From Publishers Weekly
A gentle fantasy set in turn-of-the-century Paris, this novel's "magic" takes varied forms--some sorcerous (an anarchist's bomb transformed into a feathered hat) and some technological (an early motorcar ride). Young ladies of good families are sent to Greenlaw college to acquire the social graces and become marriageable. But some also learn varying degrees of witchery, although it is expressly forbidden to practice magic on campus. Teen hellion Faris Nallaneen, Duchess of Galazon, her best friend/social arbiter Jane Brailsford and Faris's blood enemy are all expelled from Greenlaw after exercising hitherto unguessed magic talents. Faris and Jane head to Paris, where Faris discovers that she is to inherit not only the throne of Galazon but also the supernatural post of Warden of the North. One wishes Stevermer ( The Serpent's Egg) had described the particulars of this elevation, but in fact this narrative is weighted more toward romance than to conventional fantasy. Though Faris can see things no one else can, she also endures custom fittings of haute couture , masked balls, marriage proposals by middle-aged kings and ambitious socialists alike, attacks by politically correct highwaymen and an attempted poisoning on the Orient Express as she attempts to take her rightful title. Clever and witty at its best, this is generally a pleasant read. Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Booklist
In this worthwhile addition to alternate-world fantasizing, Faris Nallaneen, a young noblewoman in a quasi-Edwardian society, goes to college to learn magic and upon graduation is promptly dragged into a lively and perilous series of intrigues. The book splits into two separate stories at the point where Faris has finished her training, but balancing against this structural flaw is much wit, intelligence, and imagination. This is one of those books that is less successful than the author intended but far from a failure. Historically knowledgeable fantasy readers will appreciate it. Roland Green


From Kirkus Reviews
The first adult-oriented fantasy from the author of various juveniles (River Rats, 1992, etc.), set in an intriguing, not-so- different early 20th-century alternate world where magic works unobtrusively. Faris, the young Duchess of Galazon, is sent to Greenlaw College on the French coast by her uncle Brinker. She proves a less than brilliant student but nevertheless acquires a faithful bodyguard in Tyrian, a firm friend in Jane, and an enemy in Menary of Aravill, whose father, King Julian, claims Galazon. Also, inexplicably to Faris, the dean of the college explains that Faris is the warden of the north, one of the four magical guardians of the world, and that her particular task is to mend the magical rift that her mother mistakenly opened. Faris doubts that she has any magic--until, after Menary has trapped Tyrian and turned him into a cat, she turns him back and sets Menary's hair aflame. Later, Brinker summons Faris home; accompanied by Jane, she agrees to become ambassador to Aravill, only to discover that Brinker intends to marry her off to Julian. The malevolent Menary shows up and attempts to destroy Faris by magic, only to be dispatched into the rift; Tyrian is killed defending Faris against the king; and there's an appropriate but not altogether satisfying windup. Strikingly set, pleasingly peopled, and cleverly plotted. Stevermer has made a successful transition to adult entertainment; which, as others have discovered, is by no means as easy as it looks. -- Copyright ©1994, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.


Review
"An intriguing, not-so-different early twentieth-century alternate world where magic works unobtrusively . . . . Strikingly set, pleasingly peopled, and cleverly plotted!"--Kirkus (pointer review)

"Delightful."--The Washington Post

"One of the most entertaining and satisfying fantasies to come along in some time!"--Locus

ANNOTATION

Young Faris Nallaneen, the Duchess of Galazon, has been sent to a far-off college by her uncle in his bid to control Galazon himself. But he hasn't counted on the academic specialty of the ancient college of Greenlaw. As well as history, logic, and deportment, his niece will be studying magic.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Teenager Faris Nallaneen is the heir to the small northern dukedom of Galazon. Too young still to claim her title, her despotic Uncle Brinker has ruled in her place. Now he demands she be sent to Greenlaw College. For her benefit he insists.

To keep me out of the way, more like it!

But Greenlaw is not just any school -- as Faris and her new best friend Jane discover. At Greenlaw students major in ... magic.

But it's not all fun and games. When Faris makes an enemy of classmate Menary of Aravill, life could get downright ... deadly.

FROM THE CRITICS

BookList - Roland Green