New baronet and lowly civil servant Robin Blyth is assigned a job in the Office of Special Domestic Affairs and Complaints following the disappearance of his predecessor, Reginald Gatling. Robin’s first visit is from special ministerial liaison Edwin Courcey, who accidentally ‘unbushels’ Robin – that is, reveals the existence of magic in the world.

Edwin is prickly and rude. Robin assures him that his assignation is a mistake and he will be replaced within days. But on his way home from work, Robin is attacked by men who have fog where their faces should be and who curse him: an ink pattern is inscribed on his arm that erupts into excruciating pain without forewarning.

Despite Edwin’s aloofness, Robin seeks his help. As their relationship blossoms, they try to unravel the mystery of Gatling’s disappearance and remove the curse. Their ruthless enemies are magically powerful – and magic can extend beyond humans to the elements. Robin has no magic and Edwin not much more. Can they hope to uncover the secret and survive?

This first book in the ‘Last Binding’ trilogy is a sparkling debut, gorgeously written and is an intriguing blend of romance and fantasy set in an intricately imagined Edwardian world full of magic and conspiracy.

Reviewed by Melinda Woledge

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Freya Marske lives in Australia, where she is yet to be killed by any form of wildlife. She writes stories full of magic, blood, and as much kissing as she can get away with. Her hobbies include figure skating and discovering new art galleries, and she is on a quest to try all the gin in the world.

Her debut novel, the queer historical fantasy A Marvellous Light, was an international bestseller and won the Romantic Novel Award for Fantasy. Her next book was A Power Unbound.

Her short fiction has appeared in Analog Science Fiction, Andromeda Spaceways, and several anthologies. In 2020 she was awarded the Australian National SF (Ditmar) Award for Best New Talent.

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