Hardcover, 388 pages
English language
Published June 13, 2022 by Doherty Associates, LLC, Tom.
The most interesting things in Maud Blyth's life have happened to her brother Robin, but she's ready to join any cause, especially if it involves magical secrets that may threaten the whole of the British Isles. Bound for New York on the R.M.S. Lyric, she's ready for an adventure.
What she actually finds is a dead body, a disrespectful parrot, and a beautiful stranger in Violet Debenham, who is everything—a magician, an actress, a scandal—Maud has been trained to fear and has learned to desire. Surrounded by the open sea and a ship full of loathsome, aristocratic suspects, they must solve a murder and untangle a conspiracy that began generations before them.
As delightful and as clever as the first book on the trilogy. Tightly plotted, lots of character development all around, and thoroughly enjoyable.
Following up the excellent Edwardian gay romance "hidden world fantasy" thriller "A Marvellous Light", Freya Marske offers a second, excellent read. The key strength of the book is the very well described and relatable -- even lovable -- characters. This book is considerably lighter and sillier than its predecessor, which (let's face it) is what a lot of us need right now. Protagonist is Robin's sister Maud, and Lord Hawthorne returns with a lot more on-page time.
CW: the book has very detailed portrayals of lesbian sex. Be prepared to skip these if that's not your sort of thing.
