Mysteries of Thorn Manor

by Margaret Rogerson

In this delightful sequel novella to the New York Times bestselling Sorcery of Thorns, Elisabeth, Nathaniel, and Silas must unravel the magical trap keeping them inside Thorn Manor in time for their Midwinter Ball!

Elisabeth Scrivener is finally settling into her new life with sorcerer Nathaniel Thorn. Now that their demon companion Silas has returned, so has scrutiny from nosy reporters hungry for gossip about the city’s most powerful sorcerer and the librarian who stole his heart. But something strange is afoot at Thorn Manor: the estate’s wards, which are meant to keep their home safe, are acting up and forcibly trapping the Manor'’ occupants inside. Surely it must be a coincidence that this happened just as Nathaniel and Elisabeth started getting closer to one another…

With no access to the outside world, Elisabeth, Nathaniel, and Silas—along with their new maid Mercy—will have to work together to discover the source of the magic behind the malfunctioning wards before they’re due to host the city’s Midwinter Ball. Not an easy task when the house is filled with unexpected secrets, and all Elisabeth can think about is kissing Nathaniel in peace. But when it becomes clear that the house, influenced by the magic of Nathaniel’s ancestors, requires a price for its obedience, Elisabeth and Nathaniel will have to lean on their connection like never before to set things right.

• ISBN10: 1665935626
• ISBN13: 9781665935623
• Publish Date: 17 January 2023
• Publish Status: Forthcoming
• Publish Country: US
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Imprint: Margaret K McElderry Books
• Format: eBook (EPUB)
• Pages: 192
• Language: English

Reviews

[Quirky Cat]

Book Summary:

Elisabeth Scrivener has truly come into her own in recent months. She and Nathaniel Thorn have formed a bit of a schedule now that they're officially living together. Yet the house seems to have some opinions on their current situation.

Opinions that are speaking very loudly – through the wards. Trapped in their home, Nathaniel and Elisabeth must find a way to calm the wards, and they must do so quickly. Here's hoping Silas has an idea or two.

My Review:

This is the novella for anyone who felt Sorcery of Thorns needed a bit more of a solid conclusion (read: happily ever after, of sorts). I had been content with how things left off, though honestly – I'll never say no to more. As such, I was blown away by how much I enjoyed this book! It was the ending I didn't know I needed.

There are strong bittersweet vibes to this story, but it's perfect. Silas' arc was everything, and the romantic elements in the main plot were super cute. In other words, it's our favorite characters returning to the pages for one last adventure.

I loved the inclusion of the "three impossible tasks" challenge/trope. That was a pleasant surprise, but it absolutely tickled me! It almost makes me wish we could get more from this world or its characters.

Highlights:
Magical Library
Three Impossible Tasks
Happy Ending

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[Inkslinger]

'Mysteries of Thorn Manor' is the follow-up novella to 'Sorcery of Thorns' and while I realize I've spoiled a bit of book one for myself, admittedly I'm even more eager to read it than I was before. This author's work is well-rounded, filled with whimsy where it fits, remarkable creativity, and just the right amount of dark, foreboding energy.  

 

While there's plenty of familiar themes incorporated within the world-building, the details really shine. Specifically, I found the way the grimoires.. and in general.. magic just left to its own devices for too long, was brilliantly handled. I adore the concepts of space and time.. and the chaotic nature of Rogerson's magic.

 

Nathaniel is lovely and just my type. He's got the tragic backstory, he's armored with deflection through humor, and he's been left damaged by his past. Damaged, but not broken. Elisabeth, while occasionally displaying traits I'm not wild about in female leads, is still a great character. She's kind and warm, mostly relatable, and has a tendency to sometimes take the blunt approach to a problem. The latter of which is really opposite her usual behavior and gives her a streak of unpredictability I quite enjoy.

 

All that aside, for some reason Silas is still my favorite character in the story. His actions are in direct conflict with everything he says of himself. Even his darker truths have origin in loyalty, making his choices about how to carry out what he needs to do completely palatable to me. Perhaps strangely, I'm deeply moved by him and I really hope there will be another story to come. There certainly seems to be room for one at the end of the novella.

 

Though I think I own all of Rogerson's books, in some cases.. more than one copy, this is the first of them I've read and I absolutely loved it.

(I received this title as a gift. All opinions are mine and freely given.)