Shortlisted for the 2016 Locus First Novel Award & the British Fantasy Society Award for Best Novel and Best Newcomer
The fate of English magic lies in their hands. . .
In Regency London, Zacharias Wythe is England's first African Sorcerer Royal. He leads the eminent Royal Society of Unnatural Philosophers, but a malicious faction seeks to remove him by fair means or foul. Meanwhile, the Society is failing its vital duty - to keep stable the levels of magic within His Majesty's lands. The Fairy Court is blocking its supply, straining England's dangerously declining magical stores. And now the government is demanding to use this scarce resource in its war with France.
Ambitious orphan Prunella Gentleman is desperate to escape the school where she's drudged all her life, and a visit by the beleaguered Sorcerer Royal seems the perfect opportunity. For Prunella has just stumbled upon English magic's greatest discovery in centuries - and she intends to make the most of it.
At his wits' end, the last thing Zachariah needs is a female magical prodigy! But together, they might just change the nature of sorcery, in Britain and beyond.
Totally lives up to the hype even years later. It was hard but necessary to read about his parents, and his conflicted feelings of diaspora. It's a clear demonstration without dumbing it down or pandering to white audiences.
At the same time, it shows how race and gender intersect to create misogynoir and how black men and white women often miss the point with black women.
Gods I love Prunella. I just really fucking love her.
Zacharias is a fuddy duddy trained by the white supremacy but he gets better. In the face of contrary evidence, he changes his opinions. Unlike the white elitists who have to be dragged kicking and screaming like spoiled brats they are.
Romance is all companionship & teasing suggestion from others until the very end with The Kiss.
I did not suspect the twists and conclusions, which plays a small part in making it perfect.
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2 March, 2016:
Reviewed