Recap
If you’re like me you very much enjoyed Sorcery of Thorns, if you’re also like me you were sputtering at the cliffhanger to the ending of the book. Luckily author Margaret Rogerson decided to grace us with a novella. While I easily could have read another 300 plus pages about Elizabeth, Nathaniel and Silas this was a nice little bow to tie the ending off with along with being its own self contained set of mysteries for Elizabeth and Nathaniel to solve.
This new set of mysteries are are centered around Thorn manor’s ancient wards, magical protections that have been set by the estate’s owners for centuries. The wards while usually helpful to protect the manor have gone rouge, trapping Elisabeth Scrivener inside with Nathaniel Thorn as they are just settling into their new life together with their recently returned demon companion Silas. Nathaniel doesn’t seem to mind the bushes that are attacking reporters though, as they are hungry for gossip about the city’s most powerful sorcerer and the librarian who stole his heart.
The wards seem to get especially feral though when Elizabeth and Nathaniel start to get close to one another, causing things to come alive in the house, old rooms to appear, with one particularly amusing incident involving one of Nataniel’s relatives cursed knickers. But there are also wild grimoires which Elizabeth takes to task to try and fix and and a garden which makes a special appearance for Elizabeth.
Still with no access to the outside world Elisabeth, Nathaniel, and Silas—along with their new maid Mercy—will all have to work together to find the source of the magic behind their malfunctioning wards. Especially since Nataniel is due to host the Midwinter Ball. Can Elizabeth find all the house’s secrets when all she wants to do is kiss Nathaniel silly? Especially when it’s clear the house requires a price for their closeness, will they break or will they be able to lean on their connection to grow together and take things to the next level.
Review
This book was a delightful little treat. I knew I had to have it the moment I heard it was coming out. These characters were such a treat to experience again. I especially loved that we got to see more background on the Thorns as a family and on Silas. The house itself felt like it was a character the writing felt so alive especially the living wardrobe scene and Silas’ reaction to it. I know this is probably it for these characters but anything more in this universe I’d absolutely love.
Amazon: Mysteries of Thorn Manor
