The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic

I would give this book all the stars I can without even reading it just for existing. Because this book is just GORGEOUS!!!!! Every story starts off with a small image in the corner which wraps around the pages as a frame as the story goes on, ending in a beautiful illustration that sums up the tale. Hats off to the idea and the colors and the art and Sara Kipin for bringing it all to life so beautifully.

I am usually not a fan of short stories but I have grown up reading the Indian fairytales and when your favorite author writes fairytale retellings, you don't ignore it. I was just happy staring at this book and wouldn't have minded even if the stories weren't great, but the writing surprised me. Because these are not your usual happy, morally superior, happily ever after type tales. They are dark and twisty and a little creepy but also more mature and realistic. They tell you that not everyone who looks like a monster, is one; adventures don't just happen to pretty girls; sometimes, the stepmother is not the only evil one in the story; you need to be wise, not just clever; and the most important one – Princes don't always save you.

I enjoyed all of them (except may be Soldier Prince which confused me a little) but my favorites were Amaya and the Thorn Wood and When Water sang Fire. The writing is just amazing as usual, the words are so lyrical and beautiful and I kept going back to reread some gems. I also enjoyed the setting of the stories in our favorite fictional universe. It's magical as usual.

And the most important part – Look for a little cameo from one of our most favorite Grishaverse character ever!!!! Ohhhh I loved it ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Beautiful stories matched only by beautiful illustrations. There were many versions of stories and fairytales I did not recognize a couple that I did with satisfying and unique twists and one a prequel of sorts to a familiar story that I loved loved loved. You do not need to read the other books in the Grishaverse to enjoy this book it stands wonderfully on its own.

Many of these stories I had read on Tor previously and rated them on Goodreads, but the new stories for this collection were wonderful. “The Soldier Prince” is my favourite of the lot, blending horror and fantasy, and the reimagining of “The Little Mermaid” in the world of Grisha (“When Water Sang Fire”) was great and unexpected. Leigh's writing is poetic and these feel like true folklore tales.