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The Royal Sorceress #1
The Royal Sorceress
It’s 1830, in an alternate Britain where the ‘scientific’ principles of magic were discovered sixty years previously, allowing the British to win the American War of Independence. Although Britain is now supreme among the Great Powers, the gulf between rich and poor in the Empire has widened and unrest is growing every day. Master Thomas, the King’s Royal Sorcerer, is ageing and must find a successor to lead the Royal Sorcerers Corps. Most magicians can possess only one of the panoply of known magical powers, but Thomas needs to find a new Master of all the powers. There is only one candidate, one person who has displayed such a talent from an early age, but has been neither trained nor officially acknowledged. A perfect candidate to be Master Thomas’ apprentice in all ways but one: the Royal College of Sorcerers has never admitted a girl before.
But even before Lady Gwendolyn Crichton can begin her training, London is plunged into chaos by a campaign of terrorist attacks co-ordinated by Jack, a powerful and rebellious magician.
The Royal Sorceress will certainly appeal to all fans of steampunk, alternate history, and fantasy. As well as the fun of the ‘what-ifs’ delivered by the rewriting of our past, it delights with an Empire empowered by magic – all the better for being one we can recognise. The scheming and intrigue of Jack and his rebels, the roof-top chases and the thrilling battles of magic are played out against the dark and unforgiving backdrop of life in the sordid slums and dangerous factories of London. Many of the rebels are drawn from a seedy and grimy underworld, while their Establishment targets prey on the weak and defenceless. The price for destroying the social imbalance and sexual inequality that underpin society may be more than anyone can imagine.
But even before Lady Gwendolyn Crichton can begin her training, London is plunged into chaos by a campaign of terrorist attacks co-ordinated by Jack, a powerful and rebellious magician.
The Royal Sorceress will certainly appeal to all fans of steampunk, alternate history, and fantasy. As well as the fun of the ‘what-ifs’ delivered by the rewriting of our past, it delights with an Empire empowered by magic – all the better for being one we can recognise. The scheming and intrigue of Jack and his rebels, the roof-top chases and the thrilling battles of magic are played out against the dark and unforgiving backdrop of life in the sordid slums and dangerous factories of London. Many of the rebels are drawn from a seedy and grimy underworld, while their Establishment targets prey on the weak and defenceless. The price for destroying the social imbalance and sexual inequality that underpin society may be more than anyone can imagine.
394 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 16, 2019
Did not finish. After 2 months of time out, I still don't want to know more about ANY of those people. Ick.
February 13, 2013
Originally published at Risingshadow.
Before I write anything else, I'll mention that I'm hard to please when it comes to alternate history, because I've seldom been impressed by books and stories that can be categorized as alternate history. Fortunately I was positively surprised by Christopher Nuttall's The Royal Sorceress, because it turned out to be an entertaining and well written book.
I don't remember reading anything like this before, because Christopher Nuttall has chosen a bit different kind of a way of writing about steampunkish Victorian society. This book can be seen as a fantasy and alternate history story about a woman's place in Victorian society, and the differences between aristocrats and common people. It can also be seen as the growing up story of Gwen.
It's possible that readers may think that this kind of a fantasy book is heavy to read and requires quite a lot of knowledge about history etc, but in this case the story is so entertaining that the reader just has to enjoy it. The author writes fluently about the events and doesn't overwhelm the reader with heavy historical prose. (It is, however, possible that readers who are familiar with historical events will get more out of this book than other readers.)
This book contains plenty of humour. I was a bit surprised by the amount of humour, because usually there isn't much humour in alternate history books. I think it's great that the author has had courage to add humour to the book, because it adds a lot of charm to it. I especially enjoyed reading about the food fight between Gwen and the male apprentices - it was fun.
Here's a bit of information about the plot:
Lady Gwendolyn Crichton (Gwen) is a young lady, who is tired of her mother's attempts to make her a respectable young woman. Gwen is only interested in magic, but unfortunately the society doesn't allow women to use magic. She has all the magic powers that a person can have and that's why Master Thomas (the Royal Sorcerer) and other people become interested in her. When Gwen is asked to become the Royal Sorceress, she's very happy and excited about it, because it feels like all her dreams have finally come true. To her mother's horror, she accepts the proposition and begins her training under Master Thomas. Gwen has to work hard, because she has a lot to learn about magic. She has learned things by herself, but she can't control magic... At the same time Jack tries to bring down the government. He calls himself Captain Swing. He knows how to magic and he controls all the powers just as Gwen does. His actions cause havoc and chaos in London, but he does his actions for the right reasons, because the common people are ruthlessly exploited by those of noble birth...
Christopher Nuttall writes about an interesting alternate Victorian society, because in this book England is different from what it is in real life. Magic plays an important role in the society, and England is one of the ruling nations in the world. The author writes about fascinating "what if" situations (for example, England has won the American War of Independence). I think I'd better not write more about these "what if" situations, because writing more about them would spoil the story.
Although this book is entertaining, it's also - in an entertaining way - a surprisingly shocking vision about a woman's place among powerful men. Women seldom have magical powers and only men are educated to handle magic, because women must be good and obedient wives. It was interesting to read how Gwen felt that she was different from other young women, because she wasn't interested in the same things as other women of her age - she wanted to do something with her life.
I liked the characters very much, because Christopher Nuttall has created realistic characters. Gwen and the other characters are beliavable and they have their own personalities.
I think it's great that Gwen is described as a powerful young woman, who doesn't want to submit to the rules and norms of the male dominated society. She has thoughts and feelings of her own and she wants to do something else than be a mindless and pretty wife to a noble man.
What makes this book especially interesting is that Gwen is the only woman in England who has an amazing amount of magic powers and can control all the talents. These powers make her a potential Royal Sorceress, because she's the only who has as much power as the Royal Sorcerer. Because the Royal Sorcerer is going to retire in the future, Gwen must take his place. (I'll write more about magic after the next couple of paragraphs.)
Jack is also an important character, because he's trying to bring down the government. He is a renegade magician and he has the powers of a Master Magician. Reading about Jack's actions is fun, because he feels that people have to pay for their crimes. If needed, he can use magic as a weapon and knows what he's doing with it.
Gwen's teacher, Master Thomas, is an interesting character, because he teaches Gwen several things and tries to be patient with her actions. Gwen is at times a bit impatient and loses her temper, but Master Thomas tries to show her how to control her temper and powers. He's a wise man who has a lot to offer to Gwen.
The author paints a vivid picture of the social conflict between the common people and the aristocrats, because the rich people shamelessly oppress the poor. He uses the characters and their actions to show what's happening. For example, Gwen is a bit shocked when she realizes how certain things are handled ("out of sight, out of mind" seems to apply to several things).
Christopher Nuttall writes perfectly about the action scenes and all things related to magic. Reading about Gwen's education is fun, because the author explains magical things in an interesting scientific way. There are different talents and most people can only use one talent, but if a person can use all the talents, he/she is a Master. Because Gwen can control all the talents, she's a Master Magician (that's why she was asked to become the Royal Sorceress).
One of the best things in this book is that magic doesn't make a person invincible. People who use magic powers can be arrogant and they can believe that they can't die, but everybody can die. Killing is a skilled magician can be difficult, but it's possible. This is good, because magic and magical powers are often used as deus ex machina and that can be annoying for the reader.
I also enjoyed reading about the author's descriptions of the various places. He writes enthusiastically about the streets of London, houses and palaces. It feels like the reader is really reading about London during the Industrial Revolution, because everything feels genuine (all the filth of the streets and the poverty of the people feels realistic).
Because The Royal Sorceress is the author's debut book, there are a couple of flaws in it, but on the whole it's a fine achievement and definitely worth reading. I have nothing bad to say about it, because I liked the story and the characters.
Christopher Nuttall is currently writing a sequel to The Royal Sorceress, The Great Game, so readers who enjoy this book will soon be able continue reading about the Royal Sorceress. It'll be interesting to see how the author continues the story.
The Royal Sorceress is an excellent fantasy book, which combines fantasy, steampunk and alternate history elements in a successful way. In my opinion it's one of the most interesting and entertaining alternate history books ever written. If you're interested in fantasy, alternate history and magic, you should read this book, because it's good and fun entertainment.
Rating this book was a bit difficult for me, because I couldn't decide if I should give it four or five stars. After careful consideration I decided to give it five stars for its entertainment values, because it was a bit different kind of an alternate history book and it was fun to read about Gwen and her education.
Before I write anything else, I'll mention that I'm hard to please when it comes to alternate history, because I've seldom been impressed by books and stories that can be categorized as alternate history. Fortunately I was positively surprised by Christopher Nuttall's The Royal Sorceress, because it turned out to be an entertaining and well written book.
I don't remember reading anything like this before, because Christopher Nuttall has chosen a bit different kind of a way of writing about steampunkish Victorian society. This book can be seen as a fantasy and alternate history story about a woman's place in Victorian society, and the differences between aristocrats and common people. It can also be seen as the growing up story of Gwen.
It's possible that readers may think that this kind of a fantasy book is heavy to read and requires quite a lot of knowledge about history etc, but in this case the story is so entertaining that the reader just has to enjoy it. The author writes fluently about the events and doesn't overwhelm the reader with heavy historical prose. (It is, however, possible that readers who are familiar with historical events will get more out of this book than other readers.)
This book contains plenty of humour. I was a bit surprised by the amount of humour, because usually there isn't much humour in alternate history books. I think it's great that the author has had courage to add humour to the book, because it adds a lot of charm to it. I especially enjoyed reading about the food fight between Gwen and the male apprentices - it was fun.
Here's a bit of information about the plot:
Lady Gwendolyn Crichton (Gwen) is a young lady, who is tired of her mother's attempts to make her a respectable young woman. Gwen is only interested in magic, but unfortunately the society doesn't allow women to use magic. She has all the magic powers that a person can have and that's why Master Thomas (the Royal Sorcerer) and other people become interested in her. When Gwen is asked to become the Royal Sorceress, she's very happy and excited about it, because it feels like all her dreams have finally come true. To her mother's horror, she accepts the proposition and begins her training under Master Thomas. Gwen has to work hard, because she has a lot to learn about magic. She has learned things by herself, but she can't control magic... At the same time Jack tries to bring down the government. He calls himself Captain Swing. He knows how to magic and he controls all the powers just as Gwen does. His actions cause havoc and chaos in London, but he does his actions for the right reasons, because the common people are ruthlessly exploited by those of noble birth...
Christopher Nuttall writes about an interesting alternate Victorian society, because in this book England is different from what it is in real life. Magic plays an important role in the society, and England is one of the ruling nations in the world. The author writes about fascinating "what if" situations (for example, England has won the American War of Independence). I think I'd better not write more about these "what if" situations, because writing more about them would spoil the story.
Although this book is entertaining, it's also - in an entertaining way - a surprisingly shocking vision about a woman's place among powerful men. Women seldom have magical powers and only men are educated to handle magic, because women must be good and obedient wives. It was interesting to read how Gwen felt that she was different from other young women, because she wasn't interested in the same things as other women of her age - she wanted to do something with her life.
I liked the characters very much, because Christopher Nuttall has created realistic characters. Gwen and the other characters are beliavable and they have their own personalities.
I think it's great that Gwen is described as a powerful young woman, who doesn't want to submit to the rules and norms of the male dominated society. She has thoughts and feelings of her own and she wants to do something else than be a mindless and pretty wife to a noble man.
What makes this book especially interesting is that Gwen is the only woman in England who has an amazing amount of magic powers and can control all the talents. These powers make her a potential Royal Sorceress, because she's the only who has as much power as the Royal Sorcerer. Because the Royal Sorcerer is going to retire in the future, Gwen must take his place. (I'll write more about magic after the next couple of paragraphs.)
Jack is also an important character, because he's trying to bring down the government. He is a renegade magician and he has the powers of a Master Magician. Reading about Jack's actions is fun, because he feels that people have to pay for their crimes. If needed, he can use magic as a weapon and knows what he's doing with it.
Gwen's teacher, Master Thomas, is an interesting character, because he teaches Gwen several things and tries to be patient with her actions. Gwen is at times a bit impatient and loses her temper, but Master Thomas tries to show her how to control her temper and powers. He's a wise man who has a lot to offer to Gwen.
The author paints a vivid picture of the social conflict between the common people and the aristocrats, because the rich people shamelessly oppress the poor. He uses the characters and their actions to show what's happening. For example, Gwen is a bit shocked when she realizes how certain things are handled ("out of sight, out of mind" seems to apply to several things).
Christopher Nuttall writes perfectly about the action scenes and all things related to magic. Reading about Gwen's education is fun, because the author explains magical things in an interesting scientific way. There are different talents and most people can only use one talent, but if a person can use all the talents, he/she is a Master. Because Gwen can control all the talents, she's a Master Magician (that's why she was asked to become the Royal Sorceress).
One of the best things in this book is that magic doesn't make a person invincible. People who use magic powers can be arrogant and they can believe that they can't die, but everybody can die. Killing is a skilled magician can be difficult, but it's possible. This is good, because magic and magical powers are often used as deus ex machina and that can be annoying for the reader.
I also enjoyed reading about the author's descriptions of the various places. He writes enthusiastically about the streets of London, houses and palaces. It feels like the reader is really reading about London during the Industrial Revolution, because everything feels genuine (all the filth of the streets and the poverty of the people feels realistic).
Because The Royal Sorceress is the author's debut book, there are a couple of flaws in it, but on the whole it's a fine achievement and definitely worth reading. I have nothing bad to say about it, because I liked the story and the characters.
Christopher Nuttall is currently writing a sequel to The Royal Sorceress, The Great Game, so readers who enjoy this book will soon be able continue reading about the Royal Sorceress. It'll be interesting to see how the author continues the story.
The Royal Sorceress is an excellent fantasy book, which combines fantasy, steampunk and alternate history elements in a successful way. In my opinion it's one of the most interesting and entertaining alternate history books ever written. If you're interested in fantasy, alternate history and magic, you should read this book, because it's good and fun entertainment.
Rating this book was a bit difficult for me, because I couldn't decide if I should give it four or five stars. After careful consideration I decided to give it five stars for its entertainment values, because it was a bit different kind of an alternate history book and it was fun to read about Gwen and her education.
April 28, 2013
I'm finding it difficult to know where to start.
With the blatant ripoff of the MISTBORN series?
The author's obsession with rape?
The banal "romance"?
The one-note characters, and the poor development of said characters?
At least, I was charmed by the appearance of characters from the Sherlock Holmes mythos, even if the detective barely appears himself. The alternate history is fairly well thought out, and the descriptions are very vivid.
With the blatant ripoff of the MISTBORN series?
The author's obsession with rape?
The banal "romance"?
The one-note characters, and the poor development of said characters?
At least, I was charmed by the appearance of characters from the Sherlock Holmes mythos, even if the detective barely appears himself. The alternate history is fairly well thought out, and the descriptions are very vivid.
February 28, 2013
I enjoyed this book tremendously. It has a well paced well written story.
March 29, 2013
A interesting historical AU mixed with some fantasy and steam punk elements even if the later are mostly unimportant.
The way it portrays the British Empire is different to many other is the genre because here it is an oppressive, totalitarian state where magic, or steam punk didn´t really fixed or changed anything within the society.
The female main Character, Gwen, is an noble woman who is idealistic but smart enough to know that the world will never be perfect. It i8s refreshing to see a character who doesn´t start a revolution in the first 100 sites.
Jack, the main antagonist is a crazed idealist hell bent on changing the world. Like any other Fanatic he is willing so sacrifice anything and anybody for it and also seems to think that only he can change anything.
The plot and writing is solid and the ending even manages to be surprising and makes me hope for more.
The way it portrays the British Empire is different to many other is the genre because here it is an oppressive, totalitarian state where magic, or steam punk didn´t really fixed or changed anything within the society.
The female main Character, Gwen, is an noble woman who is idealistic but smart enough to know that the world will never be perfect. It i8s refreshing to see a character who doesn´t start a revolution in the first 100 sites.
Jack, the main antagonist is a crazed idealist hell bent on changing the world. Like any other Fanatic he is willing so sacrifice anything and anybody for it and also seems to think that only he can change anything.
The plot and writing is solid and the ending even manages to be surprising and makes me hope for more.
Did Not Finish
December 28, 2014I couldn't finish this book. I wasn't enjoying the story and most of the characters got on my nerves.
Additionally, there were parts of the setting that just didn't make a lot of sense. For example, it doesn't make sense to me that individuals have a tendency toward specific types of magic, and often come into their powers with no training or effort, and yet magic has only 'existed' for 60 years.
Abandoned 1 October 2014. Just can't set finished date or it counts toward 2014 challenge and I only want to count books I finished.
Additionally, there were parts of the setting that just didn't make a lot of sense. For example, it doesn't make sense to me that individuals have a tendency toward specific types of magic, and often come into their powers with no training or effort, and yet magic has only 'existed' for 60 years.
Abandoned 1 October 2014. Just can't set finished date or it counts toward 2014 challenge and I only want to count books I finished.
March 28, 2014
I came to this book after reading some novels set in the modern magic genre thinking it would be a little lighter, like Harry Potter for girls. I was surprised at how gritty it all got. Fantastic characters, action, and jarring descriptions of the times it was set in.
May 8, 2015
The Royal Sorceress
Once again Christopher Nuttall has outdone himself with this novel. The story moved right along, while being injected with different twists. Very enjoyable from beginning to end. Well done Mr. Nuttall, now onto the next installment.
Once again Christopher Nuttall has outdone himself with this novel. The story moved right along, while being injected with different twists. Very enjoyable from beginning to end. Well done Mr. Nuttall, now onto the next installment.
August 5, 2016
There was huge potential, the world is interesting.
However if magic does not need much schooling at all, its just silly.
Less then 3 month to become the most powerfull woman, even human is just silly.
Then a major issue is solved within 1 minute, from clueless to controlling masses.
However if magic does not need much schooling at all, its just silly.
Less then 3 month to become the most powerfull woman, even human is just silly.
Then a major issue is solved within 1 minute, from clueless to controlling masses.
February 14, 2017
Way too dark for me. Constant reference to sexual abuse and domination of women got old fast.
Agree with Heidi's review: ICK
Agree with Heidi's review: ICK
May 4, 2018
I'm delighted to be reading this series, finally, after having it on my Kindle for the past five or six years. I think I was put off from starting because I don't care for the cover artwork at all. The story itself is far more complex and robust than the cartoonish and childish cover art! It's historical fiction, of a sort, which is a genre I often enjoy. But it's set within an alternative history, one in which the American, French, and Russian revolutions have failed and the British Empire spans the globe, in large part due to its corps of royal sorcerers. As always with Christopher Nuttall, his knowledge of history, politics, military strategy, and social dynamics lends substance and compelling realism to his writing. The result is an interesting and engaging story, thoughtful and thought-provoking. Plenty of twists and turns and challenging scenarios to consider. The characters are flawed but sympathetic. All in all, I found this first book in the series to be quite compelling, and I could hardly put it down. I'm eager to move on to the other books in the series (there are four altogether so far). I will say that this would not be appropriate for younger readers or listeners. It's not graphic or gratuitous, but it does deal frankly and straightforwardly with some fairly mature themes and situations.
June 11, 2024
In this alternate 1830's fantasy adventure Lady Gwendoline Crichton's life is changed when she is made Heir to Master Thomas, Head of the royal Sorcerers Corp. Previously shunned by society, she must forge a new path in a word that sees title ladies wives and daughters. Then her new life is threatened when another Master Magician returns, determined on revolutionising society.
Love the setting, love the history, and am enjoying the characters—although sometimes I question if a 16-17 year old girl would act so maturely coming from a sheltered role into a politically fraught environment. To get around this I image her being a few years older. The magical concept is pretty cool, and I'm enjoying a different perspective on the social history.
The only reason this book didn't make a five, apart from Gwen's age and behaviour, is the repetition of words. I'm listening to this series on audiobook, and I find the use of the same word three or four times in a paragraph rather annoying as it takes me out of the story.
Otherwise a solid read for loves of alternate histories.
Love the setting, love the history, and am enjoying the characters—although sometimes I question if a 16-17 year old girl would act so maturely coming from a sheltered role into a politically fraught environment. To get around this I image her being a few years older. The magical concept is pretty cool, and I'm enjoying a different perspective on the social history.
The only reason this book didn't make a five, apart from Gwen's age and behaviour, is the repetition of words. I'm listening to this series on audiobook, and I find the use of the same word three or four times in a paragraph rather annoying as it takes me out of the story.
Otherwise a solid read for loves of alternate histories.
November 27, 2023
Avoids some of the usual
...problems of this author. The writing mechanics are cleaner (though there's an error for the past tense of 'lead' in the last couple of pages of the book). There are fewer of the abysmal "I..." formulation ('I' have no idea what this character is thinking or what 'I' want her to say, so 'I' will just insert a mindless placeholder).
The author in this series has more sympathy for the downtrodden than in most of his writing, as well as more sympathy for revolutionaries (usually just fodder for his libertarian military leaders).
He comes overly close to a counterfactual slur against Darwin, but just manages to avoid attributing the eugenics faction of the magic wielders to Darwun personally.
Taken altogether a tolerable first entry in what is, in effect, an alternative history of the British Empire. Worth investing in the second volume.
...problems of this author. The writing mechanics are cleaner (though there's an error for the past tense of 'lead' in the last couple of pages of the book). There are fewer of the abysmal "I..." formulation ('I' have no idea what this character is thinking or what 'I' want her to say, so 'I' will just insert a mindless placeholder).
The author in this series has more sympathy for the downtrodden than in most of his writing, as well as more sympathy for revolutionaries (usually just fodder for his libertarian military leaders).
He comes overly close to a counterfactual slur against Darwin, but just manages to avoid attributing the eugenics faction of the magic wielders to Darwun personally.
Taken altogether a tolerable first entry in what is, in effect, an alternative history of the British Empire. Worth investing in the second volume.
May 17, 2019
This was interesting enough to read the next one but lacking something ... and as yet I can't quite work out what. It was just a little pedestrian for a book about magic. But I will update the review when I finish the next one.
It was very ably narrated by a new favourite of mine Zehra Jane Naqvi (I discovered her when I listened to the City Between books by W R Gingell they are awesome). I honestly wonder if she hadn't done such a great job on a 15 hour (!) book whether I would have given up on it.
It was very ably narrated by a new favourite of mine Zehra Jane Naqvi (I discovered her when I listened to the City Between books by W R Gingell they are awesome). I honestly wonder if she hadn't done such a great job on a 15 hour (!) book whether I would have given up on it.
March 16, 2022
Good, but not for younger readers
A slightly different take on magic and a history where England won the revolution. This particular book is not explicit or with graphic violence, BUT other books in the series get quite sexually explicit , so I would not recommend it for younger readers.
A slightly different take on magic and a history where England won the revolution. This particular book is not explicit or with graphic violence, BUT other books in the series get quite sexually explicit , so I would not recommend it for younger readers.
July 10, 2018
Jack was certainly a pivotal character in this first book, but I have to say I didn't like him that much. He had a warped vision of justice... Even though I doubt he was trying for justice, perhaps some kind of retribution? He certainly does like chaos.
March 2, 2025
Very British
So long as one enjoys older customs and misogyny this is a fine story. It feels a bit lost against the stamp of time and progress with so many choices about social norms.
So long as one enjoys older customs and misogyny this is a fine story. It feels a bit lost against the stamp of time and progress with so many choices about social norms.
August 5, 2018
Though I much prefer the Zero Enigma and Schooled in Magic series...it has some merit. It just didn't grip me like those. I am on the fence about re-reading it and trying the sequels.
December 1, 2019
A great but flawed book.
Read
August 9, 2021DNF'd 4%
September 17, 2021
Couldn't get into it. Didn't like the MC.
February 18, 2022
The Royal Sorceress
Plot concept had the basis of a really good book but in reality it promised much and delivered little, really disappointing as it could have been so much more.
Plot concept had the basis of a really good book but in reality it promised much and delivered little, really disappointing as it could have been so much more.
May 10, 2013
Again another 2.5 stars technically. To tell the truth I was nowhere near as engaged with this novel as I really should be, I hardly cared about anyone.
The inclusion of well known fictional creations in the world of the novel I found quite distracting and on occasion a touch infuriating. I'm sure one was meant to be Mary Poppins, but it's the wrong period for her to be about especially if you're going with the film portrayal - though in the world of the novel she probably would exist as a powerful underground/unacknowledged Mover, which is a piece of genius really when you think about it...I digress. There's no reason why not to include these characters, since once you change history in fiction you can pretty much do whatever you like, but since I KNOW those characters exist as fictional elsewhere it means I'm more aware of the implausibility angle. This complaint makes little logical sense I know, but it did contribute to my lack of enthusiasm.
There are a lot of good points about the novel though. Firstly, it's one of the first alternate history novels I've personally read where the past isn't glorified. At all. The whole point of the novel is that society's status quo is grossly unfair and characters are fighting to change that. Exploring what might happen if there had been a British revolution was definitely interesting. Also the magical system was fairly inspired IMO, I can't say how unique it might be but it was reasonably well-defined and thought out. Any gaps could easily be attributed to the in-universe lack of knowledge of the subject, which in itself contributed to the plot.
I'm torn as to whether to bother with the sequel at all. On the one hand Gwen was fairly likeable if bland (and her and Jack's romance seemed rushed if not forced, but we won't have to deal with that in any sequel) and I would like to see how the AU and development of the magical system plays out. On the other, it didn't really grab me and it didn't keep pulling me back to read it outside of lunchtimes at work (when I had no other means of distraction).
The inclusion of well known fictional creations in the world of the novel I found quite distracting and on occasion a touch infuriating. I'm sure one was meant to be Mary Poppins, but it's the wrong period for her to be about especially if you're going with the film portrayal - though in the world of the novel she probably would exist as a powerful underground/unacknowledged Mover, which is a piece of genius really when you think about it...I digress. There's no reason why not to include these characters, since once you change history in fiction you can pretty much do whatever you like, but since I KNOW those characters exist as fictional elsewhere it means I'm more aware of the implausibility angle. This complaint makes little logical sense I know, but it did contribute to my lack of enthusiasm.
There are a lot of good points about the novel though. Firstly, it's one of the first alternate history novels I've personally read where the past isn't glorified. At all. The whole point of the novel is that society's status quo is grossly unfair and characters are fighting to change that. Exploring what might happen if there had been a British revolution was definitely interesting. Also the magical system was fairly inspired IMO, I can't say how unique it might be but it was reasonably well-defined and thought out. Any gaps could easily be attributed to the in-universe lack of knowledge of the subject, which in itself contributed to the plot.
I'm torn as to whether to bother with the sequel at all. On the one hand Gwen was fairly likeable if bland (and her and Jack's romance seemed rushed if not forced, but we won't have to deal with that in any sequel) and I would like to see how the AU and development of the magical system plays out. On the other, it didn't really grab me and it didn't keep pulling me back to read it outside of lunchtimes at work (when I had no other means of distraction).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2025
After a few introductory chapters, this story becomes quite gripping and entertaining on first reading, though I’m not sure how rereadable it’ll turn out to be.
The heroine is clearly a goodie, and some of the characters are clearly baddies, but the good/bad nature of some other significant characters is ambiguous, they have elements of both, which I think is a good thing in a book. Too many novels divide their characters clearly into the good and the bad, and things aren’t that clearcut in real life.
The so-called magic in this book could be better described as supernormal mental powers: no spells or special ingredients are required, just the trained effort of will. I think that both magic and mental powers have been handled better by other writers, but the way it’s done here is adequate, although the mental powers described are rather too powerful for comfort. I think more limited powers make for more interesting fiction, and also seem subjectively more credible.
I like happy endings, so I was relieved to find that this book has a relatively happy ending, although unfortunately I found it implausible. Given the events of the story, I would have expected a messier outcome, with much wrangling over the future of the country.
Politically, the author paints a picture of a sick society of gross inequality, in which the poor have no hope; but he also makes the point that violent revolution tends not to improve the situation. What, then, is the way forward? I think he dodges the issue by handing us an implausibly happy ending.
The writing style is not bad, but lacks the assurance of a seasoned professional. Well, the author is quite young and says himself that he’s improving steadily.
The heroine is clearly a goodie, and some of the characters are clearly baddies, but the good/bad nature of some other significant characters is ambiguous, they have elements of both, which I think is a good thing in a book. Too many novels divide their characters clearly into the good and the bad, and things aren’t that clearcut in real life.
The so-called magic in this book could be better described as supernormal mental powers: no spells or special ingredients are required, just the trained effort of will. I think that both magic and mental powers have been handled better by other writers, but the way it’s done here is adequate, although the mental powers described are rather too powerful for comfort. I think more limited powers make for more interesting fiction, and also seem subjectively more credible.
I like happy endings, so I was relieved to find that this book has a relatively happy ending, although unfortunately I found it implausible. Given the events of the story, I would have expected a messier outcome, with much wrangling over the future of the country.
Politically, the author paints a picture of a sick society of gross inequality, in which the poor have no hope; but he also makes the point that violent revolution tends not to improve the situation. What, then, is the way forward? I think he dodges the issue by handing us an implausibly happy ending.
The writing style is not bad, but lacks the assurance of a seasoned professional. Well, the author is quite young and says himself that he’s improving steadily.
February 29, 2016
While it was mostly good, I did take exception to a few details. Since magic was only discovered 60 years prior to time of the story, the structure of society would not have gone that far backwards in that time span. Alt History should bear a certain resemblance to the time it is set. Magic would have been discovered a few years before the birth of Jane Austen. Women of the main characters social class would have has more choice in their selection for a husband than the author describes. That rather grated on my nerves. There were a few other, minor details, that seemed as if the author thought he was at least 100 years farther back. Another thing that bothered me was that the book was being described as 'steampunk' as well. But it seemed the only thing in it that was 'steampunkish' was the airship. But airships were an actuality so throwing one in does not make something steampunk. The first few pages were somewhat dull and boring and I wondered if I made a mistake but the book quickly picked up the pace and became very interesting after that. I really enjoyed the rest of it I do recommend reading it. I have loved other books by this author and his Series tend to get better and better with every book he writes. So I have high hopes for the next title in this series.
January 9, 2014
This takes place in Sherlock Holmes London with magic. Most magicians only have one of the eleven talents. Five people have had master level abilities. Two are dead, and one, Jack, is determined to use his powers and allies to create a revolt of the poor. Master Thomas, leader of the magicians and already in his eighties needs an heir and the only candidate is a woman, Lady Gwendolyn Crichton whose mother deplores her magical abilities as ruining her for marriage. As Jack starts a killing spree and starts importing rifles for his revolution, Gwendolyn has to learn how to use her magical talents as potentially The Royal Sorceress (ebook) In the end with the poor in control of London, Master Thomas’s solution to regaining control is so horrible that switching sides might be an option. Again I was impressed with the solid page-turning ending. Review printed in the Philadelphia Weekly Press
August 20, 2014
Nice find if you're looking for fantasy targeted at teen girls, where the focus of the story is NOT about a female character's destined love with a supernatural hottie. Nuttall hides societal commentary and philosophical ideals within his story set in historic London, but with magic. We have a smart girl coming of age and fighting for respect in a male-dominated society.
Quick, interesting read. Typos and other editing errors are minor drawbacks, which mark down the rating in my eyes.
Quick, interesting read. Typos and other editing errors are minor drawbacks, which mark down the rating in my eyes.
August 28, 2013
this was pretty good. moves fast, cleanly written, certainly a more novel use of a female coming-of-age scenario in alt-history than someone running around on airships in a leather corset.
i am guilty of having delayed reading this for so long on my kindle "bought but will eventually read" list partly because of the cover, though.
i am guilty of having delayed reading this for so long on my kindle "bought but will eventually read" list partly because of the cover, though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2013
I really liked this book. It's not overly long, and takes place in a relatively short period of time.
I think the world was well thought out, and the characters reasonably thought out. Though they do have a predictably limited depth, meaning you are not surprised by the characters actions.
I think the world was well thought out, and the characters reasonably thought out. Though they do have a predictably limited depth, meaning you are not surprised by the characters actions.
June 15, 2013
I really liked this! It was a nice steampunk/jane austen world with a great female main character and an interesting world. kind of french revolution meets a good magic fantasy novel.
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