Monday, August 8, 2011

Review: Kat, Incorrigible by Stephanie Burgis


Kat, Incorrigible by Stephanie Burgis

Katherine Ann Stephenson has just discovered that she's inherited her mother's magical talents, and despite Stepmama's stern objections, she's determined to learn how to use them. But with her eldest sister Elissa's intended fiancé, the sinister Sir Neville, showing a dangerous interest in Kat's magical potential; her other sister, Angeline, wreaking romantic havoc with her own witchcraft; and a highwayman lurking in the forest, even Kat's reckless heroism will be tested to the upmost. If she can learn to control her new powers, will Kat be able to rescue her family and win her sisters their true love?
Review:

What a charming debut! Kat, Incorrigible was simply wondrous and I frequently found myself chuckling and reciting lines out loud while I was reading. Kat was a good-hearted and brave young heroine and her adventures were such fun to read about. She often found herself in sticky situations but she always pulled through and saved the day. Middle grade stories will always have a special place in my heart and this one was no exception. One thing about Kat, Incorrigible that separates it from other books in its same target age group is that it will appeal to every age. From elementary school readers to adults. It is such a fantastic read filled with magic, adventure, romance, and family- Kat, Incorrigible had it all. I cannot wait to start the sequel!


Katherine Ann Stephenson is not your usual twelve year old girl living in the 1800s. She is rebellious, outspoken, witty, and adventuresome. I loved her from the start and was constantly rooting for her to succeed. Kat has just learned that she has inherited her late mother’s magical abilities. While Kat is fixed on figuring out spells and using her newfound powers, there is a lot more going on in the background. Kat is about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime and be tested in more ways than one as she tries to save her family and stay true to herself.

All of the characters in Kat, Incorrigible (even the bad ones!) were incredibly well written and all together made for an entertaining and mysterious story. Kat’s two sisters have to be my favorites. Elissa and Angeline were so different from each other and yet they had such a great relationship with each other and with Kat. Each of them had a unique personality and outlook on life, yet were so complex and likable. I also enjoyed getting to know each of their love interests and to see how things played out for them.

The plot was fast paced, engaging, and original. With constant plot twists, newly-revealed secrets, and just utter mayhem- Kat, Incorrigible was one fun ride. Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres, particularly the Regency England time period. Throw in some magic and you have a winner. The magical elements in Kat, Incorrigible worked perfectly and made the storyline that much more interesting and exciting. I was anxious to see how everything would play out and the ending was very satisfying.

Kat, Incorrigible is definitely one of my new favorites. Filled with all the elements I love in a good story, this book will appeal to all ages. Stephanie Burgis is a wonderful writer and I can only hope that the sequel, Renegade Magic, will be as good. I highly recommend picking this up if you haven’t already and I will only leave you with this warning: once you pick Kat, Incorrigible up, you will have a hard time putting it back down!
Overall: 5 out of 5 stars

April 5, 2011/Atheneum/304 Pages/Young Adult & Middle Grade Appeal/Book One

Source: Publisher (ARC)

9 comments:

  1. SO glad you enjoyed this one, Kelsey! I've been wondering if I should get this one or not, but now I think I am! Thanks for the review :)

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  2. I'm SO glad you liked it!!!
    I read it earlier in the year and I thought it was just such a wonderful book. And I can't wait for the next book in the series.

    Plus, isn't the cover a total win?

    :D

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  3. yay I'm glad to see another person enjoyed this one! I actually read it while ago and I agree with just about everything you said in your review. This one is definitely perfect for all ages! Great review!

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  4. I've been curious about this book, so I'm glad that you loved it so much! I adore the sound of the characters, and I'm definitely a fan of magic & plot twists :)

    Fabulous review, Kelsey!

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  5. I loved this book too Kelsey. It's so fun!

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  6. I had to click over and say ME TOO! I adored this novel.

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  7. I was immediately drawn to the premise of this one because it reminded me of Patricia C. Wrede's Mairelon the Magician from years ago. I'll have to give it a try.

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  8. Wonderful review for a wonderful book :) So glad you liked it!

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