I came across Prince of Thorns as I was looking for more entries into fantasy where the "hero" is not all powerful and set on a prophetic quest to save the world. When I realized that MC's can do horrible and selfish things and making me question whether or not I like them, I understood that I had found the the right book.

Jorg embodies many powerful qualities and others that bring his likeability into question, and I found myself enthralled in this world. It is Mark Lawrence's debut, but it reads well and I was able to feel the grim and blood that covered the cast of characters that I followed on the road. I still think about Jorg introducing himself to the Forest Watch and laugh at how fun that scene is.

I felt that the prose and direction of the book are fitting towards the world that Mark has created. It wallowed in the dirt and filth while shining the light on the difficulties of living as a troubled boy learning to become the man he wants to be. Jorg's supporting cast of miscreants are somehow worse than him, but carry with them a sense of comradery that comes from struggling together. I found myself caring for characters more than I intended and cheering for brutality when the company was pressed against a wall. This was the escapism into fantasy that I had been looking for and I'm happy to have found it.

I'm excited to see where the rest of the Broken Empire trilogy goes and how the fantastical world unfolds as Jorg grows and learns who he believes he is meant to be.