A Scholar of Magics (#2)
Glasscastle. University of dreaming towers and distant bells, pompous dons and disputatious undergraduates, exquisite architecture and grass that can choke you to death if you walk on it without the proper escort. On the surface, it is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in England. But underneath, its magic is ancient and dangerous.
Samuel Lambert, sharpshooter, adventurer, late of the Wyoming plains and Kiowa Bob’s Wild West Show, has been invited to Glasscastle to contribute his phemomenally accurate shooting eye to the top secret Agincourt Project. The only dangers he expects to face are British snobbery, heavy dinners, and tea with the Provost’s pretty wife. But when the Provost’s stylish sister Jane comes to town, things get much more exciting.
This sparkling sequel to A College of Magics is a whirlwind of secret weapons, motor cars, mysterious assaults and abductions, thugs in bowler hats, and a mild-mannered don who is heir to a magical power greater than all Glasscastle. The resulting tale is as funny as a Gilbert and Sullivan Victorian romp, with the wit and suspense of a Dorothy Sayers mystery and a dash of John Wayne thrown in for good measure.
Reviews
"In this sequel to Stevermer's charming fantasy of manners, A College of Magics, set in an alternate Edwardian age, the descriptions of life at Glasscastle University, together with the sheer zest of the characters for magic, truth and fashion, make this a sweet, magical romance. This is the perfect read for those who enjoy taking ambling walks in orderly alternate worlds where calling cards and starched collars still help make a man."
"The sequel to A College of Magics takes place in the same magical, Victorian-Edwardian Britain, and shows yet again that Stevermer is a worthy follower of Jane Austen for wit, of Dorothy Sayers for suspense and erudition. This emerging series will likely draw readers from across a very wide spectrum of the fantasy and alternate history audiences, including--indeed, never forgetting--the adult readership for the adventures of the boy named Harry."Booklist
"A very entertaining romp through an alternate Edwardian England."
"Such wonderful atmosphere. This is a very well written book and a pleasure to read."SF Revu
"One of the best fantasies I've read of the 2004 crop. A wonderfully conceived and described setting, likable characters, worthy villains, a reasonable mystery, and delightful writing."Chronicle
"It's a very engaging, very fun, novel. The characters are likeable, believable, and unexpected in some ways. The love story is very understated, to good effect. The magic is interesting and nicely handled."