Renegade Magic

February 15, 2012
Kat Stephenson, incorrigible as ever, returns to sow more magical chaos in a Regency England where families tainted by witchcraft are shunned in polite Society. With good marriages arranged for Kat's sisters, her family's place in Society seems assured until, at Elissa's wedding, Angeline is publicly outed as a witch. To find Angeline a husband before the scandal breaks, Stepmama engineers a hasty expedition to fashionable Bath. It doesn't go well: Their hosts, the Wingates, treat the Stephensons with sneering condescension, heartbroken Angeline refuses to cooperate with Stepmama's plans, brother Charles disappears into the gaming rooms and Papa buries himself in his studies. Worst of all, Kat is expelled from the Order of the Guardians, the elite whose role is to ensure that magic-working remains in the "right" hands. Exploring the baths, Kat and Lucy Wingate stumble upon a group of young men--including Charles--invoking an ancient Roman goddess. The wild magic unleashed possesses Lucy and nearly overpowers Kat. Yes, the setting's authentic (mostly)--from the springs of the ancient Roman spa to the stinky waters elegant Regency matrons sip in the Pump Room--but this rollicking tale is neither historical fiction nor literary retread. Recommended for readers who like their fantasy seasoned with feisty characters and nonstop action. Roll over, Jane Austen! (author's note) (Historical fantasy. 10 & up)

COPYRIGHT(2012) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

March 1, 2012

Gr 5-8-Incorrigible Kat Stephenson is on her way to Bath for her second adventure. While her older sister is launched into society, the 12-year-old becomes embroiled in a case of misdirected wild magic: an unknown magician is trying to manipulate the magic associated with Bath's natural hot springs, and the consequences are potentially deadly unless the Guardians can stop him. Unfortunately, the head of the Order of the Guardians has taken a severe dislike to Kat. Unless she can control her temper and her magic, she may never get the chance to become a properly trained Guardian. She must risk her abilities in order to protect her family and friends, but even her best efforts might not be enough to save them. This fast-paced fantasy will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Tweens will sympathize with her struggles to control her impulses and gain respect from the adults in her life. Though this is the second volume in a series, it stands well on its own, and the research into early-19th-century England shines through without detracting from the nimble plotting. This combination of history and fantasy is sure to please.-Misti Tidman, Licking County Library, Newark, OH

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 15, 2012
Grades 6-10 Regency romance meets Harry Potter with a strong jolt of twenty-first-century feminism in this second novel in the Kat, Incorrigible series. Kat, 14, is appalled when her sister Angeline is called a trollop by the mother of her paramour. Their nasty stepmother takes Angeline, Kat, and Oxford-dropout Charles to the fashionable seaside city of Bath to find a proper high-society match for Angeline. Meanwhile, Kat wrestles with the Order of Guardians, learning to harness the magical gifts passed on from her mother. The lovely detailsRoman baths, detailed costumes, and the seamy underside of Oxford student lifewill have readers swooning all over again.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)