Salt Magic, Skin Magic

This book accomplished the frankly amazing feat of reminding me of a lot of my favorite books while still surprising me at every turn. I never had any idea what was going to happen next. Thank you to Ariel, who told me that I would love it - you were so right!I did guess the basic concept of what was going on with Thornby very early on, and perhaps the characters could've figured it out, too. But maybe not: John frequently gets caught up in the details of his magical practice in a way that's pretty adorable (and his materials are also adorable, but never cloyingly so), and the events of the story batter Thornby around too much for him to take many moments to think things through. So it's believable that they stay in the dark for most of the story.I think the fresh feeling of this book, for me, is partly due to how much sex it has, and how unusual most of the sex scenes (and even the characters' fantasies about one another) are for m/m. They are not sweet, which works for the characters and their situation. Real affection does grow between the characters, but the author handles their feelings with a light touch. This book could've easily gotten bogged down with flowery language and wordy declarations, but that never happens. Trust drives all of the conflict between the main pair, and it's a major theme in their relationship. The final resolution of that conflict is so lovely. I was reminded strongly of my current favorite authors, who write historical gay romance with humor, sensitivity, and depth, and this author thanks a few of them in the acknowledgements. But this book also reminded me of an old favorite, [b:The Amulet of Samarkand 334123 The Amulet of Samarkand (Bartimaeus, #1) Jonathan Stroud https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1528705815s/334123.jpg 1121748]. There aren't any footnotes, and only one minor brush with a demon, but the wit and worldbuilding are both on that high of a level. Overall, this is a great book and it's a new favorite for me! The story feels complete, and the book is a good length. But I'm still deeply sorry to say goodbye to this world & these characters. Maybe the author will return us here someday.

Rationally, this story has flaws. Such as the lack of women, the general unimportance of women and the fact that the entire world is a bit misogynistic. Woman are never tested for magic and they never get training for it, for pities sake. And, there's a nice spot of insta-lust and just general lust permeating the story. And there's also the fact that I have never liked the fae aspect of any story. It's just a no go for me.

However, emotionally, I kind of loved it. Mostly, because I loved the two guys. Soren, especially, as he's a unique one. But neither of the guys fit in the usual stereotypes of ‘stoic/surly or rough' that usually crop up in historicals and neither one fall into that alpha-male trap that I hate so much. They are both good guys that are sweet to each other and take care of each other - and others - and are rather...emotionally vulnerable around each other.

So, yeah. Not a flawless book, but one that I enjoyed anyway.

This debut novel was highly recommended by two authors I greatly respect, K.J. Charles and Jordan L. Hawk, and I'm thrilled to say it lived up to the hype.

The book has multiple strengths, including the unique setting. In this version of 1850s England, magic is acknowledged, but while practitioners are considered tradesmen necessary to keep things functioning they're not necessarily respected. Even among magicians there is a hierarchy; those whose spells are based on inanimate objects are less desirable than those who can summon demons to do their bidding.

Even without the unique world-building the book would be notable for its memorable MCs. Lord Soren Thornby is the formerly spoiled aristocrat who has been imprisoned at the family estate for the past 18 months, without friends or money, both physically and mentally unable to leave the estate grounds. John Blake is an object-based magician who makes his living protecting buildings and businesses. He has begrudgingly agreed to find out why Thornby's stepmother thinks she is being cursed, and his prime suspect is Soren himself. The two MCs move quickly from suspicion and distrust to grudging respect and lust, and finally to something far deeper, as they realize they need to work together to figure out who is behind Thornby's magical imprisonment. Along the way they encounter real and magical creatures in our world and others, including one very hungry hedgehog.

Both MCs are strong but flawed - Thornby has been humbled by his involuntary confinement, but can still act like a spoiled brat on occasion, and Blake has a major chip on his shoulder about his place in British and magical society. They slowly reveal their real selves with just the right mix of wonder, caution, relief, and of course good old lust.

The book ends with a very strong HFN that could be an HEA - but there are enough threads left dangling that I hope it's not. I haven't felt this excited about a new author and potential new series since I read KJC's Magpie Lord and Hawk's Widdershins, so I hope we haven't seen the last of Thornby and Blake.

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.