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A review by witmol
A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Magic system was well thought out: I liked the interplay between precision and power as a reflection of the characters. The divide between codified learning (scholars, men etc) versus empirical learning (largely women) is well drawn and looks to be a pivotal part of how Edwin will proceed with his mission.
I like how the relationship grows and changes between Edwin and Robin but I often think it's in the foreground to what I feel is the main plot: the quest to find out who is behind Reggie's death and the bigger reason of why. There are also a lot of connections bubbling in the the background to do with minor characters (e.g. Lord Hawthorn, Maud, Addy and Kitty) that I feel will come to fruition in later books but in this novel they feel like red herrings.
I didn't realise this was part of a trilogy when I started so I'm really keen for the next couple of books. You can comfortably read this as a standalone, though.
The strangers-to-lovers dynamic between Edwin and Robin was nicely done, though there's probably about 30% more sex than necessary for plot/character development. Always love a good 'stoic loner inadvertently admits he's in love with an affable baronet when he doesn't know the baronet is listening' moment.
I like how the relationship grows and changes between Edwin and Robin but I often think it's in the foreground to what I feel is the main plot: the quest to find out who is behind Reggie's death and the bigger reason of why. There are also a lot of connections bubbling in the the background to do with minor characters (e.g. Lord Hawthorn, Maud, Addy and Kitty) that I feel will come to fruition in later books but in this novel they feel like red herrings.
I didn't realise this was part of a trilogy when I started so I'm really keen for the next couple of books. You can comfortably read this as a standalone, though.
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Bullying, Cursing, Death, Injury/Injury detail, and Self harm