Book rec

[hsavinien]

I just finished reading The Far West, book three of Patricia C. Wrede's Frontier Magic series.  I'm inordinately fond of these books.  The setting is awesome; an alternate universe Earth where magic exists (obviously) and the main action all takes place in late-19th century USA along what is, in our world, the Mississippi River.  The US expansion was significantly slowed in this world by the presence of many incredibly dangerous magical flora and fauna that roam the Plains and beyond; Lewis and Clark's expedition vanished without a trace and the pioneer settlers that venture beyond the Mammoth River have to gather in settlements bounded by magical protections.  The main character, Francine "Eff" Rothmer, is the thirteenth of fourteen children.  Her twin brother, Lan, is the fourteenth and the seventh son of a seventh son - one destined for great magical power and a bit spoilt because of it.  She's much more interesting, clever, and sensible with her own talents.  Awesome world-building, fun lead character.

Also there are two minor characters in book 3 that I ship like the dickens and suspect are actually meant to be a couple.  They're a surveyor and dowser and are partners, best friends, always in company with each other and show no interest in the menfolk.  Elizabet/Bronwyn, yes please!

Comments

[erincalenear.livejournal.com]

Ooo. She's written other things? I really love the Enchanted Forest series. I will look these ones up.

[hsavinien.livejournal.com]

Yup! Besides this series, which is her most recent, she and Stevermeyer collaborated on a series that's epistolary Regency England magical AU starring two female cousins.