A marvellous light by Freya Marske

A Marvellous Light is a marvellous debut by Australian author Freya Marske. A queer historical and romantic fantasy, A Marvellous Light is set in an Edwardian England just a little bit different from the one that we know.

Robin Blyth (or Sir Robert, much to his annoyance) has just inherited a baronetcy, a debt-ridden estate and responsibility for his younger sister. His fascinating but irresponsible parents have left him in a position where he must work to keep his family afloat. Somehow, he finds himself appointed the new Assistant in the Office of Special Domestic Affairs and Complaints in the British civil service; a position recently vacated after the mysterious disappearance of the previous occupant.

Robin, however, should never have been given this position. He should never have discovered the magical society that lives alongside his own. He should never have been embroiled in a dangerous hunt to discover what has befallen his predecessor. He should never have met Edwin Courcey.

A Marvellous Light is an original and beautifully written book. While it is slow to start and there is a slow build-up of romance and tension, the story more than delivers in the end. A Marvellous Light is the first in a planned trilogy, so we are assured of being able to follow the adventures and misadventures of Robin into the future. While A Marvellous Light is engaging enough to appeal to a wide audience, it must be noted that there are some graphic scenes which position this book as appropriate for adult and older young adult readers.

Themes: Fantasy, Historical, Romance, Magic, LGBTQIA+, Family, Edwardian England.

Rose Tabeni