The Scars Within

Twisted Thorn, Book 1

De: Ang T. Dalton

Narrado por: Ellie Gossage, Garrett Kiesel

When a young woman—scarred by fire, bonded to a dragon, and wielding forbidden magic—enters an elite magic academy, she must survive deadly secrets, a prophecy that could end the world, and a dangerous love triangle with two rival brothers in this explosive romantasy perfect for fans of Fourth Wing, Throne of Glass, and Powerless.

One girl. Two brothers. A school built on secrets. And a bond that could burn down the world.

Scarlet Throne has been broken. Burned alive and survived.

Now, she’s a wild card with forbidden magic and a dragon with no memories—enrolled in Mageia War College only because she has nowhere else to go. She’s supposed to stay quiet. Stay controlled. Stay away from too much power. It’s too bad staying in control has never been her strong suit.

She never expected to find purpose. Or friends. Or to fall for two brothers with secrets of their own. Caught between the welcoming and charming Shayde and the unpredictable and dangerous Rhodes, Scarlet must guard her heart as fiercely as her life. Falling for either of them would be a mistake. Falling for both could be deadly.

But love isn’t the only fire rising. Someone is hunting Scarlet from within the college walls. Professors are dying and whispers are swirling that she is the one destined to destroy them all. And the more Scarlet digs for truth, the more her own darkness threatens to break free.

As dark truths unravel and betrayal cuts deeper than any blade, Scarlet must confront the trauma she’s buried, the power she’s never asked for, and a fate that may cost her everything.

The Scars Within is a spellbinding romantasy packed with slow-burn heat, found family, snarky banter, and a dangerous romance that scorches.

©2025 Ang T. Dalton (P)2025 Simon & Schuster Audio

true romance

this book has seriously good romance from first perspectives. not very spicy but so good.

Mental Health Awareness in Romantasy

I enjoyed this book. Yes it is reminiscent of other Romantasy books due to including a military college, dragons, and lost family. BUT, it also brings some new aspects to the table. While reading this, I found myself thinking about what will happen next. I connected to the characters, speculated on next steps, and was very surprised at the ending of this book. Realizing that this is the first book in a series, I understand why some things aren’t entirely explained in the first installment. I recommend this book for fans of Romantasy, especially if you have personally experienced or been affected by depression, suicidal ideation, or living through your rock bottom. “You were meant for more” ;

The scars within

This was one of the best books that I have ever read! I really enjoyed it!

Excellent Read!

Fourth Wing meets Quicksilver. Really related to the FMC’s journey. Can’t wait to continue the adventure.

Mental health aspects and the slow burn.

Great book. If you loved Fourth Wing, you’ll love this one too. Can’t wait for book 2.

New adult

Spice =🌶️. Good story.. a bit to juvenile for me. Lots of twist and turns. Lots of mental health focus. All pretty high level. But enjoyable . Don’t think I’ll continue but I see why people would.

Great Female Narrator!

The female narration was excellent, I could not get into the male narration.. obviously, fantasy tends to have a lot of the same elements across stories/authors, but I did feel like there were times that the story got a little too similar to some others that I have read.. overall, it was great! I had fun, I was intrigued, and there were some great plot twists at the end! It’s definitely one I’ll be re-reading!

Watch out Fourth Wing

Loved this story. Very much Fourth Wing Vibes. Would I dare say it’s better than Forth Wing… maybe. As far as storyline so far this is much better. Definitely love Scarlet MFC better than Violet. Xaden & Rhodes can go head to head for sure. Loved both books & authors for different reasons. A must read for sure. Well done, can’t wait for the completed series!

Content addressing mental health

It is too derivative of Fourth Wing. The scene with her earning daggers being one example.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Scars Within by Ang T. Dalton isn’t just a fantasy novel—it’s a mirror held up to the silent battles so many of us face. Ang’s ability to channel her own experiences with mental health into the creation of Scar is both brave and breathtaking. Scar’s journey echoes deeply with my own—feelings of being lost, living in fear, the ache of abandonment, and the long shadow of chronic depression and complex PTSD.

Through Scar, Ang reminds us that healing isn’t linear—but it’s possible. With the right people, we are never too broken to be whole. We are enough. We are loved. We are seen, heard, and understood.

One detail that struck me again and again was how Scar constantly forgot to breathe—a subtle, powerful thread that mirrored my own story so much that I lost count of those moments. It brought me back to the tattoo I carry: the OM symbol replacing the letter B in the phrase “Breathe. Beyond Fear Lies Freedom.” That reminder lives on my skin—and now in the pages of this book.

Ang wove mental health into a fantasy world in a way that feels soul-deep and honest. If you’ve ever battled your own demons or felt unseen in your struggle, this book will meet you there—and gently guide you forward.