Sorcerer to the Crown
Aug. 23rd, 2022 08:13 pmSorcerer to the Crown by Zen Cho is set in an alternate Georgian Britain, with magic and a border with Fairyland. Zacharias Wythe is new to the post of Sorcerer Royal after the untimely demise of his guardian and mentor. On top of dealing with the prejudice that comes along with his African descent, not to mention the rapid decline of the magic that normally comes through from Fairyland, Zacharias is plagued with a mystery stomach complaint and an unwanted apprentice, who is - shock, horror, female!
There is lots of societal and geopolitical politics in this book, the dual POV of Zacharias and his apprentice, Prunella, makes for two interesting perspectives, and the tone is largely light and fun. Plenty of intrigue, feminism and a well-drawn magic system lead to an entertaining read.
The ending not only contains a lot of exposition but also manages somehow to be very abrupt (and a bit heartless in places) but the ultimate conclusion is very pleasing overall.
There is lots of societal and geopolitical politics in this book, the dual POV of Zacharias and his apprentice, Prunella, makes for two interesting perspectives, and the tone is largely light and fun. Plenty of intrigue, feminism and a well-drawn magic system lead to an entertaining read.
The ending not only contains a lot of exposition but also manages somehow to be very abrupt (and a bit heartless in places) but the ultimate conclusion is very pleasing overall.