Kat, Incorrigible (Kat Incorrigible, #1)

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Kat, Incorrigible (Kat, Incorrigible #1)

by Stephanie Burgis (Goodreads Author)

4.01 of 5 stars 4.01 · rating details · 1,165 ratings · 374 reviews

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 fiancé, the sinister Sir Neville, showing a dangerous interest in Kat's magical potential; her other sister, Angeline, wreaking romantic havoc with he...more

Hardcover, 304 pages

Published April 5th 2011 by Atheneum (first published August 1st 2010)

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The Tenners! Debut YA & MG novels of 2010

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Mar 19, 2013 TheBookSmugglers rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: notable-reads-of-2012, awesome-historical-fiction

Originally reviewed on The Book Smugglers

I was twelve years of age when I chopped off my hair, dressed as a boy and set off to save my family from impending ruin.

With those charming, devilish words, young Katherine Ann Stephenson (Kat, for short) begins her unladylike adventures, fueled by the best of intentions. Kat doesn't quite accomplish her goal of saving her family on this fated evening (she only gets so far as the garden before her two older sisters sound the alarm and bring her home), bu...more

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Aug 19, 2011 Kathryn rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: middle-grade, fantasy-sci-fi

3.5 STARS

"You can't tell a book by its cover" but I was absolutely charmed and captivated by the whole design of this cover, from the adorable illustrations to the elegant-but-quirky handwriting to the shimmery sparkles. I am, as ever, grateful for GoodReads as the numerous positive reviews of this book kept me reading even though I was underwhelmed by the first 1/3 of the book.

At age twelve Katherine (Kat) Stephenson is the youngest of three daughters of a country minister, respected enough to...more 3.5 STARS

"You can't tell a book by its cover" but I was absolutely charmed and captivated by the whole design of this cover, from the adorable illustrations to the elegant-but-quirky handwriting to the shimmery sparkles. I am, as ever, grateful for GoodReads as the numerous positive reviews of this book kept me reading even though I was underwhelmed by the first 1/3 of the book.

At age twelve Katherine (Kat) Stephenson is the youngest of three daughters of a country minister, respected enough to be invited to some lovely balls and house parties, but not wealthy enough to make a dowry sizable enough to attract the highest eschelon of England's gentlemen. Worst, big brother Charles has run up some terrible gambling debts that are threatening to ruin the family. Lovely and sweet-tempered eldest daughter Elissa is ready to martyr herself for the sake of the family and marry the wealthy but slightly sinister Sir Neville who is, for some unfathomable reason, interested in her (much to the delight of the girls' unpleasant and society-crazed stepmama). Quick-tempered middle daughter Angeline cannot stand by and watch her sister sacrifice herself and decides to find a suitor for herself. And Kat is rather disgusted by all of the love and money talk, only too eager to find adventures of her own. And, oh, did I mention that there is magic in this book?

When Kat finds her late mother's magical things (kept carefully locked away by her papa), a magic mirror takes her to an elaborate hall where she meets with two magical Guardians who explain to her more about her mother and her own heritage. Things become more complicated when Kat realizes that Angeline has used a magic spell to capture a young man's attentions so that he will marry her. You see, witches like Angeline can use magic spells but Guardians are much more powerful; Guardians don't much like the witches, and neither type of magic is considered mentionable in "good society." And then there's the rumor of Sir Neville having murdered his previous wife. And there's a house party which Kat is really too young to attend but, thanks to the kindness of the hostess, effectively crashes all the same. Oh, and did I mention there is a highway man lurking about, as well?

Magic mingled with Regency England is nothing new (i.e., Sorcery and Cecelia or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot) but I believe this is the first middle grade offering on the subject and I'm just not quite sure all the ballroom manners and marrying game shenanigans fit for a young audience no matter how engagingly written. For me, the book had a bit of split personality; sometimes, it flowed really beautifully with all the Regency manners and drama, but contrasted to this Kat felt very young, sometimes annoyingly so. (She's one of those precocious children whom it is sometimes fun to read about but would probably be very annoying to meet in real life!) Also, some of the elements of the magical world were never explained enough for me to really understand or appreciate them and some of the dialogue felt a bit too modern.

Because of its young heroine, I don't think this book would fit well with the YA group (despite the fact that most of the characters are sixteen to twenty years old or adults) then again I'm not sure that many ten to twelve year olds would be that interested in the Regency hoopla; however, for a select group of readers, this will probably be literary ambrosia! In her afterword the author credits her parents and grandmother for instilling a love of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer at a surprisingly young age, so perhaps she was thinking about a new generation of eager little girls ready to read about refined manners and matters of the heart--with a dash of magic, too. Although the first 1/3 of the book plodded a bit and I had difficulty distinguishing characteristics between Elissa and Angeline or feeling any real attachment to Kat, once the house party began "the plot thickened" and I ended up enjoying the second half immensely. So, 3.5 stars overall. The book is ripe for a sequel and I will probably check it out, hoping for the best.(less)

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Mar 31, 2011 Mia rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: egalley-grab, middle-grade, favorites, read-in-2011

Also posted at: Girl about Books

Kat, Incorrigible is a witty, adventurous and undeniably adorable read! It's the kind of book that I'd love to read again and again! It’s filled with adventures and laugh out loud moments! I utterly love it!

I have lots of favorite parts in the book but Kat is the main reason why I wholeheartedly enjoyed the story. She’s gutsy, independent and a smart one, too. For me, she’s not the typical “ass-kicking” heroines. I think Kat has her own way of being a brave, outs...more

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May 02, 2011 Kat rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: tween girls, fans of Jane Austen & Harry Potter

Shelves: historical-fiction, young-adult, childrens, books-i-own, read-in-2011, fantasy

The first thing about this book that grabbed my attention is the title — how can I not be intrigued by a novel with my name in the title? The colorful, whimsical book jacket depicting a mischievous-looking girl holding a book and magically pouring a cuppa tea...also another selling point. But when I read several reviews that said this book is a good read for fans of Jane Austen and Harry Potter — well, that was the icing on the cake. I knew I had to read this book. I downloaded the sample on my...more The first thing about this book that grabbed my attention is the title — how can I not be intrigued by a novel with my name in the title? The colorful, whimsical book jacket depicting a mischievous-looking girl holding a book and magically pouring a cuppa tea...also another selling point. But when I read several reviews that said this book is a good read for fans of Jane Austen and Harry Potter — well, that was the icing on the cake. I knew I had to read this book. I downloaded the sample on my Nook, and that first chapter had me hooked. I soon purchased the book so I could start reading this right away.

At twelve years old, Katherine Ann Stephenson is the youngest in her family. She lives in a vicarage with her siblings Elissa, Charles, and Angeline, her father and stepmother. Since her mother died when she was born, Kat's only connection to her is through her belongings, which her stepmother has locked up. When Kat decides to go snooping — because what tween girl isn't a little curious? — she stumbles upon something magical belonging to her mother. What ensues after this discovery is a nonstop adventure for Kat. And while she's discovering her magical abilities, Kat also has to step in to prevent her oldest sister from marrying an older, rich man for whom she feels no affection.

Often times I'll read a book that I enjoy, but that has a few things I would change about it. Not so with Kat, Incorrigible. I love how the characters are introduced without sounding like an introduction. Just by describing their actions and giving them unique voices (some with rather witty remarks), Stephanie Burgis allows the reader to get to know her characters quickly. And what fun characters they are. The book is also paced just right. There's never a dull moment. Each chapter ends with a bit of a cliffhanger, so you're constantly wanting to continue reading to find out what happens next.

Kat, Incorrigible is a terrific read for girls in the tween range, but also for grown-ups like me who love the romance and manners of a Jane Austen novel, with the added bonus of Harry Potter mischief and magic.

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Jul 15, 2009 Jenn rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: middle-grade, sf-and-fantasy

I read this book in early manuscript format and couldn't put it down. It's a wonderful, adventure-filled romp steeped in magic, romance, rich family relationships, and a young heroine who never gives up, no matter what. For fans of Jane Austen who've always wanted the women to be more adventurous and take-charge, you will love these books!!!

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Feb 05, 2011 Andrea rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, fiction

This was quite the charming book and I wish it had existed when I was twelve. Oh, and I heart Kat!

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Apr 04, 2011 Tina rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, ebooks, 2011, fantasy, galley-grab, ya

Original Post at One More Page

Truth be told, I picked up Kat, Incorrigible from Simon & Schuster's Galley Grab not because of the blurb but because I thought the cover was utterly charming. The girl's mischievous smile is enough to make me curious about this book, so I picked it up from the selection, excited to know what really made Kat incorrigible.

Katherine is the youngest Stephenson family, and she's also the least ladylike of all the Stephenson sisters, much to the despair of her stepm...more Original Post at One More Page

Truth be told, I picked up Kat, Incorrigible from Simon & Schuster's Galley Grab not because of the blurb but because I thought the cover was utterly charming. The girl's mischievous smile is enough to make me curious about this book, so I picked it up from the selection, excited to know what really made Kat incorrigible.

Katherine is the youngest Stephenson family, and she's also the least ladylike of all the Stephenson sisters, much to the despair of her stepmother. Her biological mother passed away shortly after Kat was born, and she has never agreed with what her stepmother wanted for her, which earns her not only her lectures but also her sisters, Elissa and Angeline. When Kat hears that Elissa is set to marry the horrible sounding Mr. Neville, she cuts her hair short and plans to run away to save her sister, but not before she gets caught. She thought it was kind of strange that her sister Angeline would practice witchcraft from their mother's magic books, but she was in for a surprise when she finds out that she is her mother's successor as a Guardian in the Order, with magic more powerful than her sister, if harnessed and trained properly.

I'm the youngest in the family, but seeing that there's only two of us, there isn't much mischief I could get into. And to be perfectly honest, I'm not really a kid full of mischief -- I'm really the nicer kid at home. Okay, I'm not the most proper kid and God knows how many times my mom and I argued about the mess of my room, but I'd like to think I'm a pretty good kid.

Now, Kat is far more mischievous than I was obviously, and even if she had the best intentions, it doesn't always guarantee that things will go smoothly or as planned. Kat is such a fun heroine that I keep on forgetting that this novel is partly historical. She reminds me of Anne Shirley from Anne of Green Gables, with a hint of magic. Kat's voice is clear and easy to relate with despite her age. Kat really and truly loved her family, and that's a characteristic that would make anyone love her too. Kat's sisters are a hoot, too, and I liked how even if they were supposed to be "proper ladies", they were still funny and quirky in their own way. I especially liked how Elissa started acting out like the heroines in her gothic novels and how Angeline and Kat made fun of her because of that. I never had sisters, so I can only read about these relationships, but I think the author totally nailed their sisterhood.

The plot is fun and adventurous, and like the characters, it made me forget that this is partly historical. It wasn't as gripping as I'd thought it would be, but that doesn't mean the plot is bad or boring. It's quite the opposite, really -- although sometimes it may seem a little bit too outrageous already. Despite its magical elements, I liked how there is more stress on family and love prevailing over evil forces than just plain magic. This gives the story a bit more depth and it definitely made the ending so much more satisfying. I think this is a very good start to a series, and it's a fun read for kids the same age as Kat, or people who sometimes wish to be kids again, like me. :)

Kat, Incorrigible was also published as A Most Improper Magick by Templar Publishing last August 2010. This edition will be out April 5, 2011 under Atheneum. Thanks to Simon and Schuster for the e-galley!(less)

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Mar 07, 2011 Nafiza rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, favourites, recommend-to-friends

In the tradition of the strong heroines starring in some of my favourite series such as Julia Golding’s Cat Royal and L. A. Meyer’s Bloody Jack, Kat Stephenson bursts into the literary world with a lot of spunk and an irrepressible curiousity. The first installment, in what is sure to become a moved loved series for me, contains all the elements necessary to make an entertaining story into a novel one. The novel presents the Stephenson family which contains three sisters, one brother, one stepm...more In the tradition of the strong heroines starring in some of my favourite series such as Julia Golding’s Cat Royal and L. A. Meyer’s Bloody Jack, Kat Stephenson bursts into the literary world with a lot of spunk and an irrepressible curiousity. The first installment, in what is sure to become a moved loved series for me, contains all the elements necessary to make an entertaining story into a novel one. The novel presents the Stephenson family which contains three sisters, one brother, one stepmother and a father who is, more often than not, seen and not heard. The main character’s tone is irreverent, irrepressible and entirely engaging. I have to commend Ms. Burgis on her character creation and development as in Kat Incorrigible, all characters (minor and major) are developed so well that you can believe they did (or do) exist somewhere in the world. Their foibles, their good points and the bad ones – they become more than characters on a page and transcend mediums to bloom into full existence in your mind. It’s a fantastic journey.

Kat is undeniably my favourite character though Angeline is not far behind. The things she does and the stuff she says – precocious – but oh so entertaining. She’s twelve in this novel but I don’t think you need to be concerned that her “voice” such as it is will be immature enough to deter older readers. If anything, her youth only makes her perspectives and reactions fresher. Her reactions are actually surprising and keep the reader on her toes, guessing what Kat will do next. It also lets the reader glimpse how a child must comprehend the workings of an adult’s mind – and their motivations. What adults regard as complex, the younger person may take as inherently simple.

The plot is compelling – and as I said before, has everything necessary to make it wildly entertaining. The book does engage a person into a discourse about “family” and its meanings, if some kind of intellectual engagement is necessary for you. For a deeper analysis, we could talk about the role of “magic” vs. the role of religion and whether these two really are, as suggested in the novel, two twains that shall never meet. But if you don’t need that deeper analysis, read it for the simple pleasure of Kat and her fun sisters. For the dialogue and the villains and the eccentricity that fairly leaps off the pages, grabs you and jumps back into the pages of the book.

Yes, it truly is that great.
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Nov 06, 2012 Jennifer Wardrip rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: trt-gold-star-award-winner, trt-posted-reviews

Reviewed by Jennifer Rummel for TeensReadToo.com

Kat's tired of being the odd sister out. Her two older sisters, five and seven years older, talk about things that she wouldn't understand. Her brother, Charles, has gambled away all the family money, and her Stepmama is determined Elissa will make a good match and save the family.

Kat vows she won't allow her sister to ruin her happiness by marrying a man rumored to have murdered his first wife. Instead, she comes up with a plan to change everythin...more

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Mar 07, 2010 Heather rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya-witches-wizards, ya-galley-books, books-read-in-2010

I thought this book was okay for the first installment of a new series. It has some real potential to be quite good, if Stephanie Burgis works some of the kinks out. It definitely had a pre-teen demographic vibe, more than being a straight young adult book.

The characters were likable, but the story started to get way over the top towards the end, bordering on ridiculous actually. But, I liked the idea behind this book and would continue to read the series. I'm interested in where this could go,...more

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Feb 01, 2012 Emily rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Jane Austen and JK Rowling fans

Recommended to Emily by: Shannon Hale (not in person, of course...)

Delicious.

Three sisters. Two sinister villains (one smells of charred beef--too funny! Makes me want to eat Korean bulgogi every time Sir Neville enters the scene...), and one magically page-turning story.

All told from the point-of-view of the spunky 12 year-old (Kat) who's figuring out what a little bravery can do to save her sisters from impending ruin (a.k.a. the certain despair to come if they're not able to secure suitable matches to pull them up out of penury--just one of the several nod...more

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May 06, 2013 Tracy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult

Harry Potter meets Georgette Heyer! Kat, Incorrigible centers on a regency-era 12-year-old girl who discovers she has inherited her late mother's magical powers. With a disengaged Papa, a gambling older brother who gets the family in financial trouble, two older sisters who need wealthy husbands, and a Stepmama determined to get the girls married off to the highest bidder, Kat has her hands full trying to keep the family from disaster while simultaneously keeping herself out of trouble.

The dial...more

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Dec 06, 2012 NTE rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: all-time-favs, awesome-cover, childrens, clever, different, fantasy, feminist-in-the-making, first-in-a-series, historical, keepers, kid-lit, regency, superhero-ine, ya, middle-grade-fic

First in a series about Kat, a 12-year-old youngest sister who finds out she's inherited more of her magical mother than she knew. And 'Incorrigible" is exactly the right word for Kat, who is the type of curious, clumsy and often overlooked kind of kid I can really understand.

The best part of the book is the interactions between the characters, particular Kat and her two older sisters, who treat her with the kind of frustrated, overwhelming, protectively fierce kind of love older sisters can fe...more

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Oct 18, 2012 Amy (Turn the Page) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle-library

I reviewed this last year on my blog but for some reason, it never made it onto Goodeads O_O!!

I really enjoyed A Most Improper Magick. I can definitely see hints of Jane Austen, particularly Pride and Prejudice, throughout – and being a Jane Austen fan (sorry Jo), I did love Burgis’ unique spin on some beloved characters.

Elissa, Kat’s eldest sister, and her husband-to-be, are without a doubt based on Jane and Mr Bingley – both are utterly good-natured, sweet-tempered and well-mannered (and in...more I reviewed this last year on my blog but for some reason, it never made it onto Goodeads O_O!!

I really enjoyed A Most Improper Magick. I can definitely see hints of Jane Austen, particularly Pride and Prejudice, throughout – and being a Jane Austen fan (sorry Jo), I did love Burgis’ unique spin on some beloved characters.

Elissa, Kat’s eldest sister, and her husband-to-be, are without a doubt based on Jane and Mr Bingley – both are utterly good-natured, sweet-tempered and well-mannered (and in the case of Mr Collingwood – slightly foolish – his ridiculous plan to win over Elissa made me facepalm and laugh at the same time). Angeline, the middle sister, has certainly got a bit of Elizabeth independent spirit and I just loved Frederick. The teasing nature and fiery looks between these two was very satisifying, without being out-of-place for a younger reader’s book. Kat is entirely herself. We first meet her sneaking out in the middle of the night, hair cropped short, while dressed as a boy. Naturally. I did this all the time when I was 12. Throw in a bossy, slightly terrifying (but well-meaning), stepmother, intent on marrying her stepdaughters off to the most eligible bachelors around (remind you of anyone?), an absentee father and hopeless gambler of a brother and you have one endearingly familiar, if eccentric, family.

Younger readers will be drawn to Kat, who is very much a modern-day heroine, albeit in a regency gown (or… not as the case may be!) She’s a stubborn little thing and her almost world-weary indignation at having to sort out her family time and again (as she sees it), combined with her naivety at what was actually going on most of the time, was amusing. Older readers will find her loyalty, fierce determination and unfortunate habit of getting into trouble at equal times exasperating and bewitching. I had to laugh at her disgust over not being ambushed by a highwayman on way to a party!

The plot is utterly random and progressively more absurd as it goes on, you have a ditzy witch of a mother, three bickering sisters, one determined stepmother, backfiring love spells, a portal mirror, a secret Order, creepy suitors, distrustful Guardians, a magical teapot, kidnapping, adventures and the odd highwayman or two. A Msot Improper Magick is completely ridiculous, a bizarre mixture of regency and magic and utterly charming. I would have liked to have known more about the Order, who the Guardians are and what they do. What makes them different from witches and why do they dislike common magic? I also wanted to see Kat learn more about her own powers and get to use them, and get to know some of the characters better; but the tone and pacing of this book feels right for its intended audience.

A Most Improper Magick is an enjoyable, witty story that made me smile – perfect for those looking for an entertaining, and light read. I think younger readers will love it. Kat is an easy heroine to love and Burgis really captured the relationship between the sisters. I was drawn more to Angeline than Kat, (most likely because of my age) and thoroughly enjoyed watching her disdain over Frederick as a bumbling fool in the grip of a powerful love spell turn to jealously, once he turns back to his charming rake-self and proceeds to flirt with everyone else just to rile her up. As an older reader I’ll admit I wasn’t quite satisfied – I craved more information and wished Kat would actually listen and take the time to find out what the Order was about, rather than just assuming she knew best – but I guess that’s what makes her so incorrigible! And despite my lingering questions, it never spoilt my enjoyment of what was a fun, engaging story. Luckily, this is only the first in a series, as my curiosity is piqued and I can’t wait to get back to this charming (and completely insane) group of characters and see more magic and mayhem from the Stephenson family!

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Oct 07, 2012 Josie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: childrens-fiction, historical-fiction

This was adorable! I loved Kat so much -- her feisty determination and sense of humour. Angeline and Elissa were also wonderful. They weren't just minor characters, only there to provide Kat with an exasperating home life, but were fully developed and interesting people. I was very much amused by Elissa's determination to be a martyr, born from her love of gothic romances with tragic heroines. And Angeline's dark beauty, which didn't hide how sarcastic and dangerous she could be. But all three S...more

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Aug 20, 2012 Hannah Ruthie added it · review of another edition

Shelves: calibre, ebook, fantasy, fiction, ya

I picked up this book as part of the Kindle Reading Marathon primarily due to the high ratings, which I was delighted to discover were well-deserved and not from overly enthusiastic family members.

A Most Improper Magick is written from the perspective of Kat, an impulsive, adventurous and kind 12 year old. We are introduced to her world of an unpleasant Stepmama, underwhelming Papa, sisterly love and a slightly mysterious background. Her (deceased) Mama had had magic (most improper!) and scanda...more I picked up this book as part of the Kindle Reading Marathon primarily due to the high ratings, which I was delighted to discover were well-deserved and not from overly enthusiastic family members.

A Most Improper Magick is written from the perspective of Kat, an impulsive, adventurous and kind 12 year old. We are introduced to her world of an unpleasant Stepmama, underwhelming Papa, sisterly love and a slightly mysterious background. Her (deceased) Mama had had magic (most improper!) and scandalised society. Her belongings are all packed away, and it is in examining these that Kat and her sister start to find their magical heritage - but it is not all as straightforward as they expected.

Set in a vivid Jane Austen-esque world with clearly defined cultural rules, Kat is determined that her eldest sister will not have to marry the older, perhaps murderous, Sir Neville. Whilst making her plans for this, she must find her place in a new hidden world of magic, and determine who she can trust. Her middle sister meanwhile has her own dramas with a love spell gone wrong, whilst the whole family trips through life trying to repress Kat's recklessness - but when a highwayman (or two???) shows up many things are revealed.

It's an adventure, a fantasy and a historical novel all rolled into one, and should appeal to fans of all. A superb YA book (well suitable for those beyond the 'young' classification too), without sex, unfortunate pop culture references, gutless heroines or excessive acronyms. This is one of the best written stories I've picked up in recent times, where I loved following Kat as her firey personality ran fearlessly into every problem - very much a young Elizabeth Bennett.

I particularly loved that each character was so well considered, no 'clones', and both plot and sub-plots merged seamlessly together. The perfect balance of sibling bickering and differences of opinion help make the tale (whilst still being fantastical and having elements of wild adventure) accessible and genuine. My only criticism is that it was too short, which is monstrously unfair of me as it was the perfect length for the age intended and tied everything together well. An excellent read. (less)

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Apr 14, 2012 Jessica Harrison rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed, middle-reader

via Cracking the Cover
I was twelve years of age when I chopped off my hair, dressed as a boy and set off to save my family from impending ruin.

I made it almost to the end of my front garden.

How could you read these opening lines from Stepahnie Burgis’ “Kat, Incorrigible” and not want to read it? This sassy book is sure to please younger and “older” readers alike.

Katherine Anne Stephenson stand to see her eldest sister, Elissa, married off to a sinister widower just to provide money for her famil...more

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Mar 26, 2012 Leanne rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Originally Posted On District YA Blog

The first I actually heard of this book was when my other book blogger friends were receiving copies of the US version Kat, Incorrigible. I remember seeing their cover & thinking WOW this is gorgeous. I did a bit of digging & finding out about the book and soon realised we had a totally different cover & title. At first I really did prefer the look of the US cover, but on actually seeing the UK book I have to say ours is quite gorgeous too. In som...more Originally Posted On District YA Blog

The first I actually heard of this book was when my other book blogger friends were receiving copies of the US version Kat, Incorrigible. I remember seeing their cover & thinking WOW this is gorgeous. I did a bit of digging & finding out about the book and soon realised we had a totally different cover & title. At first I really did prefer the look of the US cover, but on actually seeing the UK book I have to say ours is quite gorgeous too. In some ways its also more fitting to the themes of the book.

After my digging I was so excited to find a book that was not only set in the Regency period, but also included magic - HEAVEN for me to read. Its a fantastic way to introduce younger reads to period set books, but with hints of what they are used to reading these days with the magic.

The book moves at a great pace with the right amounts of humour and building intrigue & suspense. Totally enjoyable for me as the reader.

Kat is a fantastic lead character and potential role model. Of course you have moments of thinking 'No Kat, don't do it!!!' but at the heart of it, she is a lovely family orientated character that is admirable.
I also adored Kat's family! Her step mother is quite a dragon, but the more you read of her the more I felt myself softening to her hard demeanor. Her Dad is lovely, but quite useless. Her brother is like most of us girl's brothers in that he is unreliable & needs to mature, but still makes everyone love him!! Her eldest sister Elissa I got the most motherly feeling from and you can't help but feel sympathy for how she feels she has to look after her family. Lastly Angeline her other sister. She's the most like Kat with her fieriness and unpredictable nature, but is still a sister I would love to have had!!

The book comes together with a very neat resolution, but with plenty of room for follow ups, that's awesome as I really want to read more about the Stephenson family!!

This book is targeted at a younger age bracket than my normal picks of YA books, but I have to say at no time did I feel this was too young for me to be reading. I would say the style is reminiscent of the Harry Potter books, just in the fact that anyone could read them. Stephanie doesn't write down to or patronize the reader. This is truly to be enjoyed by all!(less)

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Jan 02, 2012 leah rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Nov 08, 2011 M. rated it 4 of 5 stars

Another take on magic set in the early 1800's. Kat Stephenson lives with her vague, scholarly vicar father, her mean stepmother, her wastrel older brother, and her two pretty but dowry-less older sisters. Her stepmother has finagled a way to get the family out of debt--by marrying off Elissa, the oldest sister, to the evil Sir Neville, a widower twice her age and a man with dark secrets. Kat figures she needs to save Elissa and comes up with a hare-brained scheme to do so. Elissa and Angeline, h...more

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Oct 31, 2011 Brooke Johnson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Kat, Incorrigible is a magical tale, filled with witches, romance, adventure, and the occasional highwayman, all in the prim-and-proper setting of early 19th century England.

It's been a long time since a story has captivated me to the point of utter enjoyment. I go into reading a book hoping to learn from it; so, I read critically, as a writer. Not this book. From page one, the author dragged me into Kat's world and held me there until the last page. Kat, Incorrigible, simply put, is the sort of...more

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Jul 30, 2011 C D Meetens rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Those who like fantasy, magic, and the Regency period - and a tom-boy of a heroine

Shelves: fantasy, magic, middle-grade

Kat Stephenson is headstrong, forthright, and a tom boy in a time of balls, simpering misses, and convenient marriages. Rather than let her eldest sister marry a man old enough to be her father (not to mention the fact he might have murdered his first wife) in order to save the family from financial ruin, she sets out to find another way to save them, and stumbles upon her mother's magic books.

This is a fast-paced ride in Kat's world, filled with adventure, humour, and mayhem.

Kat is a very likea...more

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Jul 26, 2011 Jess rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: juv, historical-fiction, fantasy

The premise is a bit like Sorcery and Cecelia or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot (set during an alternate Regency period that includes magic), although for a slightly younger audience. The cover is adorable, but it makes the book look even younger - I'd recommend this to tweens who like upbeat historical fiction with a little magic and romance (although for other characters, not Kat).

The story was fun but never felt original. I did appreciate that the characters were all fleshed out as the story we...more

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Jul 08, 2011 Lyrical rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Well, Caroline Bingley would turn in her papery grave if she knew such an unaccomplished young lady had been let loose on fictional Regency England; I can hear her now, thrashing about on my bookshelf. But Caroline can go swallow her bonnet because I'm a huge fan of Jane Austen and an even huger fan of kick-butt heroines and A Most Improper Magick combines the two sending it straight onto my list of all-time favourite books.

And that's no exaggeration, Stephanie Burgis has mastered a style of wri...more Well, Caroline Bingley would turn in her papery grave if she knew such an unaccomplished young lady had been let loose on fictional Regency England; I can hear her now, thrashing about on my bookshelf. But Caroline can go swallow her bonnet because I'm a huge fan of Jane Austen and an even huger fan of kick-butt heroines and A Most Improper Magick combines the two sending it straight onto my list of all-time favourite books.

And that's no exaggeration, Stephanie Burgis has mastered a style of writing that would make many authors intensely jealous, taking a 200 year old period of history and bringing it bang up to date. I think the best example of this lies in the dialogue which very cleverly mixes the beautifully articulate speech of 19th century gentry with the frank and forward speech of today, keeping the book relevant to the modern audience but maintaining the flavour of the time it is set in. It's the balance, so cleverly woven, between two opposites that is so impressive and this is most obviously demonstrated in the way Steph faces off an often witty and tongue-in-cheek narration - very reminiscent of Austen's commentaries - with moments of genuine tension and an underlying threat. This is instrumented largely by an ingeniously contrived cast of characters: the comically disapproving stepmother whose most pressing task is to find husbands for her stepdaughters whilst trying to cover up the scandal they generate is balanced by the dark and menacing presences of the antagonists who leave you squirming in Kat's helplessness and willing the heroine to find the courage to overcome her adversaries.

Kat herself is an extremely likeable character. I promise this is the last time I'll mention Jane Austen but Elizabeth Bennet has to be one of the world's favourite literary characters and Kat Stephenson is very similar with her stubborn defiance and independent spirit. She's fiery and frank and won't let Society stereotype her but she's also caring for her sisters and fights for the good guys making her a pretty formidable heroine. I particularly like the way that, despite being the youngest, Kat is the one that knows what is best for everybody and is constantly trying to prevent the other characters messing things up for themselves.

Stephanie Burgis is really an author to look out for in the future with her incredible ability to balance a plot with wit and tension, create well formed characters that dominate the page and weave a really engaging story that keeps you turning the page. Much to my joy she has brought Regency England to life again but given the girls the fire and independence you wish they had. I cannot wait for the next book, A Tangle Of Magicks, to be released in August.

Lyrical Reviews (less)

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Jun 21, 2011 Leanne rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The first I actually heard of this book was when my other book blogger friends were receiving copies of the US version Kat, Incorrigible. I remember seeing their cover & thinking WOW this is gorgeous. I did a bit of digging & finding out about the book and soon realised we had a totally different cover & title. At first I really did prefer the look of the US cover, but on actually seeing the UK book I have to say ours is quite gorgeous too. In some ways its also more fitting to the t...more The first I actually heard of this book was when my other book blogger friends were receiving copies of the US version Kat, Incorrigible. I remember seeing their cover & thinking WOW this is gorgeous. I did a bit of digging & finding out about the book and soon realised we had a totally different cover & title. At first I really did prefer the look of the US cover, but on actually seeing the UK book I have to say ours is quite gorgeous too. In some ways its also more fitting to the themes of the book.

After my digging I was so excited to find a book that was not only set in the Regency period, but also included magic - HEAVEN for me to read. Its a fantastic way to introduce younger reads to period set books, but with hints of what they are used to reading these days with the magic.

The book moves at a great pace with the right amounts of humour and building intrigue & suspense. Totally enjoyable for me as the reader.

Kat is a fantastic lead character and potential role model. Of course you have moments of thinking 'No Kat, don't do it!!!' but at the heart of it, she is a lovely family orientated character that is admirable.
I also adored Kat's family! Her step mother is quite a dragon, but the more you read of her the more I felt myself softening to her hard demeanor. Her Dad is lovely, but quite useless. Her brother is like most of us girl's brothers in that he is unreliable & needs to mature, but still makes everyone love him!! Her eldest sister Elissa I got the most motherly feeling from and you can't help but feel sympathy for how she feels she has to look after her family. Lastly Angeline her other sister. She's the most like Kat with her fieriness and unpredictable nature, but is still a sister I would love to have had!!

The book comes together with a very neat resolution, but with plenty of room for follow ups, that's awesome as I really want to read more about the Stephenson family!!

This book is targeted at a younger age bracket than my normal picks of YA books, but I have to say at no time did I feel this was too young for me to be reading. I would say the style is reminiscent of the Harry Potter books, just in the fact that anyone could read them. Stephanie doesn't write down to or patronize the reader. This is truly to be enjoyed by all! (less)

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Jun 05, 2011 Gaby rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: childrens-books, middle-grade-readers

Kat, Incorrigible is a book to share with young readers. It's the sort that can keep a young reader reading after "lights out" - enjoyable, funny, and so hard to put down.

The heroine is twelve-year-old Katherine who lives in Regency England with her two older sisters, father and stepmother. Since women of their class didn't work at this time, marriage is the only way open to the Stephenson sisters. Katherine's eldest sister is a romantic and lover of Gothic romances - and she's willing to marry...more

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May 26, 2011 Tom Franklin rated it 5 of 5 stars

Take a family modeled somewhat after the Bennets (from Pride and Prejudice) and set in the same time period, mix in a history of witchcraft (and something stronger) within the females of the family and, My Goodness!, the scandal such otherworldly talents would bring upon a family if word got out into Society, and add one very headstrong, likeable 12-year old main character and you get the basis for KAT, INCORRIGIBLE.

There are a great many things I liked about this book. Stephanie Burgis makes th...more

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May 07, 2011 Heidi rated it 5 of 5 stars

I confess, I've been waiting for this one for over a year. It just sounded like a delightful read. And it was well worth the wait. Kat is just the sort of character that I love to read about. She's feisty and loyal and determined, but very human in her mistakes.

When Kat learns that her sister, Elissa, in order to save the family from disgrace, is being pushed into a marriage with Sir Neville, a rich widower about whom rumors swirl, she is determined to stop it. When her first plan involving run...more

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May 07, 2011 Karissa rated it 3 of 5 stars

I got an ARC of the book through the Amazon Vine program. This is one of those books that looked really cute and I was dying to read it last year, but then the release was delayed so I feel like I was waiting forever to read it. When I finally got around to reading it I thought it was cute and fun, but also a bit boring at parts. I think maybe since my expectations were so high I was left a bit disappointed.

The book is set in Victorian England, Kat lives were her brother, two older sisters, step...more I got an ARC of the book through the Amazon Vine program. This is one of those books that looked really cute and I was dying to read it last year, but then the release was delayed so I feel like I was waiting forever to read it. When I finally got around to reading it I thought it was cute and fun, but also a bit boring at parts. I think maybe since my expectations were so high I was left a bit disappointed.

The book is set in Victorian England, Kat lives were her brother, two older sisters, stepmother, and father. One of Kat's older sisters is being forced to marry to help pay off the family's gambling debt (caused by her brother Charlie). Kat has an idea to help her sister, but then she finds out that her middle sister Angeline has an even better plan. Angeline is trying to use Kat's mother's spellbooks to come up with a solution. Things get complicated when Kat falls into a compact mirror of her mother's and finds out that she is a Guardian who is supposed to hunt down witches. Will they be able to sort everything out and save Kat's eldest sister from a horribly unfortunate marriage?

This book was very much like Pride and Prejudice with a little magic and mayhem thrown in. It is super cute and fun but at times it was also a bit predictable and slow. Kat is your typical "I don't like this Victorian lady stuff" kind of girl; she wants to be a boy and wants nothing to do with proper behavior. Her sisters are more typical Victoria ladies; her eldest sister is pretty vanilla and only wants to sacrifice her happiness for the good of the family. Her middle sister Angelina had the most spunk of them all and is fun to read about.

I am not sure if it was just my mood or what, but despite all of the magic and Guardian and witch stuff, I found the plot to be pretty bland and had trouble staying focused on the story. By the time I got to the end of the book instead of wanting more, I was thinking "well, glad I am done with that". By the end of it all I kind of wished I had just re-read Pride and Prejudice, instead of read this. I am having trouble pinpointing exactly what bored me about this book; I think it was mostly the predictability, the simple writing style, and the over-cuteness of it all. Burgis's writing style is easy to read, but at the same time lacks much description.

The book ends well enough, although it is clear that this book is mainly an introduction to Kat and her family and that there will be many books to come.

Overall it was okay. I really wanted to love this book; but I ended up finding the characters to be stereotypical, the plot predictable, and parts of the book just plain boring. It does look like the story will get more interesting and complex in future books. People who like Victorian novels with a plucky girl lead might like this book. It reminds of Price and Prejudice with a bit of magic and mayhem thrown in. I personally just had trouble getting engaged in the story and relating to the characters, so I probably won't be reading any more of these books in the future.(less)

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May 05, 2011 Lesley rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, juvenile, magic

3.5 stars because I wanted to like it more than I did in the end. It will please fans of spunky young heroines, magic, and general shenanigans. But if you're a true Jane Austen fan who thought, "Let's see what happens when you give a young Jane Austen heroine magic powers and a spitfire personality," you'll be somewhat disappoitned. Just setting something in Regency England doesn't make it a "Jane Austen" book. What I love about Jane Austen is the way her characters accomplish so much with cleve...more

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About Stephanie Burgis

I grew up in America, but now I live in Wales with my husband, fellow writer Patrick Samphire, our son, "Mr Darcy", and our crazy-sweet border collie mix, Maya. My MG Regency fantasy trilogy is being published in the UK and North America, under different titles. My most recent book in the US & Canada is RENEGADE MAGIC (Kat Book 2) and my most recent book in the UK is A RECKLESS MAGICK (Kat Boo...more

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“For me, Mama's cabinet had been full of mysteries and secrets to be puzzled out, like an adventure. For them it had been full of memories. And I had broken all of them.” — 5 people liked it

“..A hawk soared over our carriage, letting out a high, piercing cry of defiance, and I wanted to jump out of the window and fly with it” — 3 people liked it

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Kat, Incorrigible (Kat, Incorrigible #1)

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