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alicelalicon's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Sexism
jelliclecax's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Content Warnings
Minor: Racism, Sexism, Slavery, Xenophobia, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
griffinthief's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Suicide, Death of parent, Colonisation, and War
Minor: Slavery, Kidnapping, Murder, and Pregnancy
1undercover's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I did not really enjoy reading this book. For the majority of it the mystery element is not very actively investigated by the characters. I didn’t really engage with their connection and found the racism and sexism explored to be a frustrating roadblock that seems insurmountable while not really being the point of the book. I really wanted to like this book and would love to hear another reading of it! I just didn’t have fun.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Sexism
aplanetarymind's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
I wasn't really engaged with the book initially, but after about halfway or so it really picked up for me. I quite enjoyed some of the realisations imparted towards the end, but the romance really fell flat for me. The characters just didn't seem to feel that strongly towards each other, so it felt a little random.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racial slurs, Racism, and Sexism
Minor: Death and Violence
Period-typical racism and sexism/misogyny. There is recount of the death of the parental figure, and several assassination attempts are described.achingallover's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Slavery, Grief, and Death of parent
n_asyikin_'s review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
A diverse historical fantasy that was full of wit & intrigue. The magical elements were fascinating, & the journey made more joyful due to the strong, easily beloved characters which made the story memorable.
The aspect to the book that resounds with me most is how it incorporated & addressed issues of racism, sexism & colonialism into the story; something I thought tended to be overlooked in magical realism, especially those told primarily through the White Western lens. In a sense, Cho definitely attempted to move away from that despite the book being set in Regency Britain.
Moreover, I thought that the exploration of the social dynamics were done in a nuanced way, showing & contrasting the experiences of our various key characters with differing backgrounds.
The thematic exploration wasn't necessarily heavy-handed. In fact, I thought one of the highlights of the book was how it showed different approaches to the practice & knowledge of magic, told through the Malayan witch Mak Genggang, the Chinese Sorcerer Hsiang, & even the brief appearance of Prunella's mother, the Grand Sorceress of Seringapatam. . This depiction made for a refreshing story.
One story arc I thought deserving of attention was the dynamics shared between Zacharias & his guardian, Stephen. It depicted the possible conflicts which may arise with being a part of a multicultural family, with Stephen's seeming tendency to overlook the harrassment Zacharias faced in a racist society, not to mention their opposing views on colonialism. . The love-frustration felt genuine; the complexity depicted rather subtle.
Cho has a way to surprise you with unexpected poignancy. A lot of the conflicts arising from the intersectional influences of their identities tend to resolve in a quiet manner. This is especially true when it came to Zacharias.
Being that I am not of African descent, my comment relating to his depictions is limited. Zacharias tended to be equanimous in his approach. Although his wisdom & compassion were admirable, I thought he deserved to be just as revolutionary as Prunella was. But I assessed that Zacharias' composure may derived in response to stereotype threat/anxiety; in order not to fulfil others' prejudices of him, he refrained from more explosive pronouncement. But that is not to say he wasn't revolutionary at all. In fact, he was the catalyst to a lot of significant changes.
I was, however, still quite concerned by the sort of hardship he was subjected to via his self-sacrifising tendency; his was much more violent in contrast to Prunella. It brought into mind Thomas' commentary (in The Dark Fantastic, 2019) on how Black characters tend to be brutalized for a mean to an end. I guess I was hoping for more verve & better resolution to the injustices Zacharias himself was subjected to. Also, at times, I felt that his power was restrained while Prunella & Mak Genggang appeared bold & unstoppable. That disappointed me a bit as it felt as if Zacharias' capacity, as someone in a position of power, was undermined. Though I did understand that he might've acted as the voice-of-reason (& compassion) in the story, but again, as I said, I was hoping for more when it came to this plotline (i.e., the racism a Black sorcerer face).
Despite that, the story is primarily lighthearted. Some of the scenes made me laugh out loud, particularly the dramatics our MCs engaged in to defend themselves against the antagonists; the disregard towards the oppressors, & the unforgiving (sometimes even careless) way they dealt with them were rousing to me, as a reader. This is especially true with our two powerful leading ladies, Prunella & Mak Genggang. The way that they played into the sexist system just screamed liberating!
Although there were times where the plot felt draggy, in general, the elements to the world & its characters will keep your interest. I know for a fact that I will never forget Zacharias, Prunella & Mak Genggang. The Sorcerer to the Crown is memorable & colourful with its celebration of multiculturalism. I highly recommend giving this a read!
The aspect to the book that resounds with me most is how it incorporated & addressed issues of racism, sexism & colonialism into the story; something I thought tended to be overlooked in magical realism, especially those told primarily through the White Western lens. In a sense, Cho definitely attempted to move away from that despite the book being set in Regency Britain.
Moreover, I thought that the exploration of the social dynamics were done in a nuanced way, showing & contrasting the experiences of our various key characters with differing backgrounds.
The thematic exploration wasn't necessarily heavy-handed. In fact, I thought one of the highlights of the book was how it showed different approaches to the practice & knowledge of magic, told through the Malayan witch Mak Genggang, the Chinese Sorcerer Hsiang, & even the brief appearance of Prunella's mother,
One story arc I thought deserving of attention was the dynamics shared between Zacharias & his guardian, Stephen. It depicted the possible conflicts which may arise with being a part of a multicultural family,
Cho has a way to surprise you with unexpected poignancy. A lot of the conflicts arising from the intersectional influences of their identities tend to resolve in a quiet manner. This is especially true when it came to Zacharias.
Being that I am not of African descent, my comment relating to his depictions is limited. Zacharias tended to be equanimous in his approach. Although his wisdom & compassion were admirable, I thought he deserved to be just as revolutionary as Prunella was. But I assessed that Zacharias' composure may derived in response to stereotype threat/anxiety; in order not to fulfil others' prejudices of him, he refrained from more explosive pronouncement. But that is not to say he wasn't revolutionary at all. In fact, he was the catalyst to a lot of significant changes.
I was, however, still quite concerned by the sort of hardship he was subjected to via his self-sacrifising tendency; his was much more violent in contrast to Prunella. It brought into mind Thomas' commentary (in The Dark Fantastic, 2019) on how Black characters tend to be brutalized for a mean to an end. I guess I was hoping for more verve & better resolution to the injustices Zacharias himself was subjected to. Also, at times, I felt that his power was restrained while Prunella & Mak Genggang appeared bold & unstoppable. That disappointed me a bit as it felt as if Zacharias' capacity, as someone in a position of power, was undermined. Though I did understand that he might've acted as the voice-of-reason (& compassion) in the story, but again, as I said, I was hoping for more when it came to this plotline (i.e., the racism a Black sorcerer face).
Despite that, the story is primarily lighthearted. Some of the scenes made me laugh out loud, particularly the dramatics our MCs engaged in to defend themselves against the antagonists; the disregard towards the oppressors, & the unforgiving (sometimes even careless) way they dealt with them were rousing to me, as a reader. This is especially true with our two powerful leading ladies, Prunella & Mak Genggang. The way that they played into the sexist system just screamed liberating!
Although there were times where the plot felt draggy, in general, the elements to the world & its characters will keep your interest. I know for a fact that I will never forget Zacharias, Prunella & Mak Genggang. The Sorcerer to the Crown is memorable & colourful with its celebration of multiculturalism. I highly recommend giving this a read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Racism, and Sexism
Moderate: Death and Blood
Minor: Slavery
ehmannky's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
An utter delight of a read. It usually takes me a good 50 pages or so to really get into a book, but this one took me all of 1 page to be fully engrossed. I loved Zacharias, a sweet and gentle protagonist with so much going on underneath, and Prunella, who every day wakes up and chooses chaos and herself. And it gives such room to loving complex parental figures, biological and adopted, and learning to stand on your own from them while valuing what you can from them. The power dynamic I adore in the relationships I love to read. I loved that it delves into colonialism, sexism, racism, slavery, and that the characters are doing what they can to rectify the wrongs to the best of their ability. But also, it's funny and charming and whimsical. Especially when Prunella is on the page. It's just a gem of a book.
I don't know how to describe it but this book, CL Polk's Kingston Cycle, and Jo Baker's Longbourn would be friends. They've all got the similar vibe.
I don't know how to describe it but this book, CL Polk's Kingston Cycle, and Jo Baker's Longbourn would be friends. They've all got the similar vibe.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Sexism, Slavery, and Xenophobia
Minor: Death
sophiesmallhands's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
If you loved Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, or alternatively, you did enjoy it but found the first third slllooooooow, but still managed to enjoy it, this is the book for you! This book is basically the YA answer to said book; faster-paced, with far better representation and more regency romance!
The language is very much Regency based, so the book doesn’t lend itself to speed-reading. The politics are also true to the era the book is based in, so expect an artful exploration of senseless racism and sexism of the time. However, the magic descriptions, the wit and the fantastically eccentric cast of characters make this book a true delight to read..
The language is very much Regency based, so the book doesn’t lend itself to speed-reading. The politics are also true to the era the book is based in, so expect an artful exploration of senseless racism and sexism of the time. However, the magic descriptions, the wit and the fantastically eccentric cast of characters make this book a true delight to read..
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Sexism
Minor: Slavery
booksthatburn's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Sorcerer to the Crown is understated and witty, precise in its language, a commentary on colonialism, imperialism, sexism, racism, and power through the lens of an England rife with sorcery but slowly losing its magic. It was a joy to read.
I love how carefully and precisely this book portrays social injustices while ensuring that the dialogue among the point-of-view characters resolves on the side of understanding that they are injustices. In this case, the main two are racial prejudices and discrimination couched as concerns over someone is "English" enough, and gender discrimination portrayed as a blanket ban on women practicing magic due to a concern that such power would "overwhelm" their frail frames. They are not only handled well, but showing at least one of them to be injustices in need of a correction is central to the plot.
The fairies in general and the familiars in particular are shown well, with enough similarity to human thoughts that their motives are understandable, but with a distinctly separate moral sense (not that humans are a monolith in this book) that marks them as wholly different creatures at crucial junctures within the story.
I'll try to keep up with this series, and I definitely recommend it to anyone who likes fantasy.
I love how carefully and precisely this book portrays social injustices while ensuring that the dialogue among the point-of-view characters resolves on the side of understanding that they are injustices. In this case, the main two are racial prejudices and discrimination couched as concerns over someone is "English" enough, and gender discrimination portrayed as a blanket ban on women practicing magic due to a concern that such power would "overwhelm" their frail frames. They are not only handled well, but showing at least one of them to be injustices in need of a correction is central to the plot.
The fairies in general and the familiars in particular are shown well, with enough similarity to human thoughts that their motives are understandable, but with a distinctly separate moral sense (not that humans are a monolith in this book) that marks them as wholly different creatures at crucial junctures within the story.
I'll try to keep up with this series, and I definitely recommend it to anyone who likes fantasy.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Sexism
CW for sexism, racism.