Assessment:

Plot/Idea: Thorn City, a multilayered and tense thriller, follows two troubled young women–Lisa and Jamie–as they partner with local authority members in order to unravel one of Portland's rampant drug dealerships. As Lisa and Jamie are dragged deeper into the city's spreading shadows, they are forced to confront past trauma regarding broken relationships and a boarding school for troubled teens.

Prose: Statz has a strong awareness of literary craft and intentionally creates engaging, relatable, and entertaining characters, all of which deepens the novel's complexity. The author strikes a fine balance between drama and humor, which will keep readers turning the pages.

Originality: Statz brings originality to the circumstances via an insider's perspective on Portland's weirder side.

Character/Execution: Statz infuses her multiple characters with energy, life, and substance. Each has a distinct personality and applicable background which, as a result, invigorates their relationships with one another.

Date Submitted: May 01, 2024