Book Review: A Radical Act of Free Magic by H. G. Parry

Format: Paperback
Published: July 20th, 2021
Age: Adult
Genre: Historical Fantasy

Rating: 5/5 Stars

I was really excited to pick up the second book in The Shadow Histories duology, and it truly did not disappoint. Far from it, in fact. Like A Declaration of the Rights of Magicians, A Radical Act of Free Magic is a historical fantasy set at a time of great change for the British Empire. The first book took us through the French and Saint Domingue Revolutions, the second focuses on the aftermath; the rise of Napoleon, Toussaint’s struggles to liberate Saint Domingue and keep slavery away from the island, Wilberforce’s continued fight to end slavery and the binding of magicians, and Pitt’s growing illness, along with a rapidly approaching vampire war.

There are only a small number of people who know of the enemy’s existence and the extent of the danger he poses, and they will have to work together to bring him down.

Something that helped my understanding of the events here was (separately) reading a book about Toussaint and the Haiti revolution previously; not that it is a requirement, but it helped with the context of the novel and it was interesting to see Parry’s version unfold here.

I love the relationship between Wilberforce and Pitt portrayed here, too – I have no idea how much is based on real life (apologies to both the real-life men) but it was a friendship that really held the book together, especially as they both drift into different parts of their lives, but remain close, really increasing the emotional beats throughout. Pitt’s niece Hester was an absolute delight, a determined young woman who aids her uncle and carries a strong confidence that helps keep those around her upbeat. Then, of course, there is Fina, one of the most interesting characters in both books, who is constantly underestimated by those around her, and uses that to her advantage.

What’s clear throughout is the ongoing impact the war between France and England had on other parts of the world – namely, their colonies, but the novel’s events see us following Napoleon into Egypt, too, where he makes a startling discovery. Events in Saint Domingue are not completely free of the stranger’s influence, either, and neither, it seems, is British Parliament.

This book is historical fantasy at its finest, taking real people and real events and infusing them with magic in a way that feels completely fitting. In both real life and the book, it’s a turbulent time, with things changing in unforeseen ways, and strides made into the nineteenth century. Some are able to adapt to the change, others struggle, and Parry does a great job of reflecting this in a really vibrant, entertaining way.

This is a really solid, even remarkable duology, and one I suggest picking up if you enjoy magical historical fantasy.

Reading Challenge
Avengers Challenge!
Prompt: BONUS: Ant-Man – Comedy, magicians, or shape-shifting

Progress: 6/6 Completed + 80% (4) Bonus Prompts