#BookReview: The Midnight Bargain by @clpolk

Synopsis: 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?


This title will be released on October 13, 2020. 

Goodreads | Amazon

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
My Review:  It's bargaining season and Beatrice must attract an eligibile suitor and marry if she wishes to save her family from financial ruin. Can she give up her desire to become a mage and marry as she should or will she keep pursuing magic? I have to say initially I was sceptical on whether or not I'd like this book. But the beautiful cover drew me in. I was pleasantly surprised from the start and couldn't put the book down. I loved the relationships that were built between Beatrice, Madi, Ysbeta, and Ianthe. I thought the pace of the story flowed well and it kept me engaged throughout the whole story. I highly recommend this story to anyone who loves stories of magic and romance.

Review

Praise for Witchmark:
"Thoroughly charming and deftly paced." --The New York Times

"Invigoratingly original, crisply and subtly and wittily written." --Anthony Rapp

"C.L. Polk's Witchmark is a delightfully compulsive read. With an intriguing alternate world of magic and modernity and the costs of both, and an endearing protagonist in Dr. Miles Singer--more, please!" --Carrie Vaughn

"Enthralling, fast-paced, and romantic, Witchmark unveils a fascinating world. Polk writes with assured ease. I can't wait for her next book!" --Elizabeth Hoyt

“This book has it all: alternate history Edwardian world, magic system world-building, murder mystery, family drama, examination of class systems--did I mention magic?--and a sweet male/male romance.” --Alyssa Cole

"A crackler, with layers like a nesting doll and just as delightful to discover. Witchmark is a can't-miss debut that will enchant readers." --Booklist Starred Review

"Polk's stellar debut... blends taut mystery, exciting political intrigue, and inventive fantasy... Polk is a writer to watch." --Publishers Weekly Starred Review

"The world of this new series feel rich and familiar, yet wholly unique. The atmosphere is perfect for this tale of dangerous magic, lost souls and lonely hearts." --RT Book Reviews

"The subtle ways Polk builds her characters, reveals the systems under which they live and unwinds a complicated, twisting plot with both personal and political implications are testaments to her skill as a storyteller." --Shelf Awareness

About the Author

C.L. Polk is the World Fantasy Award-winning author of the critically acclaimed debut novel Witchmark, which was also nominated for the Nebula, Locus, Aurora, and Lambda Literary Awards. It was named one of the best books of 2018 according to NPR, Publishers Weekly, BuzzFeed, the Chicago Review, BookPage, and the B&N Sci-Fi and Fantasy Blog. She lives in Alberta, Canada.

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Posted in: 4 Stars, Adult, HeatherR, Netgalley, Review