A Riddle of Thorns: A Journey into Shadows and Secrets
When I first laid eyes on A Riddle of Thorns by Sarena and Sasha Nanua, its intriguing title and promise of a Paris steeped in mystery sent a thrill through me. I’m a sucker for gothic stories that entwine the most shadowy corners of human emotions with a hint of fantastical intrigue. And let me tell you, stepping into the decaying Razorthorn Manor felt like being drawn into a fever dream—one filled with riddles, rivalry, and ruinous secrets. I was all in, from page one!
From the moment we meet Sana Gupta, our fiercely resilient protagonist, I was utterly captivated. Returning to her family home after so many years, Sana longs for closure but is met with a game that feels eerily crafted from her mother’s darkest imagination. The deftly described ambiance of the manor is unmistakable; I could practically smell the dust and feel the chill of the creeping vines as I navigated the eerie halls alongside her. Sana’s inner struggle struck a personal chord with me. She’s sharp and angry, wrestling with the dual desires of wanting to win and wanting to scorch everything to ashes. Her complexity made her so relatable—who hasn’t grappled with their own family legacies?
The competitors she faces are a perfect blend of distrust and intrigue. Fox, with his charming Sherlock obsession and that infuriating smirk, Isabelle, who embodies an unsettling combination of softness and wariness, and Minho, whose charisma has an undercurrent of danger. It’s like Knives Out met The Inheritance Games, but wrapped in all the lush, haunting trappings of Parisian gothic vibes. Each character is meticulously drawn, providing layers of intrigue that kept me guessing their motives throughout.
What caught me by surprise, though, were the book’s deeper themes—grief, legacy, and the heart-wrenching ways we chase the ghosts of those we’ve lost. It’s astoundingly emotional beneath the riddles and eerie atmosphere. Each clue pulls back a layer, revealing a dance of betrayal laced with love, and I found myself utterly awed and gutted by the tragic beauty of it all. As the stakes escalated, I felt my heart race—not just for the mysteries, but for the raw human emotions that were laid bare on the pages.
The writing style of the Nanua sisters is nothing short of poetic. Their pacing is exhilarating, weaving suspense and emotion seamlessly, ensuring that every twist unfurls naturally yet unpredictably. I particularly loved the lyrical quality of their prose—it felt like each word was chosen purposely, which only deepened the story’s haunting effect.
As I turned the final pages, I found myself reflecting on how artfully woven the exploration of legacy and memory is, layered so intricately that it forced me to confront my own ghosts. While the ride was deliciously mysterious and brilliantly unsettling, it was the emotional depth that truly resonated with me.
I wholeheartedly recommend A Riddle of Thorns to anyone who loves gothic tales, riddles wrapped in rich, atmospheric settings, or stories about the complexities of family ties. If you enjoy a gripping narrative that explores grief and legacy while keeping you guessing until the very last page, this book will be a delight. It’s an experience that lingers long after you’ve closed the cover, and I, for one, am grateful I stepped into the shadows of Razorthorn Manor. Thank you, Holiday House, Sarena, and Sasha Nanua, for allowing me to experience this haunting beauty!