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The Magicians of Caprona - Diana Wynne Jones Book Review

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Review Summary
Two rival families of magical decent fight it out for obvious superiority in 19th Century Italy, so when Chrestomanci tries to warn them about a powerful new enchanter in the city they naturally blame each other even when children from both families are kidnapped.
Rachael, Resident Scholar

Taking place in late 19th-early 20th century Caprona, Italy, it tells of two rival spell-houses, the Montanas and the Petrocchis. Both makers of incredible charms and spells, they have hated each other's families for generations. Paolo and Tonino are both young children of the Montana house, and have been raised to hate the Petrocchis with a passion. When Chrestomanci warns them of a rival enchanter who threatens all of Caprona itself, neither house takes him seriously--even when Tonino Montana and Angelica Petrocchi are kidnapped. Will Chrestomanci be able to unravel the mystery, before Caprona is destroyed by the bitter house feud?
Chrestomanci, Resident Scholar


Detailed literary breakdown of The Magicians of Caprona
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Plot
FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION? - fantasy world/fantasy past
Spying & Investigations Yes
What is main char. doing? - unraveling a conspiracy
Mental/magical powers focus Yes
Is this an adult or child's book? - Kid's book (ages 7-14)
Family relations Yes

Main Character
Identity: - Male
Profession/status: - student
Has magical/special powers? Yes
How sensitive is this character? - sensitive to others' feelings
Sense of humor - Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence - Smarter than most other characters
Physique - average physique

Main Adversary
Identity: - Female
Age: - 40's-50's
Profession/status: - mage/magician
Has magical powers? Yes
Magical/mental powers of main antagonist: - can cast all sorts of spells
How much of work is main antagonist actually present in: - a moderate amount
How sensitive is this character? - mean, arrogant
Sense of humor - Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence - Smarter than most other characters
Physique - average physique

Setting
Earth setting: - 19th century
Takes place on Earth? Yes

Style
Person? - mostly 3rd
Accounts of torture and death? - generic/vague references to death/punishment
scientific jargon? (SF only) - none/very little science jargon needed
How much dialogue? - roughly even amounts of descript and dialog - significantly more descript than dialog
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Note: the views expressed here are only those of the reviewer(s).
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