About two months have passed since Elisabeth and Nathaniel settled into their lives beyond the events taking place in the Great Library. As letters continue to arrive exuding excitement over Thorn Manor holding the Midwinter Ball, all of which Nathaniel quickly removes from sight, the inhabitants are surprised when they find themselves trapped in the manor due to an upheaval in the wards. Creating a whirlwind of magic outside the windows, Elisabeth and Nathaniel must scour the manor to determine why the wards have decided to act up in such a strange way, all while trying to resolve the mystery before the ball.

As Margaret Rogerson has noted, Mysteries of Thorn Manor is a light, fluffy read, bringing back Elisabeth, Nathaniel, and Silas for another adventure. The mystery has far fewer stakes–read, not world ending–but is still enjoyable nonetheless. Everything ended on an upbeat note in Sorcery of Thorns, but this addresses what happens after the happily ever after. The novella serves as a capper to this world and to Elisabeth and Nathaniel’s story.

Overall, I really enjoyed Mysteries of Thorn Manor. While this isn’t surprising given the fact that I have read all of Rogerson’s books, there’s something particularly appealing about the Kingdom of Austermeer, and I would gladly return to this world should Rogerson decide to continue Elisabeth, Nathaniel, and Silas’s story.

I read sorcery of thorns three years ago and I barely remembered anything so I need to reread that! But this was cute, super short so I was actually able to read an ebook without getting a headache. I missed those characters and despite it being so short it served a purpose! I hope we get to see more of them

I am so happy to see the three main characters from Sorcery of Thorns again!
Fans of Sorcery of Thorns would not be disappointed with this sequel novella.

Even though it’s only a novella, the plot is interesting with a new mystery the characters have to solved.
We got to explore the Thorn Manor and got to see how Silas, Nathaniel and Elisabeth are doing after the events from the first book.

Those of you who have been craving more sweet, fluffy and teasing moment between Nathaniel and Elisabeth, you’ll get it here!
Those who love Silas as much as I do will also get to know more of his character and also his growing relationship with Elisabeth and Mercy.

Overall, this is a very light-hearted, funny and cute short story which would be pleasing for fans who wanted to revisit Sorcery of Thorns!

A suggestion from me: You might want to re-read the first book before reading this if you’ve forgotten the characters and how the first book ended. It’ll make reading this even more enjoyable!

I received an advanced review copy for free through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author, publisher and Turn the Page Tour!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

I was very excited to step back into this world with these characters. There's a fondness I have for them with Elisabeth being a tall protagonist and Nathaniel being bisexual. Their personality dynamics were also a favorite of mine, and this novella really focuses in on that. It's less plot heavy and more so delving into their lives following the events of Sorcery of Thorns. The continuation of their story was something I did enjoy.

Although it is focused on Nathaniel, Elisabeth, and Silas, and it does have elements of that, I feel like the growing relationship between Elisabeth and Silas outshone Nathaniel and Elisabeth's. Anyone going into this with a fondness for Silas will probably be pleasantly surprised. For myself, I was hoping for more between Nathaniel and Elisabeth. It did impact my rating because there is a lot of story there between Elisabeth and Nathaniel but it felt lackluster in comparison. I was just wanting a little more. Something with more depth. I feel like if what the focus of this novella started sooner rather than halfway through it could have left more room for that to develop.

I also didn't rate as high because I was surprised by an ableist comment. I thought it would have great representation with Nathaniel having to use a cane to walk, until Silas eventually makes a comment about not being an "invalid." It's just a bit insensitive which took me out of the story for a bit. One thing this author can do is write beautifully, so surely there was another way for Silas to express how he is capable of doing work.

As a whole, the follow up into their lives is interesting and I think it will be perfect for fans who will obviously want more after Sorcery of Thorns.

Thank you to the publisher for the eARC!

I don't even have words to describe how much I enjoyed this novella! It was so interesting from start to finish. I especially loved Elisabeth and Nathaniel together a lot! I found the story to be so lighthearted and warm and just splendid. The fact that we got more of Silas made me love this novella even more. It was so amazing to return to this world and I highly recommend this series!💖
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Sorcery of Thorns was an absolute joy to read. Magical libraries? Dashing sorcerers? Strong, smart female main character? I loved it. So, when I found out that Margaret Roberson created a novella as a short of extended ending, I leaped at the chance to read it. I adored the opportunity to explore Thorn Manor with Nathaniel and Elizabeth. The novella took on a fairytale format, which I was not expecting. The house is upset, and the main characters have to solve the mystery if they hope to leave anytime soon.

The story is short, of course (novella). I slightly wish it focused a bit more on Elizabeth figuring out her life goals. That being said, I finished it in one sitting and would happily go back for more. I also think that these books would make a fantastic televisions series. Put more magical libraries on TV, I say.

Thank you to the author and publisher for sending me an advanced copy in exchange for participating in the book tour.

It was short. We knew it would be. That's why it's a Novella. I was still a sad bean crying in the corner when it ended.

I loved getting back into the world with Elisabeth and Nathaniel, but also Silas. Never forget Silas. These characters are some of my favorite YA and I absolutely love the world building in this series.

Of course this 0.5 novella could've just been slipped into the back of book one but that's what makes it so much fun! We get a 1.5 and the story continues. I wasn't sure what to expect with the ending of book one and Silas going MIA but this novella picked right up. The gang is trying to get out of the manor that has been practically warded to keep them inside.

Definitely recommend to those who enjoy these characters and world and to those who especially enjoyed book one.

First I would like to thank Netgalley and Simon and Schuster Publishers for sending me this E-arc, in return for an honest review.

I was over the top with excitement seeing that I was approved to read and arc of this book, as Sorcery of Thorns is one of my beloved books I hold dear to my heart. I think partly because of that, reading the novella for it was a bit of a letdown.

What I loved about Mysteries of Thorn Manor, was that we got to revisit all our favourite characters again, hear the banter between them all, and just see them all in a happier position than they were in Sorcery of Thorns. I was happy to see that after all they went through to have the happiness they needed. The mysteries and events that happen, are all on the hilarious side, as we get to see both Nathaniel and Elisabeth get frustrated with the situation at hand. We get to see the blossoming romance between the two, and honestly it is adorable.

The one frustration I had with it all is that I felt it was a little too long for what the novella was about, and for the excitement that was built up, the story for the novella was not that great. Despite it all, it still was a fun read and I loved seeing all the characters again.

I absolutely adored this. The perfect balance of length and cute character moments. I was so happy to be back with these characters and in this world and I felt that this was the perfect amount of plot and special moments.

Thank you for the ARC! But would appreciate not getting approved a week and a half before publication 😅 Readers have schedules and TBRs. Excited to read this, but simply won't have time to read this before publication

Soft, wholesome, romantic glimpse into the lives of Elisabeth, Nathaniel, and Silas post-SoT. I really enjoyed returning to this world and these characters for a low-stakes fantasy escapade. Love the magic house shenanigans. Love the characters' Howl-Sophie-Calcipher energy. Love Nathaniel going hot around the collar when his tol girlfriend tramps around dressed in full armor and wielding her sword. I'm itching to re-read the original novel!

Can I just say, I'm so glad that it's becoming more common (it seems to me) for authors to put out short stories and novellas set in their pre-established worlds? As a little treat? I'm a fan.

TW: mention of past injury and recovery, past family member deaths

Sorcery of Thorns is one of my favorite books and although it’s been a while since I read it, I thoroughly enjoyed this novella set after the events of the original standalone book.

This has a light, fanfic-y, “where are they now?” vibe which I really enjoyed. It took a bit of time for me to get into it and remember the whole world and magic system, but once I accepted it was mainly focused on Elizabeth and Nathaniel’s relationship, I was totally on board because I love them as a couple.

Also, I forgot just how imaginative and fun this world of sorcery, demons, and anthropomorphic books is! The characters are wonderful and I love them all dearly (Nathaniel makes me swoon and Silas makes me laugh).

If you’re looking for a light companion novella to read after you finish Sorcery of Thorns, definitely pick this up!

10 stars!
I absolutely loved this! We get to be up close and personal with Elisabeth, Nathanial, and Silas, as they try to figure out why on earth the house's wards are acting up, and won't let them leave the house. I love that we get more of Silas, he is one of my favorite demons, and I just want to like give him a hug or something.

This book was cute and adorable, and fun. It was everything I was hoping for and so much more! There is a scene where we get some long-lost ancestors bloomers chasing Elisabeth and Nathanial down the hall which had me laughing out loud, and Nathanial is so cute in the ways that he shows how much he loves Elisabeth. I loved seeing them in everyday moments, even while they were trying to figure out how to stop the topiaries from attacking and how they can get out of the house.

This was just the perfect book, and I really hope we get more in this series...

I really enjoyed Sorcery of Thorns so I was super excited to read this! Given that it is a novella, the plot isn't super complex but I really enjoyed being back with the characters. I loved the banter between Elisabeth and Nathaniel and I had a fun time reading this. If you enjoyed Sorcery of Thorns I would highly recommend giving this a try!

Sorcery of Thorns is one of my favorite fantasy standalones and I was thrilled when I heard Rogerson was releasing a novella. I just couldn’t wait to dive back into this fantastic world! Yes, it is 100% fan service. Yes, this particular fan was 100% serviced. A cute, low-stakes novella that brings up back to Thorn Manor with our favorite characters. I didn’t really love how the story wrapped up but the epilogue has me hopeful that Rogerson will give us more. I’m pretty sure I was smiling the entire time I read this.

Thank you so much for an advanced copy of Mysteries of Thorn Manor! It was so fun to revisit old character favorites.

Star Rating; 4⭐️
Genre: YA Fantasy
Pub Date: January 17, 2023

This book was really cute and fun! I loved getting to revisit characters from the previous book, and I actually think this would serve as a good bridge to a sequel possibly!

Overall, I think fans of the first book will really enjoy getting to dive back into the world, characters, etc. If you were satisfied with the ending of the first book, you may see less value in this novella. Either way, I think it was either a cute addition to the story arcs OR a nice bridge for a sequel...I guess time will tell!

When the manor gets a little upset, Elisabeth and Nathaniel have to find a way to calm it down. Filled with humor, good cheer, and fairy tale vibes, this novella is a great short read and reminded me how much I liked Sorcery of Thorns.

This was everything I wanted it to be and more! Generally, I am not a big fan of novellas when it comes to my favorite books and series. I usually find that they don't really add much to the overarching plot in terms of character development or furthering the plot. Which is of course fine just not my jam. This one however did such a good job of further developing and making me love these characters even more (if that is even possible). It also did a good job of further developing the world of Sorcery of Thorns even from the walls of Thorn Manor. And I loved to watch the relationships in this one grow.

And there was actually a plot! A lot of times I feel like these novellas are just marking time between books and honestly just a money grab. Of course, that's all well and fine if you're just wanting to jump back into a world for a few pages, but I always find myself wanting more than that. This story gave me everything I wanted from a novella and has me hoping for yet another book!

After I hit 30%, I have to admit I skimmed most of this. I was quite bored. I think I would have appreciated this if I'd read it right after Sorcery of Thorns, but it's been years. I just couldn't care less about the stormy house and Silas (which surprises me, because Silas was my favorite character in Sorcery of Thorns). There were some sweet moments between Elisabeth and Nathaniel though.

“Do you mean, that the house wants Nathaniel to declare his intentions?”

I freaking loved everything about this cozy novella. It’s low stakes yes, but still crafted so beautifully with the perfect balance of humor and wry writing, with a passion for books, found family, and hope that leaps off the page like a newly restored grimoire.

“not every story has a happy ending, but most do, of your brave enough to keep reading to the end.”

I loved seeing how Elisabeth and Nathanial have settled into a welcome and comforting chaotic home life in the manor. Even better is seeking Nathanial in peak hopeless flirt and lover boy mode. Truly an under appreciated book boyfriend but one so worthy of your love. He’s equal parts cinnamon roll puppy dog and dashing rakish flirt.

“There’s no need to thank me, Scrivener. I’ll get down on all fours for you whenever you like.”

Given how this ends, and similar to Sorcery of Thorns, there must, MUST be more to come from these characters and this world. I just can’t get enough and there are definitely more threads to explore. I love getting these pieces into where our favorites in this world are, but clearly there’s so much more for them to do and explore. PLEASE GIVE US MORE.

A fantastic novella well worth the wait. A perfect way to start off the new year. I highly recommend a reread of Sorcery of Thorns, not just because it’s amazing and it deserves to be read and reread, but because it helps solidify just how far our favorites have come. Thank you netgalley and Margaret McElderry Books for my galley!