Bewitching Season

By Marissa Doyle

In 1837 London, young daughters of viscounts pined for handsome, titled husbands, not careers. And certainly not careers in magic. At least, most of them didn't.

Shy, studious Persephone Leland would far rather devote herself to her secret magic studies than enter society and look for a suitable husband. But right as the inevitable season for "coming out" is about to begin, Persy and her twin sister discover that their governess in magic has been kidnapped as part of a plot to gain control of the soon-to-be Queen Victoria. Racing through Mayfair ballrooms and royal palaces, the sisters overcome bad millinery, shady royal spinsters, and a mysterious Irish wizard. And along the way, Persy learns that husband hunting isn't such an odious task after all, if you can find the right quarry.

Bewitching Season is a 2009 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Macmillan Publishers
• Release date: Sep 1, 2009
• ISBN: 9781429965910

Marissa Doyle

Marissa Doyle graduated from Bryn Mawr College and went on to graduate school intending to be an archaeologist but somehow got distracted. After working in a nursing home, in fundraising, and as a stay-at-home mom, she finally figured out what it was she really should be doing (apart from the mom part), and started writing a romance novel. Three books later a perceptive contest judge told her that her story would make a great young adult book, and she hasn’t looked back since.Her young adult books Bewitching Season, Betraying Season, and Courtship and Curses, all from Henry Holt Books for Young Readers/Macmillan, blend history (remember that archaeology background?) with a dash of magic and a heaping tablespoon of romance, and have won multiple awards and recognition in both the romance and children’s literature worlds. She lives in her native Massachusetts with her family, including a bossy pet rabbit, and loves making quilts, sailing, and antiques.Please visit her at her website, www.marissadoyle.com, and at NineteenTeen http://nineteenteen.com.

Reviews for Bewitching Season

[bluemom · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A slight combination of debutante aspect of The Season with the fantasy of Bray's Gemma Doyle series..and voila...the Bewitching Season.

[et.carole · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

If books are dessert, this one's a truffle. It's light, predictable and enjoyable. The characters are intrinsically enjoyable, realistic, and likeable- they are multi-faceted and never rapidly switch motivation. Doyle's crafted a water-tight YA history/fantasy here. I will definitely be reading the next one.

[raeadav · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I read the first 100 or so pages and then read the last 10 pages. I don't feel like I missed anything. I guess I can't really say I READ the book, but since I probably didn't miss anything, I'm calling it a "read". I grew tired of Percy's constant, "I'm not good enough," diatribe. Blah blah blah. While one reviewer said that it's exactly like a teenager feels, I think it's more appropriate for a new teenager...like 13...not someone who is almost 18 and "coming out". It was tiresome.

[slsmitty25 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed the story of the twin sisters and am looking forward to seeing what happens next.

[maureene87 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This didn't suffer from some of the problems that many contemporary historical fictions do (no one complained about their needlework!) but it fell a bit flat in other ways. The characters felt very undefined and I wasn't ever entirely convinced that this really was early Victorian England. [Feb. 2011]

[bksgoddess · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Cute historical romance with magic. I enjoyed this book, but I still think Sorcery and Cecelia, or the Enchanted Chocolate Pot is a better book.

[jenj5 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Penelope and Persephone are twin girls about to begin their first season in London. While Pen can barely contain her excitement, Persy would much rather stay home and continue to study magic. When their governess and magic tutor, Miss Allardyce, mysteriously disappears, the twins quickly discover that their position as young ladies in society keeps them from being able to search for her. Soon their younger brother Charles (better known as Chucklehead to the twins) and their neighbor Lochinvar, who turns Persy into a stammering fool, have joined forces with the twins. As the search continues, the twins discover that Miss Allardyce has been kidnapped as part of a magical plot against the Princess Victoria and it is up to them to save the day. A delightful romp, Bewitching Season combines historical fiction, fantasy, romance and mystery into one delectable whole, perfect for fans of Sorcery and Cecilia. I was thrilled to see that a sequel following Pen is already in the works.

[britanniahill · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Marissa Doyle's Bewitching Season, is an engaging novel about twin sisters, Persephone and Penelope who go to London for their coming out, only to find out that their governess has gone missing and they are the only ones who can find her. And by the way, they are witches. Although this is a Young Adult novel, at times it seems as though it is intended for a younger audience. Persy constantly complains that she doesn't want to grow up and wishes she could remain a child. This is hard to believe as no 18 year old wishes to remain a child, they are too busy wishing they were older and could do more things. Although Persy is the main character of this novel, at times it is her sister Pen who seems more interesting to read about. Pen is the more confident and charming twin who is not shy and does not try to hide away. The novel does a good job representing the historical time period that it takes place in. The novel shows how women were not allowed to travel without an escort, and it shows how difficult it can be just for a young lady to go visit a book store. Not only do the girls have to have permission to go, but they must be escorted there by their mother, a male relation, or a close male friend of the family's. As the story progresses, Persy comes out of her shell and becomes a more vibrant character. She gets a beau, who she eventually turns down because he wants to marry her for her family name and connections, reveals her secret, that she is a witch, to the boy she really likes, discover's he likes her too, only to turn him down because she believes his feelings are a result of a love spell she cast, only to later find out that the spell was a fake. Not only does she accomplish all this, Persy still manages to find time to sneak into a castle, find her missing governess and rescue the princess who later becomes queen. While the story starts out slow, it progresses along with Persy's character development as she grows up and leaves her childhood world behind, and steps forward into her role as a young women.

[booksandwine · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Bewitching Season by Marissa Doyle is a fun YA historical fiction of twins and magic set in pre-Victorian England. The twins, Persy and Pen are about to have their first season, which basically means they go to balls in pretty dresses and try to look for somebody to propose to them. The problem? Their governess who taught them how to use their magic gets kidnapped by this evil Irish dude.The protagonist, Persy, was definitely a girl we can all relate to, a bookworm lacking in self-confidence. Seriously, she was always second guessing herself, which was a bit annoying because it was so real. Seriously, this is what teenage girls do, they second guess constantly, especially when they have low self-esteem like Persy. They take little things and blow them way out of proportion. They fail to pick up on glaringly obvious things because they are so self-centered. Now, this is not a knock on teen girls, as I was one myself who did exactly the same things. Don't believe me? Well, you should read my livejournal from that time (oh, he said hi to me today I wonder if he likes me, but AGH he said hi to my best friend too and I had bad hair and blahblahmakeupblahblahfat).Honestly, this wouldn't be a coming-of-age novel without the self-absorption and the misguided mistakes. We all know part of growing up is making the same mistakes over and over again, and maybe being lucky enough to actually learn from the mistake.The plot was quick-moving. You've got magic, balls, intrigue, plots, and disguises not to mention love. I like my books action packed. Now let me say one thing, the dialogue was hella cheesy, i.e. "It sure as hell is. Damn it all, I love you." I shit you not, that was really written in the book. Don't let it detour you from reading this book though, as I felt it was a fun read, perfect for passing the day away. Seriously, we need a bit of cheese every once in awhile. I enjoy a good shy girl gets incredibly hot boyfriend tale, and I bet secretly, most of you do too!

[mlorio_3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Leland sisters are just starting their first Season, but they have a secret. They are both budding witches. While it may not be safe to reveal their talents, their skills prove to be vital as they try to rescue their beloved governess who has been kidnapped in a plot to harm Princess Victoria. The characters are enjoyable even if at times the kidnapping plot seems to take the back seat to the descriptions of life as one of the privileged young learning how to take their place in the ton.

[df1a_sarinaz · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I liked the overall plot and the historic-age society intertwined within the book, yet the style held the book back. While I greatly enjoyed it, it would have been even better with if the style could grab a firmer hold on the reader's attention.

[joririchardson · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A book that combines fantasy with historical fiction - the Harry Potter meets Jane Austen type of story that is no longer original and is now a genre within itself.This book is average in every way - or less. The characters are okay. The historical setting was never a major part of the story, and quite obviously the author did not bother with all that much research, or focus on historical detail.The plot was what I found the most aggravating about the book. For a children's/teen book, this one is not short, and the author spent about 300 pages until the book got interesting. I have an odd determination to finish every single book I begin, but I have to say that with this one I nearly returned it to the library unfinished many times. I kept thinking "Alright, NOW something will happen, finally..." And nothing would.The climax (once it was, at last, reached...) was satisfying, but not amazing.I liked the romance elements of the book, despite them being grossly predictable. Lochnivar was sweet, and one of the best written characters.Overall, I would say that this book is fluffy, mediocre, and very dull at first. I wouldn't recommend it.

[cablesclasses · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A slight combination of debutante aspect of The Season with the fantasy of Bray's Gemma Doyle series..and voila...the Bewitching Season.

[mmillet_7 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

The Honorables Miss Penelope "Pen" and Miss Persephone "Persy" Leland, twins who happen to have been born on Princess Victoria's birthday, are more than looking forward to their presentation at court. They've been prepped for this day for years - even if part of the time their education has been somewhat unconventional. Their governess (Ally), along with teaching them etiquette, Latin, and literature, has been secretly tutoring them in magic for many years. Not exactly something you advertise at court. Persy has always been a bit more bookish of the two and can't help but imagine herself as a failure compared to her poised and self assured sister Pen. But both girls are sure they will be fine as long as the trusted Ally is never far. That is, until she mysteriously disappears.Both Persy and Pen are convinced something sinister has occurred to their beloved governess - and friend - and begin to discreetly make inquiries as to her whereabouts. They are joined by their little brother Charles, aka Chuckles, who is always up for an adventure and home from school with a broken arm. Chuckles is far too observant and protective for his tender years and happens to be my favorite character by far.This was such a light, fanciful waltz through time. The Leland family is lovable - with the exception of Persy's constant feelings of inadequacy. The action is nicely distributed against descriptions of dresses, parties, court politics, and even a little romance. The magic portion seemed to almost be an afterthought, but still an interesting addition. A fun, engaging read for any day.

[_zoe__1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I was looking for a light and distracting read after a long week, so this was exactly what I needed. It's a YA historical romance/fantasy: Twins Persephone and Penelope have spent their childhoods being tutored in magic, among other things, by their governess Ally, but it's time to go to London for their first season. Penelope (Pen) is looking forward to it, while Persephone (Persy) wishes she could stay at home and study forever. Meanwhile, Ally has mysteriously disappeared....The plot of this book was entirely predictable (complete with one bad-horror-movie urge to shout at the silly characters not to go that way), but I still read it in one sitting and came away satisfied. Persy, with her love of books and learning, was an easy character to relate to (and only occasionally did really dumb things), and Pen was much more likeable than I'd expected; it would have been easy for the more social twin to seem flat and stereotyped, but that wasn't the case. Plus there were some great minor characters. So, while this wasn't great literature, I enjoyed it for what it was, and I may even read the sequel eventually.

[readinggeek451 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A light (post-)Regency romance in a world where magic works. If this description sounds like Wrede and Stevermer's Sorcery and Cecilia, there's good reason for that. It's lighter and less witty than S&C, but with its own charm.The heroine is a shy, bookish young woman who would rather be learning Greek than making her debut. Her twin sister is much more vivacious and sociable. Together, they must negotiate the shoals of society, deal with suitors both wanted and un-, and investigate the disappearance of their governess, who taught them magic.The copy I read is labeled Young Adult, presumably because the protagonists are still teens, but it's no more inherently YA than any of the light Regency romances from Signet or Zebra. (It's set in 1837, after the Regency but before the reign of Victoria--who is exactly the same age as the twins--but it reads like a series Regency.)If you like Regency romances and don't mind a bit of fantasy, or if you like historical fiction with magic and don't mind a romance plot, I recommend this book.

[knielsen83 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book was a good meld of debutante society, love, magic and adventure. The characters were interesting even if the main plot was lacking a little at times. I would have liked to see more action, but it was a good read. I was a little disappointed by how it ended. Not the ending she chose, but really the last page of the book - the last few paragraphs. I don't feel like it was wrapped up real well.

[liviania_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Persephone and Penelope Leland hide their talent with magic from everyone, including their parents. Now their governess Melusine Allardyce has disappeared, leaving only a note saturated with her fear. Persy must take action if she wants rescue Ally - and Princess Victoria. A political faction seeks to control the soon to be eighteen-years-old princess in order to keep control once she becomes queen. But finding Ally might put Persy and Pen in the faction's power. BEWITCHING SEASON is a light-fantasy historical adventure. The only thing that ruins the atmosphere is Persy and Pen's almost complete disregard for keeping their powers secret. They use them in front of a number of maids and young men. One of these young men is Lochinvar Seton, Persy's love interest. Lochinvar is well-read and liked by Persy's family, and paid attention to her before she became an attractive and desired young lady. For some reason obstacles to their romance keep cropping up. I'm serious. Ridiculous obstacle after obstacle that looks less ridiculous in comparison to the new obstacle. I would have preferred it if Doyle simply let Lochinvar and Persy acknowledge their feelings, become a couple, and let the book's romantic plot focus on them maturing their relationship and getting to know each other past, "You like books? I like books too." Instead, she squanders their chemistry by keeping them separate for increasingly ludicrous reasons. (See, I dislike the handling of the romance so much I'm becoming redundant.) In the end, the mishandling of the pace of the romance does not bog BEWITCHING SEASON too much. I'm glad Doyle is already contracted for a sequel to be released in 2009.