Pages: 304
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Katherine Ann Stephenson has just discovered that she's inherited her mother's magical talents, and despite Stepmama's stern objections, she's determined to learn how to use them.
But with her eldest sister Elissa's intended fiancé, the sinister Sir Neville, showing a dangerous interest in Kat's magical potential; her other sister, Angeline, wreaking romantic havoc with her own witchcraft; and a highwayman lurking in the forest, even Kat's reckless heroism will be tested to the upmost.
If she can learn to control her new powers, will Kat be able to rescue her family and win her sisters their true love?
Review
A delightful historical fantasy romp! Kat is, indeed, incorrigible – in the most amusing and charming of ways. At 12 years old, Kat is about as far from biddable and ladylike as you can get, which causes her stepmother and elder sisters no small measure of aggravation. Courageous, indomitable, independent, and possessed of a imagination and a strong belief in her own intelligence and invulnerability, Kat is determined to learn her mother’s magic and protect her family – especially when it comes to her sister’s prospective marriage to a man rumored to have killed his first wife.
Burgis takes many of the Regency clichés, blends them with magic, throws in a generous dash of humor, and serves them up in a tale that’s completely appropriate for children but will also appeal to adults, especially those familiar with the Regency oeuvre. It’s a marvelous mixture sure to bring a smile to your face, and would be a wonderful story to read aloud to your children.
Favorite quote:
I was 12 years old when I chopped off my hair, dressed as a boy, and set off to save my family from impending ruin.
I made it almost to the end of my front garden.
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Challenges:
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- TBR Pile Reading Challenge 2014
- Witches & Witchcraft Reading Challenge 2014
Bea
It sounds cute and that quote made me laugh.
abibliophilesstyle
Sounds like a fun series, and I do love the Regency period. 🙂
Katherine P
This sounds so fun! I’ve been loving this kind of book lately so I’ll definitely have to give it a try!
Angela's Anxious Life
This looks sooo good! I want to read this now!!
Rita_h
I honestly don’t read MG books, but I am always on the look-out for books for my 11 y.o. granddaughter, who is an advanced reader and enjoys Twilight and Dr. Who, so I guess fantasy books are up her alley.
Thanks!
Elisa Bergslien
Sounds lovely. I have had my eye on this before and now I feel impelled to get a copy.