I forgot to leave a review for this, but I really enjoyed it! It's been out for ages, so I won't say much more than I need to for my star rating. <3

I have heard so many excellent things about this book, but after trying like three different times with three different formats this book just is not for me. I’m glad this has found an audience but I just could not stay invested in these characters, even as the mystery was intriguing.

I now work at this publisher, so my review is biased. Freya created a luscious fantasy world with delectable characters. A great start to the series!

This took me awhile to get into (mostly because of Edwin, who I'm still not sure I love, but also, I'm not certain I'm supposed to take to him right away??) but there were some really beautiful lines and I'm intrigued enough to read the next one.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan/Tor for giving me a free eARC of this book to read in exchange for my review!

Thank you to Netgalley and the published for giving me an advanced copy of this book to read and review.

I feel sorry to say that this book wasn't for me, because I know a lot of folks really loved it. I, however, had a hard time returning it every time I put it down. I was invested in the romance aspect, but the fantasy/mystery plotline wasn't keeping me interested, sadly. I think I'll still enjoy reading the follow-up because I like Freya Marske's writing and I want to give this series another shot, but I think this one may just not be for me.

Though it starts a bit slow, I couldn't help but be sucked into this delightful romantasy - I love a house party and a murderous hedge. It's got a really great dry humor, and I'm totally invested in this series!

Thank you to Netgalley and Tor for sending me a copy of this book! All opinions are my own!

I've been struggling to write a review on this book because I just don't...have feelings about it? It was a book that I read. It didn't make me love it but it also didn't make me hate it. I just read it.

One thing I wasn't too keen on was the confusion the plot gave me. It felt a bit disjointed at times and I had a hard time following along. But other than that, I didn't really feel one way or the other. The characters were okay, the romance was there but nothing special. I just couldn't really get into any of it and attach myself to the book.

I've heard many who do like it, so if you like the sound of the synopsis, it might be for you!

I've fallen head over heels for this book and I can't move on.
What do you get when you mix a strong, capable, dashing, baronet and a quiet, magical, librarian, with confidence problems?
Add a dash of romping through the early 1900s English countryside, and people of questionable morals?
This incredibly compelling novel!
It was fun, sexy, heartwrenching, and just lovely.

This book was just what the doctor ordered. I had just read a very sad and depressing book and this one was a relief. I can’t wait for the next in the series! Historical romance and fantasy is now making it higher on my list of book genres. A must read.

The premise of this book is evrything I could ask for in a book: historical romance, fantasy, murder/mustery AND it's queer. To say I was excited to read this book is an understatement. My expectations were very high especially with the early reviews coming in, and I was unfortunately disappointed.

The writing style and pacing of the story had me unfortunately very bored. I found myself not paying attention or drifting off when reading and the story overall did not grab my attention. Also the magic system wasn't very well explained and was giving "flashing lights" which is one of my least favorite ways to describe magic; and the mystery elements were a bit underdeveloped.

I wanted to love this book so much but nit even the cute swoony romance could save this book for me.

Thank you NetGalley and Tor for providing me with this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a delightful, witty, somewhat odd grumpy/sunshine romance set in the backdrop of Victorian England. The magic was strange and difficult to understand at first and I almost feel like it wasn't needed. What really stood at the forefront for me were the characters, specifically the mail M/M pairing. I will be looking forward to more from Freya.

This book felt very complete in its one volume, so I'm curious what the next one in the series will explore. I think A Marvellous Light accomplished what it set out to do with its two main characters in terms of development.

However, I personally didn't enjoy this book as much as I anticipated - I just think the writing style isn't for me, but I think those who prefer the book's choice of language and tone will enjoy the story more than I did. I feel the plot in terms of excitement was just about so-so. Perhaps this is just not my preferred genre to read.

WOW. Thank you so much for the chance to read this book, and my apologies for the heavily delayed review!

I had heard this book was spicy, but I was not expecting the level of smut. The romance combined with the very interesting magic system and worldbuilding led to a delightful reading experience.

I really identified with Edwin, he was such a wonderful character and I tabbed several of his inner monologues.

The only negative thing about this book was probably my fault - I wasn't paying enough attention at the beginning, and lost the thread (ha) of the actual PLOT slightly. But to be honest, the vibes, romance, and magic were so wonderful that I didn't care!

More queer historical fantasy romance yes please. Such good characters and worldbuilding. All gay magicians all the time.

I love how so many things happened in the book. I could not keep myself from the book because it was so good

This novel was a delight to me! What great main characters!! And Edwardian England setting ... with magic as a setting. It had so many things going for it. I putting this novel on my highly recommended list!

Absolutely intoxicating. Chefs kiss. 5 stars.

Hands down one of my most favorite reads in years. This book is such a beautiful beginning to what I can conclude is going to be an incredible trilogy.

The relationship between the main characters is delicious. The character development and story is incredible. I would recommend everyone to read this!

I read about 45% of this book and unfortunately I realized it just wasn’t a good fit for me. Thank you for the opportunity to read this title.