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Cover of Queen Victoria's Book Of Spells

Queen Victoria's Book Of Spells

Ellen Datlow, Terri Windling (2013)

SubgenreSteampunk
Age groupAdult 18+
Content ratingPG-13
Pages350 (Standard (250-400))
Setting
CSM age13
Goodreads3.50/5 (1346)

Content levels

ViolenceMild
Sexual contentMild
LanguageMild

Trigger warnings

Not yet tagged

Protagonist archetypes

Ensemble CastMultiple POVs

Synopsis

Gaslamp fantasy, or historical fantasy set in a magical version of the nineteenth century, has long been popular with readers and writers alike. Many wonderful novels such as *Stardust* by Neil Gaiman, *Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell* by Susanna Clarke, and *The Prestige* by Christopher Priest, owe their inspiration to works by nineteenth-century writers, including Jane Austen, the Brontes, Charles Dickens, and Anthony Trollope. And, of course, the entire steampunk genre and subculture owes more than a little to literature from and inspired by their period. *Queen Victoria's Book of Spells* is an anthology for everyone who loves neo-Victorian fiction and modern fantasists using vintage settings, characters, and themes. Their approaches stretch from steampunk fiction to the Austen- and Trollope-inspired works known as fantasy of manners. The result is eighteen stories by experts from the fantasy, horror, mainstream, and young-adult fields, including both bestselling writers and exciting new talents, who present a bewitching vision of a nineteenth century enhanced (or cursed!) with magic. Featuring stories by Dale Bailey, Elizabeth Bear, James P. Blaylock, Jeffrey Ford, Theodora Goss, Leanna Renee Hieber, Kathe Koja, Ellen Kushner and Caroline Stevermer, Tanith Lee, Gregory Maguire, Maureen McHugh, Veronica Schanoes, Delia Sherman, Catherynne M. Valente, Genevieve Valentine, Kaaron Warren, Elizabeth Wein, and Jane Yolen. This description comes from the publisher.

Is Queen Victoria's Book Of Spells appropriate for my child?

Suitable for most readers 13 and up.

This anthology features Victorian-era fantasy stories by acclaimed authors. Individual stories may vary in content, but most are suitable for mature teens comfortable with historical fantasy and mild magical elements.

What to know going in

This book has mild violence, mild sexual content, and mild language.

Publisher age: Adult·Our content rating: 13+

Publisher ages reflect reading level; our rating reflects content maturity — they can differ.

Who'll love this

Readers who love Victorian literature reimagined with magic will enjoy this diverse collection of stories from different perspectives and voices.

Tags

AnthologyHistorical FantasyGaslamp FantasyFantasy of Manners