A Tangle of Magicks by Stephanie Burgis

Oct. 18th, 2011 10:37 pm
The Blurb On The Back:

Regency England’s feistiest twelve year old is back!

When Kat Stephenson’s family arrive in Bath in search of a suitor for her sister, it’s not long before Kat discovers that the town of Bath is fizzing with wild magic. Stumbling upon a plot to harness the magic in the Roman Baths, Kat finds that her brother is unwittingly involved. To foil the plot and save her brother she must defy the Order of the Guardians and risk losing her magical powers, forever …

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

A lively and fast-paced sequel to A MOST IMPROPER MAGICK, this is an entertaining, fast-paced historical fantasy and although I was a bit irritated by Kat’s tendency to give in to her temper and also disappointed that the book doesn’t focus on her Guardian training, it is still well worth checking out.

A TANGLE OF MAGICKS was released in the UK in August. Thanks to Templar for the ARC of this book.
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Liberator by Richard Harland

Aug. 24th, 2011 11:52 pm
The Blurb On The Back:

In this hotly awaited sequel to Worldshaker, the Filthies are in control. But violence simmers just under the surface: supplies of coal are fast diminishing, the acts of a mysterious saboteur are causing hostility, and the Imperialist powers are massing for war. Col and Riff’s relationship is pushed to the limit as they do all in their power to preserve the fragile peace. This shattering conclusion to the saga shows Richard Hardland at his vivid, energetic best.

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

This sequel to WORLDSHAKER is a fast-paced, action-packed steampunk novel for teens, which does particularly well at showing how a revolution can fail to live up to its early promise. I didn’t quite buy into the central relationship between Col and Riff but suspect this is because I haven’t read WORLDSHAKER, something that I will be rectifying.

Liberator was released in the UK in July. Thanks to Templar for the ARC of this book.
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A Most Improper Magick by Stephanie Burgis

Jul. 26th, 2010 10:32 pm
The Blurb On The Back:

At twelve years old, any proper young lady should be sitting quietly at home, practising her embroidery, learning French and keeping her opinions to herself.

But Kat Stephenson is no ordinary young lady.

Kat’s father may be a respectable vicar, but her late mother was a notorious witch, her brother has gambled the family into debt, and Kat herself is the newest target of an ancient and secretive magical Order.

In the first thrilling instalment of The Unladylike Adventures of Kat Stephenson, Kat sets out to win her older siblings their true loves, battling highwaymen, sinister aristocrats, wild magic and even ghosts along the way.

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Diana Wynn Jones meets Jane Austen in a fast-paced Regency fantasy for middle grade readers that combines highwaymen, magic and true love for a sparkling read. It’s the first of a trilogy and I can’t wait for the next instalment.

A MOST IMPROPER MAGICK is published in the UK on 4th August. It will be published in the USA under the title KAT, INCORRIGIBLE on 5th April 2011.

Thanks to Templar Publishing for the ARC.
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The Blackhope Enigma by Teresa Flavin

Jun. 26th, 2010 01:22 pm
The Blurb On The Back:

An old painting ...

A strange labyrinth ...

The sudden appearance of skeletons in a locked room ...


For centuries, Blackhope Tower has been shrouded in intrigue, which seems to centre around a curious painting hanging in the Mariner’s Chamber.

Its meaning has baffled historians, but when fourteen-year-old Sunni Forrest visits the tower, she finds herself transported to the very heart of the Blackhope enigma, and the painting itself. Can she and her friend Blaise overcome its dangers and evade their ruthless pursuers? And will they find their way home ... alive?

An age-old mystery is about to unravel.

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Although this book has an exciting premise, the delivery fails to meet up to expectations. The passion for art that comes across the page isn’t enough to sustain what’s ultimately a bland story with bland characters. It’s an okay read, but no better.

THE BLACKHOPE ENIGMA is published in the United Kingdom in July. Thanks to Templar Publishing for the ARC.
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