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The Golden City #2
The Seat of Magic
Magical beings have been banned from the Golden City for decades, though many live there in secret. Now humans and nonhumans alike are in danger as evil stalks the streets, growing more powerful with every kill….
It’s been two weeks since Oriana Paredes was banished from the Golden City. Police consultant Duilio Ferreira, who himself has a talent he must keep secret, can’t escape the feeling that, though she’s supposedly returned home to her people, Oriana is in danger.
Adding to Duilio’s concerns is a string of recent murders in the city. Three victims have already been found, each without a mark upon her body. When a selkie under his brother’s protection goes missing, Duilio fears the killer is also targeting nonhuman prey.
To protect Oriana and uncover the truth, Duilio will have to risk revealing his own identity, put his trust in some unlikely allies, and consult a rare and malevolent text known as The Seat of Magic….
It’s been two weeks since Oriana Paredes was banished from the Golden City. Police consultant Duilio Ferreira, who himself has a talent he must keep secret, can’t escape the feeling that, though she’s supposedly returned home to her people, Oriana is in danger.
Adding to Duilio’s concerns is a string of recent murders in the city. Three victims have already been found, each without a mark upon her body. When a selkie under his brother’s protection goes missing, Duilio fears the killer is also targeting nonhuman prey.
To protect Oriana and uncover the truth, Duilio will have to risk revealing his own identity, put his trust in some unlikely allies, and consult a rare and malevolent text known as The Seat of Magic….
400 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 2014
12 people are currently reading
1602 people want to read
About the author
J. Kathleen Cheney
46 books252 followersJ. Kathleen Cheney is nothing if not versatile in her story telling. But, weaving through her work is a common thread, that of the improbable heroine. From worlds set in humanity’s distant post-apocalyptic future to alternate worlds of today or of the near past, Kathleen’s heroines include a siren who with help from a gentleman of the city must stop a regicidal plot, the neglected daughter of an absent king coming to terms with her shapeshifting ancestors, a blind teenager who dreams of others’ deaths and who uses her gift of touch to find their killers, and the widow of a trainer who with a most unusual horse must save her farm and way of life. All use their unusual gifts and talents to overcome obstacles and find their place in the world.
In 2005 Kathleen decided to pursue writing as a full-time endeavor and has since enjoyed seeing her stories published in Shimmer, The Sword Review, and Baen’s Universe. Her novella “Iron Shoes” was a 2011 Nebula nominee. Kathleen twice attended the summer Writer’s Workshop at the Center for the Study of Science Fiction under the tutelage of James Gunn. She lists C. J. Cherryh, Arthur Conan Doyle, and Georgette Heyer among the writers who influenced her most–as well as Ansen Dibell, whose ghostly fingerprints can be seen all over her work.
Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, Kathleen’s parents actually were rocket scientists (they worked at White Sands Missile Range), which made for interesting dinner-time conversations. After graduating with degrees in English and Marketing she worked as a menswear buyer for retail department store chains before changing careers to become a teacher, where she taught mathematics ranging from 7th Grade Arithmetic up to Calculus. Kathleen also served a brief stint as a Gifted and Talented Specialist. She coached the Academic Team and the Robotics Team and was the Chess Club sponsor.
When not writing, Kathleen likes to don a mask and get sweaty fencing, both foil and saber. Quieter hobbies include putting on her Wellingtons and getting her hands dirty in the garden. She also enjoys traveling and taking care of her dogs. Two large, hairy, dogs.
Her first novel, "The Golden City" came out from Ace Books, November 2013.
In 2005 Kathleen decided to pursue writing as a full-time endeavor and has since enjoyed seeing her stories published in Shimmer, The Sword Review, and Baen’s Universe. Her novella “Iron Shoes” was a 2011 Nebula nominee. Kathleen twice attended the summer Writer’s Workshop at the Center for the Study of Science Fiction under the tutelage of James Gunn. She lists C. J. Cherryh, Arthur Conan Doyle, and Georgette Heyer among the writers who influenced her most–as well as Ansen Dibell, whose ghostly fingerprints can be seen all over her work.
Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, Kathleen’s parents actually were rocket scientists (they worked at White Sands Missile Range), which made for interesting dinner-time conversations. After graduating with degrees in English and Marketing she worked as a menswear buyer for retail department store chains before changing careers to become a teacher, where she taught mathematics ranging from 7th Grade Arithmetic up to Calculus. Kathleen also served a brief stint as a Gifted and Talented Specialist. She coached the Academic Team and the Robotics Team and was the Chess Club sponsor.
When not writing, Kathleen likes to don a mask and get sweaty fencing, both foil and saber. Quieter hobbies include putting on her Wellingtons and getting her hands dirty in the garden. She also enjoys traveling and taking care of her dogs. Two large, hairy, dogs.
Her first novel, "The Golden City" came out from Ace Books, November 2013.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
April 22, 2014
This is just my sort of book in every way. Historical fiction in a unique setting with a murder mystery, magic, and selkies. Plus, it includes a gentle romance with genuine chemistry. I loved the first book, The Golden City, but this one is even stronger because the characters had overcome their natural distrust and everything came together.
July 30, 2016
4.5/5
Mon avis en Français
My English review
I really loved the first book and I could not wait to be able to immerse myself in the second volume and find all the characters again. It took some time, I confess, to achieve that but it was a pleasure to get into this fantastic world.
We thus find Duilio facing many problems. Indeed, he does not understand why Oriana who went back home, haven’t returned yet and is very concerned for her, convinced that something happened to her. His relatives do not help as they are constantly asking if she is finally back or not. But in addition to this, Duilio must also face some new gruesome murders that seem perpetrated by a healer and which affect humans as well as non-humans. Yet the absence of evidence makes the tracking very difficult.
I loved follow this second volume, to see the relationship between Duilio and Oriana evolve this way and it’s true that it was interesting to see the encounter between two so different cultures to see what they could do together. But I also really enjoyed learning more about the sirea, and to learn more about Oriana, her past and her history. There are many events that we did not know about and the truth comes out here. It was a delight to follow and I was really curious to know the end of the story. I can tell you that you will not be disappointed because the author presents revelations after revelations and we are always eager to learn more. We also meet a large community that is not necessarily expected and I loved to discover so many new characters that I hope to see very soon.
I think the main advantage of this series is the world that JK Cheney has created. Indeed, it is quite impressive and fascinating to see all she has managed to create here and she easily wins us. This is already a huge point, but when in addition the plot and characters follow are also well done, what more can we ask for? It was a great discovery and I am, as you can imagine, eager to immerse myself in the sequel and to follow the adventures of our characters!
Mon avis en Français
My English review
I really loved the first book and I could not wait to be able to immerse myself in the second volume and find all the characters again. It took some time, I confess, to achieve that but it was a pleasure to get into this fantastic world.
We thus find Duilio facing many problems. Indeed, he does not understand why Oriana who went back home, haven’t returned yet and is very concerned for her, convinced that something happened to her. His relatives do not help as they are constantly asking if she is finally back or not. But in addition to this, Duilio must also face some new gruesome murders that seem perpetrated by a healer and which affect humans as well as non-humans. Yet the absence of evidence makes the tracking very difficult.
I loved follow this second volume, to see the relationship between Duilio and Oriana evolve this way and it’s true that it was interesting to see the encounter between two so different cultures to see what they could do together. But I also really enjoyed learning more about the sirea, and to learn more about Oriana, her past and her history. There are many events that we did not know about and the truth comes out here. It was a delight to follow and I was really curious to know the end of the story. I can tell you that you will not be disappointed because the author presents revelations after revelations and we are always eager to learn more. We also meet a large community that is not necessarily expected and I loved to discover so many new characters that I hope to see very soon.
I think the main advantage of this series is the world that JK Cheney has created. Indeed, it is quite impressive and fascinating to see all she has managed to create here and she easily wins us. This is already a huge point, but when in addition the plot and characters follow are also well done, what more can we ask for? It was a great discovery and I am, as you can imagine, eager to immerse myself in the sequel and to follow the adventures of our characters!
January 28, 2016
A strange thing happened when I was reading The Seat of Magic. Despite feeling pretty mediocre about the first book, The Golden City, I totally fell in love with its follow up. The Seat of Magic was lush, romantic and mysterious and I couldn’t have been more engaged reading. I am so glad that I picked this one up. It would have been so easy to forget about this one since I wasn’t totally enthralled by book one, but the gorgeous cover grabbed my attention and I thought it was time to give this world another shot. I can’t remember what didn’t work for me the first time round, because I absolutely loved it in the second book.
The Seat of Magic picks up soon after the events of the first novel. Oriana has returned to her homeland, but has promised to return to the city. Duilio soon finds himself helping the police investigate another series of deaths; it seems that someone is killing non-humans, but to what end is anyone’s guess. While Duilio investigates these murders he can’t shake the feeling that Oriana is in danger, and after a daring rescue, Duilio and Oriana have to determine how the murders and her imprisonment is connected.
In a lot of ways, The Seat of Magic isn’t any different from The Golden City. Mystery remains a large part of the second book; however, the romance element does move forward a lot more than it did in The Golden City. It is the romance that I felt was very interesting in The Seat of Magic. Because Oriana is a sereia, a non-human, many of her expectations of romance and relationships are informed by that culture. As this is set in early 20th century Portugal, society is governed by a strict set of acceptable behaviour, at least for those of the upper classes. As a sereia Oriana is not bound by those conventions; however, taking up with Duilio will mean restricting her own identity in favour of disguising herself as human for the rest of her life. I really liked how Oriana felt conflicted about entering into a relationship with Duilio; from her perspective she was giving up a lot and I appreciated the fact that they negotiated this obstacle and that it wasn't brushed aside in favour of an assumed happily ever after.
What was also interesting and entertaining about Duilio and Oriana’s romance was the fact that in Oriana’s mind it is the woman’s job to do the courting. Oriana makes the decision to court Duilio and convince him to be her mate, which doesn’t necessarily mean marriage. The reversal of expected gender roles in the romance department was a strong element in The Seat of Magic and it was well executed. Never did Oriana's efforts at courting read as a gimmick for the plot to move forward in an unusual manner. The fact Oriana would be the one to do the courting was explained and grounded in the culture that she grew up in.
The mystery facet of The Seat of Magic is rather dependent on reading the previous book, so I wouldn’t recommend reading this one out of order. The investigation into to the killer hunting non-humans in the city was a very important element and it developed why non-humans were reviled and made clear how easy it was for non-humans to live beneath notice in a city that has outlawed their existence. The Seat of Magic makes some dramatic changes to the status of non-humans, and I can’t wait to see how these changes unfold with the third book, The Shores of Spain.
The Seat of Magic is a strong and compelling follow-up to The Golden City. Not only are the characters developed but also the world is further explored. The setting of Portugal in the 1900s is both magical and evocative. Anyone who appreciates their historical fantasy with a strong sense of place will love this one.
Originally reviewed at The Book Adventures.
The Seat of Magic picks up soon after the events of the first novel. Oriana has returned to her homeland, but has promised to return to the city. Duilio soon finds himself helping the police investigate another series of deaths; it seems that someone is killing non-humans, but to what end is anyone’s guess. While Duilio investigates these murders he can’t shake the feeling that Oriana is in danger, and after a daring rescue, Duilio and Oriana have to determine how the murders and her imprisonment is connected.
In a lot of ways, The Seat of Magic isn’t any different from The Golden City. Mystery remains a large part of the second book; however, the romance element does move forward a lot more than it did in The Golden City. It is the romance that I felt was very interesting in The Seat of Magic. Because Oriana is a sereia, a non-human, many of her expectations of romance and relationships are informed by that culture. As this is set in early 20th century Portugal, society is governed by a strict set of acceptable behaviour, at least for those of the upper classes. As a sereia Oriana is not bound by those conventions; however, taking up with Duilio will mean restricting her own identity in favour of disguising herself as human for the rest of her life. I really liked how Oriana felt conflicted about entering into a relationship with Duilio; from her perspective she was giving up a lot and I appreciated the fact that they negotiated this obstacle and that it wasn't brushed aside in favour of an assumed happily ever after.
What was also interesting and entertaining about Duilio and Oriana’s romance was the fact that in Oriana’s mind it is the woman’s job to do the courting. Oriana makes the decision to court Duilio and convince him to be her mate, which doesn’t necessarily mean marriage. The reversal of expected gender roles in the romance department was a strong element in The Seat of Magic and it was well executed. Never did Oriana's efforts at courting read as a gimmick for the plot to move forward in an unusual manner. The fact Oriana would be the one to do the courting was explained and grounded in the culture that she grew up in.
The mystery facet of The Seat of Magic is rather dependent on reading the previous book, so I wouldn’t recommend reading this one out of order. The investigation into to the killer hunting non-humans in the city was a very important element and it developed why non-humans were reviled and made clear how easy it was for non-humans to live beneath notice in a city that has outlawed their existence. The Seat of Magic makes some dramatic changes to the status of non-humans, and I can’t wait to see how these changes unfold with the third book, The Shores of Spain.
The Seat of Magic is a strong and compelling follow-up to The Golden City. Not only are the characters developed but also the world is further explored. The setting of Portugal in the 1900s is both magical and evocative. Anyone who appreciates their historical fantasy with a strong sense of place will love this one.
Originally reviewed at The Book Adventures.
July 27, 2018
So, I read the first book to this a while ago and I’ve been meaning to read the second but stuff just gets away from me (like it does). I really love J. Kathleen Cheney’s work overall-she writes exactly the type of books that I like. Fantasy infused with mystery and romance. And in this case also historical fiction. It’s like all of my favorite worlds are colliding! A lot of times when this happens and I think ‘this is going to be my jam, huzzah!’ I read the book and it disappoints me because my expectations are too high, but that’s not the case with this series. I liked the first one quite a lot and I think the sequel was even better.
I think one of Cheney’s biggest strengths is her characters and the relationships between them. This one starts out following Duilio rather than Oriana, and it takes a while for her to show up in the book. At first I was a little disappointed by the lack of Oriana because I love her character, but I think spending time with Duilio really did a lot to keep me invested in his character and his parts of the story. Seeing his drive and determination while helping with investigations, his relationships with friends and members of his family, and his growing love for Oriana was all very well written. One of the great things about these characters is that you get to see both their vulnerabilities and their strengths. Having such depth of character allows the story and relationships that develop to be dynamic. Also, it’s great to have a fantasy story that has such a healthy Mother/Son relationship! Duilio’s mother is fantastic and so supportive of her son–I loved her in this book so much!
The main plot of this book is focused on a mystery. Or rather several mysteries that may or may not be related. And not even just mystery but sort of a police procedural as well. I really enjoy mystery plots and I love them fused with fantasy. I appreciated the way this one was plotted. Parts of it seemed obvious what was going on while other things were revealed slowly over time and felt a lot more surprising once they were out in the open. There are a lot of players on the stage here, and Cheney handles the multiple plot points well, weaving them together to create an engaging and well-paced story that kept me wanting to see how things turned out.
Of course, I am all about the romance in this one. I love romance, that’s no secret. One of the things I appreciated so much in this one is how the romance is paced. It’s not a case of love at first sight. And even once they realize there are feelings between them, they’re practical and cautious about advancing their relationship. I appreciated Oriana’s concerns and I appreciated the way she handled them and how Duilio was giving her the space she needed to make such an important decision. I love how they respect each other. I wish I came across more relationships like this in romance plots! There’s also a nice little secondary romance plot that I also enjoyed a lot. The more the merrier!
Overall, I really enjoyed The Seat of Magic and am looking forward to the third book, The Shores of Spain, which I’ve already picked up and added to my giant TBR pile.
More reviews at www.waytoofantasy.com
I think one of Cheney’s biggest strengths is her characters and the relationships between them. This one starts out following Duilio rather than Oriana, and it takes a while for her to show up in the book. At first I was a little disappointed by the lack of Oriana because I love her character, but I think spending time with Duilio really did a lot to keep me invested in his character and his parts of the story. Seeing his drive and determination while helping with investigations, his relationships with friends and members of his family, and his growing love for Oriana was all very well written. One of the great things about these characters is that you get to see both their vulnerabilities and their strengths. Having such depth of character allows the story and relationships that develop to be dynamic. Also, it’s great to have a fantasy story that has such a healthy Mother/Son relationship! Duilio’s mother is fantastic and so supportive of her son–I loved her in this book so much!
The main plot of this book is focused on a mystery. Or rather several mysteries that may or may not be related. And not even just mystery but sort of a police procedural as well. I really enjoy mystery plots and I love them fused with fantasy. I appreciated the way this one was plotted. Parts of it seemed obvious what was going on while other things were revealed slowly over time and felt a lot more surprising once they were out in the open. There are a lot of players on the stage here, and Cheney handles the multiple plot points well, weaving them together to create an engaging and well-paced story that kept me wanting to see how things turned out.
Of course, I am all about the romance in this one. I love romance, that’s no secret. One of the things I appreciated so much in this one is how the romance is paced. It’s not a case of love at first sight. And even once they realize there are feelings between them, they’re practical and cautious about advancing their relationship. I appreciated Oriana’s concerns and I appreciated the way she handled them and how Duilio was giving her the space she needed to make such an important decision. I love how they respect each other. I wish I came across more relationships like this in romance plots! There’s also a nice little secondary romance plot that I also enjoyed a lot. The more the merrier!
Overall, I really enjoyed The Seat of Magic and am looking forward to the third book, The Shores of Spain, which I’ve already picked up and added to my giant TBR pile.
More reviews at www.waytoofantasy.com
May 30, 2014
The author sent me a copy of the book but my review is brutally honest.
I really enjoyed the first book in the series and I absolutely loved this book. I thought it was even better than the first book. Oriana and Ferreira are back, along with several other characters from The Golden City. Young girls are being murdered including several of nonhuman species and Tavares and Ferreira must help solve these murders that turn out to have rather large political consequences.
The pacing is good in the story but what I particularly like is Jeannette's prose. It's really easy to read. I don't mind at times working on a meaty book, but sometimes I want one that has a flow to the writing that makes it really effortless to read, even if the subject can be difficult. Jeannette's prose is like that and reminds me a lot of Sharon Shinn's.
I hope many people buy this book go keep her publisher happy because I want to see her continue to experience success.
I really enjoyed the first book in the series and I absolutely loved this book. I thought it was even better than the first book. Oriana and Ferreira are back, along with several other characters from The Golden City. Young girls are being murdered including several of nonhuman species and Tavares and Ferreira must help solve these murders that turn out to have rather large political consequences.
The pacing is good in the story but what I particularly like is Jeannette's prose. It's really easy to read. I don't mind at times working on a meaty book, but sometimes I want one that has a flow to the writing that makes it really effortless to read, even if the subject can be difficult. Jeannette's prose is like that and reminds me a lot of Sharon Shinn's.
I hope many people buy this book go keep her publisher happy because I want to see her continue to experience success.
April 19, 2014
I received a copy of this book from the author. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The Seat of Magic is the second in a series, and it's even better than the first. Once again, Cheney weaves together historical fiction, murder, police procedural, political intrigue, romance, and mermaids into a story that comes together seamlessly. I was so happy to see more of Oriana and Duilio's relationship. We find out more about Oriana's people, the sereia, and there are tantalizing promises that perhaps we'll get to visit her people's islands in the next book in the series.
The series is rich in world building and characters that come to life. I can't wait for the next one!
The Seat of Magic is the second in a series, and it's even better than the first. Once again, Cheney weaves together historical fiction, murder, police procedural, political intrigue, romance, and mermaids into a story that comes together seamlessly. I was so happy to see more of Oriana and Duilio's relationship. We find out more about Oriana's people, the sereia, and there are tantalizing promises that perhaps we'll get to visit her people's islands in the next book in the series.
The series is rich in world building and characters that come to life. I can't wait for the next one!
November 15, 2023
Our not-quite-together siren and policeman couple investigate a serial killer (or is there more than one?) in part 2 of this fairly closely coupled trilogy. Because one killer is targeting non-human sea folk, we get to fill in some of the world building around them and their relationship to the alt Portuguese kingdom in which the story is set.
While I'm generally not keen on serial killer stories, the ongoing relationship building between our two main leads and their extended families in both directions is surprisingly interesting, despite the sometimes macabre plodding of the procedural format.
The ending sets up a potentially interesting third book that the publisher chose to make really expensive, so this is as far as I read the first time.
While I'm generally not keen on serial killer stories, the ongoing relationship building between our two main leads and their extended families in both directions is surprisingly interesting, despite the sometimes macabre plodding of the procedural format.
The ending sets up a potentially interesting third book that the publisher chose to make really expensive, so this is as far as I read the first time.
May 21, 2017
My god, I can't believe I read this entire book in basically 2 days. I mean it's 1 hour and 30 minutes into the third day but that doesn't freaking count. AGGGGGHHH. So good. I came to love all the side characters so much more in this novel too. I hope we haven't seen the last of Miguel, The Lady, Anjos and Miss Vladimirova because they've become their own people and I would really miss them if they were to disappear.
I do plan to write a better review later. But for now, ONTO THE NEXT (and final) ONE!
I do plan to write a better review later. But for now, ONTO THE NEXT (and final) ONE!
July 24, 2014
Note – I received this book from the author in return for an honest review. These opinions are solely my own.
A unique read, The Seat of Magic is part of the The Golden City series by J. Kathleen Cheney. A blend of science fiction, fantasy and romance, this is definitely far different from anything I’ve read in this genre.
Set in the fictitious Golden City in the early 1900's Portugal, the second book in the series centers around Oriana Paredes and Duilio Ferreira as they work together, investigating the murders of human and non-humans, unraveling an assassination plot that is simply put, brilliant in its reverse psychology.
The magical creatures in Cheney’s work include sereia, selkies and witches. Sereia or sirens are mythical fish-like creatures while the selkies are seals who once they remove their pelts, can function as humans. Very intriguing and nothing like anything I’ve come across in my reading.
I am a vampire girl through and through and each new book I am requested to review opens the floodgates to a new experience in creativity. Cheney does not fail in her world building and to set the book in the coastal country of Portugal is perfect for the engagement between the human and non-human worlds.
As the story progresses, there is build-up in both the plot as Duilio and Oriana as well as other ancillary characters including Duilio’s brother Joaquim begin piecing together catalyst to the murders. It appears someone is out to create the perfect cross-breed of human and non-human creatures through transplantation. The result is a series of gruesome murders.
But there is the relationship between Duilio and Oriana that also grows. The two move away from being mere counterparts becoming an enamored couple. Oriana realizes she must court Duilio as a sign of her affections. The pacing of the relationship was balanced and the undercurrent between the characters was a welcome change from overt romance.
Cheney’s writing is elegant. I’ve read just a few books set in the early 1900’s and am pleased with the ease and fluidity Cheney captures the period through speech, description and a marvelous landscape of The Golden City she’s created.
I didn’t read the first book end-to-end in the series, however I didn’t feel overwhelmed or lost – this is a plus for Cheney’s ability to pepper enough important backstory in The Seat of Magic without overburdening the reader with impertinent detail.
The world Cheney has constructed is distinct and leaves an impression. I did have to go back to The Golden City to get some insight into what a sereia versus a selkie was. But that didn’t perturb me from continuing to read the second book in any way. Again, that is relevant and a testament to Cheney’s skill as an adept writer.
Overall, I enjoyed The Seat of Magic. A charming read with plenty of stand-apart qualities set against a stunning landscape with rare characters and an ingenious plot with conflict that isn’t in-your-face but rather subtle in its evil and engaging in its unraveling.
My rating: it’s a five-star must read!
A unique read, The Seat of Magic is part of the The Golden City series by J. Kathleen Cheney. A blend of science fiction, fantasy and romance, this is definitely far different from anything I’ve read in this genre.
Set in the fictitious Golden City in the early 1900's Portugal, the second book in the series centers around Oriana Paredes and Duilio Ferreira as they work together, investigating the murders of human and non-humans, unraveling an assassination plot that is simply put, brilliant in its reverse psychology.
The magical creatures in Cheney’s work include sereia, selkies and witches. Sereia or sirens are mythical fish-like creatures while the selkies are seals who once they remove their pelts, can function as humans. Very intriguing and nothing like anything I’ve come across in my reading.
I am a vampire girl through and through and each new book I am requested to review opens the floodgates to a new experience in creativity. Cheney does not fail in her world building and to set the book in the coastal country of Portugal is perfect for the engagement between the human and non-human worlds.
As the story progresses, there is build-up in both the plot as Duilio and Oriana as well as other ancillary characters including Duilio’s brother Joaquim begin piecing together catalyst to the murders. It appears someone is out to create the perfect cross-breed of human and non-human creatures through transplantation. The result is a series of gruesome murders.
But there is the relationship between Duilio and Oriana that also grows. The two move away from being mere counterparts becoming an enamored couple. Oriana realizes she must court Duilio as a sign of her affections. The pacing of the relationship was balanced and the undercurrent between the characters was a welcome change from overt romance.
Cheney’s writing is elegant. I’ve read just a few books set in the early 1900’s and am pleased with the ease and fluidity Cheney captures the period through speech, description and a marvelous landscape of The Golden City she’s created.
I didn’t read the first book end-to-end in the series, however I didn’t feel overwhelmed or lost – this is a plus for Cheney’s ability to pepper enough important backstory in The Seat of Magic without overburdening the reader with impertinent detail.
The world Cheney has constructed is distinct and leaves an impression. I did have to go back to The Golden City to get some insight into what a sereia versus a selkie was. But that didn’t perturb me from continuing to read the second book in any way. Again, that is relevant and a testament to Cheney’s skill as an adept writer.
Overall, I enjoyed The Seat of Magic. A charming read with plenty of stand-apart qualities set against a stunning landscape with rare characters and an ingenious plot with conflict that isn’t in-your-face but rather subtle in its evil and engaging in its unraveling.
My rating: it’s a five-star must read!
November 7, 2015
The Seat of Magic by J. Kathleen Cheney is book two of her A Novel of Golden City series. This book picks up shortly after the first book ends, dealing with magic, sea folk (nonhumans) and the human inhabitants Portugal's port city. At the end of book one Oriana, the sereai spy, had left under duress, both northern Portugal and her gentleman sleuth Duilio Ferreira. She promised him she would return, if she could. In her absence the gentleman sleuth is again embroiled in a murder mystery as he waits Oriana's return. Someone is killing woman in the Golden City, woman who live on the fringes of the city's society and won't be missed.
In this book Cheney delves into the world of the Selkies, and the exile Sereia living in the Golden City. The reader is immersed into the politics and dark magic of the northern kingdom, which makes for a very interesting read. Joaquim Tavares's back story is expanded along with those of the secondary characters introduced in book two. The members of the clandestine special police are still around with their own agenda. Duilio's mother now that she regain her pelt is a force to be reckoned with. The plot deals with the mystery threads that Cheney left dangling from book one. She does a superb job of tying the majority of the loose ends up, and the plot is in forward momentum throughout the book.
The love story between Oriana and Duilio is one full of restrained passion and heartwarming moments. There are even giggle worthy times, that had me grinning. The physical intimacies the characters engage in are written off page, and the violence in the book included murder it is described in an after the fact way.
May 30, 2014
The second in J. Kathleen Cheney's Golden City books resolves some issues for us and creates some more interesting subplots. In the book, the threat of using magic and weird science to blend supernatural and human creatures together takes center stage as Duilio, Joaquim, and Oriana try to unravel a series of bizarre murders. This makes the book pretty gory indeed, so be forewarned.
For me, a book is at its best regarding its emotional arcs, and here Cheney shines. Readers of the first book should be satisfied with the resolution of the Duilio and Oriana relationship, not too hurried, but not too slow. I wonder what will happen in the next book, as I expect it will be Duilio's turn to be the fish out of water, culturally speaking. Fastidious Joaquim even takes a romantic turn, and Oriana and her father finally get things sorted out.
Other interesting support characters include a revived Mrs. Ferreira and Raimundo, who is second in line to the throne. The return of the Lady and her special police officers was also enjoyable.
I really like and recommend this book. If you wonder why just four stars, I found the mad science just a little too intense for me, which might actually be a commendation of the writing. In short, it's a matter of taste. I was squicked out, although I enjoyed the book.
This will be out in July from Roc. Go get it.
For me, a book is at its best regarding its emotional arcs, and here Cheney shines. Readers of the first book should be satisfied with the resolution of the Duilio and Oriana relationship, not too hurried, but not too slow. I wonder what will happen in the next book, as I expect it will be Duilio's turn to be the fish out of water, culturally speaking. Fastidious Joaquim even takes a romantic turn, and Oriana and her father finally get things sorted out.
Other interesting support characters include a revived Mrs. Ferreira and Raimundo, who is second in line to the throne. The return of the Lady and her special police officers was also enjoyable.
I really like and recommend this book. If you wonder why just four stars, I found the mad science just a little too intense for me, which might actually be a commendation of the writing. In short, it's a matter of taste. I was squicked out, although I enjoyed the book.
This will be out in July from Roc. Go get it.
July 24, 2015
Solid five star read, this book is terrific. Great characters with depth in a world that is alive and easily embraced. An exceptional police procedural and a story of intrigue, murder and romance makes for a heady read.
July 14, 2017
Definitely enjoyed this sequel to this romantic mystery/adventure series. The mystery, though shockingly gruesome, was intense and thrilling to read. That said, the heart of the story was the hurdles that Duilio and Oriana faced as a couple. I loved reading about their connection and interactions––they were so sweet together! While their characters became more complex throughout the story, it was fun to see other characters like Joquim, as well as learning more about Oriana's relationship with her family. While the pacing was slower than I was used to, there were some surprising twists and while I wasn't sure where the story was going to go, every thread tied together nicely and leaving options opening for the third book. All in all, this was a great story with a fantastic romance between two likeable and easy to relate to characters.
November 4, 2019
The Golden City series continues, and humans and nonhumans alike are in danger as evil stalks the streets, growing more powerful with every kill It s been two weeks since Oriana Paredes was banished from the Golden City. Police consultant Duilio Ferreira, who himself has a talent he must keep secret, can t escape the feeling that, though she s supposedly returned home to her people, Oriana is in danger.
Adding to Duilio s concerns is a string of recent murders in the city. Three victims have already been found, each without a mark upon her body. When a selkie under his brother s protection goes missing, Duilio fears the killer is also targeting nonhuman prey. To protect Oriana and uncover the truth, Duilio will have to risk revealing his own identity, put his trust in some unlikely allies, and consult a rare and malevolent text known as "The Seat of Magic" "
https://www.fahasa.com/
Adding to Duilio s concerns is a string of recent murders in the city. Three victims have already been found, each without a mark upon her body. When a selkie under his brother s protection goes missing, Duilio fears the killer is also targeting nonhuman prey. To protect Oriana and uncover the truth, Duilio will have to risk revealing his own identity, put his trust in some unlikely allies, and consult a rare and malevolent text known as "The Seat of Magic" "
https://www.fahasa.com/
April 1, 2025
Ms. Cheney had done it again! She's created another fantastic page turner with a fabulous balance between fantasy, mystery/thriller, and historical with delicate brush strokes of romance that gives it a warmth that adds depth and dimension to the formal stiff historical setting in which the story takes place.
The intrigue, which occurs step by step, leaves you trying to unravel what's going on until the end. I am not disappointed and am eager to read the next installment because there are still threads to unravel.
Thank you Ms. Cheney!
The intrigue, which occurs step by step, leaves you trying to unravel what's going on until the end. I am not disappointed and am eager to read the next installment because there are still threads to unravel.
Thank you Ms. Cheney!
January 13, 2021
Maybe it's because I came into this in the middle of the series, but I don't believe so. The writing was adequate, the storyline mildly intriguing as are the characters. Although I'm a long time (decades) scifi/fantasy reader, I struggled with the names, unable to figure out how to pronounce many of them. In the long run,it probably doesn't matter how I pronounce them, but the were a continual stumbling point. In short, it was okay - nothing bad, but not spectacular either.
December 4, 2014
Family =============
“Very good.” The man nodded approvingly, as if Duilio had passed a test. “I was not, by the way, one of his lovers.” Duilio turned toward the marble mantelpiece to hide his smile. He was always amused by the swiftness with which others felt they had to inform him of that. It usually came within a few sentences of admitting they’d known Alessio. He suspected many of those quick denials were false.
Cold spread through Duilio’s stomach. What had Alessio been up to? Prince Dinis II ruled Southern Portugal, which Alessio had visited regularly in the last year of his life. Perhaps this Bastião was trying to determine whether Alessio had revealed any such activities in his journals. But if Alessio had worked for the infante, he’d not recorded a word about it. “Why would my brother do so? He was never fond of the throne.” Bastião smiled. “No, he believed things needed to change.” Alessio hadn’t been a revolutionary, but he’d thought the usefulness of the twin monarchies of Northern and Southern Portugal was long past. “And you’re suggesting his efforts in the infante’s name were . . . ultimately intended to reform the monarchies?” Bastião interlaced his fingers over his knee, looking perfectly at ease as he talked about treason. “Are you asking if I know the infante’s leanings?” Duilio watched him carefully. His gift spoke into his mind, warning him that this meeting—this man—was important. Unfortunately, it didn’t tell him how. “Do you?” “I also act in his name at times,” Bastião said, “so I know his mind on certain matters.” Duilio pressed his lips together. Why had this man come to tell him this? That the infante of Northern Portugal was bypassing his elder brother didn’t concern Duilio overmuch. He’d walked that line for years himself. He was half selkie; living in the city at all was illegal for him. And he’d willingly harbored Oriana Paredes, a sereia spy, in his household. “I know where the infante stands on the issue of nonhumans as well,” Bastião added, as if he’d read the path of Duilio’s thoughts. “How interesting,” Duilio said in what he hoped was a neutral tone. He had a feeling this man Bastião was trying to winnow out his personal leanings on the matter. He didn’t intend to be drawn. Not when he didn’t know who this man was. Bastião smiled at his vague comment, apparently recognizing it for evasion. “The infante could not, after all, be friends with Alessio Ferreira if he felt nonhumans were to be abhorred.” His eyes flicked downward to consider the kid-gloved fingers laced over his knee. “The ban on nonhumans is a ridiculous abuse of power by the prince.” Did that mean this Bastião was aware the Ferreira family wasn’t purely human? Or had he thought Alessio a Sympathizer? “Seers have predicted the prince will be killed by a nonhuman,” Duilio pointed out. “Is that not sufficient reason for the ban?” “Something will kill each of us one day,” Bastião said with a shrug. “Shall we banish the river to assure no one drowns?” That was, word for word, what Alessio had said once when speaking of the ban. This man had to have known him. Duilio rose and crossed to the mantel again. At least he now had a better answer to why his brother had been killed, a reason more dignified than being killed in a duel over a lover or because of Maraval’s strange idea that Alessio would seduce the prince. This new information made sense of what had previously seemed a pointless death . . . even if it meant that Alessio had been committing treason.
================
Monteiro turned the spine toward him, showing its sereia script in faded gold leaf. “This book is called The Seat of Magic. The doctor was searching for the organs in the body that housed magic. This is the journal of his dissections.” He shut the book. “Or his vivisections. He kept his victims alive as long as possible to see the results of removing various organs.” Duilio’s gift warned him, a jangling of his nerves. Not that he was in danger, but that he was in the presence of something immensely important. “Of sereia?” Joaquim’s hand touched Duilio’s shoulder. Clearly he saw the relationship, too. “Yes,” Monteiro said, his jaw clenched. “That’s why he came to our islands. He’d already studied otter folk, selkies, fairies. Anything with any magic, he managed to find them and take them apart. Human witches, too, if I recall correctly. Ultimately, he was executed for his experiments on the island, but his notes survived.” He pushed the book farther away from him. “This is the transcription of those notes—in the language of our scholars, as a precaution, so the common sereia couldn’t read it. Even so, the book was deemed too dangerous and ordered destroyed.”
===============
Idiotic, since he had seen her nude before, several times. He’d held her naked in his arms. But he’d never watched her undress, and somehow that seemed far more intimate than the other. Or perhaps it was because she knew this would go further. Her mouth felt dry. “Please,” he said. All her nervousness fled with that whispered request. If Duilio Ferreira was desperate enough to beg, she had nothing to fear.
He had the feeling that if Oriana could blush, she would be doing so. His mother hadn’t been forbidding him to share Oriana’s bed. She just wanted him not to get caught again.
“Very good.” The man nodded approvingly, as if Duilio had passed a test. “I was not, by the way, one of his lovers.” Duilio turned toward the marble mantelpiece to hide his smile. He was always amused by the swiftness with which others felt they had to inform him of that. It usually came within a few sentences of admitting they’d known Alessio. He suspected many of those quick denials were false.
Cold spread through Duilio’s stomach. What had Alessio been up to? Prince Dinis II ruled Southern Portugal, which Alessio had visited regularly in the last year of his life. Perhaps this Bastião was trying to determine whether Alessio had revealed any such activities in his journals. But if Alessio had worked for the infante, he’d not recorded a word about it. “Why would my brother do so? He was never fond of the throne.” Bastião smiled. “No, he believed things needed to change.” Alessio hadn’t been a revolutionary, but he’d thought the usefulness of the twin monarchies of Northern and Southern Portugal was long past. “And you’re suggesting his efforts in the infante’s name were . . . ultimately intended to reform the monarchies?” Bastião interlaced his fingers over his knee, looking perfectly at ease as he talked about treason. “Are you asking if I know the infante’s leanings?” Duilio watched him carefully. His gift spoke into his mind, warning him that this meeting—this man—was important. Unfortunately, it didn’t tell him how. “Do you?” “I also act in his name at times,” Bastião said, “so I know his mind on certain matters.” Duilio pressed his lips together. Why had this man come to tell him this? That the infante of Northern Portugal was bypassing his elder brother didn’t concern Duilio overmuch. He’d walked that line for years himself. He was half selkie; living in the city at all was illegal for him. And he’d willingly harbored Oriana Paredes, a sereia spy, in his household. “I know where the infante stands on the issue of nonhumans as well,” Bastião added, as if he’d read the path of Duilio’s thoughts. “How interesting,” Duilio said in what he hoped was a neutral tone. He had a feeling this man Bastião was trying to winnow out his personal leanings on the matter. He didn’t intend to be drawn. Not when he didn’t know who this man was. Bastião smiled at his vague comment, apparently recognizing it for evasion. “The infante could not, after all, be friends with Alessio Ferreira if he felt nonhumans were to be abhorred.” His eyes flicked downward to consider the kid-gloved fingers laced over his knee. “The ban on nonhumans is a ridiculous abuse of power by the prince.” Did that mean this Bastião was aware the Ferreira family wasn’t purely human? Or had he thought Alessio a Sympathizer? “Seers have predicted the prince will be killed by a nonhuman,” Duilio pointed out. “Is that not sufficient reason for the ban?” “Something will kill each of us one day,” Bastião said with a shrug. “Shall we banish the river to assure no one drowns?” That was, word for word, what Alessio had said once when speaking of the ban. This man had to have known him. Duilio rose and crossed to the mantel again. At least he now had a better answer to why his brother had been killed, a reason more dignified than being killed in a duel over a lover or because of Maraval’s strange idea that Alessio would seduce the prince. This new information made sense of what had previously seemed a pointless death . . . even if it meant that Alessio had been committing treason.
================
Monteiro turned the spine toward him, showing its sereia script in faded gold leaf. “This book is called The Seat of Magic. The doctor was searching for the organs in the body that housed magic. This is the journal of his dissections.” He shut the book. “Or his vivisections. He kept his victims alive as long as possible to see the results of removing various organs.” Duilio’s gift warned him, a jangling of his nerves. Not that he was in danger, but that he was in the presence of something immensely important. “Of sereia?” Joaquim’s hand touched Duilio’s shoulder. Clearly he saw the relationship, too. “Yes,” Monteiro said, his jaw clenched. “That’s why he came to our islands. He’d already studied otter folk, selkies, fairies. Anything with any magic, he managed to find them and take them apart. Human witches, too, if I recall correctly. Ultimately, he was executed for his experiments on the island, but his notes survived.” He pushed the book farther away from him. “This is the transcription of those notes—in the language of our scholars, as a precaution, so the common sereia couldn’t read it. Even so, the book was deemed too dangerous and ordered destroyed.”
===============
Idiotic, since he had seen her nude before, several times. He’d held her naked in his arms. But he’d never watched her undress, and somehow that seemed far more intimate than the other. Or perhaps it was because she knew this would go further. Her mouth felt dry. “Please,” he said. All her nervousness fled with that whispered request. If Duilio Ferreira was desperate enough to beg, she had nothing to fear.
He had the feeling that if Oriana could blush, she would be doing so. His mother hadn’t been forbidding him to share Oriana’s bed. She just wanted him not to get caught again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2018
I enjoyed the book. I like how things are going in the romance part of the book. It’s subtle yet obvious but not so focused on hat you forget what this book is about. I am enjoying this series immensely
January 22, 2018
I didn’t realize this was the second in a series when I begin reading. I kept feeling I was missing something and this detracted from my enjoyment of the story.
March 6, 2020
A great second instalment in the series and Oriana and Duilio have great on page chemistry. I look forward to reading the third instalment.
December 12, 2024
I'm still a bit ambivalent about this series, though I plan to read the third book. Parts of this book are overwritten and the middle drags. I do like the characters, though, and now I'm interested in what's going to happen.
November 12, 2014
Originally posted at Vampire Book Club
After solving the mystery/murders of the houses under the sea, Oriana was called back to her people. She promised Duilio she would return. That was two weeks ago and he’s heard nothing from her. His talent tells him that Oriana is anything but safe and secure, but he has no idea where to even start looking for her.
Besides worrying over Oriana, Duilio’s cousin Joaquim requires his assistance in uncovering a series of mysterious murders and disappearances occurring throughout the Golden City. Duilio is drawn even further into the investigation when it is discovered one of the missing girls is part of his brother Erdano’s selkie harem. Now he has to discover if the girl being a selkie was just a coincidence or if she was taken for a specific reason.
J. Kathleen Cheney does a good job of making Oriana’s whereabouts foremost in everyone’s mind, even with the missing/murdered girls. Finding out where Oriana is drives the first part of the book, but I think it’s safe enough to say that Oriana does return. I’ll try to keep the details of Oriana’s return under wraps as much as possible, but it may prove a difficult task seeing as how much of the mystery involving the missing girls and Oriana’s own confinement are linked together, which also turns out to be my biggest complaint about the book. I oftentimes found the coincidences and links to be a little too convenient (people happening to be in the same place at the same time with the same connections). But when I step back and look at the bigger picture of what’s going on I suppose I can be forgiving if some happenstance feels a little too plotted out because The Seat of Magic did keep my attention very well.
Something I can talk about with little censor is Duilio and Oriana’s relationship. I was very happy with the progression of things between them in this book. The attraction, even hesitantly, was there in The Golden City, but was very reserved for society’s sake. Neither Duilio nor Oriana knows what the future will bring, but they are both in agreement that they don’t want to waste time waiting. Where the conundrum comes in is the fact that Oriana is a sereia, and they both end up going about the courtship in different ways. One of the best things about the series so far is that Oriana is treated as an equal to Duilio and all the other men of authority so why shouldn’t she be the pursuer in regards to courting Duilio? I love the way it all plays out.
The Seat of Magic is a very pivotal book in the series because it ties up a lot of story threads started in The Golden City. Certain events cause unavoidable changes, and I’m interested to find out what the general feelings are towards said changes. It prepares for our characters to go off on new assignments and adventures, which will hopefully lead us away from The Golden City and to sereia land, which is something I’ve wanted to happen for two books now.
After solving the mystery/murders of the houses under the sea, Oriana was called back to her people. She promised Duilio she would return. That was two weeks ago and he’s heard nothing from her. His talent tells him that Oriana is anything but safe and secure, but he has no idea where to even start looking for her.
Besides worrying over Oriana, Duilio’s cousin Joaquim requires his assistance in uncovering a series of mysterious murders and disappearances occurring throughout the Golden City. Duilio is drawn even further into the investigation when it is discovered one of the missing girls is part of his brother Erdano’s selkie harem. Now he has to discover if the girl being a selkie was just a coincidence or if she was taken for a specific reason.
J. Kathleen Cheney does a good job of making Oriana’s whereabouts foremost in everyone’s mind, even with the missing/murdered girls. Finding out where Oriana is drives the first part of the book, but I think it’s safe enough to say that Oriana does return. I’ll try to keep the details of Oriana’s return under wraps as much as possible, but it may prove a difficult task seeing as how much of the mystery involving the missing girls and Oriana’s own confinement are linked together, which also turns out to be my biggest complaint about the book. I oftentimes found the coincidences and links to be a little too convenient (people happening to be in the same place at the same time with the same connections). But when I step back and look at the bigger picture of what’s going on I suppose I can be forgiving if some happenstance feels a little too plotted out because The Seat of Magic did keep my attention very well.
Something I can talk about with little censor is Duilio and Oriana’s relationship. I was very happy with the progression of things between them in this book. The attraction, even hesitantly, was there in The Golden City, but was very reserved for society’s sake. Neither Duilio nor Oriana knows what the future will bring, but they are both in agreement that they don’t want to waste time waiting. Where the conundrum comes in is the fact that Oriana is a sereia, and they both end up going about the courtship in different ways. One of the best things about the series so far is that Oriana is treated as an equal to Duilio and all the other men of authority so why shouldn’t she be the pursuer in regards to courting Duilio? I love the way it all plays out.
The Seat of Magic is a very pivotal book in the series because it ties up a lot of story threads started in The Golden City. Certain events cause unavoidable changes, and I’m interested to find out what the general feelings are towards said changes. It prepares for our characters to go off on new assignments and adventures, which will hopefully lead us away from The Golden City and to sereia land, which is something I’ve wanted to happen for two books now.
March 13, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series for the formal, alternate-turn of the century European society tone, engaging hero (Duilio) who is earnest and doggedly pragmatic (who chooses to snag pastries from the kitchen on the way to a morgue), and interesting political scheming in an alternate Portugal that has outlawed nonhumans-- selkies, otters, and sereia. (The heroine--Oriana--is okay, she's a bit too emotionally reserved for me, I liked Duilio better).
This second one is even better: with more juicy relationships and revealing layers of character backstory as well as ratcheting up the politics around gruesome murders.
We get alternating POVs, here, with both hero and heroine, as well as a bit of Duilio's police-inspector Joaquim (who is slowly realizing he's not so entirely human as he once thought) which didn't tick off my anti-multiple POV peeve because of the tightly interlaced plot and emotional, romantic arc Joaquim is also experiencing. Sometimes, thought, the POV change didn't "feel" like a change so much as a reason to follow Joaquim somewhere Duilio wasn't going. Small quibble.
Did I mention a tight plot? Tight as a corset (that Oriana can't wear because her sereia lungs are too small-- but I'm getting ahead of myself) both with seemingly unrelated murders and Joaquim's mysterious dreams of a woman, as well as Oriana's betrayal by her people and Portugal's Prince's continuing persecution of non-humans.
It all comes together in the end in a lovely, satisfying way, revealing even deeper issues between Portugal, the Sereia, and Spain.
So there's lots of poncing around talking to people, carefully trying to be discreet with love relationships, Duilio trying not to call attention to his family for fear of revealing his selkie heritage, and speculation. Some of that tempted me to skim at times, but then we'd get to a juicy relationship, gruesome murder, or political revelation and i was drawn back in.
Or the invisible infante would show up. Or Duilio's mother would make some very proper kind of statement condoning improper behavior.
Lovely second book overall, I am definitely heading out to the third one as I can't wait to find out how Duilio and Oriana fare in the new sticky situation set up for them at the end of this.
This second one is even better: with more juicy relationships and revealing layers of character backstory as well as ratcheting up the politics around gruesome murders.
We get alternating POVs, here, with both hero and heroine, as well as a bit of Duilio's police-inspector Joaquim (who is slowly realizing he's not so entirely human as he once thought) which didn't tick off my anti-multiple POV peeve because of the tightly interlaced plot and emotional, romantic arc Joaquim is also experiencing. Sometimes, thought, the POV change didn't "feel" like a change so much as a reason to follow Joaquim somewhere Duilio wasn't going. Small quibble.
Did I mention a tight plot? Tight as a corset (that Oriana can't wear because her sereia lungs are too small-- but I'm getting ahead of myself) both with seemingly unrelated murders and Joaquim's mysterious dreams of a woman, as well as Oriana's betrayal by her people and Portugal's Prince's continuing persecution of non-humans.
It all comes together in the end in a lovely, satisfying way, revealing even deeper issues between Portugal, the Sereia, and Spain.
So there's lots of poncing around talking to people, carefully trying to be discreet with love relationships, Duilio trying not to call attention to his family for fear of revealing his selkie heritage, and speculation. Some of that tempted me to skim at times, but then we'd get to a juicy relationship, gruesome murder, or political revelation and i was drawn back in.
Or the invisible infante would show up. Or Duilio's mother would make some very proper kind of statement condoning improper behavior.
Lovely second book overall, I am definitely heading out to the third one as I can't wait to find out how Duilio and Oriana fare in the new sticky situation set up for them at the end of this.
November 2, 2015
I was thrilled to receive a copy of THE SEAT OF MAGIC (Novel of the Golden City, book 2) in exchange for an honest review, especially since THE SHORES OF SPAIN (book 3) comes out July 7th! If you’re a fan of historical fantasy and especially if you love police procedurals as well, then this is a must read.
Here is THE SEAT OF MAGIC’s official blurb:
Magical beings have been banned from the Golden City for decades, though many live there in secret. Now humans and nonhumans alike are in danger as evil stalks the streets, growing more powerful with every kill….
It’s been two weeks since Oriana Paredes was banished from the Golden City. Police consultant Duilio Ferreira, who himself has a talent he must keep secret, can’t escape the feeling that, though she’s supposedly returned home to her people, Oriana is in danger.
Adding to Duilio’s concerns is a string of recent murders in the city. Three victims have already been found, each without a mark upon her body. When a selkie under his brother’s protection goes missing, Duilio fears the killer is also targeting nonhuman prey.
To protect Oriana and uncover the truth, Duilio will have to risk revealing his own identity, put his trust in some unlikely allies, and consult a rare and malevolent text known as The Seat of Magic….
My thoughts:
THE SEAT OF MAGIC is a fabulous historical fantasy. Set in the early 1900’s in an alternate Portugal, the historic details are perfectly balanced with the action and plot. There are just enough touches of setting to draw the reader into the world without overwhelming the story with unfamiliar references, words, and setting. The same applies to the fantasy elements. The romance between the main characters builds in a satisfying way. Actually, the interactions between all the characters are wonderful.
Okay, it’s confession time. I’ve had THE GOLDEN CITY (book 1) in my TBA pile for some time and haven’t gotten to it. However, I had no problem picking up this book and reading it without knowing what happened in the first—and that’s pretty amazing.
I highly recommend THE GOLDEN CITY with one suggestion. Buy the whole series at once. It’s that good.
Here is THE SEAT OF MAGIC’s official blurb:
Magical beings have been banned from the Golden City for decades, though many live there in secret. Now humans and nonhumans alike are in danger as evil stalks the streets, growing more powerful with every kill….
It’s been two weeks since Oriana Paredes was banished from the Golden City. Police consultant Duilio Ferreira, who himself has a talent he must keep secret, can’t escape the feeling that, though she’s supposedly returned home to her people, Oriana is in danger.
Adding to Duilio’s concerns is a string of recent murders in the city. Three victims have already been found, each without a mark upon her body. When a selkie under his brother’s protection goes missing, Duilio fears the killer is also targeting nonhuman prey.
To protect Oriana and uncover the truth, Duilio will have to risk revealing his own identity, put his trust in some unlikely allies, and consult a rare and malevolent text known as The Seat of Magic….
My thoughts:
THE SEAT OF MAGIC is a fabulous historical fantasy. Set in the early 1900’s in an alternate Portugal, the historic details are perfectly balanced with the action and plot. There are just enough touches of setting to draw the reader into the world without overwhelming the story with unfamiliar references, words, and setting. The same applies to the fantasy elements. The romance between the main characters builds in a satisfying way. Actually, the interactions between all the characters are wonderful.
Okay, it’s confession time. I’ve had THE GOLDEN CITY (book 1) in my TBA pile for some time and haven’t gotten to it. However, I had no problem picking up this book and reading it without knowing what happened in the first—and that’s pretty amazing.
I highly recommend THE GOLDEN CITY with one suggestion. Buy the whole series at once. It’s that good.
August 4, 2014
I was excited to read the second book in this series after finding the first book (The Golden City)so delightfully original, the time period (early 1900’s) the location (Portugal), and the very unusual take on non-human species and how they might integrate or hide within human society.
I was somehow disappointed in this book, and I am not certain why exactly. Many of the qualities that I appreciated in the first novel became unappealing in the second…
Thinks that I like:
Oriana: I still like Oriana’s Character. Though perhaps less than in the first book. She is still an interesting and independent thinker, though in the second book, more of her decisions are tied to Dulio.
Detailed Setting: I appreciate Cheney’s skilled descriptions of the setting, the modes of dress, transportation and architecture all seem real to me, and as a result this book felt alive to me.
Characterization of supporting characters: I especially love the time given to Dulio’s mother, Joaquim and the Prince Raimundo.
Things I didn’t like:
Oraina and Dulio: Where I loved their dance in the first book, it became annoying to me in the second. They seem to talk about their relationship more than actually living it. And though the author makes attempts to keep Oriana strong and independent of Dulio, her character seems more and more subsumed into Dulio’s. As a result I liked them both less.
Police procedural: Again, I appreciated this quality in the first book, but somehow in the second it became ponderous. I couldn’t help that notice again that all of the victims were women (yes with a couple of exceptions). Moreover, the graphic descriptions of their torturous deaths was burdensome to me. This girl in body bag trope that is so frequently part of our television storytelling was unwelcome here.
I was somehow disappointed in this book, and I am not certain why exactly. Many of the qualities that I appreciated in the first novel became unappealing in the second…
Thinks that I like:
Oriana: I still like Oriana’s Character. Though perhaps less than in the first book. She is still an interesting and independent thinker, though in the second book, more of her decisions are tied to Dulio.
Detailed Setting: I appreciate Cheney’s skilled descriptions of the setting, the modes of dress, transportation and architecture all seem real to me, and as a result this book felt alive to me.
Characterization of supporting characters: I especially love the time given to Dulio’s mother, Joaquim and the Prince Raimundo.
Things I didn’t like:
Oraina and Dulio: Where I loved their dance in the first book, it became annoying to me in the second. They seem to talk about their relationship more than actually living it. And though the author makes attempts to keep Oriana strong and independent of Dulio, her character seems more and more subsumed into Dulio’s. As a result I liked them both less.
Police procedural: Again, I appreciated this quality in the first book, but somehow in the second it became ponderous. I couldn’t help that notice again that all of the victims were women (yes with a couple of exceptions). Moreover, the graphic descriptions of their torturous deaths was burdensome to me. This girl in body bag trope that is so frequently part of our television storytelling was unwelcome here.
September 2, 2014
Two weeks ago, sereia Oriana Paredes left the Golden City, where sea folk like her are murdered on sight--to return home, where she ought to be safe. But she's a pawn in a larger political scheme, and safety isn't as easy to achieve when she's working against the goals of some ruthless people. Duilio Ferreira, police consultant, who's hiding some non-human inheritance of his own, feels that something has gone wrong. It will take some unexpected aid to be able to do anything about that sinking feeling--and even if he can rescue her, there are bigger problems.
Three victims have been found in the city, dead and mutilated, and when a selkie girl ends up missing, the thread that ties the victims together spells danger for the sea folk hiding in the city. The reason for the killings is more than simple murder, and sea-folk and humans alike will have to work together to uncover a frightening plot. What part does the book The Seat of Magic, which was destroyed for its dangerous contents, have to play? If they don't unravel the puzzle in time, the consequences will be horrifying.
The character relationship develop at a satisfying and realistic pace, and the plot driving the story, and raising the tension in the city, is scary and riveting. There's some more background on the fascinating sea-folk, woven expertly into the action. I found myself really hoping for some just desserts to be handed out, as there's plenty of people who deserve some justice. And I was at least partially rewarded.
Three victims have been found in the city, dead and mutilated, and when a selkie girl ends up missing, the thread that ties the victims together spells danger for the sea folk hiding in the city. The reason for the killings is more than simple murder, and sea-folk and humans alike will have to work together to uncover a frightening plot. What part does the book The Seat of Magic, which was destroyed for its dangerous contents, have to play? If they don't unravel the puzzle in time, the consequences will be horrifying.
The character relationship develop at a satisfying and realistic pace, and the plot driving the story, and raising the tension in the city, is scary and riveting. There's some more background on the fascinating sea-folk, woven expertly into the action. I found myself really hoping for some just desserts to be handed out, as there's plenty of people who deserve some justice. And I was at least partially rewarded.
November 7, 2017
I enjoyed this second installment, but it was a little lacking for me overall (maybe my expectations were too high)? Anyway, I still enjoyed spending time in the setting and with the characters, some of whom got some interesting background (Joaquim, Inspector Anjos, the scary Rusalka chic whose name I can't remember how to spell) so much so that I feel they were in danger of becoming more interesting than Duilio and Oriana.
For instance Duilio is treading rather close to the male equivalent of the Mary Sue - he's just a little too perfect to be true (aside from his love of big breakfasts and eating in general). He loves his mom, he waits for Oriana and is willing to do things according to her customs, doesn't blink about finding out about his half-brother, etc. Don't get me wrong, I like him, but he's too good to be true. A few flaws would give him some edge and make him a little more intriguing. Oriana I feel has fared somewhat better. She's a great female character who is not perfect - she has a temper and is allowed to show it and she has some complicated relationships with her family that keep the reader's interest.
The plot seemed to me rather scattered and the book has a much more meandering feel versus the urgency I felt in book 1. Not a deal-breaker just different. I did thoroughly enjoy the Infante popping up out of nowhere, and his socking Duilio in the face. Overall I will be waiting eagerly for the next book where we hopefully get to see some Sereia culture on their home islands.
For instance Duilio is treading rather close to the male equivalent of the Mary Sue - he's just a little too perfect to be true (aside from his love of big breakfasts and eating in general). He loves his mom, he waits for Oriana and is willing to do things according to her customs, doesn't blink about finding out about his half-brother, etc. Don't get me wrong, I like him, but he's too good to be true. A few flaws would give him some edge and make him a little more intriguing. Oriana I feel has fared somewhat better. She's a great female character who is not perfect - she has a temper and is allowed to show it and she has some complicated relationships with her family that keep the reader's interest.
The plot seemed to me rather scattered and the book has a much more meandering feel versus the urgency I felt in book 1. Not a deal-breaker just different. I did thoroughly enjoy the Infante popping up out of nowhere, and his socking Duilio in the face. Overall I will be waiting eagerly for the next book where we hopefully get to see some Sereia culture on their home islands.
January 14, 2016
I greatly enjoyed this book. I think the only drawback was that it took 80+ (at least in my kindle version) pages for Oriana and Duilio to reunite. I love that they have open communication, rather than endless misunderstandings that lead to drama. I also loved that even though this is a semi-historical novel, the female characters are complete badasses. Oriana actually does shoot someone toward the end, and Miss Vladmirova is probably one of my all-time favorite supporting characters. I would love to see a spinoff of her and Arjos. From the excerpt of the next book, it seems that Marina and Joaquim will be featured more prominently, and I'm not sure how I feel about that. I like that they share some sort of destiny, but with both of them being a more conservative couple, it might be more of a typical historical romance novel than fantasy/spy novel.
The only other things I will say are these: the author's vocabulary is fantastic. I'm glad I had the kindle version to tap words to look them up. I pride myself on my vocabulary, but I learned the meaning of "crenellations" and "asperity," if not many more. The only negative comment I had is that there are a lot of people conveniently remembering things, or connections or reasons not being fully explained-what is that called? Deus ex machina? A little too convenient at times. I still loved this book and was fully absorbed, and can't wait to read the next one.
The only other things I will say are these: the author's vocabulary is fantastic. I'm glad I had the kindle version to tap words to look them up. I pride myself on my vocabulary, but I learned the meaning of "crenellations" and "asperity," if not many more. The only negative comment I had is that there are a lot of people conveniently remembering things, or connections or reasons not being fully explained-what is that called? Deus ex machina? A little too convenient at times. I still loved this book and was fully absorbed, and can't wait to read the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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