Longshadow by Olivia Atwater Review

Title: Longshadow

Author: Olivia Atwater

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Orbit

Pages: 288

Release Date: 18 August 2022

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Today, I’m sharing my review for the third instalment in Olivia Atwater’s Regency Faerie Tales Series, Longshadow which is a charming, LGBTQ+ romance full of fae, magic and an incredible protagonist you’re bound to adore—as well as apppearances from the much beloved characters of Half A Soul and Ten Thousand Stitches.

Synopsis

Proper Regency ladies are not supposed to become magicians – but Miss Abigail Wilder is far from proper.

The marriageable young ladies of London are dying mysteriously, and Abigail Wilder intends to discover why. Abigail's father, the Lord Sorcier of England, believes that a dark lord of faerie is involved – but while Abigail is willing to match her magic against Lord Longshadow, neither her father nor high society believe that she is capable of doing so.

Thankfully, Abigail is not the only one investigating the terrible events in London. Mercy, a street rat and self-taught magician, insists on joining Abigail to unravel the mystery. But while Mercy's own magic is strange and foreboding, she may well post an even greater danger to Abigail's heart.

From the author of HALF A SOUL comes a queer faerie tale romance full of love and defiant hope. Pick up LONGSHADOW, and return once more to Olivia Atwater's charming, magical version of Regency England.

Review

Longshadow, the third instalment (and conclusion) in Olivia Atwater’s Regency Faerie Tales was just as whimsically enchanting as the previous books and like the rest of the series, I really enjoyed it. It’s a direct sequel to Half A Soul, which follows Dora and Elias’ daughter Abigail (who we met in Half A Soul.) There’s also a brief appearance by Lord Blackthorn and Effie from Ten Thousand Stitches so if you haven’t read the rest of the series yet, I’d definitely recommend doing so before starting this.

This was another enjoyably charming and lighthearted read and I absolutely loved getting to see so many familiar characters that I loved again. Abigail was a wonderful protagonist—she’s a smart and intelligent young woman who knows what she wants and knows out to get it (even if that means telling a few lies to do so.) I loved how warm and loving her relationship was with her adopted parents and Hugh, the best (and most adorably witty) ghost brother a girl could ask for.

I liked that Abigail’s interactions and experiences with the ton were explored, with the exclusionary, classist and gate keeping attitudes highlighting some of the societal issues and bigotry that prevailed throughout the era. It also perfectly showcased just how brave and compassionate Abigail was especially whilst trying to help save the very people who’ve done nothing but ridicule and belittle her.

Mercy was a pretty intriguing character and I loved her chemistry with Abigail (and how well their relationship blossoms throughout the story.) I did sort of work out the big twist half way through, but I was so excited by it that guessing beforehand didn’t hinder my enjoyment whatsoever.

I also loved getting to see some old faces too, especially the enthusiastically eccentric Lord Blackthorn and Effie. This is the last book in the series (so far) but I do hope we get to see more stories set in this fabulously magic (and fae) filled world in future.

Overall, a whimsical regency romance full of endearingly charming characters and a fabulously sweet LGBTQ+ centred romance—It’s Sally Lockhart meets Bridgerton with a wholesome, studio Ghibli-esque romance that I highly recommend.

And, a huge thank you to Orbit and Netgalley for the e-arc.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5

About The Author

Olivia Atwater writes whimsical historical fantasy with a hint of satire. She lives in Montreal, Quebec with her fantastic, prose-inspiring husband and her two cats.

When she told her second-grade history teacher that she wanted to work with history someday, she is fairly certain this isn't what either party had in mind. She has been, at various times, a historical re-enactor, a professional witch at a metaphysical supply store, a web developer, and a vending machine repairperson.

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