I was first introduced to the Western Lands and All That Really Matters in Andrew Einspruch’s The Purple Haze. Since then, I’ve read three books in the series and am eagerly waiting for book four to drop. This fantasy series is deliciously humorous, intriguing, and unique. As I wait, I learned of a prequel to the series titled The Thorning Ceremony and decided it might be a great way to pass the time as I await Einspruch’s next book.
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The thing is, I’m not often a fan of prequels. I think it’s the result of the Star Wars prequels I found so disappointing. But I figured I’d give it a try to whet my imagination with the goings-on of the Western Lands and All That Really Matters. In this case, I was not disappointed. I found the book entertaining, funny, and engaging. The backstory is relevant to the overall story and answers questions as to why the twin princesses, Eloise Hydra Gumball III and her sister Johanna Umgotteswillen Gumball, are at odds as the series begins in book 1, The Purple Haze.
Einspruch is gifted at painting a fantastical world with quirky characters, unusual customs, unique challenges for the characters, and plenty of humor. The plot grabbed my attention right at the start and pulled me along to see what would happen next. In this book, the royal fourteen-year-old fraternal twins are faced with a barbaric coming-of-age rite that determines who is worthy to succeed the queen. As the princesses train for this horrific rite they learn about the required types of thorns, their side effects, and how to pierce themselves. It requires a strategy and the event is timed.
While this sounds dreadful, and it should, Einspruch mixes in humor that brings a smile, while you cringe. It gives enough detail but isn't gory. The training and the rite are riddled with rules like no talking at all. For 14-year-old girls. This adds all kinds of wit. On top of this, the princesses are placed in seclusion from the rest of the castle, separated from all that they own as well as their privilege and positions. They sit under the tutelage of the Thorning Master, a strict, ancient-looking woman with all kinds of piercings. Instead of their royal attire, they are dressed in servant’s clothing and required to engage in all kinds of menial tasks. And all this with no talking. All these quirky elements make for an interesting story.
While the girls are twins, they differ in many ways. The Thorning Ceremony opens the door for the younger of the twins to perhaps become queen. The question remains, can the squeamish first-born, Eloise, press past her squeamishness. Can she pass the test or is this Johanna’s chance to take the throne in the future?
This stand-alone prequel is worth the read. While it makes me hungrier for the next book in the series to come out, it certainly proved to be a delicious appetizer. I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy clean fantasy and are looking for an escape that offers a break from the tensions of everyday life as well as a good laugh.
As Book Hookup, I am a longtime book reviewer and content provider. I received this book as a free review copy from the author and have not been compensated for reviewing or recommending it. I’m happy to give it 5 stars.
Other books in the series:
The Star of Whatever (#2)
The Lightbearer (#3)
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