Reviews with content warning for Emotional abuse - Sorcery of Thorns

This is a book that kept coming up in my recommendations. I recently saw it on the shelf at my local library and vowed to track down the audiobook. It is a nerdy fantasy aimed at teen readers, about a girl who is an orphan raised in a magical library filled with sentient grimoires.

The first part of the story, that introduces us to the idea of dangerous books locked up to keep people safe felt reminiscent of Terry Pratchett's libraries in the Discworld. I had a laugh-out-loud moment when the novice is quizzed by the Director as to the first magical safety precaution one would use when handling a dangerous book and I said out loud "salt!", and the novice exclaims "salt". The way the magic works in this world is not precisely derivative, but enough like other fantasy novels (and Pagan texts) that it seems familiar to the point where at least one of the big reveals is a little predictable. I don't hate it though.

The particular bestiary of this world includes Maleficts which are malevolent monsters that are released when a book is unbound, Book-lice which are oversized arthropods that thrive in magical libraries, altered by the omnipresence of magical energies which make them resistant to magical spells, and Demons which Sorcerers contract with for use of magical powers. I really did hope it would go into the idea of indentured servitude, and power dynamics of demon slaves.. there was a whiff of the idea, but maybe it was too big for a book like this?

I think there is some criticism of this book for being "token LGBT" as one of the main characters is bisexual (and one is asexual now I think of it), but this is only mentioned in passing, and the primary relationships in the book are M/F. Personally I feel like it's respectfully done and I like that I'm feeling represented.. but it has no real queer narrative. I do think it's more important to the plot than some readers perceive. Similar things could be said for the depiction of ethnic diversity. Some characters are brown, but there is no narrative of identity, minority, or oppression, and Class is only vaguely mentioned.

As someone who is not a fan of "battles" I think the tension is held well and the boss fights (always more palatable than army engagements) are tense and exciting. Our main character is a girl who is big and strong and wields a sword.. or a crowbar if that's all she can get.

The story is really more character driven than anything, and it's got some nuance so I'll let it slide on some of the simplicity of plot. Lots of ideas to play with, and I expect it is the sort of world that fan-fiction would spring from.

Content Warnings

caitys_pages's review

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This book is a delightful mix of fantasy, adventure, and a slow burn romance. The standalone novel puts into words the beauty and captivity of books. It gives you magical and ethereal twists that leaves you wanting more.

The magic system was well crafted. Taking into consideration of the modern magic we see and hear about today. Margaret had you under their spell through the entire story and the best part about this adventurous magical romance was, it wasn't love at first sight in the typical sense. It was a slow burn which only made the story even more tantalizing!

As far as character development I had a love hate relation. I enjoyed where the main character was coming from and being propped into high society. That drastic change and how hard it would be to figure out was well written. The overall development was good, but there could have been more growth throughout the story rather then at the end.

Overall I highly recommend this novel you won't be disappointed. I had it through Audible and the person who voiced it was phenomenal!

Content Warnings

wrensreadingroom's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark funny mysterious medium-paced

5.0

Content Warnings

books_and_coffee_vibes's review

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I loved this book with all my heart. I love the development and how the author takes time to build up to the ending and how she builds up the relationship between Nathaniel, Elizabeth and Silas. I must say Silas was Definitely my favorite character. He was incredibly funny without trying and I love the comments on how Nathaniel dresses. I loved him so much. This book bought me so much joy and I’m definitely buying the new one

Content Warnings

bookish_slagathor's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I'm always skeptical when it comes to YA novels and have a tendency to avoid them, but thanks to me buying this on a whim and my friend who also needed someone to read it with her, I finally managed to finish this book. And now I want more!

Margaret Rogerson has an amazingly beautiful and flowing writing style and a knack for bringing her characters to life. It was a joy to read her novel and I will be definitely looking into her other works after this.

Not to mention that this book has a capable female MC, the sweetest romance that I've read in the past few months (or maybe even in the past year) and an exciting story with strong feminist vibes to boot. Definitely something I would recommend getting your teen child, but also something I'd recommend for adults as well. It's just so good!!!

In any case, this book convinced me to try and be a tad bit more open minded when it comes to YA literature. Some books may surprise me with their maturity.

Content Warnings

zombiesheep's review

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Content Warnings

hazelsnoot's review

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

Content Warnings

delz's review

Go to review page

adventurous dark funny mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

In this beautiful fantasy that centers around the protection of books, Elisabeth is an apprentice in training to be a Warden of grimoires in the Great Library. The Wardens keep and maintain the Grimoires while providing protection against sorcerers who might try to use them to control people and lower demons. We meet Elisabeth who has the reputation as an outcast, since she was an orphan left at the library as a baby. She’s been Director Irena’s ward for 16 years. Irene is very fond of the girl, taking her under her wing and giving her the apprenticeship. One night Elisabeth is woken out of a dream, feeling as if something is wrong. What ensues is a fantastic adventure and a little romance that will keep you glued to this book. Sorcery of Thorns is a book I hadn’t heard about- my daughter put it in my hands- and I will definitely be recommending it.

Content Warnings

More...