Item: The Midnight Bargain
Author: terrimleblanc

by C.L. Polk

2021 World Fantasy Award Finalist for Best Novel | 2021 Nebula Award Finalist for Best Novel | 2021 FIYAHCON Ignyte Award Finalist for Best Novel | 2021 Canada Reads Finalist | NPR Best Books of 2020 | November 2020 Indie Next Pick | Apple Books: Best Books of October

“A sleek, beautiful book with a quietly serious heart.” —The New York Times

From the bestselling, World Fantasy Award-winning author of Witchmark comes a sweeping, romantic new fantasy set in a world reminiscent of Regency England, where women’s magic is taken from them when they marry. A sorceress must balance her desire to become the first great female magician against her duty to her family.

Beatrice Clayborn is a sorceress who practices magic in secret, terrified of the day she will be locked into a marital collar that will cut off her powers to protect her unborn children. She dreams of becoming a full-fledged Magus and pursuing magic as her calling as men do, but her family has staked everything to equip her for Bargaining Season, when young men and women of means descend upon the city to negotiate the best marriages. The Clayborns are in severe debt, and only she can save them, by securing an advantageous match before their creditors come calling.

In a stroke of luck, Beatrice finds a grimoire that contains the key to becoming a Magus, but before she can purchase it, a rival sorceress swindles the book right out of her hands. Beatrice summons a spirit to help her get it back, but her new ally exacts a price: Beatrice’s first kiss . . . with her adversary’s brother, the handsome, compassionate, and fabulously wealthy Ianthe Lavan.

The more Beatrice is entangled with the Lavan siblings, the harder her decision becomes: If she casts the spell to become a Magus, she will devastate her family and lose the only man to ever see her for who she is; but if she marries—even for love—she will sacrifice her magic, her identity, and her dreams. But how can she choose just one, knowing she will forever regret the path not taken?

I encountered Polk's book at just the right time. I was having a hard time focusing and staying awake with the change in seasons, and The Midnight Bargain was the perfect antidote. A richly laid out world with a fascinating storyline, I was able to slide right in each time I picked up the book and be totally absorbed. Polk's prose is light with a lot of attention to detail. I loved every minute and would be delighted to have tea and play hazzards with Beatrice and Ysbeta.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Reading updates

21 October, 2020: Started reading

25 October, 2020: on page 0 out of 384 0%

26 October, 2020: on page 181 out of 384 47%

27 October, 2020: on page 310 out of 384 81%

27 October, 2020: Finished reading

28 October, 2020: Reviewed