I wish I had known this was the first in a trilogy before I requested it, breaking my self-imposed rule of not starting a series until all the books are published (a rule I break often) and now will have to wait patiently for the next installment (also not a strong trait). What started slow (I was a good 25% of the way in before I could keep track of everyone, but I was running and mildly distracted) became a delightful, well crafted novel of world building.

As the other reviews have stated, this is a historical romance with magical fantasy and not so much a mystery. The mystery to be solved gives the characters something to do, and I'm sure that's what the second book will focus on, but this installment was all about the development of place, establishing likeable characters, and crafting the romance between the two MCs. I hope we get to hear more from Edwin's estate. I love a house with a mind of it's own.

Audiobook was well craft and excellently narrated.

Reader Advisory: good match for New Adult readers looking for open door m/m romance with steam, or a historical magical novel to escape into.

This was a fun read! It was not what I expected and I feel like I should tell readers that this is more "romance with fantasy" than "fantasy with romance", but it is still very enjoyable. The writing is beautiful. I listened to this as an ALC from NetGalley, but I found myself wishing often that I was reading with my eyes instead of listening. The narration is good, but I think that I would have enjoyed the writing even more in print. This is the start of a series and the world-building and character development are also very good. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a historical fantasy romance, with a heavy focus on romance.

3.5 Stars, rounded up.

This was absolutely delightful! I saw another reviewer describe it as "top-tier fanfiction" which is honestly the best way to describe it. It's fantasy romance that I think did an excellent job balancing world-building with a magic system based on the game Cat's Cradle and a well developed romance that includes some steamy scenes.

The story follows recently orphaned minor noble, Robin Blyth, who due to an administrative error, is forced into the magical side of Edwardian London and has to solve the mystery of what happened to his predecessor with the help of his counterpart in the magical bureaucracy, Edwin Courcey. Further plots are uncovered leading to a threat to every magician in Britain and meanwhile the prickly Edwin and himbo Robin get closer and romance ensues. There are also magical hedge mazes, enchanted libraries, and lots of angst.

One of the things I particularly enjoyed was the care Marske used when building the relationship between Robin and Edwin. Throughout the book it was acknowledged that both sides had baggage and beyond that, that being gay was a criminal offense in that era - the text specifically mentions the Oscar Wilde trial in 1895. I also enjoyed having the dual perspective throughout so you could see the relationship evolve on both sides.

The main plot of this story wraps up fairly well but leaves enough tidbits to make me excited about the rest of the books in the series. I also really loved the audiobook narration!

Overall, I would highly recommend! Especially for fans of C.L. Polk's Witchmark series as both tackle mysteries related to secret magical societies in the Edwardian era.

A Marvellous Light is just that - marvellous! Oh, I loved so much about this novel. Honestly, I've been eyeing it on bookstagram for months, so I was so excited when I got approved for an ARC audiobook from Macmillan Audio. I listened to it over two days because I just didn't want to stop.

The worldbuilding and magic system are wonderful, fit thoughtfully within the historical London setting, and are unfolded carefully to enhance the plot. This is a murder mystery with lots of twists and turns, so trigger warnings for murder, attempted murder, verbal and emotional abuse, physical abuse, violence, bullying. There is a gendered component to the magic, which at first did annoy me, but it fit with the views on women in the timeframe, and it does get challenged.

Oh, Edwin! I just wanted to give him a hug. Bookish and not very powerful magically, he's constantly belittled by his siblings and treated poorly to the point where he hides in books and can't believe Robin would find him interesting. He felt oh so real and relatable, afraid of showing his true self and being rejected.

Robin is a lot less complex, but I loved the core of honesty and optimisim in him. He's got the social skills and impulsiveness that Edwin lacks, but also doesn't see himself as anything special. His sister Maud is fantastic too, and their great sibling bond is a perfect foil for Edwin's terrible family relationships (although Robin has his own issues with his deceased parents).

Robin and Edwin are darling together - I love that they seem like opposites on a lot of things, and Marske doesn't backtrack on that, but they see the heart of each other and balance each other out. Their connection is palpable, and while this is a more slowburn romance, there are a few very explicit scenes. There's also a huge focus on consent, both in their personal interactions and in the magic system.

The mystery was so well crafted. The disappearance of Robin's predecessor in the magic liaison office leads then to unravelling a painful, deadly curse, uncovering an old legend, and discovering a different type of magic. Throw in some dangerous house party games and a couple of betrayals.

I'm so excited that this book is structured like the first in a trilogy. I definitely want more of the story.

Rating: 5 stars

Thank you to #Netgalley and #MacmillanAudio for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

I read this as the ebook first and then listened to the audio.

The narration is fantastic. While the story itself is great, there’s just something extra a good narrator adds.

Well narrated fantasy romance novel. The story's set up and world building come on slowly to the detriment of the story. Overall, I found this one to be heavier on the romance and lighter on the fantasy/magical plotline.

Actual Rating: 4.5 stars rounded up

If you're looking for a charming fantasy romance that's heavy on plot and world-building A Marvellous Light is a fantastic choice! Set in an alternate Edwardian England, Robin is unexpectedly drawn into a magical underworld where a mysterious murder and dastardly machinations must be unraveled. The prickly Edwin becomes his guide into this new world and they work together to uncover the truth, save Robin from a curse, and perhaps lower their walls enough to find love.

It's a slow-burn, but things do get quite steamy later in the book. (There is even some erotic use of magic. Which TBH people would totally do if magic were real) Robin and Edwin live in a time when being gay is extremely dangerous, so they take their time feeling each other out. But they have this very tender relationship, creating safety and understanding for who each of them are. And for readers who prefer their romance to come with a strong side of plot and thoughtful world-building- this book will give you what you're looking for. The audio narration is fabulous and a great option if you like audiobooks! I received an advance copy of this book for review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.