Girl, Serpent, Thorn — Melissa Bashardoust

In this alluring feminist fairy tale, a princess cursed to be poisonous to the touch must decide if she's willing to step out of the shadows.



There was and there was not, as all stories begin, a princess cursed to be poisonous to the touch. But for Soraya, who has lived her life hidden away, apart from her family, safe only in her gardens, it's not just a story.

As the day of her twin brother's wedding approaches, Soraya faces a choice. Below in the dungeon is a demon who holds the knowledge she craves, the answer to her freedom. And above is a young man who isn't afraid of her, whose eyes linger not with fear, but with an understanding of who she is beneath the poison.

When her choices lead to consequences she never imagined, Soraya begins to question who she is and who she is becoming... human or demon. Princess or monster. In Girl, Serpent, Thorn, Melissa Bashardoust weaves elements of Persian mythology into a captivating coming-of-age tale featuring a strong female protagonist. This #OwnVoices story is perfect for fans of dark fantasy and empowering retellings.