Prince of Thorns

I truly relished how the protagonist, Prince Jorg Ancrath, was presented, constructed and how you can root for him throughout his journey despite that he's a horrific individual. This all critics can agree on, but I focused more on the fact that he is a monster; he's a character of the most sinister nature that you will be appalled by his behavior as well as be constantly on edge to what he will do next.

The story and its conclusion remind me of «A Clockwork Orange» in the way that the reader follows a despicable teenager as he commits heinous acts to then at some point reflect on his actions. Yet, don't expect regret or absolution from his part this time around; I liked the way the author incorporates fantasy elements; it's not like he establishes a clear magic system but I like the “casualness” of it all, as it doesn't attempt to overwhelm the reader with aspects that are difficult to understand nor does it give power beyond reach to those who exert it (and the bases are well established, so things don't just “happen” without reason).

It's definitely a great read, to the point it could be called “simple” or straightforward once you start reading, but the author plays with your expectations just like the antagonists play with Jorg's. Without giving anything away, there are instances towards the second part of the novel that recontextualizes everything you understood about the character as well as his desire for revenge, which enriches the narrative in retrospect. Then, when the story began to reach its climax and the protagonist began his retaliation, I simply couldn't stop reading.

The story is dark and rather graphic (murder, rape, torture, acts of genocide, etc.), so read at your discretion. But, if you want to experience an engaging story with a protagonist to be amazed at, as well as be shocked at his atrocious actions, then I can assure you're going to have a good(?) time.

If you've read/watched «Berserk» (Rest in Power, Miura Sensei), then this should be a Tuesday Tea Party.