The Girl of Fire and Thorns Stories
by Rae Carson
Series: Fire and Thorns #0.5
Published: August 26th 2014
(253 pages)
A paperback edition of three novellas set within the world of the New York Times bestselling Girl of Fire and Thorns series, previously available only digitally: The Shadow Cats, The Shattered Mountain, and The King’s Guard.
The Shadow Cats is told from the perspective of Elisa’s older sister. Discover how their sibling rivalry looks from Alodia’s viewpoint, and find out why Alodia agrees to marry her sister off to King Alejandro of Joya de Vega.
The Shattered Mountain revolves around Elisa’s best friend and handmaiden, Mara. Before she meets Elisa at the rebel camp in The Girl of Fire and Thorns, she suffers her own tragedy. Her village is destroyed and she must lead the few young survivors to safety.
The King’s Guard centers on Hector, Commander of the Royal Guard and Elisa’s true love. Set years before The Girl of Fire and Thorns, it shows us fifteen-year-old Hector as a new recruit. He must prove himself—and he discovers a secret he must keep forever.
The Girl of Fire and Thorns Stories is a compilation of three prequel novellas for The Girl of Fire and Thorns Series. The three novellas are called Shadow Cats, The Shatter Mountain, and The King’s Guard. I have mini reviews for each novella.
Shadow Cats
Told from the perspective of the main character’s sister. We get to see their relationship and why her sister set up an arranged marriage. Great conflict for a short story. I like Alodia (Elisa’s sister). She really knows how to motivate people and lead them to the point that she almost seems manipulative. I say almost because it’s clear that she does everything to protect the people in her kingdom. Adds enough background that it’s worth reading.
The Shattered Mountain
Mara’s tragic story. To be honest, though, I don’t remember her character from the series so this story didn’t hold my interest as much as the others even though it was well written. It’s still a great story but it’s nothing compare to the amazingness of The King’s Guard.
The King’s Guard
Best short story ever. Seriously. If all short stories had this much character development, conflict, and plot in just 90 pages I would read way more of them. We get to see the background of the romantic hero, Hector. Great conflict for a short story–it was the addicting, page-turning kind. We get to see Hector sacrifice his three prized possessions to save his kingdom even though he thinks he will lose his job, his future, and everything else by doing it. At the end, Hector is completely changed and is left with no possessions to serve as a guard except “Love for my kingdom, love for my king, and love for my queen.” CHILLS. It makes you love Hector even more. Must read story if you liked The Girl of Fire and Thorns series. (P.S. his three items are irreplaceable and valuable though that is not obvious to everyone else. They are a quilt made by the queen, money hidden as art on a board from his brother, and a priceless book from his mother).
Book Review of The King’s Guard on a Post-it
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About Rae Carson
I write books about teens who must do brave things. I'm originally from California, but I moved to Ohio to marry my husband, who is the smartest and therefore sexiest man I know. We live in Columbus with my teenaged stepsons, who are awesome. My books tend to contain lots of adventure, a little magic and romance, and smart girls who make (mostly) smart choices. I especially love to write about questions I don't know the answers to.
My name is Jessica. I love to read Young Adult and classic literature. I’ve been a book blogger for six years and I haven’t gotten tired of it yet. I’m a very curious reader. Writing about all the questions and thoughts I had while reading a book is the best hobby ever.
I need to read the original series. Your praise of the last story has me curious. A short story that developers characters and plot in 90 pages? Yes please.