Title: A Matter of Magic
Author: Patricia C. Wrede
First published May 1, 1998
448 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780765326324 (ISBN10: 0765326329)
Rating: 4
Overview
In A Matter of Magic, Kim is a street smart girl who knows how to survive in the dirty streets of London. When she is offered a large sum of money to break into a traveling magician’s wagon, she jumps at the opportunity.
But things take a turn when the magician catches her in the act and proposes that she become his apprentice. As she learns the ways of magic and tries to become a proper lady, Kim finds herself in the middle of a dangerous game of cloak-and-dagger politics.
Murderers, thieves and intrigue are at every turn, and Kim must use all of her cunning and wit to stay alive. With mystery and romance aplenty, A Matter of Magic is a thrilling ride through Regency England.
About the Author
Patricia Collins Wrede, the eldest of five children, was born in Chicago, Illinois. She discovered her love for writing in seventh grade and pursued a degree in Biology at Carleton College in Minnesota.
Despite her major, she did not take any English courses during her time there. After graduating in 1974, she immediately began working on her first novel, Shadow Magic, which took five years to complete.
By the time she finished, she was permanently hooked on writing and began work on her second book.
In 1977, Patricia received her M.B.A from the University of Minnesota and worked as a financial analyst and accountant for several years. In January 1980, she formed a writer’s group called “The Scribblies” with friends Pamela Dean, Emma Bull, Will Shetterly, Steven Brust, and Nate Bucklin, who were all hopeful but unpublished writers at the time.
They were later joined by Kara Dalkey. In April of the same year, Patricia’s first novel was sold to Ace Books, and it was published in 1982.
Shortly before the publication of her fifth book in 1985, Patricia left her job to focus on writing. Her hobbies include sewing, embroidery, gardening, reading, and enjoying High Tea.
She is a vegetarian and currently lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota with her cat Karma. Despite having no children, she finds joy in her writing and the relationships she has built with fellow writers.
Editoral Review
Title: A Matter of Magic
Author: Patricia C. Wrede
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: May 1, 1998
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Patricia C.
Wrede, the author of several bestselling fantasy novels, presents us with A Matter of Magic, an epic, witty, and artfully written tale. Initially published in 1998, this young adult fantasy novel received widespread critical acclaim, garnering major praise for its spellbinding plot, character development, and vibrant world-building.
Set in a British-like empire, the novel follows the story of a young lady named Kate, who is determined to become a professional sorceress. Kate’s world turns upside down after a chance encounter with a mysterious wizard named Thomas.
As she gets entangled in a series of events that pose a great danger to the kingdom’s, Kate quickly realizes that she must hone her magical abilities and join forces with Thomas to neutralize the growing threat to the empire. At its core, A Matter of Magic is a story of self-discovery, adventure, and friendship.
Patricia C. Wrede brings us through a detailed, sprawling setting that is both magical and steeped in history.
The descriptions are vivid and strong, painting a world that is engaging and desirable to explore. Wrede’s writing style is fast-paced, witty, and smart without being overwhelming, making it an easy to read book for younger readers.
One of the main strengths of A Matter of Magic is the character development. Kate is a remarkable character, with a determined and spunky personality that makes her the perfect protagonist.
Her bravery and intelligence shine from the very beginning, making it easy for readers to root for her throughout the book. The secondary characters are also well developed, and their dynamics are authentic and believable.
The dialogues flow naturally, and each character has a distinct voice and personality. Despite these strengths, there are some flaws in the book.
The plot can be somewhat predictable, making it hard to create genuine surprises for seasoned fantasy readers. However, this didn’t take away from the overall reading experience or the book’s strengths.
Overall, A Matter of Magic is an excellent young adult fantasy novel with a strong plot, intricate world-building, and compelling characters. This book will appeal to everyone, from younger readers to adults who enjoy quality writing and fantastic worlds.
I highly recommend this novel for anyone who loves fantasy, magic and adventure. Rating: 4.5/5