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theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
2.0
I just finished reading The Midnight Queen by Sylvia Izzo Hunter. It is the first book in the Noctis Magicae series (historical fantasy sort of book). Gray Marshall (has powerful magic) is a student at Oxford’s Merlin College (in an alternate England). He is coerced into a midnight errand with some fellow students that go awry. Gray ends up disgraced (even though he really did nothing wrong) and without the ability to use magic (though he does overhear a conversation and Gray thinks something sinister is afoot). His tutor, Professor Appius Callender (a pompous blowhard) orders him to take his Long Vacation at his home (more like keep an eye on him). Gray is put to work in the gardens and treated terribly by the Professor and his eldest daughter, Amelia. Gray meets Sophie Callender, the middle daughter. She is very welcoming and kind to Gray. They contrive to spend time together and soon Gray is helping Sophie understand magical texts (the Professor is against women learning about magic). After a visit from Viscount Carteret (an advisor to the Kind), things start to go downhill.
Sophie was always told that she has no magical ability. Then one day she gets very angry and her magic just busts out (thankfully only Amelia was home and not the Professor). Turns out that someone had spelled the house and property with an interdiction spell (put a damper on her magic). That is why Grey was unable to do big magic (only little magic like lighting candles could be done). Sophie (who turns out to have strong magical abilities—even stronger than Gray) finds out from Mrs. Wallis (the housekeeper/cook and so much more) that there is something Sophie does not know (it’s big). Professor Callender is not her biological father (there is more). Sophie’s mother was a queen (I bet you can guess what kind). Sophie, Gray, Mrs. Wallis, and Joanna (Sophie’s little sister) all flee during the night to escape from Professor Callender (he will not handle Sophie finding out about her magic very well). They set out for England. They know the Professor is up to something nefarious and they are going to put a stop to it. Sophie needs to learn to control her magic as well. Can the four of them stop the Professor from trying to kill the head of Merlin College? What else is he planning and who are his co-conspirators besides Viscount Carteret (because Professor Callender cannot be the mastermind)?
I found The Midnight Queen to be a very slow paced book (slower than snails). I did not think this book would ever end (I may have skimmed a little). I give it 2.5 out of 5 stars. I like the idea, but not the final book. It just goes too slow and it is very confusing. The writing is awkward and stilted. The book does not flow easily (makes it hard to read). My favorite character was Joanna, Sophie’s little sister (she was lively and entertaining).
I received a complimentary copy of The Midnight Queen from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The review and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogspot.com/2015/09/the-midnight-queen.html
Sophie was always told that she has no magical ability. Then one day she gets very angry and her magic just busts out (thankfully only Amelia was home and not the Professor). Turns out that someone had spelled the house and property with an interdiction spell (put a damper on her magic). That is why Grey was unable to do big magic (only little magic like lighting candles could be done). Sophie (who turns out to have strong magical abilities—even stronger than Gray) finds out from Mrs. Wallis (the housekeeper/cook and so much more) that there is something Sophie does not know (it’s big). Professor Callender is not her biological father (there is more). Sophie’s mother was a queen (I bet you can guess what kind). Sophie, Gray, Mrs. Wallis, and Joanna (Sophie’s little sister) all flee during the night to escape from Professor Callender (he will not handle Sophie finding out about her magic very well). They set out for England. They know the Professor is up to something nefarious and they are going to put a stop to it. Sophie needs to learn to control her magic as well. Can the four of them stop the Professor from trying to kill the head of Merlin College? What else is he planning and who are his co-conspirators besides Viscount Carteret (because Professor Callender cannot be the mastermind)?
I found The Midnight Queen to be a very slow paced book (slower than snails). I did not think this book would ever end (I may have skimmed a little). I give it 2.5 out of 5 stars. I like the idea, but not the final book. It just goes too slow and it is very confusing. The writing is awkward and stilted. The book does not flow easily (makes it hard to read). My favorite character was Joanna, Sophie’s little sister (she was lively and entertaining).
I received a complimentary copy of The Midnight Queen from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The review and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogspot.com/2015/09/the-midnight-queen.html
beckylbrydon's review against another edition
4.0
Set in an alternative world where roman influences are still strong across a fragmented Britain, Eire Ireland) and Alba (Scotland), the legend of the Midnight Queen who ran away from King Henry Tudor still lives strong. Gray Marshall finds himself cast out of his school of magic at Oxford following a disastrous errand for his Professor in which he is blamed for the death of one of his peers and friends. He is banished to the home of the Professor in Breizh (Brittany) where he stays with Amelia, Sophie and later Joanna, the professor’s three daughters while lamenting the loss of his magic. Whilst growing close to Sophie, who has a strained relationship with her father due to his views of women learning magic even though Sophie has no talent of her own, Gray remains suspicious of his Professor and the situation he now finds himself in, being able to feel the use of magic even when it seems no one is using it. As Gray and Sophie start to unravel the web of secrets that has been woven by the Professor and his friends, they journey to find refuge with the only family who still acknowledges Gray – his sister Jenny – and his old professor Master Alcuin. Along with Joanna and the mysterious housekeeper Mrs Wallis, the group works together in uncovering a conspiracy at the heart of the kingdom.
In the alternative world of The Midnight Queen, Britain is comprised of England, Cymru (Wales), Breizh (Brittany), Maine and Normandy, each with its own language and the complex tensions between the provinces remains and is beautifully demonstrated through character interactions without any need for extra explanation. It also addresses the societal boundaries of the apparent Victorian time period with a Tudor dynasty, with men’s future careers being dictated or at least heavily influenced by fathers, women entering into advantageous marriages arranged by parents and also being unable to learn magic in England (the situation seems to be different in Alba and Eire). These concepts are gently pushed from the beginning of the book and this continues to be the case through till the end, which remains satisfying as the characters stay steadfast in the decisions they make earlier in the book.
Gray is from Kernow (Cornwall) and has been cut off from his family by his father, despite showing a deep love for his siblings. We only meet Jenny from his family, with the others mentioned in passing. However there are times where I wished to find out more about Gray’s childhood and his familial relationships following his disowning. When we meet him he is rather quiet and shy, occasionally speaking with a stammer when nervous, but displays a quiet conviction and a thirst to know the truth which drives his character to grow in daring and confidence. Sophie begins as a young girl who has lived in the shadow of her older sister and stern gaze of her father, who has been pushing the boundaries of their influence for some time with a thirst for knowledge that rivals Gray’s. Throughout the book she spreads her wings as she learns who she is outside the influence of her father and her creates her place in the world. While there are many other characters in the book, it is these two that feature and grow the most, mainly due to the narration switching between their points of view every couple of paragraphs. However, the personalities and humour of the other characters still shine through the perspectives of Gray and Sophie, particularly of the two sisters. Mrs Wallis remains an enigmatic character from her introduction to quite later on in the book, but her faithfulness to her two charges remains strong, even when they are resistant to her due to the secrets she eludes to.
While not a fast paced book, and at times slightly predictable, The Midnight Queen manages to build a world in which both the magical concepts and the political tensions are clearly explained in a way that does not involve large swathes of information, but rather via teaching other characters or quiet conversation. The plot is simplistic and the revelations have threads that can be tracked to the earlier chapters of the book, lending to many opportunities to theorize. With its light tone, slow pace (although it does have fast paced action at points) and classical style of writing, it is very much a book to be savoured.
In the alternative world of The Midnight Queen, Britain is comprised of England, Cymru (Wales), Breizh (Brittany), Maine and Normandy, each with its own language and the complex tensions between the provinces remains and is beautifully demonstrated through character interactions without any need for extra explanation. It also addresses the societal boundaries of the apparent Victorian time period with a Tudor dynasty, with men’s future careers being dictated or at least heavily influenced by fathers, women entering into advantageous marriages arranged by parents and also being unable to learn magic in England (the situation seems to be different in Alba and Eire). These concepts are gently pushed from the beginning of the book and this continues to be the case through till the end, which remains satisfying as the characters stay steadfast in the decisions they make earlier in the book.
Gray is from Kernow (Cornwall) and has been cut off from his family by his father, despite showing a deep love for his siblings. We only meet Jenny from his family, with the others mentioned in passing. However there are times where I wished to find out more about Gray’s childhood and his familial relationships following his disowning. When we meet him he is rather quiet and shy, occasionally speaking with a stammer when nervous, but displays a quiet conviction and a thirst to know the truth which drives his character to grow in daring and confidence. Sophie begins as a young girl who has lived in the shadow of her older sister and stern gaze of her father, who has been pushing the boundaries of their influence for some time with a thirst for knowledge that rivals Gray’s. Throughout the book she spreads her wings as she learns who she is outside the influence of her father and her creates her place in the world. While there are many other characters in the book, it is these two that feature and grow the most, mainly due to the narration switching between their points of view every couple of paragraphs. However, the personalities and humour of the other characters still shine through the perspectives of Gray and Sophie, particularly of the two sisters. Mrs Wallis remains an enigmatic character from her introduction to quite later on in the book, but her faithfulness to her two charges remains strong, even when they are resistant to her due to the secrets she eludes to.
While not a fast paced book, and at times slightly predictable, The Midnight Queen manages to build a world in which both the magical concepts and the political tensions are clearly explained in a way that does not involve large swathes of information, but rather via teaching other characters or quiet conversation. The plot is simplistic and the revelations have threads that can be tracked to the earlier chapters of the book, lending to many opportunities to theorize. With its light tone, slow pace (although it does have fast paced action at points) and classical style of writing, it is very much a book to be savoured.
cosmith2015's review against another edition
3.0
Overall:
I don't have too much to say.. I enjoyed the world, the plot was a cookie cutter fantasy plot, and the characters were OK. I had to force myself to read it. It wasn't terribly dull or anything, but I didn't find myself *wanting* to read it. I'm not sure if I'll read the next one. I might if I can find it at a library or if someone else buys it for me.
Good:
My favourite thing was the world building. Ms. Hunter did a terrific job. The world was a parallel of our own with the the kingdom of Britain including many territories (not sure if this is the right world) on the continent. She also called wales, Cymru which is it's "actual" name. I enjoyed the corporation of latin throughout the book and the references to Old Cymric being a serious language to learn (in our world, how many people are going to bother learning Cymric?).
The characters were OK. Nothing to exciting.
Room for improvement:
The plot was a stereotypical fantasy/historical fiction plot. Super powerful person didn't realize they were super powerful and they have a special magic. Only they can stop the bad guys from killing the king. Super powerful person picks up everything quicker than everyone else and can't control their powers.
The characters.. I don't know what it was, but I just could not connect with any of them. They weren't annoying and they weren't even one dimensional. I guess I liked Graham the most. I liked his shapeshifting ability and his names. His personality wasn't the best, but it wasn't the worst.
I don't have too much to say.. I enjoyed the world, the plot was a cookie cutter fantasy plot, and the characters were OK. I had to force myself to read it. It wasn't terribly dull or anything, but I didn't find myself *wanting* to read it. I'm not sure if I'll read the next one. I might if I can find it at a library or if someone else buys it for me.
Good:
My favourite thing was the world building. Ms. Hunter did a terrific job. The world was a parallel of our own with the the kingdom of Britain including many territories (not sure if this is the right world) on the continent. She also called wales, Cymru which is it's "actual" name. I enjoyed the corporation of latin throughout the book and the references to Old Cymric being a serious language to learn (in our world, how many people are going to bother learning Cymric?).
The characters were OK. Nothing to exciting.
Room for improvement:
The plot was a stereotypical fantasy/historical fiction plot. Super powerful person didn't realize they were super powerful and they have a special magic. Only they can stop the bad guys from killing the king. Super powerful person picks up everything quicker than everyone else and can't control their powers.
The characters.. I don't know what it was, but I just could not connect with any of them. They weren't annoying and they weren't even one dimensional. I guess I liked Graham the most. I liked his shapeshifting ability and his names. His personality wasn't the best, but it wasn't the worst.
thestoryowl's review against another edition
3.0
A lack if subtlety kept me from loving this, but the characters had promise and the story had intrigue.
whatsmacksaid's review against another edition
2.0
Life is too short to stick with boring stories. DNF at page 115. There was nothing wrong with the story, or the characters, there was just no tension, either.
amym84's review against another edition
4.0
Originally posted at Vampire Book Club
Attending Oxford’s Merlin College was all that Graham “Gray” Marshall wanted out of life. He got it, at the expense of his family, and he’s not one to squander his good luck. Unfortunately, good luck doesn’t always follow Gray around, and when he becomes embroiled in a mysterious midnight errand with others from school, an errand that goes beyond horribly wrong, Gray is whisked away to his professor’s country home for the long vacation (aka summer break). But to what extent?
Gray can’t help but feel like a prisoner, and based on some odd goings on before he left school, he’s pretty sure his professor does not have his best interests at heart. But without any evidence and only his gut feeling to go on, Gray is stuck. While being forced into servitude during his exile, Gray meets the professor’s three daughters, most notably, Sophie.
Sophie, despite having been tested for magic and found lacking, has always been fascinated with it. So when she first meets Gray, she can’t wait to learn more about him and what he knows. As they become acquainted, they begin to uncover secrets thought buried, and conspiracies that lead all the way up to the King himself. In order to keep the Kingdom out of catastrophe, Gray and Sophie will have to escape from the Professor’s watchful eye back to where it all started: Oxford.
I’m really starting to love historicals that feature fantastical elements. Sylvia Izzo Hunter does a great job of creating an alternate Britain—with varying magical/religious beliefs—without having the “new history” and what is true history get too confusing, as I’ve encountered a few times when authors decide to put a spin on historical facts.
For all that I really liked the concept of The Midnight Queen, I felt like there were a few things lacking. For example, I wanted to know more about Merlin College. I love magical school stories (thank you, Harry Potter) and I felt there was a lot of emphasis put on the college, yet we’re rarely there within the story.
Also, while I found the conflict of the story to be intriguing—what with unraveling conspiracies and everything—there were a few too many scenes of waiting. I felt like once the information was known by the characters, there was nothing left to learn and the time between when everything is figured out and when they could act seemed to go on and on.
Where the story truly excelled was with Sophie and Gray. Their budding relationship is one I’d happily call sweet, in the best possible way. I really loved how the magic manifested when they were together. Gray was one of those heroes who is thought of as just plain. He’s too tall and gangly, and because he lacks certain confidence he stutters. But over the course of the book, his plainness gives way to attractiveness through his actions—especially his actions towards Sophie—and he comes out as the best kind of hero. You almost don’t even remember the way he’s originally described, because it doesn’t matter, you’ve formed your own picture of him in your mind.
Even with my qualms, I’m still looking forward to reading the next book. The end of The Midnight Queen hints that, hopefully, we’ll get a closer look at Merlin College and, really, I’m very interested to see what’s next for Sophie and Gray.
Attending Oxford’s Merlin College was all that Graham “Gray” Marshall wanted out of life. He got it, at the expense of his family, and he’s not one to squander his good luck. Unfortunately, good luck doesn’t always follow Gray around, and when he becomes embroiled in a mysterious midnight errand with others from school, an errand that goes beyond horribly wrong, Gray is whisked away to his professor’s country home for the long vacation (aka summer break). But to what extent?
Gray can’t help but feel like a prisoner, and based on some odd goings on before he left school, he’s pretty sure his professor does not have his best interests at heart. But without any evidence and only his gut feeling to go on, Gray is stuck. While being forced into servitude during his exile, Gray meets the professor’s three daughters, most notably, Sophie.
Sophie, despite having been tested for magic and found lacking, has always been fascinated with it. So when she first meets Gray, she can’t wait to learn more about him and what he knows. As they become acquainted, they begin to uncover secrets thought buried, and conspiracies that lead all the way up to the King himself. In order to keep the Kingdom out of catastrophe, Gray and Sophie will have to escape from the Professor’s watchful eye back to where it all started: Oxford.
I’m really starting to love historicals that feature fantastical elements. Sylvia Izzo Hunter does a great job of creating an alternate Britain—with varying magical/religious beliefs—without having the “new history” and what is true history get too confusing, as I’ve encountered a few times when authors decide to put a spin on historical facts.
For all that I really liked the concept of The Midnight Queen, I felt like there were a few things lacking. For example, I wanted to know more about Merlin College. I love magical school stories (thank you, Harry Potter) and I felt there was a lot of emphasis put on the college, yet we’re rarely there within the story.
Also, while I found the conflict of the story to be intriguing—what with unraveling conspiracies and everything—there were a few too many scenes of waiting. I felt like once the information was known by the characters, there was nothing left to learn and the time between when everything is figured out and when they could act seemed to go on and on.
Where the story truly excelled was with Sophie and Gray. Their budding relationship is one I’d happily call sweet, in the best possible way. I really loved how the magic manifested when they were together. Gray was one of those heroes who is thought of as just plain. He’s too tall and gangly, and because he lacks certain confidence he stutters. But over the course of the book, his plainness gives way to attractiveness through his actions—especially his actions towards Sophie—and he comes out as the best kind of hero. You almost don’t even remember the way he’s originally described, because it doesn’t matter, you’ve formed your own picture of him in your mind.
Even with my qualms, I’m still looking forward to reading the next book. The end of The Midnight Queen hints that, hopefully, we’ll get a closer look at Merlin College and, really, I’m very interested to see what’s next for Sophie and Gray.
fishgirl182's review against another edition
2.0
Gray is a promising student at Merlin College, studying the ancient art of magick, when one night changes his fate. When a midnight errands ends up with one of his classmates dead and Gray shouldering the blame, Gray is sent to spend the Long Vacation at the home of Professor Callender. There is no love lost between the two but Callender's home is the safest place for Gray while he tries to find out what really happened that night and clear his name. The upside to his mandatory stay is that the Professor has a smart, inquisitive daughter who is intrigued by Gray. Sophie Callender and Gray become fast friends, though they must hide it. Sophie's father has some antiquated ideas about women studying magick, so she must hide her association with Gray. However, as the two become closer they discover a sinister plot that they must stop. Along the way they discover secrets about their own pasts that make their mission even more dangerous.
This is another book that I had high hopes for but that, unfortunately, fell below my expectations. The world building was unique and I enjoyed the historical twist on this magical world. However, I found that the pacing was really slow and rambling. There wasn't enough conflict to keep the story moving and I had a very hard time staying interested in it.
The language and writing style was definitely different and stylized and fit with the historical period for the most part, but I found it to be distracting at times. My favorite character was Joanna, Sophie's younger sister. She isn't afraid to speak her mind and often says what everyone else is thinking.
I found it refreshing that Gray and Sophie's relationship started off as a real friendship and didn't jump straight into romance. They had a real likeness of mind and could themselves around each other.
While there were aspects of this book that I did like, it was simply too slow for me I struggled to finish it. If you like long, rambling stories filled with detailed descriptions and fantastic settings, I think you might enjoy this book. The magical world was very unique and the characters were very likable. I just needed more action to capture my attention and move the story along. I don't think I will be continuing with this series though I would read another book by Hunter.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affected my review or opinion of the book.
This is another book that I had high hopes for but that, unfortunately, fell below my expectations. The world building was unique and I enjoyed the historical twist on this magical world. However, I found that the pacing was really slow and rambling. There wasn't enough conflict to keep the story moving and I had a very hard time staying interested in it.
The language and writing style was definitely different and stylized and fit with the historical period for the most part, but I found it to be distracting at times. My favorite character was Joanna, Sophie's younger sister. She isn't afraid to speak her mind and often says what everyone else is thinking.
I found it refreshing that Gray and Sophie's relationship started off as a real friendship and didn't jump straight into romance. They had a real likeness of mind and could themselves around each other.
While there were aspects of this book that I did like, it was simply too slow for me I struggled to finish it. If you like long, rambling stories filled with detailed descriptions and fantastic settings, I think you might enjoy this book. The magical world was very unique and the characters were very likable. I just needed more action to capture my attention and move the story along. I don't think I will be continuing with this series though I would read another book by Hunter.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affected my review or opinion of the book.
tiffani_reads's review against another edition
I hate this and the way that it is written.
100pagesaday's review against another edition
3.0
In an alternate England there is a story about a Queen who escaped from the clutches of King Henry XII at midnight with her baby daughter, the Princess in tow. The Queen was never seen again...
Meanwhile, at Oxford's Merlin College for those that are magically inclined, student Gray Marshall finds himself in a bit of trouble after he is sent out on a midnight errand that ends with a death. Gray is taken away to Professor Callender's home and is told that he is being kept safe there. Gray feels an ominous presence about the Callender's home, and he has been unable to use his magic there. He has been assigned the task of a gardener and feel's more like a prisoner than a guest. The one good thing about the Callender's is the Professor's awkward but endearing daughter, Sophie. When Sophie and Gray realize that Professor Callender might be involved in a dangerous plot, they escape in the night with plans to stop him.
The Midnight Queen was a good story, but had a slow start that I didn't see where it was going until about a third of the way in; after that this book was everything that I love. I think it would have helped if the prologue was the escaped Queen's story rather than Gray getting into a fight. Anyway, I love that it was set in an alternate England where some people had a talent for magic and where a King Henry XII existed. I ended up loving Gray and Sophie, but it took a while. They are both a little strange, but that just makes them perfect for one another. Sophie also ended up being a stronger character than I thought, so it wasn't just a story of a rescued girl, but a girl helping to rescue herself. The intrigue in the story grows once all the plot points are set out and schemes are set into motion, then there is a good story of trying to prevent a murder, a lost princess and magic being found.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
Meanwhile, at Oxford's Merlin College for those that are magically inclined, student Gray Marshall finds himself in a bit of trouble after he is sent out on a midnight errand that ends with a death. Gray is taken away to Professor Callender's home and is told that he is being kept safe there. Gray feels an ominous presence about the Callender's home, and he has been unable to use his magic there. He has been assigned the task of a gardener and feel's more like a prisoner than a guest. The one good thing about the Callender's is the Professor's awkward but endearing daughter, Sophie. When Sophie and Gray realize that Professor Callender might be involved in a dangerous plot, they escape in the night with plans to stop him.
The Midnight Queen was a good story, but had a slow start that I didn't see where it was going until about a third of the way in; after that this book was everything that I love. I think it would have helped if the prologue was the escaped Queen's story rather than Gray getting into a fight. Anyway, I love that it was set in an alternate England where some people had a talent for magic and where a King Henry XII existed. I ended up loving Gray and Sophie, but it took a while. They are both a little strange, but that just makes them perfect for one another. Sophie also ended up being a stronger character than I thought, so it wasn't just a story of a rescued girl, but a girl helping to rescue herself. The intrigue in the story grows once all the plot points are set out and schemes are set into motion, then there is a good story of trying to prevent a murder, a lost princess and magic being found.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
gsunnergren's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5