Member Reviews
Thank you for my eARC of this book. There is something so satisfying about a well-written novella and this was no exception. I loved this follow up and look forward to more from Rogerson.
"Mysteries of Thorn Manor" by Margaret Rogerson is an enchanting and atmospheric novel that weaves together mystery, magic, and romance in a captivating tapestry. With its richly imagined world and compelling characters, the book offers a delightful escape into a realm where the supernatural intertwines with the ordinary.
Rogerson's storytelling prowess shines as she introduces readers to the enigmatic Thorn Manor and the secrets it holds. The intricate web of mysteries that surround the manor creates an atmosphere of suspense and curiosity, keeping the reader engaged from the very beginning. The author's descriptive prose vividly brings the setting to life, immersing readers in a world where magic is just beneath the surface.
The characters in "Mysteries of Thorn Manor" are well-developed and endearing. The protagonist's journey of discovery is relatable, and her interactions with the inhabitants of the manor add depth and complexity to the narrative. The slow-burning romance that unfolds throughout the story is a highlight, filled with tension and tender moments that add an emotional layer to the plot.
Rogerson's writing style is evocative and engaging, with a pacing that keeps the reader eager to uncover the truth behind the mysteries. The balance between the supernatural elements and the human relationships is well-maintained, creating a narrative that is both atmospheric and emotionally resonant.
While "Mysteries of Thorn Manor" excels in creating an immersive and magical world, some readers might yearn for further exploration of certain aspects of the plot. However, the focus on the central mysteries and character development ensures that the story remains tightly woven and engaging.
In conclusion, "Mysteries of Thorn Manor" is a captivating read that blends mystery, magic, and romance into a harmonious narrative. Margaret Rogerson's ability to transport readers into a world of enchantment and secrets is a testament to her storytelling skill. For those seeking a book that combines intrigue, supernatural elements, and heartfelt emotions, "Mysteries of Thorn Manor" offers an enjoyable and satisfying journey.
I loved the original Sorcery of Thorns, so much 5 years later I’m still in love with my Namesake her job, her adventure, her boyfriend (ahem), so to get to revisit Elizabeth’s world even for a short time was wonderful. The magic and the awe of the original story with it’s lush story is only expanded here even on such a small scale as Nathaniel’s brilliant, quirky house which is it’s own character in of itself with magic rooms and moods all its own. I loved the development of Nathaniel and Elizabeth’s relationship and of course the return of Silas the greatest cat demon the world has ever known. (Seriously, I wish to become a fluffy white cat and sulk atop the kitchen cabinets when annoyed, thank you please). I adore his morally grey activities so much.
This is a delightful little story that is the perfect injection of warm and fuzzy when you’re in need of some.
A nice addition to Sorcery of Thorns that ties up loose ends. The Mysteries of Thorn Manor is a cosy, lovely novella that's perfect for anyone who loved the first book. I'd recommend giving the first book a quick breeze through before picking this up - I had some trouble remembering who some characters were!
Although this wasn't the long sequel I wished for, this was still a solid story in it's own right, set almost entirely within the walls of the Thorn house that Elisabeth, Nathaniel and Silas find themselves trapped in. Mysterious hidden rooms are found, a relatives clothing comes to life and assaults them, Silas deals with a new house guest. I just really really wish we'd finally make the three officially a throuple because COME ON??
I love everything from margaret rogerson , i absolutely adored the first book and was so excited to be getting another book with nathanial and elizabeth!
I loved everything about this and I'm so happy I got to enter into this world that I adore once more. I love these characters so much and I hadn't realised how much I truly missed them.
This honestly gave me cozy fantasy vibes and I was completely here for it. It was funny and incredibly heart-warming.
I'm now desperate for more from this world.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Simon and Schuster UK Children's, Simon & Schuster Children's UK and the author, for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Thorn Manor is acting strangely, all four of them, Nathaniel, Elizabeth, Silas and Mercy are stuck inside the manor! The midwinter ball is in 10 days and Nathaniel is to be hosting it!! But how can a ball take place if no one can enter it leave the manor? So now Nathaniel and Elizabeth has to figure that out with their trusted demon on their side.
I did not want this novella to end. I just wanted to stay in Thorn Manor with my favorites and figure out every mystery there is with Elizabeth. The way I did not realise how much I missed these characters and this world before I started this story is beyond me. This book made me laugh, giggle, grin, scream and sad. This was everything any SoT fan could have asked for, a cozy mystery and absolutely brilliant interactions between our favourite characters , the romance we much needed from SoT, and most importantly some more history of the Thorns.
I hope we do get more of these characters in the future, I do not want to let go. Maybe it's time for an SoT reread afterall!
This follow up novella serves as a sequel to Sorcery of Thorns and I for one was delighted to return to the world so cleverly devised by Rogerson in the first installment. The plot follows Elisabeth, Nathaniel, and their demon companion Silas, as they try to decipher the magical trap that has trapped them inside Thorn Manor. Rogerson has created a fun, self-contained story that will appeal to readers by combining action, romance, and wit.
The plot begins with the three characters settling into their new home at Thorn Manor. It isn't long before they are confronted by a magical gale that encircles the house and traps them inside. They must use their knowledge of sorcery and family grimoires, along with the assistance of their new maid Mercy, to discover the source of the magic and find a way to escape.
As Elisabeth and Nathaniel grow closer, they must balance their feelings for each other with dealing with the magical trap. They discover the truth about the manor's wards with the help of Silas, discovering that they require a price for their obedience. As Elisabeth and Nathaniel rely on their bond, they must find a way to mend things.
Mysteries of Thorn Manor is a charming and heartwarming story. Rogerson has created a whimsical world full of magical creatures and characters for us to engage with. Silas' loyalty and love for his companions is intriguing. as is Elisabeth and Nathaniel's tentative relationship. The plot is clever, the writing is vivid and intelligent, and the characters are likeable and engaging.
Margaret Rogerson has yet to write anything that I don’t immediately feel at home in. Feel validated and seen. I know I am always going on about how great it is to read about a tall female protagonist, who isn’t dwarfed by her love interest. It just makes me so happy.
This book is bittersweet. It’s filled with love and coziness, but also memories of a sadder past.
Though this novella is small, it really is a wonderful read. I adore being able to spend time with these amazing protagonists without imminent disaster levels of peril. It cuts the perfect line between there being some suspense and pull to keep you interested, while it all being fairly low stakes. If you loved A Sorcery of Thorns then this book will be worth every penny.
Being trapped in Thorne Manner by unruly magic is honestly not the worst experience, in order to figure out whats going on Elisabeth and Nathaniel need to explore the vast, magical mass that is Thorne Manner. Hidden rooms, mistreated and misunderstood books, places filled with history and feelings, as well as some sentient - if rather vicious clothing.
This book is the epitome of fluffy cozy low stakes, with a sprinkling of all the feels.
We need more well written, entertaining and compelling romantic fantasy. We need more series like this one.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novella, had a lot of fun and can't wait to travel back to this world.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
A wonderful sequel novella! I loved exploring Nathaniel and Elisabeth's relationship more and exploring the manner too. It adds a wonderful conclusion to A Sorcery of Thorns!
Thank you to the publisher Simon & Schuster and to NetGalley for the digital ARC, it has not affected my honest review.
What a wonderful, romantic return to the world of "Sorcery of Thorns", if this is the last we see of these characters I'm so happy how things ended for them. The writing here is beautiful just like the first book, and this feels more like an epilogue than a follow up novella. Seeing Silas, Nathaniel and Elisabeth again was gorgeous and I adored the mystery around Thorn Manor. Now that I've read this, I'm definitely going back to reread the book and start this journey over again.
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 . . . ?
If you loved 'A Sorcery of Thorns', 'Mysteries of Thorn Manor' is a must read. It is set a couple of months after the events of Sorcery and has the feel of an extended epilogue. Elizabeth and Nathaniel find themselves trapped inside Thorn Manor when the wards start acting up. The couple must work together to get the magic under control before the Midwinter Ball, which they ate hosting.
The novella is a short and cozy read. The stakes are low in comparison to the world ending threat of the Archon, but the banter, the romance and a sumptuous ball are exactly what I wanted. I loved spending more time in Austermeer with Nathaniel, Elizabeth and Silas - we even get a chapter from Silas's point of view. Margaret Rogerson has definitely become an auto-buy author for me, and I can't wait to see what's next!
This was lovely- like a cup of hot chocolate on a cold, wintry day. I enjoyed seeing all these characters again. If anything, I preferred this to Sorcery of Thorns, although if you loved the adventure and only tolerated the romance of the original, this might be less to your tastes. Personally, I would be delighted if the author gave us a whole series of further mysteries for the team to solve!
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the opportunity to read this in return for an honest review.
Mysteries of Thorn manor is the thrilling companion novel to Sorcery of Thorns a book that I very much enjoyed when I read it back at its original publication.
In the author's note, this is described as something that began as more of an extended epilogue of Sorcery of Thorns and you can definitely get that feel from the book as a whole.
This certainly feels like a lighter book than Sorcery of Thorns in terms of theme and overall tone, but it retains that slightly spooky edge that makes Margaret Rogerson's books so fun for me personally. The stakes are slightly lower but they are stranded inside a mansion surrounded by potentially deadly thorns so they aren't floor-level stakes by any means.
I think this book is perfect for anyone who ended the first book wanting to spend more time with the characters. The romance of Sorcery of Thorns is not as whirlwind as some YA pairings but still takes place with a lot else going on and it was pleasant to get to see the romance develop after some time had passed. The friendships between characters were also fun to see play out.
I think the fact that this is a novella is what absolutely saves it - were it a full length novel I think I would have questions but the shorter length makes it so clear what this book sets out to be. I had the same feeling reading it as I do when I find that absolutely perfect fanfiction of some of my favourite works - and I say that as a wholehearted compliment. I can't wait for fans of the book to read this and enjoy those fantastic cosy-spooky romantic feelings!
My rating: 4.5 stars
I received a free digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley - all opinions are my own.
I think I've left it too long between reading A Sorcery of Thorns and this - or my tastes have really changed, because no matter how hard I tried I could not get into this. Perhaps it's also because of the slow pace. This is a novella, yet there's no real stakes involved and the plot meanders as a result. I also found the romance between Elisabeth and Nathaniel a little off - especially some of the decisions made at the end.
Fans of YA and A Sorcery of Thorns will probably love this, but it just didn't hit the mark for me.
I loved this book, sorcery of thorns is I’ve if my favourite books and I loved seeing into the characters that little bit more! My only gripe is that it wasn’t longer! Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for access to this book
I loved this! For some reason my brain ignored the fact that this was a novella only, and with each turn of a page I dreaded getting closer and closer to the end because I was just loving being back in this world with Elisabeth, Nathaniel and Silas.
I enjoyed both the plot and pacing of this, and I liked how it all came together and the reveal of *why* this all happened in the first place. No spoilers from me but I did gasp and laugh!
The ending still left some things open with the characters, one in particular, that I’m hoping Margaret did this with the intention of writing another instalment, either in the form of a novella or an novel… whichever she chooses (and I hope she chooses one!) I will be here and ready to read it!
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review