In Ken Sanchez's Eternal Thorns, the first book of The Feybound Chronicles, exiled nobleman Silas Ashworth discovers more than a crumbling manor in the forbidden Eldergrove. Thornhaven is alive with magic, guarded by Thorne, a powerful, vengeful spirit whose beauty masks a deep hatred for Silas's family. As Silas uncovers a centuries-old betrayal, he finds himself falling for Thorne, a connection that simultaneously heals ancient wounds and fuels a terrifying shadow entity. Their love becomes a double-edged sword, offering redemption but risking utter destruction. Faced with a devastating choice – sacrifice his love for safety, or fight for a connection that could consume them both – Silas must battle for a future where love's price isn't everything.
Review Eternal Thorns
Oh my goodness, where do I even begin with Eternal Thorns? This book completely captivated me from the very first page. The premise itself – a young man exiled to a mysterious manor, uncovering a family secret that intertwines with a powerful, vengeful fae – is pure magic, and Ken Sanchez executes it flawlessly. The world-building is exquisite; Thornhaven Manor, with its ancient magic seeping from the walls, and the Eldergrove, a forest alive with both beauty and danger, felt so real I could almost smell the earthy scent of the woods and feel the chill of the manor's ancient stones.
Silas and Thorne's relationship is the heart of the story, and it's just… breathtaking. Their enemies-to-lovers arc is handled with such sensitivity and nuance. Thorne's centuries-old bitterness, born from a betrayal by Silas' ancestors, is completely understandable, making his gradual thawing towards Silas all the more impactful. Silas, in turn, isn't just a passive recipient of Thorne's affection; he actively works to understand and atone for his family's sins, making their connection feel earned and deeply moving. The tension between their burgeoning love and the looming threat of a shadow entity, feeding off their bond, kept me on the edge of my seat. I found myself completely invested in their journey, experiencing every moment of their growing intimacy, their doubts, and their ultimate decision to fight for their love.
While the central romance is undeniably the focus, the supporting characters add a wonderful layer of depth and humor. Rowan and Kai, Silas and Thorne's friends, provided much-needed levity with their witty banter, breaking up the intensity of the central conflict and adding a warmth that balanced the darker elements of the plot. Their presence really enriched the overall narrative and gave the story a more vibrant feel.
I did find that the pacing felt a little uneven at times. Certain aspects of the world-building and the backstory felt a tad over-explained, and the rapid development of Silas and Thorne's relationship, while emotionally satisfying, could have benefited from a slightly slower burn. Thorne's centuries of ingrained distrust felt a little quickly overcome, though this could be chalked up to the prophesy and impending doom. However, these minor quibbles are easily overshadowed by the overall brilliance of the story. The emotional depth, the stunning imagery, and the compelling characters made Eternal Thorns an unforgettable reading experience.
Ultimately, Eternal Thorns is a captivating blend of fantasy, romance, and emotional depth. It's a testament to the power of love to transcend even the deepest hatred and heal centuries-old wounds. It left me wanting more, and I'm already eagerly anticipating the next book in the Feybound Chronicles! Highly recommend!
Information
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.71 x 8.5 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 282
- Publication date: 2025
Book table of contents
- Prologue
- Journey to Thornhaven
- The Forest Watches
- Night Visit
- Ancient Echoes
- The Witch
- Watchers
- Echoes of Trust
- Dreams of Another Time
- Whispers and Warnings
- Memory's Price
- Morning Revelation
- The Watcher's Dilemma
- First Steps
- Watching and Wanting
Preview Book
