Sorcerer to the Crown (Sorcerer Royal #1)

Summary:

Magic and mayhem collide with the British elite in this whimsical and sparkling debut.

At his wit’s end, Zacharias Wythe, freed slave, eminently proficient magician, and Sorcerer Royal of the Unnatural Philosophers—one of the most respected organizations throughout all of Britain—ventures to the border of Fairyland to discover why England’s magical stocks are drying up.

But when his adventure brings him in contact with a most unusual comrade, a woman with immense power and an unfathomable gift, he sets on a path which will alter the nature of sorcery in all of Britain—and the world at large… (Summary and cover courtesy of goodreads.com)

Review:

This read was one that ran a bit hot and cold for me.  When I loved it, I loved it.  When it was a little slow, it took pushing through a bit.  There were moments that “Sorcerer to the Crown” reminded me of Gail Carriger in its mix of Victorian and fantasy epic, but somehow it never quite culminated in a way that ran smoothly.  One thing I really loved was the way the magic worked, which was absolutely whimsical.  Zacharias has found himself in a bit of a conundrum and it takes being forced to do a few activities that he doesn’t really want to do in order to find the partner in crime to unravel it. 

And in the end, when the women from the east arrived I absolutely died laughing by the interactions.  It is particularly fantastic in Prunella’s choice of mentor on the sly.  All in all, the best part of this book was its resistance and commentary to microaggressions, but in a lighthearted challenge to society.  I think the strengths outweigh some of the slow moments and I would highly recommend it for anyone who wants a fun read.

Rating: 4 stars!

Who should read it? Classics, Victorian and fantasy fans.

Want to read the whole series?

• The True Queen (Sorcerer #2)

• Untitled (Sorcerer #3)