Bonded by Thorns by Elizabeth Helen is the first in a six-book why choose romantasy series that’s a fun and vibrant reimagining of Beauty and the Beast. I will read any and every reimagining of this story. It’s one of my all-time favorites and almost always makes for an enchanting story.
Rosalia O’Connel has spent her entire adult life stuck in the small town she grew up in, caring for her father. Their family has been the laughing stock of Orca Cove since her father announced that his wife had been taken by the Fae in the forest. They all called him Crazy George, but it turns out, he was onto something.
One night, he stumbles into the Enchanted Vale through the Briar. When Rosalia finds out, she takes off after him without a second thought. She’s used to sacrificing for her father, so when she finds him a prisoner in a castle dungeon, she trades herself for his freedom.
Now Rosalia is trapped in this castle with four fae princes with no intention of letting her escape. Her only chance is to help them break the curse that has been plaguing them for twenty-five years. The only way to break the curse is for the princes to bond with their fated mate, and Rosalia is determined to find their mates.
It’s a nearly impossible task, made even trickier by the Prince of Thorns, who is spreading darkness and weakening the prince’s home and sapping their magic. Rosalia has never belonged, but in helping the princes she starts to find her place in the castle, until secrets and lies threaten to send it all crashing down.
Bonded by Thorns was immediately intriguing, and hooks the reader in quickly with an exciting premise and short, fast-paced chapters. There are tons of mysteries and missing information to keep the readers interested. Oh, and there’s a magnificent enchanted library.
Rosalia is a quirky character with a hidden strength and I loved seeing her grow and come into herself over the course of the book, and I’m excited to see it continue in the rest of the series. Each of the princes, presumably eventual love interests, is easily distinguished from the other, each with their own distinct qualities and personalities.
While the spice in this book is relatively minimal, especially when it comes to Rosalia, it’s clearly building up to what promises to be a very spicy series. There is sword-crossing between two of the princes in a pre-existing relationship, and that seems like it will continue. It’s a slow burn, but it’s teasing the readers for what’s to come in the best way.
Bonded by Thorns is a delightful and lively read that left me so excited to continue with the ongoing series. It’s a wonderful retelling of a beloved story that adds so many of the tropes that are beloved to romantasy readers, and it’s perfect if you’re looking for something fun and exciting.
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