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kokechii's review against another edition
4.0
Edit: giving it four stars after all!
This felt like reading a different version of Howl's Moving Castle, with Nathaniel being Howl and Elisabeth being Sophie and of course Silas being Calcifer. I LOVED the world imagined, even the ghastly grimoire books. Overall I think I was a tad bit too old for this, as the character ages constantly kept rising up in my mind, but the action and the writing pulled through. The solution, once it came, with Elisabeth realizing what she needs to do at the Royal Library - I was so happy in a indescribable way. For sure, Silas was the outstanding character in the book for me, he was not charming at all and yet... here I am, charmed thoroughly. And I loved loved loved the ending, got goosebumps reading it.
This felt like reading a different version of Howl's Moving Castle, with Nathaniel being Howl and Elisabeth being Sophie and of course Silas being Calcifer. I LOVED the world imagined, even the ghastly grimoire books. Overall I think I was a tad bit too old for this, as the character ages constantly kept rising up in my mind, but the action and the writing pulled through. The solution, once it came, with Elisabeth realizing what she needs to do at the Royal Library - I was so happy in a indescribable way. For sure, Silas was the outstanding character in the book for me, he was not charming at all and yet... here I am, charmed thoroughly. And I loved loved loved the ending, got goosebumps reading it.
whimsymusings's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
luke_4e's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I really loved the storyline but at times it felt a little slow
migraineee's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
daisyreadsfantasy_'s review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
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
4.75
maddiemoiselle's review against another edition
4.0
I am a bit disappointed this wasn’t a five star read for me. At times, it really felt like it would be! I thoroughly enjoyed the setting and the magic of this world. The grimoires were fascinating and the characters, at times, really worked for me.
For instance, Elisabeth was a competent and fun main character. I loved her background and how she is a “true child of the library”. I loved her innocence and how her viewpoint of the world and magic shifted over the course of the book. I kept expecting her to become a sorcerer, but I am glad that she didn’t. It would have been very generic and predictable. I am still not certain how she is such a master swordsman—and at times it was a bit bland that she is another FMC that’s a badass with a sword. I mean, even if she practiced as an apprentice she NEVER had to wield a sword in a true fight before the attack on Summershall. So why can she kick trash? And don’t tell me it is because she is stronger than a normal human. Strength does not equate skill.
Moving on, Nathaniel had SO much potential. At times, he reminded me of Will Herondale. He was funny and broody and tortured. What didn’t work for me is how he is barely featured throughout the middle of the book. I felt their romance was transitioning well in the beginning, I could see the vision and I was PUMPED to get there. Then after Silas saves her, he wants to kick her out?? While she is literally on death’s doorstep. And it turns out his “reasoning” is because he gets nightmares sometimes lol. That was a fail for me. And then he’s kind of missing from the story for a while, until he finally decides to help Elisabeth defeat Ashcroft. It isn’t long after this that Elisabeth and Nathaniel are basically already in love. The buildup to that moment failed for me pretty epically. This would’ve been better served as a duology, where the author could’ve taken her time and added more moments between Elisabeth and Nathaniel. It would’ve strengthened their relationship arc. In romance, the build up is everything and if it doesn’t proceed appropriately it kind of ruins it for me.
Silas was definitely my favorite character from the book. I think he was by far the most nuanced and interesting. I love how demons are explained as self-serving, cold creatures who only accept deals to feed on the souls of humans. This was also one of my favorite concepts from the book (the whole idea that magic comes from this bond). So, I loved seeing Silas fight against his true nature. He cares for Nathaniel like a father cares for a son, while still craving his soul. It was fascinating and I would love to someday read a spin-off of Silas and WHY he is the way he is. I wish there had been more information in the book—why is Silas different from other demons?
Which leads me to the ending…. WHY??? Seriously, why??? This is one of the worst endings I’ve read in a while. It literally just ends, after all of that buildup. And, yes, I know there is an epilogue but that is more of a bandaid to provide closure instead of an actual meaningful ending. Again, this book should’ve been a duology and the first book should’ve ended after the battle at the ball. Silas should’ve sacrificed himself and then they could’ve resummoned him and then it should’ve ended. And then the next book should’ve focused on Nathaniel and Elisabeth’s relationship and building up to a better ending. Cuz this one sucked booty. I also don’t buy that Silas would be kind and loving in his true form (he freaking kisses Nathaniel’s hand??), and this felt like a disservice to his character. I wanted to see him eat a few human souls and THEN decide to help. Begrudgingly.
I think there were a ton of things about Sorcery of Thorns that I really loved, but it fell short in a lot of ways. I still did enjoy it and will recommend it to others, but I am bummed that this is somewhat of a standalone and that all that build up was for such a disappointing ending.
For instance, Elisabeth was a competent and fun main character. I loved her background and how she is a “true child of the library”. I loved her innocence and how her viewpoint of the world and magic shifted over the course of the book. I kept expecting her to become a sorcerer, but I am glad that she didn’t. It would have been very generic and predictable. I am still not certain how she is such a master swordsman—and at times it was a bit bland that she is another FMC that’s a badass with a sword. I mean, even if she practiced as an apprentice she NEVER had to wield a sword in a true fight before the attack on Summershall. So why can she kick trash? And don’t tell me it is because she is stronger than a normal human. Strength does not equate skill.
Moving on, Nathaniel had SO much potential. At times, he reminded me of Will Herondale. He was funny and broody and tortured. What didn’t work for me is how he is barely featured throughout the middle of the book. I felt their romance was transitioning well in the beginning, I could see the vision and I was PUMPED to get there. Then after Silas saves her, he wants to kick her out?? While she is literally on death’s doorstep. And it turns out his “reasoning” is because he gets nightmares sometimes lol. That was a fail for me. And then he’s kind of missing from the story for a while, until he finally decides to help Elisabeth defeat Ashcroft. It isn’t long after this that Elisabeth and Nathaniel are basically already in love. The buildup to that moment failed for me pretty epically. This would’ve been better served as a duology, where the author could’ve taken her time and added more moments between Elisabeth and Nathaniel. It would’ve strengthened their relationship arc. In romance, the build up is everything and if it doesn’t proceed appropriately it kind of ruins it for me.
Silas was definitely my favorite character from the book. I think he was by far the most nuanced and interesting. I love how demons are explained as self-serving, cold creatures who only accept deals to feed on the souls of humans. This was also one of my favorite concepts from the book (the whole idea that magic comes from this bond). So, I loved seeing Silas fight against his true nature. He cares for Nathaniel like a father cares for a son, while still craving his soul. It was fascinating and I would love to someday read a spin-off of Silas and WHY he is the way he is. I wish there had been more information in the book—why is Silas different from other demons?
Which leads me to the ending…. WHY??? Seriously, why??? This is one of the worst endings I’ve read in a while. It literally just ends, after all of that buildup. And, yes, I know there is an epilogue but that is more of a bandaid to provide closure instead of an actual meaningful ending. Again, this book should’ve been a duology and the first book should’ve ended after the battle at the ball. Silas should’ve sacrificed himself and then they could’ve resummoned him and then it should’ve ended. And then the next book should’ve focused on Nathaniel and Elisabeth’s relationship and building up to a better ending. Cuz this one sucked booty. I also don’t buy that Silas would be kind and loving in his true form (he freaking kisses Nathaniel’s hand??), and this felt like a disservice to his character. I wanted to see him eat a few human souls and THEN decide to help. Begrudgingly.
I think there were a ton of things about Sorcery of Thorns that I really loved, but it fell short in a lot of ways. I still did enjoy it and will recommend it to others, but I am bummed that this is somewhat of a standalone and that all that build up was for such a disappointing ending.
anakira's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.0
Interesting premise and cool ideas, but poorly developed characters. Too superficial and unrealistic for my taste. To be fair, it is a YA book.
seashelfs's review against another edition
5.0
(5)
Elisabeth has grown up thinking all sorcerers are evil. Being raised in one of Austermere's Great Libraries, all her life she has been surrounded with magical grimoires that whisper and move. When damaged, these grimoires transform into deadly creatures. An act of sabotage puts Elisabeth accused of treason and is being taken to the capital to face justice. With no one to turn to but Nathaniel Thorn, one of the kingdom's greatest sorcerers, and his mysterious servant, to uncover a scheme that is a few centuries running.
I love reading books about books. Reading about beautiful descriptions of ink and paper on ink and paper.
When people describe this as a dark academia Howl's Moving Castle, I didn't realize how accurate it was. Not from the plot itself but the *vibes*. It has the same whimsical and wholesome vibes.
We don't see much of the love interest. The main character spends the majority of the time bonding with the "mysterious servant". But every time they're in the scene together, the banter is just exquisite.
The only thing I kinda didn't like it's the final right. It felt quite rushed. Nevertheless, I rate my books subjectively and this book just made me so happy sooo 5 stars.
Elisabeth has grown up thinking all sorcerers are evil. Being raised in one of Austermere's Great Libraries, all her life she has been surrounded with magical grimoires that whisper and move. When damaged, these grimoires transform into deadly creatures. An act of sabotage puts Elisabeth accused of treason and is being taken to the capital to face justice. With no one to turn to but Nathaniel Thorn, one of the kingdom's greatest sorcerers, and his mysterious servant, to uncover a scheme that is a few centuries running.
I love reading books about books. Reading about beautiful descriptions of ink and paper on ink and paper.
When people describe this as a dark academia Howl's Moving Castle, I didn't realize how accurate it was. Not from the plot itself but the *vibes*. It has the same whimsical and wholesome vibes.
We don't see much of the love interest. The main character spends the majority of the time bonding with the "mysterious servant". But every time they're in the scene together, the banter is just exquisite.
The only thing I kinda didn't like it's the final right. It felt quite rushed. Nevertheless, I rate my books subjectively and this book just made me so happy sooo 5 stars.
priya_amrev's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely amazing. I started around 1am and stayed up till 4:20am reading this.
abake113's review against another edition
2.0
2⭐️. DNF. Don’t care about the story or the characters. I feel like I should’ve because the plot is decent, I just didn’t connect to it. Stopped at 58%.