The Girl of Fire and Thorns

For a lot of personal reasons, I loved this book! I haven't read a lot of YA recently because so many had the same old boring tropes and I couldn't stand them anymore, but The Girl of Fire and Thorns did so much right, that I am so glad I decided to pick it up.
Firstly I really enjoyed the main character Elisa. She is real and sweet and she grows as the story progresses in ways that are inspiring and have nothing to do with a love interest - so refreshing. Not that it's without romance! There is definitely swoon worthy romance, and no love triangle thank goodness.
Elisa's personal journey was actually my favourite part of the book. She struggles with so much that I've personally struggled with, that it really struck a cord. From her weight issues - something I have NEVER seen explored in traditional fantasy, and was pleasantly surprised by - to her growth into a confident young woman. It is truly a treat to see her grow from beginning to end, and quite inspirational.
Her faith was also represented in such a unique and wonderful way. So rare to find a book that shows faith in a God in such a non-negative way, but also not preachy. It is apart of the main characters life, influences her, but she also doubts, questions and prays for understanding, which is a very real representation of faith.
Besides that I also enjoyed the Spanish-type influence on the fantasy world. It was refreshing in place of the usual medieval Western European flavour of a lot of fantasy.
The characters were great, the world and magic system was unique and well formed, a bit of romance, a lot of self-discovery and overall just a really good story.