I really enjoyed this alternative Victorian London. Henrietta is a great character that is caught between what is right and who she really is. I also enjoyed that there were sorcerers, magicians and witches, who all had a different type of magic. And the evil ancients where suburb! I hope we get more back story on them in the next book, as they were some of the more interesting aspects of the story.

Even though Henrietta has a Victorian upbringing, she does seem to want to stand up to the men and do what is right. She is compassionate for the less fortunate and struggles with trying to help them without going against the conventional morals of the time period. I also really liked her relationship with Rook, her childhood friend that she thinks she is in love with and will do anything to protect him. There are two other men in her life vying for her attention as well as a two great father figures (she was orphaned at a young age). Alas, there really are no other women in this world of sorcerers and magicians. She has a tentative relationship with one of her suitors sister and a really nice budding friendship with the maid who takes care of her, but no one else. Not the first fantasy where this is the case, and it does fit with the world the author has created, but hopefully some more female characters will show up as the series progresses.

This book absolutely blew my mind! It was an epic first installment in a sweeping high fantasy! A must read for anyone who adores high fantasy books!

Grades 9 - 12,Grades 7 - 8: It's not quite Harry Potter, but it is a MOST excellent addition to the fantasy genre. Henrietta Howe has been relegated to teaching students in Yorkshire. Like her charges, she is subject to the sadistic whims of the headmaster until the appearance of the renowned sorcerer, Master Agrippa. His search for a young woman who can start and control fire is at odds with Henrietta's desire to keep her gift, or curse, hidden. Henrietta is flushed out when she must protect her closest childhood friend, a marked boy by the name of Rook. The revelation is life changing, and suddenly Henrietta goes from an unwanted orphan to the prophesied female sorcerer who will save London from the Ancients, a band of seven monsters hell bent on destroying London and its inhabitants. Unfortunately, Henrietta is a magician rather than a sorcerer, and that distinction is important, since magicians are a lower class who practice magic on pain of death. Henrietta is a fully sympathetic character, and she is surrounded by a cast of equally well developed characters. Filled with Victorian era history, a fascinating story line, and revelations aplenty, this tale is a beautifully written tome for those who like a darker story akin to Delaney's Last Apprentice series or Goodman's Blythewood series. The twists and turns will keep readers guessing and cheering for Henrietta right up until the very end--an end that is delightfully open ended which suggests future installments of Henrietta's story. Verdict: This fantasy has readers' choice awards written all over it. This is a solid first purchase.
Curricular Use: This plot examines themes of gender equity, prejudice, and issues of social class. Not only is the historical context of class addressed, Cluess also sets up class distinctions between witches, magicians, and sorcerers.

This book is a great addition to my growing collection of Victorian fiction that includes historical, fantasy and historical. There is a growing fanbase at my school Victorian anything and this book will not disappoint!