A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske is praised for its enchanting world-building and charming blend of fantasy and romance. Readers appreciate the witty dialogue and compelling chemistry between characters. However, some critique the pacing as uneven and feel the plot can be predictable. Overall, it's deemed a delightful escapade for fans of magical adventures.

Readers who enjoy A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske likely appreciate historical fantasy with LGBTQ+ romance, akin to similar intricate world-building and charm found in Susanna Clarke's Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell or Naomi Novik's Uprooted, blending magic and societal elements.

In A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske, set in Edwardian England, a government official named Robin Blyth discovers a hidden magical society. When he partners with Edwin Courcey, a magician, they unravel secrets and battle unexpected threats. The plot intertwines magic, mystery, and romance as they navigate their roles in this extraordinary world.

Mysterious / Fantastical / Romantic / Adventurous / Emotional

- A Marvellous Light is the debut novel by Freya Marske, marking her entry into the fantasy genre with a unique blend of magic and mystery set in Edwardian England.
- The novel was shortlisted for the 2022 British Science Fiction Association (BSFA) Award for Best Novel, highlighting its commendation within the speculative fiction community.
- Freya Marske is part of the Hugo Award-winning podcast Be the Serpent, which discusses themes and genres relevant to her work in A Marvellous Light.

**Sir Robert “Robin” Blyth**  
One of the protagonists, Robin becomes responsible for his family's finances after his parents' deaths and is assigned as a liaison to the magical world. He is extroverted, enjoys sports, and highly observant.

**Edwin Courcey**  
The other protagonist, Edwin is a socially awkward magical theorist and researcher who serves as the Magical Assembly’s liaison to the home office. He struggles with familial emotional abuse and is drawn to Robin despite their differences.

**Reginald “Reggie” Gatling**  
The original holder of Robin’s civil service post, Reggie is tortured by magicians seeking the Last Contract. His death sets the novel’s events in motion, revealing emotional layers for the protagonists.

**Maud Blyth**  
Robin’s 18-year-old feminist sister, Maud is resourceful and countercultural, supporting her brother in resolving their family affairs while seeking independence and education at Newnham College.

**Miss Adelaide Harita Morrissey**  
A secretary in the Home Office assigned to support Robin and Edwin, Adelaide balances workplace challenges with offering valuable insights and help to the protagonists.

**Flora Sutton**  
Reggie Gatling’s great-aunt and a keeper of the Last Contract, Flora uses her powerful self-taught magic and secrecy to protect her family’s legacy.

**Jack Alston, Lord Hawthorn**  
A son of an earl who lost his magic in a family tragedy, Hawthorn interacts with Robin and Edwin during their search for insights about a curse. He is noted for his cruel demeanor and muscular appearance.

**Billy Byatt**  
Part of Edwin’s social circle and involved in a conspiracy to exploit the Last Contract, Billy’s outward cheer contrasts his deeper desires for magic and power, leading to pivotal conflict.

**Walter “Walt” Courcey**  
Edwin's older brother and a powerful magician, Walt embodies the dominating, violent masculinity that traumatized Edwin, positioning him as an antagonist in the narrative.

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