Saturday, July 9, 2022

The Wizard's Daughter - Keeper Shelf Review


Goodreads: The Wizard's Daughter by Barbara Michaels

Rating: Really Liked It
Source:   Purchased

Description:  A penniless yet strikingly beautiful orphan, Marianne Ransom's indomitable spirit has enabled her to survive a cruel life on the backstreets of Victorian London. But it is her gift of second sight that carries her into the world of money and privilege—a power brought on by a strange twist of fate. In the opulent home of a wealthy duchess, Marianne is being called upon to summon her late father—a noted mystic—from the grave. But Marianne's exceptional abilities have become a perilous trap. And suddenly knowing too much could prove fatal.

Genre: Fiction - Historical 

Why I Picked This Book:  I'm rereading my Keeper Shelf books this year to see if they still deserve their spot.

My Impression:  This is one of the Barbara Michaels books I haven't read very often and I remembered very little about it.  At the beginning I thought this one might be one to declutter.  Marianne is so woefully naive I was cringing for her.  Through a perfect storm of unfortunate events Marianne finds herself singing in a club that she shouldn't even know existed.  But just as suddenly as she landed there life changes once again she finds herself living in luxury and immersed in the world of spirtualism.  

Barbara Michaels' writing style is always incredibly readable and this book is no exception.  I was pulled in from the beginning until the very last page.  But what really saved this book for me was how she developed the character of Marianne.  She lives a lot of life in a very short period of time between the covers of the book and as she learned about herself and took as much control of her life as she could I liked her more and more.  

The last half of the book takes place in a rather gloomy Scottish estate riddled with secret passages and occupied by strange characters (and lots of cats).  The conclusion does involve a decent helping of coincidence but that in no way takes away from my enjoyment of the story.  While this isn't one of my favorite Barbara Michaels it is one I thoroughly enjoyed and one that will be staying on my Keeper shelf.  

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?  Of course!  Michaels is one of my absolute favorite authors. 

Would I Recommend this Book?  If you enjoy compelling writing, Gothic overtones and don't mind suspending belief a little this is an entertaining read.

* I received this book in exchange for an honest review.  As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *

8 comments:

  1. It has been a really, really long time since I read this book. As I recall, it wasn't one of my favorites either. However, maybe I should check back with it. I mean, Barbara Michaels - did she write a bad book? LOL

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  2. I have only read every single book from her Elizabeth Peters but from that I would say she didn't write bad books.

    Anne - Books of My Heart

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  3. I love the premise & the cover! Glad it will stay on your keeper shelf.

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  4. I haven't read a Barbara Micheals book in years. Sounds like I need to find some of her more recent book. Wonderful review!

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  5. I really love how you are rereading books from your keeper shelf. I really should try a book by her so marked one on GR.

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  6. So, here's a funny coincidence...I've got a copy of this book on my shelf, too, with the other Barbara Michaels books that I love and know I want to keep...but I can't remember this one very well. I know I've read it, but not as often as her others. So this past spring I put it in that category of "I need to reread this one to see if I still want to keep it." I'm glad to know you decided to keep your copy. :D

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  7. I have to try this author. I've heard great things.

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  8. It's great that it's staying on the keeper shelf. 📚✨

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