The Path of Thorns

I really do like the growth of twisted, dark, modern fairytales that seem to be doing the rounds at the moment, and this book here is definitely one of the better additions to the trend.

Described by the author as what happens when Jane Eyre meets Frankenstein, this deliciously gothic tale is all about secrets, especially those dark secrets you don't want getting out in the world, the ones you want to keep buried. To that end, we follow the narrator and chief protagonist of the story, Asher Todd, as she slowly uncovers the hidden past of Morwood House and its denizens. Along the way, Asher's own secrets are also gradually revealed, and we get a wonderful slow-burn narrative that just keeps getting deeper and darker.

Told from a first-person point of view, you do get a sense that you're sharing a mind with the main character, and can easily pick up on her feelings as each new secret is uncovered, and each new obstacle in her path crops up. To say this is an excellent example of how to tell a story well would be something of an understatement.

I genuinely enjoyed this book, to the point that at times I simply didn't want to put it down. Slatter's writing is a delight to read, and I will definitely be looking for more to add to my ever-growing to-read pile. If twisty, dark fairy tales are your thing, then I'd say this is certainly one for you to get your hands on.