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!