Review Detail

A witch? With a the power of storytelling? Tell me less, I'm already in.

A Hunger of Thorns by Lili Wilkinson is YA fantasy novel about a witch named Maude, who had a childhood filled with running wild through the forest with her best friend Odette at her side, while telling stories of girls and dragons. But as Maude grew up she lost her friend, and her magic. Older and wiser, Maude knows that magic is nothing spectacular. Instead it's been reduced to glamour patches and psychic energy drinks found in supermarkets and shopping malls. But unwilling to accept just how little magic there is Odette, went to find a source of dark magic, and hasn't returned since. And it's up to Maude to find her again.

The thing I liked most about this novel, was it's unique magic system. I've read plenty of fantasy novels that claim to have peculiar magic systems, like those that are based on colors of light or the amount of time that's held in one's blood. But A Hunger of Thorns stepped above all of these, with it's story telling magic. Though at times, I did find myself quite confused about just how it worked. But that's a natural part of being considered a novel of the fantasy genre.

The only thing I didn't quite like, was Wilkinson's lyrical writing style. At times, it was a bit too sweeping and metaphorical, to the point that the plot got a bit lost. But it was still appreciated, as it accurately matched the tone of the book. In being a novel about the magic of storytelling (literally).

The vibes were immaculate. I feel as though I might be re-reading this one come October. I would highly recommend this to anyone wanting a book with the perfect balance between a headstrong main character, and a magic system that will have you reeling for me. Also I'm going to need book two, like now.