The Girl of Fire and Thorns (review)

Princess Elisa of Orovalle is meant for great things—she must be, since she was born with a Godstone, "warm and alive but blue and faceted, hard as a diamond," in her belly button. It chills to warn her of danger, and it warms when she prays, but it is not until her hasty, politically motivated marriage to hunky King Alessandro of neighboring Joya d'Arena that she begins to learn the true scope of her destiny. Suddenly, she's swept up in an intertwined web of court intrigues, ethical rebellions, religious sectarian differences, and a border war that has, unbeknownst to most, already begun. Elisa is a steely, quick-witted heroine, putting her theoretical knowledge of battle strategy and politics to practical use almost immediately, and responding with courage and integrity to an endless string of physical, moral, and spiritual challenges. In this way, the book recalls the heroine-centered adventures of Tamora Pierce and Kristin Cashore, and it is genuinely gratifying to watch Elisa harness her own talents and earn her place in the world. Unfortunately, her intense hatred of her own body—she is a "sausage" in the opening chapters, then rejoices when a kidnapping and desert march result in weight loss—and complete lack of self-worth due to that factor alone is myopic and seems to be tacked on to her character for the sole purpose of giving her vulnerability. In addition, the elision of magic and religion can be confusing, setting up contradictions in the world-building that have yet to be resolved. Nevertheless, the large cast of characters is well drawn, the romantic entanglements are unexpected, and the grand sweep of the plot will propel readers forward through this ambitious fantasy-adventure epic.