The Magicians and Mrs. Quent by Galen Beckett (2008) [G1]

This book was recommended to me by a good friend of mine. She even lent me her own copy because that way I could just give it back if I didn't like it. Well, of course, I was going to like it. And, obviously, I did because, there are very few things that I don't like. I even bought my own copy - and it's sequels! 

The Magicians and Mrs. Quent by Galen Beckett is full of major Regency Era/Jane Austen vibes with a little magical fantasy thrown in.

The book is divided into three mini-books, each in a different setting and covering a mini-plot that all relate and tie into the main overarching story. I liked that it was divide this way because it gave a good introduction to each important part of the story that needed to be introduced and covered before the end. This set up of the three mini-books also kind of aligns with the second and third books in the trilogy as well - more on that later!

The first mini-book is set in the main city of Invarel, where high society lives, works and courts. Many characters and initial plotlines are established in his part. The Lockwell family is introduced, of which Ivy is the eldest daughter of three. Her mother is continuously obsessed with marrying them off (sounds a bit like Mrs. Bennett in Pride and Prejudice) and their father is a recluse that lives in the attic. He is tormented by an illness of the mind that everyone believes was caused by his dabbles in magical research. Other notables are the obnoxious cousin set to inherit (like Mr. Collins, but a lawyer), the potential gentleman suitor (like Darcy or Bingley), and the other society members set on interfering and making sure everything is proper. The reclusive father is the catalyst of the Lockwell's mysterious family backstory, and who are the men in capes constantly coming to the house looking for him?! After tragedy strikes, Ivy is forced to take drastic measures to ensure the family's security. Cue mini-book number two! 

The second part is about Ivy's adventures at Heathcrest Hall and it's elusive keeper, Mr. Quent. Mini-book number two has some gothic vibes to it: darkness, mystery and visions of ghosts. Ivy finds something of her father's hidden in the manor house and learns more about magic, witches, and the wyrdwood from the local villagers. The wyrdwood are tied to the 'risings', a magical event that is becoming more frequent, and it is Mr. Quent's job to investigate. Ivy also learns some vital information about her past and about her family's ties to Heathcrest Hall. The gothic adventures at Heathcrest have a happy ending when Mr. Quent offers marriage to Ivy and she accepts!

The romance plot lines with Ivy and Rafferdy in the first part, and then Ivy and Mr. Quent in the second part are very reminiscent of Elizabeth and Darcy but also of Colonel Brandon and Marianne. Like SO much Jane Austen going on! Love it!

But the book is not over yet! We still have min-book number 3, which is all about the House on Durrow Street that Mr. Lockwell left to Ivy. The Lockwells used to live in the house until the father's illness progressed. There is yet another mystery man who tells Ivy that the locked up should not be opened. She doesn't listen - there is a riddle her father left for her to solve! The magical elements are weaving into the storyline more now! Rafferdy and Mr. Quent are acquainted and Rafferdy is sad about Ivy's marriage to Quent (sorry you lost out, bud). The House on Durrow Street is opened and everything is revealed! I had guessed early on who the villain might and I was right!

The Magicians and Mrs. Quent is a longer book, and there is much in it to cover; many interweaving plotlines that all make sense in the end. I adored this book and can definitely understand why my friend reads it every so often! I cannot wait to dive into the second and third books. The second book is titled The House on Durrow Street and the third is The Master of Heathcrest Hall. I said the parts of the first book sort of relate to the other books in the trilogy, did I not? My predictions are that the sequel will delve more into the magick of the world and the 'risings' and how Ivy fits into it all. And, then the third will cover more about Mr. Quent's relationship with the crown, Lord Rafferdy and his job as an inquirer. I wonder how right I'll be?

To be continued!