Teacup Magic: The First Collection by Tansy Rayner Roberts
A series of gas-lamp fantasy adventures set amongst the intrigues and machinations of the genteel upper classes in the magical Teacup Isles. (Which look surprisingly like a fantasy allegory of Victorian England).
What it’s about
Miss Mnemosyne Seabourne (Mneme for short) is a respectable lady and a sorcerer (for a given value of “respectable” at least), in a society of respectable lady and gentlemen sorcerers. When we first meet her she is unmarried and frustrated by the expectation that she will look for a husband.
The jeopardy in the first story is almost entirely supplied by the question of who her cousin, the extremely eligible and unsuitable Duke of Storm, will marry - and also whether his surprisingly suitable spellcracker, Mr. Charles Thornbury, will get out of his own way for long enough to “crack the case”.
The book comprises three short(ish) adventures that fit together into a longer story.
Why you should read it
We found these stories to be thoroughly charming and extremely well written. They whip along at reasonably quick pace, and while the stakes may at times be a little high to describe them as “cosy” they certainly have the comforting “feel-good” vibes that cosy fans will look for.
That said, there is no shortage of jeopardy and breathless moments - all handled with considerable style and skill. In short, the ride is smooth but still exciting, you’re in good hands here, and you will have a good time.
The characters, from the narrator herself to even minor cast members, are memorably drawn and distinctive, and the setting is both fantastic and familiar.
We particularly enjoyed the central romance, and the way in which both Mneme and Thornbury chafe at and question their society’s limits while working within them to achieve their goals. Oddly, we think this relationship really comes alive when the narrative switches briefly into epistolary. Their letters to each other are a thing of hilarious beauty.
You might not like it if…
We think we’ve been pretty clear about what you’re getting here, and the book itself is marketed quite accurately. On offer is a weekend away in the wondrous and magical Teacup Isles, with some light adventure, drama and genteel romance for your amusement, followed of course by tea and cake. The only way we can see readers being disappointed is if they came looking for gritty realism - and if you did that you’re just not paying attention. Don’t do that.
Where you can find it
It’s available in ebook and audio book, wherever you get your fix.
We bought it, here>>