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Spells and Shadows: A Fantasy Pride and Prejudice Variation
As a secret agent for the Mages’ Council, Mr. Darcy investigates a necromancer who is leading his followers down a dark path. When they discover him, a fight and a chase drive Darcy—injured and close to death—into the river. He is rescued and healed by Elizabeth, a talented mage at the Longbourn estate. Darcy cannot help developing feelings for her, but he dares not reveal his true identity while the necromancer’s creatures search for him.
Elizabeth Bennet is intrigued by the family’s new guest as he recovers at Longbourn. But mystery surrounds the man, and strange happenings plague the neighborhood while he visits. Elizabeth herself harbors a secret that she cannot share with the handsome stranger.
When Darcy’s enemies come calling, the Bennet family is caught in the crossfire. Worse, Elizabeth’s magic draws the necromancer’s particular interest. Darcy is falling in love with her and believes she returns his feelings, but the secret of his true identity could destroy their budding relationship—if they survive the upcoming danger.
Can Elizabeth and Darcy protect themselves and their families from the necromancer’s plots? What will happen when learn each other’s secrets? Can Elizabeth and Darcy’s love survive when it is entangled in a web of secrets, spells, and shadows?
Elizabeth Bennet is intrigued by the family’s new guest as he recovers at Longbourn. But mystery surrounds the man, and strange happenings plague the neighborhood while he visits. Elizabeth herself harbors a secret that she cannot share with the handsome stranger.
When Darcy’s enemies come calling, the Bennet family is caught in the crossfire. Worse, Elizabeth’s magic draws the necromancer’s particular interest. Darcy is falling in love with her and believes she returns his feelings, but the secret of his true identity could destroy their budding relationship—if they survive the upcoming danger.
Can Elizabeth and Darcy protect themselves and their families from the necromancer’s plots? What will happen when learn each other’s secrets? Can Elizabeth and Darcy’s love survive when it is entangled in a web of secrets, spells, and shadows?
227 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 17, 2023
1 person is currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Kincaid
20 books204 followersVictoria has a Ph.D. in English literature and has taught composition to unwilling college students. Today she teaches business writing to willing office professionals and tries to give voice to the demanding cast of characters in her head.
She lives in Virginia with an overly affectionate cat, two children who are learning how much fun Austen’s characters can be, and a husband who fortunately is not jealous of Mr. Darcy. A lifelong Austen fan, Victoria has read more Jane Austen variations and sequels than she can count – and confesses to an extreme partiality for the Colin Firth miniseries version of Pride and Prejudice.
Visit her at www. victoriakincaid. com
She lives in Virginia with an overly affectionate cat, two children who are learning how much fun Austen’s characters can be, and a husband who fortunately is not jealous of Mr. Darcy. A lifelong Austen fan, Victoria has read more Jane Austen variations and sequels than she can count – and confesses to an extreme partiality for the Colin Firth miniseries version of Pride and Prejudice.
Visit her at www. victoriakincaid. com
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 31, 2023
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
Rating: Violence, deaths and dark magic, fight scenes might be too much for a young reader
Angst Level: I was sitting on the edge of my seat nearly the whole book
Source: Borrowed from KU [7-30-23]. I volunteered to leave a review. The views and opinions are my own.
Trope: Paranormal: AU: Alternate Universe: The Bennet family has powers
This was an amazing story. There were many secrets to be uncovered. Danger lurked around every corner and the enemy was hidden in plain sight. I was shocked out of my senses at one point. OMG! It was too cruel and too shocking. I loved it. It was brilliant and so well done. The final battle took my breath away as Darcy and Elizabeth fought to save each other. Man, that was too cool. Their declarations were so swoon-worthy. Fan points.
Rating: Violence, deaths and dark magic, fight scenes might be too much for a young reader
Angst Level: I was sitting on the edge of my seat nearly the whole book
Source: Borrowed from KU [7-30-23]. I volunteered to leave a review. The views and opinions are my own.
Trope: Paranormal: AU: Alternate Universe: The Bennet family has powers
This was an amazing story. There were many secrets to be uncovered. Danger lurked around every corner and the enemy was hidden in plain sight. I was shocked out of my senses at one point. OMG! It was too cruel and too shocking. I loved it. It was brilliant and so well done. The final battle took my breath away as Darcy and Elizabeth fought to save each other. Man, that was too cool. Their declarations were so swoon-worthy. Fan points.
October 22, 2023
Absolutely bewitching when Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice is given an infusion of a magical world of mages and dark necromancy to a powerful romance pair.
Fitzwilliam Darcy is a secret operative for the Mage Council and he’s on a mission when his target turns the tables on him and he ends up being rescued from the river near death by Elizabeth and Jane Bennet. The Bennets nurse him back to health, but can’t help noting that since Darcy arrived in the neighborhood uncomfortable and inexplicable happenings occur. He has his secrets, but they have theirs and the reveals might be the undoing of a romance building between Darcy and Elizabeth.
Spells and Shadows is not a cozy or comfortable fantasy romance though it does have a sweet quality to the romance and there are funny moments. It has a darkness due to the necromancer’s magic opposed to the light magic of Darcy and Elizabeth. There is a great deal of angst in the relationship because of the internal and external conflicts the pair face, but plenty of magical action and excitement to drive the story at a rapid pace at times.
I’m already familiar and love Victoria Kincaid’s historical, contemporary, and one other fantasy variation. She writes clever plots and engagin characters. Her latest gaslamp fantasy efforts have shown a gift for plot twists and some grit that is not generally associated with Austen’s works making them have originality and depth. And, as an aside, though this is based on Austen’s P&P, newcomers to Austen need have no worries to jump in and appreciate Spells & Shadows. Definitely one gaslamp fantasy fans who like some angst, action, and sweetness to their romance should add to the reading stack.
I rec'd an eARC from the author to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at That's What I'm Talking About on October 26th.
Fitzwilliam Darcy is a secret operative for the Mage Council and he’s on a mission when his target turns the tables on him and he ends up being rescued from the river near death by Elizabeth and Jane Bennet. The Bennets nurse him back to health, but can’t help noting that since Darcy arrived in the neighborhood uncomfortable and inexplicable happenings occur. He has his secrets, but they have theirs and the reveals might be the undoing of a romance building between Darcy and Elizabeth.
Spells and Shadows is not a cozy or comfortable fantasy romance though it does have a sweet quality to the romance and there are funny moments. It has a darkness due to the necromancer’s magic opposed to the light magic of Darcy and Elizabeth. There is a great deal of angst in the relationship because of the internal and external conflicts the pair face, but plenty of magical action and excitement to drive the story at a rapid pace at times.
I’m already familiar and love Victoria Kincaid’s historical, contemporary, and one other fantasy variation. She writes clever plots and engagin characters. Her latest gaslamp fantasy efforts have shown a gift for plot twists and some grit that is not generally associated with Austen’s works making them have originality and depth. And, as an aside, though this is based on Austen’s P&P, newcomers to Austen need have no worries to jump in and appreciate Spells & Shadows. Definitely one gaslamp fantasy fans who like some angst, action, and sweetness to their romance should add to the reading stack.
I rec'd an eARC from the author to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at That's What I'm Talking About on October 26th.
January 14, 2024
208 pages on my kindle and then we are given an excerpt from Chapter one of Mages and Mysteries by Victoria Kincaid. The author's story description gives us a good summary of what to expect.
This is a story that will keep you turning pages. As a lover of angst it gave me lots of that.
Darcy, fighting for his life as a secret agent of the Council for Enlightenment, throws himself into a river and is only saved when Elizabeth finds him floating clinging to a log. She pulls him ashore and heals him from several slashes he suffered during the fight.
We then read of wights attacking him and the Bennets, and learn of the various powers of each Bennet family member. There is lots of detail as various elements surge and the wights fail to gain power.
The story's main thread is a hunt for a necromancer whose identity is hidden. We read of Elizabeth's kidnapping and of Wickham in a different role. Darcy does (as in canon) have those thoughts that although he finds Elizabeth to be a perfect mate he cannot marry her due to her family and connections, etc.
A main point in the plot is the attempt to keep Elizabeth's role and powers secret and the council only has now identified three with the same power. As the story progresses the two others are slain so keeping E. safe becomes of utmost importance.
Lord Matlock has a larger role here. He has lost his eldest son and never really recovered from that event and he (secretly) blames that Council.
I highly recommend this story.
This is a story that will keep you turning pages. As a lover of angst it gave me lots of that.
Darcy, fighting for his life as a secret agent of the Council for Enlightenment, throws himself into a river and is only saved when Elizabeth finds him floating clinging to a log. She pulls him ashore and heals him from several slashes he suffered during the fight.
We then read of wights attacking him and the Bennets, and learn of the various powers of each Bennet family member. There is lots of detail as various elements surge and the wights fail to gain power.
The story's main thread is a hunt for a necromancer whose identity is hidden. We read of Elizabeth's kidnapping and of Wickham in a different role. Darcy does (as in canon) have those thoughts that although he finds Elizabeth to be a perfect mate he cannot marry her due to her family and connections, etc.
A main point in the plot is the attempt to keep Elizabeth's role and powers secret and the council only has now identified three with the same power. As the story progresses the two others are slain so keeping E. safe becomes of utmost importance.
Lord Matlock has a larger role here. He has lost his eldest son and never really recovered from that event and he (secretly) blames that Council.
I highly recommend this story.
December 9, 2023
Reviewed at:
https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpre...
Spells and Shadows is another incredible romantasy story penned by Victoria Kincaid, and even though I am not a huge fan of fantasy, as soon as I started reading the book I could not put it down.
This novel starts with a powerful scene in which Mr. Darcy, a secret agent for the Mages’ Council, is badly injured while escaping a group of mages that are working with a dangerous necromancer. Without any other way of escaping, he dives into a river and is later rescued by Elizabeth Bennet, who has very powerful skills herself. Because he needs to hide from the necromancer’s followers, he ends up staying at Longbourn to recover from his injuries, it is there that he develops a relationship not only with Elizabeth, but also her family. As this group joins forces to fight the mysterious necromancer, Mr. Darcy and the Bennet’s secrets start unraveling and the truths they discover may change the course of the story.
In Spells and Shadows Victoria Kincaid demonstrated yet again her skill as a writer. The book is so well written, and so fascinating as a whole, that it is hard to stand out just a few details that I enjoyed, but if I have to mention a few, I would point out the Bennet family, the romance, the pacing, the plot, and Elizabeth’s character.
The Bennet family – I don’t think I’ve ever seen the Bennet family depicted in such an interesting manner. They were a tight family and I absolutely loved their interactions, their dynamic, their joint forces, how they were stronger together, and especially how they were always there for each other. Their union despite their differences made them a family I wanted to belong to and it was refreshing to see them work together instead of bickering with each other as usual.
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The romance: Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy have a very different relationship in this book because it doesn’t follow the same events we see portrayed over and over again. There is no insult, no hurt feelings and no incessant grudge, there is instead a beautiful friendship that develops throughout the entire narrative full of meaningful interactions. I loved how these characters got to know each other, not just superficially, but to truly know one another and understand the other’s personalities, hopes and dreams. The romantic moments in this book were powerful, intense and beautiful all at once.
The pacing – There wasn’t one dull moment in this book which was engaging from the first page to the last. The initial chapters were gripping, adventurous but also mysterious, and the lure of the book didn’t stop there. When a conflict was necessary to allow the story to move forward Victoria Kincaid added it without ever compromising the more intimate moments between the main characters, this gave the book a perfect balance making it an unputdownable book.
The plot – As I mentioned before, I am not a big fan of fantasy, so it takes an exceptional fantasy book to grab my attention, Spells & Shadows did that. It was really well built with a very different type of storyline and magical powers. I also loved the fact that the villain wasn’t just pure evil, there were solid and strong reasons behind what he was doing, which made him a third dimensional character. The plot was appealing because it had everything a good book should have.
Elizabeth’s character – Elizabeth was a little different than what I’m used to seeing, she was more balanced, more mature, but also more insecure, and I loved all those aspects about her. It was refreshing to see such a character and to actually like her throughout the entire novel.
Summing Up, Spells and Shadows is a powerful, gripping, adventurous and romantic book that will captivate those who like fantasy and those who do not like it. It is truly original and doesn’t simply replicate scenes we all know by heart now. It creates and develops a unique storyline without loosing the ambience of P&P that fans crave for. It is one of my favourite books from Victoria Kincaid and one of my favourites this year, I highly recommend it.
https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpre...
Spells and Shadows is another incredible romantasy story penned by Victoria Kincaid, and even though I am not a huge fan of fantasy, as soon as I started reading the book I could not put it down.
This novel starts with a powerful scene in which Mr. Darcy, a secret agent for the Mages’ Council, is badly injured while escaping a group of mages that are working with a dangerous necromancer. Without any other way of escaping, he dives into a river and is later rescued by Elizabeth Bennet, who has very powerful skills herself. Because he needs to hide from the necromancer’s followers, he ends up staying at Longbourn to recover from his injuries, it is there that he develops a relationship not only with Elizabeth, but also her family. As this group joins forces to fight the mysterious necromancer, Mr. Darcy and the Bennet’s secrets start unraveling and the truths they discover may change the course of the story.
In Spells and Shadows Victoria Kincaid demonstrated yet again her skill as a writer. The book is so well written, and so fascinating as a whole, that it is hard to stand out just a few details that I enjoyed, but if I have to mention a few, I would point out the Bennet family, the romance, the pacing, the plot, and Elizabeth’s character.
The Bennet family – I don’t think I’ve ever seen the Bennet family depicted in such an interesting manner. They were a tight family and I absolutely loved their interactions, their dynamic, their joint forces, how they were stronger together, and especially how they were always there for each other. Their union despite their differences made them a family I wanted to belong to and it was refreshing to see them work together instead of bickering with each other as usual.
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Privacy Settings
The romance: Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy have a very different relationship in this book because it doesn’t follow the same events we see portrayed over and over again. There is no insult, no hurt feelings and no incessant grudge, there is instead a beautiful friendship that develops throughout the entire narrative full of meaningful interactions. I loved how these characters got to know each other, not just superficially, but to truly know one another and understand the other’s personalities, hopes and dreams. The romantic moments in this book were powerful, intense and beautiful all at once.
The pacing – There wasn’t one dull moment in this book which was engaging from the first page to the last. The initial chapters were gripping, adventurous but also mysterious, and the lure of the book didn’t stop there. When a conflict was necessary to allow the story to move forward Victoria Kincaid added it without ever compromising the more intimate moments between the main characters, this gave the book a perfect balance making it an unputdownable book.
The plot – As I mentioned before, I am not a big fan of fantasy, so it takes an exceptional fantasy book to grab my attention, Spells & Shadows did that. It was really well built with a very different type of storyline and magical powers. I also loved the fact that the villain wasn’t just pure evil, there were solid and strong reasons behind what he was doing, which made him a third dimensional character. The plot was appealing because it had everything a good book should have.
Elizabeth’s character – Elizabeth was a little different than what I’m used to seeing, she was more balanced, more mature, but also more insecure, and I loved all those aspects about her. It was refreshing to see such a character and to actually like her throughout the entire novel.
Summing Up, Spells and Shadows is a powerful, gripping, adventurous and romantic book that will captivate those who like fantasy and those who do not like it. It is truly original and doesn’t simply replicate scenes we all know by heart now. It creates and develops a unique storyline without loosing the ambience of P&P that fans crave for. It is one of my favourite books from Victoria Kincaid and one of my favourites this year, I highly recommend it.
August 6, 2023
This is the P&P variation I've been waiting for. It's the perfect mix of Austen characters/situations with the fantastical elements. I loved everything about this book, from the way the characters were portrayed (including their necessary alterations for the magical bits) to the progression of the plot and all in between. If not for work, I would have read straight through after starting it, and once I picked it back up I couldn't stop until I was done.
5 stars and then some! I will definitely reread this in the future.
5 stars and then some! I will definitely reread this in the future.
June 22, 2024
Malicious Magic Versus Brave Bennets
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Source: Gift from Author
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Fantasy Variation
THE PREMISE: Mr. Darcy is rescued from nearly drowning in the River Lea by Elizabeth and Jane Bennet. But because there is a dangerous necromancer looking for him, Mr. Darcy keeps his identity hidden from the family that rescues him. Even though Mr. Darcy finds himself falling in love with his beautiful nurse, secrets and family scandals prevent him from pursuing his heart…
WHAT I LOVED:
- Welcome to the Dark Side: Secret meetings, forbidden magic, life-feeding creatures – this Pride and Prejudice fantasy takes us to the dark side of magic. Who is the necromancer? What are his goals? How can he be defeated? The necromancer and his nefarious schemes added plenty of delicious suspense and tension to this tale. I loved being in the dark (literally and figuratively) in this magical world.
- Mancer Magic: In this magical world people are born with specialized magic abilities. Jane Bennet is an aquamancer, and can manipulate water, Mr. Darcy is a shadowmancer, and can manipulate shadows, and all the other Bennets have distinct mancy talents as well. This was so fascinating to explore. I love that everyone’s skill with magic is unique and how everyones’ talents were helpful – in most cases for protection or survival.
- Mutual Affection and Attraction: To hide his identity, Mr. Darcy pretends to be a Mr. Dee, a wool merchant. And without their pride and their prejudices, Elizabeth’s and Darcy’s feelings for each other progress quite naturally. Seeing them both falling in love simultaneously is a bit of refreshing change up! But it does not mean their path to happiness is smooth and easy. Other obstacles impede. I loved how this relationship developed and I appreciated the internal and external conflicts each character contended with. Both characters felt strong emotions that sometimes only revealed themselves at times of intense risk and danger.
- Dangerous and Dramatic: Hold onto your bonnets! The magic and danger in this tale becomes dark and twisted! There are multiple battles, multiple injuries, and multiple dangerous situations. I admire how the characters were fearless in facing such dark and dangerous situations. The action had me spellbound and I thoroughly appreciated the culminating climax and unsuspecting twists Ms. Kincaid employed.
- Swift Yet Satisfying: Victoria Kincaid does not waste time or words. She is economical with her prose yet delivers scenes rich with detail and action. Every chapter of the story has significant events or conversations that propel the plot forward. The pacing is perfect. As a reader who wants minimal-fluff, but loves vivid descriptions of relationship developments and action, I greatly value these skills in Ms. Kincaid’s writing.
WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER:
Nothing. It was everything I wanted it to be
FINAL THOUGHTS:
🔮 Secrets and survival – this tale is both dark and enchanting, dangerous and romantic, magical and mesmerizing.
🤕 A fun fantasy twist on the a character is rescued/recuperating romance trope.
🤔 I wonder what kind of mancy I would be born with if I lived in this magical world…
Austenesque Reviews
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Source: Gift from Author
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Fantasy Variation
THE PREMISE: Mr. Darcy is rescued from nearly drowning in the River Lea by Elizabeth and Jane Bennet. But because there is a dangerous necromancer looking for him, Mr. Darcy keeps his identity hidden from the family that rescues him. Even though Mr. Darcy finds himself falling in love with his beautiful nurse, secrets and family scandals prevent him from pursuing his heart…
WHAT I LOVED:
- Welcome to the Dark Side: Secret meetings, forbidden magic, life-feeding creatures – this Pride and Prejudice fantasy takes us to the dark side of magic. Who is the necromancer? What are his goals? How can he be defeated? The necromancer and his nefarious schemes added plenty of delicious suspense and tension to this tale. I loved being in the dark (literally and figuratively) in this magical world.
- Mancer Magic: In this magical world people are born with specialized magic abilities. Jane Bennet is an aquamancer, and can manipulate water, Mr. Darcy is a shadowmancer, and can manipulate shadows, and all the other Bennets have distinct mancy talents as well. This was so fascinating to explore. I love that everyone’s skill with magic is unique and how everyones’ talents were helpful – in most cases for protection or survival.
- Mutual Affection and Attraction: To hide his identity, Mr. Darcy pretends to be a Mr. Dee, a wool merchant. And without their pride and their prejudices, Elizabeth’s and Darcy’s feelings for each other progress quite naturally. Seeing them both falling in love simultaneously is a bit of refreshing change up! But it does not mean their path to happiness is smooth and easy. Other obstacles impede. I loved how this relationship developed and I appreciated the internal and external conflicts each character contended with. Both characters felt strong emotions that sometimes only revealed themselves at times of intense risk and danger.
- Dangerous and Dramatic: Hold onto your bonnets! The magic and danger in this tale becomes dark and twisted! There are multiple battles, multiple injuries, and multiple dangerous situations. I admire how the characters were fearless in facing such dark and dangerous situations. The action had me spellbound and I thoroughly appreciated the culminating climax and unsuspecting twists Ms. Kincaid employed.
- Swift Yet Satisfying: Victoria Kincaid does not waste time or words. She is economical with her prose yet delivers scenes rich with detail and action. Every chapter of the story has significant events or conversations that propel the plot forward. The pacing is perfect. As a reader who wants minimal-fluff, but loves vivid descriptions of relationship developments and action, I greatly value these skills in Ms. Kincaid’s writing.
WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER:
Nothing. It was everything I wanted it to be
FINAL THOUGHTS:
🔮 Secrets and survival – this tale is both dark and enchanting, dangerous and romantic, magical and mesmerizing.
🤕 A fun fantasy twist on the a character is rescued/recuperating romance trope.
🤔 I wonder what kind of mancy I would be born with if I lived in this magical world…
Austenesque Reviews
July 22, 2023
A charming mix of P&P and fantasy, with mage magic being at the core.
In a battle between Light/Life and Necromancy/Death, can ODC survive and come to a HEA?...
This is a quick read, with some thrilling action. The Bennets while not accepted by society, are gifted mancers and heroic to boot!
A swift epic battle and an even swifter ending to the story.
An enjoyable PP/fantasy mashup.
In a battle between Light/Life and Necromancy/Death, can ODC survive and come to a HEA?...
This is a quick read, with some thrilling action. The Bennets while not accepted by society, are gifted mancers and heroic to boot!
A swift epic battle and an even swifter ending to the story.
An enjoyable PP/fantasy mashup.
January 4, 2024
A very fast paced, thrilling fantasy. From beginning till the end, the story is very tightly woven and will keep you riveted.
August 3, 2023
The author creates a magical world for Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy. The plot follows a falling in love with your nurse after a rescue type story. However, the nurse and her family have hidden their power from the world. The hero is on a secret mission and misunderstandings abound when his cover is blown. They have to forgive and work together to save the day.
August 1, 2023
One story that can't be put down.
I love magical Pride and Prejudice variations! And Victoria Kincaid is a master of the craft. An intense plot and great scenes. I enjoyed this version of the Bennet family!
I love magical Pride and Prejudice variations! And Victoria Kincaid is a master of the craft. An intense plot and great scenes. I enjoyed this version of the Bennet family!
July 23, 2023
This story had a good pace.
August 5, 2023
Although a bit on the dark side for my reading preferences, this was still one of the best written books I've read in JAFF or Regency romance in a while, and one of the best Regency fantasy books I've ever read. Well-edited and tight in the story line, this book is high angst throughout and not for the faint of heart. I've always enjoyed this author's work and this is no exception.
I write technical reviews so I won't be including a synopsis and there will be very little in terms of subjective analysis. Instead, I'll focus on the issues that, if handled badly, niggle the reader into dropping stars even though most reviewers never mention them.
- The plot was original, tight, and complete.
- Flow was steady with a fairly quick pace. During some of the action scenes, it was so fast, I had trouble keeping up.
- Point of view was third person multiple with clear changes.
- Dramatic tension was consistently on the high side of moderate to very high angst in places.
- Some of the narrative was "telling" rather than "showing," even though the author was good at use of "showing" within the dialogue sections. I detected no filter words.
- Language was Regency style with magical influence and showed better than average editing. Three words that would not be used in Britain were included, and eleven words that had not yet been in place during the Regency era had been used in this story. The latter is slightly under double the average for a JAFF novel, and all these pull the reader out of the feeling of the era. One non-Austen cliché was used, and one contraction. A too-big word was used. Readers should not have to look up words and slow down their reading.
- Some errors were made using titles in the book. Reference was made to a brother of Colonel Fitzwilliam being Lord John. That is incorrect unless his father was a duke. He would be Mr. Fitzwilliam. Similarly, Colonel Fitzwilliam's father wouldn't be called Lord Walter--he was an earl, so he would be called Lord Matlock or whatever title name the author chose. Lord Walter would be the son of a duke. Darcy would never call him Uncle Walter, he would call him Lord Matlock. Google "correct forms of address laura chinet" for a link to tables that have all the right information.
- Use of a dialogue tag "thought" with italicized thoughts is a redundancy.
- One of the techniques that made this book succeed was the excellent use of descriptors. All the senses were used within descriptions from the opening scenes, and this was especially evident during action scenes. Because of this, many of the imaginary themes became real to the reader, evoking the dark feeling that ran through the book.
- Characterization was consistent and appropriate to the novel.
- The romance was sweet and the interactions made the reader easily believe that the couple was falling in love. The pace was perfect. It worked well against the darkness of the balance of the story.
- The cover is beautiful, if a bit contrived looking. I'm never keen on computer-generated people, but these two are quite pretty. The backdrop is cool as well, and is something that brings forth the magical feel of the book. All is well-balanced and at a good size for the Amazon thumbnail scale. It entices the reader who is particularly keen on a romance/fantasy novel.
I'd recommend this book to those who like romance/fantasy with the warning that it's dark enough that one feels a bit overwhelmed at times when reading the story. Not in the way that all is lost, but rather, in a heavy, slightly unhappy way. The author always leaves the hope that the protagonists will prevail, and the love story does lighten up the sometimes dismal direction of the story line. I hope I'm not over-stating this aspect of it, it's just that was a feeling I got, especially as time went on. I really loved the book, much like other books by Victoria Kincaid. She's a particularly gifted writer and puts out quality edited work so the reader is kept in the mood of the story from beginning to end.
I write technical reviews so I won't be including a synopsis and there will be very little in terms of subjective analysis. Instead, I'll focus on the issues that, if handled badly, niggle the reader into dropping stars even though most reviewers never mention them.
- The plot was original, tight, and complete.
- Flow was steady with a fairly quick pace. During some of the action scenes, it was so fast, I had trouble keeping up.
- Point of view was third person multiple with clear changes.
- Dramatic tension was consistently on the high side of moderate to very high angst in places.
- Some of the narrative was "telling" rather than "showing," even though the author was good at use of "showing" within the dialogue sections. I detected no filter words.
- Language was Regency style with magical influence and showed better than average editing. Three words that would not be used in Britain were included, and eleven words that had not yet been in place during the Regency era had been used in this story. The latter is slightly under double the average for a JAFF novel, and all these pull the reader out of the feeling of the era. One non-Austen cliché was used, and one contraction. A too-big word was used. Readers should not have to look up words and slow down their reading.
- Some errors were made using titles in the book. Reference was made to a brother of Colonel Fitzwilliam being Lord John. That is incorrect unless his father was a duke. He would be Mr. Fitzwilliam. Similarly, Colonel Fitzwilliam's father wouldn't be called Lord Walter--he was an earl, so he would be called Lord Matlock or whatever title name the author chose. Lord Walter would be the son of a duke. Darcy would never call him Uncle Walter, he would call him Lord Matlock. Google "correct forms of address laura chinet" for a link to tables that have all the right information.
- Use of a dialogue tag "thought" with italicized thoughts is a redundancy.
- One of the techniques that made this book succeed was the excellent use of descriptors. All the senses were used within descriptions from the opening scenes, and this was especially evident during action scenes. Because of this, many of the imaginary themes became real to the reader, evoking the dark feeling that ran through the book.
- Characterization was consistent and appropriate to the novel.
- The romance was sweet and the interactions made the reader easily believe that the couple was falling in love. The pace was perfect. It worked well against the darkness of the balance of the story.
- The cover is beautiful, if a bit contrived looking. I'm never keen on computer-generated people, but these two are quite pretty. The backdrop is cool as well, and is something that brings forth the magical feel of the book. All is well-balanced and at a good size for the Amazon thumbnail scale. It entices the reader who is particularly keen on a romance/fantasy novel.
I'd recommend this book to those who like romance/fantasy with the warning that it's dark enough that one feels a bit overwhelmed at times when reading the story. Not in the way that all is lost, but rather, in a heavy, slightly unhappy way. The author always leaves the hope that the protagonists will prevail, and the love story does lighten up the sometimes dismal direction of the story line. I hope I'm not over-stating this aspect of it, it's just that was a feeling I got, especially as time went on. I really loved the book, much like other books by Victoria Kincaid. She's a particularly gifted writer and puts out quality edited work so the reader is kept in the mood of the story from beginning to end.
November 13, 2023
This was good. I enjoyed it. I can't wrap my head around my own reaction to Jane Austen Fan Fiction (JAFF). I enjoy it under certain circumstances, but part of my brain argues that I shouldn't, or at least questions what is the appeal of reading a new story with the same characters, and what it means when it's the same story versus what it means when it's a completely new story. As well as what it means when the characters remain relatively true to their original counterparts, versus what it means when they don't. This is not an internal debate I have specific to this book. It's really just to give anyone reading this review context for the internal debate I find myself in whenever I read any JAFF including this one. It's also neither a criticism of JAFF nor of fan fiction in general. Clearly I don't mind fan fiction as I read it and have occasionally dabbled in writing it. I think I'm trying to wrestle my way into how I want to review fan fiction, and what standards I use or want to use.
I love fantasy, so I don't mind the interjection of magic into P&P retellings. And although I do re-read books, if I truly wanted to reread P&P, I would reread the original. So, to a certain degree I like JAFF P&Ps that stray from the beaten plot path as this one does. Then it becomes interesting to see which characters do remain the same and whether a plot point will play out similarly or differently from the original. In this one, I thought the entire story was going to be different because it's so different from the setup onward. So what became interesting was what happened to make parts of it marry up with the original before the story went back to being wholly original again.
I love fantasy, so I don't mind the interjection of magic into P&P retellings. And although I do re-read books, if I truly wanted to reread P&P, I would reread the original. So, to a certain degree I like JAFF P&Ps that stray from the beaten plot path as this one does. Then it becomes interesting to see which characters do remain the same and whether a plot point will play out similarly or differently from the original. In this one, I thought the entire story was going to be different because it's so different from the setup onward. So what became interesting was what happened to make parts of it marry up with the original before the story went back to being wholly original again.
August 20, 2024
Loved this book! The magic in it is very interesting and the romance is fun. This the third time I've read the book and finally decided I should add a review.
The different kinds of magic and the way they interacted made the story even more fun and interesting. Poor Darcy, having to hide his true identity when he is saved by the Bennets, and then having Bingley give it away, even though he doesn't know that Darcy is an agent of the magical council. And then to have Miss Bingley imply to the people in the area that she has a secret understanding with Darcy! Some secret, eh? Fortunately, we see little else of her. Mr. Collins was hilarious with his magic ability to "sing" important things, like horrible marriage proposals, in a "voice of a dyspeptic frog"!
The necromancy is somewhat shocking and of course, Wickham has the magic ability to tell lies and make people believe them - ugh! There was plenty of action that kept my attention all the way through the book.
I highly recommend this book!
The different kinds of magic and the way they interacted made the story even more fun and interesting. Poor Darcy, having to hide his true identity when he is saved by the Bennets, and then having Bingley give it away, even though he doesn't know that Darcy is an agent of the magical council. And then to have Miss Bingley imply to the people in the area that she has a secret understanding with Darcy! Some secret, eh? Fortunately, we see little else of her. Mr. Collins was hilarious with his magic ability to "sing" important things, like horrible marriage proposals, in a "voice of a dyspeptic frog"!
The necromancy is somewhat shocking and of course, Wickham has the magic ability to tell lies and make people believe them - ugh! There was plenty of action that kept my attention all the way through the book.
I highly recommend this book!
August 13, 2023
Spells and Shadows by Victoria Kincaid is a wonderful fantasy P&P variation. Mr. Darcy is severely injured while conducting a mission for the Council that governs that magical world, and Elizabeth Bennet saves his life. The romance begins in the sickroom, and doesn’t disappoint. I loved the feels between Darcy and Elizabeth, as well as the Bennet family dynamics. If I have any complaint, it is that I would have loved to see more of the Bennets in action. It is unnecessary to the story, and any decent editor would cut it out, but what can I say, I love seeing the Bennets get together and take on the world. I loved Mages and Mysteries by Victoria as well, and I really hope that she continues to write fantasy Austenesque variations.
August 21, 2023
Did you say you want an adventure? Want some action? Love? Magic? What about the mystic and lots of new terminology connected to magic? Tears, smiles and laughter. This is a very engaging story. Highly recommend.
September 6, 2023
While this started out almost a little bit too fast (I would have liked a little more introduction to the characters in the set up before leaping into the action), I actually really enjoyed this Pride and Prejudice variation. What can I say? I'm a sucker for fantasy and Pride and Prejudice combos.
July 23, 2023
Great fun!
October 28, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book; I raced through it in just over two days. From the first chapter onward, I was on the edge of my seat!! So many awesome action scenes, yet so many quiet, introspective moments, too. A lovely balance and I enjoyed the idea of "mancy" magic!! And I was thoroughly surprised by the identity of the Necromancer!!
This book seemed to drag just a tiny bit; sometimes I felt that Darcy's interior monologues were a bit longer than necessary, and to a lesser extent, I felt the same about Elizabeth's thoughts as well.
Spells and Shadows is definitely an exciting read, and the magical world (what little we see of it) is entrancing!!!
If I could give this book a 4 1/2, I would!! I am hoping that this is the first of a series!! :D
This book seemed to drag just a tiny bit; sometimes I felt that Darcy's interior monologues were a bit longer than necessary, and to a lesser extent, I felt the same about Elizabeth's thoughts as well.
Spells and Shadows is definitely an exciting read, and the magical world (what little we see of it) is entrancing!!!
If I could give this book a 4 1/2, I would!! I am hoping that this is the first of a series!! :D
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