Lady Sophie lost many
things when a vicious flu spread around her town: her little sister Harriet,
her grief-stricken mother, the ability to work her right leg…and her magic.
Struggling to overcome these losses doesn’t get any easier when she’s stuck
with her ignorant and overbearing aunts to watch and
criticize her every move, constantly reminding her that she will most likely
only catch the attention of a man who is after her money.
Sophie’s very first ball
sparks a lot of jitters for the teen. It’s the first time she will be going
into the public since the influenza, and she certainly doesn’t fancy having to
attend her first ball with a crippled leg and old-fashioned hair (styled, of
course, by her aunts). Sophie’s anxiety reaches its height when her papa, who
also attends the ball, narrowly escapes death—a death Sophie is almost certain
was caused by magic.
As more and more dangerous
and magical incidents occur, Sophie realizes that someone must be targeting
members of the War Cabinet—those trying to overpower Napoleon. She joins
together with new friend Lady Parthenope (whose indifferent attitude towards
Sophie’s illness is a breath of fresh air) and dashing Lord Peregrine
Woodbridge to figure out who is behind the attacks.
Courtship & Curses by Marissa
Doyle is splendidly realistic regardless of the era or inclusion of magic.
Though her book is a bit slow to start, Doyle captures Sophie’s emotions
beautifully and it’s easy to understand the dynamics within her relationships.
Sophie goes through an inspiring transformation as she starts to forget about
the things she lost, and recognize the strengths she still has.
Be sure to pick up a copy
of Courtship & Curses (available
now!) if you’re up for a magical adventure.
If you could go back in
time, which time period would you like to be in? Blog about it, babes.
BY KELLY GIERON ON 9/17/2012 12:00:00 AM
POSTED IN entertainment, review, book reviews, Book Club, book reviews