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Fitzwilliam Darcy Undone
She’s the outcast in her family…
Elizabeth knows she’s different from the rest of her family. She has visions and strange dreams and sees things others do not. With the advent of the odious Mr. Darcy and his friends from Netherfield Park, as well as the amiable Mr. Wickham of the _____shire Militia, her powers seem to increase and her greatest fear is that she won’t be able to contain them and will be discovered.
He has eight hundred years of tradition to uphold…
No Darcy has married a non-magical woman since arriving on the shores of England with William the Conqueror in 1066. However, his kind – Miatharans – are dwindling in numbers. Miatharan magic only flows through aristocratic blood lines, so his strange obsession with Miss Elizabeth Bennet is puzzling as she is not of noble blood. Just a country squire’s beautiful daughter who has him slowly becoming undone.
Elizabeth knows she’s different from the rest of her family. She has visions and strange dreams and sees things others do not. With the advent of the odious Mr. Darcy and his friends from Netherfield Park, as well as the amiable Mr. Wickham of the _____shire Militia, her powers seem to increase and her greatest fear is that she won’t be able to contain them and will be discovered.
He has eight hundred years of tradition to uphold…
No Darcy has married a non-magical woman since arriving on the shores of England with William the Conqueror in 1066. However, his kind – Miatharans – are dwindling in numbers. Miatharan magic only flows through aristocratic blood lines, so his strange obsession with Miss Elizabeth Bennet is puzzling as she is not of noble blood. Just a country squire’s beautiful daughter who has him slowly becoming undone.
181 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 13, 2020
89 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Sue Barr
19 books90 followers“If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more.” ~ Jane Austen
I love all things Regency and sometimes a wee Highlander story. I also have a weakness for Alpha males and feisty heroines, who keep them on their toes.
I love all things Regency and sometimes a wee Highlander story. I also have a weakness for Alpha males and feisty heroines, who keep them on their toes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
September 15, 2020
“And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” –Roald Dahl
I love that photo on the cover: Warning: this review may contain *** SPOILERS *** As stated in the title, this is a Pride and Prejudice alternate universe… which means anything goes. And so, it does. Wow! Magic abounded in France and when the Terror hit, those that managed to escape brought it to the British shores. RATING: MA: listen carefully… I said MA and that means MATURE audience and no one… no one should read this who has not reached a certain age. I’m not sure I should be reading it. I blushed to the roots of my hair. I’m not sure if this qualifies as a bodice-ripper but it seemed close to me. It was graphic and descriptive and I don’t think virgins would do… what they did… the first time. I mean, seriously. OK, enough of that. TRIGGER WARNING: there are a few violent scenes that might be hard to read for some. One in particular involves a kidnapping, bondage, and a rape attempt [unsuccessful]. Just saying.
What I liked: I love a Large-And-In-Charge Darcy. OMG! Was he ever? My heart skipped a beat when he entered a scene. Lizzy was right behind him only we didn’t have a clear picture of her. The author doled out bits and pieces of her story all throughout the book and she didn’t come into all her glory until the very end. Again… OMG!! You’ll have to wait for it but it is well worth it. We have a big surprise with another of my favorite characters… our dear Colonel Fitzwilliam. This man was beyond any JAFF description I’ve read of him. Oh MY! My heart skipped another beat. I’ve got to stop drinking Mt Dew before I read a story. Whew! Take Austen’s male P&P characters, who were strong, to begin with, and add powers to them and it will take your breath away. It seems the author was surprising me on every page. ICNPID, seriously, I could not put it down. It was 2:00 a.m. when I finally crashed and burned. And that was from the story and not because I was tired. Whew! I’m too old for this.
“The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.” –W.B. Yeats
There were surprises galore. I was constantly trying to close my mouth because something jaw-dropping was happening every few pages. Caroline Bingley, the superior sister, has always denigrated the Bennet sisters as being below her… well, let me tell you… oh, that would be a spoiler. I can’t say. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet both have a surprise reveal that made me catch my breath… again… jaw-dropping. Who are these people? OMG! Like canon, Collins notified Lady Catherine of the betrothal of his unworthy cousin to her nephew Darcy and she arrived under a full head of steam. The biggest surprise was when she asked about Lizzy’s relations… ‘but who’s your mother?’ Jaw-dropping… and that part of the story immediately turned-on-a-dime into something completely out of this world. Nothing was the same from here on.
Wickham: I need something stronger than SBRB… I mean… seriously, this guy was evil incarnate. He was the devil’s spawn and gleefully mistreated ODC. La! I nearly had a fainting spell when he was working his dirty magic and brought out the twins, Tweedledee and Tweedledum and… I can’t say. I’m not even going to mention Lydia… that girl.
What I didn’t like: Oh, I hate to say it… but I became a bit bogged down with the lineage of ODC, their family histories, the nobility, all the titles, [Caroline would have another cow, for sure, if only she knew], the different societies, their powers, and the abilities of each. Read slowly at this point so you don’t miss something important. Also, **** SPOILER**** **** End Spoiler ****
I love a good epilogue but felt like a few threads were left dangling. Maybe my wanting more was the goal. If that was the case… it worked as I have questions.
9-14-20 I borrowed this through the KU program.
I love that photo on the cover: Warning: this review may contain *** SPOILERS *** As stated in the title, this is a Pride and Prejudice alternate universe… which means anything goes. And so, it does. Wow! Magic abounded in France and when the Terror hit, those that managed to escape brought it to the British shores. RATING: MA: listen carefully… I said MA and that means MATURE audience and no one… no one should read this who has not reached a certain age. I’m not sure I should be reading it. I blushed to the roots of my hair. I’m not sure if this qualifies as a bodice-ripper but it seemed close to me. It was graphic and descriptive and I don’t think virgins would do… what they did… the first time. I mean, seriously. OK, enough of that. TRIGGER WARNING: there are a few violent scenes that might be hard to read for some. One in particular involves a kidnapping, bondage, and a rape attempt [unsuccessful]. Just saying.
What I liked: I love a Large-And-In-Charge Darcy. OMG! Was he ever? My heart skipped a beat when he entered a scene. Lizzy was right behind him only we didn’t have a clear picture of her. The author doled out bits and pieces of her story all throughout the book and she didn’t come into all her glory until the very end. Again… OMG!! You’ll have to wait for it but it is well worth it. We have a big surprise with another of my favorite characters… our dear Colonel Fitzwilliam. This man was beyond any JAFF description I’ve read of him. Oh MY! My heart skipped another beat. I’ve got to stop drinking Mt Dew before I read a story. Whew! Take Austen’s male P&P characters, who were strong, to begin with, and add powers to them and it will take your breath away. It seems the author was surprising me on every page. ICNPID, seriously, I could not put it down. It was 2:00 a.m. when I finally crashed and burned. And that was from the story and not because I was tired. Whew! I’m too old for this.
“The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.” –W.B. Yeats
There were surprises galore. I was constantly trying to close my mouth because something jaw-dropping was happening every few pages. Caroline Bingley, the superior sister, has always denigrated the Bennet sisters as being below her… well, let me tell you… oh, that would be a spoiler. I can’t say. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet both have a surprise reveal that made me catch my breath… again… jaw-dropping. Who are these people? OMG! Like canon, Collins notified Lady Catherine of the betrothal of his unworthy cousin to her nephew Darcy and she arrived under a full head of steam. The biggest surprise was when she asked about Lizzy’s relations… ‘but who’s your mother?’ Jaw-dropping… and that part of the story immediately turned-on-a-dime into something completely out of this world. Nothing was the same from here on.
Wickham: I need something stronger than SBRB… I mean… seriously, this guy was evil incarnate. He was the devil’s spawn and gleefully mistreated ODC. La! I nearly had a fainting spell when he was working his dirty magic and brought out the twins, Tweedledee and Tweedledum and… I can’t say. I’m not even going to mention Lydia… that girl.
What I didn’t like: Oh, I hate to say it… but I became a bit bogged down with the lineage of ODC, their family histories, the nobility, all the titles, [Caroline would have another cow, for sure, if only she knew], the different societies, their powers, and the abilities of each. Read slowly at this point so you don’t miss something important. Also, **** SPOILER**** **** End Spoiler ****
I love a good epilogue but felt like a few threads were left dangling. Maybe my wanting more was the goal. If that was the case… it worked as I have questions.
9-14-20 I borrowed this through the KU program.
October 24, 2020
2.5 rounded up to 3 stars
I generally enjoy paranormal Pride and Prejudice variations, and the magic in this one had me enthralled through most of the book.
Darcy is immediately attracted to Elizabeth at the Meryton assembly, but he resists her because he is a Miatharan, who all have magical abilities, and he must marry one of his own kind. A girl whose father is a mere country gentleman could not possibly qualify. This doesn't prevent Darcy from inserting himself into a very erotic dream of hers just hours after they meet - then wiping her mind clear of the memory of that dream.
Except that Darcy's magic is not successful. Not only does Elizabeth remember, her neck has bruising where he'd marked her in her dream. She has other secrets she's told no one about - even Jane - because she knows she's different from her sisters and is fearful of it.
Mr. Wickham practices dark magic, the same kind that had sent many Miatharans in France to the guillotine. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam have been searching for him for his crimes against the family. The latter telepathically informs his cousin that their quarry has been tracked to the militia coming to Meryton and joins him at the assembly, intending to speak with Colonel Foster.
The story starts to develop nicely: Elizabeth senses maliciousness despite Mr. Wickham's pretty manners. Both she and Darcy fight their mutual attraction to each other. Caroline Bingley acts out of spite to disrupt her brother's pursuit of Jane Bennet. Good stuff, especially with the added magic bits.
About three-quarters of the way through, the story takes a completely illogical turn. One character reveals a huge secret that's been kept for at least two decades. It is completely inconsistent with that character's previous behavior, and the explanation offered doesn't come close to making sense. It's a cool secret, and I wish I could make sense of all the character's previous lying and deception.
There are also unexplained plot holes that scream for clarification. What are the significant questions Mr. Bennet asks each of his daughters on their sixteenth birthdays? What happens to Lydia on the night she sneaks out to meet Mr. Wickham? Why are the Bennet sisters' individual gifts hidden from them - particularly Jane's? There's just too much at the end of the book that's cloudy, and it left me feeling dissatisfied despite the fact that the story that IS there is quite good.
I also found many careless errors that a good editor should have caught and corrected.
I had the sense that this was slapped together and published without enough attention to detail. It's surprising because I expect better from this author. This book could've been so excellent had it gotten the additional development it needs.
I generally enjoy paranormal Pride and Prejudice variations, and the magic in this one had me enthralled through most of the book.
Darcy is immediately attracted to Elizabeth at the Meryton assembly, but he resists her because he is a Miatharan, who all have magical abilities, and he must marry one of his own kind. A girl whose father is a mere country gentleman could not possibly qualify. This doesn't prevent Darcy from inserting himself into a very erotic dream of hers just hours after they meet - then wiping her mind clear of the memory of that dream.
Except that Darcy's magic is not successful. Not only does Elizabeth remember, her neck has bruising where he'd marked her in her dream. She has other secrets she's told no one about - even Jane - because she knows she's different from her sisters and is fearful of it.
Mr. Wickham practices dark magic, the same kind that had sent many Miatharans in France to the guillotine. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam have been searching for him for his crimes against the family. The latter telepathically informs his cousin that their quarry has been tracked to the militia coming to Meryton and joins him at the assembly, intending to speak with Colonel Foster.
The story starts to develop nicely: Elizabeth senses maliciousness despite Mr. Wickham's pretty manners. Both she and Darcy fight their mutual attraction to each other. Caroline Bingley acts out of spite to disrupt her brother's pursuit of Jane Bennet. Good stuff, especially with the added magic bits.
About three-quarters of the way through, the story takes a completely illogical turn. One character reveals a huge secret that's been kept for at least two decades. It is completely inconsistent with that character's previous behavior, and the explanation offered doesn't come close to making sense. It's a cool secret, and I wish I could make sense of all the character's previous lying and deception.
There are also unexplained plot holes that scream for clarification. What are the significant questions Mr. Bennet asks each of his daughters on their sixteenth birthdays? What happens to Lydia on the night she sneaks out to meet Mr. Wickham? Why are the Bennet sisters' individual gifts hidden from them - particularly Jane's? There's just too much at the end of the book that's cloudy, and it left me feeling dissatisfied despite the fact that the story that IS there is quite good.
I also found many careless errors that a good editor should have caught and corrected.
I had the sense that this was slapped together and published without enough attention to detail. It's surprising because I expect better from this author. This book could've been so excellent had it gotten the additional development it needs.
July 14, 2021
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars
The full title and author’s blurb tell us that this is set in an alternate universe…a world in which magic has a strong presence. So we are in for some surprises. In this story there are two types of magic: Miatharan and Ellorian. Both are inherited but in the former one the females who inherit magic do not display their strengths until they are 16 years old. In the latter one all are born with such…and these strengths differ.
So we read about Mr. Bennet calling each of his daughters into his study for some questions upon that birthday. Elizabeth overhears his conversation with Jane and so she is puzzled. She knows something is going on in her own life but no one has explained anything to her and she is afraid of being ostracized if she reveals anything. She does learn from both her father and her mother as the tale develops.
Mrs. Bennet reminded me of how Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde had two personalities inhabiting the same body. No, she is not evil. It is just that for most of her life Elizabeth knows her mother as the one we read of in canon. You will find a great surprise when Mama has to explain all about her universe to Elizabeth. Plus Papa has some ‘splaining to do.
Darcy is drawn to Elizabeth but he resists because in his line of Maitharan magic the men always marry women who are also similarly blessed. He gets a hint when he “compromises” Elizabeth in a mental meeting with caresses and kisses and then finds that although he erased that event from her mind she has memories still.
Wickham and Darcy are sworn enemies and, of course, Wickham looks to harm anyone Darcy loves. He has already damaged Georgiana and only in thinking that Darcy is not drawn to a woman without magic does he not focus on Elizabeth’s relationship to Darcy at the onset. However, when he learns Darcy is…well, I won’t spoil the tale her.
I enjoyed this tale. It was not a long variation.
The full title and author’s blurb tell us that this is set in an alternate universe…a world in which magic has a strong presence. So we are in for some surprises. In this story there are two types of magic: Miatharan and Ellorian. Both are inherited but in the former one the females who inherit magic do not display their strengths until they are 16 years old. In the latter one all are born with such…and these strengths differ.
So we read about Mr. Bennet calling each of his daughters into his study for some questions upon that birthday. Elizabeth overhears his conversation with Jane and so she is puzzled. She knows something is going on in her own life but no one has explained anything to her and she is afraid of being ostracized if she reveals anything. She does learn from both her father and her mother as the tale develops.
Mrs. Bennet reminded me of how Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde had two personalities inhabiting the same body. No, she is not evil. It is just that for most of her life Elizabeth knows her mother as the one we read of in canon. You will find a great surprise when Mama has to explain all about her universe to Elizabeth. Plus Papa has some ‘splaining to do.
Darcy is drawn to Elizabeth but he resists because in his line of Maitharan magic the men always marry women who are also similarly blessed. He gets a hint when he “compromises” Elizabeth in a mental meeting with caresses and kisses and then finds that although he erased that event from her mind she has memories still.
Wickham and Darcy are sworn enemies and, of course, Wickham looks to harm anyone Darcy loves. He has already damaged Georgiana and only in thinking that Darcy is not drawn to a woman without magic does he not focus on Elizabeth’s relationship to Darcy at the onset. However, when he learns Darcy is…well, I won’t spoil the tale her.
I enjoyed this tale. It was not a long variation.
December 30, 2024
Magical Pride and Prejudice
Unputdownable!
Highly engaging and steamy variation of Pride and Prejudice, interwoven in magic.
I do not believe you need to be a fantasy reader to enjoy this book though. I am not but I was enchanted by this thrilling story.
The book followed the timeline of canon up to a certain point. Although there is no trip to Rosings nor Pemberley, much of the events was there but with a twist or two, some who was an utter surprise.
The attraction between ODC was instant. Darcy fought to keep his emotions in check because of Elizabeth's lack of magic, the Colonels ability to read his thoughts and the presence of Mr Wickham. Elizabeth needed no more incentive than a certain rude remark but the gentleman invaded her dreams...
Rated: Mature
Highly recommend this book!
Unputdownable!
Highly engaging and steamy variation of Pride and Prejudice, interwoven in magic.
I do not believe you need to be a fantasy reader to enjoy this book though. I am not but I was enchanted by this thrilling story.
The book followed the timeline of canon up to a certain point. Although there is no trip to Rosings nor Pemberley, much of the events was there but with a twist or two, some who was an utter surprise.
The attraction between ODC was instant. Darcy fought to keep his emotions in check because of Elizabeth's lack of magic, the Colonels ability to read his thoughts and the presence of Mr Wickham. Elizabeth needed no more incentive than a certain rude remark but the gentleman invaded her dreams...
Rated: Mature
Highly recommend this book!
April 26, 2022
I liked all the sci-fantasy aspects of this story. Very clever and we'll woven.
I could have done without some of the "modern" elements. Personally, I don't think it adds to the story. Although, I know many readers will love it.
The Wickham scene was especially vicious, in regards to Elizabeth specifically and what is alluded to concerning Georgiana.
Mama Bennet was a fantastic surprise.
I could have done without some of the "modern" elements. Personally, I don't think it adds to the story. Although, I know many readers will love it.
The Wickham scene was especially vicious, in regards to Elizabeth specifically and what is alluded to concerning Georgiana.
Mama Bennet was a fantastic surprise.
August 23, 2021
1.5
I am going to try and keep it short because I don't want to go for a long rant and in this instance I consciously have to hold myself back.
Sue Barr is one of those authors that definitely has a potential. Her writing isn't terrible and she has some pretty interesting ideas. Unfortunately, she never seems to fully commit to these ideas or bother to write things through. She seems to rush through parts of her stories, as if she wants to write certain segments and does it well but isn't really bothered about the framework around it and thus kind of wings everything else.
So this story takes place in Regency England but there's a secret magical race (how the magic works and why or any rules for it are not really explained but nevermind). They came to England in 11th century with Norman invasion, most of aristocracy seems to belong to this class. I didn't count how many times it was stressed that only the ones noble blood can have magic but it was A LOT.
There's also kind of fated mates trope tied to this race.
Darcy here is particularly unpleasant (and downright skeevy) - and he does not really improve. I know cause the only reason I finished this book was to see if he does.
But my main problem here is a blatant disregard of a consent of any sort. It is brushed over and ignored and excused passingly but never condemned.
1) Darcy gets pants-feelings for E. during the ball. So of course he secretly follows the Bennets home, waits until they are asleep and GOES INTO THE HOUSE. He enters Elizabeths dream where he dances with her, makes out with her and gropes her. All while she is vulnerable, unable to protect herself, not conscious - therefore CANNOT CONSENT. D. tries to wipe her memory and thinks it worked. So a person not remembering the assault makes the assault OK???
She wakes up with hickeys on her neck and of course remembers everything. During the course of the book she realizes that it actually happened.
Not ONCE is she really angry about it or giving D. any hard time. Darcy NEVER apologizes for it. He does some light self-recrimination and congratulates himself on not doing it again. That's about it.
2) Mr Bennet has been wiping his daughter's and wife's memories. Not all of it works but it is never really implied that taking someone agency is a BAD thing, never mind the intentions of the taker.
3) There is also a mention of a parent stripping the child of magic because se was "too emotional". I can't even.
It never felt like ODC were falling in love. They had instalust and the supposed fated mate bond but there was never a feel of getting to know each other or forming any connections except sexual.
I am going to try and keep it short because I don't want to go for a long rant and in this instance I consciously have to hold myself back.
Sue Barr is one of those authors that definitely has a potential. Her writing isn't terrible and she has some pretty interesting ideas. Unfortunately, she never seems to fully commit to these ideas or bother to write things through. She seems to rush through parts of her stories, as if she wants to write certain segments and does it well but isn't really bothered about the framework around it and thus kind of wings everything else.
So this story takes place in Regency England but there's a secret magical race (how the magic works and why or any rules for it are not really explained but nevermind). They came to England in 11th century with Norman invasion, most of aristocracy seems to belong to this class. I didn't count how many times it was stressed that only the ones noble blood can have magic but it was A LOT.
There's also kind of fated mates trope tied to this race.
Darcy here is particularly unpleasant (and downright skeevy) - and he does not really improve. I know cause the only reason I finished this book was to see if he does.
But my main problem here is a blatant disregard of a consent of any sort. It is brushed over and ignored and excused passingly but never condemned.
1) Darcy gets pants-feelings for E. during the ball. So of course he secretly follows the Bennets home, waits until they are asleep and GOES INTO THE HOUSE. He enters Elizabeths dream where he dances with her, makes out with her and gropes her. All while she is vulnerable, unable to protect herself, not conscious - therefore CANNOT CONSENT. D. tries to wipe her memory and thinks it worked. So a person not remembering the assault makes the assault OK???
She wakes up with hickeys on her neck and of course remembers everything. During the course of the book she realizes that it actually happened.
Not ONCE is she really angry about it or giving D. any hard time. Darcy NEVER apologizes for it. He does some light self-recrimination and congratulates himself on not doing it again. That's about it.
2) Mr Bennet has been wiping his daughter's and wife's memories. Not all of it works but it is never really implied that taking someone agency is a BAD thing, never mind the intentions of the taker.
3) There is also a mention of a parent stripping the child of magic because se was "too emotional". I can't even.
It never felt like ODC were falling in love. They had instalust and the supposed fated mate bond but there was never a feel of getting to know each other or forming any connections except sexual.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2021
Brace thyself for a double homicide: A butchering of the compelling P&P love story & a character assassination of Darcy.
Synopsis:
We dive in at the Meryton Assembly and this iteration 'Darcy' immediately after delivering his infamous slight realizes Lizzy heard him, does a double take, and is soon overcome by a most unseemly carnal desire.
The pheromones he exudes are so potent it telepathically flags down Colonel Fitzwilliam, who drops everything he is doing to teleport- which the Fitzwilliam & Darcy clan can do- to the assembly and see whom has got Darcy's panties in a bunch.
Seems to me Col. Fitz has too much free time of his hands, Napoleon has not kept him occupied enough- he is in dire need of a hobby.
See, Noble families tend to be of 'Miatharan,' magical descent: all sons born from magical parents are guaranteed to possess magic, & daughters have a 50/50 shot chance; they won't know where they fall on the spectrum until after their magical sweet sixteen. The abilities consist of long distance, no roaming fees, telekinetic convos, teleporting to places, and into dreams- the last of which is not singular, as OG Mr Darcy has been doing that for the over 200 some years.
Truly stealing into maiden’s hearts and dreams since 1813.
After the assembly concludes Darcy oh so romantically follows Lizzy home, jumps into her dreams, takes advantage of her lowered defenses, and betting on her inability to remember a dream, sensually dances with her & takes liberties. And because it is just technically a dream, and thus not real, the fact that he doesn't have her consent is totally 'neat-o burrito,' right?
No need to overthink it as this moral conundrum is neatly side stepped since Lizzy is plot conveniently cool with whatever, and the animal magnetism is mutual, so this won't be contested and she sees it as a steamy dream.
This scene, like most scenes in this 'story,' is blatantly going for a 'noir sultry,' vibe but falls flat on it's arse, and instead it comes off cringe-y & creepy to the nines.
Darcy even leaves Lizzy with mysterious hickeys-Swoon! Though Darcy tried to magic roofie Lizzy, she remembers the dream as she- plot twist!- is also of the magical nobility race and her particular talent affords her a mental fortitude. She has chiefly used her abilities in past to control her youngest sisters behavior in public. Amusingly she can make Lydia into a human 'Snapple Fun Fact Bottle Top.'
Some adjustments to canon are featured:
The main obstacle for ODC is that Darcy likes Lizzy but assumes she isn't magical and thus he can't wed her, even as he fears he is magically compelled by this 'soulmate override.' And let me tell you soulmates as a concept have never had a less romantic treatment than here.
What Worked:
NOTHING!
What Irked:
✗'Insta- just-add-H2O-Love' is not as beautifully earned as the one from source material. Thus while this may be JAFF, it lacks the very soul and essence of an Austen romance.
Delicious development is abandoned for lust & baser compulsions. This yarn has all the romance of a dog in heat. Look, I am not above a 'naughty night of debauchery.'
Just ease us in, you know? Barr throws you in to the deep end without first allowing us to wade in the kiddie pool. This romance is not in the slightest earned.
✗Lazy writing. Abrupt transitions & rushed story telling had me wondering where was the race? There is a mad dash to get to the end when the unraveling of the story is what its all about.
✗Not a one was on character.
✗Darcy sucks.
The Brass Tacks:
I wanted to quit by 35% but 3 factors stilled the impulse:
1.I have been writing too many blank checks in that front as of late,
2.I feel guilty leaving a 1 star review without getting a brunt portion through, and
3.All the reviews- both positive and negative- mentioned a huge plot twist at 80% and none offered the option for it to be spoiled, so my interest was piqued and I soldiered on until that late reveal.
And indeed there was a twist, but was it worth it?
Not in the slightest, tis all very forgettable and while I tend to advocate trying a book for yourself even when someone heartily dislikes it, here I wouldn’t if I were you.
In addition to all the trials I enumerated you'd have to drag yourself through, there is this gratuitous & mechanically forced anticipation of vows scene, that like the rest of the book, is trying to be sexy but in authenticity comes off only as such is awkwardness.
So if you want that 80% twist spoiler, it would be my honor to spare you the indignation of having to sit through that here:
I liked Ms Barr's other book Pride & Perception: a Pride & Prejudice variation better, though I wouldn't go as far as to gush about it. This is just not good story telling, I can't highlight one thing I liked, save all the good intentions that surely went into writing it, and the attempt at mixing magic and P&P which is what attracted me to the story in the first place. Ms Barr exhibits much potential and so even though this was no bueno for me I will try her next work.
꙳ Spice Scale rating: Coquette Cayenne 🌶 🌶🌶/5 ꙳
📎 A JAFF x Magic I recommend: Dangerous Magic: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Synopsis:
We dive in at the Meryton Assembly and this iteration 'Darcy' immediately after delivering his infamous slight realizes Lizzy heard him, does a double take, and is soon overcome by a most unseemly carnal desire.
The pheromones he exudes are so potent it telepathically flags down Colonel Fitzwilliam, who drops everything he is doing to teleport- which the Fitzwilliam & Darcy clan can do- to the assembly and see whom has got Darcy's panties in a bunch.
Seems to me Col. Fitz has too much free time of his hands, Napoleon has not kept him occupied enough- he is in dire need of a hobby.
See, Noble families tend to be of 'Miatharan,' magical descent: all sons born from magical parents are guaranteed to possess magic, & daughters have a 50/50 shot chance; they won't know where they fall on the spectrum until after their magical sweet sixteen. The abilities consist of long distance, no roaming fees, telekinetic convos, teleporting to places, and into dreams- the last of which is not singular, as OG Mr Darcy has been doing that for the over 200 some years.
Truly stealing into maiden’s hearts and dreams since 1813.
After the assembly concludes Darcy oh so romantically follows Lizzy home, jumps into her dreams, takes advantage of her lowered defenses, and betting on her inability to remember a dream, sensually dances with her & takes liberties. And because it is just technically a dream, and thus not real, the fact that he doesn't have her consent is totally 'neat-o burrito,' right?
No need to overthink it as this moral conundrum is neatly side stepped since Lizzy is plot conveniently cool with whatever, and the animal magnetism is mutual, so this won't be contested and she sees it as a steamy dream.
This scene, like most scenes in this 'story,' is blatantly going for a 'noir sultry,' vibe but falls flat on it's arse, and instead it comes off cringe-y & creepy to the nines.
Darcy even leaves Lizzy with mysterious hickeys-Swoon! Though Darcy tried to magic roofie Lizzy, she remembers the dream as she- plot twist!- is also of the magical nobility race and her particular talent affords her a mental fortitude. She has chiefly used her abilities in past to control her youngest sisters behavior in public. Amusingly she can make Lydia into a human 'Snapple Fun Fact Bottle Top.'
Some adjustments to canon are featured:
The main obstacle for ODC is that Darcy likes Lizzy but assumes she isn't magical and thus he can't wed her, even as he fears he is magically compelled by this 'soulmate override.' And let me tell you soulmates as a concept have never had a less romantic treatment than here.
What Worked:
NOTHING!
What Irked:
✗'Insta- just-add-H2O-Love' is not as beautifully earned as the one from source material. Thus while this may be JAFF, it lacks the very soul and essence of an Austen romance.
Delicious development is abandoned for lust & baser compulsions. This yarn has all the romance of a dog in heat. Look, I am not above a 'naughty night of debauchery.'
Just ease us in, you know? Barr throws you in to the deep end without first allowing us to wade in the kiddie pool. This romance is not in the slightest earned.
✗Lazy writing. Abrupt transitions & rushed story telling had me wondering where was the race? There is a mad dash to get to the end when the unraveling of the story is what its all about.
✗Not a one was on character.
✗Darcy sucks.
The Brass Tacks:
I wanted to quit by 35% but 3 factors stilled the impulse:
1.I have been writing too many blank checks in that front as of late,
2.I feel guilty leaving a 1 star review without getting a brunt portion through, and
3.All the reviews- both positive and negative- mentioned a huge plot twist at 80% and none offered the option for it to be spoiled, so my interest was piqued and I soldiered on until that late reveal.
And indeed there was a twist, but was it worth it?
Not in the slightest, tis all very forgettable and while I tend to advocate trying a book for yourself even when someone heartily dislikes it, here I wouldn’t if I were you.
In addition to all the trials I enumerated you'd have to drag yourself through, there is this gratuitous & mechanically forced anticipation of vows scene, that like the rest of the book, is trying to be sexy but in authenticity comes off only as such is awkwardness.
So if you want that 80% twist spoiler, it would be my honor to spare you the indignation of having to sit through that here:
I liked Ms Barr's other book Pride & Perception: a Pride & Prejudice variation better, though I wouldn't go as far as to gush about it. This is just not good story telling, I can't highlight one thing I liked, save all the good intentions that surely went into writing it, and the attempt at mixing magic and P&P which is what attracted me to the story in the first place. Ms Barr exhibits much potential and so even though this was no bueno for me I will try her next work.
꙳ Spice Scale rating: Coquette Cayenne 🌶 🌶🌶/5 ꙳
📎 A JAFF x Magic I recommend: Dangerous Magic: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
March 14, 2022
What If Elizabeth Wasn’t Magical Enough to Tempt Darcy?
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Author
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Paranormal Variation
THE PREMISE: Although he finds himself beyond tempted by Elizabeth’s charm, wit, and beauty, Fitzwilliam Darcy tries to supress his attraction because he is of ancient and aristocratic Miatharan decent and must only marry someone with similar magic ancestry. But Darcy finds it impossible to escape Elizabeth’s spell and begins to wonder if fate or some other forces are ordaining his future with her…
WHAT I LOVED:
- The Premise: An Elizabeth who feels different from the rest of her family but doesn’t understand why and a Mr. Darcy trying to fight his feelings for Elizabeth for other reasons than pride and prejudice sounded like some interesting twists to explore. And the execution of these twists delivered plenty of excitement and surprising reveals!
- The Magic: Some interesting magical elements were employed: characters can converse with each other telepathically, transfer their presence different places, and use such things as “glamour” and “healing” spells. In addition, I also took pleasure in learning about different magical races and the history and legacy of each race. It was interesting to learn all about what abilities exist, who can have them, and what dangers exist.
- The Desire: The attraction is strong for our Mr. Darcy and his desires for Elizabeth are unconquerable. I love seeing Mr. Darcy so undone. And even though Darcy tended to exhibit more lust than love, I loved his fervent attachment and devotion to Elizabeth and how it felt destined that they should be together. NOTE: Due to some sensual and steamy scenes, this story is recommended for Mature Audiences.
WHAT I LOVED AND DIDN’T LOVE AT THE SAME TIME:
- Some of the Surprises: There were some deliciously jaw-dropping surprises in this tale and I want to say that I completely loved them all, but there were a few that felt like they didn’t make sense when looked at through the framework of the character’s journey or behavior. Some reveals left questions without satisfying answers.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- Sometimes Too Abrupt: There were a couple of instances where some events and revelations occurred rather swiftly, and I wouldn’t have minded seeing some more build up or groundwork laid for these developments. For example: (SLIGHT SPOILER ALERT!) Elizabeth goes from declaring she doesn’t want to marry Mr. Darcy to welcoming his advances in a few pages, and Elizabeth becomes aware of her abilities yet is untrained, yet in two scenes wields tremendous and inexplicable power. Both of these instances would have felt less jarring if there was some more development leading up to them.
- Sometimes Too Forward: Occasionally some of the dialogue felt a little modern and too blunt for the Regency period. In addition, the subject of intimate relations and remaining virtuous was discussed so publicly and unabashedly, I was starting to feel second-hand embarrassment for the characters.
CONCLUSION: Despite some wishes for slower pacing and more fleshed-out developments, I loved reading this Pride and Prejudice variation filled with magic, mystique, secrets, danger, and romance. I was happily bespelled by Sue Barr’s charming characters and their captivating adventures together. Readers who love stories with magic and an undone Mr. Darcy will be thoroughly enchanted.
Austenesque Reviews
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Author
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Paranormal Variation
THE PREMISE: Although he finds himself beyond tempted by Elizabeth’s charm, wit, and beauty, Fitzwilliam Darcy tries to supress his attraction because he is of ancient and aristocratic Miatharan decent and must only marry someone with similar magic ancestry. But Darcy finds it impossible to escape Elizabeth’s spell and begins to wonder if fate or some other forces are ordaining his future with her…
WHAT I LOVED:
- The Premise: An Elizabeth who feels different from the rest of her family but doesn’t understand why and a Mr. Darcy trying to fight his feelings for Elizabeth for other reasons than pride and prejudice sounded like some interesting twists to explore. And the execution of these twists delivered plenty of excitement and surprising reveals!
- The Magic: Some interesting magical elements were employed: characters can converse with each other telepathically, transfer their presence different places, and use such things as “glamour” and “healing” spells. In addition, I also took pleasure in learning about different magical races and the history and legacy of each race. It was interesting to learn all about what abilities exist, who can have them, and what dangers exist.
- The Desire: The attraction is strong for our Mr. Darcy and his desires for Elizabeth are unconquerable. I love seeing Mr. Darcy so undone. And even though Darcy tended to exhibit more lust than love, I loved his fervent attachment and devotion to Elizabeth and how it felt destined that they should be together. NOTE: Due to some sensual and steamy scenes, this story is recommended for Mature Audiences.
WHAT I LOVED AND DIDN’T LOVE AT THE SAME TIME:
- Some of the Surprises: There were some deliciously jaw-dropping surprises in this tale and I want to say that I completely loved them all, but there were a few that felt like they didn’t make sense when looked at through the framework of the character’s journey or behavior. Some reveals left questions without satisfying answers.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- Sometimes Too Abrupt: There were a couple of instances where some events and revelations occurred rather swiftly, and I wouldn’t have minded seeing some more build up or groundwork laid for these developments. For example: (SLIGHT SPOILER ALERT!) Elizabeth goes from declaring she doesn’t want to marry Mr. Darcy to welcoming his advances in a few pages, and Elizabeth becomes aware of her abilities yet is untrained, yet in two scenes wields tremendous and inexplicable power. Both of these instances would have felt less jarring if there was some more development leading up to them.
- Sometimes Too Forward: Occasionally some of the dialogue felt a little modern and too blunt for the Regency period. In addition, the subject of intimate relations and remaining virtuous was discussed so publicly and unabashedly, I was starting to feel second-hand embarrassment for the characters.
CONCLUSION: Despite some wishes for slower pacing and more fleshed-out developments, I loved reading this Pride and Prejudice variation filled with magic, mystique, secrets, danger, and romance. I was happily bespelled by Sue Barr’s charming characters and their captivating adventures together. Readers who love stories with magic and an undone Mr. Darcy will be thoroughly enchanted.
Austenesque Reviews
April 3, 2022
I am generally not a fan of P&P paranormal stories; this one was an exception...
as with all of Ms Barr's book there is a fair amount of steamy interaction between ODC so neither clean nor chaste
In this universe Darcy and his relatives are magical beings with a sufficient back story that I don't care to repeat.
When he meets Lizzy he is both drawn are repelled as he feels a great attraction but know he can only marry for magick
It will resolve that its okay and Wickham is a practitioner of the dark arts who simply wants to destroy Darcy's happiness any way he can.
Fun and interesting story
as with all of Ms Barr's book there is a fair amount of steamy interaction between ODC so neither clean nor chaste
In this universe Darcy and his relatives are magical beings with a sufficient back story that I don't care to repeat.
When he meets Lizzy he is both drawn are repelled as he feels a great attraction but know he can only marry for magick
It will resolve that its okay and Wickham is a practitioner of the dark arts who simply wants to destroy Darcy's happiness any way he can.
Fun and interesting story
October 14, 2023
Awesome
A compelling story of passion, magic and treachery.
Darcy and Elizabeth are drawn to each other, with steamy results. Miss Bingley is a bitch, Wickham is appallingly vile.
The magical fantasy elements are woven skillfully into Regency social constructs.
I adored this book and couldn't put it down. Do read it, you won't regret it!
A compelling story of passion, magic and treachery.
Darcy and Elizabeth are drawn to each other, with steamy results. Miss Bingley is a bitch, Wickham is appallingly vile.
The magical fantasy elements are woven skillfully into Regency social constructs.
I adored this book and couldn't put it down. Do read it, you won't regret it!
September 23, 2020
Lazy second half
The second half consisted of throwing new mythology and world building at the reader and the comparison of sexual nipple play to a baby breastfeeding which is never sexy
The second half consisted of throwing new mythology and world building at the reader and the comparison of sexual nipple play to a baby breastfeeding which is never sexy
September 24, 2020
A bit of fabulous fun
Very well written quite witty and just fun. Suspend beliefs and enjoy. Well worth you time. Almost magical how good it is.
Very well written quite witty and just fun. Suspend beliefs and enjoy. Well worth you time. Almost magical how good it is.
November 13, 2020
Somehow I missed the part about this being a book with magic in it when I bought it, and that part was a pleasant surprise for me, since I have recently discovered that I like paranormal Regency romances of a less dark nature. For one like myself, who is not well versed in this type of book, there were a couple of little holes in the magic that I could see (their gloves come off at dinner, for example!), but I could overlook that as contrivances go. After all, authors get their best plot twists out of contrivances.
The premise was a clever one, and the prose and plot line fulfilled the promise. Sue Barr is a skilled author and can really tell a tale well, and this was no exception. The romance was perhaps more lust than love, but Sue excels at the steamy romance, and those of us who enjoy the pairing will feel more than satisfied. There's a nice moderate level of drama to satisfy the conflict lover as well. There were some fantastic surprises thrown in that ramped up the fun. Thanks, Sue!
However, the descriptions of the younger girls' magic were a bit lame if you ask me. The author could have tried a little harder to make them actual magic and not mere talents, as well as have them be evident and not something to be trained. They were really no different than fanon abilities.
I did see homage paid to some other novels in a couple of places as well, which is interesting--I'm no great reader. The steamy scenes were artfully done and not overdone. No gratuitous sex here. The cover is also fantastic. It gives us the feel of the book in a nutshell.
The biggest complaint I have about this book was a lack of editing that mysteriously showed up about 1/3 of the way in and distracted my reading enjoyment for the entire middle third of the book. Why the beginning and end third are so much better is anyone's guess. Lots of contractions were used, yet in the Regency, they were used by lower class people, and not all contractions had even been invented yet. There were spelling and grammar mistakes, misused words, missing words, homophones, as well as clearly modern words and phrases used in this novel, all to a great deal more than the average self-published JAFF novel. These things pull the reader out of the story so fast it's shocking. I had to look up three words to make certain I wasn't imagining things because they were so far from being correct usage. I won't state them here; there is no purpose in further humiliating the author. A simple copy editor familiar with Regency writing would have caught the majority of these errors. Heck, the author herself should have caught the many contractions that were incongruous with the Regency era and higher class speakers.
For this reason, even though the content of this book is four star, I hesitate to recommend this book until it has been edited and re-released.
Disclaimer: I'm also a JAFF writer, and my reviews could be considered to be a conflict of interest, however, I was a reader first, and therefore, my reviews are honest and impartial. I am friends with Sue Barr.
The premise was a clever one, and the prose and plot line fulfilled the promise. Sue Barr is a skilled author and can really tell a tale well, and this was no exception. The romance was perhaps more lust than love, but Sue excels at the steamy romance, and those of us who enjoy the pairing will feel more than satisfied. There's a nice moderate level of drama to satisfy the conflict lover as well. There were some fantastic surprises thrown in that ramped up the fun. Thanks, Sue!
However, the descriptions of the younger girls' magic were a bit lame if you ask me. The author could have tried a little harder to make them actual magic and not mere talents, as well as have them be evident and not something to be trained. They were really no different than fanon abilities.
I did see homage paid to some other novels in a couple of places as well, which is interesting--I'm no great reader. The steamy scenes were artfully done and not overdone. No gratuitous sex here. The cover is also fantastic. It gives us the feel of the book in a nutshell.
The biggest complaint I have about this book was a lack of editing that mysteriously showed up about 1/3 of the way in and distracted my reading enjoyment for the entire middle third of the book. Why the beginning and end third are so much better is anyone's guess. Lots of contractions were used, yet in the Regency, they were used by lower class people, and not all contractions had even been invented yet. There were spelling and grammar mistakes, misused words, missing words, homophones, as well as clearly modern words and phrases used in this novel, all to a great deal more than the average self-published JAFF novel. These things pull the reader out of the story so fast it's shocking. I had to look up three words to make certain I wasn't imagining things because they were so far from being correct usage. I won't state them here; there is no purpose in further humiliating the author. A simple copy editor familiar with Regency writing would have caught the majority of these errors. Heck, the author herself should have caught the many contractions that were incongruous with the Regency era and higher class speakers.
For this reason, even though the content of this book is four star, I hesitate to recommend this book until it has been edited and re-released.
Disclaimer: I'm also a JAFF writer, and my reviews could be considered to be a conflict of interest, however, I was a reader first, and therefore, my reviews are honest and impartial. I am friends with Sue Barr.
August 25, 2025
A "bodice ripper" with a magical twist
After Darcy delivers his infamous insult at the Meryton assembly, he immediately acknowledges to himself that his attraction to Elizabeth is so strong that he's in danger of embarrassing himself. Because he's Miatharan, a magical people, he knows an attraction like this should only be to a fellow Miatharan. He doesn't yet know that she is magical, and even she isn't sure of the extent of her powers. In the ensuing days and weeks, Elizabeth learns more and more about her magic, its extent, and its origins.
I like these JAFF variations in which magical powers are the accepted norm, and this one is pretty well done. I did end up with questions about situations and circumstances that didn't quite make sense, and the magic was at times just a bit too convenient, but I tried to just go with it and enjoy the romance. Darcy was a little too sex crazy and out of control, but after seeing the cover of the book it was kind of expected. The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it for a fanciful, romantic, and amusing bodice ripper with some nice drama.
After Darcy delivers his infamous insult at the Meryton assembly, he immediately acknowledges to himself that his attraction to Elizabeth is so strong that he's in danger of embarrassing himself. Because he's Miatharan, a magical people, he knows an attraction like this should only be to a fellow Miatharan. He doesn't yet know that she is magical, and even she isn't sure of the extent of her powers. In the ensuing days and weeks, Elizabeth learns more and more about her magic, its extent, and its origins.
I like these JAFF variations in which magical powers are the accepted norm, and this one is pretty well done. I did end up with questions about situations and circumstances that didn't quite make sense, and the magic was at times just a bit too convenient, but I tried to just go with it and enjoy the romance. Darcy was a little too sex crazy and out of control, but after seeing the cover of the book it was kind of expected. The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it for a fanciful, romantic, and amusing bodice ripper with some nice drama.
October 14, 2020
This story combines some of Twilight with Pride and Prejudice. Darcy is magical, but his magic doesn't work on Elizabeth, who he assumes is human. Elizabeth also assumes she is human but discovers quite a bit about her parents as the story progresses.
The usual pride and prejudice exists of the magical vs non in addition to the ton or not. I enjoyed the magical powers that the author creates and how characters experience them.
Were there things that didn't make sense? Yes! But was a very fun read.
The usual pride and prejudice exists of the magical vs non in addition to the ton or not. I enjoyed the magical powers that the author creates and how characters experience them.
Were there things that didn't make sense? Yes! But was a very fun read.
November 17, 2020
Loved.
My favorite book of all time is the original Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. So I’m always in search of new telling a of the story and this is certainly up there with my favorites.
My favorite book of all time is the original Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. So I’m always in search of new telling a of the story and this is certainly up there with my favorites.
November 12, 2020
Delightful!
I usually read murder mysteries but wanted something lighter in the midst of this pandemic isolation. The Kindle reviews for this book were outstanding and I am very glad I read it! It is light, hopeful, enjoyable, and this alternate version was very well done! Characters and story move smoothly and quickly! Enjoy!
I usually read murder mysteries but wanted something lighter in the midst of this pandemic isolation. The Kindle reviews for this book were outstanding and I am very glad I read it! It is light, hopeful, enjoyable, and this alternate version was very well done! Characters and story move smoothly and quickly! Enjoy!
September 15, 2020
Magic
Magic, fairy tales, vampires, etc., are my least favorite trope for Pride and Prejudice variations. I have only read two others besides this one, out of hundreds. This one focuses on magical families—Darcy, Bennet, and Fitzwilliam. It follows canon only to a minor degree with some similar events. There is mature content outside of marriage.
I did enjoy the story very much. Elizabeth’s magical abilities are only reaching some maturity as the story unfolds. I very much liked her portrayal, as she isn’t fooled by Wickham. Darcy and Richard are also very good. The author’s sense of humour comes through at the best times. I did laugh. The family backgrounds were also good.
While set during Regency, it’s not written in that style, so don’t expect Austen.
So, if you like magic and a romance with mature scenes, I’d recommend this one to you.
Magic, fairy tales, vampires, etc., are my least favorite trope for Pride and Prejudice variations. I have only read two others besides this one, out of hundreds. This one focuses on magical families—Darcy, Bennet, and Fitzwilliam. It follows canon only to a minor degree with some similar events. There is mature content outside of marriage.
I did enjoy the story very much. Elizabeth’s magical abilities are only reaching some maturity as the story unfolds. I very much liked her portrayal, as she isn’t fooled by Wickham. Darcy and Richard are also very good. The author’s sense of humour comes through at the best times. I did laugh. The family backgrounds were also good.
While set during Regency, it’s not written in that style, so don’t expect Austen.
So, if you like magic and a romance with mature scenes, I’d recommend this one to you.
October 30, 2020
Ok story
This is a cute story. I love the author took some of the original story line and dialogue. I love the magic change to the book. I would have rated it higher, but I didn’t like one minute Elizabeth was so angry she could do the impossible and the next she and darcy are falling in bed. I also didn’t like the part with wickham in the clearing. It’s work for me.
This is a cute story. I love the author took some of the original story line and dialogue. I love the magic change to the book. I would have rated it higher, but I didn’t like one minute Elizabeth was so angry she could do the impossible and the next she and darcy are falling in bed. I also didn’t like the part with wickham in the clearing. It’s work for me.
October 12, 2020
This story was full of surprises. It is an interesting turn on the centuries old story of ODC.
In this story Fitzwilliam Darcy is part of a magical people's kind, the Miatharans. He knows he has to find a wife of noble blood to continue the tradition of his family and have magical offspring. He goes to the Meryton assembly with his friend Mr Bingley and his sisters, and meets Elizabeth Bennet, a country's squire's daughter, unremarkable and "not handsome enough to tempt" him at first, but when he really looks at her, something changes, and there is a kind of tension between them. Suddenly, Lizzy, with her strange powers that she tries to hide from her family and others, can "feel" the gentleman's thoughts, his sight strong and focused on her, she feels as if he has "claimed" her for himself, even after he dismissed her. This is quite disturbing at first, and she wants to put distance between them but she is intrigued...
That night, Mr Darcy waits for the Bennets to return home and go to sleep, he follows them and feels there are magic wards in Longbourn, curious and intriguing. Having found Elizabeth's room, decides to enter her dreams. She is dreaming of him, so he replaces his dream self and dances a waltz with her.
Elizabeth is intrigued by Mr Darcy. At Lucas Lodge he apologised for his insult at the assembly and they dance, giving her a more favourable view of him, so when she meets Mr Wickham, even if she feels attracted to him at first, she soon realises the sensation he gives to her is not positive, as if something dark would cling to him, making her wish to run away. She doesn't know Wickham practices the dark arts, so Colonel Fitzwilliam and Darcy are keeping an eye on him, because Wickham hates the Darcys and is capable of anything to harm them. Wickham is specially wicked in this variation.
Anyway, Elizabeth discovers that her sensations are actually powers, having an honest conversation with her father, who turns out to be a Miatharan in disguise.
Miss Bingley is her awful self, perhaps even more so. Jealous of Mr Darcy's obvious regard for Lizzy, at the Netherfield ball she implies some impropriety between Mr Collins and Lizzy. Darcy is very angry about it so calls Bingley to task, to stop his sister's machinations. Bingley wants to send her to their relations in the north, but before that happens, Miss Bingley sends a poisonous letter to Jane, implying that Mr Bingley is not really interested in Jane, etc. Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley go to town to fix his business and a settlement because he plans to offer for Jane. Lizzy believes Miss Bingley's letter and gets very agitated, so much so that she wishes to have Mr Darcy in front of her to confront him.
Anyway, after all that spoiling, I can just say it is a very interesting take on the story. The biggest surprise will come from Mrs Bennet. She is redeemed in this story.
The love between Mr Darcy and Lizzy is very strong and crucial to save their lives.
If you like fantasy and P&P and you have an open mind and do not mind spicy or steamy, this is definitely for you. I read it on KU. I discounted a star because there are some misspellings and missing words but do not interfere with the enjoyment of the story, just needs extra editing. I also would have liked a longer epilogue, but over all it is a very enjoyable story. Recommended!!
In this story Fitzwilliam Darcy is part of a magical people's kind, the Miatharans. He knows he has to find a wife of noble blood to continue the tradition of his family and have magical offspring. He goes to the Meryton assembly with his friend Mr Bingley and his sisters, and meets Elizabeth Bennet, a country's squire's daughter, unremarkable and "not handsome enough to tempt" him at first, but when he really looks at her, something changes, and there is a kind of tension between them. Suddenly, Lizzy, with her strange powers that she tries to hide from her family and others, can "feel" the gentleman's thoughts, his sight strong and focused on her, she feels as if he has "claimed" her for himself, even after he dismissed her. This is quite disturbing at first, and she wants to put distance between them but she is intrigued...
That night, Mr Darcy waits for the Bennets to return home and go to sleep, he follows them and feels there are magic wards in Longbourn, curious and intriguing. Having found Elizabeth's room, decides to enter her dreams. She is dreaming of him, so he replaces his dream self and dances a waltz with her.
Elizabeth is intrigued by Mr Darcy. At Lucas Lodge he apologised for his insult at the assembly and they dance, giving her a more favourable view of him, so when she meets Mr Wickham, even if she feels attracted to him at first, she soon realises the sensation he gives to her is not positive, as if something dark would cling to him, making her wish to run away. She doesn't know Wickham practices the dark arts, so Colonel Fitzwilliam and Darcy are keeping an eye on him, because Wickham hates the Darcys and is capable of anything to harm them. Wickham is specially wicked in this variation.
Anyway, Elizabeth discovers that her sensations are actually powers, having an honest conversation with her father, who turns out to be a Miatharan in disguise.
Miss Bingley is her awful self, perhaps even more so. Jealous of Mr Darcy's obvious regard for Lizzy, at the Netherfield ball she implies some impropriety between Mr Collins and Lizzy. Darcy is very angry about it so calls Bingley to task, to stop his sister's machinations. Bingley wants to send her to their relations in the north, but before that happens, Miss Bingley sends a poisonous letter to Jane, implying that Mr Bingley is not really interested in Jane, etc. Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley go to town to fix his business and a settlement because he plans to offer for Jane. Lizzy believes Miss Bingley's letter and gets very agitated, so much so that she wishes to have Mr Darcy in front of her to confront him.
Anyway, after all that spoiling, I can just say it is a very interesting take on the story. The biggest surprise will come from Mrs Bennet. She is redeemed in this story.
The love between Mr Darcy and Lizzy is very strong and crucial to save their lives.
If you like fantasy and P&P and you have an open mind and do not mind spicy or steamy, this is definitely for you. I read it on KU. I discounted a star because there are some misspellings and missing words but do not interfere with the enjoyment of the story, just needs extra editing. I also would have liked a longer epilogue, but over all it is a very enjoyable story. Recommended!!
September 14, 2022
Ok, so, i’d say i’m a pride and prejudice fan, but i’m
not sure if that’s an accurate description? i’ve seen most of the movies, but i’ve only read half of the actual book. i just couldn’t get into it.
that being said, i’ve always loved the love story of Darcy and Lizzy. So when i saw this retelling, and that it had to do with magic (another thing i love), i just had to read it.
It was good, but it wasn’t great. It could have been great, but i felt like it was missing some depth. And it also had quite a few typos. As you neared the end, the typos increased, like the author was rushing. That being said, the last part of the book did feel rushed.
I DID love how passionately in love Darcy and Lizzy were. I just wished there was more that. It was greatly focused on the magic aspects of the story; which, can i just say, really got out of hand. It went from the realm of “this is cool”, to “this is over the top”.
There was so much in this story, that it definitely could have been longer. I enjoyed the love-making scene between Darcy and Lizzy, but other than that, there wasn’t much, and that i was a bit disappointed in.
I see that the author has other Pride and Prejudice variations, but i won’t being reading those. Because THIS MR DARCY, was nearly perfect. i’m not interested in soiling this version of him.
I’m not sure if i’d read anything else of this author. Definitely not any other Pride and Prejudice variation (she has one where Darcy has a mistress WHILE BEING MARRIED TO LIZZY!!😱 WHAT. THE. HELL?!). But maybe a completely different story about another couple?? Not sure yet.
This was an easy read with very little angst, so if you’re looking for that, this would be great. Just don’t expect much, other than an easy, nice read.
not sure if that’s an accurate description? i’ve seen most of the movies, but i’ve only read half of the actual book. i just couldn’t get into it.
that being said, i’ve always loved the love story of Darcy and Lizzy. So when i saw this retelling, and that it had to do with magic (another thing i love), i just had to read it.
It was good, but it wasn’t great. It could have been great, but i felt like it was missing some depth. And it also had quite a few typos. As you neared the end, the typos increased, like the author was rushing. That being said, the last part of the book did feel rushed.
I DID love how passionately in love Darcy and Lizzy were. I just wished there was more that. It was greatly focused on the magic aspects of the story; which, can i just say, really got out of hand. It went from the realm of “this is cool”, to “this is over the top”.
There was so much in this story, that it definitely could have been longer. I enjoyed the love-making scene between Darcy and Lizzy, but other than that, there wasn’t much, and that i was a bit disappointed in.
I see that the author has other Pride and Prejudice variations, but i won’t being reading those. Because THIS MR DARCY, was nearly perfect. i’m not interested in soiling this version of him.
I’m not sure if i’d read anything else of this author. Definitely not any other Pride and Prejudice variation (she has one where Darcy has a mistress WHILE BEING MARRIED TO LIZZY!!😱 WHAT. THE. HELL?!). But maybe a completely different story about another couple?? Not sure yet.
This was an easy read with very little angst, so if you’re looking for that, this would be great. Just don’t expect much, other than an easy, nice read.
May 26, 2023
I want more.
I was iffy about reading this book on magic, so I passed on it a few times. I'm so glad I gave it a chance.
Why 5 stars?
- I want more. I'm hoping the author will write more books on the Ellorians, Miatharans, and the other characters that make up that alternate universe.
- Held my interest the entire time. Although the book follows Austen's storyline to a small degree in Meryton, the author soon creates her own path to make it her own. No Rosings or Pemberley encounters (kinda refreshing).
- Darcy and Elizabeth are the main characters.
- I was caught by surprise a couple of times.
- Villains are set straight and only have small roles.
Side note: Elizabeth's blame and anger towards Darcy came out of the blue and didn't follow everything that happened up to that point. Darcy had already apologized and danced twice with Elizabeth while conversing in a friendly manner. They discussed Wickham and were in agreement concerning his character. Darcy had declared Elizabeth handsome and even danced once with Jane.
I was iffy about reading this book on magic, so I passed on it a few times. I'm so glad I gave it a chance.
Why 5 stars?
- I want more. I'm hoping the author will write more books on the Ellorians, Miatharans, and the other characters that make up that alternate universe.
- Held my interest the entire time. Although the book follows Austen's storyline to a small degree in Meryton, the author soon creates her own path to make it her own. No Rosings or Pemberley encounters (kinda refreshing).
- Darcy and Elizabeth are the main characters.
- I was caught by surprise a couple of times.
- Villains are set straight and only have small roles.
Side note: Elizabeth's blame and anger towards Darcy came out of the blue and didn't follow everything that happened up to that point. Darcy had already apologized and danced twice with Elizabeth while conversing in a friendly manner. They discussed Wickham and were in agreement concerning his character. Darcy had declared Elizabeth handsome and even danced once with Jane.
August 31, 2025
Soul Mates and magic
I have read this story several times each year since I got it so I bought the paperback too. In this variation we find out rather quickly that Darcy has special abilities that run through his family line. He is immensely drawn to Elizabeth and he doesn’t understand how that can that be as surely her family has no magic ability and he must only marry one with magical abilities to keep his family line pure. So the mystery is why is Elizabeth different than other women?
I loved and chuckled when Darcy several times put Miss Bingley in her place. Wickham is a very bad man but gets his just punishment. There is a fun surprise with Elizabeth’s parents. For those that need the warning: vows are anticipated.
Overall, this is a fun enjoyable quick read that ends with Darcy and Elizabeth deeply in love with each other.
I have read this story several times each year since I got it so I bought the paperback too. In this variation we find out rather quickly that Darcy has special abilities that run through his family line. He is immensely drawn to Elizabeth and he doesn’t understand how that can that be as surely her family has no magic ability and he must only marry one with magical abilities to keep his family line pure. So the mystery is why is Elizabeth different than other women?
I loved and chuckled when Darcy several times put Miss Bingley in her place. Wickham is a very bad man but gets his just punishment. There is a fun surprise with Elizabeth’s parents. For those that need the warning: vows are anticipated.
Overall, this is a fun enjoyable quick read that ends with Darcy and Elizabeth deeply in love with each other.
November 21, 2020
In this book, there were quite a few mistakes, which makes me wonder if this author has a professional proofreader. It wasn't just typos. These should have been caught and corrected before it was at the publishers. If the author has an ARC team, most of these mistakes could have been caught there and corrected.
I am giving this book 3.5 stars, rounded to 4. I loved the characters and the chemistry between them. I loved the magical elements between the characters, as well. What I did not like was some of the plot twists. Did not see that coming with Mrs. B. Some very unexplained developments in the story also had me going back to see if I had missed something. That said, I did enjoy the book, but I am glad that I got it on Kindle Unlimited.
I am giving this book 3.5 stars, rounded to 4. I loved the characters and the chemistry between them. I loved the magical elements between the characters, as well. What I did not like was some of the plot twists. Did not see that coming with Mrs. B. Some very unexplained developments in the story also had me going back to see if I had missed something. That said, I did enjoy the book, but I am glad that I got it on Kindle Unlimited.
December 7, 2022
This is a hard review to write. I read the book starting yesterday and finished it today.
There are so many problems with the lack of editing leading up to the last paragraph that makes no sense. I’ve tried to share it but I’ve not been successful at that. Basically Elizabeth says she can’t wait to become Mrs Fitzwilliam Darcy and he answers “As do I Elizabeth, as do I”! What does that even mean?
There were misused words like trajectory in a place that makes no sense. Modern language like envelope and nanosecond. Even missing punctuation.
Wickham’s crimes were frankly out of place in a book which talks about the Creator etc. very off putting.
There was some good humor and world building which is why I gave it three stars.
There are so many problems with the lack of editing leading up to the last paragraph that makes no sense. I’ve tried to share it but I’ve not been successful at that. Basically Elizabeth says she can’t wait to become Mrs Fitzwilliam Darcy and he answers “As do I Elizabeth, as do I”! What does that even mean?
There were misused words like trajectory in a place that makes no sense. Modern language like envelope and nanosecond. Even missing punctuation.
Wickham’s crimes were frankly out of place in a book which talks about the Creator etc. very off putting.
There was some good humor and world building which is why I gave it three stars.
September 21, 2020
I read almost as many JAFF books as I can get my hands on. Add some magic and I am even happier. I thoroughly enjoyed this. Would have rated it higher but thought it was a tad underdeveloped. Just a tad. (More Col F please, more magic, seriously it could be made a series). Also, there were some editing errors/misses.
For Jane Austen purists, don’t read this. You won’t like it. There’s magic. There’s some racy bits. Much milder than typical of otherworldly alphas with fated mates but much more saucy than typical Jane Austen fanfics.
For those who will read any JAFF- this was an entertaining read.
For Jane Austen purists, don’t read this. You won’t like it. There’s magic. There’s some racy bits. Much milder than typical of otherworldly alphas with fated mates but much more saucy than typical Jane Austen fanfics.
For those who will read any JAFF- this was an entertaining read.
March 22, 2022
The idea of the magical races I liked, the story def has potential, but the execution is somewhat lacking.
The story jumps around, the wording isn’t always what I believe the author intended to mean, there are quite a few plot holes, an entirely new plot/world appears at about 70%, and poor grammar/spelling abounds. I also didn’t like that sex seems to cure all ills for Elizabeth & that Darcy made multiple comments like “too late to say no” & “I’ll keep you pregnant (for the boobs)” - icky & not at all sexy, though the cover was a bit of a red flag for bad sex scenes tbf (sometimes we should judge a book by the cover!).
Fine for a quick KU read but not something I’d pay for or read again.
The story jumps around, the wording isn’t always what I believe the author intended to mean, there are quite a few plot holes, an entirely new plot/world appears at about 70%, and poor grammar/spelling abounds. I also didn’t like that sex seems to cure all ills for Elizabeth & that Darcy made multiple comments like “too late to say no” & “I’ll keep you pregnant (for the boobs)” - icky & not at all sexy, though the cover was a bit of a red flag for bad sex scenes tbf (sometimes we should judge a book by the cover!).
Fine for a quick KU read but not something I’d pay for or read again.
January 5, 2023
Magical Darcy
This is a book that contains magical theme.
Darcy heritage contains magic and he is honor bound to marry a a lady with a heritage in magic. As usual Darcy is haughty and prideful when he agrees to help Bingley with Netherfield.
Elizabeth Bennet has a secret she has been keeping from everyone, she has special abilities and is afraid someone will find out.
Darcy attends the Meryton assembly and discovers Elizabeth is his soul mate but refuses to believe she is from a magical family.
This book has villains and other difficulties that influence ODC.
I loved the magical storyline and surprisingly Mrs. Bennet which never happens.
This is a book that contains magical theme.
Darcy heritage contains magic and he is honor bound to marry a a lady with a heritage in magic. As usual Darcy is haughty and prideful when he agrees to help Bingley with Netherfield.
Elizabeth Bennet has a secret she has been keeping from everyone, she has special abilities and is afraid someone will find out.
Darcy attends the Meryton assembly and discovers Elizabeth is his soul mate but refuses to believe she is from a magical family.
This book has villains and other difficulties that influence ODC.
I loved the magical storyline and surprisingly Mrs. Bennet which never happens.
April 4, 2023
Good plot but felt rushed
3.5* rounded up. I liked the plot and the magical world that Ms Barr created, and her writing was well-done as usual. However, after the Meryton assembly, I felt like the entire story was rushed. Many scenes could have been expanded with more detail and information, and more scenes in general could have been added. The sudden jump to admissions of love would not have seemed as abrupt if more interactions (either in dreams or in actuality) had occurred. I would love to read an expanded version in book form.
3.5* rounded up. I liked the plot and the magical world that Ms Barr created, and her writing was well-done as usual. However, after the Meryton assembly, I felt like the entire story was rushed. Many scenes could have been expanded with more detail and information, and more scenes in general could have been added. The sudden jump to admissions of love would not have seemed as abrupt if more interactions (either in dreams or in actuality) had occurred. I would love to read an expanded version in book form.
July 18, 2024
Trigger warnings needed
I did not enjoy this novel as much as I did the first of Ms Barr’s books. I agree with a previous reviewer that questions of consent are fudged early in the book, and several times Darcy keeps hold of Elizabeth when she tries to withdraw her hands. Despite the clever dialogue, I did not admire this distinctly lustful and lascivious Darcy. Villains are uber villains and the image of Wickham torturing Elizabeth is pornographic. The magical elements are OK, but the plot is lost just before the end.
I did not enjoy this novel as much as I did the first of Ms Barr’s books. I agree with a previous reviewer that questions of consent are fudged early in the book, and several times Darcy keeps hold of Elizabeth when she tries to withdraw her hands. Despite the clever dialogue, I did not admire this distinctly lustful and lascivious Darcy. Villains are uber villains and the image of Wickham torturing Elizabeth is pornographic. The magical elements are OK, but the plot is lost just before the end.
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