Salt Magic, Skin Magic

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.