A Marvellous Light

I listened to the audiobook and I really enjoyed the performance of the narrator, David Thorpe. He was already one of my fave narrators, so I was excited he did this book that I was so enthusiastic to read. It's like this book was designed to match my tastes as a reader, so maybe I had impossibly high expectations. I have mixed feelings about it.

I'm not dividing the book into three equal parts by page number or anything, but here are my thoughts in the order I had them:

First third, 3 or 4 star read. I'm somewhat interested in the plot, but the MCs aren't charming me. One MC is not at all attracted to the other MC, who is all about keeping his emotions locked down. I think this combo was probably challenging to write, and while I didn't hate it, it also didn't grab me. The mystery plot is okay but I doubt it's going anywhere surprising. The worldbuilding is very good, and I like that it's woven into the story in a way that feels natural.

Second third, 5 star read, instant favorite. I love absolutely everything about this romance, especially the incredible intimacy of the writing style. There are explicit sex scenes and they're quite emotionally intense. Also, one scene involves a kink that I like to read but don't run into too often in books: sensation play, with magic. The non-romance plot has in fact taken some surprising turns, and I'm very invested in the plot.

Third third, 3 or 4 star read. The resolution of the non-romance plot is not satisfying to me. There's a planned sequel, and I'm not at all complaining that it's f/f, because I do read and enjoy f/f. But I feel like these MCs still have fish to fry in the non-romance plot, and they most likely will never be point-of-view characters again. Still, the romance plot wraps up very well and I believe in the MCs' happy ending.

Overall I enjoyed this, and I really loved some aspects of it. I'd recommend it to romance readers over fantasy or mystery readers, though. I might like it better when I reread it in the future.