Intisar Khanani
Author of Thorn
About the Author
Series
Works by Intisar Khanani
Dragon Slayer Number 9 5 copies
Associated Works
Tagged
Common Knowledge
- Birthdate
- 20th Century
- Gender
- female
- Education
- Johns Hopkins University (Master of Public Health)
- Short biography
- Intisar Khanani grew up a nomad and world traveler. Born in Wisconsin, she has lived in five different states as well as in Jeddah on the coast of the Red Sea. She first remembers seeing snow on a wintry street in Zurich, Switzerland, and vaguely recollects having breakfast with the orangutans at the Singapore Zoo when she was five. She now resides in Cincinnati, Ohio, with her husband and two young daughters. Prior to becoming a full time mom (and writer), Intisar wrote grants and developed projects to address community health with the Cincinnati Health Department, which is was close as she could get to saving the world. Her approach to writing fantasy reflects her lifelong passion for stories from different cultures. She is currently writing a trilogy set in the same world as Thorn. This is her first novel.
- Nationality
- USA
- Birthplace
- Wisconsin, USA
- Places of residence
- Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - Map Location
- USA
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Standalone Group Read - September - Thorn by Intisar Khanani in The Green Dragon (September 2014)
Reviews
A bit slow sometimes, but definitely a thoughtful and engaging fantasy that takes on serious themes like corruption and child trafficking with care. Rae, the FMC, is strong, determined, and deeply compassionate, and I like how her clubfoot is part of her journey without overshadowing who she is.
The story begins at a slow pace as the world and court politics are introduced, but the tension builds once the mystery of the missing children comes to the forefront. The supporting characters, show more especially Bren, bring depth and warmth, and the understated romance feels genuine. It's definitely YA appropriate.
This is NOT a light, escapist tale. It’s an emotional and layered adventure that values community, justice, and resilience. Perfect for readers who enjoy fantasy with heart, purpose, and hope.
Warning: Cliffhanger ending. show less
The story begins at a slow pace as the world and court politics are introduced, but the tension builds once the mystery of the missing children comes to the forefront. The supporting characters, show more especially Bren, bring depth and warmth, and the understated romance feels genuine. It's definitely YA appropriate.
This is NOT a light, escapist tale. It’s an emotional and layered adventure that values community, justice, and resilience. Perfect for readers who enjoy fantasy with heart, purpose, and hope.
Warning: Cliffhanger ending. show less
This is a retelling (including someo of the tough parts of the story) of the Goose Girl. And a well told tale this one is. I wanted to press it into the hands of anyone who would sit still for long enough to listen to me once I finished it. I found it hard to put down.
Princess Alyrra suffers under the abuse of her mother and brother and tries to keep herself to herself and enjoys the support of the servants. Somehow she ends up being sent for a marriage alliance to a nearby kingdom but on show more her way there she is attacked by magic and her identity switched with the girl who should be her lady in waiting. Now she becomes the goose girl. Prince Kestrin is not what she expects and despite the tempation to leave all the pressure and politics of royalty but Prince Kestrin may need her to stay alive.
A good read, and while it's marketed at YA it might be suitable for anyone. show less
Princess Alyrra suffers under the abuse of her mother and brother and tries to keep herself to herself and enjoys the support of the servants. Somehow she ends up being sent for a marriage alliance to a nearby kingdom but on show more her way there she is attacked by magic and her identity switched with the girl who should be her lady in waiting. Now she becomes the goose girl. Prince Kestrin is not what she expects and despite the tempation to leave all the pressure and politics of royalty but Prince Kestrin may need her to stay alive.
A good read, and while it's marketed at YA it might be suitable for anyone. show less
A Goose Girl retelling
Alyrra has never wanted to be a princess, and as her family constantly reminds her, she’s not very good at being one either. A betrothal to the prince of a neighbouring kingdom allows her to escape her abusive brother, but Alyrra doesn’t expect anything else than to continue being used as a pawn in political games. However, a powerful fae Lady and a spiteful and ambitious maiden change her fate forever. Now, Alyrra must choose between settling contentedly into her show more new life as a goose girl — a life that suits her quite well — or standing up to the Lady and reclaiming her rightful place in order to save the prince’s life.
I could relate to Alyrra’s character very well since I too am not an ambitious person and content with a simple life. I could understand her struggle of wanting to do the right thing but not wanting to give up the unexpected gift she was given, and not being sure if she can actually make a difference. I also really loved the rich detail of this world and its people, and the role that magic plays. I want more! show less
Alyrra has never wanted to be a princess, and as her family constantly reminds her, she’s not very good at being one either. A betrothal to the prince of a neighbouring kingdom allows her to escape her abusive brother, but Alyrra doesn’t expect anything else than to continue being used as a pawn in political games. However, a powerful fae Lady and a spiteful and ambitious maiden change her fate forever. Now, Alyrra must choose between settling contentedly into her show more new life as a goose girl — a life that suits her quite well — or standing up to the Lady and reclaiming her rightful place in order to save the prince’s life.
I could relate to Alyrra’s character very well since I too am not an ambitious person and content with a simple life. I could understand her struggle of wanting to do the right thing but not wanting to give up the unexpected gift she was given, and not being sure if she can actually make a difference. I also really loved the rich detail of this world and its people, and the role that magic plays. I want more! show less
It's been a while since a swallowed a book whole like I have this one--it's got the same magic to it that Naomi Novik's UPROOTED does. Fair or not, I tend to be pretty dubious of self-pubbed books, but this was truly polished to a mirror-shine, even the text design (which nobody thinks about!).
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Statistics
- Works
- 13
- Also by
- 2
- Members
- 1,475
- Popularity
- #17,414
- Rating
- 4.2
- Reviews
- 91
- ISBNs
- 65
- Languages
- 1
