Last Updated on December 27, 2022 by ThoughtsStained
So, I gotta start this review of Torn by Rowenna Miller with a confession. One I’m quite embarrassed to admit. When I first heard about this novel, I wasn’t really interested in it. Which is odd, since I didn’t know too much about it, honestly. I knew it was about a seamstress who somehow gets involved in a revolution, but I didn’t know much more than that. (which, I should have just read the blurb, because that would have squashed any qualms right there).
So, even though I heard a lot of positive reviews, I just didn’t make an effort to read it, instead trying to tame my unrelenting TBR list (with no success).
But then I saw that Melissa Caruso loved it (and we all know how I just literally adore both her and her novels). And I followed Miller on Twitter, and she was just so nice and positive and shared some really neat stuff. I wanted to support her.
So, I checked the book out from the library.
And have literally regretted not doing so sooner every day since.
Book Info
Publisher: Orbit Books | Release Date: March 2018 | Pages: 480
Age Range: Adult | Genre: Fantasy | Format: Paperback | Source: Borrowed
A seamstress who stitches magic into clothing finds herself torn between loyalty to her brother and her secret love for a nobleman in this debut fantasy inspired by the French Revolution.
In a time of revolution, everyone must take a side.
Sophie, a dressmaker and charm caster, has lifted her family out of poverty with a hard-won reputation for beautiful ball gowns and discreetly embroidered spells. A commission from the royal family could secure her future — and thrust her into a dangerous new world.
Revolution is brewing. As Sophie’s brother, Kristos, rises to prominence in the growing anti-monarchist movement, it is only a matter of time before their fortunes collide.
When the unrest erupts into violence, she and Kristos are drawn into a deadly magical plot. Sophie is torn — between her family and her future.
On the Page
Referenced
Minor
Content warnings are written up by me, unless specified. Subject to being an incomplete list, though guided by referencing this list and trying to highlight as many as I can identify.
Review
Likes
- Torn was just…magical. I honestly don’t know what Miller did, but she drew me into her world from page one. I was immediately swept into this tale. Obviously, since I read the first one hundred pages in one sitting? I definitely read the last 150 in one sitting.
- I just fell so hard for Sophie and I admired her without a shadow of a doubt. The way she built up her own business and what she was trying to do for herself, her brother and her workers was so admirable. I couldn’t help but root for her every step of the way. As the book continues, my heart just broke for her. She deserves all the happiness in the world and I just hated when anyone tried to deny her that.
- I loved the characters in this book (except for one, but I don’t want to mention who specifically, because I don’t want to give any spoilers, but you know who you are, Character Who Shall Remain Nameless. And I’ll say this: you don’t deserve her and I sure as hell don’t forgive you). I thought that was one of the strongest aspects. Whether we were at the shop, amidst the rebellion or at the salon, I really enjoyed the cast of characters we followed.
- The setting was really incredible, too. It made me want to go back and take AP European History again, because it was definitely giving off some of those vibes. I also thought the magic was so cool. As a person who only knew how to cross-stitch once upon a time (and no longer) and has never learned how to sew in her life, I thought having a character who’s main “power” was using magic through sewing was so unique and refreshing, yet I never felt like an idiot for not knowing how to do so myself.
Dislikes
Rating
So…yeah. Basically, your girl wasn’t the smartest there for almost an entire year, knowing about this book and choosing not to read it. Well, I fell head over heels in love with Torn. Now all I want to do is read Fray when to comes out. I NEED to know what happens next.
Don’t make the same mistake I made, friends. You need to read this refreshing magical fantasy.
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![Not me needing to repost this announcement because my first post had a typo. I promise I can actually edit! 😅
REPOST of original message below:
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So, going forward from now and forevermore, if you identity as a queer, BIPOC or disabled writer, you'll receive 10% any full manuscript edit. No need to self-disclose how you qualify. I will trust you at your word!
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Ooh this sounds amazing!!!
Meredith, you would LOVE THIS BOOK.
So very glad ye loved this one. I so didn’t. It happens! Arrr!
x The Captain
Hey, everyone has their own tastes! It totally happens. 🙂
It’s funny, I picked up the book BECAUSE of the synopsis. I don’t know, I like seeing fantasy female characters with traditionally “female” occupations. I…didn’t enjoy the story as much as you did, but I still really like the *idea* of it. 😛
Ha, that is funny! I definitely would love to read more about women in “traditional occupations” in fantasy setting more often, but not presented in the traditional way, like Miller did here! I’m sorry you didn’t completely love it, too, but hey, at least you gave it a shot. 🙂
Oooooh I am so keen to read this now! Even the blurb makes me be like ‘umm, sewing charms into clothes? That’s badass.’ I once imagined a baker character that did something similar.. but like, made edible clothes. Brain, what are you doing up there? Anyway, great review, but damn you for adding to my ‘to read’ list :p
I think I was like you. Sort of ho him about this one and thought maybe one day I’ll read it, maybe not. So basically you’re saying I should read it?
I think you totally should. The magic system in it is just SO COOL and though there is romance in it, it isn’t super heavy handed or takes away from the plot. But her writing is really good and I think, if you have an inkling of interest in it, it’s worth it to take a shot!