For women, options for the future are limited, and Beatrice wants more out of life. Mainly, she wants to keep practicing magic. Why can’t she become a mage like men? If anyone can find a way, it’s her, she’s sure of it. While she’s thrown into the bargaining season to find a husband, she finds brother and sister, Ianthe and Ysbeta Lavan. Ysbeta’s dreams run parallel to hers, and Ianthe seems open to at least some of her desires. How will she reconcile her dream of retaining magic while still trying to save her floundering family?
At times, Beatrice was maddening. She would make decisions that had you banging your head against a wall. She didn’t always know how to spot a good thing, even when it was right in front of her. The spirit she hosted, Nadi, made a good balance for her. Nadi helped to push Beatrice into trying things she might never do. Enter Ianthe, and it’s because of Nadi that Beatrice can get as close to him as she does. He’s a great character who is forward-thinking, and he’s willing to fight to help both Beatrice and his sister in their dreams.
For me, the ending was a bit rushed. There was a lot of build-up towards certain things for the women, and then we don’t get to explore it all that much. It would be fun to explore more of the smaller abilities that everyday people can do, and the magic after they become mages. This is a little more romance than fantasy, but still, a super fun read. Thank you, Erewhon Books, for sending this along.
Read this review on Amazon, Goodreads and Bookbub.
The Midnight Bargain is available on Amazon for $9.99.
Rae's Reading Lounge 