Scan barcode
kingrosereads's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
To sum it up this is a MLM historical fantasy romance mystery that had maybe a 2.5/5 in the spice department with its 3 sex scenes (that were pretty drawn out and descriptive). However, as fun as the book was, it lacks a lot of substance. It took nearly 45% of the way for it to finally pick up a decent pace. The book starts as if it has all the time in the world to set the scene but it’s only 372 pages long and other than a few scenes here and there, it was hard to keep engaged with the reading.
The story takes place in Edwardian London, and we have Robin, who’s a non-magical baronet, and we have Edwin, who is a low level magician (like a wizard, not a conman you hire for kids’ parties). Due to a clerical error, Robin is assigned to work with Edwin at a magical liaison office for Parliament. Now, magic is a secret that only a few non-magical people know about outside of the non-magical people born to magical families. Edwin’s family actually treats him like shit because he barely has magic and this is just common practice within the magical community. The magical system is based on the game cat’s cradle which is interesting and reminds me a little of The Magicians.
In the liaison office, there’s meant to be a magician representing the magical governing body in Britain and a non-magical person representing the British government. Robin is assigned this position because the previous employee, Reggie, has gone missing. Robin has just been told that magic exists and he’s still digesting that when he’s attacked and cursed by a group of magicians dead set on finding something of importance in Reggie’s belongings. This launches Robin and Edwin into investigation mode trying to solve what happened to Reggie, how to lift Robin’s curse, and what is so important it’s worth killing over, all while the attraction between the two men develops, dealing with awful family members, and nearly dying every other scene.
I do want to say that I like Edwin and Robin as individuals. Edwin is the grumpy academic type who’s expertise is more magical theory and experimentation. Robin is this very sporty, heart of gold, and not very academically inclined gentlemen. But I wish these characters were more fleshed out. They were very two dimensional, but bordering that three dimensional area we want characters to be in. Even Adelaide and other side characters, were given basically the same treatment as the two main characters. Even though this is a third person dual POV, it doesn’t feel like it. It was hard at times to really distinguish who’s POV I was reading from unless the two men weren’t in the same room together.
I also think their attraction was rushed. The timeline of the book’s events takes place over 8 days, I think. And they went from not particularly caring for one another, to having this intense attraction for one another once they find out they’re both gay. Which is a bit problematic seeing as gay people aren’t attracted to every gay person they meet. I could see an attraction and relationship developing over a longer period of time, but I couldn’t see it as it was written.
Another thing I had a little issue with is this assumption that POC have no place in Western history. That POC didn’t hold prominent positions or accumulate wealth in the West. And in this case, this is a historical FANTASY, so I don’t see why the only POC of color in this book is Adelaide, who is a side character that’s in like a couple of scenes and is a secretary that serves two white men. Which is incredibly unfortunate because she was giving me a mix of Jenny from Doctor Who and Kate from Bridgerton. She was very interesting but again, her character wasn’t fully developed and it was a missed opportunity.
Side note: I immediately mentally casted Chance Perdomo as Edwin, Jonathan Bailey as Robin, and Charithra Chandran as Adelaide. Which definitely helped me like the characters more so do that with what you will.
I don’t necessarily think more pages were necessary to really do this story justice, I just think Marske spent more time on less important things. Like the climax and resolution felt very meh. For instance, I wasn’t all shocked who the villain was because I honestly forgot about that character’s existence. I felt for Edwin and Robin and their family troubles, but it was hard to connect with both of them. Robin’s innocence and eagerness and awe really reeled me in, but there wasn’t anything keeping me engaged with his character. I did laugh a few times and I enjoyed the spice, but I didn’t feel that tug at my heartstrings or feel that anything was at stake to feel suspense or worry. There were all these interesting things that were teased or rushed that would’ve been this book exceptional instead of just average with a sprinkle of disappointment. Depending on the reviews for the next book, I may or may not continue this series if serious changes aren’t made.
The story takes place in Edwardian London, and we have Robin, who’s a non-magical baronet, and we have Edwin, who is a low level magician (like a wizard, not a conman you hire for kids’ parties). Due to a clerical error, Robin is assigned to work with Edwin at a magical liaison office for Parliament. Now, magic is a secret that only a few non-magical people know about outside of the non-magical people born to magical families. Edwin’s family actually treats him like shit because he barely has magic and this is just common practice within the magical community. The magical system is based on the game cat’s cradle which is interesting and reminds me a little of The Magicians.
In the liaison office, there’s meant to be a magician representing the magical governing body in Britain and a non-magical person representing the British government. Robin is assigned this position because the previous employee, Reggie, has gone missing. Robin has just been told that magic exists and he’s still digesting that when he’s attacked and cursed by a group of magicians dead set on finding something of importance in Reggie’s belongings. This launches Robin and Edwin into investigation mode trying to solve what happened to Reggie, how to lift Robin’s curse, and what is so important it’s worth killing over, all while the attraction between the two men develops, dealing with awful family members, and nearly dying every other scene.
I do want to say that I like Edwin and Robin as individuals. Edwin is the grumpy academic type who’s expertise is more magical theory and experimentation. Robin is this very sporty, heart of gold, and not very academically inclined gentlemen. But I wish these characters were more fleshed out. They were very two dimensional, but bordering that three dimensional area we want characters to be in. Even Adelaide and other side characters, were given basically the same treatment as the two main characters. Even though this is a third person dual POV, it doesn’t feel like it. It was hard at times to really distinguish who’s POV I was reading from unless the two men weren’t in the same room together.
I also think their attraction was rushed. The timeline of the book’s events takes place over 8 days, I think. And they went from not particularly caring for one another, to having this intense attraction for one another once they find out they’re both gay. Which is a bit problematic seeing as gay people aren’t attracted to every gay person they meet. I could see an attraction and relationship developing over a longer period of time, but I couldn’t see it as it was written.
Another thing I had a little issue with is this assumption that POC have no place in Western history. That POC didn’t hold prominent positions or accumulate wealth in the West. And in this case, this is a historical FANTASY, so I don’t see why the only POC of color in this book is Adelaide, who is a side character that’s in like a couple of scenes and is a secretary that serves two white men. Which is incredibly unfortunate because she was giving me a mix of Jenny from Doctor Who and Kate from Bridgerton. She was very interesting but again, her character wasn’t fully developed and it was a missed opportunity.
Side note: I immediately mentally casted Chance Perdomo as Edwin, Jonathan Bailey as Robin, and Charithra Chandran as Adelaide. Which definitely helped me like the characters more so do that with what you will.
I don’t necessarily think more pages were necessary to really do this story justice, I just think Marske spent more time on less important things. Like the climax and resolution felt very meh. For instance, I wasn’t all shocked who the villain was because I honestly forgot about that character’s existence. I felt for Edwin and Robin and their family troubles, but it was hard to connect with both of them. Robin’s innocence and eagerness and awe really reeled me in, but there wasn’t anything keeping me engaged with his character. I did laugh a few times and I enjoyed the spice, but I didn’t feel that tug at my heartstrings or feel that anything was at stake to feel suspense or worry. There were all these interesting things that were teased or rushed that would’ve been this book exceptional instead of just average with a sprinkle of disappointment. Depending on the reviews for the next book, I may or may not continue this series if serious changes aren’t made.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Misogyny, Sexism, Racism, Homophobia, and Death of parent
dianaisnotmyrealname's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Misogyny, and Emotional abuse
monaluffy's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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
4.25
I liked this books very much, I like the magic system it is not very original, but I like it. But the best part are the characters <3
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Toxic relationship, and Misogyny
espiargrant's review against another edition
adventurous
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? Yes
4.25
This book was a very enjoyable read! The world building was colorful and descriptive without becoming dense and the magic system was well-crafted and unique. I loved both MCs and felt that their relationship developed fairly naturally, though I felt that some of the steamy scenes could've begun in a more organic way (still good though). The plot was well-developed, but with some aspects the reader is kept in the dark for a bit longer than seems logical.
This book also touches on some darker topics regarding family, relationships, sex, and sexuality, and handles them tactfully, which I appreciated. In short, this book is a fun, magical adventure with heartwarming characters and a lovely queer romance. I'd recommend this to fans of Edwardian fantasy and mlm romance.
Positional Dynamic:
Both Vers
This book also touches on some darker topics regarding family, relationships, sex, and sexuality, and handles them tactfully, which I appreciated. In short, this book is a fun, magical adventure with heartwarming characters and a lovely queer romance. I'd recommend this to fans of Edwardian fantasy and mlm romance.
Positional Dynamic:
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Bullying, Homophobia, Sexual content, and Violence
Moderate: Misogyny and Chronic illness
Minor: Torture and Medical content
szuum's review
This is NOT a queer book, it's basically mediocre fanfiction that fetishises gay men for the titillation of straight women. Nothing about this 'queer' romance rings true.
The characterisation of every single character is extremely poor (or I should say nonexistent). Even the leads are boring and bland and their relationship has no foundation or emotional depth. Female characters are basically a side-thought and the misogyny aimed at them is unaddressed.
The characterisation of every single character is extremely poor (or I should say nonexistent). Even the leads are boring and bland and their relationship has no foundation or emotional depth. Female characters are basically a side-thought and the misogyny aimed at them is unaddressed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Sexual content
offbrandclubsoda's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
mysterious
fast-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? No
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Bullying
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexism, Violence, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Homophobia, Murder, Death of parent, and Death
levesc17's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
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? No
4.25
This book was PERFECTLY paced, but it’s still a slow burn. There’s a few bits of excitement and action. But, the characters shine as the observe the world around them. I definitely would describe this as an opposites attract romance, with a backdrop of mystery and magic. The main couple, Robin and Edwin, must keep their attraction secret because queer men could be arrested and charged. But even after they can’t resist one another anymore, they both wrestle with what the future could possibly be. Oh and MAGIC!! That’s what brings them together and it’s a unique system I am sure will be explained even more in the next book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Bullying, Torture, Homophobia, and Misogyny
steffi_23's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Misogyny
Minor: Suicide
erynlasbelin's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Physical abuse, Murder, Sexism, Suicide, Torture, Misogyny, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Violence, and Death of parent
Moderate: Xenophobia, Blood, Grief, Alcohol, Kidnapping, Self harm, Cursing, and Ableism
Minor: Vomit, Colonisation, Outing, Classism, and Racism
dododenise's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-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? Yes
3.0
Maybe my expectations were too high for this book but sadly it didn’t do it for me.
I could see so much good in it, but it couldn’t draw me in. I barely ever take this long to finish a book these days and I had to force myself through the last quarter.
I couldn’t care less about the mystery. It just didn’t intrigue me. So as soon as character moments ended, I wasn’t interested anymore.
The character dynamics were fun and Edwin and Robin’s relationship were the best part of this book. Nothing really new or exciting about them, but definitely still enjoyable to read.
In the beginning I was also very intrigued by the magic system. I love a magic system that feels very scientific. But slowly I got bored of it. Edwin kept rambling about it but he couldn’t tell me anything new that could peak my interest again.
I don’t know. I’m just a bit sad that the book I had been excited about for so long ended up being an exhaustive read.
I could see so much good in it, but it couldn’t draw me in. I barely ever take this long to finish a book these days and I had to force myself through the last quarter.
I couldn’t care less about the mystery. It just didn’t intrigue me. So as soon as character moments ended, I wasn’t interested anymore.
The character dynamics were fun and Edwin and Robin’s relationship were the best part of this book. Nothing really new or exciting about them, but definitely still enjoyable to read.
In the beginning I was also very intrigued by the magic system. I love a magic system that feels very scientific. But slowly I got bored of it. Edwin kept rambling about it but he couldn’t tell me anything new that could peak my interest again.
I don’t know. I’m just a bit sad that the book I had been excited about for so long ended up being an exhaustive read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia, Sexism, Kidnapping, and Misogyny
Minor: Violence