Sorcery & Cecelia

Or, The Enchanted Chocolate Pot (Cecelia and Kate, Book 1)

De: Patricia C. Wrede, Caroline Stevermer

Narrado por: Lucy Rayner

Two young ladies contend with the Royal College of Wizards in Regency London: first in the series filled with "magical twists and turns" (San Diego Union-Tribune).

Since they were children, cousins Kate and Cecelia have been inseparable. But in 1817, as they approach adulthood, their families force them to spend a summer apart. As Cecelia fights boredom in her small country town, Kate visits London to mingle with the brightest lights of English society. At the initiation of a powerful magician into the Royal College of Wizards, Kate finds herself alone with a mysterious witch who offers her a sip from a chocolate pot. When Kate refuses the drink, the chocolate burns through her dress and the witch disappears. It seems that strange forces are convening to destroy a beloved wizard, and only Kate and Cecelia can stop the plot. But for two girls who have to contend with the pressures of choosing dresses and beaux for their debuts, deadly magic is only one of their concerns.

©2003 Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer (P)2020 Tantor

So clever and enchanting!

I was drawn to this title bc I love the narrator. I had never heard of these authors before and I typically dislike when books are written by two ppl. The end result is usually sloppy imo but not this one! I did not expect it to be told through letters the entire time but it was very clever and I soon got used to it! I loved how Kate and Cece were miles apart but still part of the same story.

Kate and Cece are very likable girls and the narrator gives them two distinct voices. There is a sprawling list of characters so prepare to get your reading comprehension on! If you space out for even a moment, you are likely to miss an important detail. I have an extensive vocabulary as an English major but I was surprised and delighted how many new words I had to look up! The prose is absolutely enchanting and you really feel like you’re in the 1800s with a splash of magic. The narration and writing is beyond impressive.

I love how Kate and Cece are cousins yet practically sisters. Interesting that their siblings are courting each other but that was very common among cousins during this time period. Their aunts are very amusing as well. Miranda is such a great villain, I’m surprised they got rid of her so fast. I only wish even more magic had been injected into the story.

I highly recommend this to those who enjoy this time period, fantasy and challenging reads. I am already well into the second book!

Enjoyable

A fun read, and an enjoyable story. Predictable but pleasant, a good story, and a good telling.

Fun

I have read and listened to the book and loved both. It’s such fun. The next two books are wonderful too. My only complaint is there are not more.

So creative a collaboration!

Make sure to listen all the way through the credits. Congratulations to the authors - well done.

great listen. was just the mix I was looking for.

looking forward to this next tie to be released. Oh please do it with narration. they graco be recordrd... please dont change narrators!!

I almost did it write

I read book 3 first and thought it was a funky magical take on Austen-meets-steampunk. Only after reading book 1 did I really realize what I was experiencing. More specifically, the Afterword made it all clear. I should have listened to the Afterword first (who knew?), then I could have entered more fully into the spirit of the letter exchanges. Now I am expecting a full mental participation in book 2.

Just Plain Fun

When I first read this series, years ago now, it was my first experience with epistolary novels. I’m so glad it’s on audio now!!! It’s one of my favorite series. Kate and Cecilia are delightful, intrepid, and hilarious. I love the relationships, be it between the friends or between the couples. It’s lighthearted, engaging, and the narration by Lucy Rayner is superb. It’s marketed as YA, but anybody looking for a fun read can and will enjoy it.

A Lot of Fun!

This is a wonderful book amd such a lot of fun to listen to!

Excellent!

Audible recommended this and I decided to try it after finishing all of Diana Wynne Jones books on here. I absolutely loved it! The performance was excellent and the story was engaging.

epistolary fun!

regency drama with a touch of magic!!! I love the perfect balance of romantic and non-romantoc plot.

the romances aren't the exclusive focus, but share the stage with magical intrigue and sorcery lessons, which I loved! the characters aren't afraid of being too "girly" - they like new gowns, discuss colors and fashions, etc. nobody disparages needlework or pianoforte music lessons, etc!

the characters all maneuver within the bounds of society's rules, mostly sticking to proper things, but they don't abide by arbitrary limits either (EG being told their horse is too headstrong, not acceptable for a lady). the story never puts down other girls, either!

reminded me a lot of "half a soul" by Olivia Atwater, but this book doesn't address any major social themes. it isn't a critical look at Regency England, it doesn't address privilege, poverty or class distinctions the same way Half a Soul does. and honestly, I don't want or need this book to do that; this is just a fun fantasy romp!

Sorcery and Cecilia does a great job of making sure not to put down "feminine" interests or girly girls, and I highly recommend this book to any fans of regency high society and fantasy!