I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske Series: The Last Binding #1
Published by Tordotcom on November 2 2021
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Historical fantasy
Pages: 377
Format: ARC
Source: Publisher
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The nitty-gritty: Full of charm, mystery and magic, A Marvellous Light is a delightful start to a new series.
Robin thought about the string that Edwin used in his spells: how a particular cradle might have five or six or eight lines of the pattern joining one hand to another. Binding them close. Robin and Edwin had already shared a handful of secrets, and now they shared another, and this awareness of their common nature—in a way that had nothing whatsoever to do with magic—hung delicate and unspoken between them as they left the room.
The moment I saw this gorgeous cover, I knew I wanted to read A Marvellous Light, and I have to say that the cover works perfectly with the story, a magical period mystery/romance. With an adult Harry Potter vibe (and by “adult” I mean there are some steamy sex scenes!), Freya Marske combines fantasy, mystery, intrigue and romance in an Edwardian-era tale of manners, perfect for fans of cozy mysteries who enjoy an engaging queer romance.
The story is set in London and involves a world where some people are born with magical abilities but others aren’t (hence my Harry Potter comparison). Those magical families keep their talents secret from non-magicians and even have a process in place to erase memories if an “unbusheling” occurs, when an unmagical person is confronted with the existence of magic for the first time. The story revolves around two men, one magical and one not, who meet by accident and are thrust into a magical murder mystery. Robin Blythe has just been appointed a job with the Office of Special Domestic Affairs and Complaints as a replacement for Reggie Gatling, who has mysteriously disappeared. Edwin Courcey goes to the office one day to meet with Reggie, only to find a stranger sitting in his desk.
This encounter leads the two men on a circuitous adventure, as they try to find out what happened to Reggie, attempt to remove a nasty curse from Robin, and solve the mystery of the Last Contract, a magical urban myth that might actually be true.
Marske’s world feels both familiar and new. The story really did remind me of Harry Potter at times, with an interesting magic system and an overall joyful feeling of being able to do all sorts of cool things with magic. This isn’t a fast paced story by any means, but I enjoyed the meandering journey that Edwin and Robin find themselves on, as they search for clues about Reggie’s disappearance and try to find someone to help remove the curse from Robin. The cast of side characters is fairly large and includes family members, servants, secretaries and friends, not to mention the unsavory magicians who are after the Last Contract to use for their nefarious purposes.
There are some fun scenes, like the one that takes place in a charmed hedge maze, and another one at an estate called Penhallick, where a group of Edwin’s friends play dangerous games with magic. In this world, non magical citizens who discover the existence of magic must be given a drink called lethe-mint in order to make them forget, and warding spells are placed on homes and estates to keep certain people out. In the midst of all this, the niceties of Edwardian society are observed in the way the characters dress and behave, and I thought this added a certain charm to the story.
But let’s talk about the romance, because I think readers are going to be divided. In many ways I loved the way the author developed the relationship between Robin and Edwin. Because of the time period, Marske did a great job of addressing the fact that being gay was frowned upon, and any same sex relationships were kept behind closed doors, literally. The relationship blooms slowly, but it’s complicated by the fact that Edwin comes from a magical family while Robin does not. Edwin knows that when their adventure is over, he’ll be forced to administer the lethe-mint to Robin, and even though Robin isn’t aware of that at first, this adds a tension between them. The men are almost opposites as well. Edwin is prickly and closed off, unwilling to open up to Robin, and Robin is the opposite: outgoing, social and mostly happy-go-lucky. They make an odd pair, but it works.
But Marske does something unexpected and takes us right into their bedroom, including a couple of very graphic sex scenes between the two men. Now don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a good sex scene from time to time, but these took me completely by surprise, and to be honest, I’m not sure they were necessary. If I had to guess the reason they were included, it might be because the author tackles the theme of consent, both in relationships and magic, and in that respect those scenes make sense. But a “fade to black” approach would have worked for me personally, just saying!
And speaking of magical consent, I loved the idea of a magical code that says you aren’t allowed to perform magic on anyone without their consent. This idea plays into the main conflict in the story, when the characters learn the truth and purpose behind the Last Contract (which I won’t go into so that I don’t spoil anything), and the implications of losing one’s right to consent are chilling, to be honest.
I did not know this was the first book in a series until I got to the last few chapters and realized that Marske was nowhere near close to solving all her mysteries. Luckily, it looks like we’ll be getting at least a sequel, and I’m very much looking forward to following Edwin and Robin on more adventures.
Big thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy.
Great review. That cover is gorgeous. I think I’d be a bit torn in regards to the sex scene. I’m a bit funny about romance in books that are not in the romance genre.
I knew going in that this was romance, but it took a turn I wasn’t expecting:-)
Intriguing book indeed! Just yesterday I saw on Sarah’s blog the same reservations you express about the steamy sex scenes that seem unnecessary in a story that can easily stand on its own… Still, I might keep this one on my radar!
Thanks for sharing 🙂
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It was otherwise delightful:-)
we rarely explore gay sexuality in media. So many gay characters are sexless or sassy best friends. I think Marske’s background in fan fiction shows in the sexy scenes. For me personally, the scenes were needed and. this is not the smuttiest I have read. OH boy fan fiction can be smutty. It was sexy and personally as a queer man did not find it exploitative. Which happens a lot in Yaoi and fandom spaces. i can’t wait for the F/F couple next yr
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I’m so glad to hear your perspective, as obviously I am commenting as a cis woman. I have nothing against gay sex scenes AT ALL, but I think the fact that I wasn’t expecting them threw me off!
I don’t need graphic sex scenes in a book that’s not specifically romance or erotica, but A Marvellous Light does sound like a fun magic-fantasy story. Good review, Tammy.:-)
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It really was a lot of fun!
I recall reading an urban fantasy that I was really enjoying and then, BLAM, right out of nowhere hardcore sex. Same thing happened several more times. It was only later I researched the author and realized that was kind of what they write, I just hadn’t realized it when I picked up the book. I’m sure some folks will very much enjoy it so I’m glad it’s out there. Just not for me.
Usually you can tell by the cover if there’s going to be a lot of sex, lol. Not in this case though;-)
This does sound really wonderful! I do want to read it, but since it’s the first in a series, maybe I’ll hold off until there’s a release date for the next. As for the sex scenes, in general I’m not a fan of graphic sex scenes in books and prefer the “fade to black” as well… That won’t keep me from reading this book, but I’m glad I read your review and know what to expect!
That’s what I thought too, I wasn’t crazy about those scenes but the rest of the story was very good!
This is such a compelling review! I have read the synopsis before and I wasn’t interested in the book. But then I read your review and now I have to add this book on my TBR!!!
I feel you about the sex scenes, but all the rest sounds might intriguing!!
It’s intriguing for sure!
Superb review, Tammy. And I’m really glad that you have also addressed the issue of ‘those’ scenes:). Like you, I loved the story, the characters and the setting. Unlike you, I’ve reluctantly decided that I’ll not be reading any more in this series. Apart from anything else, I really mind when such graphic content pops up in such an unexpected manner. I feel really strongly that there should have been more indication of the nature of the romance.
I’m going to track down some author interviews to see if she addresses those scenes. I’m still curious about the “why.” Thanks for stopping by, Sarah!
I think I would have found the graphic sex scenes a bit jarring too if there were completely unexpected. The overall story sounds really good though.
It’s definitely worth reading the sequel, despite the sex scenes;-)
Much as I love the cover of this book, I’ve never checked the synopsis, so I didn’t intend to read it, but now I’ll add it to my TBR. What you’ve mentioned of the magic systems and certain settings really caught my interest, so I’ll give it a try too.
It’s worth it!
Sounds interesting Great review!
Thanks Stormi:-)
Yes, I was intrigued by this one as soon as I saw it as well. I hadn’t known romance was going to feature so strongly though, doubly intrigued!
I knew it was romance but I didn’t know it was ROMANCE;-)
I am intrigued by the world building in this — as much as it is familiar, there’s enough here that makes me so curious about it.
I really enjoyed the world building, and just the sense of fun:-)
Sounds like you had a good time with this one. Great review as ever. As it sounds quite romance focused it probably won’t be for me – I don’t mind romance every now and again but I really have to be in the mood and make a conscious choice and effort.
Lynn 😀
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