want to start from the beginning of everything stop right now, and get A Court of Bitter Thorn. 

Summary:

We follow the story of Chloe, a town healer as she discovers people in her town are getting sick with an illness not usually seen.  Quintus, a fae from her past mysteriously shows up and tells her she needs to return to Faery she initially refuses.  Being the town healer she feels she cannot leave when the town needs her the most, but when she realizes her sister is in danger and by saving Faery she saves her town, she agrees to go.

Thoughts:

The story picks right up with a fast paced introduction.  We immediately see Chloe doing what she does best, working as a healer to save her townsman from a mysterious illness. We learn quickly she has a kind, compassionate heart when it comes to the people of her town. There are connections to characters from the previous series right off from the bat, so I strongly feel that this book should be read after you read her Fae of Bitter Thorn Series. This is not what I did (learn from my mistake, ya'll!), because I was frustrated there was a story and a connection that really wasn't well explained.

The chemistry between Chloe and Quintus evolved throughout the book.  Initially neither seemed glad to be with the other, but slowly they both let down their guard. While Chloe was devoted to her healing craft, she was fearful in battle. Quintus knowing how she responds to battle was very protective and was often her rescuer. Chloe's character development though seemed very simple though, going from being so self sacrificial to putting herself higher on her own priorities.   I hope that in the second book we see her develop even further.  I would love to see her become a badass of her own making. Overall,  I really loved this book, to the point where I really couldn't set it down. If you enjoyed ACOTAR and other Fae Court type novels you would enjoy this book. 

Heat Index: Zero: There is no sex, implied or otherwise in this book.

Flame and Crystal Thorns will be available for purchase beginning May 10, 2022. 

Disclaimer: I received an advanced e-copy of this book free for review.  This however does not affect my opinions, as I do not leave a review for each book I receive. There are links to Amazon, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!