Uncertain Magic by Laura Kinsale is a historical romance novel that intertwines fey magic with a tale of love, political unrest, and family curses. The story follows Roderica Delamore, a young woman with the gift of seeing into the minds of others, who meets Faelan Savingar, known as The Devil Earl of Iveragh. Their unconventional courtship leads to marriage, but as secrets unravel and dark pasts come to light, their relationship is tested in the backdrop of Ireland's misty and magical landscape.

Characters:

The characters are multifaceted, with Roddy displaying vulnerability and strength, while Faelan embodies mystery and complexity.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by flowery, lyrical prose with natural and accessible dialogue, balancing description with reader imagination.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot combines romance, adventure, and magical elements, featuring themes of rebellion and hidden truths.

Setting:

The setting is largely in Ireland, characterized by rich historical elements and a touch of magical realism.

Pacing:

The pacing moves quickly, with significant events unfolding early on, emphasizing a rapid narrative flow.

Roderica Delamore clutched hard at the billowing silk folds of her father's pavilion as the horses came pounding down the turf. The blood-bay stallion was in the lead, a flash of living fire, pulling ...

Notes:

The main character, Roddy, can hear the thoughts and feelings of humans and animals, which she views as both a gift and a curse.

Roddy's ability affects her ability to form close relationships, as she fears no one would want to marry someone who exposes their thoughts.

She meets Faelan, known as the Devil Earl, whose thoughts she cannot read, making him intriguing to her.

Their relationship progresses quickly, with them marrying by chapter five, challenging typical romance tropes.

The story blends romance with elements of adventure, historical events, family secrets, and Gaelic magic.

The plot involves serious themes, including rebellion in Ireland, smuggling, and possible murder.

Faelan is portrayed as a dark, enigmatic hero with a troubled past, adding to the story's mystery.

Roddy's journey represents a struggle between her desire for love and the consequences of her unique ability.

The writing style is noted for being lyrical and easy to read while being descriptive without overwhelming the reader with detail.

The book features paranormal elements alongside typical historical romance themes, marking a unique combination in the genre.

It was originally published in 1987, being one of the earlier works to blend these supernatural elements into historical romance.

The book includes a pig mascot named MacLassar, adding a charming touch to Roddy's character.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include elements related to mental illness, societal turmoil, and sexual content.

Has Romance?

There is a strong presence of romance throughout the book, characterized by deep emotional connections and conflict.

explicit steam level

From The Publisher:

Convenience turns to love when an heiress weds a disreputable rake in this sweeping Irish romance by a New York Times-bestselling author.

Cursed with the gift of mind reading, Roddy Delamore has little chance of finding a husband. Driven mad by the dishonorable thoughts of her suitors, she struggles to trust any man she meets. She seizes on the chance to marry Lord Faelan Savigar, the Earl of Iveragh, despite his poor reputation and murky past. Strangely his mind projects only blankness. With him, her other senses stretch and heighten. She begins to wonder if she has finally met the man she has been waiting for her entire life.

Condemned by dark rumors, Iveragh is taken aback by Roddy's proposal. His name is ruined by poverty and a blackened past; he could be a liar, a swindler, or worse. Yet she believes in him.. Soon he is stirred by her gentle trust, and he is prepared to give his life and his heart.

From the legendary author of Flowers from the Storm, Uncertain Magic is a tale of mystery and passion in the wilds of Ireland.

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About the Author:

Laura Kinsale is the award-winning and New York Times-bestselling author of The Shadow and the Star, Seize the Fire, The Prince of Midnight, Flowers From the Storm, For My Lady's Heart, and The Dream Hunter. She and her husband divide their time between Santa Fe and Dallas. Shadowheart won the Romance Writers of America Rita Award for best long historical romance of 2004. Kinsale also won best romance novel of 1990 for Prince of Midnight. Kinsale was 1987-1988 Career Achievement Award Winner from Romantic Times Magazine. She was also Regency Historical Romance 2004 Career Achievement Award Winner from Romantic Times Magazine and the Innovative Historical Romance 1994 RRA Awards Nominee for Best Historical Romance Author.

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