What I Read This Weekend

What I Read This Weekend . . .

Renegade Magic (Book Two in the Kat, Incorrigible Series) by Stephanie Burgis -- Middle Grades Historical Fantasy

Kat Stephenson is back for another adventure. She's in big trouble now. First her big sister Elisa's wedding was ruined by an old enemy who destroyed Angeline's chances at happiness. Then Kat lost her temper in front of the head of the Guardians and was expelled from the order forever. Stepmama is furious and drags the family off to Bath to stay with her unsuspecting snobby relatives. Stepmama decrees that Angeline will find a suitable suitor or not return home. Without Elisa around to intervene, Angeline and Stepmama are not getting along. Kat worries that Angeline has some possibly dangerous plan in mind. Kat finds she likes Bath though. She finds an ally in Lucy Wingate, Stepmama's young cousin and Kat also discovers an abundance of magic bubbling up from the hot springs under the baths. Kat sets out on a midnight adventure to find the magic and uncovers a magical plot that may threaten the lives of her loved ones and leave her mind broken if the Guardians find out. This is another delightful adventure. I really enjoyed the plot and couldn't put it down though usually I dislike supernatural plots especially of this nature. Kat is such a fun and appealing little hoyden that I can't help but be charmed by her. Her madcap personality provides comic relief for this adventure tale. I also really identify with her and with her sister Angeline. I would probably behave the same way Angeline does in her situation. Other characters show surprising amounts of depth which amazes Kat and the reader both. I liked that these characters were not two-dimensional. The villain is painfully obvious though the motive was a bit of a surprise. I am looking forward to more Kat adventures, soon I hope! This series is great for girls 10-12 and those of us who still think we are that age.