Review: A Lady and Her Magic by Tammy Falkner

Author: Tammy Falkner 

Release Date: Sept. 4, 2012

Publisher: Sourcebooks

ISBN: #978-1402268120

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Historical

Format(s): Paperback (352 pgs), e-book

Book Source: Publisher

     A Lady and her Magic is the debut novel in a new crossover series by Tammy Falkner.  It is a historical romance mixed with fantasy. Una found it to be an enjoyable and delightful, fluffy read.

     A Lady and her Magic is said to be the first in a new series, although, truth be told, I cannot find for the life of me the name of the series.  Imagine a historical romance that is crossed with fantasy and you will have the rich world that Ms. Falkner has created.  The story begins with Sophia starting what may prove to be her last mission.  It seems the Fae have a parallel world to ours and yet are involved in our world – whether solving issues or providing coins for children’s teeth.  Although the worlds are similar, they are different in the mores that govern them.  It was fun to read about Sophia being unladylike and yet how refreshing it was to the Duke.  It seemed strange that for a lady, Sophia’s odd behavior was not more censured by Ashley.  In fact, it seemed his attraction to her rather odd behavior was a bit of a juxtaposition for a man of this time period.

     Ashley, the Duke of Robinsworth, is scandalized by the death (most importantly the circumstances surrounding it) of his wife.  He lives a fairly secluded life for being a Duke, with his only child, his daughter, Anne.  For as rough a reputation he has, Ashley is surprisingly warm and kind.  I enjoyed his characterization and his good-heartedness.  The flirtations between Ashley and Sophia are sweet and candid.  However, their romance is strictly forbidden by Fae law.  Sophia, sadly, is right on the line of being irrevocably punished, her wings being removed along with her magic.  It is akin to a death sentence for a Fae.  It is vital for her to resolve the mission – she must save Anne from the terrible night terrors that plague her.

     The mythology is very similar to some of the tales I have heard growing up.  I enjoyed the world of A Lady and her Magic and felt it was simply and yet richly described.  Although it feels as if the plot moved a bit slowly, it was not painfully slow.  The world-building was scattered throughout, as the plot moved.  Some moments and resolutions were predictable; however the overall ending of the novel was surprising.  It is this cliffhanging event that makes me curious as to what the next novel will hold.  I will say that the gnome, Ronald, was a bit of a scene-stealer.  The interactions involving him were hilarious but did have a tendency to overshadow the other characters.

     If you are looking for a fun and entertaining blend of historical romance and fantasy, you might want to give A Lady and her Magic a try.  You may find it an enjoyable and fluffy Saturday afternoon read.