Review: A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske

CW: Explicit sex

Specifically, this book includes explicit M/M sex. It's not gratuitous and reflects character development. But it isexplicit...so you have been warned.

This is essentially the "guy stumbles on the magical world and gets pulled in" story, except gay. And yes, its definitely a romance, you can be reassured of that, and some people are calling it romantasy.

Oh, and it's also set in the Edwardian era, which gives more obstacles for our quite wonderful leads.

The non-romance plot is fairly familiar, but the magic system is quite original and the characters are fun to spend time with, including a scenery-chewing villain. I'm always there for moustache-twirling, scenery-chewing, Edwardian era villains who smile as they twist the knife.

I'd recommend this one to readers of queer romantasy. I'm about to start the second book, and based on the cover, there are lesbians. (Which removes Marske from the problematic category of straight women who write M/M to fetishize...she's not straight and she writes FF too? I think we're good).

(Her wiki says she's a member of the LGBTQ+ community but gives no further details. My assumpion based on her booksis that she's bi/pan).

Review: A Restless Truth by Freya Marske

CW: You guessed it, explicit sex

Specifically, this book includes explicit F/F sex. With a hint of light kink.

Apparently, Marske wrote this during the COVID lockdowns and that's why its set on a transatlantic liner...if you can't travel, write about it!

It's a murder mystery on a liner, but this is no Agatha Christie. Not only is there magic, but there's absolutely no gathering all the suspects into the smoking lounge for the big reveal.

Instead, there's a lot of skulking around, magical and mundane, a dead woman who is quite ascerbic (and might have to...never mind, spoilers).

And a parrot who drops F-bombs. Because is an Edwardian ocean liner trip really complete without a highly inappropriate African Grey named, of course, Dorian.

I think this one is a bit better than the first one. Marske has way too much fun with the comedy of manners elements, including an orgy that isn't (yes, there's sex. No, there is no orgy), a released menagerie, and...yeah.

It's fun is what it is...even if not always for our poor characters.

I received copies of these books for award consideration purposes.