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Blackthorn and Beyond – The Sorcerer's Redemption

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There are secrets buried beneath the roots of Blackthorn Forest.

Luna Redlock is no stranger to the trees. However, when Isaac Brewer and his nephew, Tristan, return to the cobbled streets, a darkness descends upon the sleepy village. Their presence sets in motion a catastrophic series of events.

Luna’s story is just one of many in Blackthorn’s mysterious history, but there is one thing tying them all together: potions, portals, and above all... power.

Can Isaac right his wrongs from centuries ago before all is lost to a wicked ruler?

432 pages, Paperback

Published October 28, 2024

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5 people want to read

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Ellie Tilley

2 books1 follower

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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Natalie  all_books_great_and_small .
3,148 reviews172 followers
November 8, 2024
I received a gifted copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Blackthorne and Beyond: The Sorcerers Redemption is a thrilling pageturner filled with mystery.
Set in a small village alongside a dark forest and Blackthorne Manor, we follow a story spun over 150 years.
Luna Redlock is used to the darkness surrounding her home, but when Issac Brewer returns with his nephew Tristian, a further darkness drapes itself over the village, and a series of catastrophic events begins to unravel.
The word building and rich descriptions within this book drew me in and captivated me throughout this story and I loved the magic and power play within this story and the plot itself was more intricate and deeper than I expected.
Profile Image for Sonja Charters.
2,757 reviews139 followers
November 5, 2024
This was my first read by this author and I decided to go in totally blind - just going off the front cover, which looked gorgeous!

I had no clue what to expect but was treated to an epic fantasy which was packed with mystery and magic.

I loved the writing style which completely mesmerised and captivated me right from the start.
The vivid imagery transported me into the storyline and the forest itself.
The world building was skillfully managed within the book, weaving around the narrative and this never felt clunky or overwhelming.
The settings becoming characters in their own right.

The main characters were all well drawn and it was so easy to become immersed in their lives and feel their emotions, fears and hope.
With a complex plot which had me turning the pages to find out just how things would work out!

I'm not a huge fantasy reader at all - but every now and then I come across a beautifully written gem like this.
Profile Image for Marie Girulat.
524 reviews15 followers
October 3, 2024
Thank you to the author for the gifted e-book.

Get ready to embark on a thrilling journey through time and mystery!

This captivating story unfolds over 150 years in a quaint village near a dark forest and the enigmatic Blackthorn Manor. The narrative is ingeniously told from various perspectives, drawing readers into the enigmas of the manor, the village, and its intriguing inhabitants. With its immersive plot and supernatural elements, this tale will keep you on the edge of your seat. The interwoven stories of the characters create an atmosphere of suspense, while the unique and fascinating magical elements add an extra layer of intrigue.

If you're a fan of fantasy and are seeking a truly distinctive read, mark your calendar for the release of this book on October 28. Don't miss out on this enchanting adventure!
Profile Image for Scarlet.
94 reviews3 followers
November 17, 2024
2.5⭐️

DNF at 33%

(Full review coming soon)
Profile Image for Siobhain.
1,000 reviews36 followers
Read
November 12, 2024
I love a good fantasy and Blackthorn and Beyond is a really good one. The writing is fantastic and drew me in right away. The way Tilley sets the scenes and atmosphere is fantastic and makes you feel like you are alongside the characters. Speaking of characters I really loved them all, they are well developed and also have some good growth and depth throughout. Isaac was interesting and I loved Luna too.

If you enjoy fantasy you will likely enjoy this. It has all you could want from a fantasy including wonderful writing.

As always thank you to ZooLoos Book Tour. for the copy to review. My review is always honest, truthful and freely given.
Profile Image for Gemma Wells.
109 reviews9 followers
January 2, 2025
A wonderful, thrilling tale full of mystery and intrigue! The multiple POVs across the different timeline add layers of mystery to the story that keep you guessing, and as the story unravels itself you can’t help but end up hooked on each page trying to link all the narratives together! The plot is fast paced and the characters are diverse and interesting (even the ones you’ll end up loving to hate!) and the story never quite goes the way you think it would! With dark magic, witches and murder plots the perfect read for the spooky season.
Profile Image for Emma.
135 reviews17 followers
Read
November 12, 2024
Blackthorn and Beyond by Ellie Tilley. I am so grateful to have been gifted a copy of this to review with Zooloos Book Tours.
I enjoyed reading this, as I found I loved the writing style. Plus, I love when books have shorter chapters, and parts? Amazing. I don’t usually go for first person narrative, but it works well for this book and it was enjoyable.

I do think that this is a great story, and I loved reading it. I don’t think I expected it to be written how it was, but it was definitely unique, and its something that makes this book stand out to me.
Profile Image for Han.
288 reviews3 followers
September 2, 2024
Blackthorn and Beyond is a light fairytale fantasy! Told from the perspective of 5 different POV's in past and present, spanning 150 years in a little village next to a dark forest. Some common themes in this read are witches, magic portals, and an alternate world with a dash of romance in between, which adds to the plot of this read!

Personally, I LOVED this read! Once I fell in love with the plot, this was one of those books I couldn't put down! Typically, I can not stand multiple POV's, but Ellie did an amazing job drawing me in with the uniqueness of these characters!

If you love light fairytale fantasy with witches and magic portals with a dash of romance, Blackthorn and Beyond might be a read to add to your TBR (release date: October 28th, 2024)!
Profile Image for Bookshortie.
863 reviews60 followers
November 10, 2024
Blackthorn Forest holds many secrets and the locals try to stay away from it. People disappear in the forest and there are stories about Blackthorn House which is situated in the middle of the forest being haunted. When Isaac and his nephew return to Blackthorn a chain of events start which Luna a resident of the village becomes caught up in when she becomes close to Tristan.

When this book arrived I was quite surprised how chunky it was. That being said it was a quick read with short chapters. What attracted me to this book was the synopsis and the sleepy village of Blackthorn. The synopsis does not do the story justice as there is so much more to the story which the reader learns as the story progresses. The storyline was multi layered, magical, sinister, gothic and dark. I consumed this book within 24 hours because it captured my attention and drew me into another world. The story is so descriptive that there were times when I felt like I was in Blackthorn with its inhabitants. What I didn't realise is that the story spans many years and the author has done a fantastic job in creating a story that spans multiple generations that reflects the history of Blackthorn.

The story is narrated by multiple characters but at no point did I feel lost in the story because everything is connected and the reader just has to follow the thread. The world building was easy to follow, rich and very unique. The book is split into parts which reflect the past and the present. The earlier parts introduce the reader to characters in Blackthorn and what happened to them. For instance Joanna arrives at Blackthorn House to live with relatives she doesn’t know and discovers a secret within the paintings hanging on the walls of the house. Sophie moves to Blackthorn with her parents and discovers that the village and its inhabitants aren’t what they seem. Georgina is looking for her mum who disappeared in the forest and hopes to find out what happened to her. Luna lives with her grandmother and it’s when she starts to connect with Tristan that things take a strange turn. What I loved about this book is that this isn’t just a story with one main character but all of the characters are a main character and play a key role in the story. The ending was bittersweet and I was sad to say goodbye to Blackthorn and the characters.

If you love the fantasy genre then this is one to add to your list.

Profile Image for Cassandra MADEUP BookBlog.
458 reviews9 followers
November 8, 2024
I decided to dive into this one partly because the blurb sounded intriguing, but if I am completely honest… I am a sucker for a pretty cover! And I love crows.

I don’t really know what I expected when I began reading this one, but wow. Just WOW! 🤩 This story was a surprise from the very start.

This is a story that spans a great length of time, but past and present move together seamlessly, and I adored the different perspectives. I loved that instead of gradually being given vague hints about past, instead we get the full view of it. Oh we don’t get to know everything until later, because otherwise there would be no twists or surprises would there?

But I loved that the story began with what was, and then built on that image.

And the crows 😍 the concept the Author has used is so very clever, I absolutely loved it. A murder of crows indeed. I have always been intrigued by crows, and never really known why, so this element was a big part of why I couldn’t resist diving in as soon as I could.

This was such a clever story, well built and well thought out. The writing style is engaging, keeping the readers interest, and the blend of Fantasy and History (though the Historical perspective is NOT centre most, merely an element to set the scene.) were well used.

Though this wis the Authors Debut Novel, I wouldn’t have known that from reading the story! I can’t wait to see what she writes next.
Profile Image for Laura.
750 reviews45 followers
October 31, 2024
Blackthorn and Beyond by Ellie Tilley is a mesmerising tale that weaves together history, magic, and an enigmatic sense of place.

Through the character of Luna Redlock, the reader is plunged into the depths of Blackthorn Forest, where secrets whisper through the leaves and danger lurks in the shadows. Tilley’s skillful prose paints a vivid picture of a village steeped in mystery, expertly intertwining the fates of its inhabitants, particularly with the arrival of Isaac Brewer and his nephew, Tristan. Their presence ignites a thrilling chain of events, blending folklore with a palpable sense of urgency as they grapple with dark forces and past mistakes.

With its intricate plot and richly developed characters, this novel offers a powerful exploration of redemption, the pursuit of power, and the haunting legacy of choices made long ago. A compelling read for anyone looking to be enchanted by a world where potions and portals lead the way to both madness and wonder.
Profile Image for April.
483 reviews28 followers
November 7, 2024
First of all, what a gorgeous front cover, that artwork!! Amazing!

I saw this cover and decided I had to read this!

The story takes you into the intriguing Blackthorn Forest with Luna as our main female character as strange things occur, and Mysteries need to be solved!

I loved the character development within this book and how we get tucked into the story so we are taken along with the characters.

Ellie's writing style is very immersive and again drags you into the story, and the location descriptions are incredibly vivid!

The story is jam-packed full of intrigue, mystery, and everything else you expect in a fantastic fantasy!

Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Karolyn.
1,329 reviews43 followers
January 3, 2025
Here is my review for Blackthorn And Beyond by Ellie Tilley

This is an intriguing read which I really enjoyed. In the Blackthorn Forest, there are many secrets buried there. Joanna had been moved to the old Blackthorn House to live with Aunt Agatha and Uncle Frederic’s cold big house with the promise of lodgings if she did chores set by Aunt Agatha. Joanna’s not sure why her parents moved her there and for how long but Joanna hoped it wasn’t long as the house gave her the creeps. Some rooms were off limits. And Joanna was told to stay on the path to the village and not to stray from it, not that she would as she was scared to leave the house on her own. It wasn’t too bad with Uncle Frederic but we didn’t talk much. This was a very weird story with some strange characters in it. Joanna didn’t like staying at Blackthorne House but there was no way she could leave of her own free will plus where would she go? It was a struggle to work out what was going on in this story as most of it seemed centred around the forest. The characters were interesting and some seemed quite old, even replicas of some of the paintings at Blackthorn House.

Blurb :

There are secrets buried beneath the roots of Blackthorn Forest. Luna Redlock is no stranger to the trees. However, when Isaac Brewer and his nephew, Tristan, return to the cobbled streets, a darkness descends upon the sleepy village. Their presence sets in motion a catastrophic series of events. Luna’s story is just one of many in Blackthorn’s mysterious history, but there is one thing tying them all together: potions, portals, and above all... power. Can Isaac right his wrongs from centuries ago before all is lost to a wicked ruler?
Profile Image for Nessa’s Book Reviews.
1,443 reviews67 followers
February 20, 2025
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.
Profile Image for Jessica Juby | jesshidesinbooks.
202 reviews8 followers
November 5, 2024
A print copy of this book was gifted through Zooloo's Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.

While there were parts of this book that just didn't land for me, I did find some elements enjoyable. I liked the worldbuilding, and mix of magical elements; portals to other realms, witches, living paintings etc. The main recurring characters were also well fleshed out with unique personalities.

I struggled with the structure of different POVs and small sections of narrative seemed out of place, impacting my immersion and detracted from my experience. I will provide context on these below behind spoiler warnings.

The overall story arc was intriguing and strong enough to keep me reading. There's definite potential in this world for a strong fantasy series. If you like portal magic and good vs evil then be sure to check this out!

Profile Image for Martin Murray.
19 reviews
September 12, 2024
ARC Review - - - No Spoilers ---

Title - Blackthorn and Beyond - The Sorcerer's Redemption
Author - Ellie Tilley
Rating - 4⭐

Summary - There are secrets buried beneath the roots of Blackthorn Forest.

Luna Redlock is no stranger to the trees. However, when Isaac Brewer and his nephew, Tristan, return to the cobbled streets, a darkness descends upon the sleepy village. Their presence sets in motion a catastrophic series of events.

Luna’s story is just one of many in Blackthorn’s mysterious history, but there is one thing tying them all together: potions, portals, and above all... power.

Can Isaac right his wrongs from centuries ago before all is lost to a wicked ruler?

Review - I was lucky enough to receive a pre-release copy of this book from the author and first of all want to thank Ellie Tilley for the opportunity to read this. This is a fantastic debut novel that is full of atmosphere, suspense and of course fantasy elements. I'll eagerly be looking forward to more from this author in the future.

The first thing that should be noted for any potential reader is that this book has multiple POV's which some readers may not enjoy but are a personal favourite for me. The way the author weaves all of these characters and their stories throughout is very well done and keeps the suspense high for the reader while also giving each character and their ‘story’ its own unique voice which keeps them in your mind moving forward.

Overall, this was a very enjoyable read and one which I'd recommend to any fantasy fan looking for something new and unique. A great debut novel and I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for more from this author moving forward.
1 review
September 3, 2024
A story that will immerse you with every line.

The most notable to mention is that there's many different points of view, and it can feel like you're actually reading different books set in the same world. This is not good nor bad, as I believe that completely depends on the reader. Personally, I'm not a big fan of having different point of views, specially more than two. However, I do have to commend the way that it's been done in this book. Each story is engaging, with nicely developed characters and beautifully written. It can be confusing and a bit difficult to connect everything, but I didn't feel like that took away from enjoying this book as much as I did.

Every bit of the book has character and belongs. There was no point in which I felt the story was dragging, or that something was there just because. The pace was perfect for the stories, not too rushed and not slowed down.

The world is lively. To me, it sort of felt as though the world itself was a character of its own. One to discover with every paragraph.

I am already looking forward to more great things to come from this author!
3 reviews19 followers
September 28, 2024

I couldn’t put Blackthorn and Beyond down! This book had me hooked from the very first chapter right to its conclusion. Ellie Tilley expertly crafted the world of Blackthorn to be immersive and intriguing, from the manor to the village to the mysterious forest in which no one dare venture.

This is a story told from different perspectives, and with each new character introduced I found myself more and more hooked on Blackthorn’s mystery. Without a doubt a fantasy novel with supernatural elements, but more than that Blackthorn and Beyond is a story of human relationships. Love, loss, betray, greed and of course redemption are what really made me excited to stay in the world of Blackthorn.

Ellie Tilley is masterful in how she presents these relationships and really makes you feel with these characters. Whether you are rooting for them or against them, she pitched the emotions of the story perfectly. If this is what she can produce as a debut novel, I can’t wait to see what else she will produce in the future.
Profile Image for Madelaine Marie.
93 reviews8 followers
October 3, 2024
Blackthorn and beyond is a story of a complex generational journey by @etilley.author

Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice 0/5

This book took me some time to figure out where the journey was going. But it was beautifully intertwined. So much back story learnt prior to receiving the initial journey of Luna. All due to Ellie’s well planned execution.

We start the book with Johanna, a girl with a curse. To then meet Sophie, a cautious soul broken by a new town. Next is Georgina a curious one who may have wondered too far into the woods. Finally we have Luna. A granddaughter to the town psychic. However Luna knew the peculiarity of Blackthorn and didn’t fear.

All their stories broken by generations to intertwine into a beautiful fantasy adventure in the end. This is a story you can read again and again and probably find new element and connection between each girl along the way.

QOTD; would you wonder into the woods alone?!
1 review
September 2, 2024
A mythical tale, ‘Blackthorn and Beyond’ spans 150 years and seamlessly weaves the lives of several characters to result in a story of magic, intrigue, love and hope.

I raced through ‘Blackthorn and Beyond’ and could not put it down. Each twist in the story and new character provided an extra layer of complexity to the story and the worlds and characters which Ellie has created are compelling and magical.

Ellie’s vivid descriptions in this story provide the reader with a sense of the darkness and fear surrounding some of these worlds and made me feel that I really was in the story seeing the world as the characters were.

Ellie has written an absolutely magnificent story which is masterfully written and unlike any other fantasy book that I have read. I was disappointed when the story finished and am eagerly awaiting Ellie’s future work.
Profile Image for Hannah Thorrington.
4 reviews
September 26, 2024
There are secrets buried beneath the roots of Blackthorn Forest..

A beautiful debut Fantasy book by Ellie Tilley. The world in which this book is set is gorgeous and with the unique characters, this book had me hooked in from the very beginning!

The plot was fast with plenty going on to keep me interested and invested with each and every character and where this would go. Plenty of magic, great twists and for me, this was a really solid read. Very grateful to be offered the opportunity to read this ARC!
Profile Image for Ellie Tilley.
10 reviews1 follower
September 9, 2024
For fans of fairy tale and fantasy fiction, comes a debut novel all about the power of nature, and the decisions that we make.

The book is set in a cobbled village on the edge of a dark forest. It gives multiple POV, allowing different characters to tell their tales, and experience the magic of Blackthorn.

Releasing on 28th October 2024, Blackthorn and Beyond - The Sorcerer's Redemption immerses you in a gothic fairytale world of peculiar happenings.
Profile Image for Rachel Weaver.
2 reviews
September 12, 2024
Blackthorn and Beyond is an atmospheric masterpiece, perfect for fall and the Halloween season. The vibes are truly immaculate. We follow five POVs, each following a secret through the mysterious Blackthorn woods. This book really keeps you guessing the whole way along, but the reveal is totally worth it!
Profile Image for Samantha .
201 reviews54 followers
January 2, 2025
This is another book that drew me in purely for the cover and it sounded amazing.

Immediately I felt intrigued and that alone made me what to carry on reading and as I did, I felt so immersed in the world building by the writing with just how simply the plot was following.

This was a read I enjoyed trying to figure out.
Profile Image for Samantha.
139 reviews27 followers
August 4, 2025
This is another book that drew me in purely for the cover and it sounded amazing.

Immediately I felt intrigued and that alone made me what to carry on reading and as I did, I felt so immersed in the world building by the writing with just how simply the plot was following.

This was a read I enjoyed trying to figure out.
Profile Image for Kerry Williams.
Author 5 books46 followers
September 14, 2025
Magical and mysterious. This is a sprawling, mind-bending tale that you’ll fall through worlds with.
Profile Image for Emma Ashley.
1,364 reviews49 followers
November 4, 2024
💜 Blurb -
There are secrets buried beneath the roots of Blackthorn Forest.
Luna Redlock is no stranger to the trees. However, when Isaac Brewer and his nephew, Tristan, return to the cobbled streets, a darkness descends upon the sleepy village. Their presence sets in motion a catastrophic series of events.
Luna’s story is just one of many in Blackthorn’s mysterious history, but there is one thing tying them all together: potions, portals, and above all... power.
Can Isaac right his wrongs from centuries ago before all is lost to a wicked ruler?
❤️ Review -
What a brilliant page turner. I couldn't put it down and kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. The author's writing is brilliant and the story telling was flawless, plus the pacing was just right. I also loved the characters in the book.
Overall a brilliant novel that I highly recommend to other readers. Fans of fantasy novels will love it. I look forward to reading more by the author.
💓 Thank you to Zooloobooktours, the publisher and author, Ellie Tilley for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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