From School Library Journal
Grade 8 Up–Cousins Kate and Cecy, first introduced in
Sorcery and Cecilia (Harcourt, 2003), are married to Thomas and James and honeymooning in Europe. With continued echoes of Jane Austen, the marvelous mixture of fantasy and Regency romance easily captures readers' interest. The alternating voices of Cecy, in her deposition to the Joint Representatives of the British Ministry of Magic, and of Kate, in her commonplace book, tell of married life, attempted robberies, murder, magic spells that work (and a few that backfire), and the search for the reason for a series of mysterious thefts of arcane historical artifacts that are linked to magic and a king's coronation. On their tour, the newlyweds take their place in European society, meeting well-known historical figures such as Beau Brummell and various noblemen and magicians. The plot moves at a sedate but steady pace befitting the period, and the characters shine as they struggle with their magical legacy and grand adventure, while they try to prevent the coronation of a new Napoleon. This book will appeal to fantasy readers who appreciate something more sophisticated than Harry Potter-style magic.
–Janet Hilbun, formerly at Sam Houston Middle School, Garland, TX Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
From Booklist
Gr. 6-9. In this sequel to
Sorcery and Cecelia (2003), cousins Kate and Cecelia, along with their new husbands, set off on a grand tour of Europe in 1817. Things turn mysterious rather quickly, with collapsing ceilings, attempted robberies, and the delivery of a very odd package, and the honeymoon soon evolves into a dangerous adventure in pursuit of some evil wizards intent on creating a powerful new empire. Told in alternating diary entries (Wrede writes as Cecelia and Stevermer as Kate), the novel has the feel of Jane Austen meeting Harry Potter. Cecelia is strong and self-sufficient, much like Wrede's princess in the Enchanted Forest Chronicles; Kate is prone to clumsiness and a bit insecure, but her cleverness and devotion to her husband make her seem like the heroine of a Regency romance. The vocabulary and writing style may pose some difficulties for younger readers, but those who persevere will be rewarded with a satisfying blend of magic, mystery, adventure, humor, and romance.
Kay WeismanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
