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A review by littleredmacks
The Midnight Bargain by C.L. Polk
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
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
4.5
This book is a beautifully crafted fantasy novel that intertwines magic, romance, and feminist themes in a way that feels intentional and though provoking. The idea that women must give up their magic upon marriage by wearing a collar is portrayed in this heartbreaking way. We see women who have been conditioned by society and are all too happy to don the collar because they have been taught their entire life that this is their purpose. I feel like anyone who has left a strict religious upbringing (specifically christianity as that's all I can really speak to) may find this particularly resonant - the idea that a woman's role is to be a good wife, have babies, and obey her husband. And because this is framed as a calling from god we are all to happy to play our part. But then we have Beatrice and her friend who reject this path. They want their magic and a life free from the control of a man.
One of the things I appreciated the most about the MMC was that he doesn't immediately abandon his ingrained beliefs. I feel like many romance novels can rush the transformation of the characters, turning the love interest into a perfect ally overnight. But this felt more realistic. So, while the two were very much in insta love they still had to overcome his ingrained biases which led to many meaningful conflicts. This slower shift in his character arc felt much more authentic.
Now, as I said, it is a bit insta love. However, it works here (and this is coming from someone who hates insta love). They are instantly drawn to each other but they still struggle with the relationship (which I feel is part of why it works). The FMC is resistant to marriage, even with this man who she very much likes and wouldn't be unhappy with. However, she still wants to do magic and he initially struggles to grasp why this matters. Their love story isn't just about their chemistry but about learning, understanding, and making choices that go beyond their relationship to challenge the world around them.
This book deserves so much more attention. It is such a compelling, emotionally rich story that challenges societal norms. This is only my second C.L. Polk book, but I can confidently say that I am a fan of this author.
One of the things I appreciated the most about the MMC was that he doesn't immediately abandon his ingrained beliefs. I feel like many romance novels can rush the transformation of the characters, turning the love interest into a perfect ally overnight. But this felt more realistic. So, while the two were very much in insta love they still had to overcome his ingrained biases which led to many meaningful conflicts. This slower shift in his character arc felt much more authentic.
Now, as I said, it is a bit insta love. However, it works here (and this is coming from someone who hates insta love). They are instantly drawn to each other but they still struggle with the relationship (which I feel is part of why it works). The FMC is resistant to marriage, even with this man who she very much likes and wouldn't be unhappy with. However, she still wants to do magic and he initially struggles to grasp why this matters. Their love story isn't just about their chemistry but about learning, understanding, and making choices that go beyond their relationship to challenge the world around them.
This book deserves so much more attention. It is such a compelling, emotionally rich story that challenges societal norms. This is only my second C.L. Polk book, but I can confidently say that I am a fan of this author.