Getting cursed is just about the worst way to find out magic is real… An English baronet finds himself thrown headfirst into the world of magical conspiracies and sorcerer soirees in A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske, which came out last year. I’ve been a long-time fan of Marske’s podcast, Be the Serpent, but only just picked up her first book in preparation for reading the sequel, A Restless Truth, which came out earlier this month.
Titles of nobility don’t always come with money, as young baronet Robin Blyth knows all too well. Since his parents’ deaths left him with little with which to provide for himself and his sister, Robin has been forced to find employment in minor governmental roles. But when he is unexpectedly switched to a new position, Robin discovers a whole new world that exists side-by-side with the London he knows. Disguised as a minor clerical job, Robin’s new position is actually to be liaison to the magical community. Just after learning that magic exists, however, Robin is accosted by a disguised magician who asks about a hidden contract and places a curse on Robin’s arm. Robin goes to the only magician he knows for help: the aloof liaison from the magical world, Edwin Courcey. Though Edwin is reluctant to open up to someone who was only introduced to the magical world by mere accident of position, he brings Robin to his family’s estate while they work to unravel the curse. As Robin navigates the pranks and plots of the magical gentry and Edwin tests the limits of his magic, they discover that Robin’s curse is part of a conspiracy that goes deeper than either of them could have guessed—one that threatens every magician in Great Britain. As they get closer to discovering the truth, Edwin and Robin grow even closer to each other. But someone in Edwin’s house doesn’t seem to want Robin to get out alive…
This book cleverly interweaves magic with its delightful Edwardian setting. The magic system here is unique—acts of magic are called “cradling” and are performed by manipulating string (or an imagined string) into patterns like the “cat’s cradle” children’s game. This style of magic has been highly codified mainly by male members of Britain’s upper class, who are trained in prestigious institutions. Most of the action of the story takes place at the various manor houses of wealthy magicians. Through magic, the houses and grounds become almost sentient (though Edwin would quibble with this wording), tied to the magical blood of the families who have pledged themselves to the land. This is especially true of the home of an old widow named Flora, whose plant-based magic allows an ever-shifting hedge maze to act according to her will. Magic is also tied up in the lives of the gentry in more playful ways, as they incorporate it into their modes of entertainment, such as through a magical obstacle course for their boating parties or pranking guests by shooting them with magical arrows.
In addition to such frivolous fun and high-stakes drama, A Marvellous Light also tackles serious subjects like family trauma. Both Robin and Edwin are dealing with their own family trauma that they need to process and heal from in order to form healthy relationships. Robin is dealing with the recent death of his parents, who projected an image of being perfect philanthropists but were actually hypocrites who instrumentalized others. As a result, Robin hates deceit and fears being treated like an object by those he cares about. Edwin, meanwhile, was relentlessly bullied by his older siblings to the point that he’s terrified to acknowledge, even to himself, the things he cares about, lest they be used against him. These issues make for compelling tension and conflict in Robin and Edwin’s romantic relationship that feels realistic and doesn’t fall into cliches.
If you’re looking for a heartfelt queer romance that cleverly injects magic into an Edwardian setting, don’t miss A Marvellous Light. You can find it on shelves now at your favorite local retailer, or purchase a copy online and support The Gothic Library in the process using this Bookshop.org affiliate link. If you’ve already read it, let me know your thoughts in the comments!