Format: ebook
Published: 24th July, 2023
Age: Adult
Genre: Historical Fantasy Romance
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Cosy queer historical fantasy about a con artist who is dared to seduce a frankly boring gentleman, set in London, 1920s, where people have magic but very few feel free to use it. Sebastian – our thief – knows Morgan, the man he’s dared to seduce, from childhood, so Sebastian decides to try something different: honesty. Not that he tells Morgan everything, like the heist he has planned with his friend that will set them up for life. But he is at least honest with Morgan about his past, and the fact he is an ex-convict.
If you’re looking for something romantic, with plenty of sparks – metaphorical and literal – flying, along with a couple of heists, this cosy fantasy could be what you’re looking for. It’s the third book in Flos Magicae, though it’s very much a standalone in a series where the books don’t have to be read in order.
I really liked this one, and found myself totally swept up in the fantasy version of 1920s London, charmed especially by our con artist MC Sebastian. And although, yes, Morgan initially comes across as a little stiff and boring, it becomes apparent he has, in some ways, shrunk himself to exist alongside society. With Sebastian’s help, he comes out of his shell, and seeing the pair growing closer was absolutely lovely.
The magic and heists are wrapped in so delightfully, it’s hard not to get caught up, and the side characters were equally as fun and well thought out. This was such a great read, and I’ll definitely be reading more from Arden Powell, starting with the earlier books in the Flos Magicae series.
I got this book as part of Divination Hollow’s Queer Your eReader event. This free book blast returns on 12th September, 2026, so make sure you make a note in your calendar to visit the website then for free queer books!
Reading Challenge
Twenty Genres in 2026
Prompt: Romance
Progress: 9/20
Unwrapping Words 