Spotlight is a feature I do where I pick a topic or theme and then highlight some books that fall into that theme.
Historical Fiction with Magic
Want to dip your toes into the historical fiction pool? Maybe even take part in the YA Historical Fiction Challenge? That's great! But what if you're not really an historical fiction kind of reader? Maybe fantasy is more your thing. If that's the case, then do I have a list for you! The following are all books that can be loosely considered historical fiction ("historical fiction lite," if you will) and include paranormal and fantasy elements.
Bewitching Season
by Marissa Doyle
by Marissa Doyle
Release Date: April 29, 2008
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Pages: 352
Pages: 352
Doyle seamlessly combines magic, Regency drama, romance, and kidnapping in this upbeat story about two magical sisters making their debut into society while also trying to discretely search for their missing governess. The characters were a delight and the story was fun. The sisters were repeatedly distracted from the plight of their kidnapped governess by courtly balls and dress shopping. While odd for characters who should be wracked with worry, these scenes were equally distracting to me and so I didn’t mind them at all. The whole book has an upbeat and girly feel I just loved. There is a sequel, but this book wraps up as if it were a standalone.
Sorcery and Cecelia
by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer
by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer
Release Date: 1988
Publisher: Graphia
Pages: 336
Pages: 336
If J.K. Rowling and Jane Austen teamed up to write a book, this would be the result. Instead, two powerhouse fantasy authors combined forces to write this epistolary novel, each taking the voice of one of the two main characters as they write to one another about their exciting season. Written in a completely charming voice, Sorcery and Cecelia can only be described as a hilariously fun romp through a magic-filled Regency England. Witches and wizards, intrigue and scheming, and of course a healthy dose of adorable romance make this one of my favorite books ever. Part one of a trilogy, Sorcery and Cecelia is easily read as a standalone.
Magic Under Glass
by Jaclyn Dolamore
by Jaclyn Dolamore
Release Date: February 1, 2010
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Pages: 225
Pages: 225
Kat, Incorrigible
by Stephanie Burgis
by Stephanie Burgis
Release Date: April 5, 2011 (already published in the UK)
Publisher: Atheneum
Pages: 295
Pages: 295
Fans of Sorcery and Cecelia and Bewitching Season are sure to enjoy this adorable Regency-era book. Kat, the 12-year-old heroine is beyond cute. The relationship she shares with her two older sisters is heartwarming and fun to read. Pulled into magic, secret orders, balls, arranged marriages, romantic matchmaking, gambling debts, and rumors of a thieving highwayman on the loose, Kat’s adventures are at turns perilous, exciting, and heartwarming. The characters are endearing, the plot delightful, and the writing charming. I can’t wait for Stephanie Burgis to write another book!
by Saundra Mitchell
Release Date: March 7, 2011
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Pages: 304
Goodreads Page
In the summer of 1899, country girl Amelia is sent to stay with relatives in Baltimore for the social season in order to find a suitable husband. Amelia’s fun is interrupted by startling visions that appear to her in the light of the setting sun. As the town clamors for Amelia to read their futures, Amelia finds her heart pulled toward the decidedly unsuitable Nathaniel, an artist below her station. Balancing the fine line between propriety and passion, tension grows as Amelia’s visions show her increasingly disturbing events. While I didn’t find it perfect, this was an enjoyable story with an ending that was as shocking as it was satisfying. You can read all of my thoughts on The Vespertine in my review.
Do you know any historical fiction books with magic? Please feel free to share in the comments. I'm always on the lookout for suggestions!
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I *love* historical fiction with magic. It is one of my favorite mixes of genres! So glad for the Sorcery & Cecelia shout-out (that book does not get enough love). I liked Hollin too because he was more ambiguous than some of the others - I wasn't really happy with the ending of Magic Under Glass (it didn't really resolve a lot of issues, I thought) but hopefully the sequel will. Also I've heard lots of good things about Kat, Incorrigible and it looks adorable so really looking forward to that one. Another that springs to mind is Dark Mirror by M.J. Putney (haven't read it yet but it's coming out this year!)
ReplyDeleteBy the way, what did you think of the sequels to Sorcery & Cecelia?
ReplyDeletewild, historical fiction with Magic. first ear to this, i shall check its reading out. Magic under Glass cover is appealing so i might start there.
ReplyDeleteAh! Very cool post and this sounds like a genre I can get into! Will add these to my TBR!!
ReplyDeleteI really haven't read much historical fiction with magic apart from Brightly Woven which I loved. The Vespertine looks really good :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any historical fiction with magic. I like the sound of The Vespertine. I've been meaning to read that one!
ReplyDeleteSorcery and Celia as well as Bewitching Season is on my list to read! I've read Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell and LOVED it! I think Libba Bray's Gemma Doyle trilogy also falls under Historical Fiction with Magic, and even that was an enjoyable read.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
Danya, Me too! I agree, Sorcery and Cecelia is shamefully overlooked (and I, equally shamefully, have no yet read the sequels). I didn’t love the ending for Magic Under Glass either. Especially the whole Jane Eyre part. But I am curious about the sequel too. Oh gosh, if you love Sorcery and Cecelia then you absolutely must get your hands on a copy of Kat, Incorrigible! She’s like a younger version of them. Yes! I can’t wait for Dark Mirror!
ReplyDeleteSidne, I hope you enjoy it! Magic Under Glass actually had this big controversy over the cover and it’s had a number of different covers as a result. I think the one I posted is the best and most suited to the book.
Lazy Girl, Hope you enjoy them!
Nic, Aaah I love Brightly Woven! I enjoyed The Vespertine.
Leanna, If you haven’t read it already, Logan E. Turner wrote an excellent review for The Vespertine. I liked but didn’t love the book, but her review really makes me want to read it again!
Historical fiction is a new favourite of mine, to be honest, but I can never find enough books that have a hint of magic in them. Great features! I really need to read all those :)
ReplyDelete@SmallReview - No, I didn't see it, but I'm going to check it out now. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAlthough I love hf, I haven't actually read any with magic elements. The Verspetine is on my TBR list and I love the sound of the Bewitching Season. However I just accepted a review copy for Dark Mirror by M.J Putney, which I'm really excited about. I see you and Danya are looking forward to it too! I think this cross-genre might become more popular as people become as more people who also like paranormal and fantasy are trying historicals and enjoying them :)
ReplyDeleteI don't really like books which are set back a long time ago, unless like Once a Witch they go back and forth or are written right!
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to say, l seen your comment on Karen's blog (The Slowest Book Worm.
You can get 'Angel' on netgalley. Called Angel Burn. So worth the read!
I loved Sorcery and Cecilia! I read the sequels also. The Grand Tour was rather fabulous. The third book, The Mislaid Magician, I was less fond of, because it included letters and notes from 4 characters (the girls, and their husbands) and it became quite confusing as to who was who, since the men, in particular, didn't seem to have a unique voice.
ReplyDeleteI used to read a lot more historical fiction when I was in high school, and I remember loving Bewitching Season when I read it. It appealed to the fantasy lover in me, too =) Good choice!
ReplyDeleteI actually really enjoy historical fiction, but I don't read nearly enough of it! Thanks for all the wonderful suggestions! I need to check some of these books out! I'm afraid the only one I've heard of is Vespertine :oP
ReplyDeleteMelissa, I’m a big fan of historical fic, but I just love it when there’s magic included as well. I’m glad you enjoyed the list!
ReplyDeleteLeanna, You’re welcome!
Stephanie, So did I! I’ll be interested in seeing your review. I have a whole post planned for time travel fic. :)
Books for Company, I love it when the characters go back and forth between modern times and the past. Thank you for the info on Angel Burn! I think I actually saw it there, but not having an e-reader I’m don’t think I should attempt such a large book on my computer. :P
Madigan, Thanks for the info on the sequels! I can see how four narrators can get really confusing, especially if their voices aren’t as unique. I really need to get around to picking up The Grand Tour.
Aliyah, Thanks! Have you read the sequel? I haven’t yet. I hope she writes another book with the brother as the main character.
Laura, I don’t read as much HF as I’d like to either! I keep thinking I’ve read so much, but then I can’t remember any titles. I hope you enjoy the other books on the list!
Cool list! I tried reading Kat Incorrigible but I think the file is corrupted (I got it from the Galley Grab). I'm going to try it again, because I liked the first chapter.
ReplyDeleteOther examples are Libba Bray and Michelle Zink's books.
I once read a Christopher Pike book that mixed the Salem Witch Trials with actual witches.
Yes! This is exactly what I need to get me interested in historical fiction! A little magic could probably get me interested in anything...
ReplyDeleteAlison, Oh no! I hope you're able to get it again. Oh yes! You're totally right with those examples! I haven't heard of the Christopher Pike book. I'm going to have to look for it now. Thanks! :)
ReplyDeleteAylee, :P Magic makes everything better.