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A review by paperbacks_and_planners
Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson
4.0
ARC provided by Simon and Schuster via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Summary
Elisabeth grew up in the Great Library among grimoires - magical books who whisper to her from behind their iron chains. But when the Great Library is attacked, Elisabeth has to work with the only people that don't think she's the attacker - an evil sorcerer and his demonic servant. Now they're trying to stop a centuries long plan to destroy the world.
Overview
This is a fantasy novel told in third person from Elisabeth's POV. It's a high fantasy (it does not take place in the known world) with a low magic system (magic exists but does not have many explicit rules). This does have (very briefly) mentioned queer rep as well as a light romance.
Content Warnings: Death, PTSD
What I Liked
1. Silas is one of my new favorite side characters of all time. I absolutely loved him. His character had so much depth and heart. I loved watching his warring sides - he is a demon who has somehow grown to truly love humans but can't survive without consuming part of their life. It was such a unique character concept and I adored it.
2. I loved the concept of the sentient books, or grimoires. I have never read anything like this and found it completely captivating. The grimoires had personalities and character arcs. I can't explain how much I loved this concept.
3. I thought the romance in this was really well written and sweet. I appreciated the slow(ish) burn - this had insta-attraction, but definitely no insta-love. You could tell immediately that they wanted each other, but it took quite awhile for them to act on it. And by the time they did, I 100% shipped it.
4. This book was overall really well paced. There was lots of action without it feeling to rushed or easy and I never wanted to put this down. I absolutely flew through the last half of this.
5. This ending made my heart so happy.
What I Didn't Like
1. I wish the sorcerer's magic was explained a little better. Overall it was pretty vague as to what the limitations and rules were. But this is definitely a personal preference thing! If you aren't big into high magic systems, this is won't be an issue for you at all!
Overall I loved this novel! It had the perfect balance of action-packed fantasy with a hint of romance. I loved all the political sabotage and twists with intense, well written battle scenes. And the unique take on a library setting was amazingly executed.
Summary
Elisabeth grew up in the Great Library among grimoires - magical books who whisper to her from behind their iron chains. But when the Great Library is attacked, Elisabeth has to work with the only people that don't think she's the attacker - an evil sorcerer and his demonic servant. Now they're trying to stop a centuries long plan to destroy the world.
Overview
This is a fantasy novel told in third person from Elisabeth's POV. It's a high fantasy (it does not take place in the known world) with a low magic system (magic exists but does not have many explicit rules). This does have (very briefly) mentioned queer rep as well as a light romance.
Content Warnings: Death, PTSD
What I Liked
1. Silas is one of my new favorite side characters of all time. I absolutely loved him. His character had so much depth and heart. I loved watching his warring sides - he is a demon who has somehow grown to truly love humans but can't survive without consuming part of their life. It was such a unique character concept and I adored it.
2. I loved the concept of the sentient books, or grimoires. I have never read anything like this and found it completely captivating. The grimoires had personalities and character arcs. I can't explain how much I loved this concept.
3. I thought the romance in this was really well written and sweet. I appreciated the slow(ish) burn - this had insta-attraction, but definitely no insta-love. You could tell immediately that they wanted each other, but it took quite awhile for them to act on it. And by the time they did, I 100% shipped it.
4. This book was overall really well paced. There was lots of action without it feeling to rushed or easy and I never wanted to put this down. I absolutely flew through the last half of this.
5. This ending made my
Spoiler
Silas lovingWhat I Didn't Like
1. I wish the sorcerer's magic was explained a little better. Overall it was pretty vague as to what the limitations and rules were. But this is definitely a personal preference thing! If you aren't big into high magic systems, this is won't be an issue for you at all!
Overall I loved this novel! It had the perfect balance of action-packed fantasy with a hint of romance. I loved all the political sabotage and twists with intense, well written battle scenes. And the unique take on a library setting was amazingly executed.