What If Magic and Wizardry Existed in Pride and Prejudice?
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Publisher
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation
TIME FRAME: Begins with Mr. Bingley’s arrival in Netherfield
SYNOPSIS: In this Pride and Prejudice world, magic and wizardry in different forms and abilities exist. Some characters are able to cast simple spells and charms, while others can control elements and harness powerful magic. Mr. Darcy, an “exceptionally talented wizard” who joins his friend Mr. Bingley in his newly-let Netherfield Park, is greatly unimpressed with Meryton and its folk magic and inconsequential and talentless citizens. That is until he meets Elizabeth Bennet and her father. Mr. Darcy finds himself intrigued by the secret abilities of one and the past reputation of the other. But times are dangerous as reports of a thieving Necromancer (similar to one that existed many years ago) is using dark arts to steal magic from other others. Mr. Darcy is determined to uncover and apprehend this new Necromancer. Can Elizabeth and her unique abilities help his mission? Or are his developing feelings for her a danger to them both?
WHAT I LOVED:
- Magic: Seeing our beloved Pride and Prejudice world colored with shades of magic was wonderfully unique and exciting! I love all the different levels of abilities and types of magic used. From the simple love potions, beauty charms, and anti-tripping spells to the defensive charms, enchanted correspondence, and portals. I loved seeing how characters employed magic in their lives and learning the extent of their abilities. It was all very clever and fitting to the characters we know and love. Kara Pleasants adeptly transformed Pride and Prejudice into a fantastical yet conceivable world where magic exists.
- Elizabeth and Mr. Bennet: I don’t want to give away much about either of these characters abilities and relationship with magic, but I will say that I thoroughly enjoyed the spotlight on Elizabeth and Mr. Bennet, their unique singularities, and their relationship with each other. I loved Ms. Pleasant’s thoughtful and clever decisions with these characters.
- Influences and Nods: With magic, Wizarding Courts, necromancers, enchanted woods I was getting all sorts of Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings vibes with this tale and I loved it! Fans of these novels will love to recognize some familiar elements and subtle nods to other beloved fantasy classics. I also loved the use of code names and the nods to Shakespeare. Kara Pleasants clearly has exceptional taste in reading!
- Mystery and Danger: Not only is the reader wondering about this new Necromancer and their evil intents, but also slowly learning about the past dealings with the first Necromancer and wondering if there is any connection between the two! Kara Pleasants kept readers in the dark for as long as she could and executed her slow reveals perfectly.
- Surprising and Satisfying: There were several brilliant twists that I did not see coming and I completely loved them all! And just when you think that you saw the last twist and know what will happen next, there is one more shocking reveal! I absolutely adored the conclusion for this story – and the completely touching events that resulted from the conclusion! Well done, Ms. Pleasants!
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- Some Swiftness: There were some magical elements, creatures, worlds, and rules that were introduced in a quick and brief succession towards the end. I wouldn’t have minded some more time to digest and understand these new elements. In addition, I thought some of Elizabeth’s and Mr. Darcy’s feelings towards each other progressed and changed a little swiftly.
CONCLUSION:
Disenchanted does not need any charms, spells, or enchantments cast to make it a compelling and captivating read. Kara Pleasant’s thrilling premise, thoughtful choices, clever developments, and deft execution provide a wondrous mixture that will effortlessly cast readers under its spell – whether they are interested in fantasy or not. I loved my foray into the magical world of Elizabeth Bennet and I would love to conjure the ability to visit it in person!
***Guess what! Disenchanted is currently on SALE for 💲1️⃣.9️⃣9️⃣‼️***
This sale ends today.
I loved your review Meredith! I bought this book but haven’t read it yet. I’m definitely looking forward to it now. It seems that Darcy and Elizabeth will combine forces to defeat evil? Wonderful! Thank you.
Aww, thank you, Glynis! I hope you get the chance to read it soon – I think you will love it!
I read and enjoyed this book. Lovely review, Meredith.
Thank you, Sheila!
Great review! This was a fantastic book.
Thank you! I am so glad to hear you thought so!
Great review, Meredith! This is on my TBR, and now I’m even more anxious to read it!
Thank you, Lucy! I hope you get the chance to read it soon!
I love love love stories that combine Jane Austen’s world of reason and order with the disruptions and wonder of magic! Can’t get enough of them. Thanks for highlighting this book! You are certainly having a busy Austenesque month.
Yes! This one was very well done, Abigail! I hope you love it!
Delightful review, Meredith [hello to your Mr. Bingley]. I agree completely with your thoughts. I love when our JAFF characters have something else in their repertoire of gifts and charms. Blessings my dears, stay safe, and healthy.
Thank you, Jeanne! It is so fun and interesting, right?!
Meredith, thank you so much for this wonderful review! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!!
Thank YOU for writing and sharing this beautiful story, Kara!
What a lovely review, Meredith! Thanks to you, I just purchased this book.
It sounds wonderful! I love the Harry Potter/Lord of the Rings vibe and including witchcraft and wizardry into our familiar P&P turf. And the cover is gorgeous!
Thanks for sharing!
Congrats to Ms. Pleasants on her book!
Thank you, Lori!! Yay! I hope you love it as much as I do! I really loved the LOTR vibes – it would be so fun to see some more of that!!
And I so agree about the cover!
Thank you, Meredith, for another thoughtful review! Congratulations, Kara! This sounds like a great read!
I appreciate you reading my review, Kelly!!! I am so happy to share my thoughts with you!
I also enjoyed this book. If you have not already, try Mr Darcy’s Enchantment by Abigail Reynolds, another satisfying foray into fantasy.
Yes!! I loved that one too! Both are fantastic journeys into the magic world!
loved your review. sounds interesting.
denise
Thank you, Denise!
Very enticing review, Meredith. I remember getting only a tiny bit of info when you hosted the cover reveal (beautiful cover!!) and it sounded intriguing. I really must read this, and I did take advantage of the sale so it’s waiting for me.
Thank you, Michelle! Yes, when I heard what types of books Kara likes to read and what she wanted to show in this story it made me want to read it even more!!!
Yay!!! Happy reading! I cannot wait to hear your thoughts!
I actually bought the book, seeing it had an excellent review elsewhere. This is a confirmation that I will most likely enjoy that book. Thank you for posting it!
Wonderful! I don’t think you will regret it! 🙂
I had a good time with this magic meets P&P. Loved the world.
Me too!!! Don’t you want to visit it again? I sure do!
Thanks so much for your review. I just happened to pick up this book. I hope you enjoy the rest of your summer with many more happy reads.
Yay!! I hope you get to enjoy reading this one soon! Same to you, my friend!
Thanks so much for your review, Meredith! I was looking forward to it and I’m glad you enjoyed so much the story so…I got it on my kindle yesterday!
I love the references to The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter 😉
Don’t you think the cover is gorgeous?
Yay! Teresa! I am so glad you got this book – I know you will love it!! I love the cover! I went to my favorite trail in town and took a picture with this book since I loved the woods on the cover so much!