Synopsis:
Elisabeth Scrivener is an apprentice librarian in the Great Library of Summershall, in Austermeer. A job description which comes with great responsibility, because of the kind of books that these libraries have. The Director of the Library – Irena – asks for her assistance for an important task, totally out of the blue. A task for which she didn't think she was qualified enough, being only an apprentice but she sure waited sixteen years for this very opportunity. She aspires to become a Warden – a protector of books – someone who both protects the books from the world, and protects the world from the sometimes devious nature of these books.

But when death strikes the Great Library of Summershall and all hell breaks loose, there is only Elisabeth who can set everything right, with the help of a sorcerer – Nathaniel Thorn – and his demonic servant – Silas.

Review:
Be prepared to be lost in books within this book, grimoires with demonic energies, magic, sorcery, fights with the hounds from hell… This book is as simple as its title suggests, and as complex as all the sorcery contained within the book's world. For a reader who's coming back to fantasy gradually, this book intrigued me from the first line. But, let me give a big round of applause to the dedication.

For all the girls who found themselves in books.

The story is set in the fictional Kingdom of Austermeer. The year is 1824. Austermeer is home to sorcerers, librarians, and commoners, and the royal family, of course. Though the royalty is seldom mentioned. The librarians – the guardians of the grimoires – despise the sorcerers. And thus, it is quite interesting to see Elisabeth and Nathaniel working together. Elisabeth, who has practically grown up in the Great Library of Summershall. Here, I would like to mention the unique concept of taking on only orphans as apprentices in the libraries. I believed that it gave them security, companionship, and a purpose in their life.

You belong in the library, as much as any book.

The author has created two beautiful friendships, that of Elisabeth and Katrien (who bonded over booklice, by the way – *making a face*) and Nathaniel and Silas. While the former is mainly of good-natured scheming and pranks and having each other's back, the latter is eccentric. A friendship between a human and a demon, even after there are certain *conditions applied*. It is one of the best friendships I have read in a long time. Also, I believe that the significance of the name of the book stems from it.

I knew you talked to books. I didn't realize they listened.

I loved the banter between the trio, Elisabeth, Nathaniel and Silas. The author has injected oodles of humour, charm, sarcasm, and sass into the characters. There are action scenes involving sorcery and swordplay, which will captivate you beyond anything. It is a complete page-turner as it will make you wonder as to which mystery will unfold next. It is a high fantasy book and I'm high on it! With Nathaniel Thorne being my latest book boyfriend. Sigh!

The stone itself bled the malice of ancient things that had languished in darkness for centuries – consciousnesses that did not slumber, minds that did not dream.

I will treasure Margaret Rogerson's writing. She has a way with words. I loved the author's dramatic prose. It is a book with a potent plot, enthralling narration, captivating climax, and awe-inspiring twists. While the ending in itself was perfect, more so because of the epilogue, I think I want a little more. I want more of a girl who talks to books and the books listen. I want more of a boy who has an inherent sense of humour, even in the most trying circumstances. I want more of a demon who sometimes acts like someone who is better than humans.

Life is like the oil within a lamp. It can be measured, but the pace at which it burns depends on how the dial is turned day by day, how bright and fierce the flame. And there is no predicting whether the lamp might be knocked to the ground and shatter, when it could have blazed on a great while longer. Such is the unpredictability of life.

I salute the author's vivid imagination. I think that a true reader will love this book, especially someone who wants to experience the magic within the pages of a book and wants to get lost in another realm.

Books, too, had hearts, though they were not the same as people's, and a book's heart could be broken.

Psst…hello and good day to the author [a:Margaret Rogerson|1021603|Margaret Rogerson|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png]. Can you please write a novella or two, not only about what happened after the epilogue (because it is kind of an open ending and my heart wants more), but also about Nathaniel's growing-up years, his misdemeanours, and Silas showing up as the demon in shining suit to save his neck! It would be one heck of a read. Silas is one of the greatest characters ever written!

Ever considered becoming a librarian? You might want to read this book first. This is a book for every reader, which has books within a book, and a character who's a bookworm like you and me.

Originally posted on:
https://sassyshaina.wordpress.com/2019/07/22/sorcery-of-thorns-by-margaret-rogerson/