Book Review: Juniper & Thorn by Ava Reid

This one was a doozy 🫠

Cover of Juniper & Thorn by Ava Reid

Juniper & Thorn by Ava Reid is a gothic horror retelling of one of the Grimms’ Fairy Tales called The Juniper Tree. I was unfamiliar with this story before picking this book up so I decided to read through a brief summary, although it’s entirely unnecessary in order to read it. It takes place within the same world as her debut novel, The Wolf and the Woodsman, which I also have not read, but definitely plan to after finishing this one.

Juniper & Thorn is classified as a gothic horror novel, and while there isn’t anything outright “scary” within its pages, let me tell you it is certainly not a misclassification. This book chilled me to my very core. It travels unflinchingly into some very dark territory and there are parts that were deeply unsettling to read. Some of the more darker topics it explores include mentions of bulimia, self harm, murder, cannibalism, domestic abuse, and child sexual abuse. The author explores these topics in a very nuanced and realistic way, giving them the proper attention that they deserve, while also making you feel extremely uncomfortable while reading them. Again, considering that this is supposed to be a horror novel, it certainly does its job well.

I would 100% check the trigger warnings before starting this book—I’m someone who is able to stomach mostly anything while reading but even I felt a little disturbed while reading some passages. I can see this book not being very palatable for a more sensitive reader.

All that being said, I thought this book was absolutely phenomenal. It’s hands down one of the best books I’ve read all year, and certainly one of the most unique ones. Ava Reid’s prose is gorgeous, and she managed to create a story that is deeply atmospheric and haunting and beautiful. And while parts of this story definitely gave me real anxiety while reading them, she doesn’t drag you through the dark without giving you a hopeful ending.

All in all I really loved this book, and would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking to read a beautifully dark story. (Also, I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t love at first sight with that cover. 😍)

Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️