Reviews

Magic Below Stairs by Caroline Stevermer

kivt's review against another edition

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3.0

Cute, though the last 25% could have used tighter editing.

warrik's review against another edition

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4.0

This is a nice easy read. It pulls you in quickly and I actually cared about Frederick, making it easy to turn the page to see where his next adventure would be. And watching his emotions as situations changed made him feel like a real person, not just a character in a book.

michellehenriereads's review against another edition

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4.0

I thought Fredrick was a fun character because he had such high values. He reminded me of Sarah Crewe from A Little Princess in a strange way. I had this connection in mind because...

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cimorene1558's review against another edition

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4.0

Lots of fun, but I've never heard of a footboy before, as a position. Boot boy, yes, and footman, of course, but footboy? And after reading this, I'm still not sure exactly what the job description would be--maybe half scullion, half boot boy?

brandypainter's review against another edition

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3.0

Originally posted here.

Magic Below Stairs by Caroline Stervermer is another one of those delightful books that exists in an alternate version of Regency history where there is magic, wizards and the like.

Frederick is a very likable character and the world he inhabits is interesting. Just enough details are given of day to day life without being overly descriptive. It is a short read and will definitely appeal to children who enjoy historical fiction or stories with magic. It is the perfect mix of both. This would be perfect for children who are interested in, but not quite ready to tackle, Diana Wynne Jones's Chrestomanci books or Stephanie Burgis's Kat books. As an adult reader I found myself wanting Frederick to get out of the way so the story could focus on Lord Thomas and his wife Kate which is a clear indication I need to move Sorcery and Cecelia and The Grand Tour to the top of my TBR as those books do focus on them.

garnetofeden's review against another edition

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2.0

Taking place in the same universe as the Sorcery and Cecilia series, it lacked the brilliance of the books jointly written with Patricia C. Wrede. After enjoying that series so much, this book was disappointing. Frederick came across as a somewhat resentful character, and the story seemed to lack resolution.

Last finished June 2011. Rating reviewed 6/23/2023.

wierdkid20's review against another edition

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4.0

This was a very cute book, predicatable? maybe but very enjoyable nonetheless.

ofliterarynature's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.5

A short novel, set in the same world as the Cecelia & Kate series. Charming and fun, and a nice quick read. I’d be happy to read another dozen just like it.

itabar's review against another edition

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3.0

Pleasant, angst-free book. I wanted more. On the lower end of the juvenile spectrum.

alissabar's review against another edition

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4.0

This is a fun story which I think I enjoyed more because I have read and loved [b:Sorcery and Cecelia or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot|64207|Sorcery and Cecelia or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot (Cecelia and Kate, #1)|Patricia C. Wrede|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1276374483s/64207.jpg|505] and the other two books in the series. I was already familiar with some of the characters, and it was like visiting old friends. I would be interested to see if this book is as fun for someone who wasn't familiar with Lord and Lady Schofield and the rest.