Hi readers! I’m so excited to welcome back Monica Fairview to Austenesque Reviews today! As you may have already seen, Monica recently released a new Pride and Prejudice story – Dangerous Magic. And I know some readers here are all about integrating Jane Austen’s characters with fantasy elements! 🐉 I must admit, having dipped my toe into some Jane Austen Fantasy, I am eager for more as well! 🔮
Monica is here today to share a lovely guest post about the creation of this series. We hope you enjoy! 🙌🏼
Thank you for having me on Austenesque Reviews, Meredith and giving me a wonderful opportunity to introduce my latest novel, DANGEROUS MAGIC.
Meredith asked me to talk a little bit about how I got the idea to write a magical Jane Austen novel. In the words of Mr. Darcy, `I cannot fix on the hour, or the spot, or the look, or the words, which laid the foundation. It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun’.
You could say I have been thinking of writing a novel called Mr. Darcy: Mage for several years, on and off. The title came first, and then I began to work on the actual concepts. I could easily visualize Mr. Darcy as a powerful wizard, looking down upon lesser mortals who did not have the same skills he had. Of course, Elizabeth would come along and quickly show him how wrong he was to judge others that way! That was how the story would begin. With that in mind, I began to visualize the details, but I still didn’t feel ready to start writing.
Then my daughter decided she wanted to move closer to where we live, she applied to Royal Holloway, University of London, and we went for a visit. I fell in love with the campus and decided then and there that I would locate some of the action of the novel in a building that was similar, but much older.
As I only just discovered today when I was looking for images of Founders’ Hall, I wasn’t the only one to choose the building as a setting. A segment of the Downton Abbey 2013 Christmas Special was filmed there! No wonder! It’s a beautiful place in a charming location, not far from the River Thames. To me, it seemed the perfect place for Elizabeth and Darcy to meet.
Although the Hall was built later than the Regency period, it was exactly what I was looking for. Mentally, I could now visualize the Academy where the Royal Mages lived as an old, converted monastery from the time of the Reformation, with a courtyard and beautiful old tapestries covering the walls.
And then I saw the Royal Holloway coat of arms and I just knew I had picked the right place.
Notice how there’s a kind of Aladdin’s lamp at the top? Magic! What more did I need?
Now that I had found the location, I knew I was ready. With all the turbulence last year, I desperately needed a magical space that I could retreat to when reality became too overwhelming. So I put quill to paper and make the book into a reality.
And that was how Dangerous Magic was born.
Now that you know the setting, it will be easier for you to imagine the following scene. In this scene, Elizabeth and Darcy’s have just tried to practice magic together, and things have gone almost comically wrong.
~ Excerpt from Dangerous Magic ~
She woke up on the ground, with Darcy sitting next to her, looking bedraggled. His cravat was unknotted, and he was in his shirtsleeves. The sight of him unscathed but looking so unkempt made her giggle.
He frowned. “I fail to see the humor in the situation,” he said, but then he began to laugh. It was a hoarse, wheezing kind of laugh, and Elizabeth joined in, relief making her giddy.
The laughter ended as quickly as it had started.
“So now I can say you have proved very clearly that you can do magic, except that it is the wrong type.
She was feeling awkward and uncomfortable on the hard, wooden floor. She struggled into a sitting position.
“I suppose I should ring for refreshments,” said Darcy. “You must be starving after expanding so much energy.” He made a half-hearted attempt to stand up, then flopped back down again with an apologetic expression. “I just cannot bring myself to get up.”
“We need not hurry,” she said, even though the thought of eating made her stomach grumble.
He was looking her over, an odd expression on his face. “I wish I knew how to react to what happened,” he said, rubbing the back of his head. “I am not sure whether to be thankful that you found a way to help me, or whether I should be thoroughly alarmed that a simple Warding spell got so much out of hand.” He smiled wryly.
She did not know how to react, either. The two of them were sitting on the floor, their hands almost touching. Darcy had loosened his collar and the top buttons on his shirt, and she caught a glimpse of muscle on his chest. She looked away, blushing as she considered what someone coming into the room at this moment might think. She was his wife, but she did not wish to give the wrong impression.
The thought propelled her to move. “I need to stand up,” she said. “The floor is a great deal harder than I imagined.”
She came to her feet gingerly, struggling for balance as a wave of dizziness went through her. When she was sure she was steady enough, she put out her hand to him. “Do you think you can stand up?”
He nodded. “I believe I can.” To her surprise, he gave her his hand. As his fingers brushed against his, they sent a little shiver through her, and she felt a spark of energy run through her like a lightning bolt.
He quickly let go of her, rubbing at his hand without even realizing what he was doing. He pushed himself to a standing position.
She felt embarrassed. Nothing like this had ever happened to her. It was as if her magic was reacting to Darcy himself. Or perhaps she was imagining things. She was still feeling light-headed.
“Refreshments?” said Darcy, his brusque manner returning.
“Most definitely,” she said. Perhaps if she ate something, these strange sensations would go away.
She dropped into a large leather armchair, leaned back, and closed her eyes, willing the dizziness to subside.
Darcy issued orders, then dragged a chair across the room and set it up close to her. He eyed her with some concern. “You are looking pale, Elizabeth. You might have been too hasty getting up.”
“This seat is much more comfortable than the floorboards.”
She grinned at him. His lips twitched in response.
The tea-tray came, and she did not wait for the tea to brew before helping herself to the plum crumble and spooning it down ravenously. Slowly, her energy began to return, and she relaxed.
She put the plate down, satisfied, only to find Darcy watching her. Her cheeks flushed. No doubt wolfing down food in a most unladylike manner would now be added to the long list of her faults.
Wowza! That is one impressive and incredible building, Monica! I love that it helped inspired some of the setting in your novel! I love how Founder’s Hall was something you discovered through your daughter and the interesting tie-ins with Downton Abbey and Aladdin! Thank you so much for sharing, Monica! I wish you all the best with your release of Dangerous Magic! I look forward to reading it soon! 🥰
~ Connect with Monica ~
Website ❧ Pinterest ❧ Twitter ❧ Facebook ❧ Austen Variations
~ About Monica ~
Monica Fairview writes Jane Austen sequels and variations as well as Regencies. Her latest novel is a Pride and Prejudice fantasy variation, Dangerous Magic. Her biggest claim to fame is living in Elizabeth Gaskell’s house in Manchester, long before the house was restored. After studying in the USA, she taught literature, then became an acupuncturist. She now lives near London.
Monica loves anything to do with the nineteenth century, and obsessively follows every period drama she can find. Some of her favorites are ‘North and South’, ‘Bright Star’ and ‘War and Peace’, and a dozen others that she couldn’t possibly list here. Of course, she has watched Pride and Prejudice (1995 and 2005) more times than she could count on her hands and toes.
Monica enjoys reading fantasy and post-apocalyptic novels but avoids zombies like the plague. She loves to laugh, drink tea, and visit National Trust historic properties [those were the days!], and she is convinced that her two cats can understand everything she says.
~~~
GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
Today Monica brings with her 1 ebook of Dangerous Magic for me to give away to 1 lucky reader!!
To enter this giveaway leave a comment, question, or some love for Monica!
- This giveaway is open residents worldwide. Thank you, Monica!
- This giveaway ends April 16th!
Wow! Talk about a magical connection! At least they seem to be communicating well even if I’m not sure what went before?
I will definitely have to read this book as I need to know all the details!
I need to see how their relationship develops, how they deal with enemies (both at home and abroad) and how they get to their happy ending!
Thank you for sharing this lovely excerpt.
Thank you, Glynis! They are starting to communicate and they’re both pretty embarrassed at this point. 🙂
The excerpt was fantastic! I am not usually a reader of fantasy, but I must confess that this book has me very intrigued and wanting to read more. Elizabeth and Darcy always have to find their way to each other no matter what the plot premise is. I love the visuals and background you gave us. Kudos on this new book and thank you for the giveaway.
Really happy that you’re willing to give fantasy a go, Eva! Many thanks!!
What a concept, and what a fabulous setting – I’m looking forward to reading this and being transported. Congratulations, Monica, on the book and many thanks for the giveaway.
Yes, the setting really struck a cord with me, lily! It’s really a lovely building.
What a great excerpt! I’m looking forward to reading this!
Glad you enjoyed the excerpt, Cassandra! 🙂
Hi Monica. Sounds Awesome. I’d still love to narrate something for you sometime!
Thanks, Benny!
I enjoyed how you came to write Dangerous Magic. Thank you for sharing! I can really picture this scene and others within this inspiring location. I loved the book, Monica! So looking forward to Book #2. Congratulations, and thanks to you and Meredith for a chance to own a copy 🙂
Very pleased to add a dimension to your reading, Deborah, and so happy you enjoyed the novel!
Monica, whenever I picture F&D practicing magic together, I imagine Emperor Palpatine with lightning bolts coming out of his fingers!
Looking forward to reading this book!
Gosh, Ginna! What an image! I can assure you F&D are much nicer than he is! 😉
This is a beautiful and incredible book; i read it on KU, but once is not enough. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of my own.
I’m another who usually avoids fantasy, but this is the third fantasy JAFF this year to draw me in – I shall have to change my mind about the genre!
How lovely, Beatrice! I’m glad you’ve been drawn into our magical worlds…
Thanks for the look into Dangerous Magic! I also think Founders Hall is a beautiful setting, and seeing it here will help me to place it into my imagery of the book when I read it. Thank you also for the chance to win a copy of the book!
A great pleasure, Cyndy.
My daughter went to university at Royal Holloway, founders hall was a halls of residence and the fire hazards were huge, so were the defences. It’s an historic building, to the point that the students were told if Buckingham Palace and Founders caught fire at the same time, they’d save founders first. She graduated in the grand hall, it was amazing. ❤️❤️❤️
This book sounds exciting to say the least. I would definitely like to know what spell Darcy and Elizabeth tried to cast that went so wrong! How do come to be married? Darcy does not appear to be smitten.
Darcy and Elizabeth are still working things out at this stage, jbrand. Would love to answer your questions but that might give away too much! 😉
I love books that include magic. I dearly want to read this one. I hope I get lucky!
I hope so too, tgruy!
I just finished a book where Elizabeth is a witch so I’m totally in the mood for some magic!
Thank you, both, for the giveaway!
Have fun and stay safe!!!
You, too, Alexandra! Magic and Elizabeth are a potent blend. 🙂
That building and coat of arms are great matches for the story. 🙂
Please do not enter me.
They really are, Sophia! Thank you for stopping by! 🙂
I already read the book, and absolutely loved it! Naturally, I am not entering the drawing. What type of bribes do you need to get the next book out? 😉
Robin, you’re so sweet! So I can choose anything I’d like? Hmmm. You may come to regret it! 🙂
Loved this book, but now I’m ready for part two, like YESTERDAY! Hint DA. Thanks for featuring. Congratulations Monica and thanks Meredith!
Jennifer, if I could only wave a magic wand!! I’m thrilled you liked Dangerous Magic. How marvelous!
I usually dont care for supernatural stories but this one is for my tbr list!
Excellent news, Lily!!
I can now picture it all clearly! You couldn’t have found a better inspiration!! The Coat of Arms is magical in itself!! You know how much I loved this book and like a few others, looking forward to the next!! Is there any way to incorporate the building into your next cover? Don’t enter me in the giveaway.
Hi Carole — what a good idea! I don’t know if I can, but I’m going to give it serious consideration.
and thank you for your lovely words.
Great inspiration! Thanks for sharing and congrats on the release.
Thank you. darcybennett!
Thanks to Meredith for hosting. Monica, you know how much I love this story. OMG! I can hardly wait until the next in the series. I am so excited for you. Blessings on all your hard work. Good luck to all in the drawing. Everyone stay safe and healthy. Oh, and I love those photos. I will look at them when I read the story again.
Loved the excerpt! And what a glorious building Founders’ Hall is! Wow! Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the book.
Wonderful excerpt! Congrats on the new book, Monica!
I read and enjoyed this story and thus can whole heartedly recommend it. Stay safe, everyone.
Sheila, you’re such a star. Thank you for your support!
Thank you, Lucy!! Congratulations on your new release, too.
It is a glorious building. I was really fortunate to come across it!
Well, now you know what it looks like, Jeanne. Thank you for joining me here and for your kind words.
Feeling the energy sparks between the two. Thank you for sharing and the giveaway
Yes, the sparks do fly!!! Thank you for joining me on my blog tour, buturot.
Love the location and it’s coat of arms. I have the book, no need to count me.
denise
**its, not it’s
Thanks Denise! Now you get to imagine Founders Hall as you start to read. 🙂
Would I like to win this? Indeed. I’ve read and enjoyed all your P&P variations, some of them several times.
Thank you for saying so, editingzeal!! 🙂
Congrats again, Monica, on the new release! I love it when Darcy and Elizabeth share a laugh and a smile (even if Darcy’s humor is reluctant — actually, that makes it all the better!). Also, thanks so much for sharing with us the origins of the story — and the images! I can see why you’d be inspired by such majestic architecture and symbolism. Looking forward to reading this book (and no need to enter me in the giveaway, as I have a copy already). Thanks, Meredith and Monica!
Yes, Darcy doesn’t like to laugh, especially when some of the humor is directed against himself! Thank you so much for stopping by and reading the excerpt and post!!
I love getting the background inspiration and origins of the books I read and this time it’s just wonderful: Your daughter moving closer to home, the college visit, that building, the coat of arms. My mouth was opening in a bigger and bigger ‘O’ throughout your telling. 😀
And that excerpt! I’m hooked. So looking forward to reading this. Thank you for the chance to have a copy for myself. I wish you great success with this book’s launch and great good luck on your writing more in this series, Monica.
Thank you Meredith for hosting Monica’s visit. Have a great day.
I do feel very lucky, Michelle, now that you express it like that! And I’m delighted you liked the excerpt!
That is a gorgeous building! I will definitely have it in my head when reading your book, which I am very much looking forward to reading!