Tess M. (duplica123) -
Helpful Score: 1
This is the second in a series about Kate and Cecelia, two cousins who in the previous book (Sorcery and Cecelia or the enchanted chocolate pot) helped stop some evil wizards in 19th century England. In this story, the cousins and their husbands travel to Europe for their honeymoon and once again uncover a plot that needs stopping.
The Grand Tour is still told in two voices, one being the court testimony of Cecelia and the other being the "commonplace book" of Kate. This lets you see some events from both points of view where in the 1st book the cousins were in separate places and did not have the same experiences. However, I liked the nature of the letter-story. The dairy and testimony writing seemed to hold too much information - who remembers every conversation you had, in perfect detail? I also found that the cousins were losing their distinct voices.
I still loved the story. I think the Jane Austin-esque setting surrounded by magic is a great idea, and I love the work by Patricia C. Wrede. Someday I'll pick up a book by the other author, Caroline Stevermer, and compare. I highly reccommend the first book, and if you loved it, read The Grand Tour. There is a third book, The Mislaid Magician, or, ten years after, which I am looking for at my library.
The Grand Tour is still told in two voices, one being the court testimony of Cecelia and the other being the "commonplace book" of Kate. This lets you see some events from both points of view where in the 1st book the cousins were in separate places and did not have the same experiences. However, I liked the nature of the letter-story. The dairy and testimony writing seemed to hold too much information - who remembers every conversation you had, in perfect detail? I also found that the cousins were losing their distinct voices.
I still loved the story. I think the Jane Austin-esque setting surrounded by magic is a great idea, and I love the work by Patricia C. Wrede. Someday I'll pick up a book by the other author, Caroline Stevermer, and compare. I highly reccommend the first book, and if you loved it, read The Grand Tour. There is a third book, The Mislaid Magician, or, ten years after, which I am looking for at my library.
Jamie K. reviewed The Grand Tour : Being a Revelation of Matters of High Confidentiality and Greatest Importance, Including Extracts from the Intimate Diary of a Noblewoman and the Sworn Testimony of a Lady of Quality on + 3 more book reviews
I love Patricia C. Wrede, and I enjoyed Sorcery and Cecelia, but this one was hard to get through. I liked the sections Wrede wrote, but wasn't very happy with Stevermer's sections. Kate seemed really weak, like a typical fainting lady, not like the strong women that usually appear in Wrede's books.
Mary S. reviewed The Grand Tour : Being a Revelation of Matters of High Confidentiality and Greatest Importance, Including Extracts from the Intimate Diary of a Noblewoman and the Sworn Testimony of a Lady of Quality on + 522 more book reviews
third in 'magical' series
