A Magical Mystery in Meryton

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Source: Review Copy from Author

TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Fantasy Variation

THE PREMISE: Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley are Convocation Paladins (powerful warrior mages charged with defending the kingdom). And the people of Meryton are fortunate to have them around when violent goblins materialize and assault anyone in their path. Elizabeth Bennet, while denied the ability to study at the Academy of Magic because she is woman, is a highly talented mage who is eager to help solve the mystery behind and stop these vicious goblin attacks…

WHAT I LOVED:

• A Spellbinding Premie: Goblin attacks on the rise in Meryton and Mr. Darcy betrothed to Caroline Bingley – what excellent magical and nonmagical twists to explore in this premise! I was especially interested about what is Darcy doing with Caroline?!? And how does he get out of it!

• Elizabeth the Brave: I loved and admired Elizabeth so much in this tale! She is regarded a bit as a social pariah because of her “unfeminine” interests and talent in magic, but that doesn’t hold her back. She still pursues her passion, determinedly develops her skills, and carries through with her charming wit in tact. I loved how Elizabeth continued to persevere through everyone else’s doubts and prejudices. And let me just say, what she is willing to do and to sacrifice to save others….man, she is the true hero of this tale.

• Goblins!: I thought this was such a fun and interesting magical creature to explore. They were dangerous, mysterious, and there was virtually no way to communicate with them. It was so interesting to learn more about them and discover why they were attacking. I especially enjoyed the details about the various types of goblins and the vivid descriptions of their appearances.

• Do You Want To Form an Alliance with Me?: They didn’t call it this, but Darcy and Elizabeth decide to work together to learn more about the mysterious goblin attacks. They spend hours researching and then meet together and discuss their findings and theories. I loved seeing these two characters work together in this fashion. I loved how Elizabeth recognized and cherished the novelty of Mr. Darcy respecting her thoughts and treating her as an equal. And I loved witnessing how Mr. Darcy, who previously thought he was incapable of love, realizes that is precisely what he feels for Elizabeth, and recognizes that he is now in a massive quandary since he is already engaged!

• A New Villain: There is no Wickham in this story. I repeat. No! Wickham! Isn’t that shocking? I found it wonderfully refreshing. This villain was a very interesting choice and had an interesting agenda. I enjoyed learning about this character’s evil schemes and witnessing the dark arts they employed. Especially suasion.

• Comedic Relief: It feels weird to say this but, I really enjoyed Mr. Collins in this variation! He perfectly provided a comedic release from the tension and drama with his stupid optimism that Elizabeth will eventually consent to marry him and his inept attempts at simple spells and magical mishaps.

WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:

• Wanting More: I think there were just a few times where I wished for more – maybe more about the villain’s (and his accomplices?) background and “why,” maybe more with Darcy’s relationship with Caroline, maybe a little more romantic development between Darcy and Elizabeth.

CONCLUSION:

Mages and Mysteries is a spellbinding adventure full of action, danger, humor, and romance! Victoria Kincaid crafts together such a fascinating, developed, and entertaining world of magic in this tale that I’m dearly hoping we can visit it again! I personally think a sequel about Lydia and Georgiana would make for a most bewitching adventure!

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