I very much enjoyed reading this book. Ms. Clarke's use of footnotes throughout the book was an excellent way to flesh out her world of magic and its history. The characters seemed a bit flat, but the story itself was so engaging that any lack in characters could be overlooked.

The book starts off slowly, and you enter a world where there USED to be magic, but it has since disappeared, and the only 'magicians' left are men (and only men) who study magic of the past.

Although magic does finally return to the world, we are still left to wonder at its loss for it is never fully explained.

I would strongly recommend this book. It may be difficult for a book group to read due to its length, however, this should not deter an individual who has an interest in books in the fantasy genre. It is definitely well worth reading.

Engaging read! A compelling narrative garnished with juicy bits of 'history' in the footnotes. Curious, fascinating, at times very dark (but enjoyably so), overall a delight. Highly recommended.

Loved this book! Was so fascinated with the world she created and how realistic she made it. Was very impressed with the level of the detail - the footnotes were a story in and of themselves! It was a big chunk to read - but I look forward to reading it again. I'm hoping for a sequel...

I found this book to be okay but not nearly as compelling as many other books I have read. Pages 150-300 really felt like I was slogging through it. Interesting but it really could have used some serious editing IMHO.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but I know it is one that has polarized readers. People either love it or struggle through it. Being a huge fantasy fan, and also a die-hard fan of the Regency era in England, I loved this book (but even I admit that it was slow-going at times). I thought it was creative and fun and quirky. But many people I know disliked it. Not only for its bulk, but for the many sidenotes and tangents, I think this book might be difficult for a book group, but perfect for a read on your own, especially if you like the period. If you want a book that focuses on magic during the Napoleonic era, you might first try Naomi Novik's trilogy- if this is well-received by your club, then try JS&MN.

This book was a slow read for the first part of the book. Once we are introduced to the young magician, the pace picks up and the magic jumps off the page. A very entertaining book which I did not want to finish.

The concept of the book really intrigues me. However, I found the book very long and slow going. The story itself kind of got lost in the length of the book and at time it was work to read it.

This was the best book I read last year. It's a very unusual story and the author has a sly sense of humor.

Amazing story about 2 magicians and the fight to restore magic back to England. This is not about magic tricks; it is about all forces that make things magical. And it is about the magic behind all forces.

It is about storytellers and tales. It is about knowing the tales and how to conjure up the magic in them; it is about how to reawaken one's senses.