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wilybooklover's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
5.0
What an absolutely gorgeous novel. The writing and imagery were really evocative, so rich and lush in a way befitting the lavish vibe of the Edwardian era when this book is set.
Sir Robin Blyth, a civil servant, discovers a hidden world of magic when he gets transferred to a new job and then unwittingly gets cursed and dragged into a magical conspiracy involving his predecessor. His magical liaison, Edwin Courcey, doesn’t like him much but is determined to lift the curse.
Robin is basically a golden retriever in human form (with a little dash of himbo) so he takes the existence of magic and even his curse with remarkable equanimity. Edwin is much more prickly and anxious (understandably so, once you meet his family) and likes to retreat into books. Despite their differences, they really understand each other and their growing romance was such a delight to read. Edwin learning to trust someone other than himself and Robin reaching for a future he wanted was so heartwarming to read. And this book was way steamier than I expected it to be. There is a love scene involving magic that is HOT. I don’t normally like the third-act conflict (big understatement) but here it really works with the characters and story — they really needed that short time apart.
The worldbuilding in this was utterly fascinating. You have rune curses, magical houses, enchanted libraries, murderous hedge mazes, a style of magic based on cat’s cradle... I’ve never read anything quite like it before.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Death, Violence, Bullying, and Torture
Moderate: Misogyny, Chronic illness, Injury/Injury detail, Child abuse, Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, Sexism, Homophobia, Outing, Classism, Murder, Kidnapping, and Blood
Minor: Suicide, Grief, Racism, and Death of parent
imds's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Misogyny, Emotional abuse, Death, Murder, Death of parent, Homophobia, Kidnapping, Physical abuse, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, and Torture
Moderate: Racism
miraileah's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I loved the pacing of this book. When Robin’s curse was lifted I was confused how the book would have ~30% more to go, but then at the ~90% mark, I didn’t know how everything would resolve in time! Of course, I loved the ending, and Marske sets up the end of the novel perfectly, not only for the sequel, but also to end the narrative journey that our characters had taken in an interesting and satisfying way. I very much enjoyed reading about Robin and Edwin, and though I am a little bummed that the next book in this trilogy won’t be about them, I still can’t wait to devour it and all that follow.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Physical abuse, Terminal illness, and Child abuse
Minor: Suicide and Homophobia
nevermoregothic's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
slow-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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Murder, Physical abuse, and Sexual content
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexism, and Death
Minor: Homophobia and Death of parent
lennie_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Thanks to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan / Tor for my arc.
This book is set in an alternative Edwardian Britain where magicians exist in secret. And I loved the Downtown Abbey feel of the book with magic subtly threaded through the lives of the upper class magicians.
This may be an odd take but I found this story oddly relaxing. Despite one of our MCs being cursed early on, a murder mystery and both of our MCs having to hide their sexuality due to society and laws of the time - I found I was quite happy to potter along with Edwin and Robin as they tried to solve the mysteries of the curse and the missing Reggie. To go on the journey with them as they navigated the magical and non magical upper class society, revealed their sexualities to each other, grow closer in the quiet alcoves of the Courcey Library and eventually start to fall in love was a joy.
I loved the romance aspect of this book so much and I really appreciated the open door scenes, not just for the smut aspect but for the character insights and growth.
However, there were a few parts of this book that I felt drew parallels with the series written by the transphobe; The Assembly being hidden in plain sight in London with government style employees, a fairytale detailing 3 magical items etc. Whether this was intentional or not I'm not sure, but it took me out if the story a bit.
Overall I really enjoyed it though and found the world building and magical system fascinating, especially the 'cradling' based on the game Cat's Cradle.
I'm also very glad that this is a series because this story was left very open ended.
I want to see more of Robin and Edwin in future books but I know book two focuses on Robin's sister Maud so I guess we'll see what happens!
CW: sexual content, blood, injury, abusive family members, death, murder
This book is set in an alternative Edwardian Britain where magicians exist in secret. And I loved the Downtown Abbey feel of the book with magic subtly threaded through the lives of the upper class magicians.
This may be an odd take but I found this story oddly relaxing. Despite one of our MCs being cursed early on, a murder mystery and both of our MCs having to hide their sexuality due to society and laws of the time - I found I was quite happy to potter along with Edwin and Robin as they tried to solve the mysteries of the curse and the missing Reggie. To go on the journey with them as they navigated the magical and non magical upper class society, revealed their sexualities to each other, grow closer in the quiet alcoves of the Courcey Library and eventually start to fall in love was a joy.
I loved the romance aspect of this book so much and I really appreciated the open door scenes, not just for the smut aspect but for the character insights and growth.
However, there were a few parts of this book that I felt drew parallels with the series written by the transphobe; The Assembly being hidden in plain sight in London with government style employees, a fairytale detailing 3 magical items etc. Whether this was intentional or not I'm not sure, but it took me out if the story a bit.
Overall I really enjoyed it though and found the world building and magical system fascinating, especially the 'cradling' based on the game Cat's Cradle.
I'm also very glad that this is a series because this story was left very open ended.
I want to see more of Robin and Edwin in future books but I know book two focuses on Robin's sister Maud so I guess we'll see what happens!
CW: sexual content, blood, injury, abusive family members, death, murder
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, Blood, Death, Emotional abuse, and Physical abuse
jupiterlee's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
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? It's complicated
5.0
What I love about this book is the layering of magic that Freya does. It is not just people who have magic but estates (thank you Sutton Cottage) and objects, and I loved the idea of everything being a contract and consent between everything and everyone.
I don't think you can ever go wrong with a secret society and I love when the magic and non-magical worlds cross over but it is a delicate balance due to having to have a few chapter of the non-magical individuals being introduced to it, but I think Freya does and amazing job of having Robin be accepting of the magic quickly but also with it being realistic and not dragging it out.
What I also admired about this book is that it is set in the past and Freya does an amazing job of introducing true facts and attitudes: homosexual individuals were not accepted and they had to be careful (I wanted to hug Edwin and Robin) and women, especially of colour, were over looked even if they were capable of doing the job (you tell them miss morisey).
The relationship and growth between Edwin and Robin I lived for and I could read more about just them.
I do think this is what I might struggle with in the rest of the series if it changes people and I don't really get anymore from their POVs but I am interested in the world and will look forward to reading more about this world and finally finding out where the other items of the contract are!
I don't think you can ever go wrong with a secret society and I love when the magic and non-magical worlds cross over but it is a delicate balance due to having to have a few chapter of the non-magical individuals being introduced to it, but I think Freya does and amazing job of having Robin be accepting of the magic quickly but also with it being realistic and not dragging it out.
What I also admired about this book is that it is set in the past and Freya does an amazing job of introducing true facts and attitudes: homosexual individuals were not accepted and they had to be careful (I wanted to hug Edwin and Robin) and women, especially of colour, were over looked even if they were capable of doing the job (you tell them miss morisey).
The relationship and growth between Edwin and Robin I lived for and I could read more about just them.
I do think this is what I might struggle with in the rest of the series if it changes people and I don't really get anymore from their POVs but I am interested in the world and will look forward to reading more about this world and finally finding out where the other items of the contract are!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Torture, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Toxic friendship, Physical abuse, Death, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Self harm, Homophobia, and Xenophobia
jneverland's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Kidnapping, and Death
booksthatburn's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A MARVELLOUS LIGHT is about Edwin and Robin, initially in each other’s company through a bureaucratic mistake. Robin had been cursed when he was unable to provide unknown assailants with information his (missing) predecessor had also denied them. Edwin was supposed to be liaising with whomever held that office, and instead proceeded to try and remove the curse. The actual plot is pretty straightforward, with only a few more twists after that. The action is solid (especially the bit in the maze) and I like several of the secondary characters, but the heart of this is absolutely Edwin and Robin’s relationship as they’re continually in each other’s company.
The rapport between Edwin and Robin slowly builds, lagging behind the intensity of each man’s buried attraction to the other. Robin adjusts pretty quickly to the existence of magic (a situation made much harder to ignore by the harsh nature of his introduction). Edwin’s focus is on trying to remove Robin’s curse, initially thinking of their acquaintance as very temporary and somewhat reversible. Much of the book is spent on Edwin’s family’s estate, with his siblings whose pranks range from frustrating to cruel.
The worldbuilding is pretty subtle about placing the era, the setting is one where magic exists within the otherwise real history of the British Isles. Since I wasn't trying very hard to place it I was content to know it's a while ago, but after the invention of cars. I'm sure there are clues to place it more precisely if I looked hard, but the story wasn't trying to trouble me with those. It did more with the ways that magic could be secret, and the key seems to be that (in England, specifically), it's tied up in old money and old families since magic is passed through bloodlines.
I enjoyed this immensely and will definitely read the rest of the series. The ending sets up a clear idea for the arc of the series, and I'll happily read more in this setting even if Edwin and Robin don't stay as the protagonists.
The rapport between Edwin and Robin slowly builds, lagging behind the intensity of each man’s buried attraction to the other. Robin adjusts pretty quickly to the existence of magic (a situation made much harder to ignore by the harsh nature of his introduction). Edwin’s focus is on trying to remove Robin’s curse, initially thinking of their acquaintance as very temporary and somewhat reversible. Much of the book is spent on Edwin’s family’s estate, with his siblings whose pranks range from frustrating to cruel.
The worldbuilding is pretty subtle about placing the era, the setting is one where magic exists within the otherwise real history of the British Isles. Since I wasn't trying very hard to place it I was content to know it's a while ago, but after the invention of cars. I'm sure there are clues to place it more precisely if I looked hard, but the story wasn't trying to trouble me with those. It did more with the ways that magic could be secret, and the key seems to be that (in England, specifically), it's tied up in old money and old families since magic is passed through bloodlines.
I enjoyed this immensely and will definitely read the rest of the series. The ending sets up a clear idea for the arc of the series, and I'll happily read more in this setting even if Edwin and Robin don't stay as the protagonists.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Cursing, Torture, Kidnapping, Sexual content, Death, and Murder
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Grief, Physical abuse, Ableism, Homophobia, Chronic illness, Violence, Blood, Bullying, and Drug use
Minor: Self harm, Suicide, Child death, Death of parent, and Vomit
emilyspex's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
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? It's complicated
3.5
A fun read, although it felt a little bit like fanfiction as far as writing quality goes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Torture, and Violence
Minor: Physical abuse and Sexism
friends2lovers's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
4.0
I was hesitant to pick up another romance novel so soon after finishing Emily Henry’s Book Lovers, which sadly did not meet my expectations. But, A Marvellous Light was great! I was so engrossed I read it in 3 days. The magical world Marske has created was really immersive in a way reminiscent of the wizarding world of Harry Potter. There were many similarities between the two, but it wasn’t so similar that it felt like a copy-cat. I enjoyed all the characters, and am looking forward to the second book in the series being released later this year.
_______________
Series: The Last Binding № 1
Genre: Fantasy Historical Romance
Setting: September 1908 (Edwardian era) in London, England
Hero: Sir Robert "Robin" Blythe, brown hair and eyes, baronet, athletic, extrovert
Hero: Mr. Edwin Courcey, fair haired, blue eyes, tall and thin, bookish
Point-of-View: 3rd person, past tense, alternating between Robin and Edwin
Tropes/Themes: opposites attract, forced proximity, teaming up to solve a mystery, hero in peril, fish out of water
Format/Edition: Kindle ebook (borrowed from BPL via Libby), published in November 2021
Length: 451 pages, 122k words
Read Date: June 26, 2022
Heat Rating: Medium
Flames: 3🔥🔥🔥
Density: 2.3📑📑
Intensity: 3💓💓💓
Burn Speed: 3💨💨💨
Overall: 2.8 (↑3) 🌡️🌡️🌡️
Sex Scene Details: 🔥Ch 15, 50%, HJs, then a BJ that fades-to-black. 🔥Ch 18, 61%, erotic massage using some kind of tingly finger spell, anal sex. 🔥Ch 27, 92%, anal sex.
※ My star and heat ratings are explained → here
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Murder, Death, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Bullying, Torture, Violence, Emotional abuse, and Physical abuse
Minor: Grief, Mental illness, Suicide, and Death of parent