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A review by n_asyikin_
Sorcerer to the Crown by Zen Cho
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