Dazzlingly sharp and enchantingly funny, Freya Marske’s stunning debut takes the charm of Downtown Abbey, adds a dash of magically induced deadly peril and a sizzling LGBTQ+ romance to rival even Brigerton. An Historical Fantasy that simply cannot be missed.
When Young Baronet Robin Blythe agreed to take minor governmental position,he never expected to be appointed parliamentary liaison to a secret magical society—he never expected to discover magic existed at all!
But due to the administrative mix up, Robin becomes cursed by mysterious attackers and plagued by visions. Determined to get answers from his missing predecessor, he’ll need the help of his antisocial,magical society counterpart—Edwin Courcey.
Unwillingly thrown together, Robin and Edwin will discover a dastardly plot that threatens every magician in England—and a secret that many have died to protect.
This was such an incredible book, the writing was exceptionally detailed and the world building truly exquisite, it’s honestly hard to believe it’s Marske’s debut novel—her prose is simply ‘Marvellous’.
The characters were really well written and full of complexity,Edwin and Robin especially. The scars of Edwin and Robin’s pasts (via childhood experiences and upbringing) were perfectly captured by Marske; bringing a sincerity to their emotions and actions ,that made them feel all the more relatable (and real.)
I loved the opposites attract relationship between the hostile, standoffish Edwin and the sociable,fun loving Robin was —it’s clear from the beginning that they have chemistry but,watching the slow build of their attraction (and relationship) was absolutely swoon-worthy.
The attention to detail in the descriptions was also pretty great—as an art lover I enjoyed the mention of William Morris wallpaper and Tiffany glass (and Robin’s sheer love of both)
I also very much enjoyed the manor house party/murder mystery vibe, very Agatha Christie meets Deborah Harkness. I’d definitely recommend to murder mystery loving, historical fantasy and LGBTQ+ romance fans.
Also thanks to Tor and NetGalley for the e-ARC.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
A Marvellous Light is out 9 December
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