Magic Below Stairs

Magic Below Stairs  by Caroline Stevermer

Frederick is an orphan. The orphanage is a very unpleasant place, so he is trying to learn as much as he can from the cook so that he can join the navy as soon as he is old enough. Then a wizard’s servant comes to the orphanage to hire a new footboy for his master, and Frederick is the one chosen. Frederick still has a few worries, though: What will it be like, working for a wizard? And who, or what, is Billy Bly, the tiny man Frederick sometimes sees or hears just at the edge of sleep?

I just loved this story. It reminded me a bit of Mairelon the Magician by Patricia Wrede, a long-time favorite of mine. Frederick has more going for him than he knows, and he needs it all before the story’s done, what with the remnant of an old curse (supposedly broken) on his master’s house coming back for one more try. Frederick’s new frien Bess, the scullery maid, is a great character too. She helps Frederick get his feet under him in his new situation, and is willing to believe and help Frederick when he needs it most. And I have to say, I really enjoyed learning the truth about Billy Bly!

Chris LeMieux