A celebration of 2011 authors: THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS!

The allure of reading a just released debut author’s book, with a shiny new awesome cover is powerful. That’s why Christina Lee organized a day for us to promote some of our favorite authors of 2011.

I won the arc for THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS by Rae Carson. The title captured the imagination. The cover made it seem mysterious.

Honestly? I had no idea what to expect from this high fantasy, which I don’t often read.

I loved it!

Here’s the blurb from the back cover:

Chosen for an extraordinary and fearsome destiny, a sixteen-year-old princess becomes the heart of a revolution. Her journey from untried teen to young woman of fierce love and untold power is, simply put, epic. Lush, adventurous, and wrenching, this is the first in a trilogy for fans of Kristin Cashmore’s GRACELING and Tamora Pierce’s Tortall books.

What I loved about it.

But this story was more than a fantasy, more than a princess tale, more than a revolution. Yes, all of those things added to it. But at its core what made me love this book was the main character, Elisa, and her internal struggle with her self image, with an addiction to food, and learning to stand up for herself.

Why yes.  This was a story of a fat girl. And it totally took me off guard because Rae Carson never came out and told us that Elisa was over weight. But just a little bit into her story, through great showing, I realized it. The description of her problem and her love of food was incredible. And that’s not even half of the problems Elisa had to deal with! Imprisonment. A hidden prophecy. Love. Evil enemies.

If you love contemporary stories, I think you’ll really enjoy this high fantasy because it was really just the story of a girl.

The entire list of participants is at Christina Lee’s blog.

And here’s the link to buy THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS.

What’s been your favorite read this year?

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25 Responses to A celebration of 2011 authors: THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS!

  1. Faith October 10, 2011 at 11:13 am #

    Wow, sounds great! I don’t read a ton of high fantasy, although there are some that are among my very favorite reads ever–and I think you’re right. They are the ones that simply portray humans (whatever they might be disguised as in the story) in a way that makes their lives real and relatable to outs.

  2. Louise October 10, 2011 at 11:58 am #

    Yours is the second glowing review I’ve read this week of this book. Now I really am going to have to read it! I hated Graceling, but I love all of Tamora Pierce’s books, so that’s another point in its favor.

    As for my favorite book so far this year? Well, it’s not a new book, but I hadn’t read it before, so I would have to say House of Many Ways, by Diana Wynne Jones. I love all her books, but anything featuring Sophie is extra-special.

  3. Jen Daiker October 10, 2011 at 12:00 pm #

    What a fabulous review! I loved it. Never heard of the novel *blushes* but so glad you took the time to tell us about it! This is one I’ll want to add to my TBR list! The cover art alone is captivating!

  4. Stina Lindenblatt October 10, 2011 at 12:24 pm #

    I can’t believe I’ve never heard of the book. Thanks Laura for telling us about it. I’m adding it to my list. 😀

  5. Creepy Query Girl October 10, 2011 at 12:32 pm #

    How have I not heard of this before. This sounds amazing Laura. Thanks for spotlighting it!

  6. Karen Lange October 10, 2011 at 12:59 pm #

    Thanks for the info on this book. I hadn’t heard of it till now, and I appreciate your insight. Favorite book this year? Probably The Girl in the Gatehouse by Julie Klassen and The Doctor’s Lady by Jody Hedlund. Okay, that’s two, I know, but it’s hard to choose! 🙂

  7. Anna Staniszewski October 10, 2011 at 1:34 pm #

    I’ve been excited about this book for a while. It sounds right up my alley. Can’t wait to read it!

  8. christine danek October 10, 2011 at 1:35 pm #

    Great review. Thanks and it will be added to my TBR pile.

  9. Melissa Hurst October 10, 2011 at 1:58 pm #

    I have this book in my TBR pile. From the sounds of it, I need to move it closer to the top:)

  10. Leigh Moore October 10, 2011 at 2:15 pm #

    I’m already down for a good princess-fantasy, but what an unexpected twist! I love it. I didn’t know much about this book before, but it’s totally on my list now. Thanks, Laura! :o) <3

  11. Nicole Zoltack October 10, 2011 at 2:49 pm #

    This book sounds like it’s right up my alley. I so have to get myself a copy!

  12. Anne October 10, 2011 at 3:02 pm #

    This one sounds great! I love high fantasy. Thanks for the spotlight.

  13. Shannon O'Donnell October 10, 2011 at 4:48 pm #

    I REALLY want to read this one! My favorite of the year is Divergent, but there are so many awesome debuts this year!!! 🙂

  14. Christina Lee October 10, 2011 at 5:24 pm #

    What a killer review. Okay so now I want to read it even MORE–had no idea about the addiction to food etc. MADE OF AWESOME!

  15. Jenny Lundquist October 10, 2011 at 5:26 pm #

    Okay, you’ve sold me. I love fantasy with contemporary heroines. Just added it to my TBR pile.

  16. Patti October 10, 2011 at 5:40 pm #

    It sounds like a unique concept. I’m adding it to my every growing list today.

  17. becca puglisi October 10, 2011 at 6:25 pm #

    Another book for my TBR list. As for favorite reads this year, it’s hard to pick, but most memorable were Divergent, Chime, and Matched.

    And now I think I’ve figured out why none of my books are getting picked up. Apparently, my titles are too long.

    Becca @ The Bookshelf Muse

  18. Kelly Polark October 10, 2011 at 10:19 pm #

    Cool book rec. I’m hearing of books today for the first time. Great blogfest!

  19. Heather Sunseri October 10, 2011 at 10:50 pm #

    I’ll have to check this out. Kristen Cashore’s Graceling and Fire were two of my most favorite young adults I read last year. So, this could just be a great pick for me. Thanks!

  20. Lynda R Young October 10, 2011 at 11:56 pm #

    Sounds like a great read. I’ll have to check it out.

  21. Theresa Milstein October 11, 2011 at 12:44 am #

    I haven’t heard of this book until now. I’m not a big high fantasy reader either, but you’ve told me enough that I’m going to check it out. Thanks!

  22. Susan Kaye Quinn October 11, 2011 at 2:51 am #

    Ok, that sounds totally cool. I don’t read high fantasy either, but that almost sounds like a cross between contemporary and fantasy. And I’m all for genre bending! 🙂

  23. Nisa Swineford October 11, 2011 at 6:12 pm #

    What a great review! That it’s fantasy gets me interested, but you’ve secured the hook. I’m definitely going to add this to my list.

  24. Kris October 11, 2011 at 9:41 pm #

    Sounds wonderful–I used to be a huge high fantasy fan, but I don’t read it as much anymore. I’ll put this one on my list!

    My faves this year have been ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS (though technically, that came out last year) and THE BODY FINDER. For MG, PETER NIMBLE.

  25. Leslie Rose October 12, 2011 at 3:04 am #

    You hooked me. A Princess with an overeating problem. Fascinating.

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