Meet New Books
Meet New Books
Book Cover

Prince of Thorns

Book 1 in the series:The Broken Empire

Save:
Find on Amazon

Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence is a dark fantasy novel that follows the journey of Prince Jorg, a young and ruthless protagonist seeking revenge in a post-apocalyptic medieval world. The story is narrated through the eyes of Jorg, a character described as a psychopath by some readers, who leads a band of outlaws on a bloody and violent quest for power and vengeance. The writing style is noted for its gritty and dark tone, with a fast-paced plot that delves into themes of brutality, survival, and the consequences of a shattered world.

Characters:

The characters are largely unlikable, but intriguing, especially Jorg, who serves as a complex antihero of the narrative.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is fluid and engaging, using minimalistic yet evocative language to enhance the dark themes.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features Jorg Ancrath's quest for vengeance, depicting a grim narrative rich with gore and ruthless actions.

Setting:

The setting is a dark, fractured version of Europe, blending medieval elements with remnants of a post-apocalyptic society.

Pacing:

The pacing is brisk, effectively driving the narrative forward without lingering on unnecessary details.
I could see some of the lads exchanging coin on their bets. The Lich Road is as boring as a Sunday sermon. It runs straight and level. So straight it gets so as you’d kill for a left turn or a right t...

Notes:

The book features a fourteen-year-old main character named Jorg who leads a band of ruthless men.
Jorg is depicted as a deeply flawed and morally ambiguous character, often described as sociopathic.
The narrative is graphic and violent, starting with a slaughter of a village right from the first page.
The story is set in a post-apocalyptic world that resembles medieval Europe, but with remnants of advanced technology and magic.
The author, Mark Lawrence, utilizes a first-person narrative that gives insight into Jorg's troubled psyche.
The series has drawn comparisons to works by George R. R. Martin, particularly for its dark themes and unlikable characters.
Jorg's world is described as the 'Broken Empire', where many factions vie for power, reflecting themes of war and betrayal.
The book has moments of humor despite its grim tone, with Jorg's internal monologue often showcasing dark wit.
The series explores the consequences of trauma and how they shape an individual's identity and choices.
Many readers find Jorg compelling despite his actions, as he operates under a personal set of ethics that are entirely detached from societal norms.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book includes high levels of violence, graphic depictions of murder, rape, and misogyny, which may be triggering for some readers.

From The Publisher:

BOOK ONE IN THE BROKEN EMPIRE TRILOGY

"Prince of Thorns deserves attention as the work of an iconoclast who seems determined to turn that familiar thing, Medievalesque Fantasy Trilogy, entirely on its head."-Locus

When he was nine, he watched as his mother and brother were killed before him. By the time he was thirteen, he was the leader of a band of bloodthirsty thugs. By fifteen, he intends to be king…

It's time for Prince Honorous Jorg Ancrath to return to the castle he turned his back on, to take what's rightfully his. Since the day he hung pinned on the thorns of a briar patch and watched Count Renar's men slaughter his mother and young brother, Jorg has been driven to vent his rage. Life and death are no more than a game to him-and he has nothing left to lose.

But treachery awaits him in his father's castle. Treachery and dark magic. No matter how fierce his will, can one young man conquer enemies with power beyond his imagining?

Ratings (101)

Incredible (20)
Loved It (28)
Liked It (13)
It Was OK (22)
Did Not Like (12)
Hated It (6)

Reader Stats (220):

Read It (106)
Currently Reading (3)
Want To Read (85)
Did Not Finish (8)
Not Interested (18)

3 comment(s)

Loved It
1 month

Visceral. A cool take on dark fantasy.

Got me back into reading fiction when I found it some 10 years ago or so.

 
Liked It
1 month

Is this a book for the faint of heart? No. Is this a book for people who want to like their protagonists? Again, no. Jorg is an asshole. He's a sociopath who lets his "brothers" run rampant. He has murdered, raped, and pillaged. At one point, you may be wondering why you're even reading this book because Jorg makes your skin crawl.

But that's the magic of the writing. You

want to find out what happens. You're pulled along almost against your will by that drive. And that's what makes the book. Not Jorg. Not even the possibility of him being someone redeemable, because he's not. Not really.

Also, the hints of post-apocalyptic/massive world war that took out civilization as we know it? Yes, please.

 
It Was OK
1 month

Overall Rating: 3.5/5

Prose: 3.5/5 :: some turns of phrase stuck out and there were a few instances where the sentence structure was a bit garbled, but overall very readable.

Pacing: 4/5 :: There was never a dull moment in this book; indeed every chapter had a clear purpose and through-line to the plot

Characters: 5/5 :: I can confidently say I

know the MC and a few of the members in the band of thief brothers. Side and foil characters did not feel hollow. All things being equal, I wish we spent a little more time uncovering the backstory of the primary 5-7 Brothers. The MC's character development was front and center

Read this book if you're looking for: A quick read, a brutal little shit of a MC, antics from a band of thieves, vengeance, some fantastical elements (necromancers)

 

About the Author:

Mark Lawrence is a research scientist working on artificial intelligence. He is a dual national with both British and American citizenship, and has held secret-level clearance with both governments. At one point, he was qualified to say, "This isn't rocket…

 
Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.