5 Reasons to Read Girl Serpent Thorn

Girl, Serpent, Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust was probably the biggest surprise of 2020. I love this book. It completely and totally blew me out of the water, so here are 5 reasons to read Girl, Serpent, Thorn.

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Title: Girl, Serpent, Thorn

Author: Melissa Bashardoust

Goodreads Description: There was and there was not, as all stories begin, a princess cursed to be poisonous to the touch. But for Soraya, who has lived her life hidden away, apart from her family, safe only in her gardens, it’s not just a story.

As the day of her twin brother’s wedding approaches, Soraya must decide if she’s willing to step outside of the shadows for the first time. Below in the dungeon is a demon who holds knowledge that she craves, the answer to her freedom. And above is a young man who isn’t afraid of her, whose eyes linger not with fear, but with an understanding of who she is beneath the poison.

Soraya thought she knew her place in the world, but when her choices lead to consequences she never imagined, she begins to question who she is and who she is becoming…human or demon. Princess or monster.

1. The MC is bisexual

The biphobia we’ve had to deal with these past few weeks is unreal and uncalled for. Recently Sophie Gonzales (author of Perfect on Paper) faced a lot of (invalid) criticisms because Perfect on Paper has a female bi MC who ends up with a male love interest. The whole thing is disgusting. If you are bi and you are not in a same-sex relationship YOU ARE STILL BI.

In light of the recent online attacks, I thought I would highlight that Soraya is also bisexual. We need to celebrate all of our bi friends. So why not read a book with a bi MC? Girl, Serpent, Thorn will not disappoint.

Read my Perfect on Paper Review here!

2. It’s based on Persian mythology and fairytales

It’s always refreshing to read a fantasy book not inspired by western worlds. The world in Girl, Serpent, Thorn is lush and so well written. The mythology and fairytale aspects are really fleshed out. The worldbuilding in this book is just phenomenal. Bashardoust really has a talent for building a believable world in a short book. I felt like I was right beside the characters and that I could hear and see what they could. Girl, Serpent, Thorn really pulls you in and does not let go. You’ll want to fall into this one.

3. It’s a standalone

I’m a big fan of standalone fantasy books. It takes some serious skill to write a standalone fantasy and build a believable world. I believe Bashardoust knocked it out of the park. Girl, Serpent, Thorn is a complete story that does not leave you wanting for anything (except maybe a sequel because it was SO good).

5 Reasons to Read Girl, Serpent, Thorn

4. The hero and the villain mirror each other

I don’t want to spoil too much, but the hero and the villain are exactly the same and I’m all for that. They essentially have the same goals and a similar upbringing. The contrast between them makes for some wonderful storytelling. I stan villains with believable and often heartbreaking motivations.

5. The complex family dynamics

Having a daughter and sister who poisons everyone she touches might cramp your style a bit. The best way to deal with her? Lock her up. Okay, maybe that’s not the best way to deal with her. While Soraya’s family isn’t exactly the best, there are some interesting dynamics at play. I especially love her relationship with her brother. We don’t have enough sibling stories in fantasy.

Read my full review for Girl, Serpent, Thorn here!

Chat with me about Girl, Serpent, Thorn!

Have you read Girl, Serpent, Thorn? What did you think?

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