REVIEW: Mysteries of Thorn Manor by Margaret Rogerson

Pages: 192

Format: Hardback

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's

Genre: Fantasy, Romance

Release Date: January 17th 2023

Elisabeth Scrivener is finally settling into her new life with sorcerer Nathaniel Thorn. Now that their demon companion Silas has returned, so has scrutiny from nosy reporters hungry for gossip about the city’s most powerful sorcerer and the librarian who stole his heart. But something strange is afoot at Thorn Manor: the estate’s wards, which are meant to keep their home safe, are acting up and forcibly trapping the Manor’s occupants inside. Surely it must be a coincidence that this happened just as Nathaniel and Elisabeth started getting closer to one another . . . ?

With no access to the outside world, Elisabeth and Nathaniel have to work together to discover the source of the magic before they’re due to host the city’s Midwinter Ball. Faced with a house filled with unexpected secrets, the couple will have to lean on their connection like never before to set things right before it’s too late . . . 

Sorcery of Thorns was a book I picked up on a whim last year, not knowing much about it. As fate would have it, it turned out to be one of my favourite books of all time. It was everything I was looking for in a fantasy book, and I’ve been gushing about it ever since. When I found out there was going to be a novella sequel? I was THRILLED.  

This novella is exactly what I wanted from a short story follow-up. It catches us up with the characters and gives us what is essentially an extended epilogue. It’s fairly low-stakes, full of fluff, and packed with a mixture of fun action and wholesome bonding moments. Genuinely, I wish more authors would do small sequels like this. I live for them.  

This story expands on the characters so much and I adore it. It was especially great to get small glimpses into the long history that Silas has. He’s such a fascinating character and I could happily read a full-length novel about him. (I am HINTING)  

The absolute best thing, though, was getting a chance to see Elisabeth and Nathaniel’s relationship bloom. I can’t even begin to tell you how much I loved their chemistry in Sorcery of Thorns. In this book, we see them explore their feelings more and come to terms with their love for each other. Absence of a world-altering plot made for much more time to get to know them as characters.  

• Literally so much fun. I was giggling to myself throughout a lot of this novella. There are just so many funny moments. 

• New lore. We get a bigger look into the past of the Thorn family and of the world within this story in general. 

• Perfect amount of romance. Obviously, the romance between Elisabeth and Nathaniel is at the core of this story, but it’s also about them simply getting to know more about each other as well. 

• Silas. That’s it.  

I’m so grateful that Margaret Rogerson decided to bless us with this adorable story. I love these characters so much and I fully enjoyed getting back to them. Am I satisfied with the way this wraps everything up? Yes. Would I happily take more content set within this world? Absolutely.

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