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A College of Magics
 
 
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A College of Magics [Mass Market Paperback]

Caroline Stevermer (Author)
4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)

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From Publishers Weekly

A gentle fantasy set in turn-of-the-century Paris, this novel's "magic" takes varied forms--some sorcerous (an anarchist's bomb transformed into a feathered hat) and some technological (an early motorcar ride). Young ladies of good families are sent to Greenlaw college to acquire the social graces and become marriageable. But some also learn varying degrees of witchery, although it is expressly forbidden to practice magic on campus. Teen hellion Faris Nallaneen, Duchess of Galazon, her best friend/social arbiter Jane Brailsford and Faris's blood enemy are all expelled from Greenlaw after exercising hitherto unguessed magic talents. Faris and Jane head to Paris, where Faris discovers that she is to inherit not only the throne of Galazon but also the supernatural post of Warden of the North. One wishes Stevermer ( The Serpent's Egg) had described the particulars of this elevation, but in fact this narrative is weighted more toward romance than to conventional fantasy. Though Faris can see things no one else can, she also endures custom fittings of haute couture , masked balls, marriage proposals by middle-aged kings and ambitious socialists alike, attacks by politically correct highwaymen and an attempted poisoning on the Orient Express as she attempts to take her rightful title. Clever and witty at its best, this is generally a pleasant read.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

In this worthwhile addition to alternate-world fantasizing, Faris Nallaneen, a young noblewoman in a quasi-Edwardian society, goes to college to learn magic and upon graduation is promptly dragged into a lively and perilous series of intrigues. The book splits into two separate stories at the point where Faris has finished her training, but balancing against this structural flaw is much wit, intelligence, and imagination. This is one of those books that is less successful than the author intended but far from a failure. Historically knowledgeable fantasy readers will appreciate it. Roland Green --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Faris Nallaneen arrived at the gates of Greenlaw on the same day winter did. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews

8 Reviews
5 star:
 (3)
4 star:
 (4)
3 star:    (0)
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Average Customer Review
4.0 out of 5 stars (8 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Book!, Jun 30 2004
This review is from: A College of Magics (Mass Market Paperback)
I adore this book! It's an excellent, really well-written fantasy novel about a young woman who goes off to college. It features witty dialogue, wonderfully drawn characters, political intrigue, and a clever plot. I was drawn in right away and I couldn't put it down until it was finished. Great story.

This book was set in an alternate universe -- some bits are clearly set in real places, like Paris, and other bits are set in imaginary places, like Galazon and Greenlaw. It's set in the late-nineteenth/early-twentieth century, and it feels authentically Edwardian. Stevermer's writing style convincingly mimics the literary style of that time period. In other words, don't jump into this book expecting fast-paced explosions of action. While there is plenty of action and adventure and daring escapades, the novel takes its time getting there. This is a subtle book. A slow book. A book to savor.

Also, don't be misled by the title into expecting Harry Potter-style antics. The magic taught at Greenlaw -- all the magic in this book, really -- is not showy. This magic is the stuff of metaphysics; it deals in intangibles.

All caveats aside, this book is absolutely wonderful. I love it to death, and I will undoubtedly re-read it many times in the future!

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4.0 out of 5 stars Mixture of Love and Magic, Jun 26 2004
This review is from: A College of Magics (Mass Market Paperback)
This is one of those books that you have the feeling the author just put the word Magic in the title to get a fantasy reader's attention. The actual magic in the book is touched upon, but to me the book focused more upon the love of Faris and Tyrian. It seemed to me to drag in places, as though the author was really stretching to make it longer for some reason, and in other places she seems to rush and skim over areas (particularly when discussing the whole 'warden' issue), some of which are quite important. My favorite part of the entire book was definately the end, I'd say it's worth putting up with the minor unpleasantries simply for the ending, it's just masterful and stunning, not at all what I'd predicted.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent., April 20 2004
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"senna27" (Indianapolis, IN) - See all my reviews
This review is from: A College of Magics (Mass Market Paperback)
After picking this novel up at the library several years ago, I read it and immediately ordered my own copy. A fantasy of manners--sometimes reminiscent of Jane Austen, and a deeply detailed work. I've read the book over 4 times by now and each time I find another scene or dialogue exchange to enthrall me. Good job, Caroline Stevermer!
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