The Midnight Bargain by C L Polk

The Midnight Bargain

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?

Reviewed by Quirky Cat on

4 of 5 stars

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I received a copy of The Midnight Bargain in exchange for a fair and honest review.

The Midnight Bargain is the latest novel to come from C.L. Polk (famous for Witchmark and other novels). It's one part fantasy, one part historical romance, with the end result being such a unique experience to read.

Beatrice Clayborn was born to wield powerful magic. Unfortunately, she lives in a society that doesn't see it that way. In her world, women with magic are branded and cut off from their magic – to protect their future children.

That isn't the life that Beatrice wants to live. She wants to be a mage, true and proper. She doesn't want to meet society's expectations, or the expectations of her family, for that matter. Thus, she has devised a plan to forge a path to what she wants.

“The talent for sorcery in women is a curse when it ought to be a blessing.”

The Midnight Bargain is a shockingly intense and fascinating read. It is a fantasy novel, yes, but the addition of many other elements brings it to an entirely new level. The inclusion of historical romance added tender touches, while the debates surrounding rights, treatment of women, and societal expectations weighed down the novel – rightly so.

It has been a long time since I read a novel so rich and detailed. The Midnight Bargain well and truly got to me. So much so that I actually felt a strong hesitation to finish the book – some part of me wanted to stop before Beatrice's actions hit the point of no return. I feared for her, and feared the emotions her story would bring about in me.

That's how you know that a book has truly sunk its teeth into you, as opposed to the other way around. For that reason alone, I think that The Midnight Bargain is going to linger in the forefront of my mind for quite some time.

“This was everything she needed. No man would have a woman with such an alliance. Her father would see the benefit of keeping her secret, to use her greater spirit to aid him in his business speculations. She would be free. A mage. This was her miracle.”

There are plenty of curiosities in this world. From the magic, to the spirits summoned within, and the reactions to those with power. I was truly surprised by the depth found within – how hard Beatrice and other women like her fought for the right to be who (and what) they are.

In a way, it almost reminded me of Little Women. Endearingly so, if I might say so. The determination, the drive, and even the resistance all felt achingly familiar. Though perhaps I am the only one that walked away with that impression, it's hard to say. I would love to hear other inputs on the matter.

One thing is certain, I greatly enjoyed The Midnight Bargain, even if it did cause a bit of emotional distress during the reading. Likewise, I sincerely cannot wait to see what C.L. Polk comes up with next (and yes, Witchmark is already on my TBR list!).

See more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks

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  • Started reading
  • 12 October, 2020: Finished reading
  • 12 October, 2020: Reviewed