The Grand Tour

by Patricia C. Wrede & Caroline Stevermer

I once had a dream of co-authoring a book, taking turns moving the plot forward. It never really worked out, but Wrede and Stevermer actually managed to write two such books. They were clever about it: each author was a main character, and in the first book, they wrote letters to each other (therefore each character had a distinct voice); in this, each kept a journal of sorts. It’s been quite a while since I read Sorcery & Cecelia, but I remember it being enjoyable — one of many enjoyable books in a short time period — and I was excited to try The Grand Tour on for size.

The story really captured my attention. Unfortunately, the characters did not, and I think that ought to have been the book’s strong point. I will say, however, that I appreciate the authors’ avoidance of overly girly-girls. Both main characters are strong-willed, determined, and convincingly feminine enough to still be likable. There was just the one small problem in that I didn’t really care whether I liked them or not. They were kind of just there so I could hear the story.

If you read, and liked, Sorcery & Cecelia, do try The Grand Tour. Just remember that it is a sequel (of sorts), and may not meet the expectations you have of Wrede and Stevermer.