A very easy 5 stars to give! The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic is a collection of dark fairytales set within the world of the Grishaverse. I knew I’d love this book, but I didn’t expect to be so IN love with it. Leigh Bardugo, will you go out with me?

This collection features six beautifully crafted fairytales set in different regions of the Grishaverse. While the stories are not connected to any of the characters we know, they weave folklore that they might have grown up hearing. Each story has beauty, danger, and moral complexity that makes them impossible to put down - though I reluctantly did since I apparently cannot live in a magical fairytale land and have to be a real grown-up with responsibilities....Seriously, I savoured this and I'm sad it's over. It's sooooo pretty!!

The illustrations by Sara Kipin deserve special mention, as they perfectly complement the tone of the stories. They are haunting and pull you deeper into each tale, making you look forward to every page turn.

The final story...oh the final story! When Water Sang Fire. It is nothing short of magnificent, this is the one that will sit with me for a while. This story alone makes the collection worth reading.

Overall, The Language of Thorns is a beautiful book that is perfect for those who enjoy fairytales with a twist. It will make an excellent re-read for those in the mood for a cozy escape into a world of dark magic.