Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson

Isabella | Howell High School, Grade 10

Rating: *****

Elisabeth, a young orphaned library apprentice, is always throwing herself headfirst, without thinking, into danger. One night that bites her in the butt, as she is accused of treason after someone lets one of the grimoires, which had turned into a monster, escape from the library and kills the director. She then is sent away for a trial, put in the hands of a sorcerer, Nathaniel Thorn. On their journey, the only thing she is certain of is that she cannot trust him because he’s a sorcerer, and all her life she has been taught sorcerers are bad. Later, after a series of betrayals and mysteries, it turns out that Nathaniel and his demon servant, Silas, are actually the only ones she can turn to and trust, leaving her questioning everything she’s ever known. Together they must solve who had been attacking the Great Libraries and stop them before they destroy the universe.

This is a great stand-alone fantasy, from the details to the romance to the humor, everything was just so magical. Rogerson creates a whole new world, which you become immersed in through the pages. The reader really understands and connects with each of the lovable real characters. I mean from Elisabeth and Nathaniel’s witty banter to the adorable precious Silas, I feel like I know each of the characters. I also loved how not only do you have characters but the books themselves have personalities and are characters. These books are her friends, her family, she belongs in the library. I would say I’m not the biggest fan of the ending as it didn’t live up to the rest of the book, but I still liked it, just didn’t love it.