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Noctis Magicae #3
A Season of Spells
In the latest novel from the author of Lady of Magick, Sophie and Gray Marshall must save the Kingdom of Britain from a tide of dark magic...
Three years after taking up residence at the University of Din Edin, Sophie and Gray return to London, escorting the heiress of Alba to meet the British prince to whom she is betrothed. Sparks fail to fly between the pragmatic Lucia of Alba and the romantic Prince Roland, and the marriage alliance is cast into further doubt when the men who tried to poison King Henry are discovered to have escaped from prison.
Gray sets off to track the fugitives abroad, while Sophie tries to spark a connection between the bride and groom by enlisting them in her scheme to reopen a long-shuttered women’s college at Oxford. Though a vocal contingent believes that educating women spells ruin, what Sophie and her friends discover in the decaying college library may hold the key to protecting everything they hold dear—as well as a dark secret that could destroy it all.
Three years after taking up residence at the University of Din Edin, Sophie and Gray return to London, escorting the heiress of Alba to meet the British prince to whom she is betrothed. Sparks fail to fly between the pragmatic Lucia of Alba and the romantic Prince Roland, and the marriage alliance is cast into further doubt when the men who tried to poison King Henry are discovered to have escaped from prison.
Gray sets off to track the fugitives abroad, while Sophie tries to spark a connection between the bride and groom by enlisting them in her scheme to reopen a long-shuttered women’s college at Oxford. Though a vocal contingent believes that educating women spells ruin, what Sophie and her friends discover in the decaying college library may hold the key to protecting everything they hold dear—as well as a dark secret that could destroy it all.
464 pages, Paperback
First published December 6, 2016
About the author
Sylvia Izzo Hunter
3 books182 followersSylvia Izzo Hunter was born in Calgary, Alberta, and started making up stories at approximately the time she learned to talk. She now lives in Toronto, Ontario, with her husband and daughter and their slightly out-of-control collections of books, comics, and DVDs. When not writing, she works in scholarly publishing, sings in two choirs, reads as much as possible, knits (mostly hats), and engages in experimental baking.
Sylvia’s favourite Doctor is Tom Baker, her favourite pasta shape is rotini, and her favourite Beethoven symphony is the Seventh.
Sylvia’s favourite Doctor is Tom Baker, her favourite pasta shape is rotini, and her favourite Beethoven symphony is the Seventh.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
June 20, 2017
I haven't read the other books in the series so maybe that might be why I didn't like this one but honestly I was just surprised that anyone could write a boring book about magic. Sophie and Grey return from University after graduation back to London with Lucia who is betrothed to Prince Ronald. Prisoners poison the king and run away which leads to Grey being sent away to track them down. Meanwhile Sophie works on getting an old women's college reopened. I think the book might have just had too much going on in it with all the subplots for various characters though they were tied together. I really enjoyed Lucia and Ronald's getting to know one another and would rather have spent more time with them or with Sophie's sister Joanna and Gwendolyn whose relationship was super sweet. I just found Sophie and Grey very boring especially Grey, every time we switched over to him being away and talking about it I wanted to stab myself. The plot line was pretty slow and boring as well, maybe I just didn't like it because I didn't read the other two and I see in other people's review that they said this isn't the strongest one in the series. Also kind of peeved off that in the end it was implied that Joanna and Gwendolyn would still find men and get married like lame I want them to get married to each other damn it.
December 7, 2016
A Season of Spells (Noctis Magicae #3) by Sylvia Izzo Hunter
Three years after taking up residence at the University of Din Edin, Sophie and Gray return to London, escorting the heiress of Alba to meet the British prince to whom she is betrothed.
Sparks fail to fly between the pragmatic Lucia of Alba and the romantic Prince Roland, and the marriage alliance is cast into further doubt when the men who tried to poison King Henry are discovered to have escaped from prison. Gray sets off to track the fugitives abroad, while Sophie tries to spark a connection between the bride and groom by enlisting them in her scheme to reopen a long-shuttered women’s college at Oxford.
Though a vocal contingent believes that educating women spells ruin, what Sophie and her friends discover in the decaying college library may hold the key to protecting everything they hold dear—as well as a dark secret that could destroy it all.
I forgot to do my homework when I requested this book but I was inspired by the blurb and the cover which is beautiful. I didn't realize that A Season of Spells is the third book in the Noctis Magicae series.
That being said I loved the cast, I loved the world and I really liked the hunters take on magic and the relationships between the cast. The bond of friendship is great on a devotional scale.
I loved the world Hunter has created - its Harry Potter vs The Tudors.
Wonderful read!
I totally plan on picking up the previous books in this series and reading it all the way through. Hunter is a new favorite.
Sylvia Izzo Hunter
Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews received a digital copy. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley.
If any of Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews has been helpful please stop by to like my post or leave a comment to let me know what you think. I love hearing from followers!
Thank you so much for stopping by!
Three years after taking up residence at the University of Din Edin, Sophie and Gray return to London, escorting the heiress of Alba to meet the British prince to whom she is betrothed.
Sparks fail to fly between the pragmatic Lucia of Alba and the romantic Prince Roland, and the marriage alliance is cast into further doubt when the men who tried to poison King Henry are discovered to have escaped from prison. Gray sets off to track the fugitives abroad, while Sophie tries to spark a connection between the bride and groom by enlisting them in her scheme to reopen a long-shuttered women’s college at Oxford.
Though a vocal contingent believes that educating women spells ruin, what Sophie and her friends discover in the decaying college library may hold the key to protecting everything they hold dear—as well as a dark secret that could destroy it all.
I forgot to do my homework when I requested this book but I was inspired by the blurb and the cover which is beautiful. I didn't realize that A Season of Spells is the third book in the Noctis Magicae series.
That being said I loved the cast, I loved the world and I really liked the hunters take on magic and the relationships between the cast. The bond of friendship is great on a devotional scale.
I loved the world Hunter has created - its Harry Potter vs The Tudors.
Wonderful read!
I totally plan on picking up the previous books in this series and reading it all the way through. Hunter is a new favorite.
Sylvia Izzo Hunter
Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews received a digital copy. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley.
If any of Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews has been helpful please stop by to like my post or leave a comment to let me know what you think. I love hearing from followers!
Thank you so much for stopping by!
May 24, 2018
I love this series so much.
This book, unlike the last two, did not have a slow-down period. From beginning to end, the book was filled with action and mystery.
The only thing that I found a little unsatisfactory was the ending. It happened very quickly and was wrapped up very neatly. I wish that it had taken more time to elaborate on what the various characters had done since the end of the war.
One of the things that I really enjoyed in this novel was that there was less of a focus on Gray and Sophie. All the other characters got a lot of time spent on their development and relationships. I do think that the relationship between Gwen and Joanna could have used some more depth, but that's being very nit-picky.
This is definitely one of my favourite fantasy trilogies that I've read. Sylvia Izzo Hunter has earned her spot on my favourite author list.
This book, unlike the last two, did not have a slow-down period. From beginning to end, the book was filled with action and mystery.
The only thing that I found a little unsatisfactory was the ending. It happened very quickly and was wrapped up very neatly. I wish that it had taken more time to elaborate on what the various characters had done since the end of the war.
One of the things that I really enjoyed in this novel was that there was less of a focus on Gray and Sophie. All the other characters got a lot of time spent on their development and relationships. I do think that the relationship between Gwen and Joanna could have used some more depth, but that's being very nit-picky.
This is definitely one of my favourite fantasy trilogies that I've read. Sylvia Izzo Hunter has earned her spot on my favourite author list.
November 4, 2018
I loved this series and am so sorry to see it’s considered a completed trilogy, as I would like to read many more. I know a lot of Goodreaders have complained of the pace, even going so far as to call these books boring, but for me, they blend the forms of a novel about society and manners with a thrilling magic adventure perfectly. I love every bit- the world building, the characters, the politics, the magic, the romance.... I hope the author reconsiders and starts another trilogy in the same world!
February 2, 2021
Sweet and wholesome and containing romance, and yet somehow not bland or sickening. Alternative history with enough connection to reality to be interesting but an academic magic realism that I enjoyed. It explores gender inequity without getting depressing (frustrations were present) or trivialising it. In some ways it was like a Tamora Pierce novel (which I love) but more grown up. Good world building. I couldn't like everything (like the casual acceptance of conquest as a "right" of readers) but such realism is well balanced and stops it being too Utopian.
I will be going to see what else Hunter has written.
I will be going to see what else Hunter has written.
October 8, 2022
Maybe around the 3.5 mark, but I found it too disappointing as a conclusion to round up.
I think my main issue with this instalment was the plotting – different points of conflict were thrown in too late and underused, and it felt like this was to put more tension into the plot when I would happily just have read a book about Sophie reviving Morgan College and Lucia navigating her engagement. Lucia in particular felt criminally underused, becoming a POV character after her introduction in the previous book for the sake of maybe eighty pages overall, and I was hugely disappointed not to really see the development of her relationship with Roland on the page. Like the others, it was still a cosy and charming read with some great character moments, but I'm left wondering whether the book was pushed in the wrong direction during editor stages or if aspects of it just failed to land.
I think my main issue with this instalment was the plotting – different points of conflict were thrown in too late and underused, and it felt like this was to put more tension into the plot when I would happily just have read a book about Sophie reviving Morgan College and Lucia navigating her engagement. Lucia in particular felt criminally underused, becoming a POV character after her introduction in the previous book for the sake of maybe eighty pages overall, and I was hugely disappointed not to really see the development of her relationship with Roland on the page. Like the others, it was still a cosy and charming read with some great character moments, but I'm left wondering whether the book was pushed in the wrong direction during editor stages or if aspects of it just failed to land.
December 6, 2016
Originally posted on Vampire Book Club
After three years of living in Alba and attending university, it’s time for Sophie and Gray Marshall to head back to London escorting the heiress of Alba, Lucia MacNeill, to meet her betrothed, Prince Roland, Sophie’s brother.
While that first meeting does not go off as planned, Sophie figures out what to do with her time back in London: begin the process of reopening the Lady Morgan College in Oxford whose doors mysteriously closed centuries ago.
However, Sophie’s plans might be put on hold when it’s soon discovered that her stepfather, one Appius Callender, as well as the other men who conspired to poison the King, have escaped. Gray and Sophie will find themselves separated as each pursues a different path in bringing back the fugitives and saving the Kingdom.
I loved that A Season of Spells brought us back to London, as one of my biggest issues with Lady of Magick was not really feeling the setting of Alba. Instead here, we’re in familiar territory and get to revisit many of the characters that were introduced in the first book, but sadly lacking from the second. I also felt more of a connection with this storyline since it’s almost a continuation of things started in The Midnight Queen.
I appreciated the fact that some of the characters introduced in Lady of Magick, namely Lucia MacNeill, were given more page time to develop in A Season of Spells. I found myself liking those characters more as I got to know and understand them better. The betrothal between Lucia and Roland was a great contrast to witness when compared to Sophie and Gray. The way that Lucia and Roland don’t seem compatible at first, but have to work on getting to know one another was nice to watch. In that regard, the romantic relationship between Sophie’s sister Joanna and her friend Gwendolen Pryce was another aspect that I wasn’t sure about in Lady of Magick, having felt like it kind of came out of nowhere, but seeing their steadfastness and devotion to one another in this book and how much they’ve grown, I’d really like to see them get their own adventure some day.
Probably the best thing about A Season of Spells, which I honestly wish was utilized a whole lot more, was the history behind Lady Morgan College. The mystery of its closing and the utter eeriness of the abandoned structure was so fascinating, but I was a little let down when that device kind of turned into a segue for the overarching storyline of trouble within the Kingdom. Again, maybe something that will get its own story expanded upon at another time.
A Season of Spells is the conclusion to the trilogy. The ending seemed to tie everything up, but I felt as though there’s room left for expanding the world should Sylvia Izzo Hunter ever choose to do so, and as I stated above there are certainly some stories I would like to read about. As a whole, I’ve enjoyed this series. It’s a great example of an alternate history fantasy.
After three years of living in Alba and attending university, it’s time for Sophie and Gray Marshall to head back to London escorting the heiress of Alba, Lucia MacNeill, to meet her betrothed, Prince Roland, Sophie’s brother.
While that first meeting does not go off as planned, Sophie figures out what to do with her time back in London: begin the process of reopening the Lady Morgan College in Oxford whose doors mysteriously closed centuries ago.
However, Sophie’s plans might be put on hold when it’s soon discovered that her stepfather, one Appius Callender, as well as the other men who conspired to poison the King, have escaped. Gray and Sophie will find themselves separated as each pursues a different path in bringing back the fugitives and saving the Kingdom.
I loved that A Season of Spells brought us back to London, as one of my biggest issues with Lady of Magick was not really feeling the setting of Alba. Instead here, we’re in familiar territory and get to revisit many of the characters that were introduced in the first book, but sadly lacking from the second. I also felt more of a connection with this storyline since it’s almost a continuation of things started in The Midnight Queen.
I appreciated the fact that some of the characters introduced in Lady of Magick, namely Lucia MacNeill, were given more page time to develop in A Season of Spells. I found myself liking those characters more as I got to know and understand them better. The betrothal between Lucia and Roland was a great contrast to witness when compared to Sophie and Gray. The way that Lucia and Roland don’t seem compatible at first, but have to work on getting to know one another was nice to watch. In that regard, the romantic relationship between Sophie’s sister Joanna and her friend Gwendolen Pryce was another aspect that I wasn’t sure about in Lady of Magick, having felt like it kind of came out of nowhere, but seeing their steadfastness and devotion to one another in this book and how much they’ve grown, I’d really like to see them get their own adventure some day.
Probably the best thing about A Season of Spells, which I honestly wish was utilized a whole lot more, was the history behind Lady Morgan College. The mystery of its closing and the utter eeriness of the abandoned structure was so fascinating, but I was a little let down when that device kind of turned into a segue for the overarching storyline of trouble within the Kingdom. Again, maybe something that will get its own story expanded upon at another time.
A Season of Spells is the conclusion to the trilogy. The ending seemed to tie everything up, but I felt as though there’s room left for expanding the world should Sylvia Izzo Hunter ever choose to do so, and as I stated above there are certainly some stories I would like to read about. As a whole, I’ve enjoyed this series. It’s a great example of an alternate history fantasy.
December 29, 2017
I was surprised to find out that Season of Spells was intended as the ending of a trilogy, as it felt very much like a middle book. It does resolve the through-line about women not being allowed at Oxford. This book's plot about a Napoleon-esque dictator attempting to take over Europe received, strangely, less attention. Part of the appeal of the previous two books was the cozy background to the thriller plots; this one gets almost too cozy (laughing at the sinister Imperator Gallia as he pratfalls outside of your B&B?). I felt it didn't quite live up to the previous books, but there were still many enjoyable character moments with Gray and Sophie and their family. Character-wise everyone gets a satisfying send off.
November 15, 2018
I absolutely fell in love with this series! The themes, setting and characters worked extremely well together and the twists and turns that Sylvia Izzy Hunter enclosed within the novels kept me on my toes. I especially loved Gray and Sophie’s as well as Roland and Lucia’s relationships! I was a little unsure about the conclusion of Johanna and Gwendolen’s relationship as there were not really any further development of their feelings. I would definitely read the series again and I wish there was a sequel! Overall, AMAZING SERIES!!! :)
September 1, 2020
I so enjoy these books... this is the third in the series, and I find new things to love about Sophie and Joanna in every book. The light touch, the wit, the quirky dialogue are all consistent elements to enjoy in this series. I hope this series will continue!
July 27, 2021
Frustration at the end, because I want more Gwen and Jo immensely, and the ending happened very fast compared to the building up? I still really hope for more in this world!
March 26, 2020
I firmly advise you to read the previous two books in this series before attempting this one. The world where the UK and France are still fractured into a number of states, where the Roman and pagan gods exist side by side, which provides a complex backdrop to the action.
Things have moved on for Sophie and Gray and in this book, there is far more in the viewpoint of Joanna, Sophie’s feisty younger sister and her very close friend and the love of her life, Gwendolyn. I really liked their relationship, which is sparky as they also have to negotiate the social norms of the time, which does not approve of, or acknowledge their love.
What worked really well for me was how Lucia and Roland’s relationship had to unfold. It’s an arranged marriage, providing peace, stability and more prosperity for the population of two kingdoms and it’s unthinkable that it won’t go ahead. But when they meet, Roland in particular, is underwhelmed at Lucia’s attitude. Reading how they had to negotiate this issue, I was aware that it isn’t often an arranged union is looked upon as anything other than a bad thing in fantasy novels. I also was delighted just to once more sink into this unique world Hunter has created and which I really love, given the care and detail she provides in her magic-making and the political strains that a fractured kingdom causes – nicely done.
Any niggles? I’ll own to being a tad frustrated that poor old Gray and Sophie were once more wrenched apart – I do enjoy seeing them together. Though it did underline just what danger everyone is facing when the threat from the continent becomes clear, that he is sent on such a hazardous mission. I also found the pacing towards the end of the story a tad uneven, in that the build-up was brimful of tension and the denouement did wrap everything up rather rapidly. However, it wasn’t a dealbreaker. And if Hunter decides to turn this trilogy into a quartet, I’ll happily read the next one, too. I just love the world she has created. Recommended for those who enjoy interesting alternate historical settings with their fantasy adventures.
8/10
Things have moved on for Sophie and Gray and in this book, there is far more in the viewpoint of Joanna, Sophie’s feisty younger sister and her very close friend and the love of her life, Gwendolyn. I really liked their relationship, which is sparky as they also have to negotiate the social norms of the time, which does not approve of, or acknowledge their love.
What worked really well for me was how Lucia and Roland’s relationship had to unfold. It’s an arranged marriage, providing peace, stability and more prosperity for the population of two kingdoms and it’s unthinkable that it won’t go ahead. But when they meet, Roland in particular, is underwhelmed at Lucia’s attitude. Reading how they had to negotiate this issue, I was aware that it isn’t often an arranged union is looked upon as anything other than a bad thing in fantasy novels. I also was delighted just to once more sink into this unique world Hunter has created and which I really love, given the care and detail she provides in her magic-making and the political strains that a fractured kingdom causes – nicely done.
Any niggles? I’ll own to being a tad frustrated that poor old Gray and Sophie were once more wrenched apart – I do enjoy seeing them together. Though it did underline just what danger everyone is facing when the threat from the continent becomes clear, that he is sent on such a hazardous mission. I also found the pacing towards the end of the story a tad uneven, in that the build-up was brimful of tension and the denouement did wrap everything up rather rapidly. However, it wasn’t a dealbreaker. And if Hunter decides to turn this trilogy into a quartet, I’ll happily read the next one, too. I just love the world she has created. Recommended for those who enjoy interesting alternate historical settings with their fantasy adventures.
8/10
August 16, 2017
It makes me so sad to not have loved the third book in this series, because I really loved the first two books. This felt like a completely different kind of book than the first two.
The first two books felt like going on a thrilling magical adventure with the characters, but this book, at least to the end of chapter 10, which is how far I got before I gave up, felt like more of a treatise on society and the societal expectations of the time.
The story was very slow moving, and there was very little actual action or anything of an adventurous nature in those first 10 chapters. It felt to me like all anyone did for all that time was talk, and while I don't mind listening to characters talk, especially when I like those characters, but when you are expecting an adventure, that is a bit of a let down.
I was also disappointed that so much of the early chapters focused so much on Lucia and Roland and very little on Sophie and Grey, and Sophie and Grey are what made me fall in love with these books. They are wonderful, and I missed them in the beginning of this book. Even when the focus finally shifted back to them, Sophie was just sitting around talking and looking at books. I understand that she was trying to research the old women's college, but it just wasn't what I was anticipating from this book, and ultimately wasn't enough to keep me reading.
The first two books felt like going on a thrilling magical adventure with the characters, but this book, at least to the end of chapter 10, which is how far I got before I gave up, felt like more of a treatise on society and the societal expectations of the time.
The story was very slow moving, and there was very little actual action or anything of an adventurous nature in those first 10 chapters. It felt to me like all anyone did for all that time was talk, and while I don't mind listening to characters talk, especially when I like those characters, but when you are expecting an adventure, that is a bit of a let down.
I was also disappointed that so much of the early chapters focused so much on Lucia and Roland and very little on Sophie and Grey, and Sophie and Grey are what made me fall in love with these books. They are wonderful, and I missed them in the beginning of this book. Even when the focus finally shifted back to them, Sophie was just sitting around talking and looking at books. I understand that she was trying to research the old women's college, but it just wasn't what I was anticipating from this book, and ultimately wasn't enough to keep me reading.
November 20, 2022
Didn't realize this was a series bc it didn't say on the cover or anything. That explains why it was so difficult to keep up with all the characters from the start. This book was entertaining but really spent so much time about tawdry politics and then COMPLETELY SKIPPED seemingly important scenes. There just seemed to be so little pay off with all the time spent on giving details on some things and then jumping forward in time for no reason, including, in one infuriating case, the climax of the story. It just... skips forward to the end? Why?? Overall, I had no effing clue how time was moving in this book and the fantasy elements seemed under-utilized. Also can't stand a flawless MC who is also the subject of a prophecy. Yawn. I don't even want to dive into the plot lines left untied, despite the epilogue.
Also seems like an incredibly codependent relationship. I love my partner too but I don't lose part of myself or drain my power when we're not in the same room. This was probably one of my least favorite parts of the book. Like, sure, the characters may be trauma bonded, but why are we romanticizing that?
Also some phrases of narration and dialogue that seemed off. I'm familiar with the voice and diction the author is writing from, but some of the phrases just didn't make sense or were used in a clunky way that I had to reread several times.
Also seems like an incredibly codependent relationship. I love my partner too but I don't lose part of myself or drain my power when we're not in the same room. This was probably one of my least favorite parts of the book. Like, sure, the characters may be trauma bonded, but why are we romanticizing that?
Also some phrases of narration and dialogue that seemed off. I'm familiar with the voice and diction the author is writing from, but some of the phrases just didn't make sense or were used in a clunky way that I had to reread several times.
January 6, 2017
Full review at Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
A Season of Spells lured me with its pretty cover (owls!), a promise of romance, and a hint that maybe it would be winter-themed and thus go nicely with my holiday reading. It turned out to be the last book in a trilogy. My tip: don’t start with the last book in a trilogy.
A Season of Spells, which is not seasonal by the way, is a fantasy book with several plots that are haphazardly glued together. Initially the plot seems to be that Sophie, the main character of the trilogy, has to convince two people to get married for royal purposes. But that plot is abandoned in favor of two other plots. One involves a plot against the king, and the other involves an abandoned university for women. Within those plots are various subplots and developments, and the book careens from plot to plot in the most confusing way.
I’m fairly certain that one reason I could not get interested in any of the plots was because I hadn’t read the other two books. However, I also think that I couldn’t get invested in the plots because as soon as I felt a flicker of interest we were off to something else. The pace was unbelievably awkward and nothing seemed to connect in a meaningful way until very near the end of the book. Nothing that involves so many couples, magical owls, and a feminist university, plus a garden maze and an attempt at regicide, should be so incredibly boring. But it was.
There were things I liked about the book. I liked the characters very much, which was one of the reasons that it bugged me when the book would drop a bunch of them and skip on to a new issue. Almost every character is presented as a complex person. It also aces the Bechdel test time and time again. The interactions between characters are believable. Even the best of friends, when they find themselves cooped up and helpless to take action, tread on one another’s feelings. They all have flaws but they are also all smart, competent people who care deeply about one another. Even the traitor among them is given humanity.
This book almost works as a stand-alone. I had no problem figuring out who everyone was and what was going on, although I did lose interest about halfway through the book. The reason I suggest starting with the first book is that I assume that even given the pacing problems, it’s probably much easier for readers to get invested in the plot(s), which involve recurring characters, if they’ve been following these characters from the beginning. The plot(s) appear to have been a long time in the making and I think it’s safe to assume that at least some of the time when I said “Huh?” longtime readers probably would say “A HAH!”
I’m grading this book a somewhat generous B- because I suspect that most of my problems with the book came from reading it without reading the first two books. I’d tentatively recommend this series to fans of Regency-ish fantasy, but I do have to warn you that while there are many romantic couples, there isn’t much actual romance, at least not in this installment. There’s feminism though, and a guy who shapeshifts into an owl, and a lot of books and maps and codes, plus a nice focus on eating, bathing, sleeping, and wearing nice things – all of which I’m highly in favor of. So despite my lukewarm reaction to the plot, I think the series taken as a whole is highly promising.
- Carrie S.
A Season of Spells lured me with its pretty cover (owls!), a promise of romance, and a hint that maybe it would be winter-themed and thus go nicely with my holiday reading. It turned out to be the last book in a trilogy. My tip: don’t start with the last book in a trilogy.
A Season of Spells, which is not seasonal by the way, is a fantasy book with several plots that are haphazardly glued together. Initially the plot seems to be that Sophie, the main character of the trilogy, has to convince two people to get married for royal purposes. But that plot is abandoned in favor of two other plots. One involves a plot against the king, and the other involves an abandoned university for women. Within those plots are various subplots and developments, and the book careens from plot to plot in the most confusing way.
I’m fairly certain that one reason I could not get interested in any of the plots was because I hadn’t read the other two books. However, I also think that I couldn’t get invested in the plots because as soon as I felt a flicker of interest we were off to something else. The pace was unbelievably awkward and nothing seemed to connect in a meaningful way until very near the end of the book. Nothing that involves so many couples, magical owls, and a feminist university, plus a garden maze and an attempt at regicide, should be so incredibly boring. But it was.
There were things I liked about the book. I liked the characters very much, which was one of the reasons that it bugged me when the book would drop a bunch of them and skip on to a new issue. Almost every character is presented as a complex person. It also aces the Bechdel test time and time again. The interactions between characters are believable. Even the best of friends, when they find themselves cooped up and helpless to take action, tread on one another’s feelings. They all have flaws but they are also all smart, competent people who care deeply about one another. Even the traitor among them is given humanity.
This book almost works as a stand-alone. I had no problem figuring out who everyone was and what was going on, although I did lose interest about halfway through the book. The reason I suggest starting with the first book is that I assume that even given the pacing problems, it’s probably much easier for readers to get invested in the plot(s), which involve recurring characters, if they’ve been following these characters from the beginning. The plot(s) appear to have been a long time in the making and I think it’s safe to assume that at least some of the time when I said “Huh?” longtime readers probably would say “A HAH!”
I’m grading this book a somewhat generous B- because I suspect that most of my problems with the book came from reading it without reading the first two books. I’d tentatively recommend this series to fans of Regency-ish fantasy, but I do have to warn you that while there are many romantic couples, there isn’t much actual romance, at least not in this installment. There’s feminism though, and a guy who shapeshifts into an owl, and a lot of books and maps and codes, plus a nice focus on eating, bathing, sleeping, and wearing nice things – all of which I’m highly in favor of. So despite my lukewarm reaction to the plot, I think the series taken as a whole is highly promising.
- Carrie S.
April 8, 2019
I was really looking forward to this last book in the series after thoroughly enjoying The Midnight Queen and Lady of Magick (wonderful books!). Maybe high expectations are part of the reason this one was so disappointing. Or maybe it just wasn't that good.
It still has all my favourite characters and the lovely alternate history period. But it reads like notes on scenes for a novel rather than the final draft.
I was prepared to forgive the long recap at the beginning; big cast, lots has already happened. But this book just doesn't start at all. The plot is never fleshed out. There is no tension, no build to climax, and then, after 500+ pages, it's all over in about 30 pages told partly 'off camera'. And what was that bit in the maze about? Why assemble an army and then... nothing?
It could have been so good, but it just wasn't.
It still has all my favourite characters and the lovely alternate history period. But it reads like notes on scenes for a novel rather than the final draft.
I was prepared to forgive the long recap at the beginning; big cast, lots has already happened. But this book just doesn't start at all. The plot is never fleshed out. There is no tension, no build to climax, and then, after 500+ pages, it's all over in about 30 pages told partly 'off camera'. And what was that bit in the maze about? Why assemble an army and then... nothing?
It could have been so good, but it just wasn't.
November 30, 2020
Three years after taking up residence at the University of Din Edin, Sophie and Gray return to London, escorting the heiress of Alba to meet the British prince to whom she is betrothed. Sparks fail to fly between the pragmatic Lucia of Alba and the romantic Prince Roland, and the marriage alliance is cast into further doubt when the men who tried to poison King Henry are discovered to have escaped from prison.
Gray sets off to track the fugitives abroad, while Sophie tries to spark a connection between the bride and groom by enlisting them in her scheme to reopen a long-shuttered women’s college at Oxford. Though a vocal contingent believes that educating women spells ruin, what Sophie and her friends discover in the decaying college library may hold the key to protecting everything they hold dear—as well as a dark secret that could destroy it all.
Gray sets off to track the fugitives abroad, while Sophie tries to spark a connection between the bride and groom by enlisting them in her scheme to reopen a long-shuttered women’s college at Oxford. Though a vocal contingent believes that educating women spells ruin, what Sophie and her friends discover in the decaying college library may hold the key to protecting everything they hold dear—as well as a dark secret that could destroy it all.
February 7, 2017
Since it has been so long since I read the first two books in this series I had a little trouble getting in to this one and then catching up. It didn't seem to flow as well as the first two either. However, I still love the characters and will miss following their antics in Old England.
This is an alternative history with magic woven in to the time period of King Henry. One scene is set in the palace archives where the mages find volume after volume of old diaries. Wouldn't that be heavenly?
This is an alternative history with magic woven in to the time period of King Henry. One scene is set in the palace archives where the mages find volume after volume of old diaries. Wouldn't that be heavenly?
May 18, 2020
I read this book in six days… Mostly because I Was so sad to see these characters go after this one! By far my favorite book in the whole series. I love a good creepy abandoned building and seeing what’s inside so this was really fun to see a whole college that just got abandoned for no explainable reason that they get to discover. Almost bummed that this was only one book, wish it had been two so we could’ve gotten into more detail about the college and the big bad guy and not wrap things up so fast. But I highly recommend this whole series!
September 6, 2018
I didn't really like this book all that much, but I'm giving it 4 stars because I haven't liked any of the books I've read lately... You know how it is, sometimes nothing is ever good enough.
And, I must also confess, I didn't expect to like this book at all. I found the last one very slow, up until the very end, so when I started reading this one, I was basically just looking for excuses to put it down. And yet, I have read it to the end. And enjoyed it. So there.
And, I must also confess, I didn't expect to like this book at all. I found the last one very slow, up until the very end, so when I started reading this one, I was basically just looking for excuses to put it down. And yet, I have read it to the end. And enjoyed it. So there.
October 11, 2020
This was better than the second book. The author tried to capture the magic of joanna from the first book again. It was way better than the second book, but still fell short for me.
I loved the Lucia and Roland characters as an idea, but again the author had a huge opportunity to really develop them and their relationship and failed. This was probably the biggest dissapointment for me in the third book.
I loved the Lucia and Roland characters as an idea, but again the author had a huge opportunity to really develop them and their relationship and failed. This was probably the biggest dissapointment for me in the third book.
December 26, 2020
Satisfying end to this YA fantasy trilogy - a joy to read.
Gray and Sophie become involved in more conspiracies and intrigue and the story incorporates all the main characters - Joanna, Gwendoline, Lucia etc.. There's a lot of progress made with all their lives and the magic element shines brightly in the entire novel. It's enjoyable fantasy although the ending does leave some questions unanswered (a little frustrating). Well worth the effort - but read the first two books beforehand.
Gray and Sophie become involved in more conspiracies and intrigue and the story incorporates all the main characters - Joanna, Gwendoline, Lucia etc.. There's a lot of progress made with all their lives and the magic element shines brightly in the entire novel. It's enjoyable fantasy although the ending does leave some questions unanswered (a little frustrating). Well worth the effort - but read the first two books beforehand.
November 2, 2017
This was a bit disappointing compared to the previous two books in the series. The two plotlines - refounding Lady Morgan College and fighting the Emperor of Gaul - seemed a bit disjointed and the finale felt anticlimactic. I love the world-building but this didn't live up to the promise of the first two books in the series.
June 4, 2019
Sad it's over. I loved this world in which Christianity never took over Europe and the components of British Isles and France never coalesce into nation states. There is a Merlin College at Oxford. In some ways the plot is beside the point. It's the world I long to keep living in part-time. Oh, well, onto the next portal of possibility (aka book).
March 1, 2020
I am devastated to finish the trilogy and to have no further stories set in this world to look forward to reading!! Magickal indeed, with fully-realized characters; even those who seem at first to be minor are given full purposes and develop nicely. It is a captivating series and I look forward to rereading these books.
May 14, 2017
A pretty nice novel. I found it a bit slow at the beginning, but it's getting better. Nice story line. I enjoyed reading it.
I received a free copy from the Goodreads First Reads program. Thanks for sending me this book.
I received a free copy from the Goodreads First Reads program. Thanks for sending me this book.
June 18, 2017
Disappointing end to the trilogy--slow to get started until the last quarter of the book, rushed at the end, plot holes and unresolved major plot points. The ending especially felt like the author realized she was nearly out of pages and had to condense everything to fit it in. Unsatisfying.
September 6, 2017
I liked the alternate-magical-history Britain of this world, with it Victorian-esque politics infused by commonplace magic use. Maybe should have read the earlier books first, since it was a bit tough getting to know all the characters and their history at this point.
July 28, 2018
4.5 stars. Book three of a historical fantasy series set in a world I am really enjoying (think Jane Austen + magic + Roman and Celtic goddesses and gods - very fun!)
Sophie and Gray are back in London with a familiar cast of characters as a royal wedding may be drawing nigh. Someone in what we would call France is calling himself an Emperor. And Sophie is thinking again about how British women can get the education they deserve.
Sophie and Gray are back in London with a familiar cast of characters as a royal wedding may be drawing nigh. Someone in what we would call France is calling himself an Emperor. And Sophie is thinking again about how British women can get the education they deserve.
August 24, 2018
This was a wonderful conclusion to a fantastic series. It was such a pleasure to revisit some of my favorite characters and I was rooting for Sophie to have her ancestors' college restored. Also Sophie and Gray as well as Roland and Lucia are adorable!
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