The Thorning Ceremony by Andrew Einspruch - 5 stars

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.

 

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.

 

Purple Haze New Cover Reveal

 

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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The Light Bearer by Andrew Einspruch - 5 stars

 The Light Bearer by Andrew Einspruch is the third book in The Western Lands and All That Really Matters series. It follows Princess Eloise Hydra Gumball III as she finally heads back home along with the man guilty of treason and killing her uncle. She’s looking forward to getting back to the comforts of home but dreads her mother’s reprisal for not returning with her sister. Of course, things don’t go as planned. The prisoner not only escapes but kidnaps Eloise’s friend and champion, Jerome. With the escapee’s long walking weak magic, he puts distance between himself and those giving chase. 

Princess Eloise almost has him in her grasp but tumbles to the bottom of a steep waterfall. She manages to survive with the help of her traveling companions. Their quest to save Jerome and to recapture the criminal takes them on a most unpredictable and adventure-packed journey. When they are captured by a society of warrior horses, the trail to find Jerome has gone cold and they face an uncertain future as prisoners.

When I read book one, The Purple Haze, I was pleasantly surprised at the author’s ability to write with a unique mix of humor, suspense, and even drama in a Princess Bride sort of way. Book two, The Star of Whatever, was also cleverly devised but had a slightly different flavor and well worth the read. It left me hungry for book 3, and The Light Bearer did not disappoint. I recommend this witty, unpredictable tale to readers who enjoy fantasy with a fairytale feel that’s funny and lighthearted but filled with suspense and drama. I give it 5 stars and highly recommend it.

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The Purple Haze by Andrew Einspruch - Solid 5 Stars

 

The story of The Purple Haze by Andrew Einspruch is set in a fantastical realm constructed of subtle lighthearted puns, vivid imagery, animals that talk and function alongside humans, and a suspense-filled plot. Its fairytale-like tone lured me in not knowing what to expect. I was more than pleasantly surprised. I couldn’t put the book down and now am a fan who plans to read the rest of the series.

 The story centers on the Royal family of Brouge and, in particular, the twin princesses Eloise and Joanna. Eloise is the heir to the throne, and a rivalry exists between the two. Following the Thorning Ceremony, a root of bitterness sets in and Joanna makes it clear she is unhappy. She leaves with her uncle to visit his kingdom and no one thinks anything of it until a seer brings about a dire prediction regarding Princess Joanna’s wellbeing. Princess Eloise is the logical choice to navigate protocols, find her sister, and bring her home. The quest quickly turns into a rescue mission filled with unlikely allies, dangers, and of course complications.

The only thing I didn’t love about the book is that it ended too soon. I want to know what happens next. I give this book a solid 5-star rating and plan to read the next book in the series, The Star of Whatever, in the near future. It offers strong female protagonists, plenty of humor woven into the plot and dialog, and a plot that keeps the pages turning. It’s a perfect choice for fantasy readers looking for a captivating page-turner that’s also light and funny. If you enjoy stories like The Princess Bride, this is a book for you.

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