The first chapter opens with the main character scrubbing the Hunter’s Mark away. As the chapter progresses, we learn more about the main character and her connection to Marge. Do you think Marge was taken away because of the main character’s wielding abilities? Or do you agree with the characters’ speculation that maybe Marge was also a Wielder?
Did you expect the main character, Alissa, to be noble considering that she is a Wielder?
What do you think of the last two lines of Chapter One:
After all, the Hunters’ bloodline had to remain untainted.
And I was a thorn on their family tree.
Alissa shares more information regarding the Hunters. What do you think of the family dynamics that have been mentioned? From Alissa’s father to the Capewells and the servants of the estate?
Why do you think Alissa has an aversion to roses?
What spanner do you believe having the Ansoran ambassador will throw into the works?
Do you think that Alissa’s excitement to meet the Wielder is foreshadowing?
Alissa mentions that jewellery is a sign of status in the court. What jewellery would you wear to display your wealth?
Were you shocked to read that Alissa was the result of an affair?
What do you think of the King vying for Alissa’s attention?
Did you expect the Hunters to come for Alissa so quickly? What do you think of the twist of events?
13 responses to “Thorn Season Day One”
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I suspect that Marge was a Wielder, but I also think there’s more to her being taken away. I think it will be revealed in later chapters. I really didn’t expect Alissa to be noble considering her abilities, I was very surprised when the guard reffered to her as “Lady Alissa”, but I think it adds to the suspense of the story, because of her status she is more at risk of being found out because more people are looking at her – but I also think it added to her getting away for so long because they wouldn’t suspect a noble.
I literally got chills when I read the last line in the first chapter. It just cemented how out of place she felt, being born into this family while being something they hate so much.
I really love Alissa’s relationship with her father and his concern for her but I think he is hiding a lot from her, and this could turn dangerous later on. The Capewells, especially Briar, scare me. The story of her striking Alissa and Garret was really traumatic. I’m still trying to figure Garret out. He can be really hot and cold but I think he is fighting with his own identity, the role he chose, and his love for Alissa. I like the dynamic between Alissa and Amarie, it seems like she is a mother figure to her and knows a lot of her secrets – but like Alissa mentions, Amarie’s loyalty is to her father first.
I think Alissa’s aversion to roses has something to do with her mom, but I also suspect it could have something to do with her abilities.
I think the ambassador will be a love interest and Alissa’s excitement to meet the Wielder made me a bit weary because it seems dangerous and could possibly increase her risk of exposure. It is definitely foreshadowing. I feel it is going to lead to a revolution or resistance of some sort. I am really excited to see if my predictions are correct.
I love necklaces so definitely a precious gem around my neck, delicate, like ruby or emerald.
The king’s attention made me uncomfortable, the way he was basically trying to own her and not taking no for an answer, and basically implying that she would be insulting him by not staying in the palace. It already shows his nature. How he’s not afraid to use his power and influence to get what he wants, at any cost.
I was very shocked at the revelation of Alissa being the result of an affair. When one of the guests mentioned that her mother loves his wine, and she mentions that lady Fiona’s death occurred soon after her birth, I literally gasped.
I was confused when the Hunters came, because she went home to get to safety, and then I thought Garret must have tricked her, but then he was trying to protect her against the Hunters so at that point I didn’t know what to expect, especially because she did not recognize their uniforms.
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1. I think that Marge was definitely a weilder!
2. No, it is an awesome plot twist!
3. It is short but impactful. Totally explained the title of the book for me.
4. I feel like it is very strained. Her father and the Capewells obviously have very different beliefs so I think that leads to the strain in the relationship between the two .
5. It has something to do with the smell but i have no idea what!
6. It’s definitely going to shake things up. Having a wielder openly step foot in a place where wielders are executed is definitely bound to cause some chaos.
7. I do think so… I sense a love triangle loading
8. A giant sapphire stoned necklace definitely!!
9. Very! The story just keeps getting more interesting.
10. I have mixed emotions. I don’t really think I trust him
11. I was shocked! And slightly scared for her. Very fast paced but I’m looking forward to see how things turn out
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I think Marge was a Wielder. It’s not expected that a Wielder can be a noble, it’s shocking that they could hide it for so long. I think that because of Alissa the Hunter’s bloodline is no longer “pure”. I think Alissa’s aversion to roses comes from her mother’s death. I think the Ansoran ambassador is going to change the plot up so much – and I can’t wait! Yes, her excitement is foreshadowing because how often does she meet another Wielder, I think the problem will be whether she shows her abilities or not. I think I would wear necklaces of different designs. I was shocked, especially when their bloodline remained pure for so long. I think this only means trouble from what we heard of him… I loved that twist of events, it really made me interested in starting the next days chapters.
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1. From what I understood – Marge was taken away because she was a Wielder, and they had no idea Alissa is a Wielder.
2. No – I did not expect Alissa to be a noble actually – that took me a minute to fully grasp!
3. That her family has a long-line of Hunters and she is definitely not one of them – which makes me think who knows that she is a Wielder!
4. It seems a little complicated and I am not sure I understand the full scope of the Capewells and where she fits in – but it is very clear that Alissa and her father are very different to the family. The black sheep, maybe.
5. She must be allergic to them – or something in her Wielder bloodline makes her have this aversion, she is a Wielder after all. Also taking into account it is “Rose Season”.
6. I’m not sure yet – I don’t even know why the ambassador would be there, when it is highly likely he is a Wielder, considering he is Ansoran. And that’s where Wielders go for asylum.
7. It could be foreshadowing – but not sure for what – that things are about to get chaotic?
8. I think I would wear a ring of some kind – or a necklace with a specific kind of pendant.
9. No – actually it makes sense because of her father’s status as a nobleman in a family of Hunters – is is the only thing that would make sense and have her turn out to be a Wielder, was that if her mother was one too.
10. It was kind of creepy – the King singling her out like that and basically proposing. There’s a lot more to unravel there that we haven’t been shown yet.
11. Well – I am glad they’re not actual Hunters – because we were so sure no one else (besides Garret & her father knew she was a Wielder) but this twist has immediately made me 100x more interested to see what’s going to happen. Does she need to be their spy? or is she just a pawn in a bigger game.
Did you expect the Hunters to come for Alissa so quickly? What do you think of the twist of events?
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Q – The first chapter opens with the main character scrubbing the Hunter’s Mark away. As the chapter progresses, we learn more about the main character and her connection to Marge. Do you think Marge was taken away because of the main character’s wielding abilities? Or do you agree with the characters’ speculation that maybe Marge was also a Wielder?
A – I think she was taken away because she was a wielder. There isn’t an indication at that point that anyone suspected that Alissa is a wielderQ – Did you expect the main character, Alissa, to be noble considering that she is a Wielder?
A – I don’t think it crossed my mind that she was, but it was not because she was a wielder but purely on the way the chapter started/how she was behavingQ – What do you think of the last two lines of Chapter One:
After all, the Hunters’ bloodline had to remain untainted.And I was a thorn on their family tree.
A – She is an aberration, by being a wielder?Q – Alissa shares more information regarding the Hunters. What do you think of the family dynamics that have been mentioned? From Alissa’s father to the Capewells and the servants of the estate?
A – It seems that her and her father do not fit in with what is expected of themQ – Why do you think Alissa has an aversion to roses?
A – Could it be due to her being a wielder or maybe something relating to her mother?Q – What spanner do you believe having the Ansoran ambassador will throw into the works?
A – Could he potentially expose Alissa for being a wielder?Q – Do you think that Alissa’s excitement to meet the Wielder is foreshadowing?
A – Yes, I feel like their meeting is inevitable and he will help her develope her powerQ – Alissa mentions that jewellery is a sign of status in the court. What jewellery would you wear to display your wealth?
A – Potentially a ring or a bracelet, I thinkQ – Were you shocked to read that Alissa was the result of an affair?
A – Yes, especially since she is accepted at court ( the explanation thereof, makes sense)Q -What do you think of the King vying for Alissa’s attention?
A – I think that this is dangerous for her and her fatherQ – Did you expect the Hunters to come for Alissa so quickly? What do you think of the twist of events?
A – I did not and found the scene with the slippers heartbreaking -
Q: The first chapter opens with the main character scrubbing the Hunter’s Mark away. As the chapter progresses, we learn more about the main character and her connection to Marge. Do you think Marge was taken away because of the main character’s wielding abilities? Or do you agree with the characters’ speculation that maybe Marge was also a Wielder?
A: I agree with the characters speculation of Marge being a Wielder.Q: Did you expect the main character, Alissa, to be noble considering that she is a Wielder?
A: No I didnt expect it and I’m not sure I understand what a noble is…. sometimes it feels like I’m just reading words on paper and not grasping what’s actually happening.Q: What do you think of the last two lines of Chapter One:
After all, the Hunters’ bloodline had to remain untainted.
And I was a thorn on their family tree.
A: it may be a foreshadowing of something happening further along in the book.Q: Alissa shares more information regarding the Hunters. What do you think of the family dynamics that have been mentioned? From Alissa’s father to the Capewells and the servants of the estate?
A: I think Alissas father isnt who he says he is, I’m not sure where the capewells fit in yet but I dont trust them and the servants seem to be on Alissas side so far.Q: Why do you think Alissa has an aversion to roses?
A: I think it might have something to do with the death of her mother.Q: What spanner do you believe having the Ansoran ambassador will throw into the works?
A: he might be a love intrust or the rival/enemy…. but I’m leaning more towards love intrust based on their interactions so far.Q: Do you think that Alissa’s excitement to meet the Wielder is foreshadowing?
A: 100%Q: Alissa mentions that jewellery is a sign of status in the court. What jewellery would you wear to display your wealth?
A: ringlets, necklaces and earingsQ: Were you shocked to read that Alissa was the result of an affair?
A: yes I did not expect a plot twists that early in the book.Q: What do you think of the King vying for Alissa’s attention?
A: i think he is hiding something and I’m excited to find out what it is. I think he knows more than he is leading on and I think he will be a love intrust.Q: Did you expect the Hunters to come for Alissa so quickly? What do you think of the twist of events?
A: im not sure how they found out about her but someone mustve outed her. Normally these things happen the end of a book so it was interesting to see it happen so early on.. I wonder what the other shoe drop will be if this twist happened so early. -
1. I think that the person across the street said their was a weilder and the main characters dad wrote down Marge’s name to protect his daughter.
2. I must admit I was not expecting her to be from a noble family
3. Those last two lines are the reason I’m so invested in this story!!
4. I’m still figuring out the family dynamics at this point. We are introduced to quite a few people and making notes of how they are connected
5. I think it’s either because she is “mixed” or because of the trauma from her mother’s death
6. I think he is going to create ALOT of chaos
7. Yes I’m sure she is going to meet more of them than she could have ever imagined
8. I would definitely choose to be adorned in sapphire
9. I was not shocked about her being the result of an affair as it seems to be the trend amongst nobility
10. The king honestly gives me the creeps. It feels like an older man trying to convince a teenager to be with him.
11. I wasn’t too surprised they came for her she seems to be very lackluster with trying to hide her abilities but the plot twist left me almost unable to stick to the read along chapters I wanted no, needed to know more
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1. I think it was because Marge was discovered to be a wielder. They don’t seem to know Alissa is a wielder at this stage.
2. I know the blurb indicated that she was a noble and a wielder but she didn’t seem to act like a noble so her behavior was more surprising.
3. It was a powerful statement indicated that she’s “tainted” the pure Hunter blood by being a Wielder. But I think it also represents how she will be a literal thorn in their side and possibly curb their ability to hunt other wielders.
4. Their family dynamics seem a little complicated. It almost seems like they’re much different to the Capewells even though they’re related. For instance, the Capewells seem crueler and cold.
5. I want to say it’s linked to her mother’s death but she mentions that she’s never met her mother so I think there is some other traumatic event that caused her aversion.
6. I’m really curious about why a Wielder would be coming to Daradon so I’m interested to see what their real reason for making the journey is – especially when its so dangerous for a Wielder. I also think it might expose Alissa.
7. Maybe it will be an opportunity to grow her own abilities and learn more about her mother’s lineage.
8. Statement Rings and Necklaces always catch the eye!
9. Yes! That was very surprising and added a mysterious element to her lineage that I’m keen to learn more about.
10. He seemed like such a creep and his advances were very brash. He didn’t have much tact and seemed like someone who just takes what they want. He gave me the ick.
11. Did not expect this much of action so early on in the book! My heart is in my throat! I can’t wait to see how she gets out of this mess!
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I do think that Marge was a Wielder.
No that was a bit of a twist I wasn’t expecting, I thought she had a lower status than noble since she was scrubbing the mark off the door.
That line makes me think she is a Wielder as well and/or does not agree with them being Hunters.
It makes me believe her and her father are outsiders or do not wholly believe or agree with the Capewells. But honestly I am still trying to figure out where Alissa and her father belong in this family dynamic.
Roses for her remind her of her mother or death and that is why she has an aversion to them.
I was immediately excited to learn of this ambassador and I hope a whole lot of chaos arises!
I don’t know but I hope it gives her more answers and hope than trouble
Definitely a broach – it reminds me of my grandmother that loved to wear them, something black or blue in the shape of a flower would be stunning!
Yes I didn’t really know but looking back it makes sense why she is the odd one out.
He gives me the ick – I was fearful and worried for her. He seems like terrible king and person.
Yes I fully expected she was going to be taken , loving the action and twists and turns!
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1. I have a feeling that Marge is a wielder. Why else would Alissa go to that much trouble to remove the Hunter’s mark from her door?
2. I wasn’t sure what to expect from Alissa, but I definitely did not expect her to be a noble.
3. The last lines of Chapter One already show that Alissa isn’t supposed to be a Wielder, that her being a noble tainted the Hunter’s bloodline.
4. I am still trying to put the family tree together and understand the family dynamics.
5. I am quite curious about Alissa’s aversion to roses. There might be several reasons, but one thing is for sure: she dreads the Rose Season.
6. I think the Ansoran ambassador is here to throw us a curveball.
7. I have no idea what to expect of Alissa’s excitement to meet the Wielder; it could be foreshadowing, but with it being the first Wielder she meets, hopefully it won’t go sideways.
8. I would like to have some beautiful rings.
9. Yes, I was very shocked and didn’t expect it, but it explains why she doesn’t have the Hunter bloodline.
10. It felt so uncomfortable, and I couldn’t wait for their dance to be over. The King gives me the ick feeling.
11. This is just the first few chapters, and the twist of events definitely makes me eager to continue reading.
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1. I definitely think Marge was taken because she’s a Wielder, but I also feel like there’s a deeper reason she was specifically targeted. It feels very intentional, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it somehow ties back to Alissa and her abilities.
2. No, not at all. But I actually really like that she is. It immediately raises the stakes, which I love, and adds so much tension to her position in the story.
3. I think it’s a really strong statement. Referring to Alissa as “a thorn on their family tree” really frames her as tainted because she’s a Wielder, and it feels like subtle foreshadowing that she’s going to become a much bigger threat to the Hunters’ bloodline.
4. The dynamics are still a bit unclear to me, but it’s obvious Alissa’s father has been put in an impossible position. The Capewells feel far more dangerous than they initially appear, and while I don’t think her father shares their values or beliefs, he doesn’t seem to have much choice but to align himself with them.
5. I think it’s either connected to her being considered “tainted,” or it’s tied to a suppressed childhood memory that we haven’t uncovered yet.
6. I’m convinced he’s going to be a love interest, but not an easy one. It feels like it’s going to be a rough, complicated journey, especially since he clearly has secrets Alissa is going to want answers to.
7. I wouldn’t necessarily call it foreshadowing yet. It feels more like excitement at the possibility of understanding her own abilities better and maybe finally finding a sense of belonging.
8. I’ve always been obsessed with rings. I’d definitely choose emerald as my signature gem, but in an elegant, understated way rather than anything too flashy.
9. I was definitely surprised, but at the same time, it’s not uncommon within nobility, which made it feel very realistic.
10. He makes me extremely uneasy. It definitely feels like he has an ulterior motive, and none of his interest in Alissa seems genuine.
11. Not at all, but I loved how fast everything escalated. The sudden shift in events made me even more excited to keep reading. -
1. Marge’s removal feels like a calculated punishment meant to isolate and control Alissa. That said, the speculation that Marge herself might have been a Wielder is compelling, especially given how tightly the Hunters monitor bloodlines and proximity.
2. Not entirely. The story initially frames Wielders as something to be feared, hidden, or erased rather than elevated. Discovering that Alissa has noble blood complicates things, she belongs to a world that fundamentally rejects what she is.
3.;These lines are incredibly effective. They neatly encapsulate Alissa’s role in the story. The metaphor of the “thorn” is especially strong, it suggests pain, persistence, and inevitability. No matter how much they try to cut her out, she remains rooted in their legacy.
4. The family dynamics feel cold and hierarchical. Alissa’s father represents emotional absence and moral cowardice, while the Capewells embody rigid adherence to tradition and reputation. Even the servants seem scared and afraid. It’s a household built on control rather than care, where love is secondary to lineage and obedience.
5. Roses clearly symbolise the Hunters: beauty masking cruelty, elegance hiding thorns. Alissa’s aversion likely stems from trauma and association, for her roses represent the world that hurt her, claimed ownership over her body and blood, and stripped her of safety. They are a reminder that prettiness in this court often disguises violence.
6. The ambassador introduces political instability and external scrutiny. Ansora’s presence threatens to expose secrets the Hunters would rather keep buried, especially regarding Wielders. Alissa isn’t just a problem to be contained but a potential asset or bargaining chip.
7. Absolutely. Her excitement feels real and one can understand why. It foreshadows either a painful betrayal, a harsh revelation about Wielders themselves, or a moment that forces Alissa to confront what her power truly means in this world.
8. I’d choose something understated but definitely something unmistakably rare, perhaps a single heirloom ring with an unusual gemstone or intricate craftsmanship. In a court like this, subtlety paired with exclusivity feels more powerful than excess.
9. Yes, but it also fits disturbingly well. It reframes Alissa’s treatment, not just as fear of her abilities, but as punishment for existing proof of moral failure within their ranks.
10. It’s unsettling rather than flattering. His interest feels less romantic and more strategic—another example of powerful men viewing Alissa as something to claim, use, or control.
11. The speed was shocking, but effective. It reinforces the constant danger Alissa lives under. The twist accelerates the stakes early on and makes it clear that this is not a slow-burn threat.The Hunters act swiftly, decisively, and without mercy.
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Hmm I think Marge was taken away bc she is a wielder and obvs okes have an issue w it.
To be honest yes, I was expecting here to be a noble. Sort of makes sense given how these books usually unfold.
Think the roses are defs connected to her mum in some way.
Love us some foreshadowing in a book for sure.
Hmm signet ring. Its elegance at its peak and the absolute indication of generational wealth.
Uh, have you met men? Especially men who have a low regard of women? No, it’s unsurprising. And given that they are nobles, its defs expected.
Well, I must admit I was happy to see this drama so early on! I like when a book just drops something on you early on bc you’re like well they have to top this somehow.
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