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A review by rashellyreads
Girl, Serpent, Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
At first, upon reading this, it took me a second to truly get into it. The writing was kind of slow during some chapters but then the plot would move too fast, the general writing of the book was difficult to grasp. But then I just got pulled into the plot with all the different twists and turns.
First of all, I was told that this book was an enemies-to-lovers story, and although that may be true, I don’t really see it. I think that’s because when meeting the love interest, I fell in love with her immediately. They’re relationship was strained at first but they quickly became friends. I would say that it’s more of a enemies-to-friends-to-lovers story.
Another thing I loved about Girl, Serpent, Thorn was that I fell in love with the antagonist. I hate him, of course, because he’s the worst but I’m getting major Loki vibes. And I’m in love with Loki. Melissa Bashardoust does a great job of making the reader feel bad for the antagonist. One chapter I would feel sad for him and then another chapter I wanted to strangle him.
Lastly, I liked that the author incorporated mythology, history, and her culture into the book. I’ve never been exposed to Iranian culture in this way so reading “Shah”, “Shahzadeh”, “div”, and “parik” was new and fun. And the character’s names are so beautiful I had to take a moment when reading them for the first time. Soraya, Parvaneh, Sorush, Azad, and so on.
The incorporation of poison, serpents, and thorns was almost as amazing as the underlining theme of feminism. Strong women, sisterhood, friendship, and lesbian love. I’m so here for it! The bringing down of the male protagonist to his knees, gay panic, the feeling of being dangerous. All of it, I’m here for it!! This is an amazing book and I highly recommend!!
First of all, I was told that this book was an enemies-to-lovers story, and although that may be true, I don’t really see it. I think that’s because when meeting the love interest, I fell in love with her immediately. They’re relationship was strained at first but they quickly became friends. I would say that it’s more of a enemies-to-friends-to-lovers story.
Another thing I loved about Girl, Serpent, Thorn was that I fell in love with the antagonist. I hate him, of course, because he’s the worst but I’m getting major Loki vibes. And I’m in love with Loki. Melissa Bashardoust does a great job of making the reader feel bad for the antagonist. One chapter I would feel sad for him and then another chapter I wanted to strangle him.
Lastly, I liked that the author incorporated mythology, history, and her culture into the book. I’ve never been exposed to Iranian culture in this way so reading “Shah”, “Shahzadeh”, “div”, and “parik” was new and fun. And the character’s names are so beautiful I had to take a moment when reading them for the first time. Soraya, Parvaneh, Sorush, Azad, and so on.
The incorporation of poison, serpents, and thorns was almost as amazing as the underlining theme of feminism. Strong women, sisterhood, friendship, and lesbian love. I’m so here for it! The bringing down of the male protagonist to his knees, gay panic, the feeling of being dangerous. All of it, I’m here for it!! This is an amazing book and I highly recommend!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Minor: Homophobia