My letter “V” pick for the 2023 A to Z Challenge was VIOLET MADE OF THORNS by Gina Chen. This was a dark fantasy with lush world building and lovely fairytale elements. Violet, our morally gray protagonist is clever and fierce but not terribly likeable. Cyrus, the morally gray prince was too self-righteous and petulant for my taste. Violet and Cyrus as a couple just fell flat for me. I love a good enemies to lovers story, but it has to progress in a satisfying way. This romance went from “I hate your guts” to “Oh, look at that – we’re together” with no real progression. It just sort of happened.

Still, it’s a solid story and I didn’t hate them – just wish I’d had a little more depth there. Their banter added a lot to the story, and the side characters really added a lot of flavor. I’m giving this one three stars for a good – but not great – book.