A Sensational and Spellbinding Saga!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Author
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation, Fantasy
TIME FRAME: Begins during Elizabeth’s stay at Hunsford Parsonage
SYNOPSIS: Taking us into a world were humans have magic (including Lizzy, Darcy, and Lord Matlock) and fae folk have existed for centuries (ruled by King Oberon and Queen Titania), Abigail Reynolds constructs a fascinating fantasy that entwines Jane Austen’s characters in an enchanted adventure filled with secrets, new prejudices, conflicts, corruption, and of course, magic. There is discontent rising in Faerie and a war against the humans is determined. Darcy and Elizabeth are caught in the middle of this dispute and it becomes their mission to end the unrest and violence. But family drama and new dangerous developments and cause no small amount of delays for them – (not to mention their own prejudices, fears, and personal struggles that get in the way.)
WHAT I LOVED:
- An Imaginative New World: Abigail Reynolds did an absolutely fantastic job constructing and introducing readers to this original alternate world. There was so much world building involved with this tale, and so much for readers to learn. I really appreciate how succinctly and clearly Ms. Reynolds imparts pertinent knowledge to readers. It never becomes too heavy, overly complex, or convoluted. The rules and realities of this alternate world are divulged gradually and relevantly in a well-balanced fashion.
- Creative and Plausible Intertwining: Since the story does veer off course a substantial amount in this magic-induced world, I really admired the connections Abigail Reynolds established that gave believable reasons and possibilities to some of Jane Austen’s characters, such as Mrs. Bennet, Mr. Bennet, Mr. Collins, and the de Bourghs. These plausible explanations were so clever and I had great fun believing them.
- The Fitzwilliam Family and Original Characters: Just like with Conceit and Concealment, various members of the Fitzwilliam family are integral to the action and development of this story. I think Abigail Reynolds has a partiality for the Fitzwilliams. 😉 In addition, we are introduced to a family friend, Viscount Eversleigh, who plays a vital role in this story and has some interesting connections to these characters. All these character additions were wonderfully well-drawn and are quick to earn readers’ interest and respect. My particular favorites were Eversleigh, Frederica Fitzwilliam, Aelfric, and Peper!.
- Fae Folk and Faerie: I’ve not read any other stories that included faes and I definitely haven’t come across Austenesque stories that integrate these creatures – dragons and phantoms?- yes, but not fae. I loved everything about the fae; like Lord Matlock and Frederica, I am obsessed with their culture and eager to learn all I can. I loved all the details and thought that went into establishing the fae in this story – some of which is inspired by traditional folklore. In this story readers can come to understand the difference between fae culture and Regency culture, and learn their history, customs, and etiquette. I especially loved seeing Jane Austen’s characters react to and adapt to fae etiquette when visiting Faerie…poor Mr. Darcy perhaps had the most learning and adjusting to do! 😉 LOL!
- All Things Combined: There was so much going on in this story, so much action, so many characters, so much history and culture – and not to mention the combining of Jane Austen’s characters and world with, not only the Fae world, but a little bit of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer’s Night Dream! The mixture and balance of all these elements truly is an impressive accomplishment!
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- The only thing that I can complain about is that I want more! I loved this Fae-inspired Pride and Prejudice tale, will you take us back to Faerie, Ms. Reynolds?
NOTE:
While there are some references made to intimate embraces and violence, nothing graphic or explicit takes place on page. I’d recommend this book to readers over the age of 13.
CONCLUSION:
Whether or not you enjoy fantasy and believe in magic, this enchanting and compelling variation by Abigail Reynolds will cast you under its enigmatic spell. With Mr. Darcy’s Enchantment Ms. Reynolds once again displays her ingenuity, meticulous attention to detail, and riveting story-telling powers. We are so eager to see what she writes next!
I always look forward to read this author’s works as quickly as I can get my hands on them. I read and enjoyed this one…needless to add. Great review, Meredith.
I feel the same way, Sheila!! For many of us Abigail Reynolds was one our first or earliest JAFF finds, it is wonderful to see that so many years later her stories still enthrall us!
to reading…my error
I loved this book too Meredith! As you say there was just enough background detail and I could really believe in this alternate world. You know that I’m not a big angst lover so some of the problems they encountered had me reaching for the chocolate but Abigail didn’t let me down so I survived! (Obviously not a spoiler as you all know ODC end up together, right?). 🙂
Yes, it so did feel like a real world that exists out there – I wish!!
That is a great angst-coping technique!!
This book showed how we can always discover new themes and plotlines within the #Austenesque world. I loved it.
Absolutely!! I’m so happy to hear that!
Spot-on review, Meredith. Thanks for helping this excellent book gain additional readers, because if they haven’t read it yet, they’re missing something exceptional. This book is so original, there are bound to be a plethora of fantasy JAFFs to follow by authors who also have a love for both worlds. Abigail is such a gifted writer, we look forward to what she has in store for us next, as she doesn’t stick to the same old mould at all. Congratulations, Abigail, forever the groundbreaker in your writing.
Thank you, Suzan! I am very happy to have had the chance to read this story and spotlight it on my blog, it deserves to be read!
Very true! I have thoroughly enjoyed all her groundbreaking and evolving! 😉
Great review, Meredith. Isn’t Abigail just the best? I just loved this one, as of course sooo many of hers. I had been anticipating it very much, and not only was I not being disappointed, but was left with my jaw open. And yes, I also wished for more!!
Absolutely, Michelle! It is funny because I told Abigail that I love her writing, but I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about her fantasy story, since fantasy is not really my thing….(but I also told her that I wanted to read it because….it is Abigail Reynolds!!) Could I have been more wrong?!?
Abigail was the first JAFF writer I came across several years ago, and she remains one of my absolute favorites. I wasn’t sure if she would return to the onerous task of world building after Conceit and Concealment (which was brilliant!!!) in which she envisioned a Britain that had lost to France in the Napoleonic Wars and thus remained occupied by French forces.
Not only did Abigail continue world building in Mr. Darcy’s Enchantment, but she also created an amazing parallel universe in this novel based on Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream as well as centuries-old British Fairy lore. All of these magic and Mages are skillfully woven into Pride and Prejudice in a seamless tale of family, power, romance, and, of course, pride and prejudice.
A lovely review, Meredith!! This is one of the few books that seem to deserve a 6 out of 5!! The only “flaw” is that Mr. Darcy’s Enchantment is not the first of a series!! 😀
Thank you, Meredith, for reminding us how wondrous this book is!! I think a re-read is now in order…. 😉
Warmly,
Susanne 🙂
Exactly! It is an amazing feat!! I’m so impressed and Abigail deserves so much praise for her wonderful execution!
Right? I would definitely welcome that!!
Hope you get to reread this gem soon!
Wow, Meredith, thanks so much for the fabulous review!! You made my day!!!!
I’m not sure it’s so much that I like the Fitzwilliams so much as that they’re an invasive species that’s trying to take over my stories. I set my next book in Scotland for the sole purpose of keeping the Fitzwilliams from sneaking their way into yet another of my books and, well, I succeeded in keeping most of them out, lol. They’re really, really sneaky and invasive, those Fitzwilliams! Maybe they’re bribing my muse with chocolate.
As for more fae, who knows? At first I said absolutely not, but every so often Eversleigh or Aelfric start complaining in my ear about what could happen next. And then there’s D & E’s children….
Yay! I am so happy to have had the opportunity to read this wonderful story, Abigail! Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful talent with us!
That is hysterical!! I can so see your Fitzwilliam family doing that! Love those Fitzwilliams!!
Yes!!! ❤️ Eversleigh ❤️ Aelfric ❤️ there is more to tell!!!
Great review. I loved this book as well. Anything from Abigail Reynolds is 5 stars for me. The glossary in the back of the book was a must read first.
Thank you!! I so agree! Even though she gave great context clues and explanations for anything Fae-related, I loved Glossaries!
I so look forward to reading this one!
Hope you get the chance to read it soon!
Hope to read this soon…huge fan of the Fae and love the idea of P&P in that world.Thanks for the review. Bumping this to the top of my TBR list.
Yes! Bump it, I think you will love it!!
Fabulous review Meredith and one book I want to read in paperback form. I received a gift card from Amazon for Christmas but I’m waiting for my sister to come north for a visit before I order it along with a few others that she can bring me.
Thank you, sweet friend! It is a lovely cover and such a nice chunk of a book – that is an excellent plan!
As always, great review, Meredith! I love the way you break down your perspective on the books you read. And this book is definitely on my TBR list. I love both fantasy and Austenesque fiction, and Abigail Reynolds is a great writer–all in all, a fantastic combination! Thanks!
Thank you, Christina! I appreciate you checking it out! I find the breakdown helps me write the review faster…and hopefully it helps the reader read it faster? If they don’t want to read the whole thing? 🙂
Yes! I am enjoying the Austenesque fantasy stories I have read!! I am definitely interested in more!
I´m so glad to see you loved the book, I´m looking forward to putting my hands on it! LOL. I like Fantasy genre so I know I´ll enjoy a lot this story. Thanks for the review, Meredith 😉
Congrats Abigail!
Hope you get the chance to read it soon, Teresa, and that you love it as much as I did!
Great review – I couldn’t agree more with all the praise, every bit of it well deserved. I can only join in recommending this book!
Thank you, Agnes! I love hearing everyone’s praise for this story!! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!