A lovely little book full of romance and magic. In a world where women are not allowed to use magic after they are married due to the possibility of possession of their unborn children by rogue spirits. A unique magical system that raises questions of autonomy and how far women will go to obtain equal rights. This book had a great feminist theme, and the relationships between the main characters (romantic, platonic, and sibling) were well developed and every character was believable and likeable. I do feel as though the end was a bit rushed, but overall it was a great read and highly recommended.

3.5 stars
An interesting take on historical romance. I liked the setting very reminiscent of classic historical reads. And I liked the dilemma or the moral choices that women have to make, keep families and the human race going or choose your magic, I’m not sure men would be able to make the sacrifice. As interesting as that is I was more interested in the magic system but we are unfortunately not given a lot of detail or history on it, and since magic plays a huge role in a woman’s decision I feel like it should have been fleshed out more.  Overall, The Midnight Bargain is an average historical romantic read with the added benefit of having magic, but even that couldn’t keep you fully invested.

3.5 stars

This was everything I didn't know I needed in my life. It was a fun, heartbreaking, chaotic read and I want to read it again. It was delightful!

The Midnight Bargain follows Beatrice Clayborn, a young woman from the country who is her family's last hope at fortune. She is in town for Bargaining Season, when young men and women negotiate the best marriages, in the hopes of securing a good future. However, she doesn't want to marry. She wants to be a full-fledged Magus and pursue magic.

In her world, women aren't allowed to practice magic, especially after marriage. They are collared when married, meaning their magic is cut-off from them since it could affect any children they may have. Magic is solely reserved for men to study and master.

Beatrice faces many challenges and she continuously questions the choices she must make in pursuit of her happiness.  I really like her character, Ysbeta, and Ianthe. Especially Ysbeta's goals for knowledge and sharing it with the world. I want a whole book just about her!

This was by no means a perfect book, though it was a very enjoyable one. I simply adored the regency setting in this magical world and the bubbling romance that Beatrice experiences. It ended too quickly in my opinion, and I wish there had been more about the world without it seeming rushes and more scenes between Beatrice and Ianthe.

Nevertheless, I was completely committed to the story and I can't recommend it enough.

The Midnight Bargain had all the makings of a great fantasy romance with a historical feel. When I started it, I could already imagine the sort of readers who would love it.

Unfortunately, for me, the book didn’t quite live up to the hype I’ve seen surrounding it.

The world is a patriarchy oppressing women. While some of the elements were a bit different from what I’ve seen,

So, of course, the protagonist Beatrice does not want to deal with that. She wants her freedom, to practice magic as she wishes without restriction. I felt like we were being set up for an amazing story of breaking rules and empowerment and overthrowing a patriarchy and while we got that… the book ultimately fell flat.

I’d say for about 50-60% of the book, I was pretty on board with the characters and the story. I liked Beatrice and wanted to root for her and Ysbeta, the sister of her would-be suitor Ianthe. Her learning magic while also navigating society, her connection to the spirit Nadi (who I absolutely adored), and the general character interactions were exactly what I was hoping for. I wouldn’t say the cast

The feel of a historical romance almost, but with the trappings of a fantasy novel.

But it was the romance that lost me for these characters. Beatrice and Ianthe have some serious insta-love going on in the bad way. There’s no build-up to it with the exception of the author outright telling the readers they have feelings for each other (I’d much rather see it). And, frankly, I felt more chemistry between Beatrice and Ysbeta and would have much preferred that be the dominating relationship. Ianthe was as boring as a love interest can be and it seemed like he was just standing in while Beatrice galivanted off with his sister.

Looking at The Midnight Bargain as a whole, I felt… underwhelmed. I anticipated it would bring something new to the table and it did a little but not enough to keep me engaged. I set it down frequently, pushing forward in small increments. Likely also due to the pacing, which was all over the place. Where the plot needed to move quicker, it dragged, and the opposite as well.

In general, the book was like eating a saltine cracker where someone forgot the salt. It wasn’t terrible. I was able to finish it in a relatively short time despite the constant start/stop. And if I hadn’t read it early, I would have bought it for the cover alone. The Midnight Bargain, while alright, just isn’t quite something I can fully recommend.

Thank you to the publishers, author and NetGalley for the free copy of this book!

This was a delightful read! It took a couple chapters for me to really get into it, so if you're struggling at the beginning- don't give up, it gets SO much better. I loved the world building, and the plot and pace of the story was great. The over all message- of feminism and staying true to oneself- was inspiring. I would 100% recommend checking this book out!

We’re looking at a fantasy world that’s similar to the British Regency Period. The higher classes meet during a season that’s called Bargaining Season, to basically sell off their eligible daughters to the highest bidder. These daughters are sorceresses. They could perform magic, but -as is so often the case- they are not allowed to. The practice of magic is restricted to initiated men. Young sorceresses learn a few spells, but never get a real chance to outgrow the nursery rhyme phase. Upon their marriage an enchanted collar will be fastened around their necks blocking their magic, so that no malicious spirit may enter and inhabit the soul of any possible unborn child. Magical women’s sole purpose, until menopause, is producing offspring.

The female lead of the story, Beatrice Clayborn, is such an eligible young sorceress. Her father, a non-magical merchant, has indebted the already financially unstable family to give Beatrice the perfect Bargaining Season. Beatrice is to find a wealthy husband so that especially her younger sister might profit by being able to go to an esteemed finishing school.

But Beatrice doesn’t want a husband. Beatrice wants to become a full Magus. Since women aren’t allowed to practice the magic that is necessary to become a magus, Beatrice had to learn to summon a spirit in secret from hidden encrypted books.

When Beatrice meets the handsome heir to a wealthy family of magi and his sister, she at first thinks she’s made enemies for life. In fact, she’s managed to make the best allies in her fight for equal rights for sorceresses. A difficult course, since neither sibling must know that the other is working to find a way for women to embrace both, magic and family.

Although the happy ending was predictable, I quite enjoyed the way it came about. A very enjoyable cosy read that had quite a lot of commentary on women’s oppression.

My impressions, during assessing this read, varied a lot.
Firstly I was enthusiastic, as I loved « Witchmark » by the author. I was a little bit wary, as this kind of victorianish fiction is more frequently weak than inspired, but still, very interested.
Alas my trust in the author powers to deliver some good story with good characters wobbled soon: the characters were two dimensional, the messages insanely insistant and the dialogues mostly cringing.
At this stade, I should have give up. But, surprisingly, my interest in the story was real, strong enough to spur me to read on, which is – for all its meanness – a solid recommandation as I’m incapable of reading on a book which annoys me.
In the end, the story was very good, I loved the main ideas, all the little details. But the writing in general was just so so, sadly lacking of subtlety, as if the book was intended for eight years old.
A shame.

This is regency-style, fantasy (almost-not-a-romance) book about a young woman who has aspirations beyond society’s restrictive social norms and is willing to give up her very soul to escape the bonds of marriage. 

Beatrice Clayborn, a talented young sorceress, lives in patriarchal world where most people have some magical talent. However, only boys have a chance to enhance their magical abilities. Girls, on the other side, are allowed to use minor charms, but only until they get married. So, Beatrice is facing an ultimate dilemma: should she choose her family and marriage, and be a ‘good daughter and wife’, or should she choose her dreams and magic, and become a magus. Trapped by expectations of her family and society in general, she tries to dig her way out, and along the way she discovers that transforming a society is more satisfying than just saving oneself. 

I have rarely been quite this satisfied by the resolution of the classic love vs. freedom quandary for women in a restrictive society. Still, her “feminist” mark almost makes her one-dimensional. Her decisions in many situations are drastic and in light of this feminist feature of hers, so she seems selfish and insensitive. Also, major problem for me was Beatrice’s and Ianthe’s love at first sight. I just could not swallow it, even more because they were both upper class. 

The world-building is astonishing. I loved every part of it. Story is set in what almost feels like the early 19th century, Regency England, but with the stunning addition of magic. Also, the djinn-inspired magic system was fascinating, especially fact that every spirit is special and different, with his own personality. Nadi, a spirit Beatrice summoned and made deal with, was definitely my favorite character!

All in all I really did enjoy this book and would recommend it.

Rating: 3*  This is regency-style fantasy romance about a young woman who has aspirations beyond society’s restrictive social norms and is willing to give up her very soul to escape the bonds of marriage. 

Beatrice Clayborn is a talented young sorceress intent on locating a grimoire which holds the key to attaining the rank of mage - a powerful master of magic - a role forbidden to women. Proper young ladies in Chasland, even those with extraordinary  magical talents, must come out into society at the formal “Bargaining Season” and compete for the hand of a young gentleman of means. If an appropriate match is found and the couple marries, the young woman is forced to wear a marital “warding” collar which dampens and negates her magical powers until she is past child-bearing age. Beatrice wants none of this. She desperately seeks to gain magical power and convince her father to employ her in the family business instead of marrying her off. Unfortunately, her father has mortgaged his livelihood to clothe and house Beatrice in high-style during the Bargaining Season. She must win a husband to save her family. 

 In her search for the grimoire, Beatrice meets another young woman longing to pursue a life of magic sans marriage, Ysbeta, the daughter of a spectacularly wealthy family. Ysbeta has the grimoire and together the girls fight against time to unlock its secrets. Oh, and Beatrice and Ysbeta’s swoon worthy brother fall in love.Spirits must be summoned and bond and the success lies with both possession and personal freedom. 
 Readers looking for a regency-style - feminist fantasy/coming of age story will enjoy the Midnight Bargain by C.L. Polk.  Note that while characterized as adult fiction, this book will appeal more to a YA audience given the age of the characters and the insta-love relationship between Beatrice and Ianthe.  (I want to thank NetGalley and  Simon & Schuster for allowing  me to read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.)

A fast-paced fantasy, THE MIDNIGHT BARGAIN was quite an interesting tale. The ultimate dilemma that troubles our heroine - to choose herself or her family - made it all the more realistic I think, compared to what could have been having it been a lover instead of the family.
Discovering oneself is also another major theme in this book - one that was explored brilliantly by the author. It was also a very quick read because of this very fact. I never had a dull moment and was thoroughly engrossed throughout.

I really related to this book. The main character was in a dilemma. To save herself or her family? To give up her dreams or to give up her love?
It was fast paced,  great world building, interesting problems.
I loved this book!
The only problem i had, was the insta-love, the rich, handsome guy just happens to fall for the MC.
Other than that, it was amazing. I loved how with the support of her friends, the MC is able to come up with a new solution. 
Basically, all magic comes from spirits and due to childbirth women cant risk having spirits or magic for the good of their kids. The MC will do anything for magic until she falls for the guy. I really relate to it because women have the same issues now, career or kids. This gives us hope not to settle and that there can be new solutions!

I would describe The Midnight Bargain as a feminist romantic fantasy. Set in the Regency era, it follows Beatrice, a sorceress determined to avoid marriage so that she doesn't  have to give up her magic in order to protect her unborn children. Although, I like the writing style and the world building what let the novel down was the romance. It was clumsy and lacked depth. It almost read as YA at times, which was not a good thing). I will, however, be looking out for more of C.L. Polk's novels.

The Midnight Bargain reminded me why I love fantasy novels, and then wrecked me with its social commentary about a Regency-inspired world. This is a story about women feeling trapped by social constraints, scrambling to escape, and discovering along the way that transforming a society is more satisfying than just saving oneself. I loved the book’s drawing room politics, djinn-inspired magic, chosen family, and the way the story didn’t shy away from the heroine’s ambition, and her reluctance to be a wife and mother. I have rarely been quite this satisfied by the resolution of the classic love vs. freedom quandary for women in a restrictive society.

4.5 Stars

The Midnight Bargain wasn’t anything like I thought that it’d be. To label it as a YA Fantasy is wildly understating the vastness of this book. This is a story of feminism at its core, woven into a story that felt very much like historical fiction, but with a dash of magic and romance. While magic played a pivotal role is this story, to me it took a back seat to the feminist backstory of Beatrice and Ysbeta. I thought that the world building was excellently crafted; we really got a feel for what the culture was for these girls during their bargaining season. I also liked that we were given a few great villains, ones that forced you to root for Beatrice more that you already were.

I did crave a bit more from Ianthe’s character. Although I loved his reactions towards the end, I really wanted to watch him build a meaningful relationship with Beatrice; instead it felt more like an “insta-love” scenario. I was also surprised by some of the complete 180s that occurred in some of the characters, it didn’t feel believable or authentic to the story. With all that said, it was definitely a small blip on my radar and didn’t impact y overall enjoyment of the book.

This was the first book that I’ve read by C.L. Polk and it definitely won’t be my last.

While I am not a huge fan of Regency Era romance, this was a wonderful blend of feminism, magic and romance. It was well-done and I enjoyed reading it.

I love fantasy and fantasy with romance? Yes, please. However, I just couldn't get into the story. There was very little magic, partly because it's all for the men and not the women. I also feel it's slightly historical and my brain just can't comprehend historical writings.

When I first read the description of The Midnight Bargain, I felt that I need to read this book. 

Because it was telling the story of a woman who is stuck between a rock and a hard place. She desperately needs to get married because of her family's financial situation, but she also does not want to lose her magic., 
since women are put to a warding collar to prevent spirits from taking host in their children and wreaking havoc. (They wear a collar like a dog until they experience menopause. They cannot use their powers.)

And Beatrice wants to use her magic, she wants to be a magis (top level of magician) even if it means being a spinster. So she makes a deal with a spirit named Nadi to take back a grimoire which belonged to her in the first place. Thus, the adventure of finding your identity, laying a claim to your power begins.
--

The Midnight Bargain reminded me of Mulan, wrapped in magic and in 17th or 18th century England in the beginning of the book. Balls, open season for a husband or wife. The problems and traditions were similar, but the author also added the twist of magic and imaginary places and cultures. Also, the book was not about family honour, it was about money, ambitions, choices and the power to be able to make those choices.
In my honest opinion, the book captures the historical romance aspect very good but the dilemma Beatrice faces and the dialogues makes the book a lot repetitive. Also, this was not mean that there was no action, problems, arguments, drive to achieve, romance, an understanding male, nice chats, shocking and unladylike acts in the story.

One thing I really hated about this book was Harriet. There could not be more annoying, selfish, disturbing girl in the world. She had no solidarity in her. Only thing she wanted was to save herself, she never listened her sister, never considered what is asked of her. She kept saying this for family, for me, we have debt and I see that her age is young, but she "knows it all" so I expected more from her. Some solidarity would be so nice. Also, she had no respect for her older sister. I think this is the main reason why she felt this nosy.

Another female with a drive was Ysbeta. She is really a nice character, strong headed, but did she really need to lose her femininity? In my opinion, besides being cheeky, Beatrice was more balanced. I understand Ysbeta, one must have the choice to do whatever they want. I just think that the world thinks that a strong female cannot be a partner and strong at the same time and Ysbeta rises as an example of that.

Romance part was OK for me since I did not really want to read this one for romance.

To be honest, I never liked historical romances because of the sexist approach, since we experience this today,  I don't need them in my happy place.

Overall, I liked The Midnight Bargain, but I had problems with some topics. If you like a historical romance book wrapped in magic, this one might be for you.

This book was the story of Beatrice who is a sorceress entering her bargaining year. This is where the Mage’s can woo her and bargain for her hand in marriage,

Beatrice is not like most girls her age though and has no interest in marriage as her interest lies in greater magic. She wants to pursue the hidden grimoires  and learn more about conjuring higher spirits.

Beatrice is also loyal to her family though and wants to help her father from financial ruin.

The book follows Beatrice meeting brother and sister ianthe and Yspati who teach her more about the magical rules and world then she ever knew.

I really enjoyed this book, the character development was good, the world building strong and I was very happy with how it concluded.

I found the first 25% a little harder to get into as there were a lot of characters thrown In Very quickly and in some ways this made the book feel like a sequel, once I got to know the characters and alternate names It moved more smoothly.

I read this book courtesy of NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
A very readable and enjoyable fantasy romance that offers the pleasures of historical fantasy along with a clear moral centre and some adorable side-kicks. The real life parallels can sometimes be a little obvious and on the nose for the way characters debate them - but it was simply delightful in so many ways that I don't mind the righteous preachiness. And the characters' positive relationship were numerous enough to make me want to spend time with them, especially with Nadi.

I definitely enjoyed this more than Witchmark and I hope Polk will bring us more and more of those enjoyable, rompy stories.

Initial Thoughts

I love the cover of this book. That’s basically 75% of the reason I applied for it. The synopsis sounded really interesting too but that cover! Anyway, I liked the idea of a world that was similar to Recency England and I love fantasy. This seemed like a perfect blend.

Some Things I Liked

The magic system. I liked the codes, grimoires, and binding to spirits as a form of magic in this story. I thought it was detailed well and was not overly complicated to the point of being confusing.
The romance. It felt very regency-esque and I enjoyed that aspect. To be totally fair, it was a smidge rushed at parts (in other words, Ianthe fell for Beatrice pretty quickly), but that was relatively commonplace for the time period this is based on.
Empowering the sorceresses. I loved that this story was about Beatrice wanting love and magic, but not having to compromise. Too often stories lead to some kind of compromise on one front or another and I loved that Beatrice was willing to fight for the perfect solution to her problem.
Harriet. She was a little whiny in the beginning but I grew to like her as a character very much. I think she would make a very interesting spin-off story character.

One Thing I Wasn’t Crazy About

The language, names, and world building in the beginning of the story read a bit like it’s a sequel of which I hadn’t read the first book. I was confused by the names and customs of the fictional countries especially. I was able to figure it out, but it gave this book a slow start.

Series Value

I think Beatrice’s story is complete given the Epilogue of this book. However, I’d read more set in this world. Beatrice’s work has only just begun and we met several other characters that I’d like to read more about. I think the changing world they live in could make for a very interesting sequel.

Final Thoughts

I enjoyed this book. I don’t know if I would have pushed to read it as quickly as I did if not for my buddy reader @lianne_the_bibliophile saying how much she was enjoying it. Please note, that’s not to say I disliked the book, but with a slower beginning, I might have set it aside for a while if not for her encouragement. I really did enjoy the story overall.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Recommendations for Further Reading

The Vine Witch by Luanne G. Smith – if you liked the historical vibes as well as the fantasy elements, try this series by Luanne G. Smith.
Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore – there’s no magic in this series, but if you liked the idea of ladies empowering other ladies, try this series. It’s witty, fun, and has a great premise.