The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

Once a century, one person is chosen for greatness.

Elisa is the chosen one.

But she is also the younger of two princesses, the one who has never done anything remarkable. She can’t see how she ever will.

Now, on her sixteenth birthday, she has become the secret wife of a handsome and worldly king—a king whose country is in turmoil. A king who needs the chosen one, not a failure of a princess.

And he’s not the only one who needs her. Savage enemies seething with dark magic are hunting her. A daring, determined revolutionary thinks she could be his people’s savior. And he looks at her in a way that no man has ever looked at her before. Soon it is not just her life, but her very heart that is at stake.

Elisa could be everything to those who need her most. If the prophecy is fulfilled. If she finds the power deep within herself. If she doesn’t die young.

Most of the chosen do.

Goodreads Summary

Elisa, the main character, will immediately draw the reader in.  She is warm, caring, sweet, and protective.  She isn't arrogant despite being very wealthy, and, later in the novel, a queen.  The princess isn't vain at all, she admits to and laughs at being called fat/chubby.  The closest she ever comes to superficiality is liking Alejandro partly for his looks, which is something she admits too...she also says she prefers to get to know him, but is afraid to due to his mistress-an unconfirmed fact, but nevertheless potentially true piece of information. 

She is sent by her slightly uncaring father and sister-who doesn't like Elisa much-to marry Alejandro.  She is obedient and goes with her best friend and servant.  Elisa, however, isn't an ordinary girl; she has a Godstone residing within her stomach.  She is capable of stopping wars and providing peace.  She was chosen for this role. 

In an odd twist of fate, Elisa is carried away by one of her servants and his brother, along with their "people."  They want to use her for a special purpose; however, they are not unkind to her and come to care for her before long.  The brother, especially, lerans to love Elisa.  Their budding romance will be fun for the reader to follow. 

There are many exciting, dramatic scenes.  There are fight scenes and there are romance scenes, there's the mystery of the Godstone, and there is the drama of the politics concerning the Godstone and the throne.  There is a little bit of everything in this book, enabling a reader who prefers one genre over the other to enjoy this book as well. 

The plot is different, unique; the events are fairly fast-paced, the reader shouldn't be too bored at all; the characters are relateable and the main character is very likable.  The author has a smooth way of writing, the plotline flows very well.  This book is recommended to young adults/teens who enjoy fantasy, romance, and intrigue.

4 Stars