Reviews

Sorcerer to the Crown by Zen Cho

kivt's review against another edition

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4.0

This was really enjoyable. The setting and the author's insistence on using antiquated sentence structure in all the dialog didn't get in the way of a good story. It's a very funny book that has at its heart an exploration of race and colonialism. Both protagonists were well realized, even if Prunella gets a little cartoony by the end.

sofiaswingstedt's review against another edition

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5.0

Delightful and refreshing

lindril's review against another edition

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adventurous funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

rosieclaverton's review

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4.0

A common fantasy conceit - recent British history, but with magic - yet this book actually acknowledges the reality of that history. Racism, sexism, nepotism and the Empire above all. The cover tag that refers to the "darkest hour" of English magic is a perfect pun, and the perfect summation of how this story plays with humour as well as the serious business of challenging the establishment and trailblazing - and yet keeping your life.

I particularly enjoyed how the relationship between Sir Stephen and Zacharias was characterised - father and son, freed slave and former owner, uncomfortable successor and legend in his field.

I hope there are more of these planned, because I am really looking forward to exploring this universe more.

thestoryowl's review against another edition

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4.0

A pleasant magical piece set in regency England. The treatment of magic and familiars was earnest but not overly serious. I especially enjoyed the character of Prunella and her interactions with the Sorcerer Royal.

pictrufa's review against another edition

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5.0

¿Qué maravilla acabo de leer?

Suerte que Duermevela no tardará en publicar su segunda parte en la que seguiremos disfrutando de tan magníficos personajes.

Como siempre, un libro compartido siempre es mejor, y he leído este en compañía del Aquelarre de Magrat para poder sorprendernos juntos, comentar y sufrir por los pjs =)

El hechicero de la corona está ambientado en un Londres de regencia repleto de magia, política, dragones, seres feéricos y personajes inolvidables. Nos presenta este mundo y sociedad de clases con una crítica mordaz al racismo y machismo de la época. Al principio, tan crudo y tan masticable en las primeras páginas, conseguía que hasta frunciera el ceño leyendo xD (porque es algo a lo que no te terminas de acostumbrar) pero después se vuelve más sutil e incluso te ríes con la lucha y las ocurrencias de sus personajes.

Maravilla

kokorobosoina's review against another edition

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funny inspiring mysterious slow-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

3.5

sarabz's review against another edition

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This book's style is outside my tastes, but if you're into this genre, or the genres it blends, I think it would be more satisfying than I found it. I appreciated that class, race, gender, and imperialism were integral to the story and having protagonists of color. I wish there was more opportunity to see the world of the non-elite magicians. I did enjoy the glimpses of fairyland and the introductions of and references to cultures of magic in other places besides the story's English setting.

fenchurch's review against another edition

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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

2.0

Tracks in blood everywhere, smells continually of vinegar, has not the decency to wear her feet the right way around, or to put away her innards, but leaves them dangling out in the open for everyone to see.

There was a lot to dislike about this book. Just go read Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell instead, which is exceedingly excellent.

meganmc89's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious slow-paced

3.0