Enjoy!
Disenchanted by Kara Pleasants
Fantasy Romance
Publisher: Quills and Quartos
Published: 5.11.20
ASIN: B087Q5LVFH
Pages: 248
Rating: 4
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
Sellers: Amazon
Add To: GoodReads
GoodReads Blurb:
As a renowned wizard, Fitzwilliam Darcy thinks he is familiar with most of the spells, enchantments, and magic practised in the wizarding world. When he reluctantly joins his friend Bingley in Meryton, a small town not known for its magic, he is startled to stumble upon the rare gift possessed by Miss Elizabeth Bennet. The daughter of a poor country squire, she possesses a singular talent: she is not only immune to magic, but she can counter enchantments as well.
Despite their initial dislike of each other, the two draw closer as the threat from the Thieving Necromancer, a dark wizard stealing people’s magic, grows more dangerous.
As Darcy battles nefarious wizards and Elizabeth unravels ever more difficult spells, they uncover dark secrets and break mysterious enchantments.
But love may prove the most important magic of all.
Despite their initial dislike of each other, the two draw closer as the threat from the Thieving Necromancer, a dark wizard stealing people’s magic, grows more dangerous.
As Darcy battles nefarious wizards and Elizabeth unravels ever more difficult spells, they uncover dark secrets and break mysterious enchantments.
But love may prove the most important magic of all.
Sophia Rose's Review:
I was eager to pick up this magically-flavored variation on a classic that is a cover to cover charmer.
Disenchanted is a standalone variation story that can be enjoyed regardless of whether the reader is familiar with Austen's Pride & Prejudice or not. It follows the principle points of that story until about halfway when the magical part of the plot jogs the events into a new and suspenseful direction.
I love the premise that magic and magic users are part of the everyday life of the world in the time of Regency England. Manners and magic was melded so well in this one. It was fun to see how the character's personalities seemed to play a role in what sort of magic they wielded like it was an extension of who they are. Of course, the sparkling and diverting Miss Elizabeth Bennet had a gift that confounds the unflappable, arrogant and extremely gifted Mr. Darcy just as Elizabeth doesn't know what to make of a man who irks her deeply and yet she can't get him out of her mind even when the conniving Mr. Wickham tries to set her against Darcy.
The characters were engaging and I found the secondary story of Elizabeth's parents endearing in the end and a source of curiosity toward the beginning. Loved getting the secrets from the past as the characters opened up to each other.
The first half of the book set up the world and past events, the characters, and the beginning of the plot so it moved along at a slower yet steadier more character-oriented pace. While, the latter half sprang into action and picked up the pace sacrificing a little of the careful development of the first half to deliver a stronger action-suspense line joining the romance. I did wish a few times that the action happened on stage rather than described after the fact. The mystery of who this new Necromancer was kept its reveal until the end for me though my suspicions were close.
It is a great opposites attract sweet romance where people from two different worlds must come to see each other's worth and respect what the other brings to the table. It was a nice journey of the heart and growth they were both on even while struggling to work together to thwart the danger.
In the end, I adored this enchanting romance, the clever mystery of who is responsible for the evil sorcery, and a fun historical fantasy world that mashes Harry Potter with Pride and Prejudice. I look forward to more of this debut author's work.
Author Bio:
Kara Pleasants lives in a lovely hamlet called Darlington in Maryland, where she and her husband are restoring an 18th century farm in Susquehanna State Park. They have two beautiful and vivacious daughters, Nora and Lina. A Maryland native, Kara spent a great deal of her childhood travelling with her family, and spent six years living in Siberia, as well as five years in Montana, before finally making her way back home to attend the University of Maryland.
Kara is currently a high school English teacher at Parkville High School. She previously taught for Harford and Prince George’s County Public Schools, the University of Maryland, and Anne Arundel and Prince George’s Community Colleges. She will never forget the first ninth-grade English class she ever taught at Oxon Hill, whose courage and artistry might be the reason she still teaches today. Her hobbies include making scones for the farmer’s market; writing poetry; watching fantasy shows; making quilts; directing an Episcopal church choir; and dreaming about writing an epic three-part fantasy series for her daughters.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pleasantauthor/
Sophia’s Bio:
Sophia is a quiet though curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, and gardening. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes Region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, Baseball, Cats, Scooby Doo, and Chocolate.
Sophia’s Social Media Links:
You had me at magic. I am disappointed to hear how the action was written. Like you I would prefer if it was done on stage. Despite this it does soumd like an amazing read.
ReplyDeleteHaha, you sound like me, Nadene. I was like Harry Potter meets Jane Austen? I'm in!!!!
DeleteYeah, I wanted to get right in the middle of things when they got intense.
Ah ha I'm as you know a budding Austen fan so I will be looking into Asten-esque and retellings once I finish her novels. Thanks Sophia Rose great review
ReplyDeleteOh man, once you open that door... ;)
DeleteGreat review, Sophia! I too enjoyed this one.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Christina! It was a fun one, for sure.
DeleteA little magic and some pride an prejudice flavour sounds really inviting.
ReplyDeleteDoesn't it though, Kathryn? :)
DeleteLoved the book. Love your review, Sophia!
ReplyDeleteI thought it was a neat blend of the two. Thanks, Debbie!
DeleteI love the sounds of this and that cover is just gorgeous too!
ReplyDeleteThe cover is perfect for a certain scene in the story. It was a fun one, Jenea.
DeleteThat sounds like it was pretty good, I'm glad you liked it.
ReplyDeleteI loved the blend of magic and classic. :)
DeleteMagic and PP, intriguing
ReplyDeleteOh yes, it was neat seeing how the two worlds were brought together.
DeleteNow this is a P&P I can get behind. I love the idea of a historical magic story!! Thanks for sharing your review.
ReplyDeleteYou bet, Jen! Glad to put it on your radar. :)
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