In Cho's debut, set in an alternative fantasy Regency-era England, Zacharias Wythe is the first black Sorcerer Royal of the Unnatural Philosophers of Britain, an intelligent and honest man but also a freed slave and therefore subject to much opposition, insults, and bigotry. Faced with declining magical supplies, war with France, and political intrigue, Zacharias ventures to the border of Fairyland to investigate. Along the way he discovers an impossibility— Prunella Gentleman, a female with magical tendencies (everyone knows women are too delicate to handle magic). Jenny Sterlin provides a smooth narration, adding texture to this witty comedy of manners.
VERDICT Of interest to fans of fantasy and Regency novels. ["An exciting story and nuanced, diverse characters who make this novel soar on its own merits": LJ 9/15/15 starred review of the Ace hc.]
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