The Path of Thorns is a gothic, historical fantasy. Set in the imaginary world of Sourdough, loosely based on Victorian England (I think!), where witches, ghosts and werewolves are real, Asher Todd goes to live with the eccentric Morwood family as governess to their three young children. Asher knows little about being a governess, but she is skilled in botany and herb-craft - and perhaps a little bit more. Morwood Grange might be a creepy old house, chock-full of dark family secrets, but Asher has a few of her own - not least the real reason why she is there! And exactly what did happen to the governess before her...?
If you love dark twists on fairy tales or gothic horror, this is the book for you. Deliciously creepy and packed full of twists, The Path of Thorns is a clever mash-up of genres. It's hard to review without giving away spoilers. Pay attention as each layer is revealed because no character is quite what they seem! The characters often tell each other fairy stories (there is a fabulous twist on Little Red Riding Hood), which adds an extra dimension.
Beautifully written and completely engrossing, The Path of Thorns is one of my favourite reads this year. Would suit fans of Naomi Novik, the Brontës, Daphne du Maurier, Angela Carter and Mary Shelley. Well, I did say it was a mash-up of genres!
Thank you to A.G. Slatter and Titan Books for my copy of this book, which I requested via NetGalley and reviewed voluntarily.
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