Between Two Thorns

Pros: interesting characters, fully realized worlds

Cons: Catherine's relationship with Josh didn't feel real, book ends abruptly

Catherine Rhoeas-Papaver grew up in a powerful family of Aquae Sulis, the Nether version of England's Bath. But she ran away to Mundanus, hoping to build a life for herself away from the machinations and abuses of her family. Now they're bringing her back and forcing her to get married.

Meanwhile, the Master of Ceremonies has disappeared and a Bath Arbiter, charged with keeping the people of Mundanus safe from the fae and their Nether puppets, has uncovered corruption in the London Chapter.

There's a lot going on in this book that isn't said, due to Aquae Sulis rules of propriety and the mundanes that feature in parts of the story. In many ways it makes things fun as you get to figure out aspects of society, the sorcerers, etc. organically. Only a few things were a bit confusing and took time to figure out, like discovering that Patroon wasn't a typo for Patron, but a separate office.

The different worlds were realized well. I liked the amount of detail put into the Nether - the unchanging light, lack of wind, etc. and the glimpses of Exilium were perfect.

The characters were fun, though since we were only told about Catherine's relationship with Josh, rather than allowed to see them together as a couple, I kept forgetting she was in love with him. This becomes a problem because I found myself liking her intended groom in the Nether, who tries so hard to impress her. Seeing her previous relationship in action, and getting to know Josh more, would have grounded that relationship and made her plight - forced to leave him and marry someone else - starker.

The main mystery of the story wraps up, but the book itself ends very abruptly. I found myself turning the page, expecting more, only to find I was done. You'll want the next volume ready to go if you start these, because this book ends with several people in tight spots.

I received this book from netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review

I really enjoyed this book.

There are 4 main characters:
Cathy– who wishes to live a normal life in the Mundane
Will– Cathy's arranged fiance who loves the life in the Nether
Max– An Arbiter who polices Fae & Fae-touched who live in the Nether, making sure they don't hurt humans in the mundane
Sam– Poor normal guy caught up in all of this just from being in the wrong place at the wrong time

We have some great characters here although, I preferred things when Cathy was involved. I enjoyed her character and spirit.

I did find the beginning a tad slow. It took me a while to understand the world and what was going on. A few things were confusing, but later cleared up. I am still a bit confused on how the Nether works... if structures need to be in the human world to exist in the Nether... do all houses exist in the Nether? What about stores? And how do they still have such older houses?(This last one may be me showing how little I know of England.)

The story was very interesting and with multiple perspectives there is a lot to take in. Sometimes it felt I was a part of juicy gossip and hearing about these exploits of others... it was so exciting.

I hate the ending haha I'm so frustrated!!! It can't end there! I need more! i'll be looking up the second book soon.

I really enjoyed the book and would definitely recommend it to others. Like I said, starts slow, my % read slowly crawled then suddenly I was over halfway done caught up in the adventure and before I knew it I was at 98% dreaded the last 2 and the coming end.
I so desperately need to read more...