abbyaroza's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
etceteras's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
michalvy's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
alsutto1's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
5.0
ramakn22's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Torture, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Murder, Confinement, and Physical abuse
Minor: Homophobia
mweis's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
*I received an audio review copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
Reread: This still holds up so well! It’s such a comforting story to me now and I love catching more details about the world and macro plot. I can’t wait to finish the trilogy.
This was absolutely delightful! I saw another reviewer describe it as "top-tier fanfiction" which is honestly the best way to describe it. It's fantasy romance that I think did an excellent job balancing world-building with a magic system based on the game Cat's Cradle and a well developed romance that includes some steamy scenes.
The story follows recently orphaned minor noble, Robin Blyth, who due to an administrative error, is forced into the magical side of Edwardian London and has to solve the mystery of what happened to his predecessor with the help of his counterpart in the magical bureaucracy, Edwin Courcey. Further plots are uncovered leading to a threat to every magician in Britain and meanwhile the prickly Edwin and himbo Robin get closer and romance ensues. There are also magical hedge mazes, enchanted libraries, and lots of angst.
One of the things I particularly enjoyed was the care Marske used when building the relationship between Robin and Edwin. Throughout the book it was acknowledged that both sides had baggage and beyond that, that being gay was a criminal offense in that era - the text specifically mentions the Oscar Wilde trial in 1895. I also enjoyed having the dual perspective throughout so you could see the relationship evolve on both sides.
The main plot of this story wraps up fairly well but leaves enough tidbits to make me excited about the rest of the books in the series. I also really loved the audiobook narration!
Overall, I would highly recommend! Especially for fans of C.L. Polk's Witchmark series as both tackle mysteries related to secret magical societies in the Edwardian era.
Reread: This still holds up so well! It’s such a comforting story to me now and I love catching more details about the world and macro plot. I can’t wait to finish the trilogy.
This was absolutely delightful! I saw another reviewer describe it as "top-tier fanfiction" which is honestly the best way to describe it. It's fantasy romance that I think did an excellent job balancing world-building with a magic system based on the game Cat's Cradle and a well developed romance that includes some steamy scenes.
The story follows recently orphaned minor noble, Robin Blyth, who due to an administrative error, is forced into the magical side of Edwardian London and has to solve the mystery of what happened to his predecessor with the help of his counterpart in the magical bureaucracy, Edwin Courcey. Further plots are uncovered leading to a threat to every magician in Britain and meanwhile the prickly Edwin and himbo Robin get closer and romance ensues. There are also magical hedge mazes, enchanted libraries, and lots of angst.
One of the things I particularly enjoyed was the care Marske used when building the relationship between Robin and Edwin. Throughout the book it was acknowledged that both sides had baggage and beyond that, that being gay was a criminal offense in that era - the text specifically mentions the Oscar Wilde trial in 1895. I also enjoyed having the dual perspective throughout so you could see the relationship evolve on both sides.
The main plot of this story wraps up fairly well but leaves enough tidbits to make me excited about the rest of the books in the series. I also really loved the audiobook narration!
Overall, I would highly recommend! Especially for fans of C.L. Polk's Witchmark series as both tackle mysteries related to secret magical societies in the Edwardian era.
gravesandyearning's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
mngwa's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Within the first 20 pages, I was confused. Turns out for good reason, as you follow a character who knows nothing and learns so much about the world of magic and love. Sweet and cute.