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The Seat of Magic

(The Golden City #2)

J. Kathleen Cheney (Goodreads Author)

4.04 · Rating details · 568 ratings · 87 reviews

Magical beings have been banned from the Golden City for decades, though many live there in secret. Now humans and nonhumans alike are in danger as evil stalks the streets, growing more powerful with every kill….

It’s been two weeks since Oriana Paredes was banished from the Golden City. Police consultant Duilio Ferreira, who himself has a talent he must keep secret, can ...more

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Paperback, 384 pages

Published July 1st 2014 by Roc

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Dec 16, 2013 Beth Cato rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2014, fantasy, mystery, historical

This is just my sort of book in every way. Historical fiction in a unique setting with a murder mystery, magic, and selkies. Plus, it includes a gentle romance with genuine chemistry. I loved the first book, The Golden City, but this one is even stronger because the characters had overcome their natural distrust and everything came together.

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Aug 21, 2014 Melliane rated it it was amazing

4.5/5

Mon avis en Français

My English review

I really loved the first book and I could not wait to be able to immerse myself in the second volume and find all the characters again. It took some time, I confess, to achieve that but it was a pleasure to get into this fantastic world.

We thus find Duilio facing many problems. Indeed, he does not understand why Oriana who went back home, haven’t returned yet and is very concerned for her, convinced that something happened to her. His relatives do not he 4.5/5

Mon avis en Français

My English review

I really loved the first book and I could not wait to be able to immerse myself in the second volume and find all the characters again. It took some time, I confess, to achieve that but it was a pleasure to get into this fantastic world.

We thus find Duilio facing many problems. Indeed, he does not understand why Oriana who went back home, haven’t returned yet and is very concerned for her, convinced that something happened to her. His relatives do not help as they are constantly asking if she is finally back or not. But in addition to this, Duilio must also face some new gruesome murders that seem perpetrated by a healer and which affect humans as well as non-humans. Yet the absence of evidence makes the tracking very difficult.

I loved follow this second volume, to see the relationship between Duilio and Oriana evolve this way and it’s true that it was interesting to see the encounter between two so different cultures to see what they could do together. But I also really enjoyed learning more about the sirea, and to learn more about Oriana, her past and her history. There are many events that we did not know about and the truth comes out here. It was a delight to follow and I was really curious to know the end of the story. I can tell you that you will not be disappointed because the author presents revelations after revelations and we are always eager to learn more. We also meet a large community that is not necessarily expected and I loved to discover so many new characters that I hope to see very soon.

I think the main advantage of this series is the world that JK Cheney has created. Indeed, it is quite impressive and fascinating to see all she has managed to create here and she easily wins us. This is already a huge point, but when in addition the plot and characters follow are also well done, what more can we ask for? It was a great discovery and I am, as you can imagine, eager to immerse myself in the sequel and to follow the adventures of our characters! ...more

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Dec 21, 2013 Jaclyn rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy, magic, class-difference, romance, historical, psychics, companion, historical-fantasy

A strange thing happened when I was reading The Seat of Magic. Despite feeling pretty mediocre about the first book, The Golden City, I totally fell in love with its follow up. The Seat of Magic was lush, romantic and mysterious and I couldn’t have been more engaged reading. I am so glad that I picked this one up. It would have been so easy to forget about this one since I wasn’t totally enthralled by book one, but the gorgeous cover grabbed my attention and I thought it was time to give this wo ...more

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Jun 30, 2018 Lisa rated it really liked it

Shelves: books-to-read-in-2018

So, I read the first book to this a while ago and I’ve been meaning to read the second but stuff just gets away from me (like it does). I really love J. Kathleen Cheney’s work overall-she writes exactly the type of books that I like. Fantasy infused with mystery and romance. And in this case also historical fiction. It’s like all of my favorite worlds are colliding! A lot of times when this happens and I think ‘this is going to be my jam, huzzah!’ I read the book and it disappoints me because my So, I read the first book to this a while ago and I’ve been meaning to read the second but stuff just gets away from me (like it does). I really love J. Kathleen Cheney’s work overall-she writes exactly the type of books that I like. Fantasy infused with mystery and romance. And in this case also historical fiction. It’s like all of my favorite worlds are colliding! A lot of times when this happens and I think ‘this is going to be my jam, huzzah!’ I read the book and it disappoints me because my expectations are too high, but that’s not the case with this series. I liked the first one quite a lot and I think the sequel was even better.

I think one of Cheney’s biggest strengths is her characters and the relationships between them. This one starts out following Duilio rather than Oriana, and it takes a while for her to show up in the book. At first I was a little disappointed by the lack of Oriana because I love her character, but I think spending time with Duilio really did a lot to keep me invested in his character and his parts of the story. Seeing his drive and determination while helping with investigations, his relationships with friends and members of his family, and his growing love for Oriana was all very well written. One of the great things about these characters is that you get to see both their vulnerabilities and their strengths. Having such depth of character allows the story and relationships that develop to be dynamic. Also, it’s great to have a fantasy story that has such a healthy Mother/Son relationship! Duilio’s mother is fantastic and so supportive of her son–I loved her in this book so much!

The main plot of this book is focused on a mystery. Or rather several mysteries that may or may not be related. And not even just mystery but sort of a police procedural as well. I really enjoy mystery plots and I love them fused with fantasy. I appreciated the way this one was plotted. Parts of it seemed obvious what was going on while other things were revealed slowly over time and felt a lot more surprising once they were out in the open. There are a lot of players on the stage here, and Cheney handles the multiple plot points well, weaving them together to create an engaging and well-paced story that kept me wanting to see how things turned out.

Of course, I am all about the romance in this one. I love romance, that’s no secret. One of the things I appreciated so much in this one is how the romance is paced. It’s not a case of love at first sight. And even once they realize there are feelings between them, they’re practical and cautious about advancing their relationship. I appreciated Oriana’s concerns and I appreciated the way she handled them and how Duilio was giving her the space she needed to make such an important decision. I love how they respect each other. I wish I came across more relationships like this in romance plots! There’s also a nice little secondary romance plot that I also enjoyed a lot. The more the merrier!

Overall, I really enjoyed The Seat of Magic and am looking forward to the third book, The Shores of Spain, which I’ve already picked up and added to my giant TBR pile.

More reviews at www.waytoofantasy.com ...more

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May 14, 2014 Renee Babcock rated it it was amazing

Shelves: read-2014, mystery, fantasy, alternate-history

The author sent me a copy of the book but my review is brutally honest.

I really enjoyed the first book in the series and I absolutely loved this book. I thought it was even better than the first book. Oriana and Ferreira are back, along with several other characters from The Golden City. Young girls are being murdered including several of nonhuman species and Tavares and Ferreira must help solve these murders that turn out to have rather large political consequences.

The pacing is good in the st ...more

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Apr 13, 2014 Rebecca rated it it was amazing

I received a copy of this book from the author. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

The Seat of Magic is the second in a series, and it's even better than the first. Once again, Cheney weaves together historical fiction, murder, police procedural, political intrigue, romance, and mermaids into a story that comes together seamlessly. I was so happy to see more of Oriana and Duilio's relationship. We find out more about Oriana's people, the sereia, and there are tantalizing promises t ...more

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May 20, 2017 Nico rated it it was amazing

Shelves: i-own-it-print, fantasy, historical

My god, I can't believe I read this entire book in basically 2 days. I mean it's 1 hour and 30 minutes into the third day but that doesn't freaking count. AGGGGGHHH. So good. I came to love all the side characters so much more in this novel too. I hope we haven't seen the last of Miguel, The Lady, Anjos and Miss Vladimirova because they've become their own people and I would really miss them if they were to disappear.

I do plan to write a better review later. But for now, ONTO THE NEXT (and fina ...more

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Jul 23, 2014 The Author Visits rated it it was amazing

Shelves: reviews, sci-fi, romance, fantasy

Note – I received this book from the author in return for an honest review. These opinions are solely my own.

A unique read, The Seat of Magic is part of the The Golden City series by J. Kathleen Cheney. A blend of science fiction, fantasy and romance, this is definitely far different from anything I’ve read in this genre.

Set in the fictitious Golden City in the early 1900's Portugal, the second book in the series centers around Oriana Paredes and Duilio Ferreira as they work together, investigat Note – I received this book from the author in return for an honest review. These opinions are solely my own.

A unique read, The Seat of Magic is part of the The Golden City series by J. Kathleen Cheney. A blend of science fiction, fantasy and romance, this is definitely far different from anything I’ve read in this genre.

Set in the fictitious Golden City in the early 1900's Portugal, the second book in the series centers around Oriana Paredes and Duilio Ferreira as they work together, investigating the murders of human and non-humans, unraveling an assassination plot that is simply put, brilliant in its reverse psychology.

The magical creatures in Cheney’s work include sereia, selkies and witches. Sereia or sirens are mythical fish-like creatures while the selkies are seals who once they remove their pelts, can function as humans. Very intriguing and nothing like anything I’ve come across in my reading.

I am a vampire girl through and through and each new book I am requested to review opens the floodgates to a new experience in creativity. Cheney does not fail in her world building and to set the book in the coastal country of Portugal is perfect for the engagement between the human and non-human worlds.

As the story progresses, there is build-up in both the plot as Duilio and Oriana as well as other ancillary characters including Duilio’s brother Joaquim begin piecing together catalyst to the murders. It appears someone is out to create the perfect cross-breed of human and non-human creatures through transplantation. The result is a series of gruesome murders.

But there is the relationship between Duilio and Oriana that also grows. The two move away from being mere counterparts becoming an enamored couple. Oriana realizes she must court Duilio as a sign of her affections. The pacing of the relationship was balanced and the undercurrent between the characters was a welcome change from overt romance.

Cheney’s writing is elegant. I’ve read just a few books set in the early 1900’s and am pleased with the ease and fluidity Cheney captures the period through speech, description and a marvelous landscape of The Golden City she’s created.

I didn’t read the first book end-to-end in the series, however I didn’t feel overwhelmed or lost – this is a plus for Cheney’s ability to pepper enough important backstory in The Seat of Magic without overburdening the reader with impertinent detail.

The world Cheney has constructed is distinct and leaves an impression. I did have to go back to The Golden City to get some insight into what a sereia versus a selkie was. But that didn’t perturb me from continuing to read the second book in any way. Again, that is relevant and a testament to Cheney’s skill as an adept writer.

Overall, I enjoyed The Seat of Magic. A charming read with plenty of stand-apart qualities set against a stunning landscape with rare characters and an ingenious plot with conflict that isn’t in-your-face but rather subtle in its evil and engaging in its unraveling.

My rating: it’s a five-star must read!
...more

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Jun 17, 2015 Literati Literature Lovers rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance, fantasy-romance

The Seat of Magic by J. Kathleen Cheney is book two of her A Novel of Golden City series. This book picks up shortly after the first book ends, dealing with magic, sea folk (nonhumans) and the human inhabitants Portugal's port city. At the end of book one Oriana, the sereai spy, had left under duress, both northern Portugal and her gentleman sleuth Duilio Ferreira. She promised him she would return, if she could. In her absence the gentleman sleuth is again embroiled in a murder mystery as he ...more

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May 05, 2014 Catherine Schaff-Stump rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy

The second in J. Kathleen Cheney's Golden City books resolves some issues for us and creates some more interesting subplots. In the book, the threat of using magic and weird science to blend supernatural and human creatures together takes center stage as Duilio, Joaquim, and Oriana try to unravel a series of bizarre murders. This makes the book pretty gory indeed, so be forewarned.

For me, a book is at its best regarding its emotional arcs, and here Cheney shines. Readers of the first book shoul ...more

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Jul 20, 2015 Susan Baratta rated it it was amazing

Solid five star read, this book is terrific. Great characters with depth in a world that is alive and easily embraced. An exceptional police procedural and a story of intrigue, murder and romance makes for a heady read.

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Jun 27, 2014 Sarah rated it really liked it

Shelves: arc-or-review-copy, fantasy, historical, romance, roc, read-in-2014

http://www.bookwormblues.net/2014/07/... ...more

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Jul 13, 2017 Amy Braun rated it really liked it

Definitely enjoyed this sequel to this romantic mystery/adventure series. The mystery, though shockingly gruesome, was intense and thrilling to read. That said, the heart of the story was the hurdles that Duilio and Oriana faced as a couple. I loved reading about their connection and interactions––they were so sweet together! While their characters became more complex throughout the story, it was fun to see other characters like Joquim, as well as learning more about Oriana's relationship with h ...more

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Nov 03, 2019 Fahasa rated it it was amazing

The Golden City series continues, and humans and nonhumans alike are in danger as evil stalks the streets, growing more powerful with every kill It s been two weeks since Oriana Paredes was banished from the Golden City. Police consultant Duilio Ferreira, who himself has a talent he must keep secret, can t escape the feeling that, though she s supposedly returned home to her people, Oriana is in danger.

Adding to Duilio s concerns is a string of recent murders in the city. Three victims have alre ...more

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Jan 13, 2021 Sandy Frediani rated it liked it

Maybe it's because I came into this in the middle of the series, but I don't believe so. The writing was adequate, the storyline mildly intriguing as are the characters. Although I'm a long time (decades) scifi/fantasy reader, I struggled with the names, unable to figure out how to pronounce many of them. In the long run,it probably doesn't matter how I pronounce them, but the were a continual stumbling point. In short, it was okay - nothing bad, but not spectacular either. ...more

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Feb 24, 2014 Apricity rated it liked it

Shelves: fic-mystery, fic-historical-fantasy, portugal

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Family =============
“Very good.” The man nodded approvingly, as if Duilio had passed a test. “I was not, by the way, one of his lovers.” Duilio turned toward the marble mantelpiece to hide his smile. He was always amused by the swiftness with which others felt they had to inform him of that. It usually came within a few sentences of admitting they’d known Alessio. He suspected many of those quick denials were false.

Cold spread through Duilio’s stomach. What had Alessio been up to? Prince Dinis Family =============
“Very good.” The man nodded approvingly, as if Duilio had passed a test. “I was not, by the way, one of his lovers.” Duilio turned toward the marble mantelpiece to hide his smile. He was always amused by the swiftness with which others felt they had to inform him of that. It usually came within a few sentences of admitting they’d known Alessio. He suspected many of those quick denials were false.

Cold spread through Duilio’s stomach. What had Alessio been up to? Prince Dinis II ruled Southern Portugal, which Alessio had visited regularly in the last year of his life. Perhaps this Bastião was trying to determine whether Alessio had revealed any such activities in his journals. But if Alessio had worked for the infante, he’d not recorded a word about it. “Why would my brother do so? He was never fond of the throne.” Bastião smiled. “No, he believed things needed to change.” Alessio hadn’t been a revolutionary, but he’d thought the usefulness of the twin monarchies of Northern and Southern Portugal was long past. “And you’re suggesting his efforts in the infante’s name were . . . ultimately intended to reform the monarchies?” Bastião interlaced his fingers over his knee, looking perfectly at ease as he talked about treason. “Are you asking if I know the infante’s leanings?” Duilio watched him carefully. His gift spoke into his mind, warning him that this meeting—this man—was important. Unfortunately, it didn’t tell him how. “Do you?” “I also act in his name at times,” Bastião said, “so I know his mind on certain matters.” Duilio pressed his lips together. Why had this man come to tell him this? That the infante of Northern Portugal was bypassing his elder brother didn’t concern Duilio overmuch. He’d walked that line for years himself. He was half selkie; living in the city at all was illegal for him. And he’d willingly harbored Oriana Paredes, a sereia spy, in his household. “I know where the infante stands on the issue of nonhumans as well,” Bastião added, as if he’d read the path of Duilio’s thoughts. “How interesting,” Duilio said in what he hoped was a neutral tone. He had a feeling this man Bastião was trying to winnow out his personal leanings on the matter. He didn’t intend to be drawn. Not when he didn’t know who this man was. Bastião smiled at his vague comment, apparently recognizing it for evasion. “The infante could not, after all, be friends with Alessio Ferreira if he felt nonhumans were to be abhorred.” His eyes flicked downward to consider the kid-gloved fingers laced over his knee. “The ban on nonhumans is a ridiculous abuse of power by the prince.” Did that mean this Bastião was aware the Ferreira family wasn’t purely human? Or had he thought Alessio a Sympathizer? “Seers have predicted the prince will be killed by a nonhuman,” Duilio pointed out. “Is that not sufficient reason for the ban?” “Something will kill each of us one day,” Bastião said with a shrug. “Shall we banish the river to assure no one drowns?” That was, word for word, what Alessio had said once when speaking of the ban. This man had to have known him. Duilio rose and crossed to the mantel again. At least he now had a better answer to why his brother had been killed, a reason more dignified than being killed in a duel over a lover or because of Maraval’s strange idea that Alessio would seduce the prince. This new information made sense of what had previously seemed a pointless death . . . even if it meant that Alessio had been committing treason.

================
Monteiro turned the spine toward him, showing its sereia script in faded gold leaf. “This book is called The Seat of Magic. The doctor was searching for the organs in the body that housed magic. This is the journal of his dissections.” He shut the book. “Or his vivisections. He kept his victims alive as long as possible to see the results of removing various organs.” Duilio’s gift warned him, a jangling of his nerves. Not that he was in danger, but that he was in the presence of something immensely important. “Of sereia?” Joaquim’s hand touched Duilio’s shoulder. Clearly he saw the relationship, too. “Yes,” Monteiro said, his jaw clenched. “That’s why he came to our islands. He’d already studied otter folk, selkies, fairies. Anything with any magic, he managed to find them and take them apart. Human witches, too, if I recall correctly. Ultimately, he was executed for his experiments on the island, but his notes survived.” He pushed the book farther away from him. “This is the transcription of those notes—in the language of our scholars, as a precaution, so the common sereia couldn’t read it. Even so, the book was deemed too dangerous and ordered destroyed.”

===============
Idiotic, since he had seen her nude before, several times. He’d held her naked in his arms. But he’d never watched her undress, and somehow that seemed far more intimate than the other. Or perhaps it was because she knew this would go further. Her mouth felt dry. “Please,” he said. All her nervousness fled with that whispered request. If Duilio Ferreira was desperate enough to beg, she had nothing to fear.

He had the feeling that if Oriana could blush, she would be doing so. His mother hadn’t been forbidding him to share Oriana’s bed. She just wanted him not to get caught again. ...more

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Jun 02, 2018 Daniella Scott-Young rated it it was amazing

I enjoyed the book. I like how things are going in the romance part of the book. It’s subtle yet obvious but not so focused on hat you forget what this book is about. I am enjoying this series immensely

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Jan 22, 2018 Elizabeth rated it liked it

I didn’t realize this was the second in a series when I begin reading. I kept feeling I was missing something and this detracted from my enjoyment of the story.

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Mar 06, 2020 Foggygirl rated it really liked it

Shelves: owned-read, favorite-authors, auto-buy

A great second instalment in the series and Oriana and Duilio have great on page chemistry. I look forward to reading the third instalment.

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Jul 11, 2014 Amy A rated it really liked it

Originally posted at Vampire Book Club

After solving the mystery/murders of the houses under the sea, Oriana was called back to her people. She promised Duilio she would return. That was two weeks ago and he’s heard nothing from her. His talent tells him that Oriana is anything but safe and secure, but he has no idea where to even start looking for her.

Besides worrying over Oriana, Duilio’s cousin Joaquim requires his assistance in uncovering a series of mysterious murders and disappearances occu Originally posted at Vampire Book Club

After solving the mystery/murders of the houses under the sea, Oriana was called back to her people. She promised Duilio she would return. That was two weeks ago and he’s heard nothing from her. His talent tells him that Oriana is anything but safe and secure, but he has no idea where to even start looking for her.

Besides worrying over Oriana, Duilio’s cousin Joaquim requires his assistance in uncovering a series of mysterious murders and disappearances occurring throughout the Golden City. Duilio is drawn even further into the investigation when it is discovered one of the missing girls is part of his brother Erdano’s selkie harem. Now he has to discover if the girl being a selkie was just a coincidence or if she was taken for a specific reason.

J. Kathleen Cheney does a good job of making Oriana’s whereabouts foremost in everyone’s mind, even with the missing/murdered girls. Finding out where Oriana is drives the first part of the book, but I think it’s safe enough to say that Oriana does return. I’ll try to keep the details of Oriana’s return under wraps as much as possible, but it may prove a difficult task seeing as how much of the mystery involving the missing girls and Oriana’s own confinement are linked together, which also turns out to be my biggest complaint about the book. I oftentimes found the coincidences and links to be a little too convenient (people happening to be in the same place at the same time with the same connections). But when I step back and look at the bigger picture of what’s going on I suppose I can be forgiving if some happenstance feels a little too plotted out because The Seat of Magic did keep my attention very well.

Something I can talk about with little censor is Duilio and Oriana’s relationship. I was very happy with the progression of things between them in this book. The attraction, even hesitantly, was there in The Golden City, but was very reserved for society’s sake. Neither Duilio nor Oriana knows what the future will bring, but they are both in agreement that they don’t want to waste time waiting. Where the conundrum comes in is the fact that Oriana is a sereia, and they both end up going about the courtship in different ways. One of the best things about the series so far is that Oriana is treated as an equal to Duilio and all the other men of authority so why shouldn’t she be the pursuer in regards to courting Duilio? I love the way it all plays out.

The Seat of Magic is a very pivotal book in the series because it ties up a lot of story threads started in The Golden City. Certain events cause unavoidable changes, and I’m interested to find out what the general feelings are towards said changes. It prepares for our characters to go off on new assignments and adventures, which will hopefully lead us away from The Golden City and to sereia land, which is something I’ve wanted to happen for two books now.
...more

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Feb 06, 2014 K. Lincoln rated it really liked it

I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series for the formal, alternate-turn of the century European society tone, engaging hero (Duilio) who is earnest and doggedly pragmatic (who chooses to snag pastries from the kitchen on the way to a morgue), and interesting political scheming in an alternate Portugal that has outlawed nonhumans-- selkies, otters, and sereia. (The heroine--Oriana--is okay, she's a bit too emotionally reserved for me, I liked Duilio better).

This second one is even bette I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series for the formal, alternate-turn of the century European society tone, engaging hero (Duilio) who is earnest and doggedly pragmatic (who chooses to snag pastries from the kitchen on the way to a morgue), and interesting political scheming in an alternate Portugal that has outlawed nonhumans-- selkies, otters, and sereia. (The heroine--Oriana--is okay, she's a bit too emotionally reserved for me, I liked Duilio better).

This second one is even better: with more juicy relationships and revealing layers of character backstory as well as ratcheting up the politics around gruesome murders.

We get alternating POVs, here, with both hero and heroine, as well as a bit of Duilio's police-inspector Joaquim (who is slowly realizing he's not so entirely human as he once thought) which didn't tick off my anti-multiple POV peeve because of the tightly interlaced plot and emotional, romantic arc Joaquim is also experiencing. Sometimes, thought, the POV change didn't "feel" like a change so much as a reason to follow Joaquim somewhere Duilio wasn't going. Small quibble.

Did I mention a tight plot? Tight as a corset (that Oriana can't wear because her sereia lungs are too small-- but I'm getting ahead of myself) both with seemingly unrelated murders and Joaquim's mysterious dreams of a woman, as well as Oriana's betrayal by her people and Portugal's Prince's continuing persecution of non-humans.

It all comes together in the end in a lovely, satisfying way, revealing even deeper issues between Portugal, the Sereia, and Spain.

So there's lots of poncing around talking to people, carefully trying to be discreet with love relationships, Duilio trying not to call attention to his family for fear of revealing his selkie heritage, and speculation. Some of that tempted me to skim at times, but then we'd get to a juicy relationship, gruesome murder, or political revelation and i was drawn back in.

Or the invisible infante would show up. Or Duilio's mother would make some very proper kind of statement condoning improper behavior.

Lovely second book overall, I am definitely heading out to the third one as I can't wait to find out how Duilio and Oriana fare in the new sticky situation set up for them at the end of this. ...more

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Jun 10, 2015 Pat Esden rated it it was amazing

I was thrilled to receive a copy of THE SEAT OF MAGIC (Novel of the Golden City, book 2) in exchange for an honest review, especially since THE SHORES OF SPAIN (book 3) comes out July 7th! If you’re a fan of historical fantasy and especially if you love police procedurals as well, then this is a must read.

Here is THE SEAT OF MAGIC’s official blurb:

Magical beings have been banned from the Golden City for decades, though many live there in secret. Now humans and nonhumans alike are in danger as ev I was thrilled to receive a copy of THE SEAT OF MAGIC (Novel of the Golden City, book 2) in exchange for an honest review, especially since THE SHORES OF SPAIN (book 3) comes out July 7th! If you’re a fan of historical fantasy and especially if you love police procedurals as well, then this is a must read.

Here is THE SEAT OF MAGIC’s official blurb:

Magical beings have been banned from the Golden City for decades, though many live there in secret. Now humans and nonhumans alike are in danger as evil stalks the streets, growing more powerful with every kill….

It’s been two weeks since Oriana Paredes was banished from the Golden City. Police consultant Duilio Ferreira, who himself has a talent he must keep secret, can’t escape the feeling that, though she’s supposedly returned home to her people, Oriana is in danger.

Adding to Duilio’s concerns is a string of recent murders in the city. Three victims have already been found, each without a mark upon her body. When a selkie under his brother’s protection goes missing, Duilio fears the killer is also targeting nonhuman prey.

To protect Oriana and uncover the truth, Duilio will have to risk revealing his own identity, put his trust in some unlikely allies, and consult a rare and malevolent text known as The Seat of Magic….

My thoughts:

THE SEAT OF MAGIC is a fabulous historical fantasy. Set in the early 1900’s in an alternate Portugal, the historic details are perfectly balanced with the action and plot. There are just enough touches of setting to draw the reader into the world without overwhelming the story with unfamiliar references, words, and setting. The same applies to the fantasy elements. The romance between the main characters builds in a satisfying way. Actually, the interactions between all the characters are wonderful.

Okay, it’s confession time. I’ve had THE GOLDEN CITY (book 1) in my TBA pile for some time and haven’t gotten to it. However, I had no problem picking up this book and reading it without knowing what happened in the first—and that’s pretty amazing.

I highly recommend THE GOLDEN CITY with one suggestion. Buy the whole series at once. It’s that good.
...more

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Jun 25, 2014 Magirosa rated it liked it

Shelves: own, fantasy

I was excited to read the second book in this series after finding the first book (The Golden City)so delightfully original, the time period (early 1900’s) the location (Portugal), and the very unusual take on non-human species and how they might integrate or hide within human society.

I was somehow disappointed in this book, and I am not certain why exactly. Many of the qualities that I appreciated in the first novel became unappealing in the second…

Thinks that I like:

Oriana: I still like Oriana ...more

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Feb 16, 2014 Caitlin rated it really liked it

Two weeks ago, sereia Oriana Paredes left the Golden City, where sea folk like her are murdered on sight--to return home, where she ought to be safe. But she's a pawn in a larger political scheme, and safety isn't as easy to achieve when she's working against the goals of some ruthless people. Duilio Ferreira, police consultant, who's hiding some non-human inheritance of his own, feels that something has gone wrong. It will take some unexpected aid to be able to do anything about that sinking fe ...more

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Aug 06, 2014 Charty rated it really liked it

I enjoyed this second installment, but it was a little lacking for me overall (maybe my expectations were too high)? Anyway, I still enjoyed spending time in the setting and with the characters, some of whom got some interesting background (Joaquim, Inspector Anjos, the scary Rusalka chic whose name I can't remember how to spell) so much so that I feel they were in danger of becoming more interesting than Duilio and Oriana.

For instance Duilio is treading rather close to the male equivalent of th ...more

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Dec 30, 2015 Julie Shuff rated it really liked it · review of another edition

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May 27, 2016 Jennifer rated it really liked it

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Jun 20, 2015 Aya rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: first-reads-books

I won this book through goodreads giveaway and I loved it!!

Btw I give this book a 4.5 star rating; yes!! :)

This book is part of 'The Golden City' series, and I have to say that this book was even better than the first book in the series.

The novel centered the story around the character Oriana and Duilio, and how they both work together trying to investigate the killings of young girls and non-human species.

I feel like the author did an amazing job with all the magical creatures in the book--th ...more

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Aug 10, 2014 Patrice Sarath rated it it was amazing

If you like your fantasy firmly anchored in reality, I highly recommend The Golden City series. Cheney hits her stride with The Seat of Magic, which combines the fun of a police procedural with some Sherlock Holmes sleuthing. There are selkies and sereia (sirens) and mind readers and witches, a creepy Russian villi (veela, willy? The ballet Giselle has them), and a crazy prince.

I love the way Cheney combines fantastical elements with historical elements. Her worldbuilding is meticulous and topn ...more

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Nov 09, 2014 Dee rated it really liked it

Shelves: not-quite-history, world-fantasy, loanage, a-kind-of-magic, mannerpunk, froth

This continued both the things I enjoyed and the things that annoyed me from the first book. In the former camp: a delightful world of manners and magical waterfolk; a proper grown-up romance with genuine issues to make work; a great cast of capable and foible-icious characters. In the latter camp: a predilection for detail that often swamps the big plot and emotion points.

Those details seemed particularly problematic in this second book because there was so much going on that I really begrudge ...more

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About J. Kathleen Cheney

J. Kathleen Cheney

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J. Kathleen Cheney is nothing if not versatile in her story telling. But, weaving through her work is a common thread, that of the improbable heroine. From worlds set in humanity’s distant post-apocalyptic future to alternate worlds of today or of the near past, Kathleen’s heroines include a siren who with help from a gentleman of the city must stop a regicidal plot, the neglected daughter of an a J. Kathleen Cheney is nothing if not versatile in her story telling. But, weaving through her work is a common thread, that of the improbable heroine. From worlds set in humanity’s distant post-apocalyptic future to alternate worlds of today or of the near past, Kathleen’s heroines include a siren who with help from a gentleman of the city must stop a regicidal plot, the neglected daughter of an absent king coming to terms with her shapeshifting ancestors, a blind teenager who dreams of others’ deaths and who uses her gift of touch to find their killers, and the widow of a trainer who with a most unusual horse must save her farm and way of life. All use their unusual gifts and talents to overcome obstacles and find their place in the world.

In 2005 Kathleen decided to pursue writing as a full-time endeavor and has since enjoyed seeing her stories published in Shimmer, The Sword Review, and Baen’s Universe. Her novella “Iron Shoes” was a 2011 Nebula nominee. Kathleen twice attended the summer Writer’s Workshop at the Center for the Study of Science Fiction under the tutelage of James Gunn. She lists C. J. Cherryh, Arthur Conan Doyle, and Georgette Heyer among the writers who influenced her most–as well as Ansen Dibell, whose ghostly fingerprints can be seen all over her work.

Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, Kathleen’s parents actually were rocket scientists (they worked at White Sands Missile Range), which made for interesting dinner-time conversations. After graduating with degrees in English and Marketing she worked as a menswear buyer for retail department store chains before changing careers to become a teacher, where she taught mathematics ranging from 7th Grade Arithmetic up to Calculus. Kathleen also served a brief stint as a Gifted and Talented Specialist. She coached the Academic Team and the Robotics Team and was the Chess Club sponsor.

When not writing, Kathleen likes to don a mask and get sweaty fencing, both foil and saber. Quieter hobbies include putting on her Wellingtons and getting her hands dirty in the garden. She also enjoys traveling and taking care of her dogs. Two large, hairy, dogs.

Her first novel, "The Golden City" came out from Ace Books, November 2013. ...more