In a parallel universe where
there is magic, young Gray Marshall is a student at Oxford’s
Merlin College. Currently he is working out the summer without
his magic at his professor’s country estate. He wishes
to return to his studies after being sent down in disgrace
after a mysterious event that ended in disaster. While there
he meets Appius Callender’s least favorite daughter,
Sophie, who has no magic of her own but has secretly studied
her father’s books. When the king’s advisor calls
at the house for a secret meeting with the professor it sets
in motion events which will sweep up the pair into a dangerous
adventure.
If you enjoyed reading Susannah Clarke’s groundbreaking
work then this might appeal to you. Set in an alternative
early 19th century Britain this tale of intrigue, adventure
and romance between two young protagonists will particularly
appeal to YA readers. The story is told from both points of
view (predominantly that of Gray) and both are likeable characters
that I found myself rooting for early on. This is always a
good sign. For me the most enjoyable feature of the book was
the world itself, well realized and clearly the work of much
effort by the author. This is not just a familiar Regency
setting with added magic, but a very different Britain with
other languages, religions, and history. If you are hoping
for a fast-paced read with lots of action you won’t
find it here, and at times I felt that some editing would
have been in the book’s favor. There are bursts of excitement
when things happen, but most of the book takes a more scenic,
slower route. This book will appeal to a patient reader who
enjoys teenage romance in an imaginative, detailed setting.
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