Reviews with content warning for Suicide - A Power Unbound

Freya Marske’s spellbindingly lush, plot twisty (and satisfyingly steamy) conclusion to The Last Binding trilogy was an action packed, emotional rollercoaster of a read that I never wanted to end!

Continuing the high stakes, magic based escapades of A Restless Truth and A Marvellous Light, we follow Lord Hawthorn as he reluctantly joins Violet and Maud in their search for the final piece of The Last Contract. But the search, (which involves wading through a magically booby trapped house) proves fruitless and unfortunately for Hawthorn, the group need the expertise of magic repelling journalist (and sometimes thief) Alanzo “Alan” Rossi.

The argumentative Alan knows just how to get under Hawthorn’s aristocratic skin and the pair soon clash. What they didn’t plan on however, was the deep, infuriating (and utterly scorching) attraction that builds between them.

But when their enemies’ scheme to seize all of England’s magic (in a power grab that could spell the end of every magician in Britain) comes to a head at Hawthorn’s ancestral home— Hawthorn, Alan and their rag tag group of allies will go to any lengths to stop it… even if it means risking their lives (and magic) in the process.

I’d been eagerly anticipating this, ever since devouring the Agatha Christie meets Downton Abbey deliciousness of the previous instalment, A Restless Truth last year. And I’m so very happy to report that it surpassed ALL of my expectations!

Blending lush, lyrical prose and beautifully descriptive world building, with magically plot twisty (high stakes) action and a spicy, enemies to lovers romance (that’s bound to set pulses racing)—Marske proves herself a master of her craft.

The seamlessness with which she weaves themes of privilege, power and class inequality without losing any of the sexy, cosy found family vibes had me thoroughly impressed. I do however think the pacing could’ve been a little slower at times—if only so I could properly process the many shocking revelations and action packed scenes we encounter (and there are quite a few.)

I really loved the character development (it’s one of my favourite aspects of Marske’s writing) and was especially happy with the depth and complexity we explore in Lord Hawthorn. Arrogant and selfish when first introduced in A Marvellous Light, I’d been fully prepared to hate him when he returned in A Restless Truth. Instead, I found myself endeared to his reluctant nature and eager for answers surrounding the mystery of his past (and refusal to use magic.) Thankfully we do get those answers, which I felt made Hawthorn a far more relatable and emotionally complex character.

Alan, our other protagonist (and rival/love interest of Hawthorn’s) was incredibly well written too. His home life and family dynamics, however brief really helped to understand his opposition to the upper classes and those born into privilege like Hawthorn, but who choose not to use it to enact change or help those less fortunate.

Overall, a thrilling and utterly compelling conclusion that murder mystery loving, Historical Fantasy Romance fans are bound to find satisfying.

Also, thanks to Blackcrow PR and Tor UK for the finished copy and my spot on the upcoming tour.

Content Warnings

caseythereader's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful mysterious 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

4.0

Thanks to Tordotcom Books for the free copy of this book.

- It was so wonderful to be back in the Last Binding world for one more time with A POWER UNBOUND. Given that this is the last book in a trilogy, I'll try not to get too much into plot, but this one had me on the edge of my seat.
- Jack and Alan are a fiery pair, and watching them break down their walls was a treat.
- I'll admit I didn't quite follow how all the magic worked in this one, but this found family is such a delight that it doesn't really matter, you just want to see them succeed.

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purplepenning's review

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

I've gone back and forth on the rating for this one, but I think I'll settle in at a 4. I *loved* the first book and though I didn't enjoy the second one nearly as much when I was reading it, I think of it with fondness and positivity now. I suspect it will be the same with this one. The world remains fascinating (I would definitely read more in this setting!), the characters are captivating, the Edwardian found family vibe is pretty perfect, and the whole theme of consent as it applies personally between partners and broadly in the system of magic and political power is clever and intriguing. The relationship dynamics and humor didn't really connect for me in books two and three, though I liked the individual characters well enough. Also, "levels of steaminess" is a completely subjective measure, but I think readers may want to know that this one follows the trajectory of book two and, on my scale at least, moves from "mildly steamy, mostly sweet and swoony romantic fantasy" in book one to "kinda spicy, unapologetically kinky romantic fantasy" in book three. There's a lot of fantasy story line to wrap up, so it doesn't become ALL about Hawthorne and Ross's relationship, but it's a significant part of the story.

Content Warnings

guybrushtmp's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful 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

5.0

What an ending! I am left sated and content. The confusion regained all the full breath-taking force of the first book and drove home to a most wonderful conclusion.

Jack and Alan are by far my favourite pair and their romance scratches soooooooooo many trope itches I love. They hurl insults and vitriol back and forth with abandon in a way that they both enjoy. The SMUT is EXCELLENT. Consensual non-consent kinks and blistering hate that drives lust.

I very much enjoyed the plot and the discussions Marske brings forth about patriarchy, classism, colonialism. I will be sad to leave these book friends behind but will relish the time spent in their company. Cheers!

Thanks to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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