Ratings4
Average rating3.8
In this enchanting debut novel, Galen Beckett weaves a dazzling spell of adventure and suspense, evoking a world of high magick and genteel society--a world where one young woman discovers that her modest life is far more extraordinary than she ever imagined.Of the three Lockwell sisters--romantic Lily, prophetic Rose, and studious Ivy--all agree that it's the eldest, the book-loving Ivy, who has held the family together ever since their father's retreat into his silent vigil in the library upstairs. Everyone blames Mr. Lockwell's malady on his magickal studies, but Ivy alone still believes--both in magic and in its power to bring her father back.But there are others in the world who believe in magick as well. Over the years, Ivy has glimpsed them--the strangers in black topcoats and hats who appear at the door, strangers of whom their mother will never speak. Ivy once thought them secret benefactors, but now she's not so certain. After tragedy strikes, Ivy takes a job with the reclusive Mr. Quent in a desperate effort to preserve her family. It's only then that she discovers the fate she shares with a jaded young nobleman named Dashton Rafferdy, his ambitious friend Eldyn Garritt, and a secret society of highwaymen, revolutionaries, illusionists, and spies who populate the island nation of Altania.For there is far more to Altania than meets the eye and more to magick than mere fashion. And in the act of saving her father, Ivy will determine whether the world faces a new dawn--or an everlasting night. . . .From the Hardcover edition.
Series
3 primary booksMrs. Quent is a 3-book series with 3 primary works first released in 2008 with contributions by Galen Beckett.
Reviews with the most likes.
The Magicians and Mrs. Quent is one of the most thoroughly engrossing novels I've read lately, though I did think it relied too much on characters not providing as much helpful information as they could have in order to control the plot or draw out mysteries. However, the first thing I did after finishing it was order the next two books because I really want to know what happens next!
It's split into three books that are connected but distinctly different from each other in style and/or focus. The first is a fantasy of manners reminiscent of Jane Austen with a focus on society, relationships, and class inequality. The next part is Gothic fantasy reminiscent of Jane Eyre told entirely from Ivy's first person perspective rather than following three different protagonists like the other parts, and the last has more in common with traditional high fantasy with magick and political focus.
Though the book follows three main protagonists, it's primarily Ivy's story and I loved reading about her most of all. I knew I was going to like her from the very first line:
It was generally held knowledge among the people who lived on Whitward Street that the eldest of the three Miss Lockwells had a peculiar habit of reading while walking.
In addition to being a reader, Ivy is clever, courageous, and determined–and I can't wait to continue her story in the next book!
Full Review on My Website
Pros: reminiscent of Regency and Victorian authors, uses a Victorian inspired setting, flows well, literary but the fantasy aspects are fully realized
Cons: story develops a little too slowly
The Magicians And Mrs. Quent is split into three parts. In the first, we are introduced to the major players - the Lockwell girls, of which Ivy is the dominant, Mr. Rafferdy and the upperclass circle he inhabits, and Eldyn Garritt, a gentleman whose father ruined the family name and has left him in dire straits. This part of the novel feels very much like Pride and Prejudice. There's matchmaking among those of unequal backgrounds and much prejudice abounding because of it.
The second part is more like Jane Eyre. I won't say more than that as it would give away a major plot twist. The third part of the novel was entirely original in that it didn't make me think of a Victorian novel, and is designed to tie the other parts together.
The story meanders, following the fortunes of the various players. There is a plot, but you don't really see it until the third segment - though that's not to say it isn't present in the first two. The first two entrance you with their language and the doings of the people so it's not until near the end that you see what the author's been working towards. While the Magicians make a brief appearance in the first part, Mrs. Quent doesn't show up until the end of the second.
And while the setting is Enlightenment/Victorian, it's a fully realized fantasy world. The planet is not earth (the day/night cycle follows an uneven rotation so almanacs are consulted to learn how long each will be). There's history, there are the seeds of revolt and there are the underpinnings of emancipation. Which makes it a unique book among fantasy novels which tend to stick to Medieval worlds.
And it's hard not to read a book that begins, “It was generally held knowledge among the people who lived on Whitward street that the eldest of the 3 Miss Lockwells had a peculiar habit of reading while walking.”
If you like Regency or Victorian literature or just want to read a fantasy novel that's a bit different, this is a good choice.