I have loved reading the Heart of Thorns trilogy from the very first book. This is a series that is perfect for those craving a book about sisters, betrayal, and mistakes. Family is no easy matter in this trilogy. Soul of Cinder is the concluding book to a rich book about assault and healing. Keep reading this book review to see if the finale lived up to my expectations.
Summary
The Twisted Sisters are coming home.
Prince Quin has returned to the river kingdom, ready to spearhead a rebellion and reclaim the throne. He vows to destroy Mia, Pilar, and Angelyne if they oppose him—even if he must use his newfound magic to set the world aflame.
Across the four kingdoms, the elements have been tipped askew. Volcanoes erupt, glaciers collapse, and cities sink into the western sands. After losing Angie, Mia and Pilar journey to the glass kingdom to seek help, though soon their fragile bonds of sisterhood begin to fray. Mia’s sensations are creeping back, and with them, a deep and searing grief. Pilar, terrified of being broken, once again seeks comfort in her fists. But when they hear rumors of a misty island that promises to erase all pain, they suddenly find themselves with an answer—if they are willing to pay the cost.
As tensions mount, the sisters are drawn back to the river kingdom for a final reckoning with the boy they each loved. The shattering conclusion to Bree Barton’s Heart of Thorns trilogy challenges why we grieve, whom we love—and how to mend a broken heart.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
TW: suicidal ideation, mentions of rape and victim blaming
Soul of Cinder is a series finale that discusses the nature of healing and forgiveness. How fitting that a series about trauma and survival would end by discussing how we process, heal, and forgive (others and ourselves). The scars of hurt, betrayal, and trauma live in our hearts, but how do we let others in and define ourselves. Are we victims? Survivors? I adored how my favorite characters grappled with figuring out whether our betrayals mean that we never love again. That we never can grasp what love, change, and healing might feel like.
Because, at the core of Soul of Cinder, is this exploration. When we’ve been hurt before, it’s terrifying to attempt new relationships which we know, too well, could hurt us again. Love can be used to bind us, to hurt us, and to trick us. But at the same time, living life isolated and afraid is no life at all. Soul of Cinder is a book dedicated to healing, to realizing that we have something to live for and ways to live.
Overall,
How much of our behavior is a way to protect us? How much of it is fear and self-sabotage? What I loved about Soul of Cinder is how it delved into the themes Barton had been laying the foundation for throughout the series. It’s a book about protecting and opening our heart. The family we have that abuses us, leaves us behind versus the ones we choose to support, to make amends, and to fight for at the end of the day. Soul of Cinder explores what it means to love.
we can become haunted by the past, wrapped up in these memories. But is it possible to heal and fix our past mistakes? To search for revenge or forgiveness? To change the cycles of hurt, betrayal, and pain. We can choose to love, to make amends, to survive, and to heal.
Buy Links
Giveaway
The US Giveaway:
3 lucky winners will receive a signed hardcover copy of Soul of Cinder by Bree Barton and additional goodies such as a candle, a bookmark, etc. Must have a valid US mailing address to enter the giveaway. Enter here!
International Giveaway:
We are also giving away a customized writing or poem from Bree Bartonon any topic of your choice! The prize will be delivered digitally to anyone outside of the US. Enter here!
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