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ellornaslibrary's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
As my former review of this book was on GR when I read it in 2021 & disappeared, this is a quick new review. Apologies if it isn't as good as my old one:
I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I. Absolutely. Love. This. Book.
This is my first foray into the works of C.L. Polk, but it was a great start and definitely incentive to read more. I was recommended this book for a readathon that I participated in, and it was my favorite book I read during that readathon and a top read for the whole month. I didn't know this was a genre I needed. Fantasy Romance set in the Regency like I was hooked so fast. Even moreso we get our social commentary with whispers of the possibility of not just being able to decide ones own future, but to possibly change society's rules entirely. Wealthy women can't attend school for magic, and are even discouraged from simple charms, and once a contract is made in Bargaining Season well. . . that is it as married women must wearing magic-blocking collars during their reproductive years and the only one with the key is their husband.
The worldbuilding in Chasland and beyond was fascinating, especially in terms of commentary on ways women are restricted in society by claims that supposedly are meant to be protect them, and I do hope we'll get to see more of it in future works. It is definitely inspired by Regency England to some extent, but not entirely and we see this with the Lavan siblings who are not from Chasland and are visiting as their Mother has arranged a contract for Ysbeta that she is trying to get out of as well. While the romance between Beatrice and Ianthe is swoon-worthy? I love the friendship between Beatrice and Ysbeta that's born out of a common goal.
Another great aspect is that Beatrice's goal might sound selfish at first glance — though she entirely has the right to be if she chooses — yet as the story progresses you learn that it's about more than just her. And honestly, more caring than a certain family member deserves(I must say that of her family my favorite is absolutely her little sister Harriet). And as time is limited to save herself, she finds herself pushed closer to the Lavan siblings by her own goal, social circumstances, and by Nadi(who is such a fascinating character all by themself). This proximity leads to more interaction with Ianthe who Beatrice finds herself falling hard for as she learns he has more open-minded views — though perhaps a little naive about just how restrictive society is — being from a place that is more progressive. For Beatrice those feelings are dangerous as even where the Lavan siblings are from women are still prevented from studying higher level magic and must be collared. This makes everything much more tense, and then the book becomes even moreso. . . especially as Beatrice's father learns what is happening. But the outcome of the story as a whole and the wait for the HEA is worth everything.
The chosen family vibes, the LQBTIA+ rep, the interesting class dynamics relating to the difference in social power for wealthy women vs working class women, and more is great in this book. I will say that my only complaint is what happens concerning Beatrice's Father cause I think it was far too nice. But that is all I'll say.
I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I. Absolutely. Love. This. Book.
This is my first foray into the works of C.L. Polk, but it was a great start and definitely incentive to read more. I was recommended this book for a readathon that I participated in, and it was my favorite book I read during that readathon and a top read for the whole month. I didn't know this was a genre I needed. Fantasy Romance set in the Regency like I was hooked so fast. Even moreso we get our social commentary with whispers of the possibility of not just being able to decide ones own future, but to possibly change society's rules entirely. Wealthy women can't attend school for magic, and are even discouraged from simple charms, and once a contract is made in Bargaining Season well. . . that is it as married women must wearing magic-blocking collars during their reproductive years and the only one with the key is their husband.
The worldbuilding in Chasland and beyond was fascinating, especially in terms of commentary on ways women are restricted in society by claims that supposedly are meant to be protect them, and I do hope we'll get to see more of it in future works. It is definitely inspired by Regency England to some extent, but not entirely and we see this with the Lavan siblings who are not from Chasland and are visiting as their Mother has arranged a contract for Ysbeta that she is trying to get out of as well. While the romance between Beatrice and Ianthe is swoon-worthy? I love the friendship between Beatrice and Ysbeta that's born out of a common goal.
Another great aspect is that Beatrice's goal might sound selfish at first glance — though she entirely has the right to be if she chooses — yet as the story progresses you learn that it's about more than just her. And honestly, more caring than a certain family member deserves(I must say that of her family my favorite is absolutely her little sister Harriet). And as time is limited to save herself, she finds herself pushed closer to the Lavan siblings by her own goal, social circumstances, and by Nadi(who is such a fascinating character all by themself). This proximity leads to more interaction with Ianthe who Beatrice finds herself falling hard for as she learns he has more open-minded views — though perhaps a little naive about just how restrictive society is — being from a place that is more progressive. For Beatrice those feelings are dangerous as even where the Lavan siblings are from women are still prevented from studying higher level magic and must be collared. This makes everything much more tense, and then the book becomes even moreso. . . especially as Beatrice's father learns what is happening. But the outcome of the story as a whole and the wait for the HEA is worth everything.
The chosen family vibes, the LQBTIA+ rep, the interesting class dynamics relating to the difference in social power for wealthy women vs working class women, and more is great in this book. I will say that my only complaint is what happens concerning Beatrice's Father cause I think it was far too nice. But that is all I'll say.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny and Toxic friendship
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