What do you think?
Rate this book
A Practical Guide to Sorcery #5
A Cauldron of Bitterness
Magic is a double-edged sword. Siobhan knows this all too well.Old scars have peeled open to spill out the horrors within, and Siobhan has learned to fear her shadow.
Her fearsome reputation—the Raven Queen—has grown until it seems to gain a life of its own. But she would never have survived this long if she let a little setback like that stop her from achieving her goals.
As tensions begin to rend apart the world around Siobhan, she understands the need for power—in all its forms—to control her own fate. Knowledge, magic, and a reputation that will bind others to her will and her cause.
Through power comes freedom.
Her fearsome reputation—the Raven Queen—has grown until it seems to gain a life of its own. But she would never have survived this long if she let a little setback like that stop her from achieving her goals.
As tensions begin to rend apart the world around Siobhan, she understands the need for power—in all its forms—to control her own fate. Knowledge, magic, and a reputation that will bind others to her will and her cause.
Through power comes freedom.
488 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2025
54 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
About the author
Azalea Ellis
17 books178 followersAzalea Ellis loves to bend the world to her will. Maybe that's why she likes writing books. Creating worlds and people and then sending them through every ordeal imaginable might even give her some kind of sick thrill. Who knows?
Azalea is also an artist, so perhaps she just likes taking things from her head and bringing them to life. Because of her artistic background, she's lucky enough to also be able to do all of her own book covers, and does freelance illustration when she feels like it.
She's fascinated by almost everything, and wishes she could live to be a thousand, so she would have time to learn and do everything she wants.
Azalea is also an artist, so perhaps she just likes taking things from her head and bringing them to life. Because of her artistic background, she's lucky enough to also be able to do all of her own book covers, and does freelance illustration when she feels like it.
She's fascinated by almost everything, and wishes she could live to be a thousand, so she would have time to learn and do everything she wants.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 8, 2025
Vibes this book: "I'm fine I was just thinking so hard I forgot to stand up"
And also: "What about the time you told me I'm not stupid, I just have bad luck when it comes to thinking?"
But also: “What you are about to see is transmutation alone. I have some basic components—” she showed off the buckets “—but with a few exceptions, I will only be using them for their similarities to the substances I need. It makes transmutation easier when converting dirt to different dirt, or stone into a gem. It would be equally possible for me to do all of this using only the air—it would just take a lot longer, and I doubt any of you feel like sitting around for two or three days while I work at it.” A young woman’s voice from the back of the crowd yelled, “I’ll sit on you for two or three days, Sebastien!” Sebastien almost choked, and was thankful for the crowd’s laughter that allowed her to gather her wits.
--
Can't wait for the next book!
And also: "What about the time you told me I'm not stupid, I just have bad luck when it comes to thinking?"
But also: “What you are about to see is transmutation alone. I have some basic components—” she showed off the buckets “—but with a few exceptions, I will only be using them for their similarities to the substances I need. It makes transmutation easier when converting dirt to different dirt, or stone into a gem. It would be equally possible for me to do all of this using only the air—it would just take a lot longer, and I doubt any of you feel like sitting around for two or three days while I work at it.” A young woman’s voice from the back of the crowd yelled, “I’ll sit on you for two or three days, Sebastien!” Sebastien almost choked, and was thankful for the crowd’s laughter that allowed her to gather her wits.
--
Can't wait for the next book!
May 19, 2025
Really good
But a bit long winded in places more loose threads to be anticipated looking forward to the next book thank you
But a bit long winded in places more loose threads to be anticipated looking forward to the next book thank you
Read
April 16, 2025Simply delightful.
No, Siobhan, not everyone can do "this" (splitting the Will, memorizing whole maps, etc.). But that does not mean you're weird or a freak. It's just how your brain works.
Yes, you are enough and yes, some people find you attractive.
No, you are not emotionless or narcisstic, you are just "socially myopic" and live in your head. You care deeply about people. In twenty years, you'll probably get a hang of it, provided you survive.
Psyching yourself up "I'm a genius!" is a healthy counterbalance to failures, provided you don't get stuck up in process and blind to your own flaws.
Little touches - again the explanation on how the light works - my students hear the lecture about green and red light every time a new person comes to the lab and learns the scope.
Copying your mentor's mannerisms together with his instructions (this has been going on for a while). Raven Queen is "unable to lie", but "a shapeshifter" - because Siobhan is so bad at straight up lying, but all too good with masking.
Siobhan's brain wiring is less plastic and this memetic spell was destined to be botched even without the passenger. Do you do neuroscience, author?
I have different obsessions and hang ups but I appreciate the representation so much.
And the plot is gripping - there are spies, morally ambiguous revolutionists, a humanist-free thinker "church", morally grey Academia and more. Thank you!
P.S. Please a big house pick this up.
No, Siobhan, not everyone can do "this" (splitting the Will, memorizing whole maps, etc.). But that does not mean you're weird or a freak. It's just how your brain works.
Yes, you are enough and yes, some people find you attractive.
No, you are not emotionless or narcisstic, you are just "socially myopic" and live in your head. You care deeply about people. In twenty years, you'll probably get a hang of it, provided you survive.
Psyching yourself up "I'm a genius!" is a healthy counterbalance to failures, provided you don't get stuck up in process and blind to your own flaws.
Little touches - again the explanation on how the light works - my students hear the lecture about green and red light every time a new person comes to the lab and learns the scope.
Copying your mentor's mannerisms together with his instructions (this has been going on for a while). Raven Queen is "unable to lie", but "a shapeshifter" - because Siobhan is so bad at straight up lying, but all too good with masking.
Siobhan's brain wiring is less plastic and this memetic spell was destined to be botched even without the passenger. Do you do neuroscience, author?
I have different obsessions and hang ups but I appreciate the representation so much.
And the plot is gripping - there are spies, morally ambiguous revolutionists, a humanist-free thinker "church", morally grey Academia and more. Thank you!
P.S. Please a big house pick this up.
August 17, 2025
Each installment in this series has been better than the last. The world building is phenomenal, and my husband and friends probably want to glue my mouth shut so that I stop raving about the characters. The main set of characters act and make assumptions in ways that are intelligent and consistent with their personalities, and their interactions and misunderstandings are just so refreshingly organic.
The characters are deeply flawed in ways that feel very real. Characters might be petty, vain, jealous, and dangerously naive while also being a loyal friend, clever, hardworking, and curious. Characters might want a better world and take pleasure from making people's lives better while also being manipulative, temperamental, and dangerously power hungry. It would be so very easy for characters to slip into trope-y roles like "comic relief sidekick" and they just don't. I could gush for hours.
The characters are deeply flawed in ways that feel very real. Characters might be petty, vain, jealous, and dangerously naive while also being a loyal friend, clever, hardworking, and curious. Characters might want a better world and take pleasure from making people's lives better while also being manipulative, temperamental, and dangerously power hungry. It would be so very easy for characters to slip into trope-y roles like "comic relief sidekick" and they just don't. I could gush for hours.
April 8, 2025
An absolutely phenomenal way to continue the story. Considering this is the 5th book, the author does a great job keeping me engaged and interested in what's to come next while also answering some questions!
April 23, 2025
So it's book 5 in a series. If you've read book 4... well, this is more. Get some. I don't have a lot to say to you, because you're either already in love and want it anyway, or you're a masochist/completionist and you'll also read it anyway.
For anyone else?
Well, it's book 5. But I've read the previous books to get here, and I have to say I'm really enjoying it.
It's got elements of 'school of magic' (which I'm still a total sucker for) but with elements of worldbuilding and a sense of magic that transcends the school, and I appreciate that too.
I mean, one of the flaws of 'school of magic' is that it makes magic... not so magical. But Azaelea Ellis sidesteps that by talking about Sorcery - which is codified magic, and that's what the lead character is learning. But actually drops plenty of hints that's not the whole story, and that the 'science of magic' is ... not as well understood at the University would have us believe.
And that's why I'm enjoying it. We're 'learning' the limits and rules of magic alongside the lead character, whilst being teased with a whole bunch of other magic that doesn't actually fit the 'rules' as we know them.
It's a fine line to walk to introduce both a sense of 'I understand how magic works (because the lead character does)' and yet also tease us with mysteries of not understanding the deep magics of the world.
And yet this is what this whole series delivers. There's still some outstanding questions about the lead character, that don't interrupt the story, nor do they really count as plot holes, but hint at a whole lot more going on than ... the pre-eminent magical academy of the known world is prepared to even talk about...
So nicely done, and now - yet again - I'm eagerly awaiting the next installment.
For anyone else?
Well, it's book 5. But I've read the previous books to get here, and I have to say I'm really enjoying it.
It's got elements of 'school of magic' (which I'm still a total sucker for) but with elements of worldbuilding and a sense of magic that transcends the school, and I appreciate that too.
I mean, one of the flaws of 'school of magic' is that it makes magic... not so magical. But Azaelea Ellis sidesteps that by talking about Sorcery - which is codified magic, and that's what the lead character is learning. But actually drops plenty of hints that's not the whole story, and that the 'science of magic' is ... not as well understood at the University would have us believe.
And that's why I'm enjoying it. We're 'learning' the limits and rules of magic alongside the lead character, whilst being teased with a whole bunch of other magic that doesn't actually fit the 'rules' as we know them.
It's a fine line to walk to introduce both a sense of 'I understand how magic works (because the lead character does)' and yet also tease us with mysteries of not understanding the deep magics of the world.
And yet this is what this whole series delivers. There's still some outstanding questions about the lead character, that don't interrupt the story, nor do they really count as plot holes, but hint at a whole lot more going on than ... the pre-eminent magical academy of the known world is prepared to even talk about...
So nicely done, and now - yet again - I'm eagerly awaiting the next installment.
July 5, 2025
Explosive ending.
Touched by Thaddeus’ reaction to finding out that Sebastien imagined Thaddeus was his father - the feeling of sympathy. Thaddeus trying to be a good guardian and giving him a summoning token.
We finally see more of Myrddin’s journals, but it was a good plot device to show Siobhan and Thaddeus interacting / building up that trust - only to shatter it when Siobhan asks about Aberrant numbers increasing and Thaddeus attacking / mind wiping her (because of his vows?).
Ends with Siobhan deciding to explore her mind. And trusting Olivier (who dropped off screen for a while).
Touched by Thaddeus’ reaction to finding out that Sebastien imagined Thaddeus was his father - the feeling of sympathy. Thaddeus trying to be a good guardian and giving him a summoning token.
We finally see more of Myrddin’s journals, but it was a good plot device to show Siobhan and Thaddeus interacting / building up that trust - only to shatter it when Siobhan asks about Aberrant numbers increasing and Thaddeus attacking / mind wiping her (because of his vows?).
Ends with Siobhan deciding to explore her mind. And trusting Olivier (who dropped off screen for a while).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2025
Fantastic action scenes! Very intense!
I stayed up way past bedtime devouring this book and had serious book hangovers. This 5th installment in the series has an amazing fight scene that lasts for many pages and is incredibly gripping. Beware not to start reading it late at night! I am very impressed with the intricate weaving together of all the plot lines. Such fabulous plot development. Great writing with minimal errors. Wow!
I stayed up way past bedtime devouring this book and had serious book hangovers. This 5th installment in the series has an amazing fight scene that lasts for many pages and is incredibly gripping. Beware not to start reading it late at night! I am very impressed with the intricate weaving together of all the plot lines. Such fabulous plot development. Great writing with minimal errors. Wow!
April 26, 2025
An excellent read
Book five in the series continues to weave an ambitious number of plot threads, but never so many that the reader loses track.
Also, while all the characters themselves are playing straight, with plausible motives and reactions, the constant confusion and over estimation of the Raven Queen abilities remains a deliciously funny throughline.
Book five in the series continues to weave an ambitious number of plot threads, but never so many that the reader loses track.
Also, while all the characters themselves are playing straight, with plausible motives and reactions, the constant confusion and over estimation of the Raven Queen abilities remains a deliciously funny throughline.
October 28, 2025
god dm, I love this series! I re-read the first 4 novels before starting A Cauldron of Bitterness. And as long as this story is, it still ended too soon. I honestly don't know what I would have done if the prequel hadn't come out just last month. So, I'm going to be diving right into that one. I can't wait to find out what happens next!
November 14, 2025
I enjoyed this episode more than most of the series. The conflict felt more visceral, the risks more real.
Credulity was strained when Sebastian disappeared for a week, after The Raven Queen was "injured," with no explanation or misdirection to hide the connection. Otherwise, it was a fast paced and complex novel.
Will the series ever end? I can't tell.
Credulity was strained when Sebastian disappeared for a week, after The Raven Queen was "injured," with no explanation or misdirection to hide the connection. Otherwise, it was a fast paced and complex novel.
Will the series ever end? I can't tell.
April 21, 2025
absolutely incredible
I have followed this series now for a couple years and reread several times. My favorite is the 4th book. The end is amazing.
I REALLY think it needs to be a streaming series😮
I have followed this series now for a couple years and reread several times. My favorite is the 4th book. The end is amazing.
I REALLY think it needs to be a streaming series😮
April 24, 2025
Fantastic
I continue to adore this series! The world is so well built and despite the magical Theory being over my head the writing makes it easy to absorb. Can't wait for the next one!
I continue to adore this series! The world is so well built and despite the magical Theory being over my head the writing makes it easy to absorb. Can't wait for the next one!
April 16, 2025
!!!! it's on SIGHT for thaddeus lacer
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2025
Masterpiece
This story only keeps getting better and better. Truly one of the best series I have read in my lifetime. I will be dying with anticipation for the next release.
This story only keeps getting better and better. Truly one of the best series I have read in my lifetime. I will be dying with anticipation for the next release.
April 19, 2025
Another incredible entry in this great series!
June 16, 2025
Entertaining read!
Such an interesting turn of events in this book. I'm excited to see what happens in the next book. Can't wait!
Such an interesting turn of events in this book. I'm excited to see what happens in the next book. Can't wait!
July 25, 2025
Can't wait until the next one!
August 11, 2025
3.8☆
September 2, 2025
will keep reading this potboiler
September 18, 2025
Magic, foreboding, factions, friendship, betrayal. What's not to love, besides cliffhangers!
June 14, 2025
I loved this series so much I made a promo of sorts for it on Youtube
https://youtu.be/SQjL9ZNBcwc?si=A-yik...
https://youtu.be/SQjL9ZNBcwc?si=A-yik...
May 28, 2025
I like the underlying story and characters, the writing is very well done.
It has two major flaws though:
The sense of time to book count makes this feel like a web novel. Taking forever to progress in the school.
The author also occasionally leans into really outlandish details/tropes that heavily detract from the overall book. In this book in particular the most ridiculous one was the Red Guard base. It has its wards for misdirecting people, and an agent in the first room to further deter people, sure. But then the agents deterring people with various schemes goes five rooms deep? You're telling me they waste 5 agents all the time, and with the way the rooms progress it would obviously be weird as f*ck to any person that actually went past the first room. It just makes absolutely no sense as a misdirection technique or defensive system and the experience would only serve to make this place stand out *more* to anyone who made it that far.
It has two major flaws though:
The sense of time to book count makes this feel like a web novel. Taking forever to progress in the school.
The author also occasionally leans into really outlandish details/tropes that heavily detract from the overall book. In this book in particular the most ridiculous one was the Red Guard base. It has its wards for misdirecting people, and an agent in the first room to further deter people, sure. But then the agents deterring people with various schemes goes five rooms deep? You're telling me they waste 5 agents all the time, and with the way the rooms progress it would obviously be weird as f*ck to any person that actually went past the first room. It just makes absolutely no sense as a misdirection technique or defensive system and the experience would only serve to make this place stand out *more* to anyone who made it that far.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews