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A review by katielouise210
A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske
adventurous
emotional
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? Yes
4.25
oh this was such a lovely, cosy read! i'm so glad i got back into it after getting into a general reading slump last year- it was definitely worth returning to.
i'm not usually a reader of magically themed books (barring juno dawson's work!) but this was wonderfully done and a real mix of fantasy, mystery and romance all parcelled together in edwardian london/cambridgeshire.
i have so much love for the main characters - edwin and robin; edwin in particular has my heart and i'm so glad he finds the love and joy he deserves. they were both so loveable (who knew i'd adore an early 20th century himbo so much), and edwin especially really grew on me and had such a satisfying arc. adelaide and maud were lovely side characters - i wish we'd seen more of the former particualrly.
i loved the world building and thought the system of magic marske has created was fascinating and subtly done! the world really came to life - if anything, i would've liked more detail on spells and descriptions of the magical system. i also want to learn more about how magicians exist beyond the nobility and about magicians in other countries!!
i adored the slow burn but there were points when i thought the relationship between the main characters could've been developed more. i wanted more yearning!!! let my guys yearn for each other. otherwise though i have no complaints and was over the moon that robin and edwin get the soft ending(ish) they deserved.
nevertheless, i enjoyed this so much and was absolutely invested in the plot and mystery.
and to find out it's a trilogy??? heading straight to buying the next one!!
i'm not usually a reader of magically themed books (barring juno dawson's work!) but this was wonderfully done and a real mix of fantasy, mystery and romance all parcelled together in edwardian london/cambridgeshire.
i have so much love for the main characters - edwin and robin; edwin in particular has my heart and i'm so glad he finds the love and joy he deserves. they were both so loveable (who knew i'd adore an early 20th century himbo so much), and edwin especially really grew on me and had such a satisfying arc. adelaide and maud were lovely side characters - i wish we'd seen more of the former particualrly.
i loved the world building and thought the system of magic marske has created was fascinating and subtly done! the world really came to life - if anything, i would've liked more detail on spells and descriptions of the magical system. i also want to learn more about how magicians exist beyond the nobility and about magicians in other countries!!
i adored the slow burn but there were points when i thought the relationship between the main characters could've been developed more. i wanted more yearning!!! let my guys yearn for each other. otherwise though i have no complaints and was over the moon that robin and edwin get the soft ending(ish) they deserved.
nevertheless, i enjoyed this so much and was absolutely invested in the plot and mystery.
and to find out it's a trilogy??? heading straight to buying the next one!!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse and Homophobia