A review by gwenynenbrenin
A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske

emotional lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Edwardian era? Fantasy? Gays? I was immediately hooked even before I picked up this book, this is the quickest way to my heart! 

I love that we can learn about the magical system and underworld, for want of a better word, from the perspective of Robin Blyth. I'm glad it differs from other books where the one MC learns about magic and feels lost and out of place; instead, Robin is obviously shocked by the magic he sees but does just take everything in his stride. 

I'm glad that the homophobia is next to non-existent, there is perhaps the briefest mention (naturally there would be, given the time period), but it is just incredibly brief. None of the other characters seem to bat an eyelid aside from the few who mock Edwin, but even then, it's nothing outrightly terrible, it is such a nice breath of fresh air. 

I love the author's writing style and found it very difficult to put down - genuinely cannot wait to read the other books in the series! 
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