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Mairelon #2
Magician's Ward
Kim discovers that magic can be harder than it looks, but before frustration can drive her mad, someone attempts to burgle the Merrill townhouse, and Kim learns that her abilities as a magician and a lady have become a matter of life and death.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 1997
23 people are currently reading
2902 people want to read
About the author
Patricia C. Wrede
67 books3,998 followersPatricia Collins Wrede was born in Chicago, Illinois and is the eldest of five children. She started writing in seventh grade. She attended Carleton College in Minnesota, where she majored in Biology and managed to avoid taking any English courses at all. She began work on her first novel, Shadow Magic, just after graduating from college in 1974. She finished it five years later and started her second book at once, having become permanently hooked on writing by this time.
Patricia received her M.B.A. from the University of Minnesota in 1977.
She worked for several years as a financial analyst and accountant, first with the Minnesota Hospital Association, then with B. Dalton Booksellers, and finally at the Dayton Hudson Corporation headquarters.
Patricia finished her first novel in late 1978. In January, 1980, Pamela Dean, Emma Bull, Will Shetterly, Steven Brust, Nate Bucklin, and Patricia Wrede -- all, at that point, hopeful but unpublished -- formed the writer's group that later became known as "The Scribblies." Several years later, they were joined by Kara Dalkey. In April of 1980, Patricia's first novel sold to Ace Books. It came out at last in 1982, which is the year she met Lillian Stewart Carl (who introduced her to Lois McMaster Bujold by mail).
In 1985, shortly before the publication of her fifth book, she left the world of the gainfully employed to try winging it on her own.
Her interests include sewing, embroidery, desultory attempts at gardening, chocolate, not mowing the lawn, High Tea, and, of course, reading.
She is a vegetarian, and currently lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota with her cat Karma. She has no children.
Patricia received her M.B.A. from the University of Minnesota in 1977.
She worked for several years as a financial analyst and accountant, first with the Minnesota Hospital Association, then with B. Dalton Booksellers, and finally at the Dayton Hudson Corporation headquarters.
Patricia finished her first novel in late 1978. In January, 1980, Pamela Dean, Emma Bull, Will Shetterly, Steven Brust, Nate Bucklin, and Patricia Wrede -- all, at that point, hopeful but unpublished -- formed the writer's group that later became known as "The Scribblies." Several years later, they were joined by Kara Dalkey. In April of 1980, Patricia's first novel sold to Ace Books. It came out at last in 1982, which is the year she met Lillian Stewart Carl (who introduced her to Lois McMaster Bujold by mail).
In 1985, shortly before the publication of her fifth book, she left the world of the gainfully employed to try winging it on her own.
Her interests include sewing, embroidery, desultory attempts at gardening, chocolate, not mowing the lawn, High Tea, and, of course, reading.
She is a vegetarian, and currently lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota with her cat Karma. She has no children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 250 reviews
August 23, 2018
Re-read August 2018
Original review, January 2017
Georgette Heyer meets Diana Wynne Jones (though without quite the ridiculously wild shenanigans/characters and not as uproariously funny, yet still amusing in its own right) in a Jonathan-Strange-esque historical fantasy setting. Basically, this is a Regency Romance with magic. How delightful is that? :D
It’s technically a sequel... but I got along just fine without having read the first book (titled Mairelon the Magician).
Our heroine, Kim, is a former street thief, who used to live on the streets of London, masquerading as a boy, and now lives in a fine house in London as the ward of Richard Merrill, a.k.a. Mairelon the Magician. Apparently the first book is about how they met. Mairelon is an upstanding gentleman (not to mention a somewhat young, handsome, and rich one, and therefore not ineligible) who, oh yes, also happens to be a magician.
The enjoyments of this novel include:
+ Getting to see a girl who lived most of her life as a street-thief try to fit well enough into Polite Society (think Jane Austen heroines) so that Mairelon’s Aunt Agatha won’t have a fit at her being improper (hint: Kim isn’t always trying, plus she has bad habits of talking in street-thief slang, so this does not always go well), while also being Mairelon’s apprentice and learning magic and trying to look after him in her way, while trying to solve a mystery.
+ Being immersed in the alternate history Regency setting, where magic is an established part of the world and it all makes total sense, and makes for a very fun read.
+ A mystery which kept me puzzled right through, involving an attempted-burglary in the house library, mysterious books, unusual magics, and suspense about various magical goings-on.
+ Mairelon himself, a character I took to at once and adopted into my “favorites” category. He reminded me somewhat of a slightly tamer version of Chrestomanci or Howl (likely because he’s a magician), and his cleverly cutting words where he manages to be impolite without seeming so (sometimes) were simply a joy. You can see he doesn’t really always care what Polite Society (so-called, as he says) thinks of him, but has to tread the line carefully so as to not utterly scandalize his aunt. MAIRELON IS AWESOME. That is all. <3
+ Kim and Mairelon together are fabulous too. I will spoil nothing, but they’re great. :D
+ Other characters, who include Hunch the loyal and grouchy manservant, a Russian Prince, some French magicians, and Mairelon’s mother who’s a fascinating character in her own right.
+ Humor and fun dialog too. <3
Really, I don’t know what else to say. It’s a Regency Romance with fantasy, fun characters, and—oh yes—it’s by Patricia C. Wrede, who wrote the amazingness that is the Enchanted Forest Chronicles (Searching for Dragons being one of my top-favorite books ever).
Jane-Austen-with-magic-and-mystery-and-cutting-dialog-and-Mairelon.
What more need be said?
Fantasy Regency Romance should be a thing. I had no idea I was missing it, but now I need more of it in my life.
Original review, January 2017
Georgette Heyer meets Diana Wynne Jones (though without quite the ridiculously wild shenanigans/characters and not as uproariously funny, yet still amusing in its own right) in a Jonathan-Strange-esque historical fantasy setting. Basically, this is a Regency Romance with magic. How delightful is that? :D
It’s technically a sequel... but I got along just fine without having read the first book (titled Mairelon the Magician).
Our heroine, Kim, is a former street thief, who used to live on the streets of London, masquerading as a boy, and now lives in a fine house in London as the ward of Richard Merrill, a.k.a. Mairelon the Magician. Apparently the first book is about how they met. Mairelon is an upstanding gentleman (not to mention a somewhat young, handsome, and rich one, and therefore not ineligible) who, oh yes, also happens to be a magician.
The enjoyments of this novel include:
+ Getting to see a girl who lived most of her life as a street-thief try to fit well enough into Polite Society (think Jane Austen heroines) so that Mairelon’s Aunt Agatha won’t have a fit at her being improper (hint: Kim isn’t always trying, plus she has bad habits of talking in street-thief slang, so this does not always go well), while also being Mairelon’s apprentice and learning magic and trying to look after him in her way, while trying to solve a mystery.
+ Being immersed in the alternate history Regency setting, where magic is an established part of the world and it all makes total sense, and makes for a very fun read.
+ A mystery which kept me puzzled right through, involving an attempted-burglary in the house library, mysterious books, unusual magics, and suspense about various magical goings-on.
+ Mairelon himself, a character I took to at once and adopted into my “favorites” category. He reminded me somewhat of a slightly tamer version of Chrestomanci or Howl (likely because he’s a magician), and his cleverly cutting words where he manages to be impolite without seeming so (sometimes) were simply a joy. You can see he doesn’t really always care what Polite Society (so-called, as he says) thinks of him, but has to tread the line carefully so as to not utterly scandalize his aunt. MAIRELON IS AWESOME. That is all. <3
+ Kim and Mairelon together are fabulous too. I will spoil nothing, but they’re great. :D
+ Other characters, who include Hunch the loyal and grouchy manservant, a Russian Prince, some French magicians, and Mairelon’s mother who’s a fascinating character in her own right.
+ Humor and fun dialog too. <3
Really, I don’t know what else to say. It’s a Regency Romance with fantasy, fun characters, and—oh yes—it’s by Patricia C. Wrede, who wrote the amazingness that is the Enchanted Forest Chronicles (Searching for Dragons being one of my top-favorite books ever).
Jane-Austen-with-magic-and-mystery-and-cutting-dialog-and-Mairelon.
What more need be said?
Fantasy Regency Romance should be a thing. I had no idea I was missing it, but now I need more of it in my life.
September 9, 2023
2023 Review
Not quite as wonderful as I originally say, but still fun. The combo of this book and Mairelon the Magician remind me a bit of Crown Duel. I prefer the political intrigue and drama, but to get there, you have to read the more traditional adventure story.
Still a good time.
2018 Review
This book was excellent and carried with it all the originality I was seeking in the first one. Kim is now a magician's apprentice and ward, and so acceptable to polite society. Besides her magic lessons, she must handle her debut and endless social calls and niceties. But a singularly inept burglar suddenly brings her past back and she must work with Mairelon to save her old friends...
Perhaps because I've read/listened to so many crappy Regency novels recently, I particularly appreciated the way the author sets up the romance. It felt so right. So satisfying. I'm going to re-read this one.
Great intrigue, less absurdities, and developed characters make this an immensely delightful read.
Not quite as wonderful as I originally say, but still fun. The combo of this book and Mairelon the Magician remind me a bit of Crown Duel. I prefer the political intrigue and drama, but to get there, you have to read the more traditional adventure story.
Still a good time.
2018 Review
This book was excellent and carried with it all the originality I was seeking in the first one. Kim is now a magician's apprentice and ward, and so acceptable to polite society. Besides her magic lessons, she must handle her debut and endless social calls and niceties. But a singularly inept burglar suddenly brings her past back and she must work with Mairelon to save her old friends...
Perhaps because I've read/listened to so many crappy Regency novels recently, I particularly appreciated the way the author sets up the romance. It felt so right. So satisfying. I'm going to re-read this one.
Great intrigue, less absurdities, and developed characters make this an immensely delightful read.
January 22, 2011
I don't think I would have rated this book near so high if I had not read Mairelon the Magician. Because, really, Mairelon the Magician does all the heavy lifting.
First off, there is very limited character development. No one grows or changes. Nothing new is introduced. What you have at the start of the book is pretty much what you have at the end. Except that now the two main leads are in love.
Which leads us to the romantic relationship between Kim and Mairelon. OMG, so weak. And I *wanted* them to get together. I have wanted it from the start. Because in Mairelon the Magician there is all this tension and pauses and room for growth. It's there, the connection between them. It jumps right off the page and smacks you in the face. So I went into Magician's Ward eager for it. But then... nothing.
The set up is so overplayed. A girl is launched into society. A boy, who has been very close to her but never really thought of her that way, suddenly sees her in a new and different light. Mainly helped by the fact that other boys are interested in her. There is a proposal, not from the boy we are all rooting for. Said boy panics, thinking for sure that he has lost his chance with his love, and then the big reveal: the girl has loved him all along. *yawn* I've read that a million times before. And, unfortunately, a million times better done as well.
It's not Wrede's writing that is at fault, because that is as engaging and charming as ever. It what actually happens in the story. Or doesn't. Because Mairelon isn't around most of the book and brooding and unhappy when he is. And the whole mysterious-for-the-sake-of-being-mysterious thing. Which, btw, worked brilliantly in Mairelon the Magician, falls completely flat here. Kim and Mairelon have been living and working together for a year. A year. And they have fallen in love with each other, though at the start neither realizes it yet. But still all the drama about what can and can't be shared and where Kim can and can't go. I don't know, as a reader I just expect that things have changed in the time that has passed. That boundaries have soften and the trust that was established at the end of Mairelon the Magician would translate into more open and honest communication between them.
I came into this book all sorts of excited, wanting to watch as the romance unfolded between Kim and Mairelon. I was invested in them as characters. Interested in what they had been up to and happy to be once again in their world. And I ended the book with a vague sense of dissatisfaction and no interest whatsoever in what may or may not happen next.
First off, there is very limited character development. No one grows or changes. Nothing new is introduced. What you have at the start of the book is pretty much what you have at the end. Except that now the two main leads are in love.
Which leads us to the romantic relationship between Kim and Mairelon. OMG, so weak. And I *wanted* them to get together. I have wanted it from the start. Because in Mairelon the Magician there is all this tension and pauses and room for growth. It's there, the connection between them. It jumps right off the page and smacks you in the face. So I went into Magician's Ward eager for it. But then... nothing.
The set up is so overplayed. A girl is launched into society. A boy, who has been very close to her but never really thought of her that way, suddenly sees her in a new and different light. Mainly helped by the fact that other boys are interested in her. There is a proposal, not from the boy we are all rooting for. Said boy panics, thinking for sure that he has lost his chance with his love, and then the big reveal: the girl has loved him all along. *yawn* I've read that a million times before. And, unfortunately, a million times better done as well.
It's not Wrede's writing that is at fault, because that is as engaging and charming as ever. It what actually happens in the story. Or doesn't. Because Mairelon isn't around most of the book and brooding and unhappy when he is. And the whole mysterious-for-the-sake-of-being-mysterious thing. Which, btw, worked brilliantly in Mairelon the Magician, falls completely flat here. Kim and Mairelon have been living and working together for a year. A year. And they have fallen in love with each other, though at the start neither realizes it yet. But still all the drama about what can and can't be shared and where Kim can and can't go. I don't know, as a reader I just expect that things have changed in the time that has passed. That boundaries have soften and the trust that was established at the end of Mairelon the Magician would translate into more open and honest communication between them.
I came into this book all sorts of excited, wanting to watch as the romance unfolded between Kim and Mairelon. I was invested in them as characters. Interested in what they had been up to and happy to be once again in their world. And I ended the book with a vague sense of dissatisfaction and no interest whatsoever in what may or may not happen next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2015
Well, I liked this more than the first. I liked the trapping of the Season. (I wish more of the Regency romances focused on the actual season!) But the plot wasn't great for me. And the romance didn't work for me and if you don't have that, then what's the bother of reading!?!?
Now I am sad and need a good book. Too many "thought I'd like"'s these last few days.
Now I am sad and need a good book. Too many "thought I'd like"'s these last few days.
August 3, 2020
This is one of my favorite Regency romances, and one of the books that created a craving for more Regency fantasy (there isn't much, sadly). It's pure fun, but not the confectionery sugar kind: more the kind with peanuts, something substantial and sweet. The intrigue is, like the first book, twisting and convoluted and potentially deadly for everyone involved, and it never feels like an afterthought. But the part of the story that fascinated me was Kit's constant struggle to try to fit in with Society. Unlike the heroines of many similar books, she has a real reason for being an outsider, but this also gives her a real understanding of the ramifications. It's incredibly difficult for her, and she doesn't want to be a lady anyway, but she knows what the danger is to herself and to Mairelon if she fails. Her honest desire to find a place for herself and to understand who she is now that so much has changed make her so charming that when gentlemen begin to fall in love with her, I can't help but share their sentiments. Her genuine surprise at this makes her even more likable. Like Kit herself, this is a charming, lovable book which gives a new perspective on the legendary Regency haut ton.
January 14, 2013
I'm not really one to use the phrase "delightful romp" and mean it, but I feel it's rather the case in this book. Unlike some of her other novels, this book is more of a story of gentry and Society - and, of course, Kim's coming out- than one of magic and mayhem, though there's a bit of that thrown in, too. If you're looking for mystical adventures, you should look somewhere else. If you'd like instead a sort of coming of age story of a female magician in Society, then you're rather in the right place (and I recommend the Enchanted Chocolate Pot as a next step).
No, there's not much character development. The focus is more on the relationships and courtings of a Londoner debutante than on character development... The first in the Mairelon series can tell you how they got here. This book is what happens after.
Also, if you're looking to find out what happened to the other pieces of the set from the first novel, you won't find them here. Save yourself the disappointment if that's all you want and find
No, there's not much character development. The focus is more on the relationships and courtings of a Londoner debutante than on character development... The first in the Mairelon series can tell you how they got here. This book is what happens after.
Also, if you're looking to find out what happened to the other pieces of the set from the first novel, you won't find them here. Save yourself the disappointment if that's all you want and find
May 15, 2009
Kim struggles simultaneously with her education in magic, adjusting to a new social class, discovering (and foiling) an evil plot, and falling in love with her mentor.
A good book, but lacking the originality of the first volume. I wish so many authors didn't feel that they must add romance to every story.
A good book, but lacking the originality of the first volume. I wish so many authors didn't feel that they must add romance to every story.
September 7, 2017
Once, just once, I would love to read a fantasy novel featuring an older male magician and his younger female protege in which they don't get together at the end.
This is not that fantasy novel, but is still an enjoyable read.
This is not that fantasy novel, but is still an enjoyable read.
November 15, 2017
Дълго отлагана книга, защото предишната не ме грабна. Тази е по-добра обаче.
Малката Ким вече година тренира под ръководството на опекуна си как да бъде магьосник и дама. Докато текат приготовленията по инициацията ѝ във висшето лондонско общество, съпътствани с всички необходими маниерни гафове, в къщата влиза крадец, който търси нещо определено. Заформя се приятна мистерия, включваща съкровище на древни магьосници, френска чародейка, руски принц, лондонски контета и главорези и много магия. Ким и Маейрлон трябва да лавират между бандитските квартали, бутиците за дрехи, университета по магия и баловете на отбраното общество, за да я разрешат. Завръзката беше чудесна и дори имаше проблясък на „маниерен пънк“ за капак на приятната жанрова мешавица. А, и на края двамата главни герои много сладко осъзнават, че са лапнали един по друг и всичко свършва с фойерверки.
Отново имаше много сленг и много викториански кич, които одобрявам.
Малката Ким вече година тренира под ръководството на опекуна си как да бъде магьосник и дама. Докато текат приготовленията по инициацията ѝ във висшето лондонско общество, съпътствани с всички необходими маниерни гафове, в къщата влиза крадец, който търси нещо определено. Заформя се приятна мистерия, включваща съкровище на древни магьосници, френска чародейка, руски принц, лондонски контета и главорези и много магия. Ким и Маейрлон трябва да лавират между бандитските квартали, бутиците за дрехи, университета по магия и баловете на отбраното общество, за да я разрешат. Завръзката беше чудесна и дори имаше проблясък на „маниерен пънк“ за капак на приятната жанрова мешавица. А, и на края двамата главни герои много сладко осъзнават, че са лапнали един по друг и всичко свършва с фойерверки.
Отново имаше много сленг и много викториански кич, които одобрявам.
March 2, 2009
Kim has played the part of a thieving boy for most of her life, hiding her gender being the safer alternative to revealing herself as a girl in the dark underbelly of Regency London. But she knows this career path will soon come to an end, as at seventeen she is quickly outgrowing her disguise. When a job leads her into Mairelon the magician’s wagon, she finds real magic and an opportunity to become someone new.
Following Mairelon as he flees from the city, she quickly finds herself lost in a plot of stolen magic artifacts and aristocratic intrigues. Soon she’ll have to give up the freedom of being a boy forever and try to figure out who she really is, so that she can become Mairelon’s student and enter London Society as a real magician. But being a girl brings new problems, marriage proposals, and a definite notion that nothing fun also falls under the heading of being Proper.
I’m reviewing these two books together, because odds are the easiest copy of the books to find is the combined version. Really, I think they work much better together, as the first ends with an incomplete feeling (all right, fine, that’s code for no real romance). In addition, I liked the second book, Magician’s Ward, much better, but I think you need to start with the first book, Mairelon the Magician.
In essence, reading these books is pretty much just like reading Sorcery and Cecelia, except with different characters and plot. The feeling and world are the same, and while I can’t find anything that says the books all take place in the same world, they easily could. In fact, how magic is treated in the worlds, history, etc., all seems to be pretty much the same, except in Sorcery and Cecelia magicians create focuses, which is at least never mentioned in the Mairelon books. What all this means is if you haven’t read these yet and love Sorcery and Cecelia, these might need to be next on your to-be-read list.
Read more of my review and past reviews at Bookwyrm Chrysalis
Following Mairelon as he flees from the city, she quickly finds herself lost in a plot of stolen magic artifacts and aristocratic intrigues. Soon she’ll have to give up the freedom of being a boy forever and try to figure out who she really is, so that she can become Mairelon’s student and enter London Society as a real magician. But being a girl brings new problems, marriage proposals, and a definite notion that nothing fun also falls under the heading of being Proper.
I’m reviewing these two books together, because odds are the easiest copy of the books to find is the combined version. Really, I think they work much better together, as the first ends with an incomplete feeling (all right, fine, that’s code for no real romance). In addition, I liked the second book, Magician’s Ward, much better, but I think you need to start with the first book, Mairelon the Magician.
In essence, reading these books is pretty much just like reading Sorcery and Cecelia, except with different characters and plot. The feeling and world are the same, and while I can’t find anything that says the books all take place in the same world, they easily could. In fact, how magic is treated in the worlds, history, etc., all seems to be pretty much the same, except in Sorcery and Cecelia magicians create focuses, which is at least never mentioned in the Mairelon books. What all this means is if you haven’t read these yet and love Sorcery and Cecelia, these might need to be next on your to-be-read list.
Read more of my review and past reviews at Bookwyrm Chrysalis
June 26, 2016
Извините, но у меня сейчас настолько сожран мозг, что мне необходимо пару дней, чтобы ходить в обнимку с айпадом, перечитывать и немножечко орать. Потом, возможно, я расскажу вам о том, насколько эта дилогия прекрасна.
April 18, 2007
The sequal to Maeirlon (spelling?) the magician. I am a sucker for romance so this book appeals to me more as the developing romance between M. and kim. Again this duet is some of my favorite books.
October 19, 2018
Re-read the last book for about the zillionth time. XD
December 17, 2020
I vaguely remember not being impressed by the first book in this series.
I was therefore surprised how much I liked this book.
The main character, Kim, is getting used to living with her guardian Mairelon. She is learning magic and getting used to living among the gentry.
An unknown enemy seems to be stealing magic from wizards, placing both Kim and her guardian in a precarious position.
It's funny and riveting. I really sympathized with Kim.
Great book!
I was therefore surprised how much I liked this book.
The main character, Kim, is getting used to living with her guardian Mairelon. She is learning magic and getting used to living among the gentry.
An unknown enemy seems to be stealing magic from wizards, placing both Kim and her guardian in a precarious position.
It's funny and riveting. I really sympathized with Kim.
Great book!
August 27, 2019
if you’re in the mood for something light-hearted, filled with some good old romping fun, a cascade of tropes, or as our heroine puts it “something out of the drury lane comedy” i think you'll like this duology as much as i did. i feel like the first book reads like a middle-grade while this one is more young-adult, i guess. but it overall made me feel like a child again, giddy with excitement over how will our heroine take on this regency, magic-filled adventure.
November 4, 2020
Just as enjoyable as the first book! I liked seeing how Kim tried to be proper, but of course failed.
TW/CW:
violence, sexism (challenged), death.
TW/CW:
violence, sexism (challenged), death.
July 31, 2015
Well, at least I can say this is a faithful follow-up to the first novel in the series, "Mairelon the Magician." Once again, this story stars Kim, the street urchin who teamed up with Mairelon in the previous book, but it is set one year later, after a year of learning magic and reading (apparently, just those two subjects- she isn't any better with grammar etc.) after becoming Mairelon's ward in the last book. This book mainly focuses on a mystery that occurs just as Kim is being introduced into society.
In tone, this is mostly the same as the first, a mystery dealt with almost casually, as developments only occur when it is convenient for the MCs, it seems. Also, Kim was no more likable- perhaps less so, as she continually, almost illogically resisted Society (despite being a ward for a year and it being pretty obvious that A) there was no getting out of it, and B) it would discredit Mairelon and co. besides). In fact, despite the "mystery" going on, the book mainly focuses on Kim being forced to go *gasp* shopping and socializing. The horror! I mean, I understand to an extent her nervousness and such, but after a while I got tired of her continual recalcitrance. Really, you can't make any friends? Nobody but Mairelon?
The mystery was really pretty trivial, and honestly, like I said, the book didn't focus too much on it. Yes, it was always there, but it progressed slowly, interrupted by the shopping, dancing, and dinner parties, as well as the "search for a husband." In the end, like the last book, the characters spent a good deal of time discussing with the antagonist exactly why he felt driven to carry out his nefarious scheme, and he considerately explains. Ouch. One time, I can excuse, but two books in a row?
Finally, the part that bugged me the most, and this is spoiler, so watch out... it has to do with Kim's "chosen love"...
All in all, I wouldn't recommend this book, or really this series, although the first book is slightly better than this. IF you're looking for 1800s/1900s England mixed with magic, I would recommend Diana Wynne Jones' Chrestomanci books, mainly "Charmed Life" and "The Lives of Christopher Chant." Believe me, it'll be a better read.
(Unfortunate, since I really enjoyed Wrede's Enchanted Forest Chronicles.)
In tone, this is mostly the same as the first, a mystery dealt with almost casually, as developments only occur when it is convenient for the MCs, it seems. Also, Kim was no more likable- perhaps less so, as she continually, almost illogically resisted Society (despite being a ward for a year and it being pretty obvious that A) there was no getting out of it, and B) it would discredit Mairelon and co. besides). In fact, despite the "mystery" going on, the book mainly focuses on Kim being forced to go *gasp* shopping and socializing. The horror! I mean, I understand to an extent her nervousness and such, but after a while I got tired of her continual recalcitrance. Really, you can't make any friends? Nobody but Mairelon?
The mystery was really pretty trivial, and honestly, like I said, the book didn't focus too much on it. Yes, it was always there, but it progressed slowly, interrupted by the shopping, dancing, and dinner parties, as well as the "search for a husband." In the end, like the last book, the characters spent a good deal of time discussing with the antagonist exactly why he felt driven to carry out his nefarious scheme, and he considerately explains. Ouch. One time, I can excuse, but two books in a row?
Finally, the part that bugged me the most, and this is spoiler, so watch out... it has to do with Kim's "chosen love"...
All in all, I wouldn't recommend this book, or really this series, although the first book is slightly better than this. IF you're looking for 1800s/1900s England mixed with magic, I would recommend Diana Wynne Jones' Chrestomanci books, mainly "Charmed Life" and "The Lives of Christopher Chant." Believe me, it'll be a better read.
(Unfortunate, since I really enjoyed Wrede's Enchanted Forest Chronicles.)
April 9, 2018
I should confess that I read this without reading the first of the series, and was definitely aware of it via the literary tricks to remind the reader what happened. References to the first book show up constantly. With that said, the book's slowness allowed me to get my bearings, mid-story. It also dragged. It lacked energy, speed, and excitement. Frankly, it felt like a trial run for Wrede's later collaboration, Sorcery & Cecelia: or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot.
I feel uncomfortable because I so wanted to enjoy this book and yet I felt apathetic. It's certainly an interesting portrait of London society, but as I said, Sorcery and Cecelia accomplishes that to a greater degree, with more humor, more absurdity, more strange customs, and more reason. The portrait of London reminded me of Enola Holmes (The Case of the Missing Marquess) most strongly, a book which (though set perhaps a half-century later) conveys a greater sense of the highs and lows of British society. This one shows off its thorough research a bit too much. It doesn't hold a candle to the originality of Wrede's Dealing with Dragons. Unfortunately, this is simply not her best work. But I might re-read Sorcery and Cecelia soon . . . this is such a good reminder of how much I love that book.
I feel uncomfortable because I so wanted to enjoy this book and yet I felt apathetic. It's certainly an interesting portrait of London society, but as I said, Sorcery and Cecelia accomplishes that to a greater degree, with more humor, more absurdity, more strange customs, and more reason. The portrait of London reminded me of Enola Holmes (The Case of the Missing Marquess) most strongly, a book which (though set perhaps a half-century later) conveys a greater sense of the highs and lows of British society. This one shows off its thorough research a bit too much. It doesn't hold a candle to the originality of Wrede's Dealing with Dragons. Unfortunately, this is simply not her best work. But I might re-read Sorcery and Cecelia soon . . . this is such a good reminder of how much I love that book.
June 11, 2013
The sequel to Mairelon the Magician. Spoilers for that ahead.
Kim finds London, magic lessons, the prospects of a Season, and Mairelon's aunt who is effectively her chaperon much more tedious than she expected when she agreed to become his war. Though when she hears noises in the night, and goes to investigate, she not only finds a burglar, but one who is using magic. Attempting to track down what he was interested in, in the library and elsewhere, leads to more complications. A friend of Kim's from her old days warns her of a danger. And Aunt Agatha's attempt to throw Kim into society and marry her off lead to Mairelon's jesting about her having a coming-out ball and Renee D'Auber's explaining that, actually, a formal Season would in many respects be the best thing for both of them.
And the story winds onward through intrigues, involving a Russian prince, a magician who drowned at sea, illusions other than climbing roses, a money-lender unaccustomed to the Quality when they are not looking for money, opera, the trick to why magic needs fancy languages, and a burglary at a hotel. Among other things.
Kim finds London, magic lessons, the prospects of a Season, and Mairelon's aunt who is effectively her chaperon much more tedious than she expected when she agreed to become his war. Though when she hears noises in the night, and goes to investigate, she not only finds a burglar, but one who is using magic. Attempting to track down what he was interested in, in the library and elsewhere, leads to more complications. A friend of Kim's from her old days warns her of a danger. And Aunt Agatha's attempt to throw Kim into society and marry her off lead to Mairelon's jesting about her having a coming-out ball and Renee D'Auber's explaining that, actually, a formal Season would in many respects be the best thing for both of them.
And the story winds onward through intrigues, involving a Russian prince, a magician who drowned at sea, illusions other than climbing roses, a money-lender unaccustomed to the Quality when they are not looking for money, opera, the trick to why magic needs fancy languages, and a burglary at a hotel. Among other things.
February 8, 2014
n this sequel to Mairelon the Magician, Kim is back, this time as Mairelon's ward, and facing the previously unknown horrors of London Society! Kim enjoys her magic lessons with Mairelon but dreads Society. Chaperoned by Mairelon's strict aunt and eccentric mother, Kim is unprepared for Society's reaction to their newest debutante. She tries to appeal to her guardian, but he is mostly interested in the mysterious nighttime prowler who is attempting to steal a rare, magical book from his library. When something terrible happens, Kim must draw on her newfound magical knowledge, as well as her old street smarts to solve the mystery and save her guardian. Romance lovers will also be delighted to learn that there's time in her busy schedule for courtship and perhaps romance as well. This sequel is every bit as good as the original. It's more of a straightforward period/fantasy mystery than screwball comedy, but there are lighthearted moments. Kim is even more interesting now that she's a wizard and Mairelon is just as charming as ever.
October 24, 2012
This is the second book in Patricia Wrede's Mairelon Series. I thought this book was only slightly better than the first in that I managed to read the entire thing with out skimming and skipping pages. I am not surprised that there is no third book in this series. When I got near the end I couldn't wait for it to over so I could start something better. I liked how the plot in this story was a little more complex than that in the first book, when we were meeting 50 different characters to just find a silver magical platter. This plot had a coming of age story, a romance and a magical mystery, but it just wasn't enough for me. The romance didn't have me with butterflies in my stomach, the coming of age story didn't inspire any moments of nostalgia and even the magic left something to be desired. I was not impressed with magical protecting wards or conjured balls of light. How boring!
So glad it's over.
So glad it's over.
April 20, 2023
*Spoiler free*
“I most certainly can deny it. Of course, if I did, I'd be lying."
I had 40ish pages left to go and I couldn’t finish. I was bored. It gives off 90’s vibes making it difficult to get passed some of the language because it really didn’t age well. Yes, I was born in the early 90’s and I can say that.
This is the part where I should probably tell you that this is book two in the “series,” and I felt lost the whole time. None of these characters develop throughout the story. Nothing major happens and half the time I couldn’t understand the slang talk the main character chatters in. It’s like a really awful New York accent mixed with made up words.
My best friend really loves this one and I feel bad for tearing it up into shreds, but I’ve been spoiled by newer books where the fantasy genre has taken off completely well.
I will be donating this to my little free library, in the hopes someone will find a new found favorite!
“I most certainly can deny it. Of course, if I did, I'd be lying."
I had 40ish pages left to go and I couldn’t finish. I was bored. It gives off 90’s vibes making it difficult to get passed some of the language because it really didn’t age well. Yes, I was born in the early 90’s and I can say that.
This is the part where I should probably tell you that this is book two in the “series,” and I felt lost the whole time. None of these characters develop throughout the story. Nothing major happens and half the time I couldn’t understand the slang talk the main character chatters in. It’s like a really awful New York accent mixed with made up words.
My best friend really loves this one and I feel bad for tearing it up into shreds, but I’ve been spoiled by newer books where the fantasy genre has taken off completely well.
I will be donating this to my little free library, in the hopes someone will find a new found favorite!
January 29, 2011
I liked this book A LOT better than its predecessor. Namely because Kim takes control early on and doesn't let go. She gets angry when Mairelon tries to boss her around, and she admits that she'd rather end up on the street than be controlled by someone else. In another book that would end with her admitting that she needs Mairelon and should give into his wishes. Thank god this is not that book.
Instead it becomes more about both of them becoming willing to trust each other and listen and so on. In fact, the climax of the book comes because 1: Kim is independent but 2: she and Mairelon trust each other implicitly. It's WONDERFUL and everything a YA novel should be.
Plus, it's hilariously anti-Regency Romace novels. Kim HATES all the things that are staples of regencies, like visiting in the morning, and balls and the ton.
Instead it becomes more about both of them becoming willing to trust each other and listen and so on. In fact, the climax of the book comes because 1: Kim is independent but 2: she and Mairelon trust each other implicitly. It's WONDERFUL and everything a YA novel should be.
Plus, it's hilariously anti-Regency Romace novels. Kim HATES all the things that are staples of regencies, like visiting in the morning, and balls and the ton.
February 7, 2017
I'm not particularly adept at writing reviews, but man. This book had me. First, don't read this unless you've read the first book, "Mairelon the Magician". Honestly, I could have used more romance and a bit more character development for more of the supporting characters, but I really loved the way things played out so I can't complain!
March 21, 2020
I don't love this quite as much as I love Mairelon the Magician, but it's a decent follow-up. The book is inherently inferior because Mairelon is present for a significantly lesser part of it, and Kim is also an extremely passive character. I wish she had rebelled a bit more against the strictures of Society, though there is one instance of rebellion that makes me laugh with glee every time. Also, reiterating what I wrote in my review of the first book, I do wish Wrede hadn't left these characters after just two books--I miss them!
December 17, 2011
Mairelon's ward Kim must navigate the shoals of Society and learn spell-casting. Even minor roles are vividly drawn, with warm humor. "He only looked short because he was so round." p40 "Lord Stanton tried to look intelligent. Failing, he took another drink of brandy instead." p224
Kim returns to her old haunts, but local magickers have been threatened and taken. "The smell of coal smoke and uncollected horse dung, the sounds of drunken revelry from the public house on the corner, and most of all the penetrating chill of the fog brought back the constant undercurrent of fear" p69 forgotten in the last safe year. Suspense builds, clues trickle in, to an explosive finale.
Kim returns to her old haunts, but local magickers have been threatened and taken. "The smell of coal smoke and uncollected horse dung, the sounds of drunken revelry from the public house on the corner, and most of all the penetrating chill of the fog brought back the constant undercurrent of fear" p69 forgotten in the last safe year. Suspense builds, clues trickle in, to an explosive finale.
March 28, 2009
Re-reading this book was even more enjoyable than the first time through, especially since I finally had the chance to read the first book in the series, "Mairelon the Magician." I actually think "Magician's Ward" is a much stronger book, with a more interesting and clever plot, and a more entertaining blend of the highs and lows of London society. I enjoyed it immensely. Employing a witty blend of self-aware fantasy and Austen-like social commentary, Wrede has created a gem of escapist literature.
July 19, 2021
2019 - bk 414. K2021 bk 218. (2nd reading - still love the spunkiness and still want a 3rd book.) Kim now has to dress as befitting a young lady, ward to Mairelon - I mean Merrill. She is also apprenticed to him and despite her misgivings, coming along nicely. So nicely that she has both suitors and is able to take over, with the help of his mother, the houses defenses when Merrill loses his magic. Some of the plot devices are similar to Sorcery & Cecelia in the losing of magic. It is Kim's spunkiness that saves the day in the end. I do wish there were a third book in the series.
July 17, 2022
3.25 Not a bad book per se, but the facility of the romance B-plot really sours it on me. Wrede does seem to like to bundle her characters off into heteronormative relationships quickly, but it in this case - with a formerly non-conforming main character - it was just too much. The actual plot is quite interesting and does manage to surprise, but that and the rest of the characters can't save the the novel from mediocrity I feel. The previous volume was much more fun. Even if there are some hints of screwball comedy in this one, they remain merest hints.
to-read-own
June 13, 2016A Matter of Magic is this book plus Mairelon the Magician.
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