With an irresistible cast of characters, an incredible high fantasy world, and a unique, dangerous magic system, THORN SEASON is an epic court romantasy – perfect YA for fans of Sarah J. Maas, and Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse.
ONLY THE SHARPEST WILL SURVIVE
\”Court is filled with charming vipers,\” I said, chin lifted.
\”But charming or not, we are vipers all the same.\”
In the Kingdom of Daradon, a persecuted few are Wielders – able to exert a physical power that extends beyond their visible body: a shimmering tendril that can pick a lock, a gentle coil that reaches out to give a loving caress, or an inexorable rope that will kill a man before he knows it is around his neck. Feared and mistrusted for this ability, Wielders have always been Hunted.
Alissa Paine – heiress of a noble lineage, daughter of a Hunter family – is also a Wielder. And as she approaches her eighteenth Season, Alissa knows she has escaped execution so far only through painful self-control, and the fragile efforts of her beloved father.
Summoned to the harsh and glittering royal court for the debutante season, Alissa finds herself trapped in a web of hidden intentions – and caught between two equally dangerous men. One is a brutal ruler with the handsome face of a fairytale prince, who would see her destroyed in an instant if the truth were known – and the other a beguiling foreign ambassador with secret agendas of his own.
It’s Rose Season at the palace, but Alissa knows that survival will depend on being the most vicious of the thorns…
WIELD YOUR POWER. GUARD YOUR SECRET. SURVIVE THE HUNT.
Sharp, funny, sexy and dangerous, and packed full of irresistible twists, Thorn Season is an unforgettable novel that marks the introduction of a major new YA voice and will be the romantasy debut of 2025.
‘Destined to be a romantasy sensation’ – Katherine Webber
‘Sexy, hilarious and completely addictive. I need more!’ – S. F. Williamson
Format: Paperback
Pages: 416
Imprint: Harper Fire
Publication date: 30/09/2025
Thorn Season
By Keira Azar
Review by Angel
This is a knock-out debut novel from Keira Azar that feels reminiscent of popular 2012 titles. Alissa is an heiress in the kingdom of Daradon where Wielders are persecuted for their magical abilities. And Alissa happens to be a Wielder hiding in plain sight during her débutante season at royal court. With an elaborate, unique magic system, imaginative world-building and compelling characters, I couldn't put this down! I adored the court scheming and side characters having their own motivations and desires which impacted the main plotline. You can feel the care and devotion Azar gave to her characters, plot and development of the story and I can't wait for the next installment.
Perfect for fans of Shadow and Bone, Shatter Me and The Selection.
