despair_witch_16
Written on Jul 23, 2019
All sorcerers are evil. Elisabeth has known that as long as she has known anything. Raised as a foundling in one of Austermeer’s Great Libraries, Elisabeth has grown up among the tools of sorcery—magical grimoires that whisper on shelves and rattle beneath iron chains. If provoked, they transform into grotesque monsters of ink and leather.
Then an act of sabotage releases the library’s most dangerous grimoire, and Elisabeth is implicated in the crime. With no one to turn to but her sworn enemy, the sorcerer Nathaniel Thorn, and his mysterious demonic servant, she finds herself entangled in a centuries-old conspiracy. Not only could the Great Libraries go up in flames, but the world along with them.
As her alliance with Nathaniel grows stronger, Elisabeth starts to question everything she’s been taught—about sorcerers, about the libraries she loves, even about herself. For Elisabeth has a power she has never guessed, and a future she could never have imagined.
The heir apparent to Diana Wynne Jones, no one can match Rogerson's dark whimsy or joyous magic. This book is sheer delight."Jessica Cluess, author of the Kingdom on Fire trilogy
- ISBN10 1481497626
- ISBN13 9781481497626
- Publish Date 23 July 2020 (first published 4 June 2019)
- Publish Status Active
- Out of Print 20 April 2022
- Publish Country US
- Publisher Simon & Schuster
- Imprint Margaret K McElderry Books
- Edition Reprint
- Format Paperback (US Trade)
- Pages 480
- Language English
Reviews
Laurie
Written on Jul 19, 2019
lauriesbookshelf
Written on Jul 19, 2019
liz089
Written on Jul 17, 2019
alindstadtcorbeax
Written on Jun 28, 2019
I loved this so incredibly much that words cannot possibly begin to express it. I have so much to say with no will to say it right now because I just want to remain.... here. In this moment. Where I just finished, I dare say, my favorite novel so far of 2019. 💚
Leigha
Written on May 23, 2019
A library page uncovers a dark secret in this fantasy young adult romance.
*Le sigh* I didn’t connect to this book. It contained so many elements I usually enjoy – an epic romance, a world where libraries are integral to society, and an interesting magical system. And yet, the characters never pulled me into the story. Elizabeth annoyed me to no end. Instead of coming across as fierce and brave, she came across as brash and overbearing. Nathaniel wasn’t much better – he came across as a generic moody boy instead of a bad ass wizard. The world-building, action, and writing style couldn’t make up for my dislike of the characters.
It reads very similar to Naomi Novik’s Uprooted. I loved many elements of Uprooted, but the characters fell flat for me. The characters in this novel fell flat for me too. I think most people, particularly fans of fantasy romance, will probably enjoy this novel. Sadly, it just wasn’t for me.
tl;dr A fantasy romance that feel flat for me, but I’m sure others would enjoy.
Beth C.
Written on Mar 31, 2019
I admit, it took me FOREVER to get around to reading An Enchantment of Ravens. I *wanted* to read it, but like the dog in "UP" ("SQUIRREL"), there was always another book just around the corner. When I finally sat down with the book, I found myself enthralled with the writing, and the story...and frankly, with the fact that it was just a *really good* stand-alone novel. So when offered the opportunity for an arc of Sorcery of Thorns, I grabbed it and didn't hesitate.
I am so glad I did. Because just like Ravens, this book had an interesting story, and compelling main characters. And yes, I am counting the Great Libraries as characters unto themselves, because don't libraries have a life of their own? More so when the titles are *actually* alive, and with personalities of their own. Elisabeth has grown up surrounded by Wardens, whose job it is to essentially jail the grimoires, and believes that anything to do with magic or sorcery is pure evil. Her first run-in with an ACTUAL sorcerer leaves her confused, but it's not until she's thrust out of the life she has always known that she learns (as do we all) that reality is less...defined. Nathaniel Thorn is that sorcerer, who has cut himself off from living a real life, for fear that he will become his past. He and Elisabeth are excellent foils for each other, and their weaknesses show the others' strength, though it must be said that Elisabeth is a force to be reckoned with on her own.
Rogerson is excellent at creating characters who refuse to be defined by the terms "good" or "evil", but are instead are just...who they are. There is such a character here, as there was in Ravens, and that uncertainty helps to propel the story in unexpected ways.
The story is fast-paced, and will keep even the most "squirrel"-like people coming back for more. It's not overwhelming, and there will be some tugging on the heartstrings (no spoilers!). The romance is definitely slow-burn, but all the sweeter for that. And the ending...oh, that ending. I will not spoil it for anyone, except to say it was the perfect blend of "WAIT, WHAT?!?" and "But wait!" and "THERE'S NO MORE?!". The ending truly was just right for the tale.
Overall, between both of her titles, Rogerson has a new fan, and I'll be keeping a much closer eye on her upcoming titles than before! Because when I say I finished the book "today" in my Goodreads? What that *really* means is I-stayed-up-way-past-my-bedtime-and-finished-it-because-I-needed-to-know-what-happened-and-damn-am-I-tired-at-work "today".
cornerfolds
Written on Nov 24, 2018
I've been curious about Margaret Rogerson's books since I saw the gorgeous cover of An Enchantment of Ravens. People told me how slow it was and that I'd probably have difficulty getting into it, so I never gave it a try. If Sorcery of Thorns is any indication, I am going to LOVE An Enchantment of Ravens (I've already acquired a copy). This book is everything!
Elisabeth has grown up in a Great Library, the only home she's ever known. This isn't just any library though - the books are alive and can even turn into monsters when provoked. After Elisabeth takes action against one of these monstrous tomes, she finds herself taken to the capital to stand trial for a crime she didn't commit and her only ally is a sorcerer she's been raised to distrust.
I loved everything about this book and the characters in it! Elisabeth is such a relatable protagonist and I really enjoyed following along as her prejudices against sorcerers and demons were challenged. Her entire world was turned upside down and I could definitely relate to Elisabeth trying to understand what to do next in a world she didn't understand anymore.
Nathaniel Thorn was also a wonderful character. The sorcerers in this book are recognizable but different enough from the norm to be really interesting. I loved learning more about him and the way his power worked. Speaking of his power, Silas was one of the best secondary characters I've ever read! He was a perfect blend of frightening and loveable and I would absolutely love another book all about him.
Of course, there's romance in this book and the relationship between Elisabeth and Nathaniel was ridiculously adorable and I couldn't get enough of it! It was a true slow burn romance and was full of humor and sass, but in the absolute right amount. If you've read many of my reviews, you'll know I despise characters who are non-stop snark, but Margaret Rogerson struck the perfect balance.
Apart from the characters, the world of Sorcery of Thorns is incredible! I was utterly mesmerized by this unique, magical world. The atmosphere pulled me in from page one and I have the worst book hangover from having to leave. It felt dark and magical and I can honestly say I've never read anything quite like it.
I've already touched on how much I loved this story, but I feel like I can't say much more without spoilers! It wasn't non-stop action, but I felt that the pacing was fine. I was honestly a bit worried that I wouldn't love this book for awhile there. It took me quite a bit longer to read than normal, but it may have just been the mood I was in. Still, I loved every single page, despite taking extra long to get through them.
Sorcery of Thorns is unique and the characters are some of the best I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. I cannot wait to dive into An Enchantment of Ravens and will definitely pick up whatever this author writes next!
nightingalereads
Written on Sep 3, 2018
3.75 stars
I took some extra time writing this review because, honestly, I haven't figured out my full feelings on Sorcery of Thorns. This story is brimming with a dark magical atmosphere and complex witty characters. I reveled in the concept of a library where books come alive. On paper, this story has everything I love - charming sorcerers, magic books, sword-wielding library girls, and polite (but tricksy!) demons. As much as I enjoyed Sorcery of Thorns, though, issues with the plot kept me from loving it wholeheartedly.
As mentioned, my main issue was with the plot itself. This standalone fantasy is pretty chunky and I found it hard to push through at times. There were multiple chapters where the narrative felt muddled and stagnated - not in a "slow-paced" plot kind of way, but in a purposeless way. While reading, there were many scenes where I wondered, vaguely befuddled, why I felt so uninvested in what was happening. These moments of unwelcome detachment included action sequences as well as more introspective scenes.
Make no mistake, Sorcery of Thorns is a worthwhile read that still entertains - it's quirky, fun, and pretty dark at times. Margaret Rogerson is a tremendous author who has a very enchanting way with words. She makes you feel almost as if you're being charmed simply by reading them. I only wish the plot itself had kept me as engaged in the world. While I won't soon forget Elisabeth, Nathaniel, and Silas, I do prefer Sorcery's quieter older sibling, An Enchantment of Ravens.