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talonsontypewriters's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Racism, and Sexism
Moderate: Animal death, Death, Gore, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Death of parent, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Minor: Slavery, Suicide, and Murder
drjoannehill's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Now we have dissected this at our book club I can give some more thoughts!
I enjoyed this lighhearted fantasy which channelled Jane Austen, Georgette Heyer, and Susanna Clarke's Johnathan Strange and Mr Norrell. At times it felt like Strange and Norrell fan fic, and it wasn't as complex, but it was certainly more diverse regarding the characters and their backgrounds. It was also compared to Harry Potter which I can see.
We meet Zacharias, who as a boy was purchased (or stolen) off a slave ship and brought up to learn about English magic. He becomes the Sorcerer Royal in mysterious circumstances which are later revealed. He is invited to give a speech about magic (or the dangers of it) at a girls school where young ladies are taught to suppress their magic, meets Prunella who is a bit of a Hermione character, and thus begin their adventures to tackle the belief that women shouldn't do magic, via stopping a diplomatic breakdown between Britain and an island nation in south east Asia, and a scheming mermaid.
The idea that women should not do magic because it is dangerous for them is laid on a bit thick, but it is not out of character for the time. I thought it a clever book at times, with plenty to say about colonialism, sexism, and classism, and lots of cute magical ideas. Also like the Emily Wilde Encyclopedia series.
Very fast paced - the story jumps in and the world building happens along the way, or not at all, barely any taking time to explain something - you have to guess and go along with it. I found I didn't mind this. Would definitely read the sequel (I think there's quite a bit left to finish off).
I enjoyed this lighhearted fantasy which channelled Jane Austen, Georgette Heyer, and Susanna Clarke's Johnathan Strange and Mr Norrell. At times it felt like Strange and Norrell fan fic, and it wasn't as complex, but it was certainly more diverse regarding the characters and their backgrounds. It was also compared to Harry Potter which I can see.
We meet Zacharias, who as a boy was purchased (or stolen) off a slave ship and brought up to learn about English magic. He becomes the Sorcerer Royal in mysterious circumstances which are later revealed. He is invited to give a speech about magic (or the dangers of it) at a girls school where young ladies are taught to suppress their magic, meets Prunella who is a bit of a Hermione character, and thus begin their adventures to tackle the belief that women shouldn't do magic, via stopping a diplomatic breakdown between Britain and an island nation in south east Asia, and a scheming mermaid.
The idea that women should not do magic because it is dangerous for them is laid on a bit thick, but it is not out of character for the time. I thought it a clever book at times, with plenty to say about colonialism, sexism, and classism, and lots of cute magical ideas. Also like the Emily Wilde Encyclopedia series.
Very fast paced - the story jumps in and the world building happens along the way, or not at all, barely any taking time to explain something - you have to guess and go along with it. I found I didn't mind this. Would definitely read the sequel (I think there's quite a bit left to finish off).
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Racism, and Sexism
Minor: Slavery and Colonisation
levesc17's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
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? No
4.5
Can’t wait to reread this! There is an extremely slow burn romance simmering but mostly it’s a magic adventure. A lot of scene stealing side characters too!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Grief, Death of parent, and Colonisation
Minor: Vomit
cmbohn's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, and Sexism
Moderate: Classism
Minor: Slavery, Pregnancy, Colonisation, and War
book_gremlin42's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Racism, and Colonisation
tinyjude's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
This was a strong debut, although compared to Zen Cho's later writing that I had the pleasure of reading, was a bit weak. We see a rich intersection between feminism, colonialism and racism in this book, which contrasts with most of these type of fantasy novels usually with a white predominant cast.
Nonetheless, I would have enjoyed more worldbuilding, a faster pace at the beginning and more development for the love story between the main protagonists (as it felt a bit too rushed). I liked the way menstruation was treated in the story, as well as Prunella's power. I would have loved to see more of the familiars and the fairy world. I liked the complicated relationship between Zacharias and Stephen, although I was left disappointed at the fact that Zacharias didn't question him at the end why he didn't also free his parents as well.
Nonetheless, I would have enjoyed more worldbuilding, a faster pace at the beginning and more development for the love story between the main protagonists (as it felt a bit too rushed). I liked the way menstruation was treated in the story, as well as Prunella's power. I would have loved to see more of the familiars and the fairy world. I liked the complicated relationship between Zacharias and Stephen, although I was left disappointed at the fact that Zacharias didn't question him at the end why he didn't also free his parents as well.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Xenophobia, and Colonisation
Moderate: Genocide, Hate crime, Slavery, Cannibalism, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and Classism
Minor: Violence and War
buttermellow's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Racism
Moderate: Ableism, Slavery, Xenophobia, Colonisation, and Classism
Minor: Death
chattie_the_mad_chatter's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This book was so perfect for me ticking many boxes. It is definitly worthy of "Jane Austen but with magic" tag line.
If you enjoy: regency period books with light hearted wittisism; amusing characters and protagonists who find their way around the rules of society and snobbery; are happy to throw magic in to historical time periods; then you will love this book.
The plot is simple, enjoyable with enough intrigue to keep you reading as to how it will all fall out. There is danger and prejudice our characters must grapple with and a need for social reform.
But the frothy delightful writing style gives me all the Georgette Heyer I need, but without class prejudice or problematic casual racism involved.
I love both protagonists, the relationship between them and the side characters, and all enjoyable banter. Our female protagonist flies her feminist flag by being her unashamed true self and getting things done. And for all those reasons I love this book. It has an abundance of charm, whilst having darker moments due to the fey world and I ate it all up. Can't wait for the next one.
If you enjoy: regency period books with light hearted wittisism; amusing characters and protagonists who find their way around the rules of society and snobbery; are happy to throw magic in to historical time periods; then you will love this book.
The plot is simple, enjoyable with enough intrigue to keep you reading as to how it will all fall out. There is danger and prejudice our characters must grapple with and a need for social reform.
But the frothy delightful writing style gives me all the Georgette Heyer I need, but without class prejudice or problematic casual racism involved.
I love both protagonists, the relationship between them and the side characters, and all enjoyable banter. Our female protagonist flies her feminist flag by being her unashamed true self and getting things done. And for all those reasons I love this book. It has an abundance of charm, whilst having darker moments due to the fey world and I ate it all up. Can't wait for the next one.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Misogyny, Racism, Blood, Colonisation, and Classism
Minor: Slavery and Suicide
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