Miss Mabel's School for Girls (Network, #1)

by Katie Cross

• ISBN10: 0991531906
• ISBN13: 9780991531905
• Publish Date: 17 March 2014
• Publish Status: Unknown
• Imprint: Antebellum Publishing
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 316
• Language: English

Reviews

[Chelsea]

This book ended up much better than anticipated! I actually really enjoyed it! While there are moments where it was a typical ya fantasy, the plot kept me entertained throughout the whole thing!

I loved the competition and how a large part of the story revolves around it. I also loved the pacing of the reveals of information surrounding the backstory of our main character. There was enough to keep me guessing but not so little as to drive me crazy. The villain in this novel was a real piece of work too which I LOVED. Nothing beats a great villain.

I was actually surprised at the very end which is always a great way to end a book. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series!

I really enjoyed this. Bianca was a fantastic character. She was fierce and smart and resourceful and brilliant. Leda and Camille were supportive friends. And Miss Mabel was the perfect evil villain. The writing was engaging and the plot intriguing and it was a great book and I'll be sure to pick up the rest of the series.

[Sam@WLABB]

The Network series is a series I will automatically add to my TBR. Why?

1. It's a pretty cool world to be in. There were a lot of neat details and the magical aspects were really interesting.
2. The characters. I totally embraced Bianca, she is strong, intelligent and determined, yet kind and caring. But I also looked forward to her interactions with Leda and Camille, who were both fairly amusing as well as fiercely loyal.
3. The story. Whoa, there was waaaay more to this story then I first anticipated. I like being surprised.
4. The phrase, "Merry Meet", made me smile every time I read it.

I throughly enjoyed this book. I found myself smiling and gasping and happy and sad and mad, and well, that's why I read.

[kimbacaffeinate]

I first learned about Miss Mabel’s School for Girls on Candace’s Book Blog where I mistakenly confused the author with another. Can you guess who? Therefore, when Katie Cross asked if I would like to review the first book of the Network series I could not help, but say yes. Miss Mabel’s School for Girls was a delightful, magical witch tale with moments of darkness and an overall plot that already has me intrigued.

I knew going into the tale that we would be attending a boarding school for witches located near Letum Woods. What I did not expect was the wonderful world building. Politics, spies, curses and a fascinating history of the territories that make up this world drew me in and never let go.

The tale introduces us to Bianca Monroe. Poor Bianca has inherited a deadly curse and to be free of it; she must outsmart a witch who is both respected and feared. The tale that unfolds has everything from friendship to dark magic. Bianca is a strong, determined character, and I easily connected with her. She has secrets, and Cross did an excellent job of slowly revealing both her skills and plans. Bianca befriends a few of the other girls adding interest and creating allies. I especially liked Leda she is a non-conformist, with oodles of opinions and the gift of sight. I have a feeling she will need these friends as the tale continues.

Miss Mabel’s School for Girls was well paced, with fleshed out characters, mystery and moments of darkness. I became completely wrapped up in the tale from the classrooms to the hexing spells. I loved that it had moments of darkness. The tale remained young adult, but had an edge and serious tone to it allowing it to stand out among others in this genre. Miss Mabel is a formidable enemy, and I am anxious to see where the next installment takes us. We meet other players in the political games afoot, and there are hints of war. I am not a hundred percent sure of these character’s intentions and love that unsettled feeling as I read.

Fans of boarding schools, witches, and excellent world building with elements of mystery will find Miss Mabel’s School for Girls the perfect beginning to this series.

Copy received from author in exchange for unbiased review that originally published @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer