The season

by Sarah MacLean

Paper Book, 2009

Status

Available

Call number

[Fic]

Publication

New York : Orchard Books, 2009.

Description

Showing no interest in the sumptuous balls, lavish dinner parties, and country weekends enjoyed by the rest of early nineteenth-century London society, seventeen-year-old Lady Alexandra Stafford seeks adventure as she investigates the puzzling murder of the Earl of Blackmoor, father of devilishly handsome Gavin.

User reviews

LibraryThing member BookAddictDiary
Newcomer Sarah Maclean evokes the age-old tales of marriage games and romance in her debut novel, The Season. Following a formula reminiscent of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, The Season is a YA historical romance novel that tells the story of Alex, a headstrong, intelligent young woman who has
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no interest in marriage and finds her impending introduction into the London social season to be nothing more than a time for her mother to parade her in front of prospective suitors. Along with her close friends Emma and Vivi, Alex must navigate the London social scene while avoiding a marriage match. However, as the story unfolds, Alex finds herself developing feelings for friend Gavin, and a mystery starts to take shape.

Told in the tradition of Regency romances, The Season is a well-paced, enjoyable read with a wonderful lead character. Though somewhat predictable, I thoroughly enjoyed Maclean's writing style and well-woven, classy romance (no bodice-ripping here folks). Something about the simplicity of this novel was really enjoyable, and the lush descriptions of London high society didn't hurt either.

Basically, The Season is a modern version of a Jane Austen-style romance (heck, the characters even blatantly discuss Austen's books!) that will appeal to fans of Regency romances, YA historical romance and Austen herself. I particularly liked seeing this book floating somewhat alone in the sea of YA urban fantasy/paranormal romance flooding the market right now. It made The Season feel more unique and, in my opinion, gave it an edge over the currently overdone teen vampire romance novel.
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LibraryThing member LarsTheLibrarian
A first novel with some first novel problems, but mostly very good and very enjoyable. There are a few clues that this is a YA novel and not a Romance novel, but ultimately would work well for the girl who reads all of her mom/the library's romance novels and wants something more relate able, or
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the girl who wants to branch out from YA novels into the popular Romance novel. There's no sex, the physical attraction is purely focused on "he's handsome!" and kissing, so less sexy than my 'trashy' romances, but actually more sexy than a lot of my 'sweet' romances where often the physical is barely even mentioned.

Ms. MacLean does a great job of keeping these girls at age 17 in the Regency period. Close enough to 17 year olds of today for relatability, but still very much the 17 year olds of their time (adults, with a responsibility to marry and have kids ASAP). I got annoyed at the kid/teen book cliche of the young protagonists trying to solve problems themselves without going to authority figures, but one character at least mentioned that they were being silly about it. I also got annoyed at the anachronistic feminism, but again couldn't get too perturbed because it may not be too realistic but at least it's a good role model.

I want to give a kudos to the design team at the publishing company for ONCE actually providing a cover that makes sense! The three girls actually fit the descriptions of the main characters, down to the dresses they wear to a ball in a pivotal scene.

Finally, I hope that this will become a trilogy, as I want to read Ella and Vivi's stories (I am pretty sure who each will end up with, based on convention), and of course I think introducing girls to the romance of Regency England will increase a love of learning of history.
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LibraryThing member theepicrat
Sarah MacLean, if you have visited her blog, is an avid lover of all things Regency - and I believe that she has successfully encompassed this love in The Season! I adored it when the girls discussed their love for Jane Austen! Her writing has captured the humor and wittiness that I love so much
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about Regency romance :)

I loved all of Sarah's characters, and I am harboring a not-so-secret hope that we get to see more of them! Alex has several older brothers that I am dying to see if they become enamored with anyone (possibly Ella or Vivi?!). Even if we never get to see Alex and company again, I would be happy with just seeing what other amazing Regency tales Sarah has in store for us!
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LibraryThing member xhollishx
Alexandra's season is arriving and she's not too enthused about it. When your season comes, you're pretty much paraded around from ball to ball and fancy dinners. From there, you're expected to find someone to marry. At the age of seventeen, Alex isn't ready for that. Not yet, anyway. Alex and her
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friends, Vivi and Ella, want adventure and fun. And, adventure is what they'll get. Alex's neighbor and childhood friend , Gavin Sewell's father died in a weird accident. Gavin doesn't think that it was an accident like it was explained. When Gavin's home is robbed, Alex, Viv and Ella decide it's time to look into what's going on.

Gavin has always been Alex's childhood protector, so when he finds out what the girls are up to, he's not too happy. Also, Alex has to stay close to Gavin to keep an eye out for anything suspicious. With Alex getting close to Gavin, she starts to have feelings that even surprise her.

I have to admit that The Season entranced me. I loved Alex's character so much! She's a strong willed girl who just wants more out of life (like most of us, I'm sure). She's a very likable character and isn't afraid to go for what she wants. Her friends, Ella and Vivi are just as easily enjoyable. This is a book that you're not just reading, you feel like you're in the story. I really didn't know what to expect about the mystery involved with the story, but Sarah MacLean put that in very well. The story flowed very well and it was an easy read. I'll be looking forward to new books from Sarah, she's a great new author to keep an eye on!
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LibraryThing member cablesclasses
Societal expectations and rules govern the life of the 19th century girls. This is a world so contrary to the teenagers’ rules in the 21st century; yet, romance and mystery are universal no matter the time period and the setting simply becomes the conflict. Liberties are taken by having all three
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girls as strong-willed characters in a time period and society where submission is mandated and enforced. But their angst with their parents’ wishes is quickly subdued when the parent is present or is monitoring their actions; similar to teens today who gripe about parents but succumb. Fans of Austen, Bronte, or Bray will find The Season a pleasure to read and clearly a welcome addition to the collection. So, despite the time difference, the characters undergo similar problems as teens today and reveal that parental control is not such a new concept after all.
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LibraryThing member lostinabook88
Judging this book by it's cover I thought it would be a lot like Gossip Girl set in Regency England but as I got only a few pages into it I realized this was a novel that held it's own. There was just enough history in the book without being overwhelming period based and I loved looking up the
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different dress styles on google to see what they looked like! Clearly, MacLean had a great understanding of Regency England and wove it into the story flawlessly.

The book was written brilliantly, as well. Pages and pages flew past me while I was reading. I was completely drawn into the tale. MacLean adopted some of the writing characteristics and the sayings of the time period she was writing in which made her writing pop! I can't express enough how well written this book is!

The love story between Gavin and Alex was heartfelt. I found myself giggling when Alex did during their encounters and feeling my heart melt at their realistic and romantic love for each other. I was completely envious of Alex! I also adored the friendship of Alex, Vivi, and Ella and really appreciated how each character had their own vivid personality!

Lastly, as if all of that wasn't enough to rush to the library to pick up a copy to read, this novel was filled with adventure and intrigue! Also, completely well woven into the tale. Who doesn't love a good romantice and adventure story? This novel had me gushing and biting my nails at the same time! I adored it!
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LibraryThing member ShellyPYA
Seventeen-year-old Alexandra (Alex) doesn't fit in with conventional nineteenth-century London, professing she has no wish to find a husband because she's sure he will be threatened by her intellect. When the death of the Earl of Blackmoor throws her together with her old friend Gavin, her feelings
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begin to change as they work to solve the mystery.
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LibraryThing member edspicer
Very surprising. Different. Alex is so brave. She does things girls in her time would never dream of. It was great. It kept me thinking the whole time. It was fun to read about the time period too. Keep writing. There aren't enough books that are this good about that time. AHS/ES
LibraryThing member rj_anderson
A witty, thoroughly romantic Regency for teens, with an added twist of mystery and danger to keep the plot moving. Alex and her friends Vivi and Ella are engaging heroines and there are plenty of eligible suitors to carry over into the next couple of books!
LibraryThing member SR510
Yes, the protagonist is wildly anachronistic for a Regency romance, but then who reads romance novels for reality? It's quite well written, and I'm looking forward to MacLean's next book.
LibraryThing member sensitivemuse
Although the three girls were wonderful characters in this book, the story falls short. It didn't have the excitement I thought it was going to have. The detail at their dinners and parties however was well written and very descriptive. Everything in the novel did seem authentic and although it did
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make a good read the plot and some unanswered questions sort of marred the book and my enjoyment of it. The parties and dinners were well written and also, it was nice to see a book not heavy on the description on dresses and where they came from (does that really matter?).

The characters in the novel were all right. Gavin and Alex did make a good couple and you can't help but feel excited for Alex when she experiences these new found feelings of romance for a childhood friend. They could be compared to Elizabeth and Darcy in Pride and Prejudice - only younger. I couldn't also help but smile at Freddie and Alex. He was a huge flirt but you couldn't help but feel charmed by his presence and manner (as Alex did). However I wanted to know why Gavin disliked him so much (jealous perhaps?) and if there was a story behind it. I wish that was addressed. If there is going to be another book after this, it would be nice however I'm not sure if I will pursue it further.

It's not that I didn't enjoy reading the book, but I expected a lot more intrigue and more action. It did pick up somewhat towards the end, but it was done and over with in an instant. There was also the "mystery" (if you could call it that) behind Freddie and why Gavin disliked him so much. Also Gavin stating he knew that Freddie is a cad. Hm. Well, I'd like to know why and what he did to make Gavin feel that way. They were friends before so what happened. It's this sort of thing that frustrated me as it was never revealed.

Overall, it was a good historical novel. Authentic and true to the word. Yet the plot falls short and could have had a lot more added to it. However those who loved The Luxe series would enjoy this novel as it takes place around the same time period. It's not the greatest book I've read, but no regrets either.
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LibraryThing member ashwey
Loved this book. Adventure and romance in the Regency Era, what else could you want? The characters are strong and deep, the plot is interesting and not too predictable. This is definitely getting added to my favorites list.
LibraryThing member sammynop
This book is about a girl, Alexandra. Alexandra has just turned sixteen and is getting ready for her first season. Her mother is begging her to get married soon. Alexandra becomes closer with one of brothers' friend, Gavin. Gavin has always helped her when Alexandra was in trouble. Soon, Alexandra
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realizes that Gavin is in trouble. Gavin's father, Lord Blackmoor, was murdered and Alexandra thinks that the murderer is after Gavin now. When Alexandra finds the secrets of the Blackmoor family, she manages to save Gavin's life just in time.
I liked how the book kept me thinking about Alexandra and Gavin. They seemed to be good friends in one chapter, and then they didn't speak to each other at all in the next. Alexandra didn't seem to be obsessed over dresses like her friends were. That was surprising to me. This book made me think about a lot of things.
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LibraryThing member shadrach_anki
The Season is a fun, light, and entertaining read. It is in the same general literary vein as the works of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer, but the overall tone of the writing falls squarely in the realm of today's young adult fiction. There were a couple of places where the word choice didn't
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really ring true to me, but it wasn't enough to through me out of the story.
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LibraryThing member kbpup903
The Season by Sarah Maclean is one of my new favorites. I picked it up not really knowing much about it and when I put it down, I immediately wanted more. It was just wonderful. The writing, the story, the characters. I don’t think I have anything bad to say about it.

The story of The Season is
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not your typical historical fiction story. While there is the whole coming out and a season, it’s more just the setting for the mystery that takes place with Alex and Gavin. Alex knows there is...moreThe Season by Sarah Maclean is one of my new favorites. I picked it up not really knowing much about it and when I put it down, I immediately wanted more. It was just wonderful. The writing, the story, the characters. I don’t think I have anything bad to say about it.

The story of The Season is not your typical historical fiction story. While there is the whole coming out and a season, it’s more just the setting for the mystery that takes place with Alex and Gavin. Alex knows there is something going on with Gavin, one of her lifelong family friends, and she will do whatever it takes to solve the problem. She also has help from her friends but she’s the mastermind of the whole plan.

The characters of The Season were the best. Alex was so funny and so determined. It was also pretty funny to see how tortured she felt when her mom made her act like a lady. Her friends were also great. They were more ladylike than Alex but they always went along with her crazy schemes. And the boys were the best. Alex’s brothers were hilarious. They tormented her and just tried their hardest to drive her crazy. They were definitely the comic relief in this book. And then there is Gavin. Almost like a brother to Alex, she tries her hardest to help him but finds herself in some awkward and crazy situations.

Overall, The Season is now one of my favorite historical books and I can’t wait to read more from Sarah Maclean. I just loved this book and I plan on rereading it time and time again!
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LibraryThing member khooper
The season (the book) takes place on London England where there are titles of nobilities. Alex is the youngest child in her family, and she is the only girl. Her friends, Ella and Vivian, as well as her, are starting their first seasons and their mothers are going crazy. This also takes place
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during the French and British war. Gavin Blackmoor is a close friend of the family and soon Alexi’s interest. Gavin just came out of mourning because his father unexpectedly died will riding on the Essex. Gavin and other feel that the earl’s death was not accidental. The young earl’s uncle comes to help him adjust to being an earl. But even after the wired encounters with the uncle, Alex did not believe the story that the Earls death had been accidental. After may encounters with Gavin, Alex soon realize that she is doing things that could ruin her reputation and the chance of being married. Perfect! Ella, Alexi’s friend, overheard to voices talking in the garden while it was dark out, what spies? Soon the trio of friends starts to connect the dots, Even before Gavin and Her father. After falling Head over heels for Gavin, Alex feels that it is her duty to save Gavin. By the end of the book, Alex fines herself saving Gavin’s life and figuring out that his uncle was to blame for two things, the first espionage and treason. The second thing is for attempt of murder and murder. Gavin talked to Alex’s father and he is going to court her and eventually marry.
I enjoyed this book. It was a great read, full of history and love, with a twist. I would recommend this book to anyone. There is nothing bad about it. I believe this is the best book I have read this quarter! To anyone reading this GO GET THE BOOK NOW AND SIT TO READ IT!
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LibraryThing member tundra
I was disappointed in this story. The author tried to add a mystery to the plot, but I think it was lacking in enough mystery elements to work. Also, the romance didn't seem realistic at all. The romance came too quickly and easily. I would have liked to see more from the male perspective as
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well.

The book was still a fun read, but it could have been so much better. I picked it out originally based on the cover art. I was hoping the girl on the far right of the cover would be a murderess based on her facial express. Oh well.
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LibraryThing member ericajsc
Lately I’ve read a few books with romances that troubled me. I’m kind of a sappy, romantic person, but there are a lot of books when two good-looking people are thrown together and fall in love and I don’t really see why. This is not one of those books. Alex and Gavin’s is a romance I can
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believe in.
MacLean has obviously been influenced heavily by Jane Austen, which she writes in the “About the Author” portion at the back of the book, but is seen throughout the story. The Season has the very best parts of Austen, but it is told in a twenty-first century voice, making it more accessible. Because this is a period different than our own, often authors will allow the story to get weighed down with explanations of how society functioned or the details of the clothes. There is just enough description in this book to paint a complete picture of the events, not giving an exhaustive history of a fabric’s origin and journey to the wearer. Because of that, I think the story moves along quickly while still staying firmly rooted in the world of Regency London.
Vivi and Ella, as well as Alex’s brother and her friend Freddie, are entertaining secondary characters. The girls provide a good sounding board for Alex’s confusing emotions about and experiences with Gavin, while her brothers are the exact opposite for Gavin. I liked Freddie because he could have easily been written as nothing but arrogant, but there was something about him that made me believe he really was good at heart.
It’s obvious from the beginning that Alex and Gavin are going to end up together. What isn’t obvious is how the story is going to unfold to bring them together. I want to compare their relationship to that of Emma Woodhouse and Mr. Knightly, but with a little bit of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy thrown into the mix. It’s got more heat than Woodhouse and Knightly, but is not quite as tension-filled as Bennet and Darcy. Alex and Gavin had a history; they had meaningful conversations with one another; they squabbled; they kissed; they pretended they didn’t kiss. And on top of all that, Gavin doubts that his father’s death was accidental and Alex is determined to not only help him prove it, but to also figure out who is behind it. Overall, the mystery element of the story wasn’t outstanding, but it served its purpose adequately and allowed for more than just a straight “Does he love me, I don’t know” story. Their relationship is far from being just about looking good.
This is a fun, lively, enchanting read, and it provided just the boost I needed in the literary-romance department.
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LibraryThing member allureofbooks
I really like the book cover, although I don't know how well it fits the story. It looks like three girls that don't like each other are really pissed off...which is definitely not a feature of the book. But, I guess since this is a YA novel you can't have a swooning female in the arms of a
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half-naked Fabio.

I read quite a bit of adult historical romance, and this book, to me, was basically one of those books without the steamy scenes. I don't say that as a criticism at all, I just feel like those scenes were left out in order to put a YA stamp on the book. I wish more books were written that way! Leaves more room for character development versus clothes removal.

The tension and chemistry between Alex and Gavin was brilliantly realized, they were both very dynamic characters! I loved Alex's best friends Ella and Vivi too.

Like with many romance novels, the mystery part of the book seemed more like a token plot so that the whole book won't be made up of the love story. It wasn't boring, but it wasn't fully realized either.

If you're a historical fiction or romance fan, this is definitely a book you'll enjoy! I hope Sarah MacLean writes more YA romance along these same lines (her adult romance series is fantastic too!).
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LibraryThing member Polo.Pony
Three girls and best friends, Vivi, Alex, and Ella, are now beginning their Season, and truthfully, they aren't looking forward to it. They just aren't interested in getting married of to some boy who hardly talks of anything other than themselves. While Vivi believes that there really is "the one"
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waiting for everyone, Ella and Alex aren't quite so sure. That is, until Alex starts falling for her friend, Gavin, that she has know for years, and he starts falling for her. Their friendly relationship that they shared their whole lives starts to tumble as they fight more often than what they used to, but yet their love still grows. When the mystery of Gavin's Fathers murder starts to unfold and Alex finds herself wrapped up in it as well and Gavin and Alex start loving each other more, will they accept their change in emotions and figure out the mystery? Find out in "The Season" by Sarah MacLean.

I just finished reading "The Season" today, and wow. Sarah MacLean did a fabulous job, especially considering that this is her first book written. If I ever got to choose to live in a different time period, this would be the one that I would pick. Sarah does a nice job tying exciting events, mystery, murder, and love all into 336 page book. "The Season" is for sure a good choice for a young adults next book read!
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LibraryThing member devafagan
As a fan of Jane Austen, mysteries, and strong female characters, this book was the perfect thing for me to read curled up on a snowy day with a cup of tea. All too often I find romances in novels don't move me as I would wish, but I was completely enthralled by the complicated and conflicted
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relationships in The Season. It was also a very fun read-- I particularly enjoyed the scenes of Alex and her two best friends Vivi and Emma discussing all manner of subjects. I am very much looking forward to visiting with them again!
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LibraryThing member ShouldIReadIt
Lovers of historical fiction will enjoy this look at three young girls determined to buck society and its rules. Alex, Vivi and Ella have sworn off romance, marriage, and men despite knowing that, having turned 17 years old, it is required they now enter the Season of looking for marriageable men.
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If their mothers have anything to say about it, the girls will be married off very soon. While turning society's rules on its ears, the girls find themselves involved in the mysterious death of a local Earl. Wanting to be part of the excitement, no one is more surprised than Alex to find herself falling for the Earl's son. History, romance, mystery and adventure are all mixed in to give the reader a peek through what it would have been like to be a rich, titled, young beauty in Regency England.
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LibraryThing member jarvenpa
My copy is an uncorrected proof, so I assume the small errors were fixed before publication. It's light, it's fun, it's very very predictable, and it would appear MacLean was leaving her options open for a sequel or three.
LibraryThing member LadyAmbrosia
Welcome to the glittery world of the ton. Step into the lives of three girls as they make their first season of London’s best and brightest in search of a husband. Lady Alexandra, Lady Vivian and Lady Eleanor have been best friends for as long as they can remember and that does not change now.
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Sarah MacLean did not leave us wanting in the male department either from Alexandra's three brothers, to Lord Blackmoor and even the impish Lord Stanhope.

I enjoyed The Season and found it a fast and enjoyable read. It was not the best book of the year and some of the plot was pretty easy to figure out early in, but since it is geared at a younger audience I would expect that and don’t hold that against the book.

Sarah MacLean made some very enjoyable characters in The Season and I found myself smiling a lot at the actions of the three friends. The situations that they found themselves in are situations that I think I would find myself in, or at least I picture I would do if I was in the time period. It was a light read even with some of the serious themes within it. There is a mystery of whom killed Gavin Lord Blackmoor's Father and a good portion of the book is focused on that. The descriptions of the balls are well done and I could picture myself among the glittery ton and enjoying the waltz with a Mr. Darcy like gentleman.
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LibraryThing member zannerina
A regency for the YA reader. Sweet!

Language

Original publication date

2009-03

ISBN

0545048869 / 9780545048866
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