A Case of Possession
A Case of Possession, the second installment in KJ Charles’s A Charm of Magpies series, is a dazzling continuation of the magical, romantic, and suspenseful journey begun in The Magpie Lord. This historical paranormal romance, set in Victorian London, delivers a heady mix of intrigue, magic, and heartfelt emotion, centered around the evolving relationship between Lord Lucien Crane and magician Stephen Day. With its fast-paced plot, richly developed characters, and a perfect balance of romance and mystery, this book is a must-read for fans of queer romance, historical fiction, and paranormal adventures.
A Compelling Plot Brimming with Magic and Danger
The story picks up shortly after the events of The Magpie Lord, plunging readers back into the gritty, fog-laden streets of Victorian London. Stephen Day, a justiciar tasked with policing magical malpractice, is investigating a chilling plague of giant, man-eating rats sweeping through the city. This grotesque supernatural threat is both horrifying and captivating, serving as the backbone of a mystery that unfolds with relentless momentum. The plot weaves in elements of Lucien’s past, including a dark history tied to events in Shanghai thirteen years prior, which adds layers of intrigue and personal stakes to the narrative. The inclusion of a blackmailer threatening to expose Stephen and Lucien’s illicit relationship further heightens the tension, forcing the characters to confront both external dangers and internal conflicts.
KJ Charles masterfully blends historical authenticity with paranormal flair. The magical elements—particularly Stephen’s enhanced powers, fueled by his blood-and-sex bond with Lucien—are seamlessly integrated into the story, never feeling contrived. The mystery of the giant rats is both gruesome and cleverly plotted, with twists that keep readers guessing. As one reviewer noted, the story moves “so swiftly that I was aghast when I realized I’d reached the halfway mark”. The pacing is dynamic, balancing action-packed sequences with quieter moments of character development, ensuring that the narrative never lags.
A Romance That Deepens and Delights
At the heart of A Case of Possession is the evolving relationship between Lucien Crane, a wealthy and irreverent lord with a colorful past, and Stephen Day, a diminutive but powerful magician bound by duty. Their romance is both tender and steamy, navigating the societal constraints of Victorian England, where their relationship is not only scandalous but illegal. Charles handles this tension with nuance, highlighting the emotional weight of their need for secrecy while allowing their bond to deepen through trust and vulnerability.
Lucien’s frustration with Stephen’s frequent absences—due to his demanding job as a justiciar—adds a realistic layer to their dynamic. The push-and-pull of their relationship, as Lucien grapples with his impending return to China and Stephen faces suspicions of turning warlock, is portrayed with emotional depth. Moments of intimacy, such as Stephen’s bold declaration, “I want to get my mouth on you,” are both surprising and electrifying, showcasing Charles’s ability to craft erotic scenes that are integral to the characters’ emotional journey. Readers have praised the “intriguing and endearing” relationship, noting the “nice balance between sorting out the relationship and dealing with the rat mystery”.
The chemistry between Lucien and Stephen is undeniable, enhanced by their contrasting personalities—Lucien’s brash pragmatism complements Stephen’s quiet intensity, creating a partnership that feels both authentic and compelling. Their growth as a couple, navigating trust, commitment, and the looming threat of exposure, makes their story resonate on a deeply emotional level.
Richly Drawn Characters and World-Building
One of Charles’s greatest strengths is her ability to create vivid, multifaceted characters, and A Case of Possession is no exception. Lucien and Stephen are richly developed, with their flaws and strengths laid bare. Lucien’s charisma and sharp wit shine through, while Stephen’s quiet competence and moral complexity make him a captivating protagonist. The introduction of secondary characters, such as Stephen’s formidable colleague Esther and his young apprentice, adds depth to the story and expands the magical world of the Charm of Magpies series. As one reviewer noted, “even the side characters are well-written,” contributing to the immersive quality of the narrative.
The historical setting is meticulously crafted, capturing the oppressive atmosphere of Victorian London while addressing the era’s social issues, such as homophobia and racial prejudices, with sensitivity. Charles navigates these themes thoughtfully, acknowledging the period’s problematic attitudes without letting them overshadow the story. For instance, one reviewer appreciated that Charles avoids creating characters who are “nearly as racist or homophobic as they surely were back then,” striking a balance that keeps the story accessible to modern readers.
Writing That Sparkles with Wit and Emotion
KJ Charles’s prose is a standout feature of A Case of Possession. Her writing is crisp, witty, and evocative, blending humor, horror, and tenderness with ease. The dialogue is particularly sharp, filled with banter that brings the characters to life. As one reader described, the book is “filled with witty dialogue and perfect grammar,” making it a pleasure to read. Charles’s ability to evoke a “dreamy ambience” while maintaining a “dynamic pace” ensures that the story is both atmospheric and engaging.
The audiobook, narrated by Cornell Collins, further enhances the experience. Collins’s performance is lauded for its ability to capture Lucien’s aristocratic elegance and Stephen’s understated strength, with one reviewer noting his skill in moving “smoothly between Lucien’s elegant ‘lord of the manor’ voice” and his tougher persona. The audio version also includes a bonus short story, A Case of Spirits, which adds a delightful extra layer to the narrative.
Why You Should Read It
A Case of Possession is a triumph of storytelling, blending romance, mystery, and magic into a cohesive and exhilarating read. It builds on the strengths of The Magpie Lord while deepening the emotional stakes and expanding the world. Fans of paranormal romance will delight in the magical elements, while those drawn to historical fiction will appreciate the richly detailed setting and nuanced exploration of societal constraints. The novel’s 4.5-star ratings across platforms like Goodreads and Audible attest to its broad appeal.
For readers new to the series, I recommend starting with The Magpie Lord to fully appreciate the character arcs and world-building, as A Case of Possession is not a standalone. However, its self-contained mystery ensures that it remains accessible, with enough context to follow the plot. Whether you’re drawn to the steamy romance, the spine-chilling mystery, or the vibrant characters, this book delivers on all fronts.
In conclusion, A Case of Possession is a captivating, emotionally rich, and thoroughly entertaining addition to KJ Charles’s A Charm of Magpies series. It’s a book that lingers in the mind, leaving readers eager for the next installment. If you’re looking for a story that combines heart-pounding action, heartfelt romance, and a touch of magic, this is a must-read. KJ Charles has crafted a gem that shines brightly in the realm of queer historical romance.
You can buy A Case of Possession by KJ Charles with my Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3SdIZ60
A Compelling Plot Brimming with Magic and Danger
The story picks up shortly after the events of The Magpie Lord, plunging readers back into the gritty, fog-laden streets of Victorian London. Stephen Day, a justiciar tasked with policing magical malpractice, is investigating a chilling plague of giant, man-eating rats sweeping through the city. This grotesque supernatural threat is both horrifying and captivating, serving as the backbone of a mystery that unfolds with relentless momentum. The plot weaves in elements of Lucien’s past, including a dark history tied to events in Shanghai thirteen years prior, which adds layers of intrigue and personal stakes to the narrative. The inclusion of a blackmailer threatening to expose Stephen and Lucien’s illicit relationship further heightens the tension, forcing the characters to confront both external dangers and internal conflicts.
KJ Charles masterfully blends historical authenticity with paranormal flair. The magical elements—particularly Stephen’s enhanced powers, fueled by his blood-and-sex bond with Lucien—are seamlessly integrated into the story, never feeling contrived. The mystery of the giant rats is both gruesome and cleverly plotted, with twists that keep readers guessing. As one reviewer noted, the story moves “so swiftly that I was aghast when I realized I’d reached the halfway mark”. The pacing is dynamic, balancing action-packed sequences with quieter moments of character development, ensuring that the narrative never lags.
A Romance That Deepens and Delights
At the heart of A Case of Possession is the evolving relationship between Lucien Crane, a wealthy and irreverent lord with a colorful past, and Stephen Day, a diminutive but powerful magician bound by duty. Their romance is both tender and steamy, navigating the societal constraints of Victorian England, where their relationship is not only scandalous but illegal. Charles handles this tension with nuance, highlighting the emotional weight of their need for secrecy while allowing their bond to deepen through trust and vulnerability.
Lucien’s frustration with Stephen’s frequent absences—due to his demanding job as a justiciar—adds a realistic layer to their dynamic. The push-and-pull of their relationship, as Lucien grapples with his impending return to China and Stephen faces suspicions of turning warlock, is portrayed with emotional depth. Moments of intimacy, such as Stephen’s bold declaration, “I want to get my mouth on you,” are both surprising and electrifying, showcasing Charles’s ability to craft erotic scenes that are integral to the characters’ emotional journey. Readers have praised the “intriguing and endearing” relationship, noting the “nice balance between sorting out the relationship and dealing with the rat mystery”.
The chemistry between Lucien and Stephen is undeniable, enhanced by their contrasting personalities—Lucien’s brash pragmatism complements Stephen’s quiet intensity, creating a partnership that feels both authentic and compelling. Their growth as a couple, navigating trust, commitment, and the looming threat of exposure, makes their story resonate on a deeply emotional level.
Richly Drawn Characters and World-Building
One of Charles’s greatest strengths is her ability to create vivid, multifaceted characters, and A Case of Possession is no exception. Lucien and Stephen are richly developed, with their flaws and strengths laid bare. Lucien’s charisma and sharp wit shine through, while Stephen’s quiet competence and moral complexity make him a captivating protagonist. The introduction of secondary characters, such as Stephen’s formidable colleague Esther and his young apprentice, adds depth to the story and expands the magical world of the Charm of Magpies series. As one reviewer noted, “even the side characters are well-written,” contributing to the immersive quality of the narrative.
The historical setting is meticulously crafted, capturing the oppressive atmosphere of Victorian London while addressing the era’s social issues, such as homophobia and racial prejudices, with sensitivity. Charles navigates these themes thoughtfully, acknowledging the period’s problematic attitudes without letting them overshadow the story. For instance, one reviewer appreciated that Charles avoids creating characters who are “nearly as racist or homophobic as they surely were back then,” striking a balance that keeps the story accessible to modern readers.
Writing That Sparkles with Wit and Emotion
KJ Charles’s prose is a standout feature of A Case of Possession. Her writing is crisp, witty, and evocative, blending humor, horror, and tenderness with ease. The dialogue is particularly sharp, filled with banter that brings the characters to life. As one reader described, the book is “filled with witty dialogue and perfect grammar,” making it a pleasure to read. Charles’s ability to evoke a “dreamy ambience” while maintaining a “dynamic pace” ensures that the story is both atmospheric and engaging.
The audiobook, narrated by Cornell Collins, further enhances the experience. Collins’s performance is lauded for its ability to capture Lucien’s aristocratic elegance and Stephen’s understated strength, with one reviewer noting his skill in moving “smoothly between Lucien’s elegant ‘lord of the manor’ voice” and his tougher persona. The audio version also includes a bonus short story, A Case of Spirits, which adds a delightful extra layer to the narrative.
Why You Should Read It
A Case of Possession is a triumph of storytelling, blending romance, mystery, and magic into a cohesive and exhilarating read. It builds on the strengths of The Magpie Lord while deepening the emotional stakes and expanding the world. Fans of paranormal romance will delight in the magical elements, while those drawn to historical fiction will appreciate the richly detailed setting and nuanced exploration of societal constraints. The novel’s 4.5-star ratings across platforms like Goodreads and Audible attest to its broad appeal.
For readers new to the series, I recommend starting with The Magpie Lord to fully appreciate the character arcs and world-building, as A Case of Possession is not a standalone. However, its self-contained mystery ensures that it remains accessible, with enough context to follow the plot. Whether you’re drawn to the steamy romance, the spine-chilling mystery, or the vibrant characters, this book delivers on all fronts.
In conclusion, A Case of Possession is a captivating, emotionally rich, and thoroughly entertaining addition to KJ Charles’s A Charm of Magpies series. It’s a book that lingers in the mind, leaving readers eager for the next installment. If you’re looking for a story that combines heart-pounding action, heartfelt romance, and a touch of magic, this is a must-read. KJ Charles has crafted a gem that shines brightly in the realm of queer historical romance.
You can buy A Case of Possession by KJ Charles with my Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3SdIZ60
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