Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 stars)
Alright, fantasy lovers, get ready because Blackthorn and Beyond – The Sorcerer’s Redemption by Ellie Tilley is an interesting ride filled with dark magic, ancient grudges, and a sleepy village that’s about to become the battleground for an age-old conflict.
Imagine A Discovery of Witches meets The Night Circus with a splash of The Witcher..have I got your attention now?.
The Setup: Small Village, BIG Secrets
Blackthorn Forest? It’s not just a pretty name, it’s got history. Secrets are buried deep in its roots, and Luna Redlock, our potion-savvy MMC, knows that better than anyone.
But when the mysterious Isaac Brewer and his equally intriguing nephew, Tristan, return to town, things start unraveling fast. And by “things,” I mean a catastrophic chain of magical chaos that threatens to upend Blackthorn forever.
It turns out Isaac has a past, like, centuries-old regrets-level past. And before Blackthorn is lost to a sinister ruler (because of course, there’s a sinister ruler), Isaac has to set things right.
What Casts a Spell (a.k.a. What I LOVED)
-Luna Redlock
Luna is the kind of protagonist I love—sharp, resourceful, and deeply connected to the land. Her relationship with Blackthorn’s magic feels so immersive, and I was obsessed with how her story intertwines with the village’s past.
-Isaac Brewer
Isaac is haunted—and not in the “brooding antihero for aesthetic” kind of way, but in the deeply tormented, morally complex, must-atone-for-his-sins way. Watching him try to fix his past mistakes? Chef’s kiss.
-The Magic System
Okay, I live for unique magic systems, and this book delivers. Potions? Check. Portals? YES. Mysterious forces manipulating fate? DOUBLE CHECK. The world building feels rich and deeply atmospheric, with a history that unravels beautifully as the story progresses.
-The Vibes
You feel the eerie pull of Blackthorn Forest as you read. There’s something about this book that lingers, like the scent of an old spell book or the whisper of a forgotten curse. If you love fantasy with an almost gothic, misty quality—this is your jam.
What’s a Little… Hexed?
-Tristan Could Use More Page Time
Tristan, Isaac’s nephew, is intriguing (is he hiding something?? 👀), but I wanted more of his backstory and motivations. There’s potential for him to really shine in future books.
-Slow Start, but WORTH IT
The first few chapters take their time setting the stage, introducing Blackthorn’s secrets, its tangled history, and the key players. But once things start unfolding? PURE MAGIC.
This book casts a spell and doesn’t let go. If you love deep, immersive fantasy with atmospheric world building, morally grey sorcerers, and high-stakes magic, Blackthorn and Beyond – The Sorcerer’s Redemption needs to be on your TBR.