The Book of Thorns by Hester Fox
4.0 / 5 Stars
336 Pages
Originally Published in 2024
Finished Reading on July 15, 2024
If there’s one thing I love, its a gothic, atmospheric read with a touch of the supernatural. The Book of Thorns by Hester Fox had me intrigued from the start with its blend of historical fiction, mystery, and magic. As someone who enjoys books steeped in eerie settings and family secrets, I couldn’t wait to dive into this one.
“There are stories written in the petals of every rose, whispers of the past carried on the wind.”
What I Loved
Hester Fox has a way of creating settings that feel like living, breathing entities. This book was no exception. The crumbling estate, overgrown gardens, and shadowy corridors added a layer of mystery that had me completely immersed. The dual-timeline – following a modern-day historian unraveling the truth behind an infamous botanist and the past narrative of the woman herself – kept me hooked. I also adored the infusion of folklore and plant-based magic. It gave the story a fresh and enchanting twist.
“Some knowledge is meant to be lost, for once it takes root, it can never be uprooted.”
What I Didn’t Love
While I enjoyed the slow-burn mystery, there were moments when the pacing dragged slightly. Especially in the modern timeline. I also wished for a bit more development in some of the side characters. Their motivations sometimes felt underexplored. However, these were minor complaints in an otherwise compelling read.
“The past never stays buried – it grows like ivy, creeping into every crack until it overtakes the present.”
Final Thoughts
At its core, The Book of Thorns explores the power of knowledge, the dangers of obsession, and the resilience of women throughout history. The novel also touches on themes of love, betrayal, and the blurred line between science and magic. It left me reflecting on how history is often shaped by those who write it – and what is lost when voices are silenced.
This book is for:
- Fans of gothic historical fiction with an eerie atmostphere
- Readers who enjoyed The Lost Apothecary or The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane
- Anyone who loves books about forgotten women in history and the secrets they left behind
With its lush prose, haunting setting, and compelling mystery, The Book of Thorns was a captivating read. It had just the right mix of historical intrigue and magical realism to keep me turning the pages. While it wasn’t a perfect five-star read for me, it was certainly one I’d recommend to anyone who love gothic fiction with a touch of the mystical.
It’s 4 out of 5 stars from me!
If you could discover a long-lost book of knowledge, what would you hope to find within its pages?