erebus53's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
The first part of the story, that introduces us to the idea of dangerous books locked up to keep people safe felt reminiscent of Terry Pratchett's libraries in the Discworld. I had a laugh-out-loud moment when the novice is quizzed by the Director as to the first magical safety precaution one would use when handling a dangerous book and I said out loud "salt!", and the novice exclaims "salt". The way the magic works in this world is not precisely derivative, but enough like other fantasy novels (and Pagan texts) that it seems familiar to the point where at least one of the big reveals is a little predictable. I don't hate it though.
The particular bestiary of this world includes Maleficts which are malevolent monsters that are released when a book is unbound, Book-lice which are oversized arthropods that thrive in magical libraries, altered by the omnipresence of magical energies which make them resistant to magical spells, and Demons which Sorcerers contract with for use of magical powers. I really did hope it would go into the idea of indentured servitude, and power dynamics of demon slaves.. there was a whiff of the idea, but maybe it was too big for a book like this?
I think there is some criticism of this book for being "token LGBT" as one of the main characters is bisexual (and one is asexual now I think of it), but this is only mentioned in passing, and the primary relationships in the book are M/F. Personally I feel like it's respectfully done and I like that I'm feeling represented.. but it has no real queer narrative. I do think it's more important to the plot than some readers perceive. Similar things could be said for the depiction of ethnic diversity. Some characters are brown, but there is no narrative of identity, minority, or oppression, and Class is only vaguely mentioned.
As someone who is not a fan of "battles" I think the tension is held well and the boss fights (always more palatable than army engagements) are tense and exciting. Our main character is a girl who is big and strong and wields a sword.. or a crowbar if that's all she can get.
The story is really more character driven than anything, and it's got some nuance so I'll let it slide on some of the simplicity of plot. Lots of ideas to play with, and I expect it is the sort of world that fan-fiction would spring from.
Graphic: Violence, Xenophobia, Grief, Blood, Confinement, Death, Forced institutionalization, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, Slavery, Emotional abuse, Kidnapping, and Toxic friendship
kayceeisbookish's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Minor: Death, Forced institutionalization, Gaslighting, Grief, Alcohol, Blood, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
lisavandonselaar's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Graphic: Death and Violence
Moderate: Blood, Death of parent, Grief, Animal death, Forced institutionalization, Gaslighting, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Sexual content
arshiya_amreen90786's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Death of parent, Rape, Slavery, Torture, Abandonment, Confinement, Forced institutionalization, Gaslighting, Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, Violence, Child death, and Murder
wrensreadingroom's review against another edition
5.0
Moderate: Kidnapping, Misogyny, Forced institutionalization, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual harassment, Medical content, Sexism, Violence, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Gore, Grief, Police brutality, Cursing, Alcohol, Blood, Child death, Confinement, Death, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Abandonment, and Body horror
rorikae's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Elizabeth Scrivener grew up in a great library, surrounded by the magic of books. Her life is turned upside down when one of the books escapes, causing chaos that she is blamed for. The one person who can help her is Nathanial Thorn, a sorcerer. But Elizabeth has been taught to never trust sorcerers. As she and Nathanial search for the truth behind the attack on the library, she begins to learn more about him as she starts to question if what she has been taught about sorcery is all wrong.
Sorcery of Thorns is the perfect blend of fantasy, romance, and fun. As someone who loves books set in libraries, the setting and main plot of the novel were perfect. Add in likable characters, a fun if not too complicated plot, and a shapeshifting demon and this adds up to a page turning romp. The audiobook is fun and I would definitely recommend it. I'll be checking out more of Rogerson's books as it's clear from Sorcery of Thorns that she has a way of creating fun and engaging fantasies.
Moderate: Violence, Death, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, Kidnapping, and Forced institutionalization
haexelhasel's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Moderate: Sexual violence, Forced institutionalization, Gaslighting, Violence, and Misogyny
Minor: Blood and Grief
katievallin's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Graphic: Gaslighting, Medical trauma, Death, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Death of parent, Forced institutionalization, Misogyny, and Blood
Minor: Sexual content
bexi's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I was excited to read it every night. I didn't want it to end and I'm low-key sad that I finished it. There's a companion novella and yes, I am going out to the nearest bookstore tonight to purchase it.
They'll probably never see this but shoutout to the booktubers @bookslikewhoa and @aclockworkreader for putting this book on my radar. And for comparing it to Howl's Moving Castle - that was the selling point for me. If you enjoyed HMC (book or movie), pick this up because I agree with the comparison.
Now somebody please adapt this into a miniseries for television because I wants ittt 😭
Graphic: Sexual harassment, Violence, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death, Death of parent, Confinement, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, and Murder
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Child abuse, Child death, Forced institutionalization, Gaslighting, and Misogyny
moonchild_cos's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Violence, Death, and Grief
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexual harassment, Confinement, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Death of parent, Forced institutionalization, and Gaslighting
Minor: Alcohol and Sexual content