A review by surbhi_reads
Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson

5.0

Books, too, had hearts, though they were not the same as people’s, and a book’s heart could be broken; she had seen it happen before. Grimoires that refused to open, their voices gone silent, or whose ink faded and bled across the pages like tears.

Why is this book a Standalone? like why? because honestly, I need so much more of this story, I need more of this epic fantasy which has libraries filled with magical books, who have a life of their own. I need more of the bad-ass female sword-wielding protagonist, who brought so much joy to my heart, I need more of the cocky sorcerer, who has a torturous past but a heart of pure gold and I need so much more of the misunderstood demon from another realm, who keeps to himself but cares so much about his master. Like, I said, I just need so much more...

Elisabeth Scrievner is a child of a library, left as a child on the doorstep of the Great Library in Summershall, Elisabeth grew among the Grimoires, talking to them and making them her friends. But not all Grimoires are safe and friendly, the libraries also contain many of these dangerous books, which if provoked, transforms into manifests hell bent on destroying everything that crosses their path. And Elisabeth wants nothing more than to become a warden of the library one day and stand guard protecting the knowledge of these Grimoires. Things go haywire for Elisabeth when she is accused of a malicious attack on the library resulting in the death of the director and destruction of a very precious Grimoire.

Forced to travel to the Capital in the company of the young sorcerer, Nathaniel Thorn, and his demonic servant, Silas to face judgement, Elisabeth slowly begins to realize that not all sorcerers are evil. Her life is once again, turned upside down though when she comes across a century-old conspiracy threatening to destroy not only Elisabeth's beloved libraries but also the very existence of mankind. In the world full of untrustworthy acquaintances, Elisabeth must now team up with Nathaniel and Silas, the only two she truly trusts, to protect what she holds most dear.

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This is my first book by [a: Margaret Rogerson|15455603|Margaret Rogerson|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1468164512p2/15455603.jpg] and boy! did I love her writing style, it's absolutely gorgeous, quaint and lyrical. I can't stress enough, but I was so engrossed with the plot of this book, which is extremely whimsical, exquisite and compelling as well as tight-knit, action-packed filled with mysteries and conspiracies. I actually had an ARC of this book but I started listening to its Audiobook and well, the narrator is fantastic. Generally, it takes me days to finish any book on Audio, but not with [b: Sorcery of Thorns|42201395|Sorcery of Thorns|Margaret Rogerson|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1541621322s/42201395.jpg|61425757], I was listening to it at all of my free time and ended up finishing it in a matter of 3 days. The world-building is so subtle, easy to understand and kind of gives something of a Victorian England vibe, which was really interesting as well as captivating to read.

However, the star of the book truly is the three main characters. I don't know where should I even begin with because Elisabeth, Nathaniel, and Silas are so precious. Elisabeth is so brave, strong-willed and willing to go to any lengths for what she believes is the right thing to do. And Nathaniel truly did sorcery on my heart because his character is so, so resilient and endearing. Nathaniel hides so much pain behind his rugged charm but he cares so much, he loves so fiercely and I want nothing but happiness for this tortured boy.

As for Silas, he is a demon, bound by servitude and isn't suppose to feel like a normal human being but his devotion to Nathaniel and Elisabeth are truly goals. His character is so complex and enigmatic but he is also can be really funny at times and honestly, he delivers some of the best one-liners of the book. However, to Elisabeth and Nathaniel, Silas was basically a very fussy and fuzzy mom figure and I loved this trio to bits and pieces. I can't express how much that ending broke my heart and then healed it because of what happened in the very last page of the book.

Also, the romance in this book is so bewitching. It's a slow burn and even though it's a sub-plot, I was rooting so hard for Elisabeth and Nathaniel from their very first meeting. Together they felt so natural, the relationship progression was so alluring and the banter between the two made my heart soar with happiness. I loved how much they were willing to sacrifice for each other and just be there for each other even if it means dying together. Honestly, I can't literally point out one thing that I felt off about this book. It was truly a magnificent and fantastical journey and I can't wait to read it as a physical copy because this is a story, which I will keep on visiting again and again.

Go check out [b: Sorcery of Thorns|42201395|Sorcery of Thorns|Margaret Rogerson|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1541621322s/42201395.jpg|61425757] if you are looking for YA fantasy with an amazing plot, super-precious characters, and an equally swoon-worthy romance.

ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion

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