Reviews with content warning for Misogyny - Sorcerer to the Crown

I was required to read this book for class, so maybe my rating reflects that. The beginning of this book was very slow and tedious to get through, and the wording here was overdone and unnecessary. The issues of racism and misogyny were often brought up before being forgotten about completely. The characters were also lackluster.

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asnecessaryasbread's review against another edition

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funny reflective

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

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tinyjude's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted mysterious relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5

This was a strong debut, although compared to Zen Cho's later writing that I had the pleasure of reading, was a bit weak. We see a rich intersection between feminism, colonialism and racism in this book, which contrasts with most of these type of fantasy novels usually with a white predominant cast.

Nonetheless, I would have enjoyed more worldbuilding, a faster pace at the beginning and more development for the love story between the main protagonists (as it felt a bit too rushed). I liked the way menstruation was treated in the story, as well as Prunella's power. I would have loved to see more of the familiars and the fairy world. I liked the complicated relationship between Zacharias and Stephen, although I was left disappointed at the fact that Zacharias didn't question him at the end why he didn't also free his parents as well.

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buttermellow's review against another edition

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challenging mysterious reflective sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

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chattie_the_mad_chatter's review

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adventurous dark funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This book was so perfect for me ticking many boxes. It is definitly worthy of "Jane Austen but with magic" tag line.
If you enjoy: regency period books with light hearted wittisism; amusing characters and protagonists who find their way around the rules of society and snobbery; are happy to throw magic in to historical time periods; then you will love this book.
The plot is simple, enjoyable with enough intrigue to keep you reading as to how it will all fall out. There is danger and prejudice our characters must grapple with and a need for social reform.
But the frothy delightful writing style gives me all the Georgette Heyer I need, but without class prejudice or problematic casual racism involved.
I love both protagonists, the relationship between them and the side characters, and all enjoyable banter. Our female protagonist flies her feminist flag by being her unashamed true self and getting things done. And for all those reasons I love this book. It has an abundance of charm, whilst having darker moments due to the fey world and I ate it all up. Can't wait for the next one.

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cinnamonandpancakes's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This book is a delightful romp through a Regency London with magic and fairies and large quantities of scheming. Prunella is determined to get what she wants and Zacharias just wants a rest. They're both very lovable and I'd quite like to dive back in and meet them both for a second time!

Be warned there is a lot of period typical racism and misogyny. The main characters struggle against both in search of their goals and do, largely, prevail, but it is an unflinching depiction.

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griffinthief's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-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? It's complicated

4.5

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qingxuanluvr's review against another edition

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adventurous funny mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Sorcerer to the Crown is perfect if you're in the mood for something funny and adventurous, although I think because of the writing style I actually expected a more serious book. (It /is/ serious at times, for sure - it's a mix that Zen Cho pulls off really well.) This impeded my reading experience a little as I kept expecting a fully serious fantasy plot and then not getting it, but now that my brain's caught up and I know what I'm reading, I love it. I'm absolutely going to reread soon with full knowledge of what I'm going into, and I think I'll love it even more the second time around.

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