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violinknitter's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This was just adorable. The protagonist is truly incorrigible and an absolute delight, and her relationship with her sisters is such a great portrayal of sisterly fighting & love.
brendalovesbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Almost like a Pride and Prejudice for younger girls, with the added bonus of magic. Very cute!
c_loves_books's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book is quite a long one it took me around a week or so to read. I read 1 to 2 chapters each day. I quite enjoyed it. There is another 2 in the series and after reading this one I feel like I have to continue. Stephanie Burgis is a wonderful writer and if she has more books I wish to read them! This book is set in old England.
stephxsu's review against another edition
5.0
If A MOST IMPROPER MAGICK had been around when I was in middle school, it would’ve been my favorite book of ALL TIME. As it is, I am over 20 years old, and this is still one of my favorite books I have read in recent history, with an amazing narrator and charm to the likes of which I haven’t seen since I read Gail Carson Levine’s Ella Enchanted for the first time in fifth grade (and which still remains one of my favorite books to this day).
Kat is undeniably the best part about this book. Unlike other historical fiction heroines I’ve encountered in the past, Kat’s modern-day stubbornness and rebelliousness feels perfectly natural. She is at that wonderful age when she can resist societal conventions without appearing petulant or immature, and she defies all our expectations, much to our endless delight. She has moments, for example, when she consciously refuses to act like the silly, spineless heroines in her sister’s favorite gothic novels, the similarity to some 21st-century YA lit too good to go ignored. It takes great skill to write a historical character with modern appeal, but Stephanie Burgis does it like she was born to write this.
The villains in this book may be rather straightforwardly sinister, but it works for its middle-grade audience, and besides, it’s the “gray” characters—the complex supporting ones—that showcase Stephanie Burgis’ extraordinary talent with creating characters. Kat’s older sisters, Elissa and Angeline, have distinct personalities and are enjoyable in their own way. Throughout A MOST IMPROPER MAGICK, Kat struggles to figure out whom she can entrust her secrets to, and we can empathize with her confusion and suspicion as the adults circling her approach with a variety of motives.
A MOST IMPROPER MAGICK charmed me into a place of childish giddiness that I haven’t encountered in too many years. This deceptively easy read is actually rich with character development and possibilities for future books in the series. Without a doubt I would not hesitate to hand this out to every girl I know between the ages of 10 and 14, and I highly recommend you check this delightful book out when it is released, and fall under Kat’s benevolent charms. I can’t wait for more of Kat’s adventures!
Kat is undeniably the best part about this book. Unlike other historical fiction heroines I’ve encountered in the past, Kat’s modern-day stubbornness and rebelliousness feels perfectly natural. She is at that wonderful age when she can resist societal conventions without appearing petulant or immature, and she defies all our expectations, much to our endless delight. She has moments, for example, when she consciously refuses to act like the silly, spineless heroines in her sister’s favorite gothic novels, the similarity to some 21st-century YA lit too good to go ignored. It takes great skill to write a historical character with modern appeal, but Stephanie Burgis does it like she was born to write this.
The villains in this book may be rather straightforwardly sinister, but it works for its middle-grade audience, and besides, it’s the “gray” characters—the complex supporting ones—that showcase Stephanie Burgis’ extraordinary talent with creating characters. Kat’s older sisters, Elissa and Angeline, have distinct personalities and are enjoyable in their own way. Throughout A MOST IMPROPER MAGICK, Kat struggles to figure out whom she can entrust her secrets to, and we can empathize with her confusion and suspicion as the adults circling her approach with a variety of motives.
A MOST IMPROPER MAGICK charmed me into a place of childish giddiness that I haven’t encountered in too many years. This deceptively easy read is actually rich with character development and possibilities for future books in the series. Without a doubt I would not hesitate to hand this out to every girl I know between the ages of 10 and 14, and I highly recommend you check this delightful book out when it is released, and fall under Kat’s benevolent charms. I can’t wait for more of Kat’s adventures!
bethanychristou's review against another edition
4.0
A fun and charming Jane Austen-esque adventure featuring headstrong and rebellious Kat. The story progressively got better and better. I was intrigued right from the start by this striking opening:
I was twelve years of age when I chopped off my hair, dressed as a boy and set off to save my family from impending ruin.
I look forward to seeing what adventures Kat gets up to in the next book along with hopefully more depth to the magic.
I was twelve years of age when I chopped off my hair, dressed as a boy and set off to save my family from impending ruin.
I look forward to seeing what adventures Kat gets up to in the next book along with hopefully more depth to the magic.
jgintrovertedreader's review against another edition
4.0
Kat Stephenson is the youngest in her family, but she just might be the most opinionated. Stepmama is trying to improve the family's fortunes by marrying off the eldest daughter, Elissa, to a rich lord. Kat doesn't like it and she sets out to stop it. Little does she realize that she has inherited her mother's magical abilities. Strange things keep happening around her and she just can't stay out of trouble. But she's determined to have her way.
What a cute book! I loved it! Kat is (mostly) adorable. Even when she was irritating me with her absolute refusal to listen to anyone else, I had to admire her for being consistent and standing up for what she believed in.
The story itself took one unpredictable twist after another, and I found that I had finished it before I was ready to be done with it.
I loved the juxtaposition of Kat's incorrigible self and her magic against the backdrop of Regency England. Society has no idea what it's in for!
I'm still not entirely sure exactly what it is a mysterious group of magicians want Kat to do. I felt a little bad for them, but at the same time, they never explained themselves. Maybe Kat didn't give them the opportunity, but still. Who are they? I guess that's what sequels are for!
Kat is by far the star of the show, but I also liked her next oldest sister a lot. Just as feisty, but perhaps even more devious, Angeline is a force to be reckoned with. Elisa is a little bit too prim and proper, but her desire to be a Gothic heroine got a giggle or two out of me.
I'll be eagerly awaiting the sequel to this book, and I highly recommend it. It's a fun, magical romp through Regency England that I think most readers will enjoy.
What a cute book! I loved it! Kat is (mostly) adorable. Even when she was irritating me with her absolute refusal to listen to anyone else, I had to admire her for being consistent and standing up for what she believed in.
The story itself took one unpredictable twist after another, and I found that I had finished it before I was ready to be done with it.
I loved the juxtaposition of Kat's incorrigible self and her magic against the backdrop of Regency England. Society has no idea what it's in for!
I'm still not entirely sure exactly what it is a mysterious group of magicians want Kat to do. I felt a little bad for them, but at the same time, they never explained themselves. Maybe Kat didn't give them the opportunity, but still. Who are they? I guess that's what sequels are for!
Kat is by far the star of the show, but I also liked her next oldest sister a lot. Just as feisty, but perhaps even more devious, Angeline is a force to be reckoned with. Elisa is a little bit too prim and proper, but her desire to be a Gothic heroine got a giggle or two out of me.
I'll be eagerly awaiting the sequel to this book, and I highly recommend it. It's a fun, magical romp through Regency England that I think most readers will enjoy.
charms1976's review against another edition
4.0
I have to admit, I was a little hesitant in reading and reviewing this book. The cover is cute, it is geared for the younger teen scene, and the main theme is magic. I usually have bad experiences with younger teen books that try to come across cute with paranormal weaved into the mix. I was honestly surprised though by reaction I had towards this book.
From the moment I stepped into the world the author created, I fell hard for it! While Kat could be stubborn at times, it fit the character because she is a younger tween. The family dynamics also brought fun and drama to the mix. What I also enjoyed was that it was set in the 1800's. I am not a big fan of historical books, but the author has written it so wonderfully that I didn't feel that I was reading a historical tale at times.
With great writing, magical fun, and all around great characters, this would be a delight for a younger tween to enjoy along with the adults. If you are looking for quirky and something fun to pass the time, then I recommend getting a copy of this book! I am glad to have found a new author to keep and eye on!
From the moment I stepped into the world the author created, I fell hard for it! While Kat could be stubborn at times, it fit the character because she is a younger tween. The family dynamics also brought fun and drama to the mix. What I also enjoyed was that it was set in the 1800's. I am not a big fan of historical books, but the author has written it so wonderfully that I didn't feel that I was reading a historical tale at times.
With great writing, magical fun, and all around great characters, this would be a delight for a younger tween to enjoy along with the adults. If you are looking for quirky and something fun to pass the time, then I recommend getting a copy of this book! I am glad to have found a new author to keep and eye on!
dinnureads's review against another edition
4.0
If Jane Austen had decided to write a fantasy middle grade novel then this would have been it. Set in the regency era with all the etiquette and manners and impossibly swoony characters.
hayleybeale's review against another edition
4.0
Satisfying start to new series; there are still many unanswered questions but this story is complete and wraps up charmingly. Kat is a boisterous and sassy protagonist and the touches of Jane Austen are entertaining though likely to be missed by the book's audience.
onceuponacarm's review against another edition
5.0
Set in Regency England, Kat Stephenson is is the youngest sister in a family with a scandalous past. Her late mother was a witch, bringing a shady reputation to their clergyman father who has remarried a rather despicable woman. Sister Elissa is soon to be betrothed to a suspected murderer in order to bring their family back into Society, but Kat isn't about to let that happen. She is tenacious, clever, and soon discovers that she has some special powers of her own. This funny, exciting story is woven through with surprise, magic, and quite a few disguises. Highly recommended.