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Mr. Darcy's Magic #2
Threads of Magic: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
In a magical Regency England, two powerful magicians strive to find a balance between love and duty as they confront enemies who might well be their closest friends.
Elizabeth Bennet may be a heroine, but by defying some of the most powerful mages in England, she has made enemies who will stop at nothing to embroil her in scandal.
So when she is accused of endangering the Royal Mages through her reckless actions, she no longer knows who to trust. Even the gentleman she loves is taking their side. It seems the only person who believes her is the captive French mage who is imprisoned in the cellar at Netherfield.
Meanwhile, Fitzwilliam Darcy is willing to fight to the death to defend Elizabeth, if only she would stop getting herself into trouble. Why does she always have to break the rules? And why does even her sister Jane cause him so many problems?
Join us in this magical Jane Austen Regency variation. Set mostly in Meryton, with familiar beloved characters from Pride and Prejudice , you will once again be enchanted by Elizabeth and Darcy’s struggle to find true love against the backdrop of England’s war with Napoleon.
Threads of Magic is Book 2 of a trilogy, Mr. Darcy’s Magic. It is a standalone novel without cliff-hangers, but it is best read as part of a series.
Rating : sweet, with kisses and mild adult themes.
Elizabeth Bennet may be a heroine, but by defying some of the most powerful mages in England, she has made enemies who will stop at nothing to embroil her in scandal.
So when she is accused of endangering the Royal Mages through her reckless actions, she no longer knows who to trust. Even the gentleman she loves is taking their side. It seems the only person who believes her is the captive French mage who is imprisoned in the cellar at Netherfield.
Meanwhile, Fitzwilliam Darcy is willing to fight to the death to defend Elizabeth, if only she would stop getting herself into trouble. Why does she always have to break the rules? And why does even her sister Jane cause him so many problems?
Join us in this magical Jane Austen Regency variation. Set mostly in Meryton, with familiar beloved characters from Pride and Prejudice , you will once again be enchanted by Elizabeth and Darcy’s struggle to find true love against the backdrop of England’s war with Napoleon.
Threads of Magic is Book 2 of a trilogy, Mr. Darcy’s Magic. It is a standalone novel without cliff-hangers, but it is best read as part of a series.
Rating : sweet, with kisses and mild adult themes.
306 pages, Paperback
Published January 25, 2022
94 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Monica Fairview
30 books226 followersMonica Fairview writes Jane Austen variations and sequels as well as Fantasy P&P variations. After graduating from the University of Illinois, she worked as a literature professor and then as an acupuncturist in Boston before moving to London.
Monica enjoys reading Jane Austen, historical , fantasy and post-apocalyptic novels , but avoids zombies like the plague. She loves to laugh, drink lots of tea, and visit Regency houses, and she is convinced that her two cats can understand everything she says.
If you'd like to be notified of her latest release, please press the FOLLOW button on Monica Fairview's Amazon page.
If you'd like to find out more about Monica, you can find her at
http://www.darcyregencynovels.com/
http://austenvariations.com
http://monicafairview.blogspot.com
Monica enjoys reading Jane Austen, historical , fantasy and post-apocalyptic novels , but avoids zombies like the plague. She loves to laugh, drink lots of tea, and visit Regency houses, and she is convinced that her two cats can understand everything she says.
If you'd like to be notified of her latest release, please press the FOLLOW button on Monica Fairview's Amazon page.
If you'd like to find out more about Monica, you can find her at
http://www.darcyregencynovels.com/
http://austenvariations.com
http://monicafairview.blogspot.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
December 31, 2021
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars
This is part of a series and is not a stand alone book. In fact I do hope the next in the series comes out quickly as I find when there is too much time between reading the stories, I forget details.
Much of this story has Darcy and Elizabeth with their own agendas and not communicating well...if at all. Darcy deliberately hides various plans from her.
The story begins with Elizabeth saving the Mages' Hall from a fireball but in the aftermath Bingley and two other Mages are found to be "walking shells", with their minds seemingly lost...blanks. With those three unable to verify what happened and the French Mage a prisoner who refuses to talk and is locked away to keep him from working his magic any further Elizabeth finds herself scorned and isolated as she is blamed for the damage to the building and to the three Mages.
With the location of the Hall having been discovered it is necessary to find another location, another estate, secret and well hidden. The Mages relocate to Netherfield. And it is there that Jane Bennet accidently is able to travel through the wards set in place to keep all outsiders away. Now she cannot be allowed to leave as she might then lead to the French finding the new headquarters. She has healing powers and wants to help heal Bingley.
Elizabeth also finds herself frustrated in that Darcy keeps himself apart from her, even having a separate bedroom. He claims to love her but when he now joins the council without discussing it with Elizabeth, she is frustrated that he cannot understand the need to have him communicate with her.
As things progress Elizabeth becomes more of an outcast and things lead to a confrontation between Darcy and one of the Mages who insult her.
The ending left me wanting more although Darcy and Elizabeth seem to have reached a better understanding of what marriage means as they again must focus on their roles as Janus Twin Mages.
I enjoyed this story and look forward to the next in the series. I do hope to read more of their togetherness as a married couple, not just each doing their thing with their magical abilities.
This is part of a series and is not a stand alone book. In fact I do hope the next in the series comes out quickly as I find when there is too much time between reading the stories, I forget details.
Much of this story has Darcy and Elizabeth with their own agendas and not communicating well...if at all. Darcy deliberately hides various plans from her.
The story begins with Elizabeth saving the Mages' Hall from a fireball but in the aftermath Bingley and two other Mages are found to be "walking shells", with their minds seemingly lost...blanks. With those three unable to verify what happened and the French Mage a prisoner who refuses to talk and is locked away to keep him from working his magic any further Elizabeth finds herself scorned and isolated as she is blamed for the damage to the building and to the three Mages.
With the location of the Hall having been discovered it is necessary to find another location, another estate, secret and well hidden. The Mages relocate to Netherfield. And it is there that Jane Bennet accidently is able to travel through the wards set in place to keep all outsiders away. Now she cannot be allowed to leave as she might then lead to the French finding the new headquarters. She has healing powers and wants to help heal Bingley.
Elizabeth also finds herself frustrated in that Darcy keeps himself apart from her, even having a separate bedroom. He claims to love her but when he now joins the council without discussing it with Elizabeth, she is frustrated that he cannot understand the need to have him communicate with her.
As things progress Elizabeth becomes more of an outcast and things lead to a confrontation between Darcy and one of the Mages who insult her.
The ending left me wanting more although Darcy and Elizabeth seem to have reached a better understanding of what marriage means as they again must focus on their roles as Janus Twin Mages.
I enjoyed this story and look forward to the next in the series. I do hope to read more of their togetherness as a married couple, not just each doing their thing with their magical abilities.
January 14, 2022
“The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.” –W.B. Yeats
Rating: PG17 due to violence, battle violence, duel, and an attack [nonsexual on a female]. Angst Level: medium-to-high during times of stress, preparations for a battle and intrigue, and betrayals. Source: I received an ARC with no expectations of a review. The views and opinions are my own. I highly recommend this for those who love a bit of magic with their JAFF [Jane Austen Fan Fiction]. I started it early as I knew I’d be up half the night if I didn’t. I was right… ICNPID. LOL!
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
“It’s still magic even if you know how it’s done.” –Terry Pratchett, A Hat Full of Sky
Book two follows Dangerous Magic: I highly recommend the reader start with book one as this story picks up where that one ended. The background knowledge will be important in order to follow the story. I think someone could read this as a standalone, but why miss out on how Darcy and Elizabeth became joined as Janus mages.
How on earth do I review this? Maybe I could mention the French attack. No, then I would have to explain about… you know. How about Netherfield Park? No, I’d have to reveal… that. I know, I can hardly not mention Jane and Mr. Bingley… right? Absolutely not! That brings in that battle and… I can’t say. Magic, surely, I can mention magic. There was magic all over the place. There was magic here, magic there, and a bit of magic everywhere. There were also wards put up for protection against… ah, shuck... I can’t even mention that. Well, you will just have to read it and see how Darcy and Elizabeth… you know. Highly recommend.
“Magic is believing in yourself, if you can do that, you can make anything happen.” –Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Rating: PG17 due to violence, battle violence, duel, and an attack [nonsexual on a female]. Angst Level: medium-to-high during times of stress, preparations for a battle and intrigue, and betrayals. Source: I received an ARC with no expectations of a review. The views and opinions are my own. I highly recommend this for those who love a bit of magic with their JAFF [Jane Austen Fan Fiction]. I started it early as I knew I’d be up half the night if I didn’t. I was right… ICNPID. LOL!
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
“It’s still magic even if you know how it’s done.” –Terry Pratchett, A Hat Full of Sky
Book two follows Dangerous Magic: I highly recommend the reader start with book one as this story picks up where that one ended. The background knowledge will be important in order to follow the story. I think someone could read this as a standalone, but why miss out on how Darcy and Elizabeth became joined as Janus mages.
How on earth do I review this? Maybe I could mention the French attack. No, then I would have to explain about… you know. How about Netherfield Park? No, I’d have to reveal… that. I know, I can hardly not mention Jane and Mr. Bingley… right? Absolutely not! That brings in that battle and… I can’t say. Magic, surely, I can mention magic. There was magic all over the place. There was magic here, magic there, and a bit of magic everywhere. There were also wards put up for protection against… ah, shuck... I can’t even mention that. Well, you will just have to read it and see how Darcy and Elizabeth… you know. Highly recommend.
“Magic is believing in yourself, if you can do that, you can make anything happen.” –Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
May 18, 2025
Jan-10-23 - So much fun, a relisten and now ready for book 3!
Loving this series! Shame there is only book left and yet, thank goodness there is only one book left!
ODC can't get a break, as soon as they arrive near the London stronghold, they witness an attack from the French mages. Fortunately, Elizabeth manages to foil it. Unfortunately, no one else witnesses the attack they only see the fallout, which is fire and 3 mysteriously downed Warders. They also capture an enemy mage.
After the move to Netherfield, Elizabeth is still kept at arms length, by everyone - including Darcy. And someone in particular wants her accused of treason and will stop at nothing to make it happen. No matter who else gets hurt in the process.
Action-wise the end is set up for getting ready for the epic battle. ODC are bonded, they are training new mages, Jane is enrolled in the Academy for Healers.
On a personal level it took several disagreements for Darcy to buy a vowel to understand why Elizabeth keeps getting ticked off at him. Basically he didn't trust her enough. To be his wife/his little woman, sure. Not as his partner, his equal and there to have his back as his Twin.
Finally they have the conversation and things are resolved.
In my opinion a little too easy, but they do need to seriously get prepared for the final battle in book 3!
A most excellent, enjoyable and entertaining read!!!
Loving this series! Shame there is only book left and yet, thank goodness there is only one book left!
ODC can't get a break, as soon as they arrive near the London stronghold, they witness an attack from the French mages. Fortunately, Elizabeth manages to foil it. Unfortunately, no one else witnesses the attack they only see the fallout, which is fire and 3 mysteriously downed Warders. They also capture an enemy mage.
After the move to Netherfield, Elizabeth is still kept at arms length, by everyone - including Darcy. And someone in particular wants her accused of treason and will stop at nothing to make it happen. No matter who else gets hurt in the process.
Action-wise the end is set up for getting ready for the epic battle. ODC are bonded, they are training new mages, Jane is enrolled in the Academy for Healers.
On a personal level it took several disagreements for Darcy to buy a vowel to understand why Elizabeth keeps getting ticked off at him. Basically he didn't trust her enough. To be his wife/his little woman, sure. Not as his partner, his equal and there to have his back as his Twin.
Finally they have the conversation and things are resolved.
In my opinion a little too easy, but they do need to seriously get prepared for the final battle in book 3!
A most excellent, enjoyable and entertaining read!!!
October 17, 2024
Love is the magician of the ages, the quickening spirit of the eternities, the mightiest power of the universe, forever the same through endless aeons. ~ C. A. Tillinghast
“Threads of Magic” is the second book in a series. I would recommend reading the first, “Dangerous Magic”, before beginning this one, but it is possible to understand this one as a standalone. It ends without a cliffhanger, but the story will continue in a third book.
The story begins with the Darcys reunited and returning to London, to the Founders’ Hall. They take the opportunity for a walk before entering the enclosure and discover the Hall will be under attack from the French Mages. Darcy travels ahead and slows the fireball launched by the enemy. Elizabeth draws strength from Bingley and two more mages within the Hall and the fireball is destroyed. Even better, the Darcys are able to capture one of the enemy Mages.
Quote from the book: “Help me, someone. I need a Healer. I cannot sense my brother’s magic.” Miss Bingley’s eyes were full of panic. “I think he might be dead.”
Suspicion falls on Elizabeth when none of the three Mages who shared her connection during the attack is able to wake. They all are unresponsive for days and even after waking, they are “walking shells” of themselves.
Founders’ Hall is unsafe to continue to house the Royal Mages. An alternative location must be found at once.
Perhaps Pemberley?
Quote from the book: “You know very well the logistics of moving so many people such a long distance across the country would make it impossible. Besides, considering the frequency with which this seems to happen to us, would you be willing to risk having Pemberley burnt to the ground?”
Darcy’s stomach clenched at the very possibility. He was prepared to sacrifice everything, to lay down his own life for King and Country, but Pemberley must endure.
Elizabeth suggests Netherfield Park, which has been uninhabited for years. A cover story is concocted, and the move is made.
It's hard to defeat a woman in love. ~ Terri Guillemets
Distrust runs deep through the Mage community. Elizabeth is ostracized and given no duties. She must remain hidden indoors since she would be recognized in Meryton. Wards are set to guard the house and grounds.
How then, can Jane Bennet travel easily into Netherfield?
Quote from the book: Devereux looked around triumphantly. “Precisely. Are we to be invaded by every Bennet in the country?”
Through it all, we have the conflict we know from canon P&P: a pre-Hunsford Darcy, conceited, arrogant, cocksure, unwilling to modify his mindset married and bonded to an Elizabeth who still does not know herself.
Quote from the book: She had never in her life thrown anything at anyone, not even at Lydia. But at this moment, she was sorely tempted to take up the chamber pot — hopefully full — and toss it at Darcy’s hard head. This was the man she had married! She had foolishly believed him capable of change. His arrogance knew no bounds. Odious man!
The captured French Mage is also moved to Netherfield. Who is he truly? How is he involved in the issues at Netherfield?
Quote from the book: He shrugged in a heavily Gallic manner. “The enemy of my enemy is my friend?”
“Threads of Magic” grabbed my attention from the opening chapter and held me to the end. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys JAFF, especially if they are also fans of magic.
No pow'r could divide us, no terrors dismay,
No treasures could bribe us, no falshood betray,
No demons could tempt us, no pleasures could move,
No magic could bind us but the magic of Love,
The spell round my Heart was the Image of you,
Then how could I fail to be constant and true...
~ John Christopher Smith, "The Enchanter," 1760
The author gave me an early copy of this book with no promise of a review.
“Threads of Magic” is the second book in a series. I would recommend reading the first, “Dangerous Magic”, before beginning this one, but it is possible to understand this one as a standalone. It ends without a cliffhanger, but the story will continue in a third book.
The story begins with the Darcys reunited and returning to London, to the Founders’ Hall. They take the opportunity for a walk before entering the enclosure and discover the Hall will be under attack from the French Mages. Darcy travels ahead and slows the fireball launched by the enemy. Elizabeth draws strength from Bingley and two more mages within the Hall and the fireball is destroyed. Even better, the Darcys are able to capture one of the enemy Mages.
Quote from the book: “Help me, someone. I need a Healer. I cannot sense my brother’s magic.” Miss Bingley’s eyes were full of panic. “I think he might be dead.”
Suspicion falls on Elizabeth when none of the three Mages who shared her connection during the attack is able to wake. They all are unresponsive for days and even after waking, they are “walking shells” of themselves.
Founders’ Hall is unsafe to continue to house the Royal Mages. An alternative location must be found at once.
Perhaps Pemberley?
Quote from the book: “You know very well the logistics of moving so many people such a long distance across the country would make it impossible. Besides, considering the frequency with which this seems to happen to us, would you be willing to risk having Pemberley burnt to the ground?”
Darcy’s stomach clenched at the very possibility. He was prepared to sacrifice everything, to lay down his own life for King and Country, but Pemberley must endure.
Elizabeth suggests Netherfield Park, which has been uninhabited for years. A cover story is concocted, and the move is made.
It's hard to defeat a woman in love. ~ Terri Guillemets
Distrust runs deep through the Mage community. Elizabeth is ostracized and given no duties. She must remain hidden indoors since she would be recognized in Meryton. Wards are set to guard the house and grounds.
How then, can Jane Bennet travel easily into Netherfield?
Quote from the book: Devereux looked around triumphantly. “Precisely. Are we to be invaded by every Bennet in the country?”
Through it all, we have the conflict we know from canon P&P: a pre-Hunsford Darcy, conceited, arrogant, cocksure, unwilling to modify his mindset married and bonded to an Elizabeth who still does not know herself.
Quote from the book: She had never in her life thrown anything at anyone, not even at Lydia. But at this moment, she was sorely tempted to take up the chamber pot — hopefully full — and toss it at Darcy’s hard head. This was the man she had married! She had foolishly believed him capable of change. His arrogance knew no bounds. Odious man!
The captured French Mage is also moved to Netherfield. Who is he truly? How is he involved in the issues at Netherfield?
Quote from the book: He shrugged in a heavily Gallic manner. “The enemy of my enemy is my friend?”
“Threads of Magic” grabbed my attention from the opening chapter and held me to the end. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys JAFF, especially if they are also fans of magic.
No pow'r could divide us, no terrors dismay,
No treasures could bribe us, no falshood betray,
No demons could tempt us, no pleasures could move,
No magic could bind us but the magic of Love,
The spell round my Heart was the Image of you,
Then how could I fail to be constant and true...
~ John Christopher Smith, "The Enchanter," 1760
The author gave me an early copy of this book with no promise of a review.
January 10, 2022
My Rating: 5+++++++
"We need to leave the carriage. Now!" (quote from the book)
Take a deep long breath. Hold it. Slowly let it out and then start reading this second book in the Mr. Darcy's Magic series It will be a while before you can take another as this action-packed novel is phenomenal and will leave you breathless!
"She had saved the Hall for the second time, yet here she was, accused once more of doing more harm than good." (quote from the book)
As Mr. and Mrs. Darcy return to the residence of the Royal Mages, they are immediately engulfed in thwarting a major fireball attack upon it by Napoleon's mages. Mr Darcy has run ahead to alert the Hall but needs to stop the fireball from descending. Elizabeth, using her powerful magic, connects with Mr. Bingley and two other Warders to help lessen the threat little knowing the impact it will have on them. Both Darcy and Elizabeth are able to capture a highly powerful French mage once the threat is minimized. But why is he treated with such consideration? This is just the beginning of a pulse-pounding magical adventure!
"People believe what they choose to believe. Evidence has little bearing on the matter." (quote from the book)
Due to the damage of the Hall, Lord Matlock wants to find another location where they can reside and recoup in secret...Netherfield Park has been let at last! But the problems for Elizabeth and Darcy only mount. Why is Elizabeth ostracized? Why is Darcy withholding information from her...his Twin Janus? Oh, the tangled web of diplomacy within the Council, and the hostility towards Elizabeth and what they call her 'Rogue Magic'. They seem more concerned for their safety than winning the war. And when Jane Bennet arrives, the tension rises further. How did she get through their Wards? Who wants Elizabeth dead? How can Darcy save her as he fights his desire for her? The sense of urgency and the sizzling chemistry between Darcy and Elizabeth is electrifying! But why is Darcy holding back?
"The tension was thick as he strode with her down the dark corridor, the light of their candles making overlapping circles around them, attraction sizzling with every brush of their clothes." (quote from the book)
These questions will be answered once you read the book, though I highly recommend reading Book #1 Dangerous Magic first to enhance your enjoyment of this one! I was completely enthralled again in this magical world. The level of urgency is palpable and you will have the same urge as Elizabeth when she wants to throw a full chamber pot at Darcy! There is no 'cliffhanger' but the story will continue for there is still a war win!
"Two separate beings merging into a single soul. She had become a part of him, and he a part of her." (quote from the book)
I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this book for a fair and honest review.
January 21, 2022
After the desperate activities in the big climax scene and the stunning betrayal of one of their own in Dangerous Magic, Threads of Magic picks up after a bit of a breather for our intrepid magic-wielding Royal Mages back to defend England from the French. Fascinating magical world, intriguing plot twists, and a captivating cast of characters and tempestuous romance are what hooked me in the first book and I looked forward to this carrying into Threads of Magic.
Jumping back into the world and story established in Dangerous Magic, Threads of Magic is not a good book to read standalone or out of order.
Though based on Pride and Prejudice and definitely giving a strong nod in that direction, Threads of Magic and its predecessor are an original story that has moved from the introduction into the heart of the conflict. And, I do not speak of the war with France. Darcy and Elizabeth are trying for something more than a match of convenience for their compatible magic or because they partnered well fighting off the French, but their love, respect, and trust is tenuous at best.
Elizabeth uses unconventional magic and Darcy eventually stood by her even in the face of the cries of treachery and betrayal from their own. But, here they are again, a new situation arises orchestrated by the French, but now Elizabeth is back to being ostracized and labeled a rogue and traitor. Darcy is pulled in so many directions and he still grieves the loss of his former partner so that he struggles to open up and let Elizabeth get close.
This whole story was a powder keg waiting to blow for their group of Royal Mages and for them as a couple. The French have had it their way more often than not and the English Royal Mages have had to give up their Hall and regroup. I felt gripped in the emotion of it all even when I wanted to thump Darcy so many times for his constant pushing Elizabeth away or refusing to open up and communicate with her.
It held the taunt feeling from first to last, but it wasn’t all dramatic. I did love seeing the story move to Netherfield Park and seeing Jane Bennet, Elizabeth’s sister, brought into the circle of main characters. It was no surprise that this beautiful hearted lady has healer magic nor that the magic was as unconventionally learned as her sister’s.
After the events of the first book, I was prepared for some good twists. I enjoyed the addition of the French mage in the dungeon and how they could not be sure of his real intentions just as I appreciated the stunning events at the big money scene. I wondered at one point in the story if a certain someone was involved, but then got distracted only to find out that I was partly right. It will be interesting to see what comes next from where things were left at the end of this second segment. Much open-ended in set up for the third book.
While this one lacked the awe of introducing a new world of magic and the emotional tension tired me, it was most definitely a solid, intense installment in the series. Those who enjoy gaslight fantasy should make haste and avail themselves of this series.
I rec’d an eARC from the author to be read in exchange for an honest review.
Jumping back into the world and story established in Dangerous Magic, Threads of Magic is not a good book to read standalone or out of order.
Though based on Pride and Prejudice and definitely giving a strong nod in that direction, Threads of Magic and its predecessor are an original story that has moved from the introduction into the heart of the conflict. And, I do not speak of the war with France. Darcy and Elizabeth are trying for something more than a match of convenience for their compatible magic or because they partnered well fighting off the French, but their love, respect, and trust is tenuous at best.
Elizabeth uses unconventional magic and Darcy eventually stood by her even in the face of the cries of treachery and betrayal from their own. But, here they are again, a new situation arises orchestrated by the French, but now Elizabeth is back to being ostracized and labeled a rogue and traitor. Darcy is pulled in so many directions and he still grieves the loss of his former partner so that he struggles to open up and let Elizabeth get close.
This whole story was a powder keg waiting to blow for their group of Royal Mages and for them as a couple. The French have had it their way more often than not and the English Royal Mages have had to give up their Hall and regroup. I felt gripped in the emotion of it all even when I wanted to thump Darcy so many times for his constant pushing Elizabeth away or refusing to open up and communicate with her.
It held the taunt feeling from first to last, but it wasn’t all dramatic. I did love seeing the story move to Netherfield Park and seeing Jane Bennet, Elizabeth’s sister, brought into the circle of main characters. It was no surprise that this beautiful hearted lady has healer magic nor that the magic was as unconventionally learned as her sister’s.
After the events of the first book, I was prepared for some good twists. I enjoyed the addition of the French mage in the dungeon and how they could not be sure of his real intentions just as I appreciated the stunning events at the big money scene. I wondered at one point in the story if a certain someone was involved, but then got distracted only to find out that I was partly right. It will be interesting to see what comes next from where things were left at the end of this second segment. Much open-ended in set up for the third book.
While this one lacked the awe of introducing a new world of magic and the emotional tension tired me, it was most definitely a solid, intense installment in the series. Those who enjoy gaslight fantasy should make haste and avail themselves of this series.
I rec’d an eARC from the author to be read in exchange for an honest review.
January 14, 2022
Of course there is magic, but the book is much more. It is a image of society: our flaws, fear, holding on the old, ugly emotions and actions, but also courage, understanding, trust and of course: love.
There is tension, but no real cruelty – perfect for low angst person like me.
Because the books are very connected I recommend to read them shortly one after the other
I had the pleasure getting an advanced copy.
February 18, 2022
This book is a continuation of the Book 1 and is not stand alone. I loved the first book! I struggled with this one in comparison.
This book starts as a romantic continuation of the first story and then rushes right into a battle with disastrous consequences for Elizabeth & Fitzwilliam Darcy. It leads to large amount of angst, secrets, and a bit of mystery to be unwound as people take sides in so many different situations. They are all on edge the whole time making accusations and living scared. The end of the story didn't seem to be a conclusion to any story line. I look forward to the next book in the series, to see where this goes.
This book starts as a romantic continuation of the first story and then rushes right into a battle with disastrous consequences for Elizabeth & Fitzwilliam Darcy. It leads to large amount of angst, secrets, and a bit of mystery to be unwound as people take sides in so many different situations. They are all on edge the whole time making accusations and living scared. The end of the story didn't seem to be a conclusion to any story line. I look forward to the next book in the series, to see where this goes.
January 6, 2022
What would happen if Darcy and Elizabeth lived in a magical world? Threads of Magic picks up right where the first novel in the series, Dangerous Magic left off. I would recommend reading Dangerous Magic first. It’s been about a year since I’ve read it and it took me a bit to remember the details and get back into the story. Once I was back in though, I couldn’t stop reading this story!
The French have attacked the Mages’ Hall with a giant fireball, but Elizabeth was able to connect with others and stop the attack. Unfortunately that has left Bingley and the two others as a walking shell. Unable to verify that the attack took place, people are wary of Elizabeth and think her type of magic is dangerous. Darcy and Elizabeth are newlyweds but must learn to work together to make their Twin Janus powers stronger. In order to hide from the French, the Mages lease Netherfield Hall. Soon, Darcy and Elizabeth realize there is an enemy within their, and it is bound and determined to get rid of them. Who is the enemy on the British side? Will they be able to determine who their French prisoner is and why they were attacking? Will Bingley be restored to normal.
I love this fantasy world and the inventive tale. I really liked the action and the mystery of who was after Elizabeth and Darcy. I love that we get to see some of our favorite characters, in a new way. Fairview is great at writing Austen characters, and they stay true to their source characters. I really love how Elizabeth and Darcy had to focus on building their relationship.
Favorite Quotes:
“There was something particularly poignant about having Bingley immobile in a ballroom. Bingley loved dancing, and the glittering crystal chandelier about him seemed to mock his inertness.”
“That was what marriage was about. A lifetime of possibilities together.”
“People believe what they choose to believe. Evidence has little bearing on the matter.”
“You always think the best of people, even when evidence points to the contrary.”
Overall, Threads of Magic by Monica Fairview and the Dangerous Magic series is a great new magical Regency fantasy series starring some of the best characters from literature.
Book Source: Review Copy from author Monica Fairview. Thank-you! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This review was first posted on my blog at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2022...
The French have attacked the Mages’ Hall with a giant fireball, but Elizabeth was able to connect with others and stop the attack. Unfortunately that has left Bingley and the two others as a walking shell. Unable to verify that the attack took place, people are wary of Elizabeth and think her type of magic is dangerous. Darcy and Elizabeth are newlyweds but must learn to work together to make their Twin Janus powers stronger. In order to hide from the French, the Mages lease Netherfield Hall. Soon, Darcy and Elizabeth realize there is an enemy within their, and it is bound and determined to get rid of them. Who is the enemy on the British side? Will they be able to determine who their French prisoner is and why they were attacking? Will Bingley be restored to normal.
I love this fantasy world and the inventive tale. I really liked the action and the mystery of who was after Elizabeth and Darcy. I love that we get to see some of our favorite characters, in a new way. Fairview is great at writing Austen characters, and they stay true to their source characters. I really love how Elizabeth and Darcy had to focus on building their relationship.
Favorite Quotes:
“There was something particularly poignant about having Bingley immobile in a ballroom. Bingley loved dancing, and the glittering crystal chandelier about him seemed to mock his inertness.”
“That was what marriage was about. A lifetime of possibilities together.”
“People believe what they choose to believe. Evidence has little bearing on the matter.”
“You always think the best of people, even when evidence points to the contrary.”
Overall, Threads of Magic by Monica Fairview and the Dangerous Magic series is a great new magical Regency fantasy series starring some of the best characters from literature.
Book Source: Review Copy from author Monica Fairview. Thank-you! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This review was first posted on my blog at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2022...
June 15, 2022
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/...
Threads of Magic is Book 2 of Mr. Darcy’s Magic. It is a standalone novel without cliff-hangers, but it is best read as part of a series.
Set against a backdrop of Regency England where magic is the province of the aristocracy.
Napoleon has weaponised magic and English Royal Mages must defeat him.
In Book 1, Elizabeth Bennet is forced into a loveless marriage with Royal Mage, Fitzwilliam Darcy. Her magical gifts are needed to optimise his essential defensive magical power but the rules of propriety dictate an unmarried couple cannot work together.
By the end of Book 1 the couple are in love.
Threads of Magic starts as the couple return to magical headquarters after a romantic break.
They are dropped straight back into battle before they make it through the door. Elizabeth saves everyone using an unconventional strategy.
One would think that she would be lauded for this. However, three Mages have a strange malady for which Elizabeth is blamed.
The Mages relocate/retreat to Netherfield Park to regroup. Taking with them a captured French Mage.
Elizabeth is ostracised by many and even feels her beloved Fitzwilliam does not support her.
Fitzwilliam is desperately trying to protect Elizabeth from accusations of treason, while walking a political tightrope with the various members of the Mages Council.
Several members despise Elizabeth and wish her harm.
When Elizabeth is assaulted and thrown into the cell of the French Mage, the outcome could be terrifying. However, she finds he is not quite what she expected.
The story races along at a steady pace with battle, angst, duelling, intrigue and deception.
I really enjoyed this and look forward to Book 3.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/...
Threads of Magic is Book 2 of Mr. Darcy’s Magic. It is a standalone novel without cliff-hangers, but it is best read as part of a series.
Set against a backdrop of Regency England where magic is the province of the aristocracy.
Napoleon has weaponised magic and English Royal Mages must defeat him.
In Book 1, Elizabeth Bennet is forced into a loveless marriage with Royal Mage, Fitzwilliam Darcy. Her magical gifts are needed to optimise his essential defensive magical power but the rules of propriety dictate an unmarried couple cannot work together.
By the end of Book 1 the couple are in love.
Threads of Magic starts as the couple return to magical headquarters after a romantic break.
They are dropped straight back into battle before they make it through the door. Elizabeth saves everyone using an unconventional strategy.
One would think that she would be lauded for this. However, three Mages have a strange malady for which Elizabeth is blamed.
The Mages relocate/retreat to Netherfield Park to regroup. Taking with them a captured French Mage.
Elizabeth is ostracised by many and even feels her beloved Fitzwilliam does not support her.
Fitzwilliam is desperately trying to protect Elizabeth from accusations of treason, while walking a political tightrope with the various members of the Mages Council.
Several members despise Elizabeth and wish her harm.
When Elizabeth is assaulted and thrown into the cell of the French Mage, the outcome could be terrifying. However, she finds he is not quite what she expected.
The story races along at a steady pace with battle, angst, duelling, intrigue and deception.
I really enjoyed this and look forward to Book 3.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2023
A good sequel, though not as strong as the first (though I found myself wanting to strangle Darcy more in that one than in the previous!)
February 1, 2022
Fitzwilliam Darcy needs a spanking!
Anywho, now that I’ve gotten that off my chest I’m giving this one 4 &1/4 stars but gonna conjure that rating to to 5 because I can.
Superb follow up to the first book in the series. I love ODC in this one but especially Elizabeth. Even though she forgave Darcy by the end of the book, I still wanna smack him around!
To quote Peppermint Patty “What a Blockhead!”
Anywho, now that I’ve gotten that off my chest I’m giving this one 4 &1/4 stars but gonna conjure that rating to to 5 because I can.
Superb follow up to the first book in the series. I love ODC in this one but especially Elizabeth. Even though she forgave Darcy by the end of the book, I still wanna smack him around!
To quote Peppermint Patty “What a Blockhead!”
October 5, 2023
Terrific.
May 30, 2023
What a fast ride! The story picks up speed within pages and keeps up the tempo till the end. Really looking forward to the next one.
January 29, 2022
More of the same
Although I admire the talent of this author, I wasn't impressed with the content of this book. In the first book of this series, Darcy is an arrogant jerk who takes forever to see the value of Elizabeth's magical ability, as well as her value as a woman of sense and education. Their romantic relationship is almost non-existent. The Royal Mages that Darcy works with are suspicious of Elizabeth, and refuse to trust her, or even acknowledge her magical ability. However, by the end of the book, Darcy is in love, and resolved to value Elizabeth as she deserves.
In this second book of the series, we slog through all of these same issues again. Elizabeth is looked upon as a rogue magician, whose magic is untested and dangerous. She's not accepted by anyone. Darcy still holds her at arm's length. It's like a repeat of the scenario of the first book, with a few circumstantial differences thrown in. I started becoming very impatient, waiting for something new to happen, and it never did.
Jane is involved in this installment, and the mode of her entrance into the story is quite ridiculous, and extremely contrived. She has a thankless role here, and I don't know why she was included. If you're looking for a story that has romance, this isn't it. Jane meets Bingley, but there's nothing there. Elizabeth and Darcy are constantly at odds, plus they're fighting a war against the French. There is no romantic chemistry to be found.
The book is well written and well edited. However, the story is overwhelmed with conflict, tension, and strife. It's depressing. I don't recommend it.
Although I admire the talent of this author, I wasn't impressed with the content of this book. In the first book of this series, Darcy is an arrogant jerk who takes forever to see the value of Elizabeth's magical ability, as well as her value as a woman of sense and education. Their romantic relationship is almost non-existent. The Royal Mages that Darcy works with are suspicious of Elizabeth, and refuse to trust her, or even acknowledge her magical ability. However, by the end of the book, Darcy is in love, and resolved to value Elizabeth as she deserves.
In this second book of the series, we slog through all of these same issues again. Elizabeth is looked upon as a rogue magician, whose magic is untested and dangerous. She's not accepted by anyone. Darcy still holds her at arm's length. It's like a repeat of the scenario of the first book, with a few circumstantial differences thrown in. I started becoming very impatient, waiting for something new to happen, and it never did.
Jane is involved in this installment, and the mode of her entrance into the story is quite ridiculous, and extremely contrived. She has a thankless role here, and I don't know why she was included. If you're looking for a story that has romance, this isn't it. Jane meets Bingley, but there's nothing there. Elizabeth and Darcy are constantly at odds, plus they're fighting a war against the French. There is no romantic chemistry to be found.
The book is well written and well edited. However, the story is overwhelmed with conflict, tension, and strife. It's depressing. I don't recommend it.
January 27, 2022
Amazing!
What an imagination! A completely world full of magic and intrigue. A thoroughly enjoyable reading experience with our beloved characters in the lead!
What an imagination! A completely world full of magic and intrigue. A thoroughly enjoyable reading experience with our beloved characters in the lead!
April 23, 2024
The story continues as the mages are moved to Netherfield Park. Can them keep that a secret from the neighbourhood.
February 7, 2022
The writing in this installment of the series has definitely matured since the first one. However, the plot itself was frustrating to the extreme. The way Elizabeth was treated by almost everyone in this story infuriated me and it lasted . The ending was abrupt and I'm not sure it felt satisfying to me, especially after all the injustices the heroine endured at the hands of others. I'm definitely curious to see where the author is going to take this couple and world, but I will have to wait for other readers who are braver than me to post their reviews first.
January 31, 2023
As I mentioned in my review of Dangerous Magic, this series has diverged in huge ways from the original Pride and Prejudice and this is very true with Threads of Magic. And it doesn't bother me one bit - it's part of the brilliance! I see the characters and the important relationships, but I'm enjoying them in this brand new magical Regency England!
Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship is my favorite part (duh?!) -- yes, they are married and yes, they are in love, but it is a new, tenuous relationship where they are still learning each other, how to perform their magic together, and how to trust each other. And Elizabeth's unconventional way of practicing magic is once again a huge problem. A beloved mage has been injured in an attack by the French, but it appears that he was hurt because of Elizabeth's magic and as a result she's ostracized and mistrusted by all around her, even those previously friendly. It was difficult to watch her continue to try and Darcy try to defend and protect her, while also trying to protect the mages from the French -- you could feel her pain and his frustration so acutely. They are both confused in their relationship, in trying to determine what has actually happened, and what the best course of action is, so they are stumbling about, making a lot of mistakes.
I was equally uncertain and confused (in a good way - this mystery was not as obvious as the first one!), so it was easy to understand their emotions and get lost in the story. It was really great to see the way Monica Fairview continues to weave in the original story, as she manages to bring us to Netherfield and to bring Jane into the story and setup the building blocks for the romance between her and Charles Bingley. Much more prominent, though, are the Napoleonic Wars and they - combined with the magic - have turned this romance into a faced-paced mystery with high-stakes.
I continued to listen to the series, narrated by Jennifer M. Dixon. I very much enjoy her performance and her delivery of the various characters. I think she delivers a pretty decent French accent as well - though I don't have a distinguishing ear for it. I'm loving this series and hope to continue soon with book 3, hopefully continuing to be narrated by Dixon.
Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship is my favorite part (duh?!) -- yes, they are married and yes, they are in love, but it is a new, tenuous relationship where they are still learning each other, how to perform their magic together, and how to trust each other. And Elizabeth's unconventional way of practicing magic is once again a huge problem. A beloved mage has been injured in an attack by the French, but it appears that he was hurt because of Elizabeth's magic and as a result she's ostracized and mistrusted by all around her, even those previously friendly. It was difficult to watch her continue to try and Darcy try to defend and protect her, while also trying to protect the mages from the French -- you could feel her pain and his frustration so acutely. They are both confused in their relationship, in trying to determine what has actually happened, and what the best course of action is, so they are stumbling about, making a lot of mistakes.
I was equally uncertain and confused (in a good way - this mystery was not as obvious as the first one!), so it was easy to understand their emotions and get lost in the story. It was really great to see the way Monica Fairview continues to weave in the original story, as she manages to bring us to Netherfield and to bring Jane into the story and setup the building blocks for the romance between her and Charles Bingley. Much more prominent, though, are the Napoleonic Wars and they - combined with the magic - have turned this romance into a faced-paced mystery with high-stakes.
I continued to listen to the series, narrated by Jennifer M. Dixon. I very much enjoy her performance and her delivery of the various characters. I think she delivers a pretty decent French accent as well - though I don't have a distinguishing ear for it. I'm loving this series and hope to continue soon with book 3, hopefully continuing to be narrated by Dixon.
August 15, 2025
A worthy sequel to the first book in the Mr. Darcy's Magic series!! Threads of Magic shows us Elizabeth and Darcy falling more deeply in love with each other as they seek to better understand each other's magic. In addition, Elizabeth finds herself still under attack by the Council, despite Lady Alice's departure in shame. Lord Matlock has acknowledged Elizabeth's brand of more natural magic to be the key to winning the magical battle against Napoleon's brutal mages. But a deadly attack on the hall ended in the injury of several mages, and Elizabeth was blamed by the Royal Mages as well as the Council.
With the Mage's Hall in tatters, the Royal Mages decide to move to Netherfield as it is close to London but would provide safety while the British mages rebuild their defenses, and they bring a French prisoner with them. Darcy is persuaded to join the Mages' Council and is forced to deal with their endless bickering and insistence on mages possessing noble blood being the only ones to be trained at the academies.
Darcy and Elizabeth struggle with their love for one another as their situation makes it dangerous for them to live as husband and wife; their marriage cannot be consummated for fear that enemy mages could use the unborn child against them and against the British kingdom. It's a story full of requited love that cannot be acted upon and several mysterious happenings amongst the Royal Mages in general and the Council in particular. The ending is especially exciting!!
With the Mage's Hall in tatters, the Royal Mages decide to move to Netherfield as it is close to London but would provide safety while the British mages rebuild their defenses, and they bring a French prisoner with them. Darcy is persuaded to join the Mages' Council and is forced to deal with their endless bickering and insistence on mages possessing noble blood being the only ones to be trained at the academies.
Darcy and Elizabeth struggle with their love for one another as their situation makes it dangerous for them to live as husband and wife; their marriage cannot be consummated for fear that enemy mages could use the unborn child against them and against the British kingdom. It's a story full of requited love that cannot be acted upon and several mysterious happenings amongst the Royal Mages in general and the Council in particular. The ending is especially exciting!!
January 31, 2022
I am enjoying the premise of this magical series with Darcy and Elizabeth, as it has so much potential. However, this particular installment drags in the middle, with no notable forward movement. How long does a vacant Bingley follow Jane around? How many circular Council arguments need to happen? I am able to see why Darcy is surprisingly impressed with Elizabeth, but I am failing to see how Elizabeth is overly impressed with Darcy, as he obviously doesn't regard her as a true partner. Elizabeth, in true character, would take more of an issue with Darcy's secretive nature and his supreme loyalty to Matlock. Darcy comes across as straddling the fence, weak in his defense of Elizabeth. There was also a bit of a lame response from Darcy when Matlock locks Elizabeth in the cellar with a man of any ilk, much less one seen as an enemy. So far, I see Darcy and Elizabeth shaking hands at the end of the engagement with the enemy, but not with a strong, stout love which sees them to a forever after. The Royal Mages thus far seem weak as a whole, outmaneuvered and inept against a formidable opponent. Story to be continued...there is hope yet.
June 13, 2022
It felt like a train wreck, and I couldn’t stop listening. But I also could not get very invested in the story. Darcy (super mercurial) and Elizabeth (super emotional) are so BAD at communicating - as in they DO NOT EVER - that it’s painful. And the overall plot line of the story seems a bit strange too, the big action happens in the very beginning. Then a TON of insider backstabbing and rumor mongering. Then a flurry of activity quickly that “explains” the middle part. Then a romantic interlude and the end. I’m not convinced.
March 12, 2022
3 1/2 Stars - This is the second book in the series, and you should definitely read the first one as background before reading this story. While this book doesn't have a cliffhanger, it definitely feels like something that you would want to read the whole series in order to get the full story. I sort of wish that I had waited to read this series until it had all been written.
Premise: The council had realized that Elizabeth was set up and asked her to come back to the Royal Mages. Since Mr. Darcy had left in protest of her removal, he was coming back with her. As they were traveling back to the hall where they lived, they saw an attach of a large fiery ball by the French mages. They were able to thwart it, but in order to do so, Elizabeth used her unconventional method to join magic with Mr. Bingley and 2 other mages, rendering all 3 of them essentially in a walking coma. This led to further concern about the methods that Elizabeth was using, and excluding her from most of the duties that other mages were taking on.
Sine the place where they lived was destroyed, they needed a new place to set up. Elizabeth enlisted the help of Mr. Bennet to get access to Netherfield, a large country house near her family that was sitting empty and open to rent. Half the magicians and half the council went there to live, teach new recruits, and prepare their defense. The cover story to the neighborhood was that the hall had injured soldiers. When Mrs. Bennet heard about this, she sent Jane to offer her healing magic. She was somehow able to walk through all of the wards that had been set up around Netherfield and to approach the house. Now the people are suspicious of the whole Bennet family, as they can't understand how Jane was able to get through their defense. The council felt like they couldn't trust her not to tell (even though it was fine that Mr. Bennet knew about the secrecy of the place), so they kept her onsite. She was a healer, so she ended up in the infirmary where they were trying to take care of Mr. Bingley, who started blindly following her around like a puppy dog.
Things I Liked:
- **First book spoiler**: While the first book ended with Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy realizing they were in love and wanted to stay married, this book really showed Mr. Darcy's pride coming through in their marriage. He didn't talk to Elizabeth about important decisions that he made and he even confided less information with her than he would have with one of his other Janus twins that he had bonded with, while she was both his bonded twin and his wife. This felt like the pride side of Mr. Darcy that that they needed to deal with in order to grow as a couple.
- We get to see the strength of Elizabeth's magic, and the potential consequences of it. It seems Mr. Darcy wasn't the only one walking around with pride that he was the one to know how to handle a situation. While everything that Elizabeth did was understandable in the situation, it was also understandable how it made the other people afraid of what they didn't understand, especially with the lack of information they had about what had happened. In this sense, I could see analogies between Elizabeth and Harry Potter, with them being set up as the one who could take on the evil enemy, but at the expense of being understood by the people around them.
- Mr. Bingley following Jane around while he was basically in a walking coma was pretty hilarious. It felt pretty true to his character's unconscious wishes.
- It was nice to see the strength of Jane's magic too. While it was the magic of healing, it was still powerful.
- Lady Alice was a perfect villainous character, a la Dolores Umbrage in Harry Potter. She seemed sugary sweet at the surface, but she's not someone to be underestimated.
Things I Didn't Like:
- Similar to the first book, the whole council situation was annoying. They were shown that Elizabeth was prevented from
- Not only Mr. Darcy but the entire council seemed to think Elizabeth incapable of being let in on any information. Seriously, they just thought that she would be allowed to see her husband go into an unfair dual and not even tell her how things worked or what was going to happen.
Premise: The council had realized that Elizabeth was set up and asked her to come back to the Royal Mages. Since Mr. Darcy had left in protest of her removal, he was coming back with her. As they were traveling back to the hall where they lived, they saw an attach of a large fiery ball by the French mages. They were able to thwart it, but in order to do so, Elizabeth used her unconventional method to join magic with Mr. Bingley and 2 other mages, rendering all 3 of them essentially in a walking coma. This led to further concern about the methods that Elizabeth was using, and excluding her from most of the duties that other mages were taking on.
Sine the place where they lived was destroyed, they needed a new place to set up. Elizabeth enlisted the help of Mr. Bennet to get access to Netherfield, a large country house near her family that was sitting empty and open to rent. Half the magicians and half the council went there to live, teach new recruits, and prepare their defense. The cover story to the neighborhood was that the hall had injured soldiers. When Mrs. Bennet heard about this, she sent Jane to offer her healing magic. She was somehow able to walk through all of the wards that had been set up around Netherfield and to approach the house. Now the people are suspicious of the whole Bennet family, as they can't understand how Jane was able to get through their defense. The council felt like they couldn't trust her not to tell (even though it was fine that Mr. Bennet knew about the secrecy of the place), so they kept her onsite. She was a healer, so she ended up in the infirmary where they were trying to take care of Mr. Bingley, who started blindly following her around like a puppy dog.
Things I Liked:
- **First book spoiler**: While the first book ended with Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy realizing they were in love and wanted to stay married, this book really showed Mr. Darcy's pride coming through in their marriage. He didn't talk to Elizabeth about important decisions that he made and he even confided less information with her than he would have with one of his other Janus twins that he had bonded with, while she was both his bonded twin and his wife. This felt like the pride side of Mr. Darcy that that they needed to deal with in order to grow as a couple.
- We get to see the strength of Elizabeth's magic, and the potential consequences of it. It seems Mr. Darcy wasn't the only one walking around with pride that he was the one to know how to handle a situation. While everything that Elizabeth did was understandable in the situation, it was also understandable how it made the other people afraid of what they didn't understand, especially with the lack of information they had about what had happened. In this sense, I could see analogies between Elizabeth and Harry Potter, with them being set up as the one who could take on the evil enemy, but at the expense of being understood by the people around them.
- Mr. Bingley following Jane around while he was basically in a walking coma was pretty hilarious. It felt pretty true to his character's unconscious wishes.
- It was nice to see the strength of Jane's magic too. While it was the magic of healing, it was still powerful.
- Lady Alice was a perfect villainous character, a la Dolores Umbrage in Harry Potter. She seemed sugary sweet at the surface, but she's not someone to be underestimated.
Things I Didn't Like:
- Similar to the first book, the whole council situation was annoying. They were shown that Elizabeth was prevented from
- Not only Mr. Darcy but the entire council seemed to think Elizabeth incapable of being let in on any information. Seriously, they just thought that she would be allowed to see her husband go into an unfair dual and not even tell her how things worked or what was going to happen.
February 15, 2022
🧵 Threads of Magic 🧵
A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Mr. Darcy's Magic Book 2
✒️ Monica Fairview
https://www.darcyregencynovels.com
Release Date 01/25/2022
Publisher White Soup Press
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09NYNQ41Z/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
In a magical Regency England, two powerful magicians strive to find a balance between love and duty as they confront enemies who might well be their closest friends.
Elizabeth Bennet may be a heroine, but by defying some of the most powerful mages in England, she has made enemies who will stop at nothing to embroil her in scandal.
So when she is accused of endangering the Royal Mages through her reckless actions, she no longer knows who to trust. Even the gentleman she loves is taking their side. It seems the only person who believes her is the captive French mage who is imprisoned in the cellar at Netherfield.
Meanwhile, Fitzwilliam Darcy is willing to fight to the death to defend Elizabeth, if only she would stop getting herself into trouble. Why does she always have to break the rules? And why does even her sister Jane cause him so many problems?
Join us in this magical Jane Austen Regency variation. Set mostly in Meryton, with familiar beloved characters from Pride and Prejudice, you will once again be captivated by Elizabeth and Darcy as they struggle to find true love against the backdrop of England’s war with Napoleon.
Threads of Magic continues the bewitching tale of a forced marriage between two powerful mages. The novel picks up after Fitzwilliam Darcy has told Elizabeth that he is in love with her, but are the differences between them too difficult to overcome?
Since this is the second book of a series, there is more to come. Experience the slow-burn romance developing between Elizabeth and Darcy in this magical adventure spanning several novels. It is a standalone novel without cliff-hangers, but it is best read as part of a series.
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will he continue on his path of one sided choices to the point of rupture…
At the end of the previous book, I thought Lizzie and Darcy had overcome the worst, yet Darcy being Darcy, he easily goes back to his usual way of dismissing Elizabeth’s opinions or ideas because she was not taught the same way as him.
He is a man in love, but also a man who follows his own way, but as a married man, he should think of sharing his decisions with his wife before settling on his path.
He loves Lizzie but he does not see her truly as his partner, why she learns afterwards his choices, and while they might have been the same, they are two now.
She is not only his wife, but his work partner. But he chooses to make abstraction of her as a colleague. He is a moving mate but works poorly with his companion.
I was a bit surprised by this Elizabeth, she is more demure, quiet, less outspoken, letting the others ostracizing her without much a fight. In some way, she was also an accomplice of her own banishment.
After they both fight many battles at the same time, why they are overwhelmed and lost more often than less.
In all, the epic journey continue with an additional character entering the field to stick a bit more to the original storyline.
4.5 stars
And now to think I have months of waiting before the next installment….
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 kisses
I received a free copy by the author without any counterpart asked. Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
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A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Mr. Darcy's Magic Book 2
✒️ Monica Fairview
https://www.darcyregencynovels.com
Release Date 01/25/2022
Publisher White Soup Press
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09NYNQ41Z/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
In a magical Regency England, two powerful magicians strive to find a balance between love and duty as they confront enemies who might well be their closest friends.
Elizabeth Bennet may be a heroine, but by defying some of the most powerful mages in England, she has made enemies who will stop at nothing to embroil her in scandal.
So when she is accused of endangering the Royal Mages through her reckless actions, she no longer knows who to trust. Even the gentleman she loves is taking their side. It seems the only person who believes her is the captive French mage who is imprisoned in the cellar at Netherfield.
Meanwhile, Fitzwilliam Darcy is willing to fight to the death to defend Elizabeth, if only she would stop getting herself into trouble. Why does she always have to break the rules? And why does even her sister Jane cause him so many problems?
Join us in this magical Jane Austen Regency variation. Set mostly in Meryton, with familiar beloved characters from Pride and Prejudice, you will once again be captivated by Elizabeth and Darcy as they struggle to find true love against the backdrop of England’s war with Napoleon.
Threads of Magic continues the bewitching tale of a forced marriage between two powerful mages. The novel picks up after Fitzwilliam Darcy has told Elizabeth that he is in love with her, but are the differences between them too difficult to overcome?
Since this is the second book of a series, there is more to come. Experience the slow-burn romance developing between Elizabeth and Darcy in this magical adventure spanning several novels. It is a standalone novel without cliff-hangers, but it is best read as part of a series.
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will he continue on his path of one sided choices to the point of rupture…
At the end of the previous book, I thought Lizzie and Darcy had overcome the worst, yet Darcy being Darcy, he easily goes back to his usual way of dismissing Elizabeth’s opinions or ideas because she was not taught the same way as him.
He is a man in love, but also a man who follows his own way, but as a married man, he should think of sharing his decisions with his wife before settling on his path.
He loves Lizzie but he does not see her truly as his partner, why she learns afterwards his choices, and while they might have been the same, they are two now.
She is not only his wife, but his work partner. But he chooses to make abstraction of her as a colleague. He is a moving mate but works poorly with his companion.
I was a bit surprised by this Elizabeth, she is more demure, quiet, less outspoken, letting the others ostracizing her without much a fight. In some way, she was also an accomplice of her own banishment.
After they both fight many battles at the same time, why they are overwhelmed and lost more often than less.
In all, the epic journey continue with an additional character entering the field to stick a bit more to the original storyline.
4.5 stars
And now to think I have months of waiting before the next installment….
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 kisses
I received a free copy by the author without any counterpart asked. Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
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March 11, 2024
This is book 2 of the series. Finally decided to jump in.
We continue with Lizzie and Darcy. They survived the last battle but the war keeps going on. Lizzie and Darcy are trying to balance duty and their love. They are partners mages, but also a married couple. When events happen, Lizzie finds herself being blamed for them. Rumors spread and now very few people trust her. She will have to try and figure out how to find out the truth before her enemies finally destroy her for good.
I wanted to slap everyone (except for Lizzie and dear Jane)!!!!!!!!!! I especially wanted to kick Darcy in the face. JUST communicate. TALK TO LIZZIE DARN YOU!
I felt very frustrated with this one. I truly don't understand why everyone blamed her so easily. Damn rich folks. Even though she saved all of them in the last battle and she is a wonderful mage, they still look down their noses at her. Damn aholes.
Hopefully with the conclusion of this one everyone will stop jumping on the Blame-Lizzie Train. We'll see how book 3 goes. Yes, I plan on reading the next one.
OOooOO! Jane is here! I loved getting to see her more. She, and the rest of the Bennetts, were barely seen in book 1 so it was lovely to finally see Jane and Bingley start falling for each other (no spoiler here...we all know they are soulmates).
The narrator was good. I really enjoyed her voices. I hope she does the third book.
All-in-all, I didn't like this one nearly as much as book 1. I found myself SO annoyed SO many times. Yes, I get why Lizzie might be slightly sus, but Darcy should've communicated and talked to her. It's like all his character growth from book 1 went away for a while. Yes, he finally opens his eyes, but I wanted to kick him. I hope book 3 is way better and not so Blame-Lizzie-for-everything-damn-the-proof. I'll give this 3 stars. It would've been 2 stars, but with Jane and Bingley finally meeting....and the last scene at the Ball....I was content.
One Word Summary: Frustrating
We continue with Lizzie and Darcy. They survived the last battle but the war keeps going on. Lizzie and Darcy are trying to balance duty and their love. They are partners mages, but also a married couple. When events happen, Lizzie finds herself being blamed for them. Rumors spread and now very few people trust her. She will have to try and figure out how to find out the truth before her enemies finally destroy her for good.
I wanted to slap everyone (except for Lizzie and dear Jane)!!!!!!!!!! I especially wanted to kick Darcy in the face. JUST communicate. TALK TO LIZZIE DARN YOU!
I felt very frustrated with this one. I truly don't understand why everyone blamed her so easily. Damn rich folks. Even though she saved all of them in the last battle and she is a wonderful mage, they still look down their noses at her. Damn aholes.
Hopefully with the conclusion of this one everyone will stop jumping on the Blame-Lizzie Train. We'll see how book 3 goes. Yes, I plan on reading the next one.
OOooOO! Jane is here! I loved getting to see her more. She, and the rest of the Bennetts, were barely seen in book 1 so it was lovely to finally see Jane and Bingley start falling for each other (no spoiler here...we all know they are soulmates).
The narrator was good. I really enjoyed her voices. I hope she does the third book.
All-in-all, I didn't like this one nearly as much as book 1. I found myself SO annoyed SO many times. Yes, I get why Lizzie might be slightly sus, but Darcy should've communicated and talked to her. It's like all his character growth from book 1 went away for a while. Yes, he finally opens his eyes, but I wanted to kick him. I hope book 3 is way better and not so Blame-Lizzie-for-everything-damn-the-proof. I'll give this 3 stars. It would've been 2 stars, but with Jane and Bingley finally meeting....and the last scene at the Ball....I was content.
One Word Summary: Frustrating
February 10, 2023
Good, but...
I did enjoy reading Threads of Magic (book one, set the bar pretty high.) Thank goodness this isn't the last book in the series because I would not be a happy camper. Maybe those things that annoyed me will work itself out in book three.
What I liked:
- The pace of the story (most of the time)
- The story held my interest.
- Darcy and Elizabeth. Their relationship is a work in progress, but I was still invested in their scenes.
- de Riquer. Although his role was small, he appeared to be the only person who truly appreciates Elizabeth. Yes, that includes Darcy and Jane.
What annoyed me:
- Darcy and Matlock's double talk. They would say one thing, and then contradict themselves either through words or action. At times Elizabeth is praised for her powerful, beautiful, but unfamiliar magic, the next minute she's considered untrustworthy and doesn't have the 'proper' training. These accusations are from the same people that praised her and at one time claimed her new magic is just what they needed.
- No one from the Council apologized to Elizabeth, nor made an announcement clearing Elizabeth's name. However, they did happily announce de Riquer (a former enemy) will teach them 'new' magic.
- Why is Elizabeth still with the Royal Mage? She has every reason to want to leave (attempted murder, threats of hanging/treason, unappreciated, shunned, and false accusations.)
- Jane slowed the pace of the book, which made my 4.0 stars fall to 3. I personally think her character is so mellow that any intrigue I felt prior dropped because Jane's scenes brought it to a crawl. I definitely could have done without Jane or any mention of anything Meryton.
- I'm also not a fan of Jane always having a sweet and sympathetic word for other people actions, but always expecting Elizabeth to excuse and forgive someone for their ill treatment of her. I wanted to scream for Elizabeth. Jane is just too sugary for me.
I did enjoy reading Threads of Magic (book one, set the bar pretty high.) Thank goodness this isn't the last book in the series because I would not be a happy camper. Maybe those things that annoyed me will work itself out in book three.
What I liked:
- The pace of the story (most of the time)
- The story held my interest.
- Darcy and Elizabeth. Their relationship is a work in progress, but I was still invested in their scenes.
- de Riquer. Although his role was small, he appeared to be the only person who truly appreciates Elizabeth. Yes, that includes Darcy and Jane.
What annoyed me:
- Darcy and Matlock's double talk. They would say one thing, and then contradict themselves either through words or action. At times Elizabeth is praised for her powerful, beautiful, but unfamiliar magic, the next minute she's considered untrustworthy and doesn't have the 'proper' training. These accusations are from the same people that praised her and at one time claimed her new magic is just what they needed.
- No one from the Council apologized to Elizabeth, nor made an announcement clearing Elizabeth's name. However, they did happily announce de Riquer (a former enemy) will teach them 'new' magic.
- Why is Elizabeth still with the Royal Mage? She has every reason to want to leave (attempted murder, threats of hanging/treason, unappreciated, shunned, and false accusations.)
- Jane slowed the pace of the book, which made my 4.0 stars fall to 3. I personally think her character is so mellow that any intrigue I felt prior dropped because Jane's scenes brought it to a crawl. I definitely could have done without Jane or any mention of anything Meryton.
- I'm also not a fan of Jane always having a sweet and sympathetic word for other people actions, but always expecting Elizabeth to excuse and forgive someone for their ill treatment of her. I wanted to scream for Elizabeth. Jane is just too sugary for me.
January 28, 2022
This book picks up right after the previous one, and it shares the fast pace of Dangerous Magic as well as some of the prevalent themes.
***spoilers***
Elizabeth’s magic is still seen as strange and distrusted by the Council. The initial scene of attack annoyed me to no end. A fireball??? Seriously? It was just… crude. I don’t know how else to explain, but it really rattled me that a fireball of the magnitude that would scare them so much would go unseen by anyone inside the hall.
Then there was Darcy, treating Elizabeth like a child. Professing love and desire while not really respecting her. There were many times in the book when I really thought she should just leave him, he was so difficult.
It was hard to understand why she loved him here, when he really didn’t give her that many reasons to.
I liked the portrayal of the council and the people choosing to blame Elizabeth as the most comfortable option, and it was quite believable as well. But how did Jane walk through the wards? Why did no one else realise what was going on with Bingley? I had a hard time believing some of the plots and twists in the story, and it made the book tiring.
It was overall a good book though, and I like that she put Jane back in the story. It also lost a bit more of the Harry Potter felling to it, becoming more its own thing. I will still continue on the series to see where the story goes from here.
***spoilers***
Elizabeth’s magic is still seen as strange and distrusted by the Council. The initial scene of attack annoyed me to no end. A fireball??? Seriously? It was just… crude. I don’t know how else to explain, but it really rattled me that a fireball of the magnitude that would scare them so much would go unseen by anyone inside the hall.
Then there was Darcy, treating Elizabeth like a child. Professing love and desire while not really respecting her. There were many times in the book when I really thought she should just leave him, he was so difficult.
It was hard to understand why she loved him here, when he really didn’t give her that many reasons to.
I liked the portrayal of the council and the people choosing to blame Elizabeth as the most comfortable option, and it was quite believable as well. But how did Jane walk through the wards? Why did no one else realise what was going on with Bingley? I had a hard time believing some of the plots and twists in the story, and it made the book tiring.
It was overall a good book though, and I like that she put Jane back in the story. It also lost a bit more of the Harry Potter felling to it, becoming more its own thing. I will still continue on the series to see where the story goes from here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2022
Great continuation
As the second book in this series it's as good as the first. After an attack on Founders Hall that Darcy and Elizabeth stopped the mages move to Netherfield because they need to secure a French prisoner. The belief is that they can hide in Meryton with wards around the property where they are supposed to be injured soldiers in recovery. They forgot about Mrs Bennet and her quest for husbands for her daughters. She sends Jane who is a Healer in the rain on horseback to offer to help. Yes she gets sick and then tries to heal Charles who was injured in the London attack.
It's interesting and at times frustrating because Darcy still doesn't trust his wife as his magical twin and keeps secrets from her. At times his pompous side comes out and is quite annoying to her. I'm also surprised that we hear nothing further from the Bennet family. Except for the two women everyone disappeared from the story even Mr Bennet who is supposedly a talented mage in retirement.
As the second book in this series it's as good as the first. After an attack on Founders Hall that Darcy and Elizabeth stopped the mages move to Netherfield because they need to secure a French prisoner. The belief is that they can hide in Meryton with wards around the property where they are supposed to be injured soldiers in recovery. They forgot about Mrs Bennet and her quest for husbands for her daughters. She sends Jane who is a Healer in the rain on horseback to offer to help. Yes she gets sick and then tries to heal Charles who was injured in the London attack.
It's interesting and at times frustrating because Darcy still doesn't trust his wife as his magical twin and keeps secrets from her. At times his pompous side comes out and is quite annoying to her. I'm also surprised that we hear nothing further from the Bennet family. Except for the two women everyone disappeared from the story even Mr Bennet who is supposedly a talented mage in retirement.
June 27, 2022
This was the second in the series. The story picked up immediately where the first left off. D&E finally declare their feelings of love for each other, but, of course, right from the start, problems arise.
This book didn’t hold the same appeal for me as the first. A big deal is made out of the war with France and how D&E couldn’t live as husband and wife based on the imminent attack by Napolean and his mages, however, there is only one such attack in the beginning and then nothing more from that quarter for the rest of the book. Instead, the council and seemingly all of England seem to have the sole purpose of being obsessed with Elizabeth Darcy and the threat from Napolean takes a back seat. Instead of focusing on the real threat and the actual war, the only concern anyone has is Elizabeth and how inappropriate and unacceptable she is.
Overall, it was okay. The writing was good and there were some enjoyable aspects of this book, but it was very single minded and IMO the everyone out of get Elizabeth plot got a bit old.
This book didn’t hold the same appeal for me as the first. A big deal is made out of the war with France and how D&E couldn’t live as husband and wife based on the imminent attack by Napolean and his mages, however, there is only one such attack in the beginning and then nothing more from that quarter for the rest of the book. Instead, the council and seemingly all of England seem to have the sole purpose of being obsessed with Elizabeth Darcy and the threat from Napolean takes a back seat. Instead of focusing on the real threat and the actual war, the only concern anyone has is Elizabeth and how inappropriate and unacceptable she is.
Overall, it was okay. The writing was good and there were some enjoyable aspects of this book, but it was very single minded and IMO the everyone out of get Elizabeth plot got a bit old.
October 7, 2023
This continues on the story from book 1, beginning when Lizzy and Darcy return to The Founders Hall in time to avert a dangerous attack; however, they were so efficient in their defence, that many in the hall don't believe it even happened. The blame Lizzy for the fire which have send them fleeing, and have sent Mr Bingley and two others into a vegetative state.
Half the mages flee to Netherfield where they secretly set up their magical Academy. Darcy joins the council in an attempt to defend Lizzy, but their relationship dramas continue. Lizzy struggles with the guilt of what she may have done to Mr Bingley, and even mages with whom she once had good relationships are now turning their back on her.
Darcy and Lizzy must work together against a variety of secret attacks, in order to uncover the person who is trying to get Lizzy out.
I didn't love this book as much as the first one, but it was nice to see Jane more in the story.
Half the mages flee to Netherfield where they secretly set up their magical Academy. Darcy joins the council in an attempt to defend Lizzy, but their relationship dramas continue. Lizzy struggles with the guilt of what she may have done to Mr Bingley, and even mages with whom she once had good relationships are now turning their back on her.
Darcy and Lizzy must work together against a variety of secret attacks, in order to uncover the person who is trying to get Lizzy out.
I didn't love this book as much as the first one, but it was nice to see Jane more in the story.
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