The Language of Thorns
“Lushly designed and wonderfully rendered…Bardugo doesn’t twist familiar tales so much as rip them open.”
―Booklist, starred review ★
Travel to a world of dark bargains struck by moonlight, of haunted towns and hungry woods, of talking beasts and gingerbread golems, where a young mermaid’s voice can summon deadly storms and where a river might do a lovestruck boy’s bidding but only for a terrible price.
Inspired by myth, folklore, and fairy tale, #1 New York Times–bestselling author Leigh Bardugo has crafted a deliciously atmospheric collection of short stories filled with betrayals, revenge, sacrifice, and love.
Perfect for new readers and dedicated fans, these tales will transport you to lands both familiar and strange—to a fully realized world of dangerous magic that millions have visited through the novels of the Grishaverse.
US Retailers
International retailers
Praise
4 starred reviews
from Voya, BCCB, Booklist, and School Library Journal
Winner, 2018 Audie Short Stories/Collections Category
Winner, The Petty Miller Award for Young Adult Literature for Collaboration
Winner, 2018 NY Book Show Award in the Children’s Trade category.
A New York Times bestseller
An Amazon Best Book of the Month
“Gorgeous, cruel and almost wistful windows onto the dreamscapes and hard lessons of [Bardugo’s] alternate universe…fairly tales with all the darkness intact.” ―NPR Book Review
“Those who seem innocent are shown to be guilty, one-dimensional characters become more complicated, and mothers who once were absent are given presence and power.” ―Mashable
“This new collection will intrigue, awe, frighten, and inspire both stalwart fans and new readers looking for a heady spoonful of fantasy.” ―Hypable
“This nightmare-inducing collection is short but powerful, each tale as brilliant and absorbing as the one before…brilliant storytelling.” ―Romantic Times
“Gorgeously otherworldly…Any lover of retellings or original fairy tales will enjoy.” ―Kirkus Reviews
“Marvelous tales, as full of twists and delights and strangeness as anything found in the Grimm Brothers. Leigh Bardugo is a master.” ―Kelly Link, author of Get in Trouble
“Beautiful imagery conceived from precise, beautiful prose; beautiful cover image and interior illustrations that creep across each page toward beautiful consummation; beautiful lands inhabited by beautiful hearts.” ―Voya, starred review ★
“Elegantly crafted…stylishly intricate illustrations…all fans of the darker side of folktales and folktale-like stories will find the stories satisfyingly full of pain, danger, and vengeance.” ―BCCB, starred review ★
“Strong writing, compelling stories, and gorgeous illustrations make this collection a must-have.” ―School Library Journal, starred review ★