Marissa Doyle Book Title: Bewitching Season Publication Date: April 29, 2008 Publisher: Henry Holt Books for Young Readers ISBN: 978-0-8050-8251-7 Author's Website: http://www.marissadoyle.com

Description of Book:

Twins Persephone (Persy) and Penelope (Pen) Leland are anticipating their first London season with mixed feelings.  Pen can't wait for the balls and parties and crowds of handsome young men to flirt with, but Persy would far rather stay home with their governess, Ally, and continue her magic studies.  The only thing drawing her to London in this spring of 1837 is the prospect of seeing Princess Victoria, her and Pen's idol.

But then Ally disappears from a busy London street and the twins are drawn into searching for her...and find that her disappearance is linked to a dastardly plot to enchant the soon-to-be Queen.  Persy also discovers that a good lady's maid is hard to find, that one should never cast a love spell on anyone after drinking too much brandy punch at a party, that pesky little brothers can sometimes come in handy, and that even boys who were terrible teases when they were twelve can mysteriously turn into the most perfect young men.

About the Author:

Marissa Doyle originally planned to be an archaeologist but ended up as a writer.  But she's okay with that, because both careers allow her to explore the past and bring back to life the people who lived (or might have lived) there.  She lives in her native Massachusetts with her family, a ludicrous number of books and antiques which she of course buys purely for research purposes, and a bossy pet rabbit.  You can visit her at her website or at the blog on nineteenth century teen life that she shares with fellow 2k8 author Regina Scott, www.nineteenteen.blogspot.com

 

 

Excerpt:

"My God, Persy, you killed him!"

"I did not!"  the Honorable Persphone Leland snapped back at her twin sister, Penelope, who was perched on the battered schoolroom table.  She rubbed her damp palms on her apron--they still tingled, the way they usually did after she'd cast a spell--and looked anxiously at her little brother, sprawled pale and motionless on the faded Turkish carpet in front of her.  What would she say to Mama?  "I seem to have killed Charles during lessons this morning" would probably not go over well as a conversation starter at lunch.  She turned to her governess.  "Oh, Ally, I did it just like the other times!"

Miss Allardyce had assigned them halting spells today.  While Pen watched, Persy had stopped Charles in his tracks a dozen times with her command of repellere statim!  But this time her spell's force had not only halted him but also knocked him over backward.  She dropped to the floor and grabbed one of his limp hands.  "Charles, please, are you all right?"

Miss Allardyce sighed.  "Penelope, do not take the Lord's name in vain.  A true lady is known by her conduct under trying circumstances.  And Charles, get up before your sisters have hysterics.  I know you're hoaxing us."  She bent and gave one of his brown curls a sharp tug.

Persy exhaled in relief as her brother opened his eyes and gave her an impudent grin.  "Got you, Persy."  He sprang up and held out a hand to her.  "Tell me you weren't just a little worried."

She was, but she'd never admit it to him, the little beast.  Ignoring his hand, she scrambled to her feet and shook out the creases in her pink morning dress.

Reviews:

Booklist (starred review, January 1, 2008): 

Twins Persephone and Penelope are of two minds about their coming-out season. Pen is excited about the social whirl. Persephone would rather be home studying magic with their beloved governess, Ally. But when Ally disappears somewhere in Kensington Palace, the girls must harness their magical skills amidst the swirl of balls and presentations to find her. This wonderfully crafted debut novel braids several very different story lines into an utterly satisfying whole. The mystery of Ally’s whereabouts mingles with a plot to control the throne of the soon-to-be Queen Victoria. Persephone’s strong attraction to her handsome neighbor, Lochinver, provides a romantic element that makes for twists and turns, some of which are obvious ploys, but fun nonetheless. All of this is spread with a patina of magic, which somehow never overwhelms, leaving the story in the world of reality rather than in the realm of fantasy. In the midst of all this plotting, characters might have been lost, but Doyle takes as much care with characters (even minor ones) as with story details. This delightful mélange of genres makes for a great alternative to the depressing overload of chick lit. — Ilene Cooper

Kirkus (March 1, 2008)

In her debut, Doyle offers a heart-throbbing romance full of magic and royal-court intrigue. Penelope and Persephone Leland, 17-year-old twins, will be presented at court in London of 1837. Outgoing Pen is excited about the balls and parties, whereas bookish Persy is full of dread: She'd much rather continue to study magic and become a teacher. When the two arrive in London, their beloved governess, Ally, goes missing and the sisters try to discover her whereabouts. Persy overhears a plot against the soon-to-be-crowned Queen, and the twins must match their magical abilities against those of a powerful wizard. Amidst all the pomp and glory, Persy struggles with her own tumultuous feelings for the dashing Lord Seton, whom she's loved since they were children. Is it truly his heart professing love, or is it the result of a magic potion? There are many many plot twists and turns, which the author successfully keeps from unraveling. Though magic plays a major part, the story, with references to historical people and events, is firmly grounded in reality. Fans of historical mysteries will find this a page-turner.

VOYA

AGERANGE: Ages 11 to 15.

The London social season of 1837 is about to begin. The seventeen-year-old Leland twins, Persephone and Penelope, view it very differently. Persy is dreading everything. Instead of simpering and flirting with potential beaus, she would much rather be discussing books with handsome Lochinvar or working on her magic skills with Ally, their governess. Penelope, on the other hand, delights in the new clothes and dancing lessons and cannot wait to be presented to the Queen. When Ally is kidnapped in a plot to undermine Princess Victoria's ascension to the throne, the twins and their little brother, Charles, must use their skills and magical talent to stop the conspiracy. The unnecessary love spell Persy casts on Lochinvar complicates matters to no small degree as she tries to avoid him at all costs. Young love, the social scene in pre-Victorian London, the royal family with all its intrigue, and a good dose of magic are woven together well in this debut novel. The charming Leland women, although identical in looks, are clearly quite different in personality. But for all her intelligence, when it concerns Lochinvar, Persy annoyingly acts like a love-sick thirteen-year-old rather than a young woman on the brink of adulthood. A few surprises make the conclusion nicely satisfying, resulting in a good book to pick for several hours of enjoyable escape. Reviewer: Roxy Ekstrom
April 2008 (Vol. 31, No. 1)

KLIATT

AGERANGE: Ages 12 to 18.

This is a story of twins coming out as debutantes in England, presented to the court just as Princess Victoria is turning 18. The twins, Persy and Pen, share a birthday with Victoria and have always felt a special connection to her. The twins have a gift of magic, and a lovely woman, Miss Allardyce, has helped them channel their talents. But Miss Allardyce is abducted and held prisoner in Kensington Palace by those who want to hold power when Victoria becomes queen. The girls have to use their magical skills to rescue her. In the meanwhile, they attend balls, flirt, and worry about falling in love. It’s light-hearted fun, a romp really, but with a challenging vocabulary and cultural references, so it will appeal to readers of historical romance. There is a terrifically entertaining little brother, Charles, who tries to help his older sisters, and shows courage and intuitive strength whenever it’s needed. Reviewer: Claire Rosser
March 2008 (Vol. 42, No.2)

HISTORICAL NOVEL SOCIETY--EDITOR'S CHOICE pick for Summer 2008

This delightful debut by Marissa Doyle bodes well for her career as a writer of young adult novels. Set during the months just prior to Queen Victoria’s ascension to the throne, Bewitching Season follows the adventures of apprentice witch Persephone Leland and her twin, Penelope. 

The girls’ governess, Miss Allardyce, a powerful witch, disappears the week before the London Season begins, leaving the girls without her guidance during their coming out. Determined to find her, they join forces with their younger brother Charles, family friend Lochinvar Seton, and the Allardyce family on a search that leads them into the depths of Kensington Palace, where they encounter an evil courtier with nefarious plans for Princess Victoria.

All the elements sure to appeal to teenage readers are here: a handsome young man, pretty dresses, balls, and a mystery to solve. Add the historical setting, beautifully drawn with just the right amount of detail, and the romance, with the aforesaid handsome young man, and it's a hard tale to resist. The plot rolls along, alternating between the debutante balls and the gloomy palace.

Persephone is a wonderful heroine. Though talented at her studies, she lacks the confidence of her sister. Throughout the story she learns much about herself and those around her. This coming-of-age aspect adds depth to an already charming romp, broadening its appeal. The other characters are equally appealing and well defined, firmly rooted in their era. I especially liked young Charles, who bounded along with just the right combination of enthusiasm and boyish charm.

From the very first page, this book had me hooked, and it will join other favoured novels waiting to be shared with my nieces when they’re older. Very highly recommended.              -- Teresa Basinski Eckford

PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY (April 21, 2008)

Doyle's debut novel is a Georgette Heyer–style, light-as-a-feather romance with supernatural overtones. Ball after ball and visits to Kensington Palace and brushes with royalty await twins Persephone (Persy) and Penelope (Pen) in their first season “out” in early Victorian London society. But when their beloved instructor of magic/governess Miss Allardyce (Ally) is kidnapped by a handsome stranger as part of a devious royal plot, her two devoted wards set out to discover the truth about Ally's disappearance and save the day. Luckily, the plot relies little on magic (it's difficult for “cloaking spells” and cries of “repellere statim!” not to seem like pale imitations of Harry Potter), except as a device to conjure court intrigue. The story hinges instead on the will-they, won't-they budding romance between Persy and her handsome, all-grown-up childhood friend, Lochinvar (Lord Seton). This diverting melodrama will likely please older middle-grade readers more than teens reared on Gossip Girl—its bubbly heroines, however spirited, are innocents, not schemers. Ages 14–up. (Apr.)