pagesofjulia

Same disclaimer as last time.

Well, it is early in the year for this, but I have possibly found the best book of the year. I am crazy about this Last Binding trilogy.

Book three, like the two before it, centers around one couple that makes a connection and then sizzles hot. But it also advances the world-level plot that’s been building in all three books: a group of powerful and power-hungry magicians, of the sort who hold enormous social capital, titles, and wealth as well as magic, aim to monopolize still further, stealing power from the bulk of magical humankind. It’s egregious, but very human of them. Our motley crew, which now comprises Violet, Maud, Robin, Edwin, Addie, Jack, and Alan, aims to stop them. But despite their combined riches in titles, wealth, magical power and expertise, smarts and pure scrappiness, our group pales in comparison to the established power of magical England. It’s grim, in fact.

Alongside the trilogy’s thread about magical power and threat to the world – with a growing sense of social justice, thanks not least of all to Alan’s contributions – and a delightful romantic-and-sexy thread with our third couple to take center stage, there is a growing sense that these friends are building something beautiful as a group. Several, or nearly all, of these protagonists considered themselves loners when the story began. One important but understated headline to A Power Unbound is that they are no longer alone, but members of the kind of built family that will take care of one another in the most important and profound ways.

I cannot understate how devastated I was to finish this book. I don’t remember the last time I was this sad about there being no more. I’m relieved to learn that Marske has two other novels, which you’ll hear from me about soon. But gosh. The Last Binding. I can’t believe I’m going to live without this group of funny, plucky, curious, hard-loving young people. Here in the first month of the year, I think this is the one to beat. All hail.

Filed under: book reviews | Tagged: fantasy, historical fiction, LGBTQ, romance |