SEVEN DEADLY THORNS, by Amber Hamilton, Bloomsbury YA, Nov. 4, 2025, Hardcover, $24.99 (young adult, ages 16 and up)
A dark prince and his classmate are forced to work together in Seven Deadly Thorns, an upper YA romantasy by Amber Hamilton.
Viola Sinclair has hidden her shadow magic her whole life. Discovery means certain death, for in the Kingdom of Aragoa dark magic is forbidden. When the Queen finds out Viola’s secret, she sends her royal assassin to kill her. He is given a cursed tattoo: seven thorns on his arm for the seven days he has to complete his deadly task. If he fails, he will be the one to die.
The assassin is Roze Roquelart–entitled prince, arrogant fellow student at Vandenberghe Academy, and Viola’s mortal enemy. The chance to strike Viola down is at Roze’s fingertips. But he needs something from Viola. And he’s willing to spare her life to get it.
Forced to work together, Viola and Roze uncover terrible secrets, sinister threats . . . and an irresistible attraction. Can they learn to trust each other in time to save themselves–and bring the light back to Aragoa? —Synopsis provided by Bloomsbury YA
Seven Deadly Thorns is an addictive dark romantasy with lots of sexual tension that doesn’t go into too much detail but is certainly spicey. It fits securely in the upper YA/ new adult category.
Author Amber Hamilton excels at world-building. The atmosphere of Seven Deadly Thorns is immersive. It has a Gothic, heavy feel. The enemies-to-lover trope works fairly well, and Viola and Roze are interesting characters.
The book is an ode to Snow White mixed with angst. It moves quickly, and a lot happens in those approximately 375 pages. It’s not going to be a good fit for everyone, but it’s a good option for older readers who enjoy a moody read.
