The first thing that drew me to this book was the writing style (letters between to cousins) and the historical fantasy was just an added bonus for me. It's a bit of a younger-teen read, but it's just such a lovable book and the characters are really different than in other books I've read.

posted Feb 11, 2009 at 4:57PM

It is England, 1817. Cecelia stays at home in the countryside while cousin Kate is off to the big city for her first London season. The girls write to each other, and the book could be a comedy of manners based on the likes of Jane Austen--except that this is an England where Magic is real. Sorcery and Cecelia is also a collaborative novel. Wrede wrote as Cecilia and Stevermer wrote as Kate, and the story grew out of the chapters they sent back and forth to each other. The result is a charming and witty tale of wizards, chocolate pots, and Proper Etiquette in Polite Society. The (mis)adventures continue in The Grand Tour, or, The Purloined Coronation Regalia (2004).

posted May 18, 2009 at 1:20PM

England, 1817. Cecelia is at home in the countryside while Cousin Kate is off to the big city for her first London season. The girls write to each other, and the book could be a comedy of manners based on the likes of Jane Austen—except that this is an England where magic is real. So when Kate blunders into a secret garden during a ceremony at the Royal College of Wizards and is nearly poisoned by a witch, and when Cecy spots a strange young man spying on her and finds a charm-bag under her brother’s bed, it’s precisely the sort of mystery that the clever cousins relish. And when the conundrum in London and the confusion in the country turn out to be related through a tangled web of magic spells, corrupt sorcerers, enchanted objects, and infuriating (but handsome) young men, Kate and Cecy must listen harder, creep quieter, and write more letters to uncover the clues and save the day. Sorcery and Cecelia is a collaborative novel written by two authors. Patricia C. Wrede wrote as Cecelia and Caroline Stevermer wrote as Kate, and the story grew out of the chapters they mailed back and forth to each other. The result is a charming and witty tale of wizards, chocolate pots, and Proper Etiquette in Polite Society. The (mis)adventures continue in two sequels to date.

posted Oct 12, 2010 at 11:51AM

This was one of my all time favorite books growing up because of the fun plot and rather silly characters. I would highly recommend it, even if it is not the deepest nor most brilliant book.

posted Nov 27, 2011 at 8:53PM

Excellent fantasy written as a Jane Austin-ish romance, categorized as teen fiction but perfectly lovely for adults, too. The historical setting and conversations seem realistic to me, the girls are smart, strong and funny, and the characterization of even minor characters is masterful. The magical elements are believable and the villains satisfyingly villainous. A delightful read.

posted Dec 14, 2011 at 11:24AM

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