A Matter of Magic

Patricia C. Wrede

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regency era romance

magical mysteries

resourceful street urchin

wizard politics

engaging narrative

historical social dynamics

light romance

kim's transformation

comedic plots

colorful cast of characters

well crafted magical elements

fluctuating pacing

ya fantasy

early 19th century england

"A Matter of Magic" by Patricia C. Wrede is a delightful blend of Regency era romance, mystery, and magic. The story follows Kim, a resourceful street urchin, who crosses paths with Mairelon the Magician and becomes his apprentice and ward. Together, they navigate through a world of upper-class society, wizard politics, and magical mysteries, all set against the backdrop of early 19th-century England. The writing style is engaging, with a good balance of period atmosphere, light romance, and well-crafted magical elements that keep the reader intrigued and entertained throughout the book.

Characters:

The characters are well-drawn, with Kim's growth and Mairelon's charm standing out, alongside a colorful cast that adds depth to the narrative.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is characterized by its humor and charm, aptly reflecting the historical fantasy setting while maintaining an engaging narrative for YA audiences.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative features Kim's transformation from a street thief to a wizard's apprentice, intertwined with comedic plots centered around magical artifacts and societal challenges.

Setting:

Set in an enchanting, alternate Regency England, the backdrop enhances the narrative's blend of magic and historical social dynamics.

Pacing:

Pacing fluctuates between slow and complex in the initial part and more straightforward and engaging in the second part, catering to varied reader preferences.

Kim walked slowly through the crowd, slipping in and out of the traffic almost without thinking. She enjoyed the noise and bustle common to all the London markets, but Hungerford was her favorite. Tho...

Notes:

A Matter of Magic combines two books, 'Mairelon the Magician' and 'The Magician's Ward', into one volume.

The story is set in an alternate Regency England where magic is a respected profession.

The main character, Kim, is a street-smart orphan who disguises herself as a boy.

Kim is hired to break into the wagon of a street magician, Mairelon, who turns out to be a real wizard.

Mairelon becomes Kim's mentor and apprentice after catching her in the act of theft.

The two stories follow Kim's transition from a thief to a lady and a wizard's apprentice.

The second part focuses on Kim's challenges in high society and her magical training.

The books are noted for their humor and light-hearted tone, appealing to young adult readers.

There are elements of romance that develop slowly over the course of the two stories.

The narrative features a colorful cast of characters from various social classes, bringing intrigue and comedy.

From The Publisher:

Magic and intrigue go hand in hand in Mairelon the Magician and The Magician's Ward, two fast-paced novels filled with mystery and romance, set against the intricate backdrop of Regency England.

When a stranger offers her a small fortune to break into a traveling magician's wagon, Kim doesn't hesitate. Having grown up a waif in the dirty streets of London, Kim isn't above a bit of breaking-and-entering. A hard life and lean times have schooled her in one lesson: steal from them before they steal from you. But when the magician catches her in the act, Kim thinks she's done for. Until he suggests she become his apprentice; then the real trouble begins.

Kim soon finds herself entangled with murderers, thieves, and cloak-and-dagger politics, all while trying to learn how to become both a proper lady and a magician in her own right.

Ratings (3)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (2)

Reader Stats (8):

Read It (3)
Want To Read (4)
Not Interested (1)

What can you read after
A Matter of Magic?

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About the Author:

PATRICIA COLLINS WREDE was born in Chicago, the oldest of five children. She attended Carleton College in Minnesota, where she majored in biology and managed to avoid taking any English courses. She began work on her first novel, Shadow Magic (1982), after graduation, though it took her five years to finish it. Ms. Wrede enjoyed a successful career as a financial analyst, but she always made time to write. Her published books now total more than a dozen.

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