Bitterthorn: A sapphic Gothic romance inspired by classic fairytales

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The doctor grimaced and slit open my cocoon with a knife, spilling fluid and meconium, and like a selkie, I slipped off my first skin to reveal another human one beneath. During their escape they have to fight against some trolls and she proves to be a strong fighter and succeeds in protecting the prince. Who during the battle with the trolls made think that he acts a little like Loki 😂 (love Loki by the way ♥️) I loved the relationship between Mina and the Witch, it had such an awkward and tense beginning but slowly blossomed into something so beautiful and tender. Elora dreams of adventure. With her unwanted marriage approaching, she is desperate to have some excitement before it arrives. A dryad appears and asks for help with saving a lost fae prince from the clutches of an evil queen. Believing it’s nothing more than a dream, Elora agrees willingly.

Bitterthorn by Kat Dunn (9781839132957/Paperback Bitterthorn by Kat Dunn (9781839132957/Paperback

In the distance, above the golden canopy of the dying forest, about as far as I could see on a clear, bright day, was the Witch’s castle.Who should look after me? Where should I be put? How could things be arranged so neither of them had to change their lives in any real way?

Bitterthorn - Andersen Press

Flavour profile: Sharp and bitter, with pale, watery yellow flesh. If durian’s its name, pungency is its game I fail to understand you, Mina. You’re a clever girl, capable, but it feels as though you’re waiting for your life to begin.’ Any outstanding balance after deducting the face value of the coupon must be paid in full using YouTrip Card.Sorry. What was it Mama said about a lady’s companion?’ ‘I believe she has made enquiries to find a suitable placement . . .’ All I ask of you now is that you do not embarrass me or your father when our guests are here.’ She looked at my ink- stained cuffs and dowdy bun. ‘At least try to look presentable.’ If you couldn't tell from the blurb I included, provided in the arc I received of the anthology Realms of Fae and Shadow, the story is set in the past - this is not an urban fantasy -, which makes Elora being a swordmaster even cooler! He regarded me softly and that was somehow worse. ‘Mina, you look to me too much. You must think to your own future.’ In the kitchens, my father had made a rare appearance below stairs, wild eyed and skin flushed red above his beard.

of Bitter Thorn (The Fae of Bitter Thorn Prequel) - Kay Heir of Bitter Thorn (The Fae of Bitter Thorn Prequel) - Kay

I enjoyed the characters enough - I was SO there for the nerdy protagonist with an interest into geology and gradually herbalism & for the overly-dramatic mean and snarky witch with wild taste in fashion. (Btw this book gets the garments right! Shift under corset and stuff!) But as the ending neared I started to be a bit annoyed with them. As every proper gothic this book is based on Terrible Secret that the protagonist tries to unearth while the witch doesn't want her to know, because she considers herself a monster. With book based on figuring out something there is always the risk of drawing it for too long (or not drawing it out enough), so you end up with a protagonist that seems stupid. I thought it was well done for most part, but in the end when Mina finally figured things out her reaction was kind off of, because... you know, she's smart it shouldn't be this surprising to her. I also wouldn't say that the secret overall was underwhelming, it was pretty good, but I feel like the author could have get more from it. This prequel of the serie is amazing even though it is almost as a parallel story for the serie, as Elora, our heroine, will not remember any of the amazing adventure she has in this book and book one starts as a clean slate (or so we think).

Soured the milk in the pail with a look,’ said a woman carrying a bundle of straw. ‘Has the face of a demon, all crooked. You can see the evil in her, our Albert said.’

Bitterthorn by Kat Dunn Illumicrate Exclusive: Bitterthorn by Kat Dunn

On this day I was pleased to have the old furs, something my mother would have recognised. It made me feel closer to her in some small, meaningless way. I don't understand love,' I said, submerging the cloth in the water. 'I don't know how it works or what it is for. I've read poetry and novels and listened to music and viewed art all about love but it was like another language. I thought it must be something that wasn't meant for me. Until I met you.”When several minutes had passed without him looking up, I said, ‘Perhaps I could help you with your papers? I’ve said you need a secretary.’ I finished Bitterthorn one winter night while the rain battered the windows, and by gods, what a book. It’s a masterpiece, a slow burn gothic story of love and monstrosity and the weight of loneliness. It’s an instant favourite for me. Overall, I really liked it as a respite after finishing Empire Ascendant which completely crushed my heart and soul. But... you know, not to have too high expectations. I hear someone use a term "popcorn book" lately which I kind of like and think might fit this book as well. It was really entertaining but it isn't a full course meal. I would recommend it though if you like overly dramatic yet slow gothic books, with a sapphic love story. There is a much less witching than the blurb would let you believe though... Bitterthorn is a story about loneliness, and how monstrous we can feel when we are isolated and unloved. How hard it is to believe ourselves real people, deserving of love and happiness. How hard it is to know hope. But hope is where I wanted to write myself into. The story of Mina and her Witch is ultimately one of hope, of the salvation of love, and the bravery to believe in it.