The Silver Petticoat Book Club – Your September 2020 Book is Here!
The Silver Petticoat Book Club changes its book selection each month, alternating between newer books and classics. This means one month we choose a modern book (published after 2000, favoring newer releases), and the next month we select a classic (published before 2000).
For September 2020, we’re thrilled to introduce our first fantasy pick for the Silver Petticoat Book Club. It’s charming, romantic, and as clever as a Georgette Heyer novel.
September 2020’s Book: Sorcerer to the Crown
The book of the month is “Sorcerer to the Crown,” a historical fantasy set in an alternate Regency England. It offers a Jane Austen-esque love story, dragons, and a lot of magic with diverse main characters. Plus, there are even vampires!
Published in 2015, Zen Cho’s debut novel won the British Fantasy Award for Best Newcomer and was nominated for a Locus Award. As fans of fantasy with a good romance, “Sorcerer to the Crown” captivated us from the start, and it did not disappoint.
Book Blurb for Sorcerer to the Crown
Magic and chaos mix with British high society in this whimsical debut. Zacharias Wythe is a freed slave and skilled magician who holds the prestigious title of Sorcerer Royal. He ventures to Fairyland’s border to investigate the dwindling magical resources of England. During his quest, he encounters a powerful and enigmatic woman whose extraordinary abilities set them on a path to change the world of sorcery forever.
The Story in Sorcerer to the Crown
The characters in “Sorcerer to the Crown” are brilliant, reminiscent of Jane Austen’s creations. Zacharias is a freed slave and the Sorcerer Royal, responsible for all the magic in England. Many of his peers, uncomfortable with a black man in such a role, accuse him of murder behind his back.
Women in this world are also restricted. Instead of embracing their power, they are trained to be Gentlewitches, cursing themselves to suppress their abilities. Enter Prunella, a half-Indian woman with mysterious parentage. She is a mix of Anne Shirley, Elizabeth Bennet, and Mary Crawford—opinionated, witty, and determined to secure her future. Naturally gifted in magic, Prunella rejects these imposed limitations, especially after being demoted to a servant by the school headmistress.
While Zacharias seeks to solve the mystery of England’s magical crisis and its ties to Fairyland, the story brings a delightful love story reminiscent of classic novels. The chemistry between Zacharias and Prunella develops through intelligent conversations and subtle romantic tension.
If the book’s style feels challenging initially, give it a few chapters; Prunella’s entrance is sure to captivate you. We found “Sorcerer to the Crown” to be a delightful read. If you enjoy Regency Romance, magical tales like Harry Potter, and themes of misogyny and race, this is the book for you. It’s witty, charming, and will keep you engaged until the end of the month when we discuss it.
Join the Conversation
We will talk about “Sorcerer to the Crown” during the last week of September on our social media channels. For more updates and discussions, subscribe to our newsletter and follow the hashtag TheSilverPetticoatBookClub.
What do you think about our September pick? Are you planning to read along with us? If you’ve read “Sorcerer to the Crown” before, let us know your thoughts (without spoilers!) in the comments.
If you’re a publisher, publicist, or author with a book that fits The Silver Petticoat Book Club, consider reaching out to us for future book selections.
