A Marvellous Light
A dazzling, queer romantic fantasy
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4.0 • 84 Ratings
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- £5.99
Publisher Description
Set in an alternative Edwardian England, this is a comedy of manners, manor houses, and hedge mazes – a magic-infused murder mystery and a delightful queer romance. Perfect for fans of Bridgerton who'd like to welcome magic into their lives . . .
‘This book is a confection, both marvellous and light’ – Alix E. Harrow, author of The Ten Thousand Doors of January
Young baronet Robin Blyth thought he was taking up a minor governmental post. However, he has actually been appointed parliamentary liaison to a secret magical society. If it weren’t for this administrative error, he’d never have discovered the incredible magic underlying his world.
Cursed by mysterious attackers and plagued by visions, Robin becomes determined to drag answers from his missing predecessor – but he’ll need the help of Edwin Courcey, his hostile magical-society counterpart. Unwillingly thrown together, Robin and Edwin will discover a plot that threatens every magician in the British Isles.
Continue the thrilling series with A Restless Truth.
‘A dazzling debut’ – Shelley Parker-Chan, author of She Who Became the Sun
‘Prepare to fall in love’ – Emily Tesh, author of Silver in the Wood
‘If you ever wished Downton Abbey was sharper-edged and full of magic, this is the book for you’ – Kat Howard, author of An Unkindness of Magicians
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
Entwined with a thrilling mystery in this remarkably assured debut is a queer love story full of tenderness and heat. In Freya Marske’s vision of Edwardian England, magic is real—though not everyone knows it. When we meet Robin Blyth, it is the baronet’s first day in a new governmental role. He is to act as a vital connection between the Asquith government and the magical society that coexists with his own, a society he previously had no idea existed. As Robin finds himself cursed by unknown assailants, and trying to solve his predecessor’s disappearance, he works alongside his opposite number from the magical community, Edwin Courcey. The novel’s supernatural elements are grounded beautifully by deeply human longings and suspicions, fears and loyalties. At its close, with the world the author has created laid out before us, a sequel seems inevitable, and very welcome.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Marske debuts with a breathtaking queer romantic fantasy set in Edwardian England. Financial necessity leads newly titled, 25-year-old baronet Robin Blyth to take a post in the Office of Special Domestic Affairs and Complaints, where Edwin Courcey, liaison to the Chief Minister of the Magical Assembly, "unbushells" him by disclosing the reality of magic. Thugs accost Robin that same evening, placing a curse on him and demanding to know the location of a powerful object his predecessor hid. When Edwin learns of the curse, which gives Robin unbidden glimpses of the future, he whisks Robin to his family's country estate. There, Edwin, who lacks raw magical power but has a keen mind and a knack for research, attempts to find a solution while his family, including a sister whose pranks teeter on mean-spirited and a brother who torments him, cook up magical diversions. Edwin and Robin share some deliciously described sexual encounters as their research takes them to a powerful, dangerous magical estate. After forcing a vision leaves Robin nonresponsive, Edwin makes a risky decision that lifts the curse but causes a rift between the men as the identities of Robin's attackers come to light. Sensual erotic scenes, an intriguing magic system, and a puzzling mystery combine to make this novel a wonder. Fans of C.L. Polk's Witchmark, period queer novels, and creative fantasy will all clamor for more.
