A New York Times bestseller!
“A bewitching gem...I absolutely loved every moment of this story.” —Stephanie Garber, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Caraval series
“If you loved the Hogwarts Library…you’ll be right at home at Summershall.” —Katherine Arden, New York Times bestselling author of The Bear and the Nightingale
From the New York Times bestselling author of An Enchantment of Ravens comes an “enthralling adventure” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) about an apprentice at a magical library who must battle a powerful sorcerer to save her kingdom.
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.
This review was originally posted on The Bumbling Bookworm
My first 5 star read of the year and a reread at that! I first read this in September 2019, and I've been wanting to reread it ever since. I know this book isn't perfect but I love everything about it and it was such a joyous read. The characters were absolutely delightful, I just want to be their friend - and I really want a demon who turns into a cat in my life! Basically, Silas must be protected at all costs. Also, Elizabeth is so awkward but it's so endearing, and Nathaniel is a precious bisexual bean. Please give me more of them!
One of my favourite aspects to this book was how the libraries and the grimoires had their own personalities, it was like they were another character in the book. I've also read An Enchantment of Ravens, the author's debut, and I can see the author's growth in this book - the added length was also wonderful, as it allowed her to fully flesh out the fantasy world. This was one of my favourite books of 2019, and it just makes me want to squee with joy. I know this is a standalone, but I need more of this world and these characters in my life. I also definitely need to get my own copy, as I can see many more rereads in my future!
Reading updates
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19 September, 2019:
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5 January, 2020:
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5 January, 2020:
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5 January, 2020:
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7 September, 2020:
Finished reading
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5 January, 2020:
Reviewed