One enchanting romance. Two lovers keeping secrets. And a uniquely crafted book that binds their stories forever.

When Evelyn Morgan walked into the village bookstore, she didn’t know she would meet the love of her life. When Brendan Thorne handed her a medieval romance, he didn’t know it would change the course of his future. It was almost as if they were the cursed lovers in the old book itself . . .
The Thorn and the Blossom is a remarkable literary artifact: You can open the book in either direction to decide whether you’ll first read Brendan’s, or Evelyn’s account of the mysterious love affair. Choose a side, read it like a regular novel—and when you get to the end, you’ll find yourself at a whole new beginning.

Theodora Goss' profile page

Scott McKowen is an award-winning illustrator and graphic designer of books, magazines and theater posters. He is the illustrator of the Sterling Unabridged Classics series (34 titles) and received international praise for his illustrations of Neil Gaiman's eight-part graphic novel, 1602. In 2009, Firefly Books published A Fine Line: Scratchboard Illustrations by Scott McKowen. Born and raised in Michigan, he is based in Stratford, Ontario, where he operates his small design studio, Punch and Judy Inc., which creates theatre posters and graphics for leading performing arts companies across North America.

Scott McKowen's profile page

“It's a beautiful book, both inside and out, and truly a treasure on every appreciable level.”—Bookslut

“Double the love story, double the fun for fantasy readers.”—McClatchy Newspapers

“Goss has written some of the most remarkable short fantasy fiction of recent years.”—The Guardian (UK)

“Teens who enjoy a romantic tale will be enchanted by the clever packaging and the fanciful, touching story of young people thwarted in love.”—School Library Journal

“A book unlike any you've seen before.”—Westword

“Goss' appealing characters and modern magic atmosphere will continue to attract a following.”—Publisher’s Weekly
“Every page of The Thorn and the Blossom impressed me more and more until I finished and was just left with awe.”—Utopia State of Mind