Have you read the synopsis of this book, already? Please do.
What I loved the most about this book was the storyline. A story about women that have their powers stolen the moment they marry? That all this time they’ve been dominated and seen as a breeding tool? I see it as such an incredible plot idea, so much angst, so much at stake, AND a great cause to fight for. You immediately know that this NEEDS a happy ending but what you’re looking for is the ride. The development. The story.
And it did not disappoint!
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In addition to that, we get diverse characters + a lot of feminism! WHOP WHOP! It was honestly so heartwarming to be reading a story with such strong female characters. The courage they showed to fight, to not conform made me think and I'd love seeing more people reading it, we need to change mindsets!
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However, I was a bit conflicted between giving it a 4 or 5 star rating. Here’s why and this is my only negative point on this one: I couldn’t fully connect with most of the characters.
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There’s a first meeting and I register them as the enemies. And then suddenly it all changes and they become the best friends, forming this alliance throughout the book (which is totally usual in books, really nothing against that- but nothing was explained).
There was no insight on their thoughts or the reasons why they acted the way they did and so I only trusted their intentions when I was almost at the end of the book. Maybe I’ve got trust issues, lol.
That had a huge impact in my reading experience but still- the plot saved it.
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I’m giving it 5 stars. It was really good.
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📚 Thank you NetGalley, the author and Erewhon for the ARC!

3 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you NetGalley and Erewhon Books for sending me a free e-Arc of The Midnight Bargain in exchange for a review.

I liked this book it had some interesting elements and it’s set in a fictionalized regency-era England and many of you probably know how much I love anything that has to do with the regency era.

The story as the synopsis hints at follows Beatrice, a young Sorceress dreams of becoming a full-fledged Mage, however.. women in Chasland “Fictional England” as it was perceived at that time, are expected to make advantageous marriages for their families and become breeding machines. Predictable right? but the women have powers and it’s stripped away from them for a reason and here is where the story takes a darker turn. By the time a woman is married, she wears a Marital Collar and it’s function is to cut off the Sorceress’s power so when she is pregnant it’s to prevent her from birthing spiritborns “a child possessed by a spirit”. And so, Beatrice is dreading the Bargaining/Marriage season as her family expects her to find a husband torn between her duty to her family and her dream. She seeks out a Grimoire which would help her become a mage but even that Grimoire easily slips from her which leads her to do something outrageous: strike a bargain with a spirit of another realm to help her get her grimoire back in exchange for a first kiss of the spirit’s choosing.

As a concept, the story is very interesting, it established that women are looked down upon in that society, women are stripped of their powers while men resume to practice theirs freely, and they came up with an invention that is supposedly a protective measure yet it’s literally an enslavement tool.

Let me summarize a few points as to why I ended up giving this book a 3⭐️ rating:

• The plot was promising yet I was underwhelmed because it did not offer me a new experience.

• The pacing was unstable, it wasn’t a problem when it was fast-paced during important scenes because it kept me engaged but when it slowed down it just made me want to pause and call it a day because nothing interesting was going on.

• The characters are likable but I did not care much for them. Beatrice is what I’d call an empowering character and I liked her a little better in the 2nd half of the book but for me she wasn’t exceptional. Out of the Lavan Siblings, I found Ysbeta more interesting than her brother Ianthe whom was very bland and had no personality whatsoever. Beatrice and Ysbeta were a fun duo and I like their scenes together better than Beatrice and Ianthe’s scenes. Also. Nadi was a fun addition to the cast.

• I am such a romance enthusiast and don’t be shocked when I’ll say that I wouldn’t have minded if this book did not have romance and shifted its focus on expanding the other elements existing in the story. The romance was so underdeveloped and it followed one of the tropes I truly dislike: insta-love. There was no build up to it nor did I get the chance to know Ianthe better so I can root for them both. I’m just so disappointed with the romance.

• The Magic system was fascinating and I wanted to discover more of it. I think it was explained well but I wanted to see more magic and more action. But I have to say the whole spirits summoning process is amusing, even the spirits have personalities.

• I like how this book sends messages on women empowerment, independence, and freedom. We see all of it in Beatrice through her actions and beliefs.

Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for letting me read this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3498561635
The Midnight Bargain, part political, part historical, part fantasy and 2 parts romance.

I loved the magic aspects of this novel and think it worked well being intertwined with a historical setting of women being perceived as a lesser sex to men. The strong female characters Beatrice and Ysbeta made the story, their determination to fight for their rights is admirable. Beatrice's spirit, Nadi, seems like such a loving and dutiful spirit, helping and guiding Beatrice through her battles. I found her mischievous behaviour quite funny and enjoyable to read!

My only criticism of this book is that it was quite slow in parts and I wanted more magic and less historical sexism - although I can understand why it was heavily influenced. I feel like the magic only really started mid way through and seemed a bit rushed towards the end to get as much of the magic elements in the story. That being said, I think the author C.L. Polk has a way of writing fantasy novels, I'm not often drawn to fantasy as I find it a bit cringe worthy at times, but this novel works well for me as it includes historical settings mixed with fantasy. The writing style for setting the scenes was perfect as I could imagine exactly where they were and what the atmosphere would be like. I'd love to know more about the characters and the magic, although I believe this is a standalone novel.

I loved this book so much! The premise was unlike anything I’ve ever read, and I loved that it was set in a fantasy version of what seemed like 1800s England. Aside from the magic, The Midnight Bargain could have been a Jane Austen novel. This was so unique and I loved reading the combination of magic and Edwardian England.
The practice of collaring women after marriage to protect unborn children was so disturbing and strange, as well as an excellent metaphor for the ways men controlled their wives in the 1800s.
Beatrice is one of my favorite characters of all time. I loved her relationships with Ianthe and Ysbeta, Harriet, and especially Nadi. Nadi was another of my favorite characters, and every interaction between Nadi and Beatrice was simply heartwarming.
Another important theme was whether or not Beatrice wanted children. I really appreciated that even though she wouldn’t give up her magic for children, she still wasn’t opposed to having a family, while Ysbeta never wanted children.
The romance I did think was a little lackluster; I liked Ianthe, but it seemed like their relationship developed really quickly with minimal interaction between them.
Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read more by this author!
4.5/5 stars

**3.5 stars**

Beatrice has a dream. And her dream, as a powerful magician of age 18, is to become a Magus, which is incompatible with marriage in the society she lives. But due to the circumstances and family pressure, she is in the process to be presented in society to secure a husband as part of a list of eligible bachelorettes...
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In general, I found this book entertaining. As a reader, what kept me keep going (I read the book in day and a half, minus some adulting hours) was the curiosity about the character journeys, their conversations and how they would reconciliate their values with their circumstances.
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The book is a mixture of debate, social discussion, friendship, romance, magic elements and a bit of action. There is also a touch of mischievousness brought up by the spirit that Beatrice bargains with (it was probably my favorite part in the book, combined with a couple of specific scenes).
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The fantasy universe creation was relatively simple, the characters were formed by a glamorous society where most of the people were measured based on their circumstances (either their magic capacity or wealth and political power) and the writing style was fluent. There was a part with a bit too repetitive statements in relation to the unfairness of the situation for a woman, but in general I enjoyed reading this book.
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*I voluntarily reviewed an early copy of this book. Thank you to the author and publisher for providing a copy through Netgalley.

After a month of reading books that were a disappointment to me, I finally came across a book that I loved. This book became one of my favorites (and of course I preordered a copy as soon as I finished reading the ARC!), and I'm so very much glad that I got approved on NetGalley for it. It was truly a great read.

We follow Beatrice Clayborn, a sorceress who practices her magic in secret. She dreams of becoming a Mage and pursuing magic as her calling, as men do. But there is something that stands in her way. Her father wants her to marry in order to save his family from debt. And if that happens, Beatrice would be locked into a collar that would take her magic away.

As time is running out, she finally manages to find the grimoire that holds the key to becoming a Mage. But the grimoire gets stollen from her hands by another sorceress. So Beatrice summons a lesser spirit of fortune, Nadi, in order to get it back. But everything comes at a price. And among the things she promises Nadi, is a kiss from the handsome and wealthy Ianthe Lavan.

Beatrice has choices she needs to make. And none of them are easy. Whichever path she ends up choosing, she would lose something important to her.

WARNING: SMALL SPOILERS AHEAD.

The magic system in this book was very unique, and I enjoyed reading about summoning spirits and how the Mages strike bargains with them. The whole thing about the collars women are forced to wear in order to protect their unborn children, made me feel uncomfortable, but it made a lot of sense in a story like this one. The characters were also very interesting and fun to follow. And I adored the way Beatrice was trying to put the needs of her loved ones before her own, even though she was torn into two by the decisions she needed to make.

The only thing I was a bit bitter about was the epilogue. I hoped there would be a sequel about them traveling the world, and finding new secrets that would help sorceresses around the world. But since we got the epilogue, it was obvious that this book was meant to be a standalone.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Midnight Bargain

𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:
This book follows the story of Beatrice, a sorceress and the eldest daughter of the Clayborns. She is entering her first bargaining season where she will attend balls, parties and outings with the aim of impressing and securing a husband of a good name to ensure financial assistance and the status of her family. When the most eligible bachelor sets his sights on Beatrice, will Beatrice sacrifice her magic and her dreams for the man she loves?
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✨

𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴:
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️.5/5 (overall)
❤️❤️❤️.5/5 (romance)
🔮🔮🔮🔮/5 (magic)

𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄:
When I got approved for an ARC of The Midnight Bargain, I was all kinds of excited. The description and the cover we’re so enticing I knew I’d read it either way. There’s a lot of world building, information and it’s a slow build to the exciting parts. Historical style fantasy, a strong MC with an intriguing love interesting and a powerful friendship. An interesting read, for sure.

Beatrice was strong, fierce and a force to be reckoned with, torn between wanting her own freedom and securing her families future and trying to make both goals align. She is fiercely loyal, a friend I would love to have in my corner. She wants the best of both worlds, magic and a family, not just for herself but for all women and will not stop until that is achieved.

The romance developed a little too quickly, i understand that the bargaining season was short but I feel it developed to “love” very rapidly. I found the romance is easily overshadowed by the awesome friendship between Beatrice and Ysbeta, both fighting for their freedom in a misogynistic world, initial disdain on Ysbeta’s part, quickly dissolves when they unite in their common goal- of becoming mages, a profession only acceptable for men, whilst women are expected to have child after child. Throughout the book their bond strengthens and they find themselves protecting and assisting each other in a multitude of situations.

My favourite character is Nadi, she’s so funny and just wants to eat good food and hex everyone, I can relate!

Okay so i had to get beyond the halfway point to really feel anything for the book but damn, 60% onwards it was unputdownable, utterly compelling and emotive. Around 73% I was “damn girl”-ing out loud and at 83% I wanted to jump in the book and slap some characters.
I did find some parts repetitive and unnecessary to the story.
Overall, I’d definitely recommend and I’m glad that I pushed through, the story interested me but didn’t grip me until past the half way point.

I enjoyed this book so much, as it is a combination of two of my favorite genres - historical romance and fantasy. It is set in a world similar to Regency England, but with magic.

There is a season for young women and men of the upper class to be seen in society, mingle, and begin courtships. (I loved the descriptions of their fabulous clothing and unique dances.) As in Regency England, their marriages aren't necessarily motivated by love or even attraction, but by the need to make advantageous matches that will benefit their families financially, socially and in magical talent. This society is a patriarchy and not always a benevolent one.

One element that makes the book so good is the slow reveal of women's true place in the society, and the reasons for it. Throw magic, sorcery, romance, spirits, grimoires, the suppression of women and the intrepid ones who resist their limited choices, and you have a rich, compelling story.

I highly recommend this book and the author's other books, which are set in the same world. Thanks to NetGalley and publisher EreWhon Books for providing me an e-arc to read and review. These are my honest opinions of the book.

Arc given by Netgalley
This book had an interesting premise, though I have to say it reads more as a YA historical romance fantasy rathern than adult.
I liked the idea of it mixed with I'm used to about the season in all the historical romances I've previously read. It's a fun idea to mix them together and I enjoyed reading the book. I specially liked the female relationships.

The Midnight Bargain is a romance that takes place in an alternate universe or world, with a setting reminiscent of a cross between Georgian and Regency England. As such, the customs and culture are familiar but the names of places are different. The feminist message of the book is somewhat lost in the egregious insta-luv, partially explained world building, and cardboard characterization. As such, it can feel a bit thin and unsatisfying a read.

Story: Beatrice is gifted with strong magical abilities. But only men get to use their magic; it is too dangerous for women due to the fear of demons possessing their magical children in utero. Beatrice would prefer not to marry so she never has to wear the silver collar that would dim her talent; unfortunately, her family's wealth is in jeopardy and she needs a rich husband to save their future. Along comes a fabulously wealthy, supportive, and handsome nobleman from overseas. Will she give up everything to be with Ianthe - and allow herself to be dimmed for the rest of her life?

Magic in this book is a metaphor for knowledge; men are allowed to develop their talents in secret schools and societies while women are there to continue bloodlines. This should sound familiar to anyone who has read Regency or Georgian romances. The thrust of the magic 'system' is summoning demons from another dimensional plane and enslaving them. Beatrice has figured out a secret code among female sorceresses and intends to summon a major demon and ensure she would no longer be eligible for marriage. Until she manages it, however, she will have to attend balls and seek suitors.

I didn't find the imagination I was looking for in this type of speculative fiction. Beatrice was stubborn but not too intelligent. If anything, I was thinking it would be better if she did marry and not use magic so dangerously. Ianthe, as the love interest, was so hoary a cliche as to be a cardboard cutout that just stood in front of Beatrice fawning over her and pontificating about how wonderfully progressive she is. Ianthe's sister was even looser drawn and didn't really have a place in the story. I have to wonder if her tale will be told next and that's why she is in this book at all.

The author had a tendency to repeat the same things over and over until I felt like whole paragraphs had been copied and pasted into the storyline over and over. I get that this is a feminist-focused novel about female empowerment. But it can be done much more subtly in order to give a more organic and realistic read. Instead, I have to read over and over and over about the unfairness of women when it comes to magic. That Ianthe is fabulously wealthy. That she has to find that special summoning book. etc. etc. I get it already.

The plot was predictable and the happily ever after ending as unrealistic as it gets. That was perhaps the greatest let down for me: there just wasn't any tension and I never worried that Beatrice was in danger. The magic amounted to only summoning demons, leaving me disappointed that the magic system wasn't more defined or pronounced. Once summoned, the demons did everything and felt a bit too powerful to be true. If all sorcerers were wandering around with demons manipulating things, that society would be very different than written.

In all, the insta luv was perhaps the biggest disappointment. It amounted to Beatrice being seen once and then fawned over for the rest of the book. There was no organic meeting of minds or any reason for Ianthe to fall so hard for Beatrice other than looks. He was perhaps the emptiest of all the characters in the book.

Is this book terrible? No, I think undemanding readers can just enjoy this on a very shallow level. But I think those looking for depth, nuance, intelligence lead characters, realistic world building, and a great romance will be disappointed. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.

“The Midnight Bargain” is a young adult fantasy novel centered around a sorceress named Beatrice Clayborn, who lives in a world where women no longer have magical abilities once they get married.

While I wasn’t as captivated by it as I initially anticipated I would be, I still enjoyed this book. The plot description was very intriguing, and I still found the plot to be pretty interesting while I was reading the book. I think it’s a pretty good YA fantasy and I would recommend that fans of that genre check this book out once it releases.

Stepping into a C.L. Polk books is like sinking into a warm pool of water - one that's on another world, and might be just slightly dangerous. The Midnight Bargain blends humor, romance and sly social commentary in a compelling novel.

I won't be finishing this one. Despite not having too many expectations for The Midnight Bargain, I didn't care enough for the protagonist's dilemma or the instalove romance in this to continue reading.

It's not badly written, but the plot is far from unique. Which is not necessarily something that'd break a book if it has tropes you're looking for, every reader has a certain set of them that they always come back to and consider as 'comfort food'. But it has to have some element of intrigue, mystery, or really well done version of a trope, to keep the reader's interest.

I'd like to see more feminist characters who WANT to get married and all that, instead of giving subtexts that marriage is a shackle. Yes, I know there are many regions in the world where their approach to marriage IS akin to a form of imprisonment, it's just that I'd like to see a different outlook. I didn't appreciate how the younger sister was painted in a not so positive light because of her wanting more girly things like attending balls and finding suitors. I also feel this is a bit of a 'fan-service' kind of feminist book, what are the chances that the guy you're attracted to is so understanding and open, and has such RIGHT views on feminism, AND coincidentally very interested in you?? Not to mention you get to KISS him on your second encounter, no less, while you try to act like you have 'no choice'? Wouldn't you not need to go through with the spirit's pact if you now know that you're still getting access to the grimoire as agreed upon? And on what grounds made her so convinced that the siblings were lying and tricked her? This isn't very spoilery because it happens very early in to the story, about 3 chapters in.

And good lord, 'I fetched my own cake', as if that's so forward of you. You're telling me not ONE girl thought she could go and get her own cake?? The whole thing reeks of not-like-other-girls. However, I do appreciate the author not making the MC look down upon her sister's wants just because that's not what she wants(but she still made it seem to the READERS that the sister was immature for it). I would prefer if the feminist theme was handled in a more nuanced way, it makes it more realistic and adds depth.

The romance. Look, I can deal with instant attraction, but instant attraction with deep feelings? Strong and deeper feelings only occur AFTER you've gotten to know each other well! Two extremely brief encounters do not make strong feelings!

This is either a very mediocre story that'll annoy and bore you if you dislike all the elements I mentioned, or enjoyable for those who prefer them.

I received a copy through NetGalley for review.

So overall I enjoyed this one.

We meet Beatrice, eldest daughter of a once well off family. All their hopes for redemption and returned wealth are pinned on her finding a wealthy match in the 6 weeks of the Bargaining Season.
Where women who would have been sorceresses, like their male counterparts, except for a sexist view of women, magic and a good ole boys club of magicians that are all but barred to women.

Although having powers makes you a very desirable wife, to breed more powerful sorcerers and magic into your bloodline. A warding collar is placed on women at the wedding ceremony, which effectively cuts them off from accessing their power. Because spirits prey on pregnancies, looking to fill the void of a being that does not yet contain a soul. They possess the unborn child, of an unwarded woman. The punishment for birthing a spirit child, for both mother and child is death at the stake. A warding collar is the only known thing to protect both mother and child.

Beatrice has no wish to marry, she wants to escape her fate, and become a fully fledged magician. Hoping to bond herself with a Greater Spirit, and save her family on her own.
But she is not the only one looking to do the same.

I liked Beatrice's character for the most part. Ianthe was almost too perfect a romantic lead.

The very ending was fantastic.

The Midnight Bargain is a feminist regency romance story that follows Beatrice, an ambitious sorceress who is desperately trying to save her family from crippling debt but also save herself from the chained life of marriage that prohibits her from using her talent at sorcery. Her struggles involve those of familial responsibility, and staying true to herself and her own desires, which all ties back to the misogyny present in her world and restraints imposed on sorceresses.

The tale, however fantastical and romantic it is, tackles very real sexism and women’s rights problems, and alludes to events such as the historical witch-hunting. Polk does a wonderful job of making the issues feel high-stakes to the reader despite the removal into a historical fantasy setting. In Beatrice’s world, no matter how powerful and talented a woman may be, ultimately her worth came down to her ability to carry in her womb. Being a woman with sorcery is a double-edged sword – with the end pointing towards oneself significantly sharper. No – more like an axe pointed toward yourself. A sorceress is powerful, but also at the risk of birthing a spirit-born, a baby housing a spirit. Any woman practicing conjuration is at risk of this, and will be burned alive. As a result, women are prohibited from casting magic stronger than mere charms, and are locked (horrifically) into warding collars the day they are married until they grow out of their child-bearing years.

The two main female characters are quite well-developed, with similar ambitions to escape chains in marriage, but starkly contrasting each other in background and personality. Beatrice Clayborn is focused and daring, but tends not to think outside her line of vision, and leads to many problems she could have avoided in hindsight, such as communication with her sister. This of course stems from her tension with family members, whom she believes do not wish the best for her, and she harbors some resentment towards them for locking her into a bleak future. Ysbeta Lavan is proud and rebellious, coming from a vastly powerful family. Due to her upbringing, Ysbeta often brushes off Beatrice’s concerns, which I also found frustrating because it led to major problems. However, all that is a sign of good character work by Polk.

And of course, there is spectacular romance between Beatrice Clayborn and Ianthe Lavan. There is so much yearning between them you can feel it through the pages! Ianthe only wants the best for Beatrice, but is torn between wanting her to be free and keeping her from the dangers of spirit conjuration. (TBH, Ianthe was probably the only character who didn’t cause conflict by jumping to conclusions, love that for him.)

I have not read/watched many regency romance works or period pieces, but thoroughly enjoyed this magical tale despite the slower pacing compared to my usual reads – it was a refreshing change of pace and I ate up the ~yearning~ between Beatrice and Ianthe. It gave me Pride and Prejudice (2005) vibes and aesthetics, so if you’re into that, go pick up this book! You’ll love it!!

I did feel like the world was not expanded out much for a fantasy tale, but for a standalone novel and considering its settings, it was very solid, and enough to immerse the reader. The dialogue felt a little dragged out at times, but that’s because I am used to fast action and quick dialogue in epic fantasies. For a newbie to regency-inspired tales, The Midnight Bargain does a great job at setting the tone and time the characters are in – a slow life full of traditions, mannerisms, and small-talk.

All in all, this was a wonderful read! Might be my go-to recommendation for romance now.

This is an engaging historical fantasy with romance and feminist themes. I loved the well-drawn characters and in-depth world building. The plot was so well done and the tension had me turning pages well into the night. This is my favorite from this author so far. I am a fan!

#netgalley #themidnightbargain

This was a good book about magic that had many twists and turns. A good read that I would highly recommend to those who enjoy sorcery type books.

Such a satisfying book, I read this in pretty much one sitting, I couldn't put it down, I had to see what came next.

I did have a concern that it would have a certain type of ending but I think it bucked the trend and I was so happy it ended the way it did (and I didn't expect). I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who will stop still long enough for me to shout about it!

The Midnight Bargain by C. L. Polk is a high fantasy novel which focuses on the lives of two main protagonists - Ianthe Antonidas Lavan and Beatrice Amara Clayborn. We see a strong magic system in this book which I absolutely enjoyed.

The world building is beautiful, the characters are strong. We see strong women characters like Beatrice Clayborn and Ysbeta Lavan. The start of the book is very beautifully done and also a very strong start. The romance between the two was something which was abit flat.

The bargaining system to choose yourself a charming husband, the magic system of summoning the spirits, etc was really something I enjoyed reading about and was very well potrayed. The character which I really loved the most was Nadi, the spirit whom Beatrice had summoned.

The character of Ianthe Lavan was charming and could be your next bookish boyfriend/crush. I liked how he helped Beatrice in achieving her goals of being magus and change the rules for women in this country. The epilogue was beautiful. But the family drama which went in the end was kinda not necessary felt abit rushed.

The character of Ysbeta Lavan, was also good, a charming lady who is ambitious and wants to travel the world and love all the magic from grimoires from across the globe. Their parents were little bit annoying in the end but that clearance between all of them was necessary.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and if you like 'Sorcery Of Thorns' by Margaret Rogerson like I did then I would recommend you to try this book. I got very similar vibes from both these books. The book cover could have been more attractive.
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Thanks to NetGalley and the Erewhon Publisher for province me eArc in exchange for a honest opinion.

"You aim to turn the world upside-down.”

I was provided an Advanced Reader’s Copy by NetGallery-all opinions are my own.
The blurb describing this novel captured me immediately-Magicians? Yes. Romance? Double yes. Women rights? That’s it, I’m sold.

From there-I had a love/hate relationship with the book. The underlying story was great, and parallels issues women face all the time about having to choose A or B when Beatrice strives to remind us “why not both?”
The characters were interesting and well developed, I love watching Beatrice and Nadi’s relationship grow, and the kinship Ysbeta and Beatrice found in each other. On the flip side I wish the author would have spent more time developing Beatrice and Ianthe’s relationship-as I felt they didn’t really have many opportunities throughout the book to enjoy each other’s company and get to know one another.

One thing I will say is that I felt like there was too much time spent on unnecessary world development. Ianthe and Beatrice both enjoyed reading the same series, but I didn’t need to know more than that, If even that. I would have rather them shared more experiences together than learn about things they had done in the past. As well, as great as the author was in keeping you up to speed on what the character was thinking-I wish she would have added in more physical reactions. There was a lot of room for showing more and telling less
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The final thing I will say is that I loved the author’s take of bringing a really real issue and applying it to a fantasy realm. She did a great job portraying the real struggles women face when wanting to do something against the social norms (and tackled it from multiple characters!)

All in all-this novel is a solid 4 stars. It had its issues but I enjoyed the deeper story and I’m excited to read more by C. L. Polk in the future!