When reading the book, you can definitely tell there is going to be an enemies to lover, one bed kind of vibe but I absolutely love the relationship between Roze and Viola. I feel like you really get to know their characters throughout the book and definitely feel with Viola for some parts.
The twist that happened was very unexpected and I hand on heart, didn't see coming! I think it was a very original take on the Snow White story, but with other parts mixed in.
I will say that I wish there was more of Saint Waffles and the only reason I'm giving it a 4 is because I don't believe we found out what happened to him in the end!

Where do I begin with Seven Deadly Thorns? I loved it!

Everything about this story appealed to me. An Academy setting, with slow burn enemies to lovers, an evil queen, forbidden magic, a cast of morally grey characters AND a pet gargoyle called Saint Waffles? Count me in!

Roze is an entitled, arrogant Prince – and the Queen’s assassin, as well as a student at Vandenberghe Academy. Viola is a fellow student with a dark secret – she is a wielder of magic, which is strictly forbidden in the Kingdom of Aragoa, where this story is set. When the Queen discovers Viola’s secret, she orders Roze to kill her – but Roze has other plans.

The story here is full of my favourite tropes, and I absolutely loved it. The loathing and subsequent tension between Viola and Roz is exquisite, and so believable. The sense of urgency throughout the book is palpable, and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading. I loved the fact that absolutely none of the characters were 100% good, the moral greyness in this story is perfection!

And can we talk about Saint Waffles? I have never wanted a pet gargoyle more, he sounds adorable, and I want a little winged menace around to protect me too please!

All in all I found this book very easy to read and follow, and it captivated me from page one. I have already pre-ordered a physical copy!

I am a fan.

So I wrote this review and then immediately deleted it all so whoops.

Okay, so I liked Roze and Viola. I got the Snow White references and quite liked the spin on it. The quick timeline made it almost feel like a thriller and had the same pacing as one which made me FLY through this.

The pair give me Jude/Cardan (and a popular fanfic) vibes and I enjoyed it! The setting was intresting but the banning of magic did make me wonder why she was allowed a pet gargoyle. But Waffles is an icon and absolutely my favourite character.

We have:
- strong female friendships
- smart main character
- forbidden (deadly) romance
- he's trying to kill her 👀
- dark academia
- magic, mystery and secret societies
- SAINT WAFFLES! 🎀

I had a great time with this overall. My only issues were minor and centered around my beloved Waffles... Tell me if this is just the ARC but how can a gargoyle be turned to stone... They are stone?

Still, the twists were so intriguing and the story felt familiar but I always wanted to know what comes next.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC

I'm writing this review while it's still fresh in my head, as I've only just finished.

It was a quick read, the pacing was good and I definitely felt like there was chemistry between the two love interests. Roze's gloves did take me out of the story a bit if I'm being honest; I couldn't imagine daydreaming about someone touching my skin with their leather gloves and I kept feeling a bit detached when it was mentioned during Viola's fantasies. Just to be clear, the story does explain the gloves but I couldn't really get over them😅 I guess I'm just a little too focused on small details sometimes.

But it was interesting, well written and I love a fake engagement/close proximity plot. Plus, Waffles!❤️

There were elements of Snow White, with Viola being hunted down to be killed, but instead being spared at the beginning. And I also got really strong Dramione vibes - with Roze describing her as a know it all, she's top of class and he's the rival prince with snowy hair. But then I'm a fan of Dramione fiction so I quite enjoyed this😊

The ending felt maybe a little too abrupt for me, I guess it'd be a HFN, but then I see that this is planned to be a duology, so that might be why the outcome wasn't explored too much by the author.

❤️Dramione vibes
❤️Fake engagement
❤️Close proximity
❤️Cute sidekick
❤️One bed

I'm rating this 3.75⭐ and rounding to 4⭐

Thank you to Netgalley, Bloomsbury Publishing (UK & ANZ), Bloomsbury YA and the author for the review copy, provided in exchange for an honest opinion.

A strong YA fantasy romance that will make new readers a fan of the genre.
I enjoyed the twist on the Snow White fairytale and like how it was adjusted so the male was the reflection of the story.
If you liked The Cruel Prince I think you will love this too!