Entwined

Entwined Duology #1

by H.M. Long

Three sisters join the hunt for a stolen magical artefact in the start of this Gilded Age fantasy duology.

Mabel Rushforth hides from the mighty Sorcerer's Guild as secretary to a has-been detective and. She is Entwined – threads of magic run beneath her skin, and the Guild would trap her in service.

But Mabel has a plan to escape the Guild's reach with her fiancé – all she needs do it track down a mysterious artefact to claim the bounty, and leave the city forever. But quickly her sisters – Pretoria, a quick-witted sorceress and thief, recently emerged from exile, and Madge – a guild mage to the core – appear to make equally unwelcome offers. To save her life, at the cost of everything she has ever wanted, or prestige and safety in a gilded cage.

With her life on the line, Mabel must track down the artifact in a city torn apart by prejudice and violence, and choose between the two sides of herself – the fugitive and the Entwined.

Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Adult, Historical Fantasy, Romance, Fiction, Audiobook

303 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 10, 2026

About the author

Hannah (H. M.) Long is a Canadian fantasy author. She inhabits a ramshackle cabin in Ontario with her family, but she can often be spotted snooping about museums or wandering the Alps.

Hannah writes for Titan Books and is the author of the Four Pillars Quartet (Hall of Smoke), the Winter Sea Trilogy (Dark Water Daughter), the Entwined Duology (2026/27), Ashmarked (2027), and more.

For the latest updates, follow Hannah on TikTok (@hmlongbooks), Instagram (@hmlongbooks), and Twitter (@hannah_m_long).

Reviews

[Mai ༊*·˚ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 ★— I’ve had this book on my TBR for a while after reading the interesting blurb and seeing that it was a historical fantasy, a genre I always look out for! And while I liked a lot of it, Entwined didn’t quite hook me as much as I hoped.

The Entwined are beings with magical abilities in a world that tries to trap them or punish them for it. We follow Otillie Rushforth, one of three sisters who is living in hiding, working as a secretary, and trying to fulfil her plan of escape with the man she is in an engagement of convenience with.

So, while I loved the historical setting, thought the prose was fun to follow along with on audio, and liked Otillie’s very determined, if sometimes a bit too proper, personality, this book was missing something for me.

I thought the overall plot of tracking down the artefact, while fun, sometimes felt confusing to follow, and I felt a lack of connection or real care for every character who wasn’t Otillie.

And that includes Lewis, her fiancé, who appears later on in the story. Otillie is in love with Lewis, and this is a fact that multiple characters know and pity her for, as the book portrays Lewis as someone who very much sees their engagement for what it is: convenient.

My dislike of them together is mostly coloured by my very personal dislike of the She Falls First trope, which is the dynamic between them here. And as a character, Lewis does little to redeem himself for me in the span of the story, making me really not enjoy him as a love interest.

The book does feature some interesting avenues with other characters who show Otillie interest, and I appreciated that quite a bit when it appeared in the story.

The book ends on a light cliffhanger, with everything feeling fairly open and promising an intriguing continuation. I’m interested in seeing how it’s all resolved, and because I liked the historical vibe and setting of the story and thought Otillie was fun to follow, I do want to read the next book and see how it all ends.

🎧 Audiobook Notes
🎙️ Narration Style: Solo
⭐ Listener Rating: 5/5
I loved the narrator of this audiobook! She brought a real sense of historical primness and properness to the main character, and I thought her tone and voice were lovely in general. I have zero complaints!

___________

Thank you to RBmedia for the ALC.

[jenny reads a lot · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book & definitely the overall reading/listening experience when consumed via audio, because Moira Quirk is amazing.

Whats to love…
- interesting world
- multiple love interests (ok, this could be a love or a hate thing, depending on your preference, I enjoyed it)
- complicated political and class dynamics
- murder mystery + artifact heist plot lines

What might not work for some…
- Pacing was my main issue with this book. At times I felt like nothing was happening and other times I felt like everything was happening all too fast.
- I don’t know that I like the way the love interest situation is panning out.

Overall I think if you enjoy Gaslamp/historical fantasy this might be one worth trying, especially if you read via audio!

Audiobook:4.5/5 | Narrator: Moira Quirk | Length: 9 hrs 23 mins
Moira Quirk never misses! Her narration is always phenomenal and I would probably enjoy a user manual for a toaster if she was reading it. This is no exception. Pausing, pacing, inflection, and voice variation were all perfect. The only thing to note is I did hear some (very faint) mouth/breathing sounds, but only occasionally and not enough to really detract from the overall audiobook experience.

3.75⭐️| IG | TikTok |

Thank you RBMedia for the gifted ALC. All opinions are my own.

[greta · Rating 3 out of 5]

i've never read anything by this author so this book was an introduction to her! it was fine, not my favourite, but i had a good time.

the characters were fine, they didn't really stand out for me, i just enjoyed following the ottilie's story.
the villains were also quite strong, i just wanted to know even more about them though. i don't think we got to see a lot of stuff happening with the guild and whatnot.

the writing style was also engaging enough, i just don't know how i feel about the fmc herself talking to us, the reader, at some parts. it threw me off a little at times lol.

the plot was really interesting and i found myself intrigued to see what was gonna happen, but at the same time some of it got resolved quickly or things just moved too fast for it to really make some sort of an impact. it was quite mysterious, too, so i appreciated that!
the beginning was really solid, but by the end it definitely waned a little... i did lowkey want to be done with it lol.
this book wasn't my favourite, but i still liked it. i don't think i'm extremely interested to continue with the series, though.

[M.J. Kuhn · Rating 5 out of 5]

If this is not on your TBR already, you're gonna wanna correct that POSTHASTE.

I smashed through this in three days, and it would have been faster if annoying things like work and sleep hadn't gotten in the way lol.

This has just catapulted itself onto my top reads of 2025 list. If you like Long's writing, Gilded Age stuff, or characters that are badass, charming, and wonderful in the same way as Evie from the first Mummy film, you need to preorder this bad boi immediately.

[Stacey Markle · Rating 4 out of 5]

First...all the stars for Moira Quirk for the audiobook narration. I will listen to her read the phonebook (if that was still a thing!) Moira always brings her A game. Her pacing and delivery is top tier and the emotions she can make us believe are second to none. Well done!

Entwined is a magic system that those with power work within, or hide from. It's unique and interesting to read about especially in this historical setting. I love a good period piece. However, this didn't totally hit all the right notes for me. I thought Ottilie felt a little scattered, but that could have also been due to the disjointed pacing. I loved her options for love interests though! I thought that story arc was really interesting. Her sisters were both interesting characters but I wanted more of their dynamic.

I love a good heist and mystery story and this did a pretty good job keeping me guessing. I'm looking forward to more Guild villains in the follow up book to this duology. I think we need that to add depth.

Thank you to NetGalley and RB Media for this ALC. My thoughts are my own.

[MyNeverEndingTBRList · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the historical setting and really liked the narrator… however, it felt like the book was missing something, and it didn’t fully hold my attention. I’m not sure if I’ll continue the series.

3🌟

[Andi]

Denied? I have never been denied for one of her books. I am shook.

ARC: Requested, and now we play the waiting game. This woman's books are my go to. I will ride or die for her books.

[Michelle (Bamamele.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to RBMedia for the preview. All opinions are my own.

4+ stars

This was so good! Once I saw that Moira Quirk was the narrator, I leaped at the chance to listen. Entwined is my first book by Long, but it won’t be the last.

This is fast-paced with high stakes, magic, mystery, complicated family relationships, a city in turmoil, and a super subplot romance. The magic system is unique (though please don’t ask me to explain it), and I liked that our FMC Ottilie is trying to find a way to live her own life independent of the restrictions of both the Guild and the city.

I’m super excited to see where the next book goes, as it looks like we’ll be going questing. I’m also super curious to see which way Ottilie will go in the potential love triangle. I will be reading for sure!

As always, Quirk just does a phenomenal job with the narration, and I’d highly recommend the audiobook.

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC copy of the audiobook version.

This book was a treat. The audio, specifically was fantastic and really enjoyable. The story itself gave me a similar vibe to ‘The Secret Society of Irregular Witches.’ It was easy to follow and kept me interested. Will likely purchase the physical copy and give it a re-read before the next book comes out!

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little unsure what I want to give this. 3.75 I think?

The magic system in this book was fun, but I also never felt like I had a good grasp on it. I never fully understood what the FMCs abilities were, nor anyone else’s. Perhaps that was the point so as to keep the reader guessing, but it just felt a little vague and confusing to me.

I enjoyed the dynamic between our FMC, Ottilie and her sisters as well as the love triangle between Ottilie, Harden, and Lewis. 🤭 The banter between the FMC and most any character she crossed paths with was delightfully snippy without being too much.

I think this set of characters and their story has a promising future; one that I will be following, no doubt. It’s just that the plot always made me feel like it was right on the cusp of getting really good, but it never quite got there. At least not until the very, very end. And even with how much better the ending was, I still found myself wanting more out of it.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read the advanced digital copy.

[Faye Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entwined is the first book in a fantasy duology set in a Gilded Age-inspired fantasy world. As soon as I started Entwined, I knew this was going to be a 5 star read for me. It's a wonderful combination of the things I love - a complex and twisty mystery and sort of action adventure, set within an original fantasy world inspired by an historical time period. There's plots within plots, and I didn't want to put the book down!

I really enjoyed the magic system, which was a little similar to the idea of burning certain metals in Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn series, but instead of people being able to burn certain metals, the Entwined mages are able to perform magic due to either the presence or absence of light, which is enhanced by the time of day, depending on what kind of Entwined they are. It's clear from book 1 of the duology that we don't have all the answers yet, but I can't wait to see where things go in the second book!

There's a romantic subplot for Ottilie, but it's blended well into the wider plot and isn't a main focus of Entwined. What I really loved about this was how realistic it seemed - there's these huge plot developments going on and Ottilie has A LOT on her plate, and she just wouldn't have the time to get into a relationship or to pursue certain things. It just felt really genuine and I appreciated that romance wasn't shoe-horned into the story. Ottilie felt like a mature, real person. Ottilie's relationship with her two sisters, one on either side of a revolution, is explored also, although there's obviously more to come there too in the next book!

Entwined honestly covers so much ground but does it all flawlessly, and within 300 pages to boot. It's fast paced and quite unpredictable! I had a great time reading this one, and I can't wait to see what happens in the second book of the duology.

Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy from Titan Books but this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to win an early copy of this book and I’m so happy that I did! I really enjoyed this book and I’m for sure looking forward to the second already because I need more of this world

[JennaJustReading · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐✨ 3.75/5

Plot / Story ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Characters ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Writing Style ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Atmosphere/Vibes ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice 🫑

A Gilded Age Fantasy Full of Magic, Sisterhood, and High-Stakes Intrigue
If you enjoy gaslamp fantasy worlds, magical conspiracies, and stories about sisters navigating dangerous political systems, Entwined by H.M. Long is a compelling start to a new fantasy duology. Set in a foggy, Gilded Age–inspired city filled with magic, prejudice, and power struggles, this novel blends heists, mystery, and family drama into an action-packed fantasy adventure.
While I did find myself wanting more depth in certain aspects of the worldbuilding, the immersive atmosphere, engaging characters, and fast-moving plot kept me invested. And I will definitely be picking up the next book in the series.
The story follows Ottilie Rushforth, a young woman hiding in plain sight as the secretary to a washed-up detective in the bustling city of Harrow. On the surface, she’s just another quiet clerk trying to make ends meet. But Ottilie carries a dangerous secret: she is Entwined, one of the rare individuals whose magic runs like threads beneath their skin. In this world, that kind of power isn’t a blessing, it’s a liability. The powerful Sorcerer’s Guild hunts Entwined individuals, forcing them into service and treating them more like property than people.
Ottilie has spent years carefully staying out of their reach. Her plan is simple: track down a stolen magical artifact, claim the bounty, and escape the city forever with her estranged fiancé, Lewis Illing, an enigmatic poet, soldier, and smuggler. But as often happens in fantasy stories (and life), nothing goes according to plan.
Instead, Ottilie’s two estranged sisters reappear, each representing a different path for her future. Pretoria, a sharp-witted sorceress and thief who has recently returned from exile, offers freedom through rebellion. Madge, a loyal member of the Sorcerer’s Guild, offers safety and prestige within the very system Ottilie has spent her life avoiding.
Caught between these competing loyalties and hunted by forces that see her as nothing more than a tool, Ottilie must decide who she truly is: the fugitive fighting for freedom, or the powerful Entwined woman the world refuses to ignore.
One of the things I loved most about Entwined was the atmosphere and setting. H.M. Long creates a vivid Gilded Age–inspired fantasy city filled with foggy streets, cobblestone alleys, and simmering political tension. The city of Harrow feels alive: dangerous, divided, and layered with secrets. There’s a strong gaslamp fantasy aesthetic throughout the book that gives it a slightly steampunk-adjacent vibe, even though it firmly sits in high fantasy territory with its own mythology and magical rules.
The broader world of the Verran Isles, where different islands are influenced by different gods and magical traditions, hints at a much larger fantasy landscape that I’m excited to see explored more deeply in the next installment.
The characters are another strong point. Ottilie is an engaging protagonist, resourceful, determined, and constantly navigating impossible choices. The tension between her desire for independence and the reality of her circumstances drives much of the story’s emotional weight.
I also really enjoyed the dynamic between the three sisters. Each of them represents a different way of surviving in a world hostile to magic users. Their complicated loyalties and conflicting goals add a lot of emotional depth to what might otherwise have been a straightforward artifact-heist story.
The dialogue between the characters is often witty and sharp, which helps balance some of the darker themes in the novel. And while romance exists in the story (primarily through Ottilie’s connection with Lewis) it remains very much a secondary subplot rather than the central focus.
That said, there were a few areas where I wanted more.
My biggest critique is that I would have loved more worldbuilding and backstory. The book introduces several fascinating ideas - like the history of the Entwined, the role of the Sorcerer’s Guild, and the sisters’ complicated past - but doesn’t always fully explore them. I found myself wondering what happened to the sisters after they were taken by the guild, how they learned their skills, and what exactly sparked the larger societal conflict surrounding magic users.
There are clearly deeper stories here, and while some of that will likely be explored in the second book, I would have appreciated a bit more context in this first installment.
Still, the pacing keeps things moving. The story jumps quickly into the central mystery, the hunt for the stolen magical artifact, and rarely slows down. There’s plenty of action, close calls, and moments where Ottilie has to think fast to survive. While a few readers may find the repeated capture-and-escape cycles a bit repetitive, the constant sense of danger keeps the narrative engaging.
Another highlight worth mentioning is the audiobook narration by Moira Quirk, which is excellent. She captures the tone and personality of the characters beautifully, bringing energy and nuance to the dialogue and making the world feel even more vivid.
Thematically, Entwined dives into issues of autonomy, systemic oppression, and the cost of freedom. The Entwined are viewed as state property (valuable but expendable) and the story doesn’t shy away from exploring the cruelty of that system. Ottilie’s struggle to maintain control over her own life in a world determined to claim her is the emotional core of the book.
Readers who enjoy fantasy heists, sisterhood dynamics, and politically charged magical worlds will likely find a lot to appreciate here. Fans of authors like Sarah J. Maas, Rebecca Yarros, Nghi Vo, and M.A. Carrick - or readers who love atmospheric gaslamp fantasy settings - should definitely give this one a look.
Overall, Entwined is an engaging start to a new fantasy duology with strong atmosphere, compelling characters, and an intriguing magical world. While I would have liked a bit more depth in the worldbuilding, the story’s action, banter, and sister-driven narrative kept me hooked, and I’m eager to see where the next book takes these characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and RBMedia for the audiobook ARC. As always, all opinions are my own.
#NetGalley #Entwined

[Susanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entwined is set in a secondary world that resembles the early 20th century with its technology, with two kinds of people: humans and Entwined, people genetically capable of magic who aren’t considered human. The Entwined used to rule Harrow where the events take place, but after a revolution of sorts, humans are now in charge and it means trouble for the Entwined that humans hate. Only the Entwined bound to the Guild can operate freely. But the Guild is a gilded cage that’s not for everyone.

Ottilie is an Entwined who has escaped the Guild. The Guild forces marriages between the Entwined in order to produce offspring capable of magic, and she and her pretend fiancé, Lewis, have fled to avoid it. She’s hiding under a false name from both the Guild and humans in Harrow. She works as a secretary to a private investigator, saving money to flee the country to where Lewis is waiting. He’s a goal to work towards, and maybe a crush she doesn’t want to admit.

Ottilie’s boss has unearthed an artefact a client wants, which should bring in so much money that Ottilie can finally leave. But before the transaction is complete, both the artefact and her boss disappear. The client wants the artefact back and since Ottilie is the only one left, she’s forced to find it. She has a good notion who took it: her sister Pretoria, who has also left the Guild, and become a thief.

The artefact isn’t the only thing bringing Ottilie trouble. Humans are turning against the Entwined and it’s getting more difficult to hide what she is. Human zealots and Entwined terrorists are clashing and creating political upheaval, it could be that the artefact she has to find is a key to destroying the Entwined for good, and man she’s interested in might be a terrorist. On top of this, her other sister shows up too, and she wants to take Ottilie back to the Guild. Things soon get out of hands and Ottilie finds herself in the middle of events she has no way out of.

This was an interesting first book in a duology. The magic powered by different lights (sun, moon, twilight etc.) was unique, and the political situation was complex. It was a bit too complex, to be honest, and I found it confusing a lot of time. The narrative was rich and pulled the reader into the world and the magic effortlessly. The story was a bit slow though, and not as engaging as the events would merit.

The narrative is from Ottilie’s POV. She’s a good character with a lot of baggage, but not as compelling as, for example, Hessa with her rage in Long’s Four Pillars series. I couldn’t quite fathom why she’d come to Harrow where she knew she’d be trapped and why she hadn’t left sooner, as she had the money for it. Many of the events just happened to her and she accepted everything. Her waffling between suitors was very characteristic. It wasn’t until the end that she took a stance and even then, others made the decisions. The side characters, especially the sisters, had good backstories too, but the reader didn’t have similar insight into them as Ottilie, though the epilogue gave a good glimpse.

The book ends at a natural turning point, setting the stage for the second book. Good though this was, the storyline I was most interested in concluded here and nothing particularly compels me to read more. I’m not sure I’ll read the conclusion.

I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Svea · Rating 4 out of 5]

H.M. Long is an amazing author, I knew as much already. I loved her Four Pillars trilogy, I loved Dark Water Daughter (and have yet to read the sequel, which is on my tbr). Basically, when I hear she releases something new, you bet I'm excited to read it.
While she's always been a good writer, I do really enjoy watching her grow in her craft. Entwined, the first book in a new duology, is a testament to that. It's beautifully written, perfectly paced and engaging from the first to the final page.
And I really liked the story and the world building as well. It's not a long book so yes, the world building isn't incredibly detailed or intricate, but it works for the story and I never felt like I was missing something. The magic system isn't anything groundbreaking but I actually really really enjoyed it. The implications of especially Madge's powers are so incredibly intriguing, and I can't wait to see how it all plays out.

Our protagonist is Ottilie, a detective's assistant hiding in plain sight from those who hunt her - she's an Entwined so has magic, after all, and her kind isn't popular. The Sorcerer's Guild wants her just as it wants her two sisters - Madge, who's already been made part of the Guild, and Pretoria, a criminal and revolutionary who has so far managed to evade them. The sister relationship between these two is the most interesting aspect of the novel for me, and while this first book mostly focuses on Ottilie and Pretoria, I genuinely am excited to see Madge more prominently thrown into the action. All three sisters embody different ways of dealing with the Guild, the government and the imperial power structure it represents: Ottilie simply wants to leave it all behind and flee, Pretoria wants to fight it, Madge has succumbed to it and works for them. It's an incredibly interesting dynamic.

Of course, Ottilie can't hide forever - her boss disappears and with him the money she desperately needs in order to finally leave the country with her fiance and disappear. Now she has to find out what happened to him and is thrown into a mystery, a revolution, a struggle she wasn't prepared for.

Now, while I really enjoyed my time with the book it's not perfect. Sometimes the pacing is simply too fast and Long doesn't give the reader a chance to sit on what has happened, to reflect on it. And I unfortunately don't care about the main romance being set up, because it's very stereotypical so far and the love interest is just the guy you would expect to be a love interest in this kind of book. I'm much more interested in whatever is going on with her fiance and the complicated relationship these two have, which I hope won't turn into a typical romantic subplot/love triangle in book 2. For what it's worth, I don't think it will.

All in all, definitely another hit from this author and I'm already excited to see where it all leads in book 2. If you like Gilded Age fantasy and prefer a lighter read that still has some intriguing themes in it, this one's for you.

Many thanks to Titan Books and Netgalley for the arc!.

[Cat Treadwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

At a time when fantasy is producing many stories of magical academia, Chosen Ones and daring quests (not that I'm complaining, mind you!), it's refreshing to encounter a book that's so very different to all of its peers.

'Entwined' is, appropriately enough, a multi-threaded mystery set in a politically charged city, where magic is so much of a threat that it's harshly controlled. The Guild logs every Entwined, no matter their level of power, trains them and then decrees their future marital partner as deemed appropriate for breeding purposes. This keeps everyone in the city safe and utilises their skills, you see?

Into this comes Ottilie, a rogue mage who managed to escape the system but not the land. Hiding whilst trying to save up enough to flee, she becomes caught up in a theft, a murder and even (accidentally) seditious acts by other rebellious Entwined who seek to overthrow the system. Pulled on all sides by both family and state, what can a lone mage do to simply survive and work her threads free?

First of all, the world-building here is excellent. Yes, the status quo is terrible. It demonstrates how certain extreme right-wing groups would 'deal with' minorities that they see as lesser or threatening, and it directly challenges the privilege of the reader as they're forced to face such an awful regime and the fact that so many regular folk see this as fine and normal.

Then, the magic. Each Entwined has their own ability, grouped together by skill set. It's easy to see how non-magic-users would see these as threatening - being able to steal someone's strength, their memories, or twist time - and it's fascinating to see this depicted in such context.

Ottilie herself is a great protagonist, ostensibly just fighting to find a way out of this world to a fairer country where she can live her life. Unfortunately her sisters have other ideas - from gentlewoman thief Pretoria to Guild Mage Madge, each has something they want or expect from our heroine.

I first encountered HM Long's work with her first title 'Hall of Smoke' years ago. I flew through it and have kept an eye on her ever since, as her skill really is writing books with fantastically strong and yet very relatable women. These aren't romances where men sweep in to save the day. These are adventures where a female protagonist is quite often left struggling for her life against multiple forces ranged against her - and her own goal may not actually be the best one, as she learns once more facts are revealed. Multifaceted, complex and thoughtful, her ladies are always a pleasure to travel with and root for, and Ottilie is no exception.

The quasi-steampunk/Victorian style was fun too, especially when the almost 1920s-noir aspects of the missing artefact and murder victim enter the frame.

This really is an entirely new and fresh take on a stalwart heroine battling evil forces, and I loved it. Looking forward to more of this world in the sequel, and maybe even revisiting this author's other works because I enjoy her writing just so much!

I was kindly sent an early copy of this book by the publisher, but the above opinions are entirely my own.

[Janette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another brilliantly written book by H M Long. From the very beginning, the reader is immersed in the world that she creates.
The Entwined are wielders of magic, so called because of the threads that lurk beneath their skin and become visible at certain times of the day. All those who are entwined must belong to the guild but the protagonist, Ottilie, is determined to stay out of its clutches. She is living under a false name as a secretary to a private detective and trying to save up enough money so that she and her fiancée can escape to a country where the entwined can live safely and openly.
She is on the verge of achieving this ambition when all her plans fall apart. Her employer and the artefact she is hoping to claim the reward for both disappear and her older sisters who each have different ideas about her future both reappear in her life.
Ottilie is an amazing protagonist. She is plucky and determined as well as being extremely resourceful in a crisis of which there are many in this book. She is loyal to her employer and loves both of her sisters but above all she wants her freedom even if that means letting down the people closest to her. As the story progresses, we learn more about her background and the power of the guild and this single mindedness becomes completely understandable.
This is very much Ottilie’s story and the other characters are less well developed although still memorable. I loved Mr Stokes and felt as frustrated as Ottilie by the behaviour of her fiancé Lewis.
I loved the setting and the author’s descriptions really convey the atmosphere. Harrow is a city in turmoil. The old imperial system has been cast down and there are those who want to see the Entwined destroyed completely. The political situation is volatile; violence erupts frequently and Ottilie is at risk of death no matter whose hands she falls into. Sadly, one of the things that I found less successful was the amount of time that she spends escaping from different captors. It did get a bit repetitive at times
The magic system was fascinating and seemed unique to me but I didn’t feel that I understood enough about it despite the helpful entries that began each chapter. It definitely had a very dark side with one character having the power to leech life away from any one he touched. Others had the power to use art to take away memories and Madge, Ottilie’s eldest sister Madge had this ability and was a character that I felt had such a sad storyline.
This was an action packed novel with a brilliant heroine and a fascinating magic system. I would have liked a bit more historical background to the current situation and a bit less escaping from carriages but I can’t wait for the second book in this duology to come out.
Huge thanks as always to the publishers, Titan Books and Net Galley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Rachel Feeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder mystery, fomenting rebellion, and assorted gaslamp escapades (cue ladies escaping from carriages). In this new series, HM Long presents yet another rich and vibrant system of magic, where Entwined wield the power of memories, words, or time, according to the threads visible on their skin in certain types of light. Ottilie is an intriguing heroine - fastidious, cat-loving, fiercely independent, with an analytical bent that keeps her oddly calm in the most dire of circumstances. This rationality and an upbringing shaped by fear form a strong self-interest, so while I didn’t always like Ottilie, I was invested in her decisions and rooting for the cracks in her heart to lead her to join with a larger cause than her personal safety.

With an archly retrospective narrator and nations at war, the overall style felt something like A Natural History of Dragons with Divine Rivals. The city is steeped in wartime politics and discontent, full of anti-magic sentiment and ordinary divisions of class, though I dearly needed a map to understand who was fighting who, and where, and just how far away Lewis Illing was stationed from Harrow. Some more grounding on all fronts would’ve been nice, starting with the history of the Entwined, and their mysteriously powerful Guild, and this ambiguous place outside their reach where Ottilie wishes to seek asylum across the sea. One would think that having a narrator that sometimes addresses remarks to the reader would clearly set up these sorts of things, but the world at large remains largely opaque until story context sees fit to clear some of the fog.

As with the author’s most recent series, The Winter Sea, I did find myself sometimes more in love with the concept than the execution. Lewis’s character, for example. Poet, smuggler, soldier? Say no more, but actually, please do, because in the story itself his role doesn’t get much further than reluctant fighter, with very little of the poet (or his Entwined abilities in general). Similarly, early discussions of what it means to be human or Entwined, and the destructive prejudice of each, fall by the wayside after initial introductions. This novel expects the reader to stay on their toes, and I scoured the opening chapters with delight. But then, those details didn’t seem to have much import (I was so sure there’d be something important with the cat), so I paid a bit less attention, and perhaps in that shuffle lost key background information, making me want to focus in, and so the cycle went. Maybe I’m out of practice in my literary sleuthing, maybe these beats don’t come full circle until the second book, maybe not everything needs to be important (*shrug*).

Still, I anticipate the duology will finish strong, as the next book promises to see Ottilie and her motley band embark on a harrowing treasure hunt.

**Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC**

[Nannette Demmler · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided by Titan Books via Netgalley for an honest review.

I have some mixed feelings about this one. While I liked the story and even at times enjoyed reading it, I also struggled with it. I never felt fully connected or invested in the characters and their stories, the magical system also needs more explanation, and the full extent of the issues facing Ottlilie and her sisters just never materialized.

The story is told fully from Ottlilie’s point of view which was fine. I liked her quite a bit, even though I never felt fully connected or invested in her story. She is smart and loyal to her friends and family, even when she doesn’t fully trust them. She does seem to be quite the disaster magnet though. She spends most of the book being captured by the various warring factions and then miraculously escaping or being rescued, sometimes by the people who last kidnapped her. This happened so many times I lost count, and it got old pretty fast.

There were a lot of secondary characters and I did at times have trouble keeping them all straight and which faction they belonged to. I did like Ottlilie’s sisters though. I very much felt the sisterly dynamic between them whenever they got together. The romance on the other hand, felt completely nonexistent. Lewis, her fiance doesn’t show up until well into the story, and then he treats her almost like a stranger. There is also an erstwhile kiss with another character, but nothing else ever comes of that storyline until the very end. Hopefully the romance will be more prominent in the next book.

The magical system was interesting, but I never really felt like I understood it. The different types of Entwined and their abilities were interesting, but I never really understood why these abilities would be feared or used for that matter. There were some epigraphs at the start or maybe the end of some of the chapters that explained some of the magical system, but they also didn’t seem to connect to the story as a whole. I just needed something more to make this interesting system, well better understood.

The writing and the setting for the story was very well done. I loved the descriptions of the places and people we meet. The tension and the turmoil that the city was experiencing was well described and really added to the story as a whole. The political intrigue and the warring factions needed a bit more details to really understand what was going on. Or perhaps there was too much going on to really understand the full picture.

As much as I liked the book, I didn’t love it as much as I hoped I would. I am somewhat undecided if I will read the next book or not. I think I will reread this one closer to when the next one comes out to see if my mind about it changes. I do recommend that you give this one a chance. I can easily see others loving this book more than I did.

https://elnadesbookchat.com

[Sifa Poulton · Rating 4 out of 5]

ENTWINED is the start of a fantasy of manners inspired by the Edwardian Age/Gilded Age. There is a strict social hierarchy and the book is set in a city where the heroine must navigate the charged politics of a city caught between powerful factions.

Tone wise, it reminded me of THE INVISIBLE LIBRARY. It is told by Ottilie to the reader some time after the fact with direct address and a deliberately factual, detached tone as if the narrator is trying to get through a testimony. It is a very proper tone, quite at odds with the near misses and danger described in the tale itself.

I liked that there was no major romance plotline - and that the relationship wasn't even really a romance. The potential love interest (the fiancé of convenience) doesn't appear until the second half and there is just so much going on, it's not like they really have the time or mental space for anything more than "right, the world is on fire, so let's work together." It's just so nice to find books where romance isn't being prioritised as a storyline, and frankly the characters reacting like dealing with the crisis is a priority feels so much more natural to me.

ENTWINED is a very short book - less than 300 pages - but a lot gets packed in. It probably isn't as short as it feels because the font is not exactly large (I wish publishers would stop shrinking the font - it makes it harder to read! This is not a miniscule print, but it is annoying). The action doesn't let up as Ottilie tries to find her employer, not die from the various forces taking an interest in her, and navigate the complex relationships she has with her sisters.

I will be interested to see where the next book goes as it looks like they're going to go heisting for objects to try and eliminate the threat they pose. Given how many objects they imply there are, and that this is only a duology, I am guessing there will be a significant time jump to when they are most of the way through the task so we pick the tale back up when the end is in sight so the chance of conflict with the various powers interested in the artefacts is at its highest.

[A Bookworm Crafts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entwined is the first book in H. M. Long’s new Gilded Age-inspired fantasy duology.

Set in a politically volatile city where magic users are tightly controlled by the Sorcerer’s Guild, the story follows Ottilie Rushforth, a woman living in hiding to keep her magical nature secret. Ottilie is one of the Entwined (people born with magical threads beneath their skin). If the Guild discovers her, she will be forced into their service. Working quietly as a secretary to a struggling detective, she is saving money to leave the city with her fake fiancé and start a new life somewhere the Entwined can live freely. When a powerful magical artefact goes missing and her employer disappears, Ottilie is pulled into a dangerous search. Matters become even more tangled when her two sisters re-enter her life, each pulling her towards a different path: safety in the system or rebellion against.

This was a mixed read for me. One of the strongest aspects of the book is the originality of the magic system. The idea of the Entwined and the different abilities tied to their magical threads is interesting, and I liked the way magic is woven into the wider political tensions of the setting. I was also a big fan of the gaslamp fantasy feel. Ottilie herself is an interesting protagonist. I also enjoyed the dynamic between the three sisters, each of whom has chosen a different way of dealing with the Guild’s control over their lives.

However, I did struggle somewhat with the writing style and pacing. The story tries to introduce a lot of information at once and at times it felt a little overwhelming. Because of this, I occasionally found it difficult to fully engage with the plot.

A recommended read for fans of H.M. Long, Nghi Vo, and gaslamp fantasy with political intrigue and unusual magic systems.

Thank you to Titan Books and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Annabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-paced fantasy adventure with family drama and some light romance spliced between the action entwines readers (or listeners) to Entwined. The central plot is not exactly a heist but heist-adjacent with the main character seeking an artifact that was taken from her employer's safe and is being sought by all sorts of people for its potential magical powers. The main character, Ottilie, is one of the people of this world that has magic but escaped the Sorcerer’s Guild and tries to stay off the radar until the disappearance of the artifact. One of her sisters is a model guild member the other lives her life off the grid and both try to pull Ottilie into helping them get the artifact. The magical system is a bit complex with a hierarchy of sorts. The romance aspect of the story is more of a back-burner sub-plot. There is quite a bit going on at all times, which keeps the story moving all the way to the end. I enjoyed the story and it kept my attention all the way through. Since this seems to be the first in a duology (or series), I am curious to see if there is more resolution to the romance in the next part of the story and where Ottilie ends up.
I listened to the audiobook of Entwined and quite enjoyed the narrator's reading. I also wanted to praise the lovely art nouveau style cover which initially drew me to this book. Since I listened to the audiobook, I do not know if the text versions have an appendix that outlines the levels of the magic system, but this would be a nice to have (like in Mistborn or Demon Cycle books for example).
I received the ALC thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, RBmedia) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

[numbatreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook review: Entwined by HM Long

Narrator: Moira Quirk

Vibes: 🎩✨⚔️

Thank you SO MUCH to Netgalley and Recorded Books for the ALC! The speed at which I mashed the request button for this still astonishes me. 😂

Entwined is exactly the flavour of gaslamp fantasy I most enjoy. Filled with strong female characters, intrigue, a dash of humour, unique magic, fancy hats and swashbuckling action (sometimes with pins from the aforementioned hats), I loved every single minute of this. Oh, and there's a cat.

I absolutely adored Ottilie as a main character. Sometimes female heroines fall into particular archetypes, but Tilly feels quite unique to me. She's a rogue but not a rebel. She loves certain people but she doesn't necessarily trust them. She's smart but a little scatterbrained, at turns both cautious and reckless. She's awesome and she also really loves her cat (and coffee. Lots of coffee).

Moira Quirk absolutely nails the narration as always. I don't even know what to say here other than that I think she could probably read a grocery list and still have me hanging on her every word. If you like audiobooks, this is a fabulous one!

I do think it's very important to go into this book with the right expectations. If you're after a historical romantasy, you will be disappointed. This is an adventure story about a budding civil war that has a small romantic subplot. I personally THOROUGHLY enjoyed all the different elements and I'm so keen to see what happens in the second book.

Now... what do you mean I have to wait for book 2?!! I suppose I shall have to tide myself over by listening to the rest of the Four Pillars series and The Winter Sea series.

Pub date: 10 March 2026

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entwined is a wonderfully atmospheric start to a Gilded Age fantasy duology, blending magic, mystery, and messy sisterhood into a story that feels both elegant and delightfully chaotic. From the moment Ottilie Rushforth steps onto the page — hiding her dangerous Entwined magic while working for a washed‑up detective — the book has that irresistible “just one more chapter” pull.

Ottilie is a fantastic lead: determined, wary, and constantly torn between survival and desire. Her plan to escape the Sorcerer’s Guild should be simple enough — find the stolen artefact, collect the bounty, and run off with her enigmatic ex‑fiancé — but of course nothing goes according to plan. Enter her sisters: Pretoria, sharp‑tongued and recently returned from exile, and Madge, loyal to the Guild in all the ways Ottilie can’t be. Their dynamic is one of the book’s biggest strengths, full of tension, affection, and the kind of complicated love only siblings can manage.

The worldbuilding is rich without ever feeling heavy, full of gilded salons, shadowy alleys, and a city simmering with prejudice and unrest. The magic system — especially the concept of being Entwined — is intriguing and woven seamlessly into the political landscape. Add in a dash of heist energy, a sprinkle of romantic tension, and a mystery that keeps tightening its grip, and you’ve got a story that’s both fun and emotionally resonant.

If you enjoy fantasy with clever plotting, vibrant characters, and just the right amount of danger and longing, Entwined is a captivating start to what promises to be a standout duology.

with thanks to HM Long, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Nicole Sweeney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Etwined is the new compulsively readable fantasy tale from H. M. Long, author of Dark Water Daughter.

The story follows Ottilie Rushforth, an Entwined who spends her days as a secretary to a detective. Ottilie keeps her head down to avoid the guild and does everything she can to save money to escape the guild and start a new life with her fiancé, Lewis. When Ottilie's employer and the mysterious artefact that he was procuring go missing, Ottilie must uncover what has happened to them and retrieve the bounty, but to do so might cost her her dreams of escaping.

This was my second book from H. M. Long, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's a very easy story to get wrapped up in, and the mystery is very well executed. I thought the magic was really interesting, and the world felt very detailed and well-developed. Long has a really engaging and vivid writing style, and I really liked the Gilded Age setting.

Ottilie is a great protagonist; she's strong and determined to get what she wants, but she's also quite prim and proper. I thought the romance was well developed, and the cliffhanger ending has made me very intrigued to see where things go in book two.

Entwined is a very entertaining historical fantasy, so if you're looking for a fantasy book with mystery elements that will keep you hooked right till the very last page, you definitely need to check this one out.

[CarlysGrowingTBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, let me start by saying that Moira Quirk could read me an instruction manual from a radio from the 1940s and I would be riveted. Anything that this narrator narrates is going to be a hit audiobook wise. Without fail one of the top audiobook narrators out and working right now. Needless to say this audiobook was fantastically done and I am so honored that I got to listen to it.

That being said let's talk about the book. This was an adventurous, magic filled, mystery laden, good time. Our main female character was quirky and hilarious. The magic was interesting and very well developed. I wish I had gotten a little bit more world building, but there is a second book where that can be rectified. I did get enough to make this first book worth it for me. HM Long is a fantastic author, and I will read anything that she writes.

I really loved the intricate love situation that we got with this novel. I really can't tell you which plot line romance wise. I was ultimately rooting for because they both felt so organic and realistic. But ultimately, I liked both of our MMC's that were working with our FMC. Could we be getting a thropple from HM along at some point?? I wouldn't be against it.

I really liked the artifact/heist type situation that was going on. The warring factions all competing for the same artifact with a different endgame. It absolutely kept me embroiled in the story and reading at a very quick pace.

Stunning opening to this, I cannot wait to read the next book.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75/5 ⭐️ rounded up for GR.

This book was a total meander in the best way possible. It’s one of those whimsically written fantasy heist/mysteries that doesn’t feel like it’s in any rush to get where it’s going, and honestly? The vibe worked. The magic system was interesting, the characters were quirky, and the whole thing had a pace that made it easy to enjoy. That said, I did struggle a bit with feeling fully invested in the characters for a solid chunk of the book. They weren’t bad by any means, just a bit flatter than I was hoping for. Plot wise, it’s political from start to finish, with a soft sprinkle of romance woven in and some dynamics that kept me guessing. Even with my small quibbles, I’m very curious about where things are headed. I’m definitely planning to pick up the next book in the duology when it drops. Overall, an enjoyable read.

Audiobook Note: Moira Quirk narrates this one. She’s an absolute treasure and one of my all time favourites! She brought so much life to every scene and character; her performance was exactly what I needed to stay fully immersed. If you’re thinking about going the audio route, do it. It’s fantastic!

Thank you to RBmedia for providing an ARC of the Audiobook via NetGalley!

Release Date: March, 9th 2026

[Mariel C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cannot wait for book two! The three sisters are so much fun and so different from one another. They love each other but they have a very different way of showing love to each other. The oldest has to hide her feelings and be the strong one and separates feelings with what must be done but also taking care of her sisters, always. The middle one is, exactly what you'd picture a middle child being like. Wild, untamed, dances to her own rhythm. And then there's our main character. Who just wants to be happy and free and have this wonderful, perfect life she never had and always has dreamt of. But of course, life has other plans. Two groups fighting for control. You never know who you can truly trust. I loved the banter between Ottillie (FMC) and Lewis (her fiancée). Or Ottillie and everyone really. She's hilarious. The magic system is so different in this book. Those with magic powers are called the entwined. And there are sun and moon entwined, those who have power/get stronger in the day with the sun rise and those with moon power or in the dark. I may have to re-read it to understand the different types a bit more since I was a bit confused but that was 100% on me not the way the book was written. Definitely enjoyed it!

[i · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to H. M. Long, Titan Books, and NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review!

Entwined is the second book I have read by Long, the first being Hall of Smoke. Entwined is a Gilded Age / Victorian era fantasy novel following three magical sisters as they attempt to steal an object of immense magical power for separate reasons. Each sister is a different subset of Entwined, magical folk whose power depends on which time of day or night they favour. Once powerful, Entwined are now hunted and controlled by human governments in an apartheid state.

Whilst this was a fun and easy read, I found a lot of the plot was quite repetitive: kidnapped, escaped, go to a sister, kidnapped again, etc. I felt like the book wasn’t completely fleshed out and we were lacking details about the past that I was desperate for. I did love the writing style though, and the setting and premise was very interesting. The magic system was intricate, well thought out ( perhaps a little convoluted), and definitely unique.

This was a good book but there wasn’t enough of it! I wanted more of everything - I’ll definitely read the sequel.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ottilie Rushforth is a rogue Entwined, hiding her magic powers and working as the secretary for a has-been detective. She is thrown into the midst of everything when a mysterious artifact is uncovered and then disappears - along with her employer. Ottilie must investigate and uncover the artifact if she is ever to escape the turmoil in her city, a turmoil that would see her indentured into service or hung on a noose...

This one was a really interesting read. The time period is one I've not come across before - inspired by the Gilded Age but set in a fantasy world, with a different style of story telling to boot There are some chapters that go back in time for backstory on a character, others that are 'excerpts' from a womens manual about the Entwined, and the MC herself regularly breaks the fourth wall to discuss things with the reader. It took a while to get used but overall it was a fun way of explaining things.

There is a lot of political intrigue, and a lot of tension between different factions - there is the Guild, which manages the Entwined, the Zealots who want all Entwined k*lled, the Grand General who also is not a fan of the Entwined...there is backstabbing and pistol fights and wars and all sorts going on 😅 Ottilie finds herself in the middle of it all with her two sisters on opposing sides.

The pacing off the story is a bit off sometimes and I would have preferred more romance (hopefully in the sequel!) but overall this was a fun and intriguing story.

Huge thank you to @titanbooks for the early proof.