A SCHOLAR OF MAGICS

By Caroline Stevermer

TOR Books, 2004

Reviewed by Pat Mathews

The long-awaited sequel to A COLLEGE OF MAGICS is set in England, rather than the Continent, and stars Faris' school friend Jane, and is just as much fun. Jane may have been wildly over socialized by Faris' standards, but among her own she's considered too strong-willed, too outspoken, and very daring. She even drives a motorcar and travels alone if she must! And she is living with her brother, who if he were an animal would be a Border collie, and his sweetly domestic, mildly New Age wife Amy, who appears to be somewhat ditsy. I say 'appears', because one of the lessons of this book is to never underestimate people.

This includes the visiting American sharpshooter Samuel Lambert, who can demonstrate his skill at the old and very stuffy Glasscastle College in pursuit of a top-secret British weapons program, but who can never, ever be admitted. He's 'not the right sort,' which Lambert very perceptively realized is short for 'not quite a gentleman.’ Besides, theory says Americans can't have magic because wizards can't cross water. Yet, his soul yearns for Glasscastle the way someone else's might yearn for art or music or poetry.

And his roommate and mentor Nicholas Fell has vanished. Fell is in line to be the Warden of the West, and he doesn't want the job. Not want? He's totally sure that he had better not take it for, reasons he can't explain even to himself, let alone others. Enter several assorted Edwardian dignitaries, from an Earl to a Dean to a pair of undergrads who only want their grades for the term! Magic and hijinks ensue, with the same amount of social comedy as in COLLEGE OF MAGICS. This is a good read, a romp, and a delight.

And - logically, there should be two more books in the series. Who or what are the Wardens of the South and East? And when do we meet them?