Bitter Thorns by Chrissy Jaye – A Book Review

Posted July 17, 2019 by Booksandblurbs in Reverse Harem, Reviews, YA/NA / 1 Comment

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Bitter Thorns

(The Entwined – Book 1)

by Chrissy Jaye
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Slow Burn RH, PNR, YA/NA

Available on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited

Down and Dirty

A Very intriguing start to a new series. It takes some familiar lore and turns it on its head, dancing with Science Fiction as well as the Paranormal. Free on Kindle Unlimited.

What is it about?

(Blurb from GoodReads)

All Olivia Stone ever wanted is control over her own destiny.
But when witches murder her best friend, her brother reveals secrets about her that will change everything.
Thrust into an unfamiliar and frightening world full of magic, she must put her fears aside and place all her faith in a group of strangers.
But even her new friends can’t protect her from all the evils of the world.
Especially when the worst of it comes from within.
The Entwined: Book One

Thoughts on Bitter Thorns

Intriguing

This book was recommended in a group I follow and I nabbed the pre-order blurb unread and site unseen. I like being surprised! Well, this one DID surprise me, though there were a few times I quirked my brow at my kindle, just as confused as Liv by the events going down.

In every way that matters, this is an introductory novel to a new series and a new world – though it deftly avoids the dreaded ‘info dump’ first books are sadly known for. Instead, there is a decided lack of information given, as we learn along with the FMC, and apparently keeping her in the dark (almost – they do tell her certain things) is beneficial.

Favorite Line

That was the thing about grief. One moment, you could be fine. And in the next, all the ugliness poured out of you. (21%)

Pros:

It is VERY interesting, the world and the characters are strangely captivating.
Well written.
She has emotional issues…. deal with it.
THEY have emotional issues too…
Cliffhanger…. but I really liked this one.
Is it magic? Is it science? I don’t know…. but I want it.

Cons:

Very confusing at times.
Keeping secrets for ‘her own good’ trope.
There is soooo much WE (as readers) don’t get yet. Need answers!!

Perspective

First Person, Limited Multiple POV

Ending Type

Cliffhanger

Rating

PG-13 to R (this installment only)

Romantic Dynamic

MMMMMF (I think?)

Character Age Range

18/19

Verdict

4 out of 5 Stars

This one almost egged a 5 star out of my, but the ‘keeping secrets’ trope waylaid that extra star. Regardless, it’s an amazing introductory novel and sets the world for a thrilling ride – and a new look at old myths and familiar character types. Free on Kindle Unlimited.

Published July 2nd, 2019

(Page count not listed, but full length novel)

Please note, this is a Reverse Harem series which MAY feature alternative sexual themes and scenes as the series progresses.