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A review by rorikae
A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
'A Marvellous Light' by Freya Marske is a charming and heartfelt fantasy romance set in a magically bent Edwardian England.
In need of a job after his parents' death, Robin Blyth is swept into a civil service position knowing little about the job. His predecessor mysteriously disappeared but that is only the beginning of strange occurrences on his horizon. When Edwin Courcey appears in his office, he introduces Robin to the world of magic that has been living just under Robin's nose. When Robin is accosted by a group of men with fog obscuring their faces who place a curse upon him, Robin will have to work together with Edwin to discover what his predecessor was digging into that interested these men. As the two men learn more about the history of magic in England, they also come to learn more about each other and attraction begins to blossom.
Marske has created a story that is a perfect blend of magic, romance, and mystery. In shifting perspectives, we come to learn about the magic in this world through Robin's eyes and the complications of it on a family basis from Edwin's perspective. The story was extremely well paced, steadily moving forward the mystery while also allowing the reader to delve into the growing friendship and attraction between Robin and Edwin. Both are dealing with their own family and personal struggles that get woven into the larger story.
Marske utilizes Robin's perspective to introduce the reader to the magic system in an understandable fashion that leaves open more for the following books in this series. I can't wait to read the next novel, especially since it is sapphic and follows Robin's sister, Maud. I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a magical world, engaging characters, and a dash of romance. In particular, if you liked 'Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell' but were looking for something a bit shorter or if you enjoyed 'Sorcerer to the Crown,' I think you will thoroughly enjoy this novel.
In need of a job after his parents' death, Robin Blyth is swept into a civil service position knowing little about the job. His predecessor mysteriously disappeared but that is only the beginning of strange occurrences on his horizon. When Edwin Courcey appears in his office, he introduces Robin to the world of magic that has been living just under Robin's nose. When Robin is accosted by a group of men with fog obscuring their faces who place a curse upon him, Robin will have to work together with Edwin to discover what his predecessor was digging into that interested these men. As the two men learn more about the history of magic in England, they also come to learn more about each other and attraction begins to blossom.
Marske has created a story that is a perfect blend of magic, romance, and mystery. In shifting perspectives, we come to learn about the magic in this world through Robin's eyes and the complications of it on a family basis from Edwin's perspective. The story was extremely well paced, steadily moving forward the mystery while also allowing the reader to delve into the growing friendship and attraction between Robin and Edwin. Both are dealing with their own family and personal struggles that get woven into the larger story.
Marske utilizes Robin's perspective to introduce the reader to the magic system in an understandable fashion that leaves open more for the following books in this series. I can't wait to read the next novel, especially since it is sapphic and follows Robin's sister, Maud. I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a magical world, engaging characters, and a dash of romance. In particular, if you liked 'Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell' but were looking for something a bit shorter or if you enjoyed 'Sorcerer to the Crown,' I think you will thoroughly enjoy this novel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship and Sexual content
Moderate: Bullying and Violence
Minor: Suicide and Death