About the Book:
Title: Mysteries of Thorn Manor
Author: Margaret Rogerson
Series: Sorcery of Thorns 1.5
Page Length: 192
Publication Date: Jan. 17, 2023
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Synopsis: In this sequel novella to 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’s 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.
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My Review:
I’m so excited to be on the book tour today for Mysteries of Thorn Manor. I adored Sorcery of Thorns, and this was one of my most anticipated reads of the year. I was not disappointed. It’s fun and entertaining, and there are some incredibly touching moments too. The story takes place a couple of months after the conclusion of Sorcery of Thorns and is set in Thorn Manor, as Elisabeth, Nathaniel, Silas, and their new employee Mercy are trapped within. Elizabeth and Nathaniel must figure out what happened to the wards and why the house is working against them.
This is a great fantasy for people who love books. Elizabeth had a special connection to grimoires, and her love of and affection toward them makes my book-loving heart happy. The supernatural elements are also fantastic, and I love how so many regularly inanimate objects have distinct personalities, especially the grimoires and the house. Oh my gosh, the attack topiaries, the murderous clothing, the cursed coat of arms – it’s all so magical, entertaining, and fun, and it can be a little dangerous.
This was one of the things she loved best about books. She might never know who had written the dedication, or how long ago, or to whom, but she could briefly clasp hands with them across eternity, a chance meeting of souls made possible by their shared love of a story.
I also like that we learn so much more about Thorn Manor and its past inhabitants. I was hoping more of Nathaniel’s past would be explored, as well as his ancestry, and we learned a ton about the Thorns, the house, and Silas’s connection to each. With some of these revelations, we also learn how Nathaniel struggles with his memories, which manifest in his nightmares. Poor Nathaniel! I feel so bad for him and all he’s gone through. He and Elisabeth (and Silas) deserve some happy, peaceful times! Of course, first they have to figure out why the house won’t let them leave, and they have a ball to prepare for, as Thorn Manor is hosting, much to Nathaniel’s displeasure and Elisabeth’s curiosity.
It was so fun being able to revisit Elisabeth, Nathaniel, and Silas. I adored these characters, and to see how they are doing after what happened in Sorcery of Thorns is fantastic. Nathaniel is healing, Silas is acting strangely, and Elisabeth is adjusting to her new normal. Their relationships are growing and changing, and they have formed this unique family unit and unbreakable bond. Oh, and Mercy has come to work for Nathaniel! She had a small but important role in Sorcery of Thorns, and I was curious about what happened to her. I love that she has a bigger role in this book, and her personality really shines.
The focus of the novel is the relationship between Elizabeth and Nathaniel, and even Thorn Manor wants to know more about their feelings for each other! Nathaniel’s humor and charm are everything, and his devotion to and love for Elizabeth is so sweet. Elisabeth describes falling in love so well, and I love all the ways they both profess their love for each other without actually saying the words. Plus, their banter is top-notch. And the final scenes are beautifully romantic and magical for Elisabeth and Nathaniel.
The relationship between Elizabeth and Silas is another highlight of the story, which isn’t a surprise because I ADORE Silas! He’s changed, yet so much of him has stayed the same, and his growing friendship with Elisabeth is fabulous. The scene where he teaches her to dance is a wonderfully touching moment and says so much about their feelings toward each other. We see a tender side to Silas, which I love!
I would definitely recommend this novella to readers of ya fantasy. It’s clever, unique, and super fun, and I love Rogerson’s immersive writing style. Special thanks to Turn the Page Tours and the publisher for gifting me a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
Rating:
Favorite Line:
“Not every story has a happy ending,” she offered. “But most do, if you’re brave enough to keep reading to the end.”
About the Author:
Margaret Rogerson is the New York Times bestselling author of An Enchantment of Ravens. An Ohio native, she currently lives near Cincinnati. She has a bachelor’s degree in anthropology, and when not busy reading or writing, she enjoys watching more documentaries than most people consider socially acceptable.
YAY! So glad you loved this one. I can’t wait to read it. I’m really looking forward to these characters again!
You’re going to love it!!!
Omgosh, this sounds SO GOOD!!! Aah, your review has made me so excited to pick it up ASAP cos I absolutely adored Sorcery of Thorns and I can’t wait to dive back into this world and be with these characters! 😍 Fabulous review, Julie!
Ah I just finished this one and can only agree wholeheartedly with your review! It was so fun to be reunited with these beloved characters!
right! I loved it.