A retelling of the Goose Girl story, Thorn tells the story of Alyrra, a princess who is tricked by a witch, her body swapped with that of her attendant before she reaches the court of the prince she's due to marry. The original tale is a strange one (I'm not convinced that the talking horse adds much to the plot), and in most respects this is a fairly faithful rendering, but it's Khanani's envisioning of the princess that makes this book special. Alyrra doesn't complain at her loss of status; rather, she embraces the comparative freedom from expectations, and makes true friends amongst the palace staff. It's only a sense of duty and honour that can tempt her into reclaiming the role she was born to.