Scan barcode
pkc's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Death of parent, Homophobia, Toxic relationship, Injury/Injury detail, Bullying, Death, Grief, Medical trauma, and Physical abuse
caseofspades's review against another edition
- 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
Moderate: Homophobia, Violence, Toxic friendship, and Toxic relationship
rorikae's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
In need of a job after his parents' death, Robin Blyth is swept into a civil service position knowing little about the job. His predecessor mysteriously disappeared but that is only the beginning of strange occurrences on his horizon. When Edwin Courcey appears in his office, he introduces Robin to the world of magic that has been living just under Robin's nose. When Robin is accosted by a group of men with fog obscuring their faces who place a curse upon him, Robin will have to work together with Edwin to discover what his predecessor was digging into that interested these men. As the two men learn more about the history of magic in England, they also come to learn more about each other and attraction begins to blossom.
Marske has created a story that is a perfect blend of magic, romance, and mystery. In shifting perspectives, we come to learn about the magic in this world through Robin's eyes and the complications of it on a family basis from Edwin's perspective. The story was extremely well paced, steadily moving forward the mystery while also allowing the reader to delve into the growing friendship and attraction between Robin and Edwin. Both are dealing with their own family and personal struggles that get woven into the larger story.
Marske utilizes Robin's perspective to introduce the reader to the magic system in an understandable fashion that leaves open more for the following books in this series. I can't wait to read the next novel, especially since it is sapphic and follows Robin's sister, Maud. I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a magical world, engaging characters, and a dash of romance. In particular, if you liked 'Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell' but were looking for something a bit shorter or if you enjoyed 'Sorcerer to the Crown,' I think you will thoroughly enjoy this novel.
Graphic: Toxic relationship and Sexual content
Moderate: Bullying and Violence
Minor: Suicide and Death
monaluffy's review against another edition
- 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
Moderate: Bullying, Toxic relationship, and Misogyny
therainbowshelf's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Torture, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Blood, Physical abuse, Abandonment, Bullying, Death, Murder, Grief, Homophobia, Chronic illness, Child abuse, Confinement, and Death of parent
valpuri's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Blood, Bullying, Death, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Outing, Physical abuse, Sexism, Torture, Classism, Suicide, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Minor: Alcohol, Chronic illness, Death of parent, Grief, Racism, and Vomit
wanderonwards's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, and Sexual content
Moderate: Chronic illness and Murder
ofbooksandechos's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Violence, Sexual content, and Bullying
Moderate: Murder and Death
Minor: Sexism and Toxic relationship
nyx_stewart's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
It's everything I could ever want in a feel good book. It vibes like a truly comfortable HP fanfiction but it has all the robust beauty of a wholly new magical system. I love it.
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Outing, and Classism
nicamooch's review against another edition
- 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
(My singular gripe was that some mishaps in the middle of the book felt a little too easily overcome/solved but that’s it. Honestly, just reading Marske’s prose makes me ascend so I didn’t even care that much lmao)
Graphic: Kidnapping, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, Violence, Bullying, and Murder
Moderate: Toxic relationship
Minor: Self harm, Homophobia, Sexism, Ableism, Cursing, and Blood