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kitkat13's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
slow-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? No
2.5
amlibera's review against another edition
3.0
This took a long time to get into,(so. much. exposition. and. world. building.) then about two thirds of the way through it turned into a brilliant multi-cultural Regency era fantasy screwball comedy. And then it got stiff again. I nearly gave it four stars because the screwball bit was truly great.
cat_queen005's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
themanfromdelmonte's review against another edition
3.0
It’s a bit slight. The blurb says, “English magic faces it’s darkest hour.” but there’s no hint of peril at any point.
I’ll probably read at least one of the sequels though
I’ll probably read at least one of the sequels though
gavinsteyn's review against another edition
lighthearted
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? No
4.0
kivt's review against another edition
4.0
This was really enjoyable. The setting and the author's insistence on using antiquated sentence structure in all the dialog didn't get in the way of a good story. It's a very funny book that has at its heart an exploration of race and colonialism. Both protagonists were well realized, even if Prunella gets a little cartoony by the end.
lindril's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
rosieclaverton's review against another edition
4.0
A common fantasy conceit - recent British history, but with magic - yet this book actually acknowledges the reality of that history. Racism, sexism, nepotism and the Empire above all. The cover tag that refers to the "darkest hour" of English magic is a perfect pun, and the perfect summation of how this story plays with humour as well as the serious business of challenging the establishment and trailblazing - and yet keeping your life.
I particularly enjoyed how the relationship between Sir Stephen and Zacharias was characterised - father and son, freed slave and former owner, uncomfortable successor and legend in his field.
I hope there are more of these planned, because I am really looking forward to exploring this universe more.
I particularly enjoyed how the relationship between Sir Stephen and Zacharias was characterised - father and son, freed slave and former owner, uncomfortable successor and legend in his field.
I hope there are more of these planned, because I am really looking forward to exploring this universe more.
thestoryowl's review against another edition
4.0
A pleasant magical piece set in regency England. The treatment of magic and familiars was earnest but not overly serious. I especially enjoyed the character of Prunella and her interactions with the Sorcerer Royal.