Kat, Incorrigible by Stephanie Burgis

Kat, Incorrigible by Stephanie Burgis

Book: Kat, Incorrigible (The Unladylike Adventures of Kat Stephenson #1) by Stephanie Burgis

Published by: Atheneum, April 5 2011

Genre: Middle Grade/Young Adult

Format/pages: Hardcover 304 pages

Format read/Source: e-Galley via Simon & Schuster Galleygrab

Date read: April 3 2011

Rating: 5 / 5 Stars

Summary from the publisher:

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 fiancee, 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?

My Thoughts:

This is such a fun and magical book. I was originally drawn to this book by the whimsical cover and found that the charming story matched the cover perfectly. This book was written for ages 10 and up and I would have loved to read it at that age. It is a great story though that can be enjoyed by anyone that enjoys a great adventure story with a precocious young heroine, lively characters, humor, mystery, magic, historical fiction and family drama.

Twelve-year-old Kat is smart, mischievous and brave. She gets herself involved in hilarious adventures to the dismay of her older sisters and step-mama. Kat is one of those characters that are a few steps ahead of the adults around her. She will do anything to protect her sisters, even if it involves using her newly discovered magical talents. Kat steals the show in this book and is an awesome heroine to root for.

The story is set in England in 1803. Kat’s adventurous spirit is looked down upon, especially when she cuts her hair like a boy in order to run away and save her sister from an arranged marriage. Experimenting with magic is scandalous behavior and something Kat must sneak around to do. The historical aspect adds to the enjoyment of the book and the tone comes off as fresh and new.

The supporting characters also help bring the story to life. Her sisters, Elissa and Angeline, are well-developed characters with their own stories to tell. It is clear that the sisters love and care for each other deeply. Despite their bickering, the sisters have each other’s best interest at heart. Family relationships are explored in one of the central themes of the book. All of the characters are interesting and add to the story. We learn a little about everyone and there is lots of room to explore more about the characters in the sequel.

Kat, Incorrigible is the first book of a trilogy and the follow up titled Renegade Magic will be out in the US in April 2012.

This cute book should appeal to the Middle Grade crowd, as well as to fans of YA. Kat, Incorrigible is a one of a kind book that will leave you smiling.

Other Reviews:

Manga Maniac Cafe

Baffled Books

Book Yurt

For more information:

Amazon | Goodreads | Author’s website

Ornament

4 thoughts on “Kat, Incorrigible by Stephanie Burgis

  1. Bonnie says:

    I think I might have to get a copy and save this one for my niece. Ok, and maybe read it myself! I love kids books like this, thanks for the review!

  2. elenamusic says:

    I have given you the Versatile Blogger Award! Check out my post to read more about it: http://elenamusic.wordpress.com/2011/04/05/the-versatile-blogger-award/

  3. Geosi says:

    I read less books for young adult but I see could be a good read after scoring full marks from your review.

  4. […] Kat Incorrigible by Stephanie Burgis […]

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