Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books, Hardcover, 456 pages
Elisabeth was raised on two things. The belief that all sorcerers are evil and that the Great Libraries must be protected. Yet, when there is an attack in her library, she is implicated and everything she knows will be turned on its head.
Sorcery of Thorns was such an enjoyable book. Elisabeth was a wonderful main character. As an orphan raised in a Great Library she was so connected to what was happening in them and to the books in particular. However, she was also so sure in her sense of self, she is strong and she is not taking anyone’s crap. No matter what she is going to stand up for what she believes in. Nathaniel was interesting in his own way, but what intrigued me most about his character was his relationship with Silas and his house. Silas however, I loved the hell out of Silas and I am prepared to die on the side of the hill that’s backing him.
Rogerson does something in this book that I love to see and that is giving personality to things that are often just in the background. Thorn manor for instance and the ways in which the house comes alive. More than that is the books, the grimoires in the Great Libraries. They become a character of their own and you almost feel bad when you think about them being trapped in the libraries, but really that is the safest place for them. We as a reader though get this appreciation for the grimoires as entities that are breathing and speaking through the lens of Elisabeth and I loved every second of it. There is one point in the book where Elisabeth recalls the first time she came across an ‘ordinary’ book outside of the library and how she thought it was dead. If I hadn’t been already, that line would have hooked me.
I found the pacing of the story to be perfect, it never felt like there was too much or too little happening. There was this almost perfect build up to the ending and it kept me interested the whole time. Basically, everything about this book was good.
All in all, definitely recommended. I had a great time reading this and cannot wait to read the follow up novella! 5/5 stars.
Among Stories 