A review by sweekune
A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske

emotional funny 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

5.0

5/5

Audiobook narrated by David Thorpe.

Are you looking for a light and gay fantasy reminiscent of Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell? Want intrigue, engaging characters and lots of overt romance? Look no further than A Marvellous Light. Set in the Edwardian period a magician and a baronet are thrown together to solve the mystery of a disappearance. Curses, magical party games and queer intimacy ensue.

- The two main protagonists are really fun to follow. we have Robin, a new baronet trying to work out his new life as a peer, and Edwin, a magician working in the civil service. They were both distinct, wonderful men who I wanted to give the biggest hugs to. The narrator also did a really good job giving them their own individual voices.

- The story was amazing, swinging from magical mystery to cosy historical to raunchy sex scenes. Nothing felt forced or out of place and I enjoyed the way each facet enhanced the others.

- The magic system was a really cool idea. I played Cat's Cradle as a child and I could really imagine the possibilities and limitations of this kind of system.

A really enjoyable read and I plan to read the sequel A Restless Truth very soon.