Sorcerer to the Crown by Zen Cho

Sorcerer to the Crown (Sorcerer to the Crown, #1)

by Zen Cho

Shortlisted for the 2016 Locus First Novel Award & the British Fantasy Society Award for Best Novel and Best Newcomer

The fate of English magic lies in their hands. . .

In Regency London, Zacharias Wythe is England's first African Sorcerer Royal. He leads the eminent Royal Society of Unnatural Philosophers, but a malicious faction seeks to remove him by fair means or foul. Meanwhile, the Society is failing its vital duty - to keep stable the levels of magic within His Majesty's lands. The Fairy Court is blocking its supply, straining England's dangerously declining magical stores. And now the government is demanding to use this scarce resource in its war with France.

Ambitious orphan Prunella Gentleman is desperate to escape the school where she's drudged all her life, and a visit by the beleaguered Sorcerer Royal seems the perfect opportunity. For Prunella has just stumbled upon English magic's greatest discovery in centuries - and she intends to make the most of it.

At his wits' end, the last thing Zachariah needs is a female magical prodigy! But together, they might just change the nature of sorcery, in Britain and beyond.

Reviewed by ayla_abbott on

4 of 5 stars

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I went two thirds of the way through the book trying to decide if I liked the main characters, not finding the plot to be particularly gripping, and the "teenager that won't follow simple instructions" trope to be nothing unusual. But then in the final third of the book it went an entirely different direction than I expected and I found the switcharoo to be quite satisfactory by the end.

If there is a sequel I will gladly read it.

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  • Started reading
  • 2 January, 2016: Finished reading
  • 2 January, 2016: Reviewed
  • Started reading
  • Finished reading
  • 2 January, 2016: Reviewed