Helpful Score: 8
An amusing tale about a young woman and her rival attending a school for the magically gifted. Not Harry Potteresque at all, but still a fun little romp all on its own.
Helpful Score: 8
Very good fantasy read. Says it's for 10 and up, but I think it gets a PG-13 rating in places for romantic aspects. Dialogue felt a bit choppy in places, and there are definitely a few in-jokes about Bryn Mawr College, the author's alma mater. Overall, however, these problems do not detract from the general excellence of the plot and characterizations. Also, a nice twist at the end that leaves plenty of room to take the series somewhere meaningful in its sequels.
Helpful Score: 6
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!
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!
Helpful Score: 5
Though geared more for the feminine reader, there is enough testosterone (from both genders) to hold the interest of all readers.
Around the turn of the twentieth century Faris Nallaneen is within a few years of becoming the rightful duchess of Galazon, when her uncle decides it would be a good idea to attend Greenlaw College, a highly sought after girls school. Faris is sure her uncle is just sending her away so he can plot, undisturbed, a way to take the duchy himself. So she intends to get thrown out at of school as soon as possible. Unfortunately, her uncle has already forseen that possibility, and has taken steps to foil her plans.
Now Faris is committed to complete the unwanted education, and to become a full-fledged 'WITCH' of Greenlaw. But even this will not be easy as there are others who would rather see her fail, or better still -- die.
Mystery, magic, and mayhem mingle with early twentieth century politics to make this an interesting coming-of-age novel. Definitely a good read.
Around the turn of the twentieth century Faris Nallaneen is within a few years of becoming the rightful duchess of Galazon, when her uncle decides it would be a good idea to attend Greenlaw College, a highly sought after girls school. Faris is sure her uncle is just sending her away so he can plot, undisturbed, a way to take the duchy himself. So she intends to get thrown out at of school as soon as possible. Unfortunately, her uncle has already forseen that possibility, and has taken steps to foil her plans.
Now Faris is committed to complete the unwanted education, and to become a full-fledged 'WITCH' of Greenlaw. But even this will not be easy as there are others who would rather see her fail, or better still -- die.
Mystery, magic, and mayhem mingle with early twentieth century politics to make this an interesting coming-of-age novel. Definitely a good read.
Helpful Score: 4
Faris Nallaneen is sent to a magical finishing school, expecting to hate every minute until she can go home again. But she discovers the joy of learning and the delight of friendship. There is plenty of adventure, but I have read the book several times for the joy she shares in growing and learning.
This is NOT just a book for 9-12 year olds.
This is NOT just a book for 9-12 year olds.
