The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic

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There's so many great things to say about this collection of short stories. Mostly I want to express how these tales really add an important aspect of world building to the Grishaverse. It had its own history which is as rich as it is dangerous. The audiobook is a really fun listen, even if the lessons in each story are a bit dark. I really like how this reflects with the hard lives that these people have had to live. Some lessons are cruel or harsh only because they are important to portray. The audiobook is also really well narrated, the voice actor really adds her flair to each tale. One thing about the tales were they really were a league of their own. Not following any standard and bringing something truly unique for each reader to take away as a lesson or insight. This nightmare-inducing collection is short but powerful, each tale as brilliant and absorbing as the one before... brilliant storytelling” — Romantic Times I recommend this for anyone who enjoys fairy tale-style stories and/or retellings, regardless of whether you usually enjoy Bardugo’s books or not. I get a completely different vibe from her short stories and they are nothing like the Shadow and Bone trilogy or the Six of Crows duology. I would be happy if she just kept releasing short story collections and forgot about the novels, to be honest. If you like, you may have me as supper. I warn you, though, I am stringy and tough. Only my tongue holds savor. I make a bitter meal, but excellent company.”

After a courtship of many stories, Ayama and the beast married beneath a blood moon, and pride of place was given to Ma Zil, who had sent Ayama again and again into the thorn wood. She had not been much to look at in her youth, and she knew well that only courage is required for an adventure. ...The Soldier Prince, 5/5: An ingenious twist on all the tales of toys come to life through the power of a child's imagination. What happens when the toy develops desires of its own? There are few things as sweet as hearing about a book that sounds like it was factory-made to suit your interests and then reading that book and loving it. Gorgeous, cruel and almost wistful windows onto the dreamscapes and hard lessons of [Bardugo’s] alternate universe … fairy tales with all the darkness intact.” — NPR Book Review I loved you when no other would, and you chose me for your queen. ... She would find herself atop a great white horse, clutching her beloved’s waist, whooping with joy as they sailed through the night, past the clouds, and into the lands beyond. ... She would try to smile at the drab world around her, though her cheeks were still warm with sunshine, though her tongue was still sweet with the taste of honey wine.(c) The Witch of Duva, 5/5: A decidedly adult fairy tale, the story revolves around evil hiding in plain sight and the subversion of expectations. I can't say much more without giving everything away ... so dig in & enjoy the shivers down your spine.

The Witch of Duva” felt the closest to the fairy tales I remember from my childhood, but Bardugo, as she does so well in this collection, writes an excellent twist. This is one of my favorites.

The Witch of Duva: 5 stars. YESSSS. This was my favourite one in the whole book. Oh my god, the plot twist got me okay. I was super freaked out and grossed out and jfghkjf. But I loved the female characters in this one and how they were written, the bond between the various characters, and the growth of the characters was amazing considering how short this was. I'd read this one again for sure I LOVED IT. It is always the same trap,” she said gently. “You longed for conversation. The bear craved jokes. The gray wolf missed music. The boar just wanted someone to tell her troubles to. The trap is loneliness, and none of us escapes it. Not even me.” (c) But hope rises like water trapped by a dam, higher and higher, in increments that mean nothing until you face the flood. (c) So my original library copy went uncollected. I genuinely can’t remember why. But it’s available again now and I will not be missing out this time!! I'dd admit, I'm not a massive short story lover. I don't know why, it's nothing to do with leigh Bardugo. It's me. So anytime I read a short story collection, even from my faves, I'm expected to be left a little disappointed just because short stories and me don't .... we don't get along great.

A Tale Worthy of Kaz and Inej to The Too-Clever Fox. Fyi, Bardugo said this would be Kaz's favorite fairy tale. The Too-Clever Fox” is a fun story with a pretty gnarly climax. I didn’t guess the plot twist until it was too late, and there were a couple of moments where my skin crawled. This is a lovely tale about beauty and owing it to no one but yourself. This is also a tale about never underestimating what greedy men will do for things they feel they are entitled to. This story actually reminded me very much of my favorite saint, Rose of Lima, and her life and the consequences of being so beautiful. And an unexpected love story will always be the best love story. Lushly designed and wonderfully rendered...Bardugo doesn’t twist familiar tales so much as rip them open." — Booklist, starred review

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See the Grishaverse come to life on screen with the Netflix series, Shadow and Bone -- Season 2 streaming now! This is the problem with making a thing forbidden. It does nothing but build an ache in the heart.” AHH. I listened to this one through the audiobook and it was amazing! Holy Crud! A+++ Artwork yet again was amazing. Those who seem innocent are shown to be guilty, one-dimensional characters become more complicated, and mothers who once were absent are given presence and power.” We all know the story of how the queen became a queen, how despite her tattered clothes and lowly position, her beauty drew the notice of the young prince and she was brought to the palace, where she was dressed in gold and her hair was woven with jewels and all were made to kneel before a girl who had been nothing but a servant bare days before. (c)

THAT COVER!!! I cannot WAIT to read this book! My mind is still obsessing over how INCREDIBLE the Six of Crows duology was. Papa forgive me, but what way is this to find a husband? Soon I will have a fine mirror, but will I have good man?”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. You don't need to have read any of the Grishaverse novels to enjoy the six fables in this collection, all of which borrow elements from familiar stories and serve them up with a twist. The stories are dark and chilling, exploring themes of female empowerment, loyalty and being careful what you wish for.