Okay, firstly let's talk about the incredibly unique magic system in this story. Magic is a blood bond between a family and their land. Some have more magic than others. Those with less magic must use a string (similar to cats cradle) to cast magic in an intricate system of motions. The magical world lives alongside the nonmagical world, and if someone nonmagical were to cross into the magical they would be unbusheled (their memories erased).
Edwin has magic, but it is the bare minimum. So, he works extra hard at learning all about magic and therefore has found ways to make spells and to harness his energy to maximize his power. There is a hierarchy in the magical world, those with more magic are more important than those without. Servants have magical abilities best used to serving the aristocratic families in the magical world. Edwin was both fortunate and unfortunate to be born into a very old magical family. Fortunate, because he did not become a servant and had the funds to educate himself and research all he could about magic. Unfortunate, because having so little magic meant being picked on by his much more powerful siblings (especially his cruel older brother). The chemistry between Robin and Edwin is also amazing and I loved the progression of their relationship. Edwin at first deems Robin a nuisance, associating him with the good looking magicians who picked on him throughout his life, without giving Robin a chance to prove him wrong. Later, as Edwin gets to know Robin, he realizes his mistake and begins to want to protect Robin from the worst of the magical world. Robin is in awe of Edwin and magic, even after being cursed he finds Edwin's magic to be inspiring, and he begins to find himself protecting Edwin when it comes to his treatment by others in his family, and the magical world, as being inferior due to his lack of magic. Robin takes the news of magic in stride and wishes only to be useful in his new position. He is kind hearted, joyful, and just what Edwin needs to push himself and to see his self worth. Although, Robin often hides his own emotions and pain under a demeaner of niceties and civility taught to him by his spoiled and fame seeking parents. Edwin can see through this character and comfort Robin. The plot is heavy and full of intricate details pertaining to this magical world, but the explanations help to build and expand your knowledge of it easily. The wording pulls you in and helps to make the story more immersive. I felt like I was there, on Edwin's family estate, or within the deadly hedgemaze, fighting an underground magical society, and falling for these two characters who want nothing more than to be able to be together in a society that finds homosexuality criminal. Fantastic novel, cannot wait for book 2.
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Currently ReadingGraphic Novel
Romance Audiobook
Archives
April 2024
|