The Language of Thorns by Leigh Bardugo – Book Review and Story Ranking

It took me a while to get into this lovely companion novel, but when I did, I was very pleased with it. As the stories went on, I found myself only enjoying them more. The illustrations are not only a delightful bonus but also woven so beautifully into the story that I’m not sure the stories would work as well without them. Regardless, we have them together and that’s all that matters.

Started Reading – December 3, 2021

42.7% “why has it taken two and half months to get only this far”

Finished Reading – February 21, 2022

Rating: 4 stars

Early on while reading this, I had my doubts. While everyone raved about the lavish illustrations, I was less than impressed with the layout of the first story. What seemed like it should’ve been formatted on Photoshop had the finesse of work done on Paint. Since the illustrations are a key part of this collection, I dreaded reading the rest of the book. However, after pushing through it, I’ve concluded that while the first set of illustrations didn’t quite suit my fancy, the rest did.

What more is there to say about this book that hasn’t already been said? It’s a lovely companion novel to the Grishaverse series and could even stand as a lovely collection of short stories all on its own. The descriptions are rich and sumptuous, and the allegories are thick yet somehow subtle. They fit gorgeously into Bardugo’s aesthetic of nuanced unsettlement. Her author’s note at the end encourages the haunting life of these tales, and it’s just to die for.

I hope you enjoy these stories and the world they populate. I hope you read them aloud when the weather turns cold. And when your chance comes, I hope you stir the pot.
Leigh Bardugo

Here are some brief descriptions of the stories in order leading up to my favorite:

#6 – Ayama and the Thorn Wood

When neglected sister and daughter, Ayama, is the only one brave enough to fulfill the King’s task of forging a truce with the terrible Beast who’s pillaged their land and slaughtered their livestock for years, the two form a begrudging understanding of one another. This is a touching story about the underdog, relatability, and seeing the humanity in the beast.

#5 – The Too-Clever Fox

The namesake of this story, Koja, is the runt of his pack and oft-forgotten in the face of his brothers. Because of this, he has to rely on his wits over his looks — and so he does when the cruel hunter, Jurek, enters the wood where he lives. This is a cautionary tale warning to always be wary and that most evil things are far prettier than not. It begs to beware of alluring disguises.

#4 – Little Knife

When the King calls upon the public to complete a task to win the hand of his beautiful daughter, Yeva, Semyon, a destitute Tidemaker, enlists the help of his only friend, the river near his camp. Together they embark on the journey to pull Semyon from poverty and to make a good life for him. This story details cowardice and abuse of power (specifically hiding behind it). It also notes the importance of listening and doing as asked in the name of another, not just what you believe is best.

#3 – The Witch of Duva

In this splendid Hansel and Gretel retelling, we follow Nadya, a girl who lives near a wood that consumes young women like herself. In an attempt to escape the grasp of her frightening stepmother, she retreats to the forest and stumbles across a mysterious but captivating cabin. This story shows us that things aren’t always what they seem while detailing an aesthetic that begs you to crawl inside and live the story right along with her.

#2 – When Water Sang Fire

Centering around Ulla, a mermaid, or Sildroher, this story tells how the magic-infused voices of her and her friend, Signey, get them into the King’s court and the eyes of the sixth prince and an odd shadow of a boy, the seer’s apprentice. This story is about love, longing, and craving a place to belong. It tells of compromise and the betrayal one can commit in the name of caring. The lovely illustrations tell the story all on their own when they shift and morph as the tale continues.

#1 – The Soldier Prince

In my personal favorite story, we see a beguiling and ambitious clocksmith, Droessen, craft toys in an attempt to win the favor of a young girl, Clara, who he seeks to make his wife when she comes of age. From the perspective of one of his creations, we see themes of identity and the weak grip most have on it. It asks, who are we when there’s no one there to tell us? What are we if not something to another?

Despite my doubts at the beginning, this book weaseled its way into my heart and I behold it with nothing other than love and adoration. I’d recommend this gloriously crafted work to both fans of the Grishaverse and even those who are completely unfamiliar with the world and stories this stands a companion to.

What are your thoughts on The Language of Thorns by Leigh Bardugo? What is your favorite illustration and/or story from the collection? Did you enjoy this collection or plan on reading it in the future? Why or why not? Share your thoughts below!