[MPOV] The Language of Thorns

My rating: 4/5

Goodreads rating: 4.29/5
Published: September 26, 2017
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Genre: Fantasy fiction, magical realism

Travel to a world of dark bargains struck by moonlight, of haunted towns and hungry woods, of talking beasts and gingerbread golems, where a young mermaid's voice can summon deadly storms and where a river might do a lovestruck boy's bidding but only for a terrible price.

Inspired by myth, fairy tale, and folklore, #1 New York Times—bestselling author Leigh Bardugo has crafted a deliciously atmospheric collection of short stories filled with betrayals, revenge, sacrifice, and love.

Perfect for new readers and dedicated fans, these tales will transport you to lands both familiar and strange—to a fully realized world of dangerous magic that millions have visited through the novels of the Grishaverse.

This collection of six stories includes three brand-new tales, all of them lavishly illustrated with art that changes with each turn of the page, culminating in six stunning full-spread illustrations as rich in detail as the stories themselves.

Zemeni: Ayama and the Thorn Wood --

Ravkan: The too-clever fox --

The witch of Duva --

Little knife --

Kerch: The soldier prince --

Fjerdan: When water sang fire

Love speaks in flowers. Truth requires thorns. 

This book is so damn good! There are 6 short stories about Grishaverse as mentioned in the summary above. Of all 6, I liked The Witch of Duva best! It somehow resonates with me the most :-) 

Firstly, the lovely art cover caught my eye and then there's Grishaverse mentioned. With Leigh Bardugo, I assumed nothing can go wrong but I did get worried as most of the times, authors tend to drag and drag their popular series extensively until it is high and dry. Thank goodness, this wasn't it. The short stories turned out to be interesting, unique and engaging. I was so into the stories, imagining the fantasy and enjoying it every single bit. 

I totally liked the way it was written, so simple and melodious, entertaining from the start to the end. I do find that the prose here is a little better than Six of Crows duology, the only other books I've read by Leigh Bardugo. Maybe the short story concept differs from the lengthy novels or maybe my mindset has shifted LOL! It sure was a fast read for me! Either way, if you like fairy tale, fantasy and magic, do give this book a chance.