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Miss Mabel’s School for Girls

Miss Mabel's School for Girls Book Cover Miss Mabel's School for Girls
The Network, Book 1
Katie Cross
Antebellum Publishing
March 17, 2014
Paperback
314

Never underestimate the power of a determined witch.
Letum Wood is a forest of fog and deadfall, home to the quietly famous Miss Mabel’s School for Girls, a place where young witches learn the art of magic.
Sixteen-year-old Bianca Monroe has inherited a deadly curse. Determined to break free before it kills her, she enrolls in the respected school to confront the cunning witch who cast the curse: Miss Mabel.
Bianca finds herself faced with dark magic she didn’t expect, with lessons more dangerous than she could have ever imagined. Will Bianca have the courage to save herself from the curse, or will Miss Mabel’s sinister plan be too powerful?
Miss Mabel’s School for Girls is the first novel in The Network Series, an exciting new fantasy collection. A gripping tale about the struggle to survive, it will take you to a new place and time, one you’ll never want to leave.

 

Review:

“Miss Mabel’s School for Girls” is one of those books that makes me wish for a half-star rating system.  It is better than a three, but not good enough for a four, and it is frustrating not to be able to show that properly.  At any rate, it is definitely a good book, but not a great one.

I really love the world of witchcraft called The Network that the author built.  It’s filled with everything a good fantasy or fairy-tale should have: mystery, wonder, good, and evil.  How things came to be the way they are is explained thoroughly and naturally, with the history of The Network and all other details being revealed as part of the plot, as opposed to being all dropped on the reader at once.

Bianca is a wonderful and strong female protagonist, and aside from her beloved Papa, there are no males involved in her life.  In other words: if you’re looking for a romance, go elsewhere.  This one is about girl-power, and it lives up to the potential to stand on that without a love interest.  Very well done!

My problem with the book, and the reason that it is not four stars, is that it dragged quite a bit.  The plot was slowed down by some unnecessary wandering and really yanked me out of what was an otherwise good story.  With some more editing, it really could be great.  It seems like a minor complaint compared to all of the wonderful qualities, but it really was that much of a block to the enjoyment of it all.

Overall, if you like magical worlds and witches, please give “Miss Mabel’s School for Girls” a read.  Aside from violence, there is nothing to be of concern to parents of younger middle-aged readers.  If they can handle Harry Potter, they can handle this.  I do plan on reading the next in the hopes of a more consistent plot pace.

This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

 

Content Warning:

Mild Language, Violence