Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, YA Fantasy | Release Date: 17 January 2023 | Sequel Novella (Sorcery of Thorns) | Pages: 188 | Publisher: Simon & Schuster | Review
“Nathaniel. There’s a goblin in your attic.”
Margaret Rogerson
Overview:
It’s been sitting by my bedside for a while, but I’ve finally read the beautiful Mysteries of Thorn Manor by Margaret Rogerson! This novella is a sequel to the fabulous Sorcery of Thorns, which is definitely a must read for anyone who hasn’t read it yet. Don’t believe me? Check the linked review above and then tell me I’m wrong!
Within Thorn Manor, Elisabeth and Nathaniel are learning what life together could entail, alongside the returned demon, Silas. But reporters hover at the gate, wanting to know more about the librarian and sorcerer’s love life. Even worse, the estate’s wards are prowling outside the manor’s doors, trapping the occupants inside. If they don’t get out soon, they’re going to run out of food… Can Nathaniel and Elisabeth figure out how to appease the turbulent magic? Will they fix it before Nathaniel must host the city’s Midwinter Ball? Or is Thorn Manor upset that Elisabeth and Nathaniel are getting ever closer to each other?
Apple by Calico Griffin was just as enchanted as I was with this tale…
Happiness Boost:
Margaret has completely packed this novella with magic, humour and an evergreen tale of life and love. Although I’d forgotten just how adorable and fun Nathaniel’s humour is, we’re reintroduced to it on the very first page of Mysteries of Thorn Manor! And am I a fan? Of *course* I am! It really isn’t easy to make characters this amusing, but Nathaniel must be the poster child for it. He can do no wrong in my eyes, although Elisabeth and Silas might disagree with me.
Elisabeth’s emotions are on full display within this YA fantasy, and I adore her tender heart. I feel like she’s the one who best understands Silas’ life as a demon, and how hard it must be to constantly say goodbye to those whom he serves. How sweet is it, that she wants to fix this somehow and make things more bearable for him? Elisabeth is such a treasure, and if you haven’t read Margaret’s writing before now? *Please* read Sorcery of Thorns and this incredible novella!
I wouldn’t recommend ancestors like Nathaniel’s for everyone, but within this world? Please make it happen every time! I couldn’t stop laughing as the clothes chased Elisabeth and Nathaniel around Thorn Manor, as well as Silas’ cat-like detestation of Aunt Clothilde’s fashion choices. This is such a feel-good tale, and I only wish it could’ve been a full length novel!
Downside:
This is perfection in my eyes, there’s absolutely no downside.
Final Thoughts:
Mysteries of Thorn Manor by Margaret Rogerson is such a sweet and gloriously funny YA fantasy sequel novella, with characters we’ve loved since Sorcery of Thorns! This beautiful story is one you desperately need on your bookcase, because it is *magical*. If you love the sound of this beautiful book from my review? Just click any of the links below to get yourself a copy! Happy reading, glitterbugs!
You can order Mysteries of Thorn Manor via these links:
Amazon | Blackwell’s | Booktopia | Fishpond
