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eb00kie's review against another edition
4.0
It was a rather tedious read - long, that is, slow action, but in the style of Grimm Brothers' Stories. The idea is rather original and interesting and the intrigue gets so complicated it's hilarious, right in the middle. Imagine that, about 20 people cramped in a room, grouped in several small factions, each having their own devices regarding a silver platter, each of them knowing at least one or two persons from the other group. Oh, and they kept coming...
kblincoln's review
5.0
A Matter of Magic is a reissue of two books Patricia Wrede wrote a long time ago, but truthfully, they stand up well against anything out there today.
The story of reformed street-waif (cracking lay) Kim who hooks up with Mairelorn the Magician (toff frogmaker)is lovely, full of intrigue, and extremely readable.
Kim's use of thieves cant throughout the book was extremely interesting to read, and the way Mairelorn tried to reform her language believable and funny.
This is not a cliched story of a poor street girl finally wakening to her own worth due to a noble's interest, Kim is condescending and full of her street knowledge and common sense from the beginnning, but a well-crafted story of Kim's learning who she can be outside of the London stews.
There are magic traps, evil nobles, bungling sidekicks, and throughout it the marvelous relationship and dialogue between Mairelorn, Kim, and Mairelorn's servant, the doubting and pessimistic Hunch.
This Book's Food Rating Designation: a strong cup of early grey tea and crumpets with cream and jam for the lovely, lovely, satisfying, familiar feeling of the characters' relationships with eachother with no scary surprises.
The story of reformed street-waif (cracking lay) Kim who hooks up with Mairelorn the Magician (toff frogmaker)is lovely, full of intrigue, and extremely readable.
Kim's use of thieves cant throughout the book was extremely interesting to read, and the way Mairelorn tried to reform her language believable and funny.
This is not a cliched story of a poor street girl finally wakening to her own worth due to a noble's interest, Kim is condescending and full of her street knowledge and common sense from the beginnning, but a well-crafted story of Kim's learning who she can be outside of the London stews.
There are magic traps, evil nobles, bungling sidekicks, and throughout it the marvelous relationship and dialogue between Mairelorn, Kim, and Mairelorn's servant, the doubting and pessimistic Hunch.
This Book's Food Rating Designation: a strong cup of early grey tea and crumpets with cream and jam for the lovely, lovely, satisfying, familiar feeling of the characters' relationships with eachother with no scary surprises.
kelsey_delacy's review
3.0
3.25
Although the last quarter of the book picked up considerably, I found it really difficult to get through this. Book one was especially hard, and I felt like there were a lot of unfinished plot lines there.
The romance was cute, once we finally got there. However it almost popped up out of nowhere, if there weren’t the very subtle clue’s sprinkled about. I would have preferred more of a build up to it.
I think that the main character is a very good one, as is the male lead, so that would certainly be the strongest part of this series. The magic system and society also seemed promising, but unfortunately I felt like not enough time was spent exploring it.
Weirdly enough, I feel like the book was too long but also too short — time was spent elaborating on elements that did not feel important, to me at least.
Although the last quarter of the book picked up considerably, I found it really difficult to get through this. Book one was especially hard, and I felt like there were a lot of unfinished plot lines there.
The romance was cute, once we finally got there. However it almost popped up out of nowhere, if there weren’t the very subtle clue’s sprinkled about. I would have preferred more of a build up to it.
I think that the main character is a very good one, as is the male lead, so that would certainly be the strongest part of this series. The magic system and society also seemed promising, but unfortunately I felt like not enough time was spent exploring it.
Weirdly enough, I feel like the book was too long but also too short — time was spent elaborating on elements that did not feel important, to me at least.
mandygris's review
3.0
I haven't read anything by Patricia C. Wrede in y e a r s. I recall loving her books about Cimorene as a young woman. Her writing style is just fantastic.
To note: this is a short story followed by a longer novella wrapped into one book. Good value.
I enjoyed the way Wrede brought magic into the world and how that has an impact on society, though also the way she describes and organizes her magic system is quite lively and fun. On that note, she seems to have written another series in this same world (coming back to say I ADORED it) - it's an epistolary tale: [b:Sorcery & Cecelia: or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot|64207|Sorcery & Cecelia or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot (Cecelia and Kate, #1)|Patricia C. Wrede|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388180354l/64207._SY75_.jpg|505]
To note: this is a short story followed by a longer novella wrapped into one book. Good value.
I enjoyed the way Wrede brought magic into the world and how that has an impact on society, though also the way she describes and organizes her magic system is quite lively and fun. On that note, she seems to have written another series in this same world (coming back to say I ADORED it) - it's an epistolary tale: [b:Sorcery & Cecelia: or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot|64207|Sorcery & Cecelia or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot (Cecelia and Kate, #1)|Patricia C. Wrede|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388180354l/64207._SY75_.jpg|505]
otherworldlyreader's review
3.0
This novel is technically two books in one. Overall it was a very slow going read for me where I had to set the book down for a month before picking it back up again; that lapse in time did not change it's slow going pace.
That said, for the first book, the plot was well developed as were the characters. But I kept feeling like the scenes kept dragging on forever and that characters entered a book, much like actors would just walk on stage. It got annoying for me to just get a handle on what was going on in a scene and then have five random people waltz into the scene at different times with different motives.
As for the second book, the plot was mostly developed, however it could have ended better. Marielon and Kim become engaged by the end, but yet there's scarcely any hint at romance between them through either book. I feel like the novel as a whole could have been better planned out and could have included a little more detail in some areas.
With all of this said, I did love Kim's English cockney accent/talk. It was truly an unique quality to the book as well as the wizards' realm and magic. This isn't a 'must read it now' kind of book. Its more of a mellow, 'read it if you're between outstanding-review-books/best-sellers and need an easy read.' This isn't my favorite book, but I will say that the author is creative. She has a way with words and did create a neat little world.
That said, for the first book, the plot was well developed as were the characters. But I kept feeling like the scenes kept dragging on forever and that characters entered a book, much like actors would just walk on stage. It got annoying for me to just get a handle on what was going on in a scene and then have five random people waltz into the scene at different times with different motives.
As for the second book, the plot was mostly developed, however it could have ended better. Marielon and Kim become engaged by the end, but yet there's scarcely any hint at romance between them through either book. I feel like the novel as a whole could have been better planned out and could have included a little more detail in some areas.
With all of this said, I did love Kim's English cockney accent/talk. It was truly an unique quality to the book as well as the wizards' realm and magic. This isn't a 'must read it now' kind of book. Its more of a mellow, 'read it if you're between outstanding-review-books/best-sellers and need an easy read.' This isn't my favorite book, but I will say that the author is creative. She has a way with words and did create a neat little world.
mousie_books's review
4.0
A Matter of Magic is composed of two books: Mairelon the Magician and The Magician's Ward. The former begins with Kim, a street thief, breaking into a street magician's wagon and quickly discovering he is a real wizard. Despite the dubious circumstances of their acquaintance, Mairelon asks Kim to join him on his quest to clear his name. The latter continues their adventures, as she becomes his ward and is thrust into London high society.
I loved both books. The characters are fun and endearing. I thought I had read one of the two books 5-10 years ago, but I might have read both of them. I remember most of the characters, and I'm certain I read The Magician's Ward since I recalled the plot and many of the scenes. However, the first few chapters of Mairelon the Magician seem familiar as well.
I loved both books. The characters are fun and endearing. I thought I had read one of the two books 5-10 years ago, but I might have read both of them. I remember most of the characters, and I'm certain I read The Magician's Ward since I recalled the plot and many of the scenes. However, the first few chapters of Mairelon the Magician seem familiar as well.
daisymama's review
3.0
On the one hand, this was such an engaging story, with scenes that are still vivid in my mind even after having read several books since. I had a hard time putting this book down.
On the other hand, the thieves’ cant spoken by Kim was sometimes frustratingly hard to parse, the inevitable romance was painfully slow to make itself known, and there was such a tangled web of characters and intertwined stories and circumstances that I found it hard to follow the intricacies. Plus there was a whole section of somewhat Scooby-Doo style explanation toward the end of the first book that, although I really needed it so I could understand what was going on, didn’t sit well with me.
On the whole, though, an engaging story with interesting characters and a satisfying ending.
On the other hand, the thieves’ cant spoken by Kim was sometimes frustratingly hard to parse, the inevitable romance was painfully slow to make itself known, and there was such a tangled web of characters and intertwined stories and circumstances that I found it hard to follow the intricacies. Plus there was a whole section of somewhat Scooby-Doo style explanation toward the end of the first book that, although I really needed it so I could understand what was going on, didn’t sit well with me.
On the whole, though, an engaging story with interesting characters and a satisfying ending.
breadcrumbz's review
5.0
Haha, both books in one= the collective review. LOVE THE COVER ART. Wish my sillhouette (argh, thats spelled wrong) looked like that. Also, I want her dress. Also, her Mairelon. Mostly I just want my own Mairelon, though.