The Scarred Mage of Roseward: Thief by Sylvia Mercedes Review

Sylvia Mercedes is an author I discovered somewhat recently and who has quickly become one of my favorites. So it seemed only natural that I should pick up her beauty and the beast inspired trilogy The Scarred Mage of Roseward trilogy since its based off my favorite fairy tale. Upon reading it I must say that it is a very loose retelling. I don't know if its two sequels will change that but so far the trilogy seems to be more its own story instead of following the regular formula. 

The book introduces its reader to Nelle a thief who is trying to protect her father from a gang she's entangled with. Her father is in debt to the gangs leader Cloven who forced Nelle to return to her thieving ways which she had hoped to stop. After successfully completing her latest theft Nelle is captured and forced to go on a dangerous mission. She must go to the formidable Roseward Isle and steal a certain spell book from the islands only inhabitant Mage Soran Silveri. If she fails her fathers life is forfeit. Faced with no other choice Nelle goes to the island and comes face to face with the disgraced mage. Determined to save her father Nelle needs to convince Soran to let her stay. However Soran is equally determined to keep her as far away from Roseward Isle as he can. It is not safe for her to be there. If she stays she will surely die. He has to drive her away before the Thorn Maiden kills her. He must not grow attached to her. No matter how beautiful and intoxicating she may be...

This book is full of mystery. While some questions are answered it is clear there is a lot more to the backstory than what has been revealed so far. I look forward to discovering the mysteries of Roseward Isle by reading the two sequels Prisoner and Wraith. In addition I also can't wait to see the romance grow between Nelle and Soran. While there is definitely budding feelings on both ends it feels that most of the attraction came from Soran. I hope Nelle will fall for him soon since its clear just how much she needs him in her life.

Nelle has lived a life of struggle for many years. Her mother is gone and she's left with a father who she feels the need to keep safe. While its clear she feels overly protective of him its a little hard to tell if they are really close or not. Her father isn't a bad person but he made the foolish mistake that Nelle is now paying for. For two years she has gave up thieving and worked as a servant at a academy teaching magic. However because of her fathers debt to Cloven (the leader of gang) she is forced to work for him to pay it. When she is forced to go to Roseward Isle to get the rose colored spell book for the mage Gaspard she doesn't even know if she'll be spared punishment if she returns successfully. It is clear to say her life sucks. That said Nelle is full of spirit and isn't one to give up easily. I found myself rooting for her to get out of her bad situation in life.

Soran has been by himself on Roseward Isle for at least twenty years. He is severely scarred and his hands are incased in metal. He has only a limited among of magic compared to what he once had all of which he must keep the monster the Thorn Maiden at bay. We don't really what the Thorn Maiden is until the end but even after learning her story you know there is more to it then what's been revealed. Soran is heavily burdened by his past mistakes but it seems he has become a better man because of them. Both he and Nelle deserve to find happiness and I hope they can overcome their problems and mistakes to find a happy ending together. 

Overall Thief is a great start to this Beauty and the Beast trilogy. I can't wait to continue it and see what more adventures await the two protagonists. Expect reviews for both books to come in the future. I don't know how soon they will come but keep an eye out for them along with other Sylvia Mercedes book reviews. I rate this book four out of five stars. It isn't my favorite Sylvia Mercedes book but is still a very enjoyable read. Until next time. Emma.