Sorcery and Cecelia or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot: Being the Correspondence of Two Young Ladies of Quality Regarding Various Magical Scandals in London and the Country 
asked by jerseymike on November 27, 2006 5:55 AM
A great deal is happening in London this season.
For starters, there's the witch who tried to poison Kate at Sir Hilary's induction into the Royal College of Wizards. (Since when does hot chocolate burn a hole straight through one's dress?!)
Then there's Dorothea. Is it a spell that's made her the toast of the town--or could it possibly have something to do with the charm-bag under Oliver's bed?
And speaking of Oliver, just how long can Cecelia and Kate make excuses for him? Ever since he was turned into a tree, he hasn't bothered to tell anyone where he is!
The girls might think it all a magical nightmare . . . if only they weren't having so much fun.
For starters, there's the witch who tried to poison Kate at Sir Hilary's induction into the Royal College of Wizards. (Since when does hot chocolate burn a hole straight through one's dress?!)
Then there's Dorothea. Is it a spell that's made her the toast of the town--or could it possibly have something to do with the charm-bag under Oliver's bed?
And speaking of Oliver, just how long can Cecelia and Kate make excuses for him? Ever since he was turned into a tree, he hasn't bothered to tell anyone where he is!
The girls might think it all a magical nightmare . . . if only they weren't having so much fun.
Reviews
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With characters named Georgiana and Fitzwilliam, and a setting of the post-Napoleonic wars era of Britain, the nods to Austen are everywhere.
The fact that magic works in this world is what gives this story its fantasy twist.
The story is told in a series of letters between two enchanting cousins. There is intrigue, magic, romance, adventure. It was a very fun romp, and I highly recommend it!
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The fact that magic works in this world is what gives this story its fantasy twist.
The story is told in a series of letters between two enchanting cousins. There is intrigue, magic, romance, adventure. It was a very fun romp, and I highly recommend it!
(*)>
reviewed by papi on November 29, 2006 4:04 PM
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Imagine Jane Austen with a pinch of Harry Potter. It is witty and has some magic, though mostly it is some wonderful characters interacting, with alot of fun intrigue. It's the sort of book I wanted to bury myself under an afgahn with, it was just so much fun. (I've already started reading it a second time while I am waiting to get ahold of the next book).
Its also fun to read as a writer, knowing how the two authors went about writing this. Perhaps it was where I was reading it ( a loud mall) but certain dramatic moments were slightly confusing to me, the orchestration of various scenes perhaps being not as smoothly written as they could be. However, the overall effect of the novel is wonderful, a cast of characters emerges that are wonderful to follow the adventures of, each letter brings a new twist. The characters of Kate and Cecy write back and forth so effortlessly, and their male counterparts are very amusing as well.
Anyone who loves Austen and doesn't mind wondering a bit further into the realm of the fantastical, I can't reccomend this book highly enough. Its probably middle school reading level, but an older audience will also really appreciate it.
Its also fun to read as a writer, knowing how the two authors went about writing this. Perhaps it was where I was reading it ( a loud mall) but certain dramatic moments were slightly confusing to me, the orchestration of various scenes perhaps being not as smoothly written as they could be. However, the overall effect of the novel is wonderful, a cast of characters emerges that are wonderful to follow the adventures of, each letter brings a new twist. The characters of Kate and Cecy write back and forth so effortlessly, and their male counterparts are very amusing as well.
Anyone who loves Austen and doesn't mind wondering a bit further into the realm of the fantastical, I can't reccomend this book highly enough. Its probably middle school reading level, but an older audience will also really appreciate it.
reviewed by runabout on November 29, 2006 5:43 PM
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I bought this book based on my previous experience with the writing of Patricia Wrede. If you have daughters in the tween age, (or even older),I recommend her dragon series.
I loved this book so much I gave it to my sister, who bought one for herself, as well as the sequel (which I own as well). She loaned it to my cousin, who read it and then bought the sequel. As soon as my cousin brings it back, we're giving it to my mother.
Why do we love this book? Mix Jane Austen, humor, and magic. It has a mirror-image structure, in which two young women correspond about the adventure and romance in their lives. The plotlines intermingle, with a few characters going back and forth between the two locations. The characters are a lot of fun, and there are some laugh-out-loud lines. (My sister now quotes them to me.)
The only thing that I am currently unhappy about is that the third book in the series is not yet out.
I loved this book so much I gave it to my sister, who bought one for herself, as well as the sequel (which I own as well). She loaned it to my cousin, who read it and then bought the sequel. As soon as my cousin brings it back, we're giving it to my mother.
Why do we love this book? Mix Jane Austen, humor, and magic. It has a mirror-image structure, in which two young women correspond about the adventure and romance in their lives. The plotlines intermingle, with a few characters going back and forth between the two locations. The characters are a lot of fun, and there are some laugh-out-loud lines. (My sister now quotes them to me.)
The only thing that I am currently unhappy about is that the third book in the series is not yet out.
reviewed by jan1975 on November 29, 2006 6:09 PM