Sorcery and Cecelia, or, The Enchanted Chocolate Pot: being the correspondence of two Young Ladies of Quality regarding various Magical Scandals in London and the Country by Patricia C. Wrede (co-author) (1988)
fyrefly98: Both have the same "Jane-Austen-meets-Harry-Potter" vibe to them; "Jonathan Strange" is denser and more grown-up, while "Sorcery & Cecelia" is funnier and more of a romp.
allisongryski: Let me preface this recommendation by acknowledging that Arabella does not have the fantasy element of Sorcery & Cecilia. However, I think many readers of S & C will enjoy this excellently written Regency story, following the impetuous, charming Arabella when she goes to London for the Season. There is some light romance, similar in tone to that in S & C, but the story is more focused on the characters and the humour in their interactions and misadventures.… (more)
keristars: These are somewhat similar - a Regency-era girl discovers that she has magic ability by accident and then gets into a bit of an adventure as a result. S&C is more of a mystery/romance/adventure while Kat is a do-gooder Emma type. In my biased opinion, the Burgis book is far and away the better of the two, but if you liked one, you're likely to enjoy the other.… (more)
Caramellunacy: A similar fun historical fantasy feel. Bewitching Season has twins Persephone & Penelope Leland using their (secret) magical skills to protect the teenaged princess Victoria from a dastardly magical plot.
Very, very likable characters and such a fun adventure. The method by which this was written is too cool for words. I've heard it said (seen it written) that there wasn't very much in the the way of rewrites/editing also which I find surprising and exciting under those circumstances. I hope the play more letter writing games. ( )
If you like fantasy and Jane Austen, read this book. I just finished it and it is absolutely delightful. I have to request the sequel. If no one has the sequel I will cry.
This is the story of two cousins, told in letters written between the two when one is in Essex (where they both live) and one is in London. It was written by the authors, Patricia Wrede writing as Kate, and Caroline Stevermer writing as Cecelia, which creates a very believable difference in voice between the two. And here's the kicker: until they finished the whole thing they didn't discuss the plot. And yet it makes sense.
The story itself is very sweet, amusing, and, as long as you don't object to magic, very very clean. I give it a hearty thumbs up to slightly more mature readers. ( )
If you like fantasy and Jane Austen, read this book. I just finished it and it is absolutely delightful. I have to request the sequel. If no one has the sequel I will cry.
This is the story of two cousins, told in letters written between the two when one is in Essex (where they both live) and one is in London. It was written by the authors, Patricia Wrede writing as Kate, and Caroline Stevermer writing as Cecelia, which creates a very believable difference in voice between the two. And here's the kicker: until they finished the whole thing they didn't discuss the plot. And yet it makes sense.
The story itself is very sweet, amusing, and, as long as you don't object to magic, very very clean. I give it a hearty thumbs up to slightly more mature readers. ( )
The authors wish to dedicate this book to Jane Austen, Georgette Heyer, J. R. R. Tolkien, and Ellen Kushner, all of whom, in their several ways, inspired us to create it.
First words
Dearest Kate, It is dreadfully flat here since you have been gone, and it only makes it worse to imagine all the things I shall be missing.
Quotations
Last words
In fact, I'm looking forward to it very much. (Not the canal, though.)
In 1817, in England, two cousins, Cecelia living in the country and Kate in London, write letters to keep each other informed of their exploits, which take a sinister turn when they find themselves confronted by evil wizards. [Library of Congress summary]
A great deal is happening in London and the country this season.
For starters, there's the witch who tried to poison Kate at the Royal College of Wizards. There's also the man who seems to be spying on Cecelia. (Though he's not doing a very good job of it--so just what are his intentions?) And then there's Oliver. Ever since he was turned into a tree, he hasn't bothered to tell anyone where he is.
Clearly, magic is a deadly and dangerous business. And the girls might be in fear for their lives . . . if only they weren't having so much fun!
(retrieved from Amazon Thu, 03 Jan 2013 12:43:30 -0500)
In 1817 in England, two young cousins, Cecilia living in the country and Kate in London, write letters to keep each other informed of their exploits, which take a sinister turn when they find themselves confronted by evil wizards.