An epistolary novel, set in a fantasy Regency AU. Two cousins, one enjoying her first London season, the other languishing in the depths of the countryside, stumble upon a dastardly wizardly plot and must use all their resources and ingenuity – plus the invaluable assistance of two conveniently eligible young men – to put a stop to it. The story was written as a game of letters between the two authors, and it's obvious at times that one occasionally had no idea what the other was doing. It might have benefited from a tighter final edit but, in general, is thoroughly enjoyable, albeit fluff of the fluffiest order. ( )

I always enjoy Wrede's writing, and this book was no exception. It was one of those books that I'd been eyeing for years, but for some reason never had a chance to purchase... so when it was sitting blatantly on the shelf at the library, I figured it was time to give it a go. It's actually a slower read than it looks - or at least it was for me - and I think that may be because it's written in Victorian-style language. But that just means it's a good book to savor, not blast through!

It's written in letter-style, between two young ladies, and apparently (as stated by the authors in the back of the book) the book came about after Wrede and Stevermer actually just decided to play "The Letter Game" and write letters in character to each other for awhile. Then, when they later sat back and talked about things, they realized they had a book... and so they polished the letters up and the rest is history! I thought that was very interesting: a book that wasn't intended as a book... I'll be honest, I think it shows in just a few spots where the story dragged a little, but I wouldn't dissuade anyone from picking this up. There are two more books after this one, and I've got them on the list to find the next time I'm at the library (or, let's be honest, a bookstore). A worthwhile read! ( )

Co-authors Wrede and Stevermer began this novel as a game--the letter game--in which participants assume a persona and correspond via letters without discussing their characters or plot outside of those letters. They cobbled the results into a vibrant and fun re-imagining of 19th century England with wizards and magic, as revealed through the pens of their plucky correspondents, Kate and Cecilia. The two of them flirt and plot and spy and generally sparkle as characters--at least when they don't have "the headache." ( )

http://whatsonyourshelf.wordpress.com... ( )

Absolutely delightful! The book is written as a series of letters between two cousins in an alternate Regency England, where magic works. One has gone to London for her Season, while the other remains in their country town. Some familiarity with Regency England - like a love for Jane Austen - would be best for younger readers. In the footsteps of spunky young heroines everywhere, even being separated can't stop them from getting into trouble. ( )