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A review by sarahna
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? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
4.5 stars!
I didn't expect to love a marvellous light as much as I did! I've read and liked the Magpie lord series by KJ Charles but this was even better in my opinion. The prose was absolutely stunning, the world building was carefully done albeit a bit slow in the beginning and the plot doesn't suffer from focusing too much on the romance between Robin and Edwin. This is more than porn with plot despite getting some clear fanfic vibes and I mean that in the best way!
Spoilers and sex scene discussion ahead!
I struggled getting into the characters in the beginning and was confused as to who was going to be the main set of characters. It opened up with Reggy getting hurt and being saved by the skin of his teeth but then he ends up getting murdered. Edwin, a practicing magician, and Reggy's successor Robin try to solve the mystery of his disappearance and end up getting closer in the process.
I absolutely loved the magic system and how consistant it was. While Edwin managed to use some magic, he wasn't infinitely powerful and had to recover until he could cast spells again. Other magicians were more powerful and using a blood sacrifice was an option to temporarily strengthen their power.
It was fascinating to see the curse on Robin develope and how Edwin eventually rid him of it. Even the way they used light to get by during the night was a stunning detail. I'm not the biggest fan of magic systems in fantasy but this one really did it for me since no chosen one trope permeated the plot and magicians in this story weren't omnipotent.
The romance aspect was very well done as well. I love how reserved yet needy Edwin was and how Robin's childhood trauma and need for affection influenced his approach to Edwin. The sex scenes are also some of the best ones I've ever read! No obsession with ridiculously large dicks, lube is mentioned AND foreplay is a key part of every scene. There's even a scene where they don't penetrate each other and still love the intimacy of it all. Just chefs kiss.
Really excited to read the sequel which is rumored to star Maud in an f/f romance plus, I just want more content of this magical world. Highly recommend!
I didn't expect to love a marvellous light as much as I did! I've read and liked the Magpie lord series by KJ Charles but this was even better in my opinion. The prose was absolutely stunning, the world building was carefully done albeit a bit slow in the beginning and the plot doesn't suffer from focusing too much on the romance between Robin and Edwin. This is more than porn with plot despite getting some clear fanfic vibes and I mean that in the best way!
Spoilers and sex scene discussion ahead!
I struggled getting into the characters in the beginning and was confused as to who was going to be the main set of characters. It opened up with Reggy getting hurt and being saved by the skin of his teeth but then he ends up getting murdered. Edwin, a practicing magician, and Reggy's successor Robin try to solve the mystery of his disappearance and end up getting closer in the process.
I absolutely loved the magic system and how consistant it was. While Edwin managed to use some magic, he wasn't infinitely powerful and had to recover until he could cast spells again. Other magicians were more powerful and using a blood sacrifice was an option to temporarily strengthen their power.
It was fascinating to see the curse on Robin develope and how Edwin eventually rid him of it. Even the way they used light to get by during the night was a stunning detail. I'm not the biggest fan of magic systems in fantasy but this one really did it for me since no chosen one trope permeated the plot and magicians in this story weren't omnipotent.
The romance aspect was very well done as well. I love how reserved yet needy Edwin was and how Robin's childhood trauma and need for affection influenced his approach to Edwin. The sex scenes are also some of the best ones I've ever read! No obsession with ridiculously large dicks, lube is mentioned AND foreplay is a key part of every scene. There's even a scene where they don't penetrate each other and still love the intimacy of it all. Just chefs kiss.
Really excited to read the sequel which is rumored to star Maud in an f/f romance plus, I just want more content of this magical world. Highly recommend!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail