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The Master of Samar
Rejected by his aristocratic family, Gil Irichels has been content to make his living as a traveling cursebreaker, working with his lover, the feral mage Envar Cassi, and their bodyguard, swordswoman Arak min’Aroi. After a series of deaths leave him the sole heir to the family’s house and fortune, Irichels’s main concern is to do whatever he must to settle the estate and return to his previous life. But these is something very wrong in seaborne Bejanth, starting with the deaths of his kin and spreading into the complex web of politics and magic that holds the city together. As he struggles to discover the truth behind his family’s losses, he realizes that there is more at stake than the fall of one house. Someone is unraveling the web of curses on which the city depends, and Irichels is the only person who can stop them—if it’s not already too late.
340 pages, Paperback
First published June 5, 2023
24 people are currently reading
877 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Scott
100 books447 followersScott studied history at Harvard College and Brandeis University, and earned her PhD. in comparative history. She published her first novel in 1984, and has since written some two dozen science fiction and fantasy works, including three co-authored with her partner, Lisa A. Barnett.
Scott's work is known for the elaborate and well-constructed settings. While many of her protagonists are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered, this is perfectly integrated into the rest of the story and is rarely a major focus of the story. Shadow Man, alone among Scott's works, focuses explicitly on issues of sexuality and gender.
She won the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer in Science Fiction in 1986, and has won several Lambda Literary Awards.
In addition to writing, Scott also teaches writing, offering classes via her website and publishing a writing guide.
Scott lived with her partner, author Lisa A. Barnett, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire for 27 years, until the latter's death of breast cancer on May 2, 2006.
Scott's work is known for the elaborate and well-constructed settings. While many of her protagonists are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered, this is perfectly integrated into the rest of the story and is rarely a major focus of the story. Shadow Man, alone among Scott's works, focuses explicitly on issues of sexuality and gender.
She won the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer in Science Fiction in 1986, and has won several Lambda Literary Awards.
In addition to writing, Scott also teaches writing, offering classes via her website and publishing a writing guide.
Scott lived with her partner, author Lisa A. Barnett, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire for 27 years, until the latter's death of breast cancer on May 2, 2006.
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June 12, 2023Oooh this was a pleasure. Well it's a Melissa Scott fantasy novel, so obviously it was.
A sort of alt-Venice city, ruled by houses that make bargains with demons. Irichels has unexpectedly inherited the mastership of his house due to all of his relatives dying, and finds himself in the middle of politics, intrigue, and a magical murder mystery.
The characters are lovely, especially the core relationships of Irichels, his lover, and his friend/bodyguard. Wonderfully worked out magic system, immensely evocative description of the watery city, nice twisty plot, plenty of peril, and lots of heart. It all makes for a wonderfully enjoyable, immersive read and I regretted it wasn't twice the length (not that there was anything wrong with the pacing, just literally me wanting more book).
A sort of alt-Venice city, ruled by houses that make bargains with demons. Irichels has unexpectedly inherited the mastership of his house due to all of his relatives dying, and finds himself in the middle of politics, intrigue, and a magical murder mystery.
The characters are lovely, especially the core relationships of Irichels, his lover, and his friend/bodyguard. Wonderfully worked out magic system, immensely evocative description of the watery city, nice twisty plot, plenty of peril, and lots of heart. It all makes for a wonderfully enjoyable, immersive read and I regretted it wasn't twice the length (not that there was anything wrong with the pacing, just literally me wanting more book).
Read
June 5, 2023I've liked a lot of the books put out by small publisher Candlemark & Gleam, so when I was offered the chance to read an arc of The Master of Samar I grabbed it.
And I am so glad that I did.
Brief summary, from the blurb material: Rejected by his aristocratic family, Gil Irichels has been content to make his living as a traveling cursebreaker, working with his lover, the feral mage Envar Cassi, and their bodyguard, swordswoman Arak min’Aroi. After a series of deaths leave him the sole heir to the family’s house and fortune, Irichels’s main concern is to do whatever he must to settle the estate and return to his previous life. But these is something very wrong in seaborne Bejanth, starting with the deaths of his kin and spreading into the complex web of politics and magic that holds the city together.
That's the surface description. What you don't get in that summary is the fact that the author blends fantasy and mystery seamlessly, with particular attention to character and to world building. Oh, the world building.
At first I raised a couple of eyebrows in gathering that the attitude toward same sex partnerships is roughly equivalent to contemporary society here--some are okay, some laud, and some go out of their way to sneer and interfere. But the more I read, the more I began to see that the complexities of that attitude were liminal in the same way that the story is liminal.
You've got this city that reminds me a bit of Venice, in that the city is built on water. But it's not sinking the way Venice is. There are pillars and complexities deep below the foundations, that reach into history.
Magic is liminal as well as many relationships. I keep pausing, wanting to explain the textured delights of the world building--here is bricolage of the best sort--but discovering it is one of the many pleasures of the book.
I adored the characters. I especially loved Gil, our POV character, and his patient, elusive beloved Envar. I adored Arak, their bodyguard and security person. I learned very quickly to love the sixteen year old girl Gil is forced to marry . . .
No, there I go again, explaining too much. Let me just say that I loved the balance of this book, mystery, magic, world, and people. I loved the outcome. I'd love to see more about them all. And the liminality of the whole was just chef's kiss.
And I am so glad that I did.
Brief summary, from the blurb material: Rejected by his aristocratic family, Gil Irichels has been content to make his living as a traveling cursebreaker, working with his lover, the feral mage Envar Cassi, and their bodyguard, swordswoman Arak min’Aroi. After a series of deaths leave him the sole heir to the family’s house and fortune, Irichels’s main concern is to do whatever he must to settle the estate and return to his previous life. But these is something very wrong in seaborne Bejanth, starting with the deaths of his kin and spreading into the complex web of politics and magic that holds the city together.
That's the surface description. What you don't get in that summary is the fact that the author blends fantasy and mystery seamlessly, with particular attention to character and to world building. Oh, the world building.
At first I raised a couple of eyebrows in gathering that the attitude toward same sex partnerships is roughly equivalent to contemporary society here--some are okay, some laud, and some go out of their way to sneer and interfere. But the more I read, the more I began to see that the complexities of that attitude were liminal in the same way that the story is liminal.
You've got this city that reminds me a bit of Venice, in that the city is built on water. But it's not sinking the way Venice is. There are pillars and complexities deep below the foundations, that reach into history.
Magic is liminal as well as many relationships. I keep pausing, wanting to explain the textured delights of the world building--here is bricolage of the best sort--but discovering it is one of the many pleasures of the book.
I adored the characters. I especially loved Gil, our POV character, and his patient, elusive beloved Envar. I adored Arak, their bodyguard and security person. I learned very quickly to love the sixteen year old girl Gil is forced to marry . . .
No, there I go again, explaining too much. Let me just say that I loved the balance of this book, mystery, magic, world, and people. I loved the outcome. I'd love to see more about them all. And the liminality of the whole was just chef's kiss.
August 2, 2023
This author is a true master in creating fantasy worlds populated with heroic and engaging MCs. I didn't think she could do better than her Astreiant series (matrilineal society with celestial body driven magics) starring police chief Nico Rathe and his lover Phil Eslingen (ex-military). I was wrong - cursebreaker Gil Irichels proves even more dashing and heroic! Imagine Sam Vines blended with aspects of Carrot, Howl Pendragon and eventual
In this Venice-like city of Bejanth, magical powers are based on contracts/curses with demonic entities and house demons. The supernatural menace/malevolence is counterbalanced by cut-throat alliances and betrayals between the many ruling Houses/families over trade routes, business contracts, 'parliamentary' control and dominance. The beleaguering attacks on Gil and his household in middle section of this book truly were truly palpable. The intrigue and danger start from the very first pages and my attention was fully captured throughout by a fast paced plot toward a hair-raising apocalyptic finale; there were a couple of gasp-worthy scenes.
I appreciated that an already strongly established bond between Gil and his long-time lover Envar proved fully capable of enduring Bejanth's socio-cultural intolerance and sometimes outright persecution of same-sex relationships; freeing up the plot focus on the greater mysteries of how/why Gil's House of Samar has become almost extinguished and who might be engineering same. Several memorable and strongly drawn female characters - Arak, Marthelin, Alaissou and Innes were also featured. The ending seemed quite contained and final but I can hope that the author might turn this into yet another 5 book series as her Astreiant books.
In this Venice-like city of Bejanth, magical powers are based on contracts/curses with demonic entities and house demons. The supernatural menace/malevolence is counterbalanced by cut-throat alliances and betrayals between the many ruling Houses/families over trade routes, business contracts, 'parliamentary' control and dominance. The beleaguering attacks on Gil and his household in middle section of this book truly were truly palpable. The intrigue and danger start from the very first pages and my attention was fully captured throughout by a fast paced plot toward a hair-raising apocalyptic finale; there were a couple of gasp-worthy scenes.
I appreciated that an already strongly established bond between Gil and his long-time lover Envar proved fully capable of enduring Bejanth's socio-cultural intolerance and sometimes outright persecution of same-sex relationships; freeing up the plot focus on the greater mysteries of how/why Gil's House of Samar has become almost extinguished and who might be engineering same. Several memorable and strongly drawn female characters - Arak, Marthelin, Alaissou and Innes were also featured. The ending seemed quite contained and final but I can hope that the author might turn this into yet another 5 book series as her Astreiant books.
December 6, 2023
Thank you to Sandy Claws for gifting this to me during the 2023 Secret Santa Book Exchange!
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I tend to really enjoy this author's books, and this was no exception! Really fascinating and unique world-building with the main character unexpectedly inheriting a title and house after the suspicious death of all his relatives, and having to race against time to stop the destruction of the city, which is held up through bargains with demons. Scott's great at really trusting the reader to pick things up as we go, which sometimes led to me feeling a little lost as I tried to figure out the rules and world-building, but I appreciate the lack of big exposition dumps. Some really lovely and complex relationships, though I do wish the romance had been a bit more prominent, particularly since it was an established relationship and it felt more platonic than I'd have preferred.
===
I tend to really enjoy this author's books, and this was no exception! Really fascinating and unique world-building with the main character unexpectedly inheriting a title and house after the suspicious death of all his relatives, and having to race against time to stop the destruction of the city, which is held up through bargains with demons. Scott's great at really trusting the reader to pick things up as we go, which sometimes led to me feeling a little lost as I tried to figure out the rules and world-building, but I appreciate the lack of big exposition dumps. Some really lovely and complex relationships, though I do wish the romance had been a bit more prominent, particularly since it was an established relationship and it felt more platonic than I'd have preferred.
June 24, 2023
What a great novel. Solid and interesting characters, intriguing magic system, a different take on curses and demons, an established m/m relationship without sex scenes proving it cluttering up the plot, and a plot that ties the whole together extremely well. I am delighted that one of my trusted Goodreads reviewers recommended it and I took a chance on it. Also, that cover is perfect.
June 18, 2023
4.5 stars and I adore Melissa Scott! in my eyes she can do no wrong! The Master of Samar is a mystery similar to Scott's other series Astreiant, in the feel and the atmosphere of the tale. We follow the Samar household as they start to realise that someone has been killing the family, and only Gil is left to take over the house.
I really enjoyed reading about a city that felt very close to medieval Venice with the canals and waterways being integral to the story. the mystery kept me hooked to the last page and the relationships between the characters was a highlight as always with Scotts work. I was glad to follow Gil and Cass as they navigated the new waters of their new situation. I also felt The Master of Samar was the beginning of a new series?
As always, Scott has done a wonderful job, and I will forever read anything she publishes.
I really enjoyed reading about a city that felt very close to medieval Venice with the canals and waterways being integral to the story. the mystery kept me hooked to the last page and the relationships between the characters was a highlight as always with Scotts work. I was glad to follow Gil and Cass as they navigated the new waters of their new situation. I also felt The Master of Samar was the beginning of a new series?
As always, Scott has done a wonderful job, and I will forever read anything she publishes.
December 28, 2023
I keep finding books that I read this year (and loved!) but never added to GR. Shame on me.
The verdict for this one: exactly what I wanted to read. No drama with the main couple, just a rock solid, ride-or-die established relationship that forms the bedrock of trust, love, and support for all that transpires around it. Some brilliant side characters (two of which get their own queer romance!), a low-key, unique magic system, and truly lovely friendships.
Melissa Scott does not disappoint when it comes to people caring about other people, with a twist of magic on the side.
The verdict for this one: exactly what I wanted to read. No drama with the main couple, just a rock solid, ride-or-die established relationship that forms the bedrock of trust, love, and support for all that transpires around it. Some brilliant side characters (two of which get their own queer romance!), a low-key, unique magic system, and truly lovely friendships.
Melissa Scott does not disappoint when it comes to people caring about other people, with a twist of magic on the side.
August 30, 2023
3.5 Stars
The Master of Samar was a slow-paced slice-of-life fantasy with high stakes. Despite the slow pacing, the story was still interesting. It starts at a point where each of the characters already has strong relationships and focuses on developing them further. What I loved about the main couple, Gilmyssin Irichels di Samar and Envar Cassi, was that both had such a strong love for each other. Both characters have a romantic love for each other and are lovers, but throughout the book they don't kiss or do anything more than that. They showed their love for each other through words, glances, thoughtful acts of kindness, and an incredible empathy for each other. It was just a different way of seeing lovers interact than typically shown in novels, and I love that their relationship to each other is more than just the physical, but more about how they love who the other person is at the heart.
This book felt like a slice of life because it focuses on the characters having meals together, chatting, going to bed, showering, reading, and writing. Their lives are a mix of normal and stressful, but there are also some high stakes thrown in there. Still, the story focuses more on the political aspect of the story between the different families. I felt that the world-building was not self-explanatory. It's the sort of world-building where the reader is thrust into the world without much explanation and just has to go with the flow and understand what's happening while it's happening. I wish there could have been more parts of the world-building explained. Characters like Arak min'Aroi were likable enough but not present enough to have her characters really explored.
Near the end, the story started to lose my interest, but after the ending, I thought it was a good book but not one I loved.
🆗☑️PLOT
🆗CHARACTERS
☑️PLOT TWISTS
The Master of Samar was a slow-paced slice-of-life fantasy with high stakes. Despite the slow pacing, the story was still interesting. It starts at a point where each of the characters already has strong relationships and focuses on developing them further. What I loved about the main couple, Gilmyssin Irichels di Samar and Envar Cassi, was that both had such a strong love for each other. Both characters have a romantic love for each other and are lovers, but throughout the book they don't kiss or do anything more than that. They showed their love for each other through words, glances, thoughtful acts of kindness, and an incredible empathy for each other. It was just a different way of seeing lovers interact than typically shown in novels, and I love that their relationship to each other is more than just the physical, but more about how they love who the other person is at the heart.
This book felt like a slice of life because it focuses on the characters having meals together, chatting, going to bed, showering, reading, and writing. Their lives are a mix of normal and stressful, but there are also some high stakes thrown in there. Still, the story focuses more on the political aspect of the story between the different families. I felt that the world-building was not self-explanatory. It's the sort of world-building where the reader is thrust into the world without much explanation and just has to go with the flow and understand what's happening while it's happening. I wish there could have been more parts of the world-building explained. Characters like Arak min'Aroi were likable enough but not present enough to have her characters really explored.
Near the end, the story started to lose my interest, but after the ending, I thought it was a good book but not one I loved.
🆗☑️PLOT
🆗CHARACTERS
☑️PLOT TWISTS
June 29, 2023
I really enjoyed this -- the characters, the setting, the story. A highly entertaining fantasy in a world I hope Scott will return to.
June 8, 2023
Brilliant
Fascinating world building with an unique magic system that makes sense in a way magic often doesn’t. Complete and deeply satisfying read, though I would happily read prequels or sequels if the author chose to write them.
Fascinating world building with an unique magic system that makes sense in a way magic often doesn’t. Complete and deeply satisfying read, though I would happily read prequels or sequels if the author chose to write them.
January 18, 2024
The Master of Samar was a mixed bag for me: there were elements I thoroughly enjoyed—the magic system of contracts and curses, the setting of Bejanth as a water city and the politics that governed it—but there were so many things I wish had more depth. I loved the set-up of following two characters in an established relationship: there was no miscommunication or unnecessary drama, even when it came to the reality of Irichels needing to have an heir and Envar's place in his life as master of Samar. The ending was another high point and left the possibility for a continuation, which I'd be inclined to read even with me finding this book average. The first half was more compelling for me, probably because at this point the villain wasn't quite so obvious and there was some intrigue. The world-building was another high point: at first, the scant amount of information seemed more of a hindrance, but Scott's skill at establishing a world without info-dumping was really impressive (even if I still wanted more of the world itself). What Samar lacked was interiority and nuance. The entire cast of characters felt surface-level, even Irichels at times; I wanted to feel more of his complicated relationship with the city and his new title, with being forced to take on burdens he never expected nor wanted. The various relationships never went deep enough, so I also struggled to fully figure out the personalities of Arak, Allaissou, Envar, and others.
Fun but, at the end of the day, forgettable.
Fun but, at the end of the day, forgettable.
August 16, 2023
Curse breaker Irichels reluctantly returns to the city of his childhood to claim a very unexpected inheritance. His extensive family has all died of various causes in the last two decades, leaving him literally the only one left to claim the family title and estate. Immediate assassination attempts make it clear that someone is trying to eradicate Irichels bloodline.
Cool stuff:
the city has a complex sociopolitical structure and distinct character. It feels Venetian inspired but in no way a copy.
I like the idea of magic practiced via lawyery contracts with demons.
The first half of the book really captured my attention.
And the climactic sea battle we catch glimpses of seemed epic.
Meh stuff:
l liked Alaissou but couldn't buy her as a sixteen year old out of her father's house for the first time. She's very confident and open with strangers who are seasoned adventurers, and is just too reasonable and competent in every scene for me to believe it.
I got tired of Envar calling Irichels "my heart" every sentence by like page two.
Speaking of which, I feel like there was no reason for the city to be homophobic. Class differences or legal v feral magic would be enough to make Irichels and Envar a taboo relationship, so adding on periodic homophobic comments from various characters just felt sour.
The mystery of what was happening to Irichels family wasn't really solved? Cambryse was trying to end the old contract, but surely he was too young to have been the cause of Irichels ' grandfather's strange good luck and the subsequent bad luck that fell upon the family, including a cursling? So what was up with that? Did anyone catch a solution I missed?
Overall, probably the Melissa Scott book I've enjoyed the most.
Cool stuff:
the city has a complex sociopolitical structure and distinct character. It feels Venetian inspired but in no way a copy.
I like the idea of magic practiced via lawyery contracts with demons.
The first half of the book really captured my attention.
And the climactic sea battle we catch glimpses of seemed epic.
Meh stuff:
l liked Alaissou but couldn't buy her as a sixteen year old out of her father's house for the first time. She's very confident and open with strangers who are seasoned adventurers, and is just too reasonable and competent in every scene for me to believe it.
I got tired of Envar calling Irichels "my heart" every sentence by like page two.
Speaking of which, I feel like there was no reason for the city to be homophobic. Class differences or legal v feral magic would be enough to make Irichels and Envar a taboo relationship, so adding on periodic homophobic comments from various characters just felt sour.
The mystery of what was happening to Irichels family wasn't really solved? Cambryse was trying to end the old contract, but surely he was too young to have been the cause of Irichels ' grandfather's strange good luck and the subsequent bad luck that fell upon the family, including a cursling? So what was up with that? Did anyone catch a solution I missed?
Overall, probably the Melissa Scott book I've enjoyed the most.
October 25, 2023
In a magical city on the water that feels a bit like Venice, the last member of the House of Samar has returned to figure out who killed the rest of his family. Interesting magic based on cursing and contracts. A decent read.
August 28, 2023
Rep: gay mcs, lesbian mcs, bi side character
October 16, 2023
This was very different. I liked the world. You are kinda thrown into it though. I liked the endearments my heart and love.
October 24, 2023
This was perfectly fine, but not exceptional.
November 4, 2023
this is probably a case of it's me not the book since many people seemed to love it but I just felt eh towards the whole thing
October 20, 2024
A fun and quick read I finished in 2 evenings.
March 10, 2024
This book’s cover looked lovely, but the story, the characters, the relationships… they all lacked heart and depth. I’m all for characters over plot, but when you don’t have much of a plot, the characters and their growth becomes the reason readers are invested in the story. Characters didn’t grow or change in this book, and relationships didn’t evolve. Everything was surface-level, as if I was watching the reflection of characters rather than the characters themselves.
Some points for originality, but the magic and world-building were never adequately explained. Ultimately, I felt like I was reading a book with severe SBS even though this was a standalone.
Some points for originality, but the magic and world-building were never adequately explained. Ultimately, I felt like I was reading a book with severe SBS even though this was a standalone.
April 18, 2024
An enjoyable fantasy, set in a Venice analog, with a compelling magic system rooted in regulated (and unregulated) demon contracts. Also, immensely satisfying — except for the fact that I now yearn for a sequel, prequel, or, better yet, both!
April 2, 2024
This was delightful, fascinating setting kind of a bit like an alternate Venice with a great magic system based on curses and contracts, a lovely cast and an intricate plot.
September 16, 2023
Rejected by his aristocratic family, Gil Irichels has been content to make his living as a traveling cursebreaker, working with his lover, the feral mage Envar Cassi, and their bodyguard, swordswoman Arak min’Aroi. After a series of deaths leave him the sole heir to the family’s house and fortune, Irichels’s main concern is to do whatever he must to settle the estate and return to his previous life. But these is something very wrong in seaborne Bejanth, starting with the deaths of his kin and spreading into the complex web of politics and magic that holds the city together. As he struggles to discover the truth behind his family’s losses, he realizes that there is more at stake than the fall of one house. Someone is unraveling the web of curses on which the city depends, and Irichels is the only person who can stop them—if it’s not already too late.
Review:
I loved so much about this book, which was not a big surprise because in the past I read and enjoyed this author's work, although couple of things did bother me.
Let's start with the positives. For the most part I really enjoyed the world building and I loved that the author did not explain every single thing when the reader is dropped in this world. I loved how magic that different characters weave eventually showed itself or at least showed itself as much as it was needed for me to understand the plot and actually some magical things that were happening I dont remember ever reading about . I am not proclaiming that those were necessarily unique, because of course I have not read ALL the books in the world with magic in it, but I have read A LOT of books with magic in it and some things in this one felt quite original to me . I appreciated that.
I loved the main characters so much - Gil, Envar, Arak, Allaisou and a few others all were great, very vivid characters and secondary characters were good too. I also liked that Gil and Envar were established couple which did not have any issues in their relationship, but still found themselves very busy with the things happening in the book and I was not bored at all and appreciated characters showing themselves through their actions.
Please beware though, the book is NOT a romance, it has a very much in love couple trying to do heroic things and eventually ending up saving the city ( with the help of some other people ), but if you are looking for the internal conflict between this couple or any couple, look elsewhere.
Also, opinions may differ of course but I personally thought that Gil and Envar had a lovely chemistry I never doubted their love for each other.
I am not sure how to characterize the genre of this story, probably fantasy/mystery with romantic couple at the center and I am sure some historical cities influenced this world. I want to say Middle Ages Italy, but I am not hundred percent sure.
I thought that the author did very well with the suspense in the plot, because the last four or five pictures I was increasingly worried for the characters and for the city due to what was happening on the pages, but I was a little disappointed with the conclusion of the mystery, because I felt like I missed one.
Oh the great *reason* for the desire to destroy the city and Gill's House was offered, and presumably we even found out the name of the villain, but I was scratching my head as to how this person alone could have done at least some of those things in the first place that set the course of events in action. Maybe I missed something. As I said, I am not too disappointed with the ending, because I felt like the main thing was to save the city and that was achieved with gusto.
There was one other plot point that bothered me and granted, it worked well within the narrative, but I am allowed to point out when I did not enjoy something, right ?
SPOILERS SPOILERS, MORE SPECIFICALLY ONE SPOILER BEING DISCUSSED BELOW.
And for the life of me I do not understand why Gill needed to marry anyone in the first place. Granted, he presumably needs an heir, only not really?? Because at the certain time of the book when he needs a temporary heir and fast, apparently one can adopt anyone to become their Heir right ?
I understand that because of this plot point we are introduced to at least two great female characters both of whom I really liked, but at least one of them could have become a friend and a business partner without bringing marriage to the mix.
I hate questioning authorial decisions which do not disrupt the narrative from within, but once again I am only saying that I did not like it. Especially since we know that Gil has no inclinations towards enjoying a relationship with any woman, I get that the marriage will be a pure formality, but I felt like it was taking away something from him and Envar.
I still liked this story a whole lot.
4 stars
Review:
I loved so much about this book, which was not a big surprise because in the past I read and enjoyed this author's work, although couple of things did bother me.
Let's start with the positives. For the most part I really enjoyed the world building and I loved that the author did not explain every single thing when the reader is dropped in this world. I loved how magic that different characters weave eventually showed itself or at least showed itself as much as it was needed for me to understand the plot and actually some magical things that were happening I dont remember ever reading about . I am not proclaiming that those were necessarily unique, because of course I have not read ALL the books in the world with magic in it, but I have read A LOT of books with magic in it and some things in this one felt quite original to me . I appreciated that.
I loved the main characters so much - Gil, Envar, Arak, Allaisou and a few others all were great, very vivid characters and secondary characters were good too. I also liked that Gil and Envar were established couple which did not have any issues in their relationship, but still found themselves very busy with the things happening in the book and I was not bored at all and appreciated characters showing themselves through their actions.
Please beware though, the book is NOT a romance, it has a very much in love couple trying to do heroic things and eventually ending up saving the city ( with the help of some other people ), but if you are looking for the internal conflict between this couple or any couple, look elsewhere.
Also, opinions may differ of course but I personally thought that Gil and Envar had a lovely chemistry I never doubted their love for each other.
I am not sure how to characterize the genre of this story, probably fantasy/mystery with romantic couple at the center and I am sure some historical cities influenced this world. I want to say Middle Ages Italy, but I am not hundred percent sure.
I thought that the author did very well with the suspense in the plot, because the last four or five pictures I was increasingly worried for the characters and for the city due to what was happening on the pages, but I was a little disappointed with the conclusion of the mystery, because I felt like I missed one.
Oh the great *reason* for the desire to destroy the city and Gill's House was offered, and presumably we even found out the name of the villain, but I was scratching my head as to how this person alone could have done at least some of those things in the first place that set the course of events in action. Maybe I missed something. As I said, I am not too disappointed with the ending, because I felt like the main thing was to save the city and that was achieved with gusto.
There was one other plot point that bothered me and granted, it worked well within the narrative, but I am allowed to point out when I did not enjoy something, right ?
SPOILERS SPOILERS, MORE SPECIFICALLY ONE SPOILER BEING DISCUSSED BELOW.
And for the life of me I do not understand why Gill needed to marry anyone in the first place. Granted, he presumably needs an heir, only not really?? Because at the certain time of the book when he needs a temporary heir and fast, apparently one can adopt anyone to become their Heir right ?
I understand that because of this plot point we are introduced to at least two great female characters both of whom I really liked, but at least one of them could have become a friend and a business partner without bringing marriage to the mix.
I hate questioning authorial decisions which do not disrupt the narrative from within, but once again I am only saying that I did not like it. Especially since we know that Gil has no inclinations towards enjoying a relationship with any woman, I get that the marriage will be a pure formality, but I felt like it was taking away something from him and Envar.
I still liked this story a whole lot.
4 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2023
Nah, this wasn't for me. I was totally 100% sold when I read the words "feral mage" but it turns out that it's a lot more boring than that. Apparently feral mages are just people who didn't go to some official school? Or something? I dunno, the magic in this was really a little out of my depth. It felt like I was reading the second book in a series, like I should know what the differences between curses and contracts and daemons and shit is, but it was never really explained and it was only brought up in passing.
Honestly my biggest problem with this book was just that there was literally no conversation between characters that wasn't them just talking about the plot. Even private conversations between Irichels and Envar and Arak was just them talking about what had just happened or what they were going to do tomorrow. Envar never made any comments about how he felt being back in the city where he was basically a wanted man. Arak never said anything about how she was so far away from her home. There was literally no spark or chemistry between any of them because we never got to see them snap at each other or tease each other or joke or laugh or complain or cry. And sure, they had all known each other for a long time, so they were comfortable with each other, but it's like watching a family where all the parents do is talk about what kid to send to what after school activity and being unable to have any conversation deeper than that. It was just kind of...sad.
And by the end, I didn't really care that Irichels was stuck in this city. We never saw him out of it, so it didn't make much difference to me. All of his talk about marriage and needing to conceive an heir was creepy, especially when he was forced to marry a sixteen year old (and he's in his forties). And Envar's just like yeah, sure, better get your wife pregnant soon like he doesn't care that his lover is being forced to have sex with someone he doesn't want to just to appease a bunch of old men who want to see him have an heir for whatever reason. Everyone was pretty even, now that I think about it, just kind of rolling with everything that came towards them without complaint. But hey! That's boring! I want to see conflict, I want to see a little bit of madness here. I think the thing that bugged me the most about this was just that it had potential, and it didn't live up to it.
(That cover though...I'm gonna find a Lamen fanfic that can use that cover because you can't tell me that's not Damen and Laurent on the front of it. I'm not even mad that I had to buy this because I love that cover)
Honestly my biggest problem with this book was just that there was literally no conversation between characters that wasn't them just talking about the plot. Even private conversations between Irichels and Envar and Arak was just them talking about what had just happened or what they were going to do tomorrow. Envar never made any comments about how he felt being back in the city where he was basically a wanted man. Arak never said anything about how she was so far away from her home. There was literally no spark or chemistry between any of them because we never got to see them snap at each other or tease each other or joke or laugh or complain or cry. And sure, they had all known each other for a long time, so they were comfortable with each other, but it's like watching a family where all the parents do is talk about what kid to send to what after school activity and being unable to have any conversation deeper than that. It was just kind of...sad.
And by the end, I didn't really care that Irichels was stuck in this city. We never saw him out of it, so it didn't make much difference to me. All of his talk about marriage and needing to conceive an heir was creepy, especially when he was forced to marry a sixteen year old (and he's in his forties). And Envar's just like yeah, sure, better get your wife pregnant soon like he doesn't care that his lover is being forced to have sex with someone he doesn't want to just to appease a bunch of old men who want to see him have an heir for whatever reason. Everyone was pretty even, now that I think about it, just kind of rolling with everything that came towards them without complaint. But hey! That's boring! I want to see conflict, I want to see a little bit of madness here. I think the thing that bugged me the most about this was just that it had potential, and it didn't live up to it.
(That cover though...I'm gonna find a Lamen fanfic that can use that cover because you can't tell me that's not Damen and Laurent on the front of it. I'm not even mad that I had to buy this because I love that cover)
December 4, 2023
Cursebreaker Irichels returns to the city and family home he never thought he'd come back to after he unexpectedly becomes the only family member left to claim the Samar home, position, and wealth, something he'd been raised to believe would never happen and he didn't want. He, his mage lover, and his bodyguard have to deal with mysteries, politics, and assassination attempts as they try to figure out who, if anyone, they can trust.
I most liked this book for its unusual magic system, mostly based on demons and the contracts you (if you're wise, very carefully) make with them, and worldbuilding. It takes place in a sort-of Venice, with history, customs, and politics it drops the reader into while rarely feeling like info-dumping, just sort of immersing you in it and letting you pick things up as you live the life alongside the main characters. I wouldn't mind seeing other stories set in this city. I mostly liked the characters, though spoilerAlaissou, the wife foisted onto Irichels against his will could have used more development since I didn't believe how quickly she made herself part of the team effort and how quickly they came to trust her, despite everything going on and happening to them. She doesn't really feel like a sheltered teenager either.
The plot didn't always work for me. I don't think we ever got a good answer to I found the magic battle near the end somewhat difficult to follow.
I most liked this book for its unusual magic system, mostly based on demons and the contracts you (if you're wise, very carefully) make with them, and worldbuilding. It takes place in a sort-of Venice, with history, customs, and politics it drops the reader into while rarely feeling like info-dumping, just sort of immersing you in it and letting you pick things up as you live the life alongside the main characters. I wouldn't mind seeing other stories set in this city. I mostly liked the characters, though spoilerAlaissou, the wife foisted onto Irichels against his will could have used more development since I didn't believe how quickly she made herself part of the team effort and how quickly they came to trust her, despite everything going on and happening to them. She doesn't really feel like a sheltered teenager either.
The plot didn't always work for me. I don't think we ever got a good answer to I found the magic battle near the end somewhat difficult to follow.
November 26, 2023
Gil Irichels never expected to inherit anything. Rejected by his noble family because his mother married against their wishes, he’s long since made peace with his place in the world, and built a steady life as a traveling cursebreaker. The only reason he’d inherit anything is if every other relation is dead. So it’s quite suspicious when that’s exactly what happens.
Forced to return home to the city of Bejanth, Gil finds a house on the brink of collapse following a string of questionable deaths. Aunts, uncles, cousins, whole family lines wiped out in a matter of years. No individual death is noteworthy, but taken as a whole it’s clear that this is more than just bad luck. If it’s a curse, Gil and Envar - his magician boyfriend - are exactly the right people to deal with it.
But the farther they dig into this mystery the more complicated it becomes. You see, the city of Bejanth is Fantasy Venice, and it remains above water by virtue of magic. And all magic in this world is the work of carefully conceived contracts between humans and demons. If Gil’s house - House Samar - disappears, so does the city’s protection from the sea.
But who would want to destroy the contracts that protect the city? And why? And will Gil and Envar be able to stop them from doing so before it’s too late?
I loved this book. It’s full of political intrigue, action, a really interesting magic system (if you play a warlock in D&D this is for you), and an incredible cast of characters. Highly recommend.
Forced to return home to the city of Bejanth, Gil finds a house on the brink of collapse following a string of questionable deaths. Aunts, uncles, cousins, whole family lines wiped out in a matter of years. No individual death is noteworthy, but taken as a whole it’s clear that this is more than just bad luck. If it’s a curse, Gil and Envar - his magician boyfriend - are exactly the right people to deal with it.
But the farther they dig into this mystery the more complicated it becomes. You see, the city of Bejanth is Fantasy Venice, and it remains above water by virtue of magic. And all magic in this world is the work of carefully conceived contracts between humans and demons. If Gil’s house - House Samar - disappears, so does the city’s protection from the sea.
But who would want to destroy the contracts that protect the city? And why? And will Gil and Envar be able to stop them from doing so before it’s too late?
I loved this book. It’s full of political intrigue, action, a really interesting magic system (if you play a warlock in D&D this is for you), and an incredible cast of characters. Highly recommend.
Read
July 18, 2023Interesting, albeit somewhat confusing, world-building. I was looking forward to enjoying the found family in this (Gil, Arak, and Envar), but they ended up being rather one dimensional—Arak, the bodyguard, who did very little, including guard/defend; Envar, the supposed bad-ass feral, who ended up being rather milquetoast and spent the book referring to Gil as "my heart;" and Gils who didn't have much agency, and there weren't many stakes to his exerting his agency. It was also odd that most of the story was a mystery: Who's trying to kill Gil and destroy the city and why.
May 16, 2024
Melissa Scott has an amazing -- I don't know if "skill" or "talent" is the right word -- for creating characters imbued with a sense of reality. Even minor characters, who aren't as fully developed, still feel real. It's one of the things I love about her writing.
I also love the fact that many of her characters are gay or sexually fluid, but that isn't the main thing about them. It's just one of many facets of personality, as in real life.
The magic here, contracts and curses, was very interesting, adding a legalistic structure I don't recall seeing very often.
The city of canals put me in mind of C.J. Cherryh's Merovingen Nights shared world series. I hope that Ms. Scott writes further in this world, but it would be fun to see it opened up to other authors, too.
As always, I recommend Ms. Scott's work, both this and other books.
I also love the fact that many of her characters are gay or sexually fluid, but that isn't the main thing about them. It's just one of many facets of personality, as in real life.
The magic here, contracts and curses, was very interesting, adding a legalistic structure I don't recall seeing very often.
The city of canals put me in mind of C.J. Cherryh's Merovingen Nights shared world series. I hope that Ms. Scott writes further in this world, but it would be fun to see it opened up to other authors, too.
As always, I recommend Ms. Scott's work, both this and other books.
August 31, 2025
3.5, rounded up. The final third was definitely a 4, but I struggled a bit with the first. The setting and the world-building is fantastic, but the plot is a bit too thin to carry it. The story has an unusual start that actually made me double check that I hadn't accidentally picked up a sequel in a series. All the main relationships have already been established, and the characters have such a colorful background that could have been a book of its own.
Once I eventually found my footing, I really liked this book. The characters were lovely, and Irichels and Envar's relationship was so sweet. You could really tell that they'd been together for years. I wish the magic system had been elaborated on, because the concept of contracts and curses was really intriguing.
So... give me a prequel and I'll eat it up. I want to see Irichels and Envar break more curses.
Once I eventually found my footing, I really liked this book. The characters were lovely, and Irichels and Envar's relationship was so sweet. You could really tell that they'd been together for years. I wish the magic system had been elaborated on, because the concept of contracts and curses was really intriguing.
So... give me a prequel and I'll eat it up. I want to see Irichels and Envar break more curses.
Read
January 3, 2024As I just texted a friend who had recommend the book to me:
I thought this story was really cool and also charming and delightful. And I enjoyed the magic system being quite different in many ways (at least to the ones I encountered so far). Learning about it was as intricate and engaging as the descriptions of the city.
And even though the story is nicely wrapped up... I'm dying to learn more of Gil and Cass, there earlier adventures and especially how they met!
On the other hand I completely agree with said friend who added how nice, comfortable and sweet the dynamic of the established relationship between the two main characters was - navigating challenges of expected marriage and heirs etc with so much pragmatism and trust.
Quite enjoyed this one!
I thought this story was really cool and also charming and delightful. And I enjoyed the magic system being quite different in many ways (at least to the ones I encountered so far). Learning about it was as intricate and engaging as the descriptions of the city.
And even though the story is nicely wrapped up... I'm dying to learn more of Gil and Cass, there earlier adventures and especially how they met!
On the other hand I completely agree with said friend who added how nice, comfortable and sweet the dynamic of the established relationship between the two main characters was - navigating challenges of expected marriage and heirs etc with so much pragmatism and trust.
Quite enjoyed this one!
June 6, 2023
Oh I really enjoyed this. If Scott's Astreaint books are low-magic faux Dutch renaissance, this one is higher-magic faux 18th C-ish Venice. And if she continues to work in this world (please! I like it!), I'd expect we'll get the same sort of wonderful "should be real" city we did with Astreiant. Interesting as well that unlike queernorm, matriarchal Astreaint, here we have a patriarchal society where social and legal prejudice of queerness is about at the level of the mid-late 20th century.
The central characters are great, the plot a winning mystery slash political intrigue one, and the supporting cast well drawn despite limited page time. Also; hell of a cover. Really recommend this!
The central characters are great, the plot a winning mystery slash political intrigue one, and the supporting cast well drawn despite limited page time. Also; hell of a cover. Really recommend this!
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