The Thorn and the Blossom

This is one of those times I wish Goodreads did half stars. I would really give this 2.5 stars. It was a quick read, with good promise, but ultimately missed the mark.

The Thorn and the Blossom advertises itself as a two sided love story.

• The accordion fold of the book was interesting, but made it difficult to hold and read the book. (strike 1).


• The love story was rushed. (strike 2). I get that it was a short story, but it was just too quick. As the reader, i was given no time to fall for the characters.


• The visions were never clearly explained. There was a huge opportunity here and the author missed the mark. (semi-strike 3).


There were some good points to the story. It was quick. The myth of the Green Man, and Gawan and the Green Knight are a recurring theme. Those are what kept the novel going.

Overall, I would have preferred the author spent more time polishing up this story and expanding it to a full novel. The Thorn and the Blossom felt more like a detailed outline than a proper short story.