Customer Reviews

The Magician's Ward

5 star:		(46)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I found 'The Magician's Ward' and excellent and satisfying sequel to 'Mairelon the Magician.' Kim is much more mature in this book, and her friendship with Mairelon is a bit closer than in the last. Of course, as anyone who read the first has probably guessed, both start to have feelings for one another in a different sort of way. Now, to clear up any misunderstandings: A ward is NOT the same as an adopted child. A ward's parents can be alive and the amount of time that they're someone's ward can be long or short or permanent until the child marries. But the child and gaurdian are by no means considered related as a father and child. It would be more like the relationship between an apprentice and mentor. I recommend looking the term up in the dictionary, which would give you a clear idea. Secondly, Mairelon is NOT that much older than Kim. He is below 30, as was clearly stated in this book, but older than Lord Franton, who's about 23. My guess is that Mairelon is 8 to 9 years older than Kim, who is 19, despite what the back cover says. She was seventeen in the first book, and almost two years have elapsed between the first and second books. And lastly, you do have to keep in mind that this was set in the English Regency. It was considered acceptable to marry someone twenty years older or more. And nowadays, the age difference between Mairelon and Kim is still considered acceptable.

Kim and Mairelon are back in a lovely sequel to Mairelon the Magician. Kim begins her training as a wizard, while living with Richard Merrill (aka Mairelon) and his formidable Aunt Agatha as his ward. This time we get a different look into Wrede's wonderfully evocative Regency England. London is mostly grand homes and marquises, with an occasional trip to the Wizard's College to remind us that this is a fantasy.

Not that we need to be reminded, for there are enchanted plots abrewing. A book of spells seems to be a popular wanted item, and when a backfired spell leaves Mairelon magically incapacitated, it¡¯s up to novice Kim and his vivacious mother to unravel the increasingly sinister mystery. Additionally, Kim is the toast of London and with avid suitors seeking her hand, Mairelon has to face some difficult decisions.

Wrede again delivers a witty, sparkling story peopled by memorable characters. The plot is as complex than the prequel, but without its madcap pace, this one falters a bit. Some interesting supporting characters are Aunt Agatha, Mairelon's mother, and her monkey - giving us a look into society manners and fashions of the period. Hunch is less prominent in this book, although we see more of Renee and her compatriots. The mood is more serious than the farcical Mairelon the Magician, but has a more distinct touch of romance. The ending is reminscent of Sherlock Holmes or Hercule Poirot and felt a little rushed. As pleasant as the book was, I hope there is another sequel because it's not everyday you meet remarkable characters like Kim and Mairelon.

I loved this book! Mairelon the Magician was pretty good (and traditional of all of Patricia Wrede's books, extremely funny).Magician's Ward is absolutely,positively wonderful!The characters were really developed in the sequel. Miss Wrede's books are always inspiring because they have good characters, plots that are not cliche, but always fresh and new, good language, clean outline (which is becoming rare lately),halarious interactions between characters, romance, and all that good stuff! Mairelon the Magician was outstanding when there was dialogue, but could kind of get to be a "page filler" when there wasn't. Magician's Ward however was... I can't tell you anything more other than it was the best and one of my favorite books! A MUST READ!

After reading Ms. Wrede's first novel in this duet, I couldn't wait to get my hands on Magician's Ward. It was quite satisfying and I thoroughly enjoyed it. If anything, it was better than the first. The characters stay true to their personalities, and the plot twists in unpredicted ways. The obvious changes in Kim's perception of Mairelon are funny and made me hide many a smiles. I'd recommend this book to anyone, especially if they've read the first [Mairelon the Magician].

Every one of Patricia Wrede's books I have read has been absolutely wonderful. Magician's Ward was fast paced and had one of those thick swallow-you-up plots that made it nearly impossible to stop reading. Patricia Wrede has a wonderful sense of humor that only made the book better. It's one of those rare sequels where the second book surpasses the first. It's well worth reading, in other words READ IT!

I loved this book! Mairelon the Magician was pretty good (and traditional of all of Patricia Wrede's books, extremely funny).Magician's Ward is absolutely,positively wonderful!The characters were really developed in the sequel. Miss Wrede's books are always inspiring because they have good characters, plots that are not cliche, but always fresh and new, good language, clean outline (which is becoming rare lately),halarious interactions between characters, romance, and all that good stuff! Mairelon the Magician was outstanding when there was dialogue, but could kind of get to be a "page filler" when there wasn't. Magician's Ward however was... I can't tell you anything more other than it was the best and one of my favorite books! A MUST READ!

As a fan of 'The Enchanted Forest Chronicles', I was somewhat disapponted with Wrede's verbiose style in 'Mairelon the Magician'. However, its sequel is far better. Far more coherent and less convoluted and with better structure, it follows the adventures of 18 year old Kim, street girl turned magic student as ward of the charming 20-something wizard Mairelon, or Richard Merril.
As you can imagine, the classic unrequited love dilemma rears its not-so-ugly head. And that's just a side plot, as Kim and Mairelon try to discover who is patching together odd spells, and who was responsible for a clumsy break-in.
It all links together beautifully in the end, with enough room for another sequel, but enough detail to finish the series. Artful, really.
I'd recommend this book highly to anyone, fantasy fan or not. High adventure, romance, mystery, magic... this book has something for everyone. Just skip its predecessor.

This story was wonderfully writen!! The setting and the timing was supurb. One would be able to actually believe that this type of magic happens. The story isn't far fetched at all. Very believable. The hint of romance was perfect for a story such as this.

I have loved all of Patricia Wrede's books that I have read, and this one is no different. It has the same odd style of humor in all her books, and is a delightful new twist to the London ton. I hope that there will be more in this series.

I really loved Magician's Ward. The story was well thought out and fun.(Though I must admit I rather liked Mairelon the Magician a bit better-maybe it's just Kim's lovely speech or just the way she is,even though they weren't a fair match for her exquisite tea manners! I loved it!!