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A review by tealattes
Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
3.0
I liked the idea of magic libraries with grinmoires and drawing power from demons, and the feel of dark, victorian, whimsical academia. Therefore it is sensible that my favorite parts of the book took place in the great libraries or in thorn manor. It was not cozy per se but what I would call a lighter fantasy: the plot was a bit underwhelming, especially the conspiracy itself and the conclusion. Events just happened and there were no intricate plans. Magic system has basically two parts to it: bargaining life in exchange for power, then reciting incantations and spells from grinmoires. So, little world building needed, lower intensity, and everything works out easily. Characters: Elisabeth is like a gentle giant, patient and kind and willing to fight for what’s right, Ashcroft is bland, Nathaniel is witty and brooding, with a charming exterior to hide what’s inside, and Silas is just the best. I did like Silas :) as is the common consensus among the public.
I liked the first half more than the second. The first half was focused on Elisabeth’s life, and since she didn’t know much outside the library, there was great intrigue and mystery around sorcery. Nothing happened of much consequence, but it was easy to get into and I blew through 200 pages quickly. Once the actual “conflict” arose and that became the focus though, the book just became a little silly to me because it was so simple.
The romance is alright; I did not see much chemistry between them and although it’s described as a slow burn, it’s a little bit instant, especially on Nathaniel’s side. It does make sense in the way that they don’t fit anywhere in particular in society and that most people don’t understand them at all, so they were automatically drawn to the first person who showed that they cared. I feel like a friendship would have fit better.
I liked the first half more than the second. The first half was focused on Elisabeth’s life, and since she didn’t know much outside the library, there was great intrigue and mystery around sorcery. Nothing happened of much consequence, but it was easy to get into and I blew through 200 pages quickly. Once the actual “conflict” arose and that became the focus though, the book just became a little silly to me because it was so simple.
The romance is alright; I did not see much chemistry between them and although it’s described as a slow burn, it’s a little bit instant, especially on Nathaniel’s side. It does make sense in the way that they don’t fit anywhere in particular in society and that most people don’t understand them at all, so they were automatically drawn to the first person who showed that they cared. I feel like a friendship would have fit better.