Reviews

The Magpie Lord by KJ Charles

wizardpendragon's review against another edition

4.25

Charming as all of KJ Charles' work I've read so far. Cornell Collins is perfect to bring the magic to life in the audiobook, plus the kindle ebook is permafree!

tanyapaquet's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

A very fun read but there were holes in the plot.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content

invisible_universes's review against another edition

dark emotional funny lighthearted tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

There's something surprisingly compelling driving this compact little novel. I only picked it up because it was on sale for dead cheap, but it caught me off guard with the quality. The story, though brief, is compelling. The characters are even more so. I'm not usually huge on historical fiction, but in this case the sort of gothic setting added ambiance, conflict and thrill. The book as a whole has all the charm of 'Something Fabulous' by Alexis Hill (another, far more popular queer historical romance) and is just as entrancing, but with a considerably better crafted plot and more even handed tone. It's a high quality read that happens to be fun to boot. Excited to read more from this author!

petra_reviews_mm's review against another edition

adventurous challenging 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? Yes

5.0

Oh my. I loved it. The tension between Crane and Stephen was amazing. I may be the minority but the shift from hate to friendship was great. Yes, the attraction was a little sudden but it definitely made sense as it was often used as a distraction.

Crane was simping hard in the second half and Stephen was also really cute but fierce. When they finally did the deed? Ooof. Wow. Amazing. The D/s hints were right up my alley.

The paranormal side was interesting though less developed than I'd have liked.

Overall a great mystery with an underlying plotline of two men becoming friends and maybe something more.

xeyra1's review against another edition

adventurous funny mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

A compelling, fast-paced, romantic mystery romp that I absolutely devoured. Looking forward to reading more of this duo, for sure.

vicerry's review against another edition

lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

dreams_of_attolia's review against another edition

adventurous dark funny hopeful mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

luluwoohoo's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark funny mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

The Magpie Lord by KJ Charles (audiobook narrated by Cornell Collins)
☀️☀️☀️⛅

Happy Pride Month! This dark and humourous historical romance was an enjoyable palate cleanser of a book.

The opening scene of this book is harrowing, but Charles balances the dark gothic elements skillfully with humour and sexual tension. I found the mystery and the investigation intriguing, and the ending ultimately satisfying, though I would have appreciated a bit more detail on the magic system itself and how it operates. 

Crane and Day are both interesting characters whose banter is enjoyable, especially when portrayed in audiobook form by Collins. I do wish their relationship was fleshed out a bit more, as the progression felt rushed. Merrick was an entertaining support character, but the others including the villain definitely could have used some more page time to help the reveal towards the end feel earned. 

I had a good time listening to this and will endeavour to continue the trilogy - hopefully we get some more world building and relationship growth in the next installment.

"'I am in the process of nailing Mr Humphrey Griffin to the wall so thoroughly that future generations will mistake him for a tapestry. Currently, he is under the impression that his cooperation may incline me not to press for a lengthy prison sentence for embezzlement, malpractice, extortion, and perjury.'
'Will it?'
Crane smiled. "Not pleasantly, no, but it scarcely matters.'"

2h2a2n's review against another edition

adventurous dark funny mysterious 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? Yes

4.5

rorarots's review against another edition

1.0

it's so bad. the magic system is so bland and ill explored. the sex is comically unreal and embarrassing to read. the writing is clunky. miss kj charles what is this.

one star for the characters and readability. it was a fun mindless read regardless.