Quickly, quickly go we, for we only have a mere 184 pages in which to tell a story to bridge between the first two novels in the Sorcery of Thorns series. As much as I enjoy a quick read to polish off from the TBR and a quick dive back into a favourite world, whomever decided that releasing novellas rather than full novels is a total tease. Sure, we get to read another adventure with some fun characters, and maybe we get a side quest that wouldn’t have fit well into a main storyarc, but the short format is all too brief and inevitably leaves us crying for more! I will admit, I devoured this novella rather quickly though, and was pleasantly delighted all the way through - the pacing was quick, so I never got bored, and the house-bound theme felt deliciously like Howl’s Moving Castle as we explored the many magical rooms of Thorn Manor. Of course, we also get to see Elisabeth and Nathaniel’s relationship develop further, and the Victorian-style modesty was an amusing romantic quirk that felt quietly sweet. I’m sure there are those of us who are quietly rolling our eyes at the house throwing a hissy fit over *kissing*, but it’s hilarious in exactly the same way that Howl throwing a slime-tantrum over his “ruined” hair is, so we can’t help but giggle at the antics at the same time. This might have been an all too brief foray back into Rogerson’s world of enchanted books, Victorian magic, and family demons, but I feel like there were major hints towards a far deeper and darker storyline developing in the forthcoming novels. I, for one, can’t wait to see where this series is going! ( )

If you are planning to read this, I highly recommend that you reread Sorcery of Thorns beforehand. I read it 3 years ago and found it difficult to get into due to not remembering enough of the plot.
Other than that, it was a mostly cute story. I have to admit that I think the author added some details in the end just for Progressive Brownie Points but whatever. Also, be warned that there is a lot of kissing (it never goes further).


2.5 Stars ( )

* I got this book for review*
I think this short was a great extended ending. I also like the mystety elements and how it was built. It gave me spooky vibes. I like how the house spooky elements had a purpose. I also love the humor of the characters and the fun dynamics betweeen them. It also gave me regency romance vibes. It was a fun read, a bit quick but fun and i stil want a siles focus story!! but a fun read!! ( )

* I got this book for review*
I think this short was a great extended ending. I also like the mystety elements and how it was built. It gave me spooky vibes. I like how the house spooky elements had a purpose. I also love the humor of the characters and the fun dynamics betweeen them. It also gave me regency romance vibes. It was a fun read, a bit quick but fun and i stil want a siles focus story!! but a fun read!! ( )

Following the events of Sorcery of Thorns, Elisabeth Scrivener is settling into life at Thorn Manor. However, the house's wards appear to have been suddenly set off, trapping the inhabitants indoors. Elisabeth, Nathaniel, and the others must figure out what has set them off, and how to appease them, before the Midwinter Ball, which Nathaniel is due to host in ten days' time.

This delightful novella is a pleasant companion to Sorcery of Thorns. The stakes are not as high, but the character interactions are just as delightful. Readers get to learn more about Thorn Manor, with its hidden rooms, sentient books, and cursed artifacts. Recommended for anyone who enjoyed the first book in the series and would like just a little bit more. ( )