The Path of Thorns by A. G. Slatter ~ a Review

by MK French

Asher Todd becomes the Morwood family governess, with secrets and revenge in mind. The home itself is a dark place, and she soon grows fond of the children and the people in the village. People will be hurt if she carries out her revenge, but the plan is going out of control.

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June 2022; Titan Books; 978-1789094374
ebook, print (384 pages); dark fantasy

Arriving in the rain while having the sensation of being chased certainly sets the scene. The Gothic atmosphere, imposing manor house, and the obvious hints at secrets, magic abilities, and a careful plan in place set the rest of the tone for the novel. Asher, the children, the mother, and the grandmother are all fond of stories, particularly that of wolves in the place; we gradually see a theme in the stories and learn why Asher wants revenge on the Morwood family. At the same time, the children and their mother are innocent, the villagers had also been beaten down by the elder Morwoods, and Asher is starting to see how complicated the past and present can be.

The Path of Thorns is a fascinating book, keeping me up late at night. It's very much in keeping with Gothic tradition, sucking me in as I tried to figure out more about Asher's history and what her plans were about. I felt bad for the children and their mother especially, as they were innocent of all the deceit and power jockeying like Leonora and Luther. Asher is caught up in everyone's machinations, feeling more and more trapped by the promises she made, the expectations others have for her, and the hopes she had for herself. She isn't necessarily good, but she's compelling, thoughtful, and caring despite telling herself that she shouldn't. The stories told within the stories and the muddled histories give a sense of weight and depth, and I loved every moment I was in the Sourdough world. I think you will, too.

Buy Path of Thorns at Amazon

Born and raised in New York City, M.K. French started writing stories when very young, dreaming of different worlds and places to visit. She always had an interest in folklore, fairy tales, and the macabre, which has definitely influenced her work. She currently lives in the Midwest with her husband, three young children, and a golden retriever.

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