Title: The Midnight Queen
Author: Sylvia Izzo Hunter
First published September 2, 2014
417 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780425272459 (ISBN10: 0425272451)
Rating: 3.55
Overview
At Merlin College, the most talented and privileged sons of the Kingdom of Britain learn the secrets of magic. But for Gray Marshall, a disastrous errand with his peers leaves him without his powers and sent away in disgrace.
Forced to spend the summer under the watchful eye of his domineering professor, Gray meets Sophie Callender, a woman with a deep interest in the lore of magic. Against her father’s wishes, Sophie has studied the ancient volumes of magic and finds in Gray someone who encourages her interest.
But their meeting sets off a chain of events that reveals secrets about each of them, and they begin to suspect that there are sinister forces at work. Determined to uncover the truth, they will stop at nothing, no matter the cost.
About the Author
Sylvia Izzo Hunter hails from Calgary, Alberta, and has been a storyteller since she was a toddler. She presently resides in Toronto, Ontario, along with her husband, daughter, and their impressive assortment of books, comics, and DVDs. Along with writing, Sylvia works in academic publishing, sings in two choirs, reads extensively, knits (mostly hats), and enjoys experimental baking.
Sylvia holds a special place in her heart for Doctor Who’s fourth incarnation, Tom Baker. She is partial to rotini when it comes to pasta shapes, and the Seventh Symphony by Beethoven is her all-time favorite.
Editoral Review
The Midnight Queen by Sylvia Izzo Hunter is a historical-fantasy novel set in the Victorian era, and it was first published on September 2, 2014. The story follows Gray Marshall, a student at Merlin College, who gets entangled in a plot involving magic, politics, and a dangerous cult.
Hunter’s writing style is elegant and poetic, with vivid descriptions that bring the novel’s setting and characters to life. The Midnight Queen is a refreshing take on the historical-fantasy genre, as it blends magic and history seamlessly.
The story is set in an alternate version of Victorian England, where magic is real and accepted as a part of society. Hunter’s world-building is impressive, as she creates a rich and detailed magical system that fits perfectly into the historical context.
The novel’s themes are also relevant to current events, touching on topics such as prejudice, power, and resistance. The plot of The Midnight Queen is well-crafted, with a good mix of action, mystery, and romance.
The novel’s pacing is steady, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged without feeling rushed. The main characters are nuanced and complex, with realistic motivations and flaws.
Gray Marshall, in particular, is a relatable protagonist who grows and learns throughout the story. The supporting cast is also well-developed, with unique personalities and distinct voices.
One of the strengths of The Midnight Queen is its prose. Hunter’s writing is graceful and evocative, with a lyrical quality that adds depth to the story.
Her use of language is impressive, as she creates vivid descriptions that enhance the reader’s immersion in the world of the novel. The dialogue is also well-written, with natural cadences and believable exchanges.
However, one weakness of the novel is its pacing. While the plot is well-paced overall, there are some sections where the story drags or feels repetitive.
Some of the subplots could also have been trimmed down to streamline the narrative. Another flaw is the portrayal of some of the female characters, who are sometimes reduced to love interests or damsels in distress.
Overall, The Midnight Queen is a beautifully written and well-plotted historical-fantasy novel that will appeal to fans of the genre. Hunter’s prose is a standout, and her world-building is impressive.
While the novel has some flaws in pacing and character development, these do not detract from the overall quality of the story. I would recommend The Midnight Queen to readers who enjoy magic, romance, and adventure in a Victorian setting.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
