The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic

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.

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.

Welcome back to the Grishaverse, but it will not quite be what you remember. While The Language of Thorns mentions familiar places and powers, this is a whole new look at the world. You'll learn about the fables that your favorite characters grew up with and the cautionary tales told before bedtime. Leigh Bardugo has spun her take on fairy tales and fit them into the Grishaverse.

This novel was marketed as a prequel of sorts, but it doesn't ever really connect with the books she has already written. The only thing that makes this part of the same world are the interwoven cities, races and abilities. The final tale did hint at a possible Darkling tie in, but to me, the pieces didn't quite line up enough.

This was an entertaining read, but it lacked the thrill of the other books in this world. Retelling fairytales doesn't allow for sudden cliffhangers or deft defying feats. It was a good book, but not something necessary to read if you enjoy her other series. If you want a light read to tie you over until her next book release, then, by all means, pick this one up, but don't expect the same level of excitement.

This review is just to help me remember key points about the book. If you find it helpful or relatable that's cool too.︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵ Make sure the latch is fastened. Dark things have a way of slipping in through narrow spaces.”2.5 Stars ⭐️I haven't read an anthology that I've enjoyed yet but since this is[a: Leigh Bardugo 4575289 Leigh Bardugo https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1534446099p2/4575289.jpg]I was hopeful. I still don't like anthologies but with the mindset that these were myths/folklore I was able to enjoy it more. Here's my simple star rating of each story ranked in order of most favourite to least favourite.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Ayama and the Thorn Wood⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️The Witch of Duva⭐️⭐️⭐️Little Knife⭐️⭐️The Too-Clever Fox The Soldier PrinceWhen Water Sand Fire