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Prince of Thorns

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2011

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Book Brief

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Mark Lawrence

Prince of Thorns

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2011
Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

The Broken Empire • Medieval Fantasy World

Publication Year

2011

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence follows Prince Honorous Jorg Ancrath, who, after witnessing his family's brutal murder, joins a band of brigands and becomes consumed by a quest for revenge against the men responsible, navigating a postapocalyptic world rife with violence, sorcery, and betrayal. This book contains graphic depictions of violence and non-consensual acts.

Dark

Gritty

Suspenseful

Mysterious

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.0

130,373 ratings

68%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Mark Lawrence's Prince of Thorns has captivated audiences with its dark, gritty narrative and complex protagonist. Readers appreciate the unconventional storytelling and rich world-building. However, some criticize its graphic content and morally ambiguous characters. Overall, this grimdark fantasy offers a distinctive, if controversial, addition to the genre.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Prince of Thorns?

Readers who enjoy dark, gritty fantasy with complex antiheroes and morally ambiguous narratives will be captivated by Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence. Fans of George R. R. Martin's A Game of Thrones or Joe Abercrombie's The Blade Itself will find similar themes of power, revenge, and survival in a brutal world.

4.0

130,373 ratings

68%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Character List

Prince Honorous Jorg Ancrath

The eldest living son of King Olidan of Ancrath, Jorg is a violent and ambitious teenager who embarks on a journey of power and vengeance after surviving a brutal assassination attempt as a child.

Olidan's Captain of the Guards, Makin is loyal to Jorg, accompanying him on his travels and providing protection and guidance to the prince despite Jorg's dark nature.

A large and muscular member of Jorg's band, the Nuban is taciturn yet loyal, wielding a powerful enchanted crossbow and representing one of the few moral influences in Jorg's life.

A sorcerer capable of manipulating dreams, Sageous is a formidable presence with magical tattoos and serves as a rival to Corion in the manipulation of people through "the game."

A withered old sorcerer residing in Count Renar's court, Corion influences Jorg's actions during his travels, steering him towards Renar's rivals and away from any targets within Renar's lands.

The frail court priest of King Olidan, Father Gomst is an unwilling companion on one of Jorg's missions, often displaying superficial piety and prejudice against certain individuals.

A massive and dangerous member of Jorg's group, Brother Rike is characterized by a violent temperament and a self-serving nature.

The eldest of the brothers, Elban is bald and toothless yet a stalwart fighter whom Jorg holds in some regard.

A leader among the Leucrota, Gorgoth is a transformed figure of great strength who assists Jorg through critical challenges at strategic moments.

A young member of the Leucrota undergoing early transformation, Gog survives various challenges and becomes imbued with remarkable powers after a significant event.

A necromancer encountered by Jorg beneath the Castle Red, Chella initially appears as an alluring young woman but is revealed to have a more sinister nature.

A strong-willed and brave young woman, Princess Katherine is related to Jorg through marriage and makes a memorable impression during their encounters.

Jorg's childhood tutor, Lundist hails from the far East and provides Jorg with the education necessary to navigate ancient tomes and the castle's hidden secrets.

Ruler of the Renar Highlands and King Olidan's brother, the Count is known for his merciless tactics and historical tensions with Jorg's family.

Jorg’s father and the unpredictable ruler of Ancrath, King Olidan is a ruthless and strategic leader with complex familial ties.

Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

The Broken Empire • Medieval Fantasy World

Publication Year

2011

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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