CBR18 Bingo: Craft – Edwin must hone his craft as a spellcaster as he is not as naturally gifted as his other family members.
Blyth gave him an exceedingly stubborn look. God save Edwin from the idiotic flower of English manhood.
― Freya Marske, A Marvellous LightYou could have been done helping us in the time it’s taken you to explain exactly how unhelpful you delight in being.
― Freya Marske, A Marvellous Light
As a baronet, Robin is assigned an easy job at a government office per his societal status. It is not a prestigious position, but Robin has no option but to accept it. Despite his late parents being philanthropists and circulating among the wealthiest members of London society, Robin and his sister are left to pick up the pieces after both of his socialite parents perish. Robin wants the best for his younger sister, and keeping the job is his only way to maintain their status and hold onto what family wealth remains.
What Robin does not expect is that his job as liaison is of the magical variety. His predecessor, Reggie, has gone missing, and Robin is tasked with figuring out what his new role entails without any guidance. He knows he was no one’s first choice, but he is shocked to find out why he was selected at all considering he has no background, or knowledge, of magic.
His partner Edwin comes from his own line of magical nobility. The youngest of three children, Edwin uses his limited magical capabilities to serve the magical arm of English government. He performs the “unbusheling” to Robin by revealing that magic is real and it is their job to investigate and report any suspicious or dangerous activities to the government. Together, they embark on a mission to find out what happened to Edwin’s former partner. To do so, Edwin introduces Robin to the world of aristocratic spellcasters.
The magic is not the most frightening or compelling part. Edwin is bullied by his older siblings and their friends. However, he needs help from someone discreet enough to not spread the word that a magical object is missing and could be the answer to perpetual, unconquerable power. Edwin’s cold and analytical nature is a protective mechanism. Robin is friendly and polished and he provides the social skills that Edwin lacks.
Robin sees Edwin for what he can do, not what he lacks in ability, and is amazed. Edwin was abused and bullied by his family members, and prefers the company of books and work over socializing. He gradually learns to trust Robin who, despite not claiming to be the brightest pupil, is able to see the truth of things using his own innate ability to read people and situations.
Their romance feels natural. It is sort of a forbidden romance as it is a workplace romance and because in early 20th century England, queer relationships are outlawed.
This is the second Freya Marske book I’ve read and the first in The Last Binding trilogy. Both Sword Crossed and A Marvellous Light have somewhat convoluted magic systems, but they are not too complex so as to overshadow the story of the romantic leads.
I will probably read the next book at some point, but it moves onto two other characters that are not the most interesting ones from book one.
CW for bullying.
