Malicious Magic Versus Brave Bennets
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Source: Gift from Author
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Fantasy Variation
THE PREMISE: Mr. Darcy is rescued from nearly drowning in the River Lea by Elizabeth and Jane Bennet. But because there is a dangerous necromancer looking for him, Mr. Darcy keeps his identity hidden from the family that rescues him. Even though Mr. Darcy finds himself falling in love with his beautiful nurse, secrets and family scandals prevent him from pursuing his heart…
WHAT I LOVED:
- Welcome to the Dark Side: Secret meetings, forbidden magic, life-feeding creatures – this Pride and Prejudice fantasy takes us to the dark side of magic. Who is the necromancer? What are his goals? How can he be defeated? The necromancer and his nefarious schemes added plenty of delicious suspense and tension to this tale. I loved being in the dark (literally and figuratively) in this magical world.
- Mancer Magic: In this magical world people are born with specialized magic abilities. Jane Bennet is an aquamancer, and can manipulate water, Mr. Darcy is a shadowmancer, and can manipulate shadows, and all the other Bennets have distinct mancy talents as well. This was so fascinating to explore. I love that everyone’s skill with magic is unique and how everyones’ talents were helpful – in most cases for protection or survival.
- Mutual Affection and Attraction: To hide his identity, Mr. Darcy pretends to be a Mr. Dee, a wool merchant. And without their pride and their prejudices, Elizabeth’s and Darcy’s feelings for each other progress quite naturally. Seeing them both falling in love simultaneously is a bit of refreshing change up! But it does not mean their path to happiness is smooth and easy. Other obstacles impede. I loved how this relationship developed and I appreciated the internal and external conflicts each character contended with. Both characters felt strong emotions that sometimes only revealed themselves at times of intense risk and danger.
- Dangerous and Dramatic: Hold onto your bonnets! The magic and danger in this tale becomes dark and twisted! There are multiple battles, multiple injuries, and multiple dangerous situations. I admire how the characters were fearless in facing such dark and dangerous situations. The action had me spellbound and I thoroughly appreciated the culminating climax and unsuspecting twists Ms. Kincaid employed.
- Swift Yet Satisfying: Victoria Kincaid does not waste time or words. She is economical with her prose yet delivers scenes rich with detail and action. Every chapter of the story has significant events or conversations that propel the plot forward. The pacing is perfect. As a reader who wants minimal-fluff, but loves vivid descriptions of relationship developments and action, I greatly value these skills in Ms. Kincaid’s writing.
WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER:
- Nothing. It was everything I wanted it to be
FINAL THOUGHTS:
🔮 Secrets and survival – this tale is both dark and enchanting, dangerous and romantic, magical and mesmerizing.
🤕 A fun fantasy twist on the a character is rescued/recuperating romance trope.
🤔 I wonder what kind of mancy I would be born with if I lived in this magical world…
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Many times, JAFF fantasy is cozier than mainstream, but not in this case. I enjoyed the edgier story, too. 🙂
Hi Sophia, Thanks for your comments! I’m glad there’s enthusiasm for an edgier tone.
I loved this book, mostly for the same reasons you did. I was on the edge of my seat rooting for the good guys and trying to figure out who the necromancer was. I appreciated the darker aspects of the story.
Hi Neville, Thank you for your comments! I’m so happy you enjoyed the book.
Just how much angst is there in this book? Being an angst wimp I sometimes struggle. I can cope better if the angst isn’t between Darcy and Elizabeth but has them fighting together against an enemy? Hopefully that’s what this story is about?
Hi Glynis, There’s a little angst between D&E, but mostly they are working together to defeat the bad guys.
I loved the book too. I especially liked how mancer gifts were matched to personality, e.g, Darcy’s gift of hiding himself. I loved how the integrity of the characters was maintained in this new setting. I’d never read Kincaid before. Now she is a must read.
Hi Kim, I’m so happy the book made you a Kincaid convert! I hope you enjoy the others.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, too. From the first chapter onward, I was on the edge of my seat!! So many awesome action scenes, yet so many quiet, introspective moments, too. A lovely balance, and I enjoyed the idea of “mancy” magic!!
Hi Susanne, Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments. They really made my day.
Wow! 5 stars! I am amazed and honored. I’m so happy you enjoyed the book.