When Theodora Ettings was a small child, a faerie came and stole half her soul. Since then, she lives her life like she’s behind a sheet of glass, observing things yet never actually feeling them. When she goes with her cousin Vanessa into London for the new season, her only desire is to fade into the background and not ruin Vanessa’s chance at a match. Unfortunately for her, she attracts the notice of Lord Elias Wilder, the Lord Sorcier of England, who decides she’s a puzzle he desires to solve. His offer of helping her retrieve her soul is everything Theodora has wanted; the fact he is causing her to believe one may be able to fall in love with half a soul however is rather inconvenient.
For someone who doesn’t know how she feels about wither Regency England or cozy fantasy, I do seem to be reading quite a few books about both. The social mores still grate a little, however this was a rather enjoyable take on it all. Theodora was a wonderful protagonist, no-nonsense and dry-humored and caring, despite the belief that she really can’t be. Elias was sarcastic and closed-off, yet that only hid the large heart he actually has. And unlike Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries, they actually have a romance that screams of Howl and Sophie of Howl’s Moving Castle. Vanessa was okay, if clueless and obtusely selfish can be excused away. Her mother however, I was disappointed to end the book with her not having been slapped at least once, though I suppose you need at least one character per book that you wish violence upon; this book gives you at least two.
I really enjoyed this one. I’m only sad that I can’t seem to find the newsletter that lists includes the sequel novella. I would love to see how their story continues. Read if you like cozy fantasies set in Regency England where happily ever after is maybe not 100% what you would think it would be.