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

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” ;

More like a Fanfiction

This didn't feel like a unique story. It was like listening to a fanfiction of fourth wing. I really wanted to like the story but it needs a lot of development. The story is confusing, the plot seemed to be missing important information. It may be because it is the authors first book but if this is going to be a series, this will need a lot more plot development and world building. I am giving the author the benefit that she will improve book 2 and make it a worth while series, but if book 2 is like book 1 it will definitely be a DNF for me.

Excellent Read!

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

Absolutely Loved!!

I have never…. I’m at a loss for words.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Five star read for me! I’ve already ordered my shelf trophy and know I’ll be curling up with this for a comfort read later.
🌶️🌶️.5 - 2.5 Spicy peppers for me! Nothing crazy detailed, but there was yearning and lots of flirtatious tension that had me giddy like a school girl. Lots of fun playful banter! Perfect amount of romance elements to not take away from our story 👌

The Scars Within follows Scarlet - AKA Scar, who attends Mageia War College and finds herself stuck in a love triangle with twin brothers - Rhodes and Shayde. These two MMC’s are different from one another, both hiding secrets that neither knows. Maps aren’t allowed at the college, their history books seem to be lacking, the halls are full of secrets… not everything is as it seems at Mageia.

Scar holds forbidden magic, has a dragon with no memories, and is being hunted from within the college. The plot twists.. the action/adventure… just when I felt like I knew what was going to happen next - Wham! Think again! If you think you know what’s going on, trust me you don’t. The ending was epic and I cannot wait for book 2.

I absolutely loved this book… I’m going to be stuck on this until I get my hands on book 2.

🔹 Elemental magic & dragons
🔹 War college
🔹 Twin brothers-dragon riders/fire wielders
🔹 Slow-burn romance with love triangle and forced proximity
🔹 Found family vibes and woman friendship
🔹 Secret POV
🔹 Mental health representation

Can't wait for #2

This book was amazing and had me audibly gasping at the plot twists. I cannot wait for a second book!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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.

Copy Cat Fourth Wing

This story mimics almost every element of Fourth Wing. I’m annoyed I paid for it, so finished it even though it felt like a waste of time.
The writing, scenes, characters and relationships are all underdeveloped.