4 1/2

Seemingly effortlessly, Molly Harper moves between the writing adult, snarky, sexy humor in her Southern Eclectic series to the witty and utterly captivating YA magic series Sorcery and Society.

Changeling
In Changeling, Sarah Smith is quite content with her life as a Snipe (short for guttersnipe) working for the Winter family. Since she’s always been small and sickly, she has limited duties. While she is dusting, she discovers accidentally that she has magical powers, which Snipes are not supposed to possess. In this society it can be dangerous for a family if one of their children is discovered to have powers when they aren’t a Guardian. Since she was seen by Mrs. Winter, her mother and Mrs. Winter hatch a plan to keep Sarah safe. Sarah will become Cassandra Reed, a relation to the Winter family.

Cassandra/Sarah must attend Miss Castwell’s magical school where her magic will be honed and she’ll learn how to do other facets of magic. However, at Miss Castwell’s Cassandra discovers that magic has plans for her.

Fledgling
Fledgling picks up immediately after Changeling with Cassandra and her new best friends, Alicia and Ivy, continuing their adventures. Cassandra also continues to navigate proper society’s expectations as well as the desires of the magical Mother Book.

Having read a fair number of Molly Harper novels, I am amazed by the ease with which she tells these YA novels. First, her diction is very different from the Southern Eclectic series. I felt as if I were reading a novel written by someone well versed in all things English. The language just seemed spot on.

The characters were very well written. Cassandra/Sarah grows into being a strong magical being although she still feels confused and doubts herself. Her missing her family is palpable. Her feelings for Alicia’s brother, Gavin, are another source of confusion, especially since she’s lying to him about who she really is.

Mrs. Winter, who you would anticipate to be evil, is really a hoot. She’s had to navigate this society and is shrewd and snarky, a good combination.

The plots of both novels were well done, page-turning, bounding equally between humor and nail-biting adventure. If you enjoy YA supernatural novels, especially ones like Harry Potter, this series might be for you. I highly recommend it.

Fledgling is not a standalone novel. You really have to read Changeling so that you can follow the story.

I received an ARC of Fledgling in exchange for an honest review.

An excellent and inventive storyline that draws the reader into a world that is a strange, but compelling, mix of Harry Potter, magical dystopia and adventure.

The novel starts with Sarah’s last few days at Miss Castwell’s Institute for the Magical Instruction of Young Ladies before Summer, and follows her through her journey trying to figure out why the Mother Book refuses to cooperate with her, dealing with the high stakes of being the Translator within Guardian society and attempting to find the missing changelings hidden within the mountains of Scotland.

The world building truly impressed me, as a lot of books within this genre rely on overused tropes. However, Harper took the time throughout the book to create a rich and believable world that did not just focus on the Hogwarts-esque school scenes but, also the plight of the Snipes and the politics of the Guardians as a whole. This made the book rise above the many other books within the genre.

The pacing of the book was slightly inconsistent with a slowish beginning and a little too much focus on less important details such as healing lessons however, the pace picked up towards the end of the book, so much so that I felt its conclusion was a little rushed and the resolution to be too quick.

Sarah, Ivy and Alicia were strong characters that created plenty of moments of humour and wit within the storyline and while certain supporting characters such as Mrs Winter were very well drawn, with depth and complex motivations, others seemed slightly shoehorned into their roles for example, Jenny (the maid)’s actions seemed slightly inconsistent and there could have been a clearer decision path for some of her choices, especially towards the end of the book.

Overall, an excellent light read with a refreshing take on a slightly overused genre.

This book reminded me of the Finishing School series by Gail Carriger. Cassandra Reed is not from rich parents and therefore should not have magic skills. Even her name isn’t Miss Reed. She actually is a girl who worked for the rich, until her special skills are discovered. Now she wants to find others like her. Join her and her friends on this adventure.
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This is a fun, albeit light, series. It's like the Cool Whip version of Harry Potter, with some steampunk and Jane Austen mannerisms thrown in.

Here, the Changeling plot gains some momentum, as Sarah/Cassandra and her friends quickly finish up their year at school and head off to the Scottish Highlands to uncover a potential government scandal. Sarah remains a smart and sassy heroine to follow, although her blind spots remain frustrating. I keep seeing the plot twists from a mile away but it takes her quite a while to catch up.

I wish the romance was a little stronger. Since this has elements of Austen I want a sexier relationship than what's currently going on with Sarah and Gavin. He's perfectly nice but perfectly dull. She has more chemistry with Owen, but I don't ship them either. Maybe if Gavin had more screen time...as it is he's only in about 5 pages of this book.

But since these books are so short and readable, I'll definitely continue on with the series. This one had quite the intriguing cliffhanger!

4.2/5 🦄
Fledgling
By Molly Harper

This book continues the story of Sarah Smith, aka Cassandra Reed, a working class Snipe girl who is hiding amongst the privileged Guardian class because of her magical abilities. This book follows her adventures in the spring term and following summer break after the events of Changeling. Sarah, convinced she must find other Changelings like her, enlists the help of her friends Ivy and Alicia to reach the remote mountain peaks, where rumor has it, a school for Snipe magicians is secreted away. Will she find the school? Will she find others like her? Only time and reading this book will tell!

I really enjoy these books and cannot wait for more. While this series does have some Harry Potter elements, it really comes into its own in this book and A LOT happens! I’m very excited to see where the events of this book will lead. Gavin remains a swoon worthy love interest, and Owen Winters (Cassandra’s “cousin”) is slowly but surely becoming a character to watch. I love the friendships and camaraderie in this series! Ivy and Alicia are both excellent sources of entertainment and humor. Sarah is still the self-doubtful Snipe girl she always was, but there are clear instances of her growing up and becoming her own person that make this book particularly enjoyable. Overall a great read and middle age appropriate and up!
I received an eARC of this book from the publisher through @netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

It is not my usual read but when I saw the blurb it made me thought of a feminine version Harry Potter sets in a steampunk Victorian like world, where two universes collide between the magic (The Guardians) and non-magic (the Snipes) people.
So I wanted to read it to see if it could be a story my teen’s daughter might like, if it will be ever translated.
As it is the second in a series, I was afraid to be a bit lost but at time, the author gave enough details explaining who’s who and why.
So it is about a girl, Sarah renames Cassandra, from the non-magic rank who should never have been able to generate and wield magic, why she is send under a fabricated identity to a school for high-bred ladies from the magical families.
There are friendship tried and reenforced, plenty of discoveries, spell contests, young love tested and a different direction for the main characters.
So sure, it has a taste of Harry Potter but it is also the usual clichés in many sorcerer tales, even if I found the end of the book a bit rushed and all wrapped too fast, it was en entertaining read packed with actions and nemesis to fight.
Why I would recommend it to any Harry Potter’s lover, and will definitively read the next book in this series.
A 4,5 stars

I received a free ARC from Netgalley for an honest review.

If you read the previous book in this series, it picks up a little bit later, and then hits the ground running. This portion of the story is the best parts of a historical romance and fantasy smashed together. There’s still the weight of social expectations, fear of discovery and learning in this book, but there’s a bit more of a fun, cheekiness I’ve come to love from her other books. The plot definitely moves quickly enough to keep you engaged, but there’s still enough going on that the rest feels like part of the story and not just window dressing. But, now I have many, many questions that can’t be answered until the next one. So, as soon as I can, the third will go to my wish list.

Earlier this year I read, and very much enjoyed, Changeling, the first in Molly Harper's ongoing Sorcery and Society series, so I was very excited to get my hands on an early copy of this, the second book. I am happy to say that I was not disappointed.
First things first, if you have not already read Changeling, I really do recommend going back and reading that first as it does a lot to set up the world these stories are told in, To briefly summarize and vastly oversimplify, the books are set in a world that feels like an alternative version of Victorian England, where the wealthy ruling class have magical powers that they use instead of technology, and they are served by the " Snipes " or non magical population. The heroine of the series was born a Snipe but began to exhibit magical powers, so was shipped off to a Magical Academy for Young Ladies in the disguise of a high born lady.
Fledgling follows directly from the events of Changeling, Sarah, or Cassandra as she is now known is keeping her head down and studying magic along with her friends Ivy and Alicia but is shocked to discover that another Snipe who is working at the school is also showing signs of having magical ability. When rumors of a top secret school for exceptional Snipe children start to make the rounds , the girls are determined to find out the truth.
Once again I really enjoyed the friendship between Cassandra, Ivy and Alicia, and how much they rely upon and support each other. Books set in a school have always been a favorite of mine, and this is no exception. The world building is superb, it really feels like a complete society with well established rules and traditions. While there is some element of romance in the book, it is very mild, making the book suitable for a wide age range including a precocious younger reader. The overall story moved on from the first book in an interesting way and the stage has been set for some real drama as the series continues.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

Fledgling finds Cassandra Reed (nee Sarah Smith) finishing up the school term and thwarting evil advances by Hollow-horns (the unicorns evil cousin). However, it's been months since the Mother Book has deigned to reveal a new spell to her and the council is demanding results soon...or else. Plus there's the matter of Cassandra's true identity - a changeling snipe in service to the Winter household before finding out she actually has magic - still hanging over her head.

When it becomes apparent that the Mother Book wants Cassandra to seek out other changeling children and help them, her path becomes clearer. Along with the help of her truest friends Ivy and Alicia, Cassandra/Sarah is ready to turn the Guardian world on its head!

I loved getting back into the Sorcery and Society world and loved the natural progression of the series. Cassandra is flourishing at school and making more new friends. I really like the genuineness of Cassandra despite having to live a lie to everyone around her minus her very close friends and family. Deception is not something that she set out to do, but given the status quo between the Guardians and the Snipes, Cassandra has done what was best at the time.

Regardless of this, I liked how she doesn't shirk her responsibility to other changelings like herself. She may be slower to start the search for others, but her intentions are admirable and she follows through on her plans - even though that doesn't necessarily mean the plans are always the best laid plans.

I like that Molly Harper has made such a wonderful friendship between Cassandra, Ivy, and Alicia. It's always great to read about strong friendships and the fact that even when they don't see eye-to-eye they'll always be in each other's corner. They enhance rather than pull back.

Probably my favorite development was seeing how well Cassandra has fit into the Winter household. How she's developed a close relationship with Mr. and Mrs. Winter and their son Owen. It starts out as obligatory because the Winters stand to lose as well if Cassandra is found out, but you can see their relationship developing into familial territory. I loved all her interactions with the family and, based on what occurs in this story, I really hope that it's something that continues to develop in the next book.

Fledgling is kinda a game changer for the series. The consequences of events will be surely felt in the next book, and I'm looking forward to seeing what they are exactly and how they resonate for each of the characters. I feel like we're left with a lot up in the air, but one thing I know for certain is no matter what happens Cassandra, Ivy, and Alicia will face it together.

So far, Molly Harper has written a wonderful YA series which is somewhat a departure from her adult paranormal romances, but still written with such wit, humor, and wonderful characters.

I recieved a free copy from Netgalley and INscribe Digital in exchange for an honest review.

Sald yi didn't realise this was book two in the series until after I'd been approved, I still gave it a go but there is definitely some vital information I've missed with not reading it.

The world building and writing are great and themagic systems seem really cool as does the victorian type setting, however the young age of characters put me off and I couldn't really get into the storyline or or care about any of the character more than a passing glance.

Mystical, evolving, dazzling, enchanting.

What a delightful read. The beginning takes a unique tale about a unicorn magically attacking young ladies dancing, the main character saves them and continues throughout the story from that perspective of saving people. The story instilled strength, loyalty, helplessness, and acceptance. There's quite a few characters that weave in and out of the story that kept my attention. The ending was satisfactory and left me feeling content anticipating another story. Great lessons to learn here. Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the eread on Kindle. I plan on reading the first book Changeling.

Firstly, I didn't read the first book in the series, which is a big mistake I made and may be the reason why this is only a three star read. I loved the friendship between some of the characters, and a spicy love interest who didn't formally "court" Sarah. I think it could have been written better, however, and although the individual elements were good, all together they weren't as great as I thought it would be.

Charming story about the power of friendship. She starts a study group at her school. The handsome Gavin McCray is not formally courting her for the majority of the book, but he adds spice. So does his admirably terrifying mother Adelaide McCray. Aneira Winter really softens towards Sarah Smith. We actually got to spend time with Mr. Winter in this book. There's a lot of time spent at a loch in Scotland. I was very startled by the twist at the end. I received a review copy and have offered my honest opinion about Fledgling.

I received a free copy of FLEDGLING (Miss Castwell’s/Sorcery and Society Book 2) by Molly Harper in exchange for an honest review. Born to the servant class and subsequently raised to the ruling class by possession of unexpected magic, Sarah Smith, still masquerading as Cassandra Reed, has already saved the world once during her first year at Miss Castwell’s Institute for the Magical Instruction of Young Ladies. Sarah must still maintain her masquerade while navigating the opposing forces trying to rule her actions. The Mother Book has indicated it wants Sarah to find and rescue other Changelings while Mrs. Winter, Sarah’s guardian, is pressuring Sarah to delay that mission in favor of pursuing social endeavors to add credit to Mrs. Winters’ family. Meanwhile, the Mother Book committee of the Senate is coveting control over Sarah and her access to the Mother Book. With everyone demanding Sarah behave, mind her manners, and be socially responsible and with those same people exerting physical control over her daily schedule, will Sarah be able to exercise her true mission? If so, what will be the cost to her, her friends, her family, and her guardians?

I actually purchased this book, but I was later, also, granted a free copy through NetGalley. I liked both this book and the prior book in this series, CHANGELING. I recommend this to fans of Molly Harper, to fans of Victorian magical fantasy, and to fans of magic academy stories. If you loved Patricia C. Wrede’s Thirteenth Child series and the Cecelia and Kate series by Wrede and Caroline Stevermer, you’ll want to devour the Sorcery and Society books.

#Fledgling #NetGalley

Second in the series the first part reminds the reader about what happened in the first book. All of that is part of the world building and backstory. Once again nothing is as it seems and the characters find themselves in for unexpected things. A nice continuation of the series.

ARC received on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

2,5/5. Aw man, this could've been so good! I bought and read the first installment of this series purely so I could enjoy the sequel to the fullest (and give a comprehensive review).

Regretfully, the first 25% of Fledgling was very repetitive. There were LITERAL passages that had been copied from the first book which I immediately noticed as I was reading these back to back. Moreover, for all intents and purposes, it was a recap of book 1. I understand wanting a recap to some extent but 25% of a book that is already significantly shorter than the first one is a bit outrageous.

After the recap, things get better. Sarah returns to her magical school and reinforces the relationship with her friends and makes new ones to beat. The plot flows nicely, although (like in Changeling) literally everything that happens is important for the denouement. I want more spells and (unnecessary) information! The details we ARE given are inevitably important and it would be nice to just have more world building going on.

Even though there is some fun in the romantic escapades of the girls, it feels forced and more of a page filler than anything else. I enjoyed the relationships between the girls a lot more. Also, an 18 year old guy and a 14 year old girl - I'm sorry but it's a teensy creepy/inappropriate to me. 18 and 16 would've been more acceptable but that's just my adult hat on there.

Even if Fledgling certainly has its flaws, I'm very curious to read the next installment in this series. It really has great potential and I'm looking forward to learning more about this awesome, Victorian, steampunky, magical world.

I enjoyed the first book so much that when I realized that this was part of a series I had to read it. The Victorian era backdrop and the fantasy/magic makes these books so much fun. They are lighthearted and the characters the Ms. Harper creates feel like your own friends. If you enjoy a more easy going adventure without all the gloom and doom then you will love these books.
#Fledgling

I wasn't aware this was the second book of a series before I started, and while I don't think it negatively impacted my read, I would have enjoyed having more insight that I think the first book would have provided. Despite that I really liked this book. Part fantasy, part steampunk, part magic with both romance and intrigue. It more than kept me invested and interested. Can't wait for the next one!

4.5 stars

I really enjoyed this second installment in the Sorcery and Society series and am only disappointed that I now have a long wait before the next book! I've really enjoyed watching Sarah's relationship develop with her friends, her "aunt" and her family. While Sarah doesn't always make the best decisions, she does do things with good intentions and I love that her friends can be angry with her and still love her. I found myself laughing at the conversations that happened in this book as well as Owen's bumbling earnestness as he found himself in uncharted territory with Ivy! Overall, this series is a lot of fun and I highly recommend it for anyone who is a fan of Harry Potter and would enjoy a good yarn with strong female characters who like to turn society convention on its ear.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed Book 2 of Molly Harper's series. And it we get to know a little bit more about the protagonist and her schoolmates, the trials and tribulations of taking classes and being teenagers and becoming interested in boys, on top of that there are several evil entities in her way. I flew through this book as quickly as I flew through book one. Molly Harper is an excellent author with well fleshed-out characters and excellent descriptions. You find yourself falling into her novels quite easily and I had a hard time putting this book down. Totally recommend!!

*I would like to thank the author/publisher/Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review*