November 15, 2022
Rogue magical wards trap Elisabeth Scrivener and her companions inside Thorn Manor in this novella that revisits the world of Sorcery of Thorns (2019). A violent, magical gale surrounds Thorn Manor, separating the inhabitants from the rest of Hemlock Park. And for once, the calamity seems not to be the fault of Nathaniel Thorn himself. Something has triggered a modification to the wards, and Elisabeth and Nathaniel will have to figure out what it is, as they're due to host the Midwinter Ball next week. Soon, Elisabeth realizes that the more romantically she and Nathaniel act toward one another, the angrier the house's response. With the aid of Silas, Nathaniel's demon, they begin to search areas of Thorn Manor long since closed off for clues. They discover a grimoire penned by Nathaniel's ancestor Clothilde Thorn and, after a battle with a furious dressing gown, surmise that the manor is upset that Nathaniel hasn't followed proper courtship protocols with Elisabeth. By completing three impossible tasks, Nathaniel may be able to free them from the magical cyclone in which they are trapped in time for the ball--if he's really Elisabeth's true love, that is. Though low on dramatic tension, this short tale will feel as cozy as a warm bath to fans of Elisabeth and Nathaniel's romance, as it is replete with whimsical settings, sexy stolen moments, and Nathaniel's signature witty banter. A deeper look into Silas' inner workings adds depth to an otherwise frothy, fantastical romp. A charming entry fizzing with romance. (Fantasy. 14-adult)
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January 1, 2023
Gr 7 Up-A sweetly romantic cozy mystery featuring beloved characters. Picking up two months after the conclusion of A Sorcery of Thorns, this title finds Elisabeth comfortably ensconced in Thorn Manor, alongside her love interest, the wizard Nathaniel. Following the dramatic and traumatizing finale of the previous book, both are happy for a chance to de-stress and relax. However, Nathaniel is tasked with hosting a ball and, more concerningly, the magical house is not letting anyone in or out. Nathaniel's demon Silas, mostly defanged (literally) following the conclusion of the previous book, offers information about the house's history which may help solve the mystery of being trapped inside. However, Elisabeth suspects the timing of her and Nathaniel's first real make-out with the change in the house may be more to blame. The low-stakes, easygoing vibe is immediately refreshing, offering a chance to see how these characters live outside of the life-and-death stakes of their previous adventure. The manor house has a personality of its own, and Elisabeth's discovery of the secrets of past inhabitants helps fill out the backstory from the previous volume. Rogerson is clearly having fun imagining this cozy tale, imbuing the sweetly romantic scenes as well as the magic sequences with energy and zest. As in the first entry, the human characters are all assumed white. Those without familiarity with the characters and setting may find some elements confusing. VERDICT A charming, cozy treat for fans of A Sorcery of Thorns and perfect to curl up and read on a winter's night.-Ann Foster
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