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Supernatural Jane Austen #2
Northanger Abbey and Angels and Dragons
From the author of Mansfield Park and Mummies ... NORTHANGER ABBEY AND ANGELS AND DRAGONS Dragons in the skies of Regency England! Gothic horrors collide with high satire in this elegant, hilarious, witty, insane, and unexpectedly romantic supernatural parody of Jane Austen's classic novel. Young and naive Catherine Morland is constantly surrounded by angels only she alone can see. Leaving her country home for the first time, to embark on a grand adventure that begins in fashionable Bath, our romantic heroine must not only decrypt the mystery of the Udolpho Code but win her true love Henry Tilney . Meanwhile she is beset by all the Gothic horrors known to Impressionable Young Ladies -- odious demons , Regency balls, elusive ghosts , pleasure excursions, temperature-changing nephilim , secret clues, ogre suitors, and a terrifying ancient Dragon who has very likely hidden a secret treasure hoard somewhere in the depths of Northanger Abbey . Gentle Reader -- this Delightful Illustrated Edition includes Scholarly Footnotes and Appendices.
346 pages, Paperback
First published December 5, 2010
26 people are currently reading
1029 people want to read
About the author
Vera Nazarian
55 books1,032 followersVera Nazarian is a two-time Nebula Award Finalist, award-winning artist, and member of Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, a writer with a penchant for moral fables and stories of intense wonder, true love, and intricacy.
She immigrated to the USA from the former USSR as a kid, sold her first story at the age of 17, and since then has published numerous works in anthologies and magazines, and has seen her fiction translated into eight languages.
She is the author of critically acclaimed novels Dreams of the Compass Rose and Lords of Rainbow , romantic Renaissance epic fantasy trilogy Cobweb Bride , as well as the outrageous parodies Mansfield Park and Mummies and Northanger Abbey and Angels and Dragons , Pride and Platypus: Mr. Darcy's Dreadful Secret in her humorous and surprisingly romantic Supernatural Jane Austen Series , and most recently the bestselling high-octane science fiction series The Atlantis Grail , now optioned for film.
After many years in Los Angeles, Vera lives in a small town in Vermont, and uses her Armenian sense of humor and her Russian sense of suffering to bake conflicted pirozhki and make art.
Take the fun quiz to find out Which of the Lords of Rainbow do You Serve?
She immigrated to the USA from the former USSR as a kid, sold her first story at the age of 17, and since then has published numerous works in anthologies and magazines, and has seen her fiction translated into eight languages.
She is the author of critically acclaimed novels Dreams of the Compass Rose and Lords of Rainbow , romantic Renaissance epic fantasy trilogy Cobweb Bride , as well as the outrageous parodies Mansfield Park and Mummies and Northanger Abbey and Angels and Dragons , Pride and Platypus: Mr. Darcy's Dreadful Secret in her humorous and surprisingly romantic Supernatural Jane Austen Series , and most recently the bestselling high-octane science fiction series The Atlantis Grail , now optioned for film.
After many years in Los Angeles, Vera lives in a small town in Vermont, and uses her Armenian sense of humor and her Russian sense of suffering to bake conflicted pirozhki and make art.
Take the fun quiz to find out Which of the Lords of Rainbow do You Serve?
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
August 11, 2013
Book Info: Genre: Classical Literary Parody
Reading Level: Adult
My Thoughts: I will start out by saying that, despite having been an English major, I have never read Northanger Abbey, the book being parodied. I am not sure if that will affect my understanding and appreciation of this text or not.
I had a fun time reading this book – while I have no idea how it held to the original plot and text, I found the writing style to be amusing and full of humor, and there is nothing I like more than to laugh. And laugh I did – a LOT – through about the first 40 percent of the book. Then it slowed down – there were still amusing moments, but not as many that made me laugh out loud as in the earlier parts. But it was still a fine story, beautifully written in the style of the time, with many amusing footnotes, asides and appendices.
Interestingly enough, the author in this text has also provided illustrations, just as in the last book I read, although these are much more life-like. I’m always impressed by the multiple talents that some people have – apparently they hog up all the talents and leave the rest of us with none ☺ I was also interested to learn that Ms. Nazarian immigrated to the US from the former USSR, which my husband also did, although he is from St. Petersburg whilst she is from Moscow.
All in all, an entertaining read, and one I highly recommend to those who enjoy parody and satire. Lots of fun!
Disclosure: I received a free ebook copy of this text from the author through the LibraryThing Members Giveaway program in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis: Gothic horrors collide with high satire in this elegant, hilarious, witty, insane, and unexpectedly romantic supernatural parody of Jane Austen's classic novel.
Reading Level: Adult
My Thoughts: I will start out by saying that, despite having been an English major, I have never read Northanger Abbey, the book being parodied. I am not sure if that will affect my understanding and appreciation of this text or not.
I had a fun time reading this book – while I have no idea how it held to the original plot and text, I found the writing style to be amusing and full of humor, and there is nothing I like more than to laugh. And laugh I did – a LOT – through about the first 40 percent of the book. Then it slowed down – there were still amusing moments, but not as many that made me laugh out loud as in the earlier parts. But it was still a fine story, beautifully written in the style of the time, with many amusing footnotes, asides and appendices.
Interestingly enough, the author in this text has also provided illustrations, just as in the last book I read, although these are much more life-like. I’m always impressed by the multiple talents that some people have – apparently they hog up all the talents and leave the rest of us with none ☺ I was also interested to learn that Ms. Nazarian immigrated to the US from the former USSR, which my husband also did, although he is from St. Petersburg whilst she is from Moscow.
All in all, an entertaining read, and one I highly recommend to those who enjoy parody and satire. Lots of fun!
Disclosure: I received a free ebook copy of this text from the author through the LibraryThing Members Giveaway program in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis: Gothic horrors collide with high satire in this elegant, hilarious, witty, insane, and unexpectedly romantic supernatural parody of Jane Austen's classic novel.
October 22, 2024
If Jane Austen's engaging light classics were souped up with a bevy of supernatural beings, this light and fun imagining would be it. Of all Austen's novels, Northanger Abbey lends itself toward such a mashup the best with young heroine Catherine Morland reading her Gothic romances and ripe for a spooky adventure.
Quite some time ago, I read Pride and Platypus, the third book in the Supernatural Jane Austen series. I had a blast with the light-hearted tongue in cheek humor of the paranormal side paired with Jane Austen's most famous classic work. I had every intention to return and read the earlier books in the series even picking up this one 12 years back. But, I didn't follow through until now.
Northanger Abbey and Angels and Dragons is carefully faithful to the original classic story. In fact, Vera Nazarian specifically lists the authorship to include Jane Austen. I bring this out because this and the other Supernatural Jane works are not paranormal variations. Or, rather, the supernatural bits are carefully tucked into the original with only a few deviations in the scenes.
But, there is a jocular spirit that gives homage nicely to Austen. The angels are like fairy sprites in their small, flitting forms that only Catherine as the gift to see and hear. She is thought a little different for 'talking to herself' around home, but her family are warm and accepting types who shrug and carry on. Out in society of Bath, she tries to cover these convos with a cough. Her angels attempt to guide her and she listens sometimes, but when faced with her first journey away from home and her home village to experiencing such a glittering exciting place like Bath, she gets too excited to listen.
Like in the original, Catherine is exposed to two very different families- the Thorpes and the Tilneys. Catherine meets demonic-spawned nephilim for the first time in the eldest Thorpe siblings. Be not alarmed, gentle readers. This is not a scary tale of gothic horror. The Nephilim Isabella and John are not much different than their originals in nature and deed. The Tilneys are more to Catherine's taste in manners and friendship, but she's already made the acquaintance of the Thorpes and has a hard time shaking the annoying John.
Meanwhile, rumors of a vast treasure and hunts for it as well as multiple dragon sightings about Bath make its balls and assemblies, shops, theater, and Pump Room a place Catherine is loathe to leave until she gets invited to the Tilney home, Northanger Abbey- her gothic-loving heart swoons at the thought.
The book has a long early explanation and often has other explanations throughout so that it does have lag moments. The climax is notable, but not particularly intense. So, often as not, I found the supernatural elements distracting. In fact, the only time I didn't was when the dragon element was strongest and when she was spending time at the Abbey with the Tilneys and there were actual mysteries to tease Catherine.
All in all, I liked it. I enjoyed book three better, but I still want to go back for book one. Those who like cozy paranormal blended with their classics should give this series a try.
Quite some time ago, I read Pride and Platypus, the third book in the Supernatural Jane Austen series. I had a blast with the light-hearted tongue in cheek humor of the paranormal side paired with Jane Austen's most famous classic work. I had every intention to return and read the earlier books in the series even picking up this one 12 years back. But, I didn't follow through until now.
Northanger Abbey and Angels and Dragons is carefully faithful to the original classic story. In fact, Vera Nazarian specifically lists the authorship to include Jane Austen. I bring this out because this and the other Supernatural Jane works are not paranormal variations. Or, rather, the supernatural bits are carefully tucked into the original with only a few deviations in the scenes.
But, there is a jocular spirit that gives homage nicely to Austen. The angels are like fairy sprites in their small, flitting forms that only Catherine as the gift to see and hear. She is thought a little different for 'talking to herself' around home, but her family are warm and accepting types who shrug and carry on. Out in society of Bath, she tries to cover these convos with a cough. Her angels attempt to guide her and she listens sometimes, but when faced with her first journey away from home and her home village to experiencing such a glittering exciting place like Bath, she gets too excited to listen.
Like in the original, Catherine is exposed to two very different families- the Thorpes and the Tilneys. Catherine meets demonic-spawned nephilim for the first time in the eldest Thorpe siblings. Be not alarmed, gentle readers. This is not a scary tale of gothic horror. The Nephilim Isabella and John are not much different than their originals in nature and deed. The Tilneys are more to Catherine's taste in manners and friendship, but she's already made the acquaintance of the Thorpes and has a hard time shaking the annoying John.
Meanwhile, rumors of a vast treasure and hunts for it as well as multiple dragon sightings about Bath make its balls and assemblies, shops, theater, and Pump Room a place Catherine is loathe to leave until she gets invited to the Tilney home, Northanger Abbey- her gothic-loving heart swoons at the thought.
The book has a long early explanation and often has other explanations throughout so that it does have lag moments. The climax is notable, but not particularly intense. So, often as not, I found the supernatural elements distracting. In fact, the only time I didn't was when the dragon element was strongest and when she was spending time at the Abbey with the Tilneys and there were actual mysteries to tease Catherine.
All in all, I liked it. I enjoyed book three better, but I still want to go back for book one. Those who like cozy paranormal blended with their classics should give this series a try.
August 24, 2012
I did not expect the book to follow the original so closely while pairing it with the paranormal. Truly, had I known it for what it is, I may never had read it at all. Blissful ignorance. I read it and enjoyed the retelling and was grateful it never utterly squelched Austen nor delved too deeply into the supernatural so as to make it grotesque. I enjoyed rather hearty chuckles throughout the book.
April 12, 2011
Dear readers, leaving the comfortable realm of amiable and serene Austenesque novels, I have decided to take a brief sojourn into the terrifying, and sometimes violent, world of Jane Austen monster mash-ups. Having read and exceedingly enjoyed other Jane Austen paranormal creations (Jane Bites Back, Bespelling Jane Austen, and Jane and the Damned), I felt ready to jump into a true monster mash-up (I did read Emma and the Vampires, but didn't really find it to be much of a mash-up). And after reading a three chapter excerpt of Northanger Abbey Angels and Dragons on Vera Nazarian's website, (http://www.norilana.com/Northanger-3C...) I became enchanted with her tale of angels, dragons, and temperature-changing nephilim.
Through the pages of Vera Nazarian's Northanger Abbey Angels and Dragons, we learn that our heroine, Catherine Morland, possesses great metaphysical powers that enable her to see, hear, and talk to angels. In addition, we discover that John and Isabella Thorpe are strange nephilim creatures that inspire the whole town of Bath to search for secret hidden treasure. The clues of which they claim could be found encrypted in Mrs. Radcliffe's novels. Add to that mysterious dragons flying in the sky and ghosts dwelling in furniture and you have a supernaturally twisted version of Northanger Abbey that's quite diverting.
To continue reading, go to: http://janeaustenreviews.blogspot.com...
Through the pages of Vera Nazarian's Northanger Abbey Angels and Dragons, we learn that our heroine, Catherine Morland, possesses great metaphysical powers that enable her to see, hear, and talk to angels. In addition, we discover that John and Isabella Thorpe are strange nephilim creatures that inspire the whole town of Bath to search for secret hidden treasure. The clues of which they claim could be found encrypted in Mrs. Radcliffe's novels. Add to that mysterious dragons flying in the sky and ghosts dwelling in furniture and you have a supernaturally twisted version of Northanger Abbey that's quite diverting.
To continue reading, go to: http://janeaustenreviews.blogspot.com...
June 22, 2011
I won this at a first-reads on goodreads!
So I was definitely totally against the whole re-writing of Jane Austen's novels because I love them in their pure forms, and I still do! After reading another book called Pride Prejudice and Zombies, or something or another, I did not want to read another remake of a Jane Austen book with supernaturals.
But was I surprised! I thought to myself, give it a try, and I did!
Northanger Abbey is one of my favorite novels written by Jane Austen (surprising isn't it!).
In this novel, Catherine Morland, the heroine of our story is constantly surrounded by tiny little angels that help her and warn her about things. She embarks on her first journey to Bath, where the angels go into a frenzy warning her about cold Isabella Thorpe and her brother, John Thorpe. And of course we cannot forget her encounter with her true love Henry Tilney!
I recommend this book if you are looking for a bit of change in Northanger Abbey in a more Gothic sense!
Thanks for the novel!! I enjoyed it!
So I was definitely totally against the whole re-writing of Jane Austen's novels because I love them in their pure forms, and I still do! After reading another book called Pride Prejudice and Zombies, or something or another, I did not want to read another remake of a Jane Austen book with supernaturals.
But was I surprised! I thought to myself, give it a try, and I did!
Northanger Abbey is one of my favorite novels written by Jane Austen (surprising isn't it!).
In this novel, Catherine Morland, the heroine of our story is constantly surrounded by tiny little angels that help her and warn her about things. She embarks on her first journey to Bath, where the angels go into a frenzy warning her about cold Isabella Thorpe and her brother, John Thorpe. And of course we cannot forget her encounter with her true love Henry Tilney!
I recommend this book if you are looking for a bit of change in Northanger Abbey in a more Gothic sense!
Thanks for the novel!! I enjoyed it!
December 19, 2012
This was a delightful novel, in which our heroine was more frightened of fiction than of the reality of ogres, demons, dragons, ghosts, and (of course) giant ferocious ducks. I loved the author's style. It was quite tongue-in-cheek, just as any novel Miss Austen would produce regarding such gothic horrors. I will definitely read Ms. Nazarian's other novels with great expectations of amusement.
Read
February 22, 2011I added this book based on this review.
November 3, 2011
Let me begin by saying that I have read other works by both Vera Nazarian and Jane Austen, and greatly enjoyed them both. I have also read other recent Austen collaborations*, and I have enjoyed those as well. Northanger Abbey and Angels and Dragons is exactly as it sounds - an Austen parody/collaboration with the addition of Angels and Dragons. Austen's original novel, for the uninitiated, is the story of a country girl who spends a few weeks in society at Bath, taking the waters and attending balls, making acquaintances and learning of Mrs. Radcliffe's Gothic novels, The Mysteries of Udolfo, in particular. There are two love plots for the heroine to negotiate, and another involving her brother that could be considered an intrigue. Being both young, and rather foolish and romantic, the heroine takes leave of her common sense at times, and weaves elements of Gothic fantasy into her adventures. Vera Nazarian makes the addition of working angels and dragons throughout the text, as well as a number of minor additional changes to the sub-plots, and a number of annotations and illustrations.
The author's additions are in keeping with Austen's tone and word usage, so the text doesn't jolt you out of reading. Characters remained mostly as they were, even taking into consideration of Vera Nazarian's alterations; the depictions of the Thorne siblings were spot on to how I had thought of them when reading Austen's original novel. Austen's touch with poking fun at societal propriety remains intact, and is not exaggreated for additional comdic effect. There is also no gore or violence involved - which is much more in keeping with Austen's books**.
However, on the downside: appearances of the angels felt repetitive, and the additions to the plot made it a bit over-complicated. The footnotes were largely meant to be funny, but just as often fell flat; linking every mention of gay to Oscar Wilde was irritating, for example, as well as being temporally inaccurate. The footnotes also tended to tell you want a thing wasn't meant to convey, rather than what it was, which rankled. I think that this was an odd choice of Austen's novels to adapt, mostly because Auster herself had, in a way, already done so herself with the inclusion of Mrs. Radcliffe's Udolfo.
Overall rating: between 3.5 and 4 stars - Fans of the Austen-with-a-twist genre, but not delighted by the inclusion of the undead may well enjoy this more than its monster-ridden cousins.
Review copy supplied by the author as part of LibraryThing's Member Giveaway program.
* most notably the Quirk Classics' infamous Pride and Prejudice and Zombies series.
**For all the soldiers running around in Austen's novels, there really is an astounding lack of blood and violence.
The author's additions are in keeping with Austen's tone and word usage, so the text doesn't jolt you out of reading. Characters remained mostly as they were, even taking into consideration of Vera Nazarian's alterations; the depictions of the Thorne siblings were spot on to how I had thought of them when reading Austen's original novel. Austen's touch with poking fun at societal propriety remains intact, and is not exaggreated for additional comdic effect. There is also no gore or violence involved - which is much more in keeping with Austen's books**.
However, on the downside: appearances of the angels felt repetitive, and the additions to the plot made it a bit over-complicated. The footnotes were largely meant to be funny, but just as often fell flat; linking every mention of gay to Oscar Wilde was irritating, for example, as well as being temporally inaccurate. The footnotes also tended to tell you want a thing wasn't meant to convey, rather than what it was, which rankled. I think that this was an odd choice of Austen's novels to adapt, mostly because Auster herself had, in a way, already done so herself with the inclusion of Mrs. Radcliffe's Udolfo.
Overall rating: between 3.5 and 4 stars - Fans of the Austen-with-a-twist genre, but not delighted by the inclusion of the undead may well enjoy this more than its monster-ridden cousins.
Review copy supplied by the author as part of LibraryThing's Member Giveaway program.
* most notably the Quirk Classics' infamous Pride and Prejudice and Zombies series.
**For all the soldiers running around in Austen's novels, there really is an astounding lack of blood and violence.
June 21, 2011
First of all, this is the first Jane Austen monster mash-up book I've read, so I can't compare it with other books from that genre ; however, I think it was a perfect book for a first attempt! :).
In this supernatural parody of Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey, titled Northanger Abbey and Angels and Dragons we find the original characters, such as Catherine Morland, Henry Tilney, Isabella Thorpe, and so on, but with slight changes : Catherine can for example communicate with tiny guardian angels, and especially three of them (Clarence, Terence and Lawrence), in charge of keeping an eye on her.
The story follows Austen's original plot : Catherine goes to Bath, she finds herself alone with no acquaintances, and then finally meets the Thorpe family. And that's when the monsters appear, because the Thorpe family (as in Isabella and her brother John) is quite strange and scary... There's also dragons and ghosts in the story but you'll have to discover it yourself !
I think the supernatural additions to the original plot are really well made. I really enjoyed this book, because it's fun (the footnotes are really funny and I particularly loved the "We are a Pigeon?" scene), there's romance, adventure and mystery ; and it still follows and respects Austen's original story, and I really liked that.
→ I won this book through Goodreads First Reads !
In this supernatural parody of Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey, titled Northanger Abbey and Angels and Dragons we find the original characters, such as Catherine Morland, Henry Tilney, Isabella Thorpe, and so on, but with slight changes : Catherine can for example communicate with tiny guardian angels, and especially three of them (Clarence, Terence and Lawrence), in charge of keeping an eye on her.
The story follows Austen's original plot : Catherine goes to Bath, she finds herself alone with no acquaintances, and then finally meets the Thorpe family. And that's when the monsters appear, because the Thorpe family (as in Isabella and her brother John) is quite strange and scary... There's also dragons and ghosts in the story but you'll have to discover it yourself !
I think the supernatural additions to the original plot are really well made. I really enjoyed this book, because it's fun (the footnotes are really funny and I particularly loved the "We are a Pigeon?" scene), there's romance, adventure and mystery ; and it still follows and respects Austen's original story, and I really liked that.
→ I won this book through Goodreads First Reads !
March 27, 2011
Ages: 13 and up
Jane Austen purists beware! That great lady's masterworks have been snatched by that shameless harridan Vera Nazarian and dropped into absurd and wholly improper situations. The unfortunate heroine of Northanger Abbey has been placed in a strange world of angels, demons and one monstrous duck! Will Catherine Morland be able to resist the demonic wiles of the Thorpes with only the help of her angelic friends? Is the dragon that has been seen in the skies above Bath seeking a buried treasure? Are there codes hidden in horrid novels?
This novel is absolutely hilarious. The illustrations, footnotes and appendices (not to mention the story itself) will keep you chortling in helpless disbelief from start to finish. Catherine Morland's legendary fevered imagination has even more food for its fantasies, leading to the wildest of accusations being thrown about. The almost handsome Henry Tilney is an admirably sensible anchor in this otherwise ridiculous story, and their romance is quite lovely.
I was fortunate enough to win a copy of this novel that was not only signed, but doodled as well! The next novel in this series, Pride and Platypus, is coming soon and I can hardly wait to read it. :)
Jane Austen purists beware! That great lady's masterworks have been snatched by that shameless harridan Vera Nazarian and dropped into absurd and wholly improper situations. The unfortunate heroine of Northanger Abbey has been placed in a strange world of angels, demons and one monstrous duck! Will Catherine Morland be able to resist the demonic wiles of the Thorpes with only the help of her angelic friends? Is the dragon that has been seen in the skies above Bath seeking a buried treasure? Are there codes hidden in horrid novels?
This novel is absolutely hilarious. The illustrations, footnotes and appendices (not to mention the story itself) will keep you chortling in helpless disbelief from start to finish. Catherine Morland's legendary fevered imagination has even more food for its fantasies, leading to the wildest of accusations being thrown about. The almost handsome Henry Tilney is an admirably sensible anchor in this otherwise ridiculous story, and their romance is quite lovely.
I was fortunate enough to win a copy of this novel that was not only signed, but doodled as well! The next novel in this series, Pride and Platypus, is coming soon and I can hardly wait to read it. :)
April 18, 2015
This is my 4th Jane Austen mash-up and while I still liked Pride and Prejudice and Zombies the best (it tells us why Charlotte Lucas would marry the odious Mr. Collins) this book had it's good points too. It takes the satire that Jane Austen used in Northanger Abbey to make fun of the gothic novels of her day to a whole new level by adding angels, demons, and dragons, and a search for secret hidden treasure using the Udolpho Code. It was amusing and was a light read which I was looking for. Now, I am looking for secret clues to buried treasure and hidden meanings all around me.
For those who don't like people messing with Miss Austen's works you might not like it. I love all of the originals and find most of the mash-ups interesting. The author Vera Nazarian says in her afternotes "How is one to satirize an already perfect satire? Why, by taking it into the sublime realm of the fantastic and then by bringing all its already inherent imaginary absurdity to life." That is definitely what she did in my opinion.
For those who don't like people messing with Miss Austen's works you might not like it. I love all of the originals and find most of the mash-ups interesting. The author Vera Nazarian says in her afternotes "How is one to satirize an already perfect satire? Why, by taking it into the sublime realm of the fantastic and then by bringing all its already inherent imaginary absurdity to life." That is definitely what she did in my opinion.
January 18, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. It was very hard to put down and I stayed up two nights reading this book. The main character's, Catherine, supernatural abilities brought a refreshing tone to the novel. I hated Catherine's so called friend, Isabella, and her brother, John. I was ecstatic when Catherine disassociated herself from the evil siblings.The innocence and supernatural abilities of Catherine made it hard to close the book. Nazarian's character development, imagery and plot development with a surprising twist at the conclusion of the book will make this a favorite for people who enjoy romance, suspense, supernatural fiction with a sprinkling of a little humor. Don't take my word for it go out and purchase the book.This is the first Nazarian book I've had the pleasure of reading.
March 28, 2012
I'll be honest. This is the first time I've gone near anything Regency-related, so I'm probably not going to be able to hold the novel up against the existing tales by Austen. What I will say is that the writing is a treat and I enjoyed the stabs at Dan Brown's clues, as well as gothic novels. As far as monster mash-ups go, Nazarian entertains, and not once did the story feel forced.
There are many smaller routines that occur within the story but of particular amusement was the way Catherine deals with the annoying Legion. Granted, I was expecting a bit more of a show-down with the Thorpe siblings but overall the story is quite satisfying.
There are many smaller routines that occur within the story but of particular amusement was the way Catherine deals with the annoying Legion. Granted, I was expecting a bit more of a show-down with the Thorpe siblings but overall the story is quite satisfying.
November 13, 2011
I enjoyed reading this book it was a fun twist on one of jane austen's classic novels.I will be reading more from this author.If you expect to get plain jane austen this book is not for you.I myself like classic mash up books I have read quite a few.I thought this writer held her own with the others I have read.If you want a comedy twist on a classic check this book out.For me it was a fun read and not a waste of time.I also loved the cover art of the book.
February 10, 2019
Loved this. A very silly read. After reading this I will be chasing down Ms. Nazarian's other Austen spoofs. “This volume stands as a cautionary tale to the young people of our fair isle. Disdain fashion and pursue fortune, but not treasure; and above all, stand clear of Bath and Brighton and its ducks”
noway-josé
March 6, 2014Not blinking likely
September 17, 2013
I have been obsessively reading all the horror and fairytale versions of Jane Austen books and this was one of my favorites. Well written!
June 13, 2013
This is a very strange book but it was very funny and I quite enjoyed it
December 8, 2022
I found this parody of a parody rather amusing. Especially with the author's tongue-in-cheek footnotes. The concept--our protagonist suddenly gaining the ability to see supernatural beings invisible to the rest of us--supplied a lot of amusement to spice up Austin's original.
Now, I wish I'd started this immediately after reading the original. It didn't take long for me to lose track of what Nazarian had added--aside from the angels and dragons, of course. Overall, though, I thought the concept had a lot more potential than was implemented by the secondary author. But I suppose she might have been constrained by her decision to follow along with the plot of the original story. It might have been very interesting to see where things might have gone had V.N. given herself freer rein.
Now, I wish I'd started this immediately after reading the original. It didn't take long for me to lose track of what Nazarian had added--aside from the angels and dragons, of course. Overall, though, I thought the concept had a lot more potential than was implemented by the secondary author. But I suppose she might have been constrained by her decision to follow along with the plot of the original story. It might have been very interesting to see where things might have gone had V.N. given herself freer rein.
December 23, 2025
3.5 rounded down. This was amusing, but having read the sequel Pride and Platypus: Mr Darcy's Dreadful Secret, I was somewhat disappointed. Pride and Platypus had excellent worldbuilding, hilarious use of footnotes, and went in 100 percent on shenanigans. This one was... fine. The angels and dragons bring involved was fun, especially since being able to see angels did absolutely nothing to prevent Catherine from wanting gothic novel drama to occur. However, there was no real worldbuilding, just supernatural stuff slapped on top of Northanger Abbey.
September 10, 2020
Not recommended
There are a number of good classic novels rewritten with supernatural involvement such as Jane Slater and little vampire women. This is not one of them. A rather mangled rewrite to be avoided
There are a number of good classic novels rewritten with supernatural involvement such as Jane Slater and little vampire women. This is not one of them. A rather mangled rewrite to be avoided
January 8, 2023
Well that was...interesting. 2 stars instead of 3 because it just seemed like it would never end. Kind of cute in its own way.
January 27, 2012
I can't help but bemoan this new genre and spurn the audacity of some who would reduce the immortal prose of a beloved novelist to mere silliness, for silliness it most assuredly is. Howsomever, I read the entire book and could not falsify self-righteous indignation when reading passages about the misapprehensions of Catherine's dialogue with her angels by her family. Or Catherine's transparent schemes to disguise same. Silliness, after all, can be effectively amusing and so I resolve myself to this along with the dichotomy of my introductory statement by embracing silliness and it's being worthwhile as a literary device. I pray Miss Austen would understand.
November 23, 2011
I thoroughly enjoyed Northanger Abbey and Angels and Dragons. I had previously read Northanger Abbey, and am a fan of Jane Austen's. The heroine is as charming as when she was initially created, but has become just so funny. It is also funny that is is a parody of a parody (as Northanger Abbey was a parody of the Gothic style in vogue at the time in England).
I think though that Nazarian should have believed more in the ability of the readers to catch the ironic parts of the book without having to italize words every other paragraph.
I think though that Nazarian should have believed more in the ability of the readers to catch the ironic parts of the book without having to italize words every other paragraph.
February 11, 2013
I struggled with this one a little and having a hard time to decide if it's a 2 or 3 star so I'll say 2.5 stars. It was witty and there were moments that I got caught up in the story however there were also moments that lost my attention and they unfortunately were more often than not. Perhaps as this particular novel of Jane's was not my favorite and this being the first read into a fantasy/paranormal exploration of her books could be part of the reason I wasn't thoroughly engaged.
February 27, 2012
This is not even worth a raiting! The worst book I have tried to read in ages - not worth the download even if it was a freeby! Any one can follow an old classic and add a few angels every now and then, but why do so when none of it makes sense within the storyline. Terrible waste of time.
Read
April 1, 2011O: sounds awesome
April 10, 2012
Just won this book-will be receiving a copy straight from the author-look forward to reading it & will happily give you a review!
will-never-read
August 17, 2012Not fore me, but it is free on Kindle today.
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