SFF

The Midnight Witch

by Paula Brackston
Thomas Dunne: St. Martin's. Mar. 2014. 352p. ISBN 9781250006080. $25.99; ebk. ISBN 9781250022967. FANTASY
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On the eve of World War I, Lady Lilith Montgomery goes through two major life events: the loss of her beloved father, the Duke of Radnor, and taking his place as the head of the Lazarus Coven. Lilith struggles with her new responsibilities and expectations (both as a witch and as an aristocrat), defying both when she falls in love with aspiring artist Bram Cardale, who belongs to neither her coven nor her class. The coven is responsible for safeguarding an elixir that can grant life itself, but there are rival necromancers who want it for their own.
VERDICT Depicting a time of great social change allows Brackston (The Witch's Daughter) to create a pleasing character arc for Lilith, who seems of her time but still willing to defy convention to achieve happiness. There are balls and gowns as well as slums and opium dens, all painting a picture of a lost age, with just enough magic to keep things exciting for fantasy fans. [See Prepub Alert, 9/30/13.]
Reviewed by Megan M. McArdle , Mar 15, 2014
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