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Sorcery of Thorns

#1 of 1 in Sorcery of Thorns Series

4.05
on Goodreads (151,958)

What’s inside...

Elisabeth, raised in a Great Library, has always believed that all sorcerers are evil. Surrounded by magical grimoires that can turn into monsters, she dreams of becoming a warden to protect the kingdom. However, when a dangerous grimoire is released due to sabotage, Elisabeth is implicated and forced to seek help from her enemy, sorcerer Nathaniel Thorn, and his demonic servant. As she uncovers a centuries-old conspiracy, her alliance with Nathaniel leads her to question everything she's known, revealing her own hidden powers and an unimaginable future.
In series
Series reading

Non-Sequential

Age

13-14

Length

456 pages

Text complexity

Character compass

Elisabeth Scrivener
Nathaniel Thorn
Silas
Ashcroft

Discussion points

What do you think motivates Elisabeth to protect the grimoires, and how does that change throughout the story?
How do the relationships between characters like Elisabeth, Nathaniel, and Silas evolve? What do these changes say about trust and friendship?
What role do you think bravery plays in the story? Can you share a moment when a character had to be brave?
In what ways do the grimoires add to the magical world created by Margaret Rogerson? Which grimoire would you like to read and why?
How does Elisabeth’s understanding of good and evil shift by the end of the book? What events influence these changes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts on the characters’ decisions, and discuss alternative choices the characters could have made.
Discuss the importance of friendship and loyalty as presented in the book, relating them to your child’s personal experiences.
Highlight moments in the story where characters overcome fear or doubt, and ask your child how they handle similar feelings.
Explore the book's magical elements by asking your child to imagine their own magical library. What kind of books would it have? How would it be protected?
After reading, ask your child how they perceive the line between good and evil, and how context can change one's perspective.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: The importance of courage and bravery
Explanation: Elisabeth, the protagonist, demonstrates immense bravery as she battles against malevolent forces, despite the overwhelming odds she faces.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and stand up for what is right, even when they feel scared or uncertain.
Example Lesson: Value of knowledge and learning
Explanation: Throughout the book, Elisabeth's journey is influenced by her quest for knowledge, as she spends much of her time in a library filled with magical grimoires.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to appreciate and seek out learning opportunities, understanding that knowledge is a powerful tool in navigating the world.
Example Lesson: Understanding the complexity of right and wrong
Explanation: The characters in the book, including Elisabeth, often face morally complex situations where the distinction between right and wrong isn't clear cut.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that real-world issues can be complex and that understanding different perspectives is key to forming balanced viewpoints.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship and trust
Explanation: Elisabeth forms strong bonds with other characters, such as Nathaniel and Silas, which play a crucial role in her journey and in overcoming numerous challenges.
Real-World Application: Highlighting the importance of building trust and cooperating with others can teach children the value of supportive friendships and teamwork.

Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson