The Magic of Pemberley: A Pride & Prejudice Variation

Fitzwilliam Darcy, Mage #2

by Abigail Reynolds

When Napoleon and his fire-breathing dragons menace all of Europe, Mr. Darcy and his mage powers are England’s last hope in the second book of Fitzwilliam Darcy, Mage.

Danger awaits in France, where Darcy must complete his mission for England while fighting to return to his beloved Elizabeth. But when he finally comes face to face with Napoleon, Darcy discovers the tyrant’s dark secret – one that threatens the survival of England and everyone Darcy loves. Now he is on the run, trapped behind enemy lines with no hope of escape.

Back at Pemberley, Elizabeth discovers Darcy’s grave danger through their entwined magic. Accompanied by her trusted dragon, she sets forth on her own perilous journey to bring him home. But finding him is only the beginning, and Darcy and Elizabeth must work together to face magical traps and a relentless manhunt. As their love and magic are put to the ultimate test, will they be able to overcome the obstacles and save England from certain doom?

Fans of gaslamp fantasy, heartfelt romance, and Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice will be swept away by the heart-pounding adventure and deep love in The Magic of Pemberley, Book 2 of the Fitzwilliam Darcy, Mage trilogy.

Content warning: Fear of pregnancy loss (spoiler: .......good outcome in the end)

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical

385 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 25, 2024

About the author

Abigail Reynolds may be a nationally bestselling author and a physician, but she can’t follow a straight line with a ruler. Originally from upstate New York, she studied Russian and theater at Bryn Mawr College and marine biology at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole. After a stint in performing arts administration, she decided to attend medical school, and took up writing as a way to retain her sanity during her years as a physician in private practice.

A life-long lover of Jane Austen’s novels, Abigail began writing variations on Pride & Prejudice in 2001, then expanded her repertoire to include a series of novels set on her beloved Cape Cod.Her most recent releases are A Matter of Honor, Mr. Darcy's Enchantment, and Conceit & Concealment. Her books have been translated into six languages. A lifetime member of JASNA, she lives on Cape Cod with her husband, her son and a menagerie of animals. Her hobbies do not include sleeping or cleaning her house.

Reviews

[Sam H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A page turner

This book starts with a bang and just keeps going with the fast pace. When I finally took a break, I was only at 30% and so much had already happened!

We learn more about the Darcy's love, marriage and commitment to each other.
Loads more questions are raised than are answered. I assume it will all come together by the end of book three.

The dragons and fae have an even stronger presence in book 2. Again, we are left with too many unanswered questions and a if I am not mistaken, some secrets and personal hidden agendas. (I think Darcy us being made a companion in a slow process) but I could be wrong.

If you liked book 1, you will love book 2. A fast paced, entertaining jaff/fantasy tale. Can't wait for book 3!

[J. W. Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***

>>Rating: mature teen due to adult themes, violence, and injuries discussed.
>>Angst Level: medium-to-high at times.
>>Source: I borrowed this from KU [10-2-24] and volunteered to leave a review. This was a long story with 39 Chapters. It is book 2 in the series and left at a good point. The final book in the series is The Guardians of Pemberley
>>Trope: Dragons and magic

Where to begin? This was a white-knuckle ride from beginning to end. It is the second book in the Fitzwilliam Darcy, Mage Series. Book 2 continues the plan from the War Office for Fitzwilliam Darcy to travel to France and join a plot against Napoleon. The mission was complicated and many hands were involved in the assignment. Even Elizabeth was engaged as she was joined to the land that would aid her husband. The reader is introduced to many new dragons of various standing within the hierarchy of dragon society. Darcy’s mission was doomed from the start. Everything that could happen did and yet he survived. Elizabeth had her adventure and part in securing his safe return home. The story ended on a soft cliffhanger in preparation for Book 3, the conclusion of the series.

Book 1: Spellbound at Pemberley
Book 2: The Magic of Pemberley
Book 3: The Guardians of Pemberley

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 5 out of 5]

My best advice is to read the author's story description. I admit that it has been several years since I read the first in the series. Somehow I missed the release of this second in the series...perhaps as I was buying and setting up a new computer.

For most of this novel Darcy is in France, on his mission to assassinate Napoleon. In that attempt he is in for a horrible surprise. (I'm not revealing that.) Darcy finds himself fleeing for his life and having a hard times getting out of "close calls"...even having a bullet leave his one arm useless. He and Elizabeth maintain sporadic contact through their powers but when that is broken, Elizabeth fears the worse.

Elizabeth, pregnant, experiences much interaction with various dragons and their nests. We have one from India who has her reasons to hate Britain due to how that nation has treated hers. But she plays a part in the Darcys' lives.

Fredericka Fitzwilliam gets her wish to be a companion to a dragon but this is not a simple process.

I enjoyed this story, even though my busy life kept me from reading it straight through. I am now going on to read the next in the series.

I highly recommend this story but know that the premise does not resemble canon other than a few characters having the same names. This is not a stand-alone book.

[Neil Plakcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way Reynolds has expanded the Austen universe by bringing in magical elements. The books are a quick, easy read, full of era-appropriate description and conversation. Perfect for Janeites who want a little magic in their reading.

[Teresita · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gifted storyteller!

An amazing adventure that keeps you turning pages. I could hardly make myself stop to work! The love story between our beloved couple, the incredible characters involved, the wondrous plot, all of it keeps you at the edge of your seat wanting to find out what happens. One story not to be missed!

[Muriah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This barely resembles Pride and Prejudice besides the characters. it’s full-on fantasy with dragons, sea serpents, and every magical element thrown in. There’s zero spice but it moves quickly and is fun. Not my usual genre but finished both books quickly!


📚P&P themed book ranking so far...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

- Pride and Prejudice

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Well written and memorable!

- Manga Classics: Pride and Prejudice (Manga)
- The Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch ( Different perspective, Lydia, magic)
- Puck and Prejudice (Time Travel)
- The Jane Austen Project (Time Travel, stopping her early death)
- Most Ardently (trans lead)
- A certain Appeal (modern retelling at a burlesque show)
- Pride (Modern, gentrification in Brooklyn)
- Ayesha at Last ( modern Muslim retelling)
- Mr Collin in Love (Mr Collins perspective, queer)
- Such Happy Manners (Retelling, Wickham is good)
- Spellbound at Pemberly & The Magic of Pemberly (Fantasy)
- Miss Bennett's Dragon (Fantasy)
- The Heiress: The Revelations of Anne de Bourgh (Different perspective - Anne)
- The Other Bennett Sister (Different Perspective - Mary)
- Elizabeth of East Hampton (spicy, surfer retelling)
- Tolerable (Modern retelling)
- Mum's the Word (Modern retelling)
- Debating Darcy (Modern retelling)
- Allworld Online: Pride & Prejudice (Fantasy, VR)
- Longbourn (Different perspective - servants)
- The Mistress of Longbourn (Retelling - changed plot)
-The Stage Kiss (modern spicy retelling, theatre setting)
- The Unlikely Pursuit of Mary Bennet (Spicy Queer, Charlotte’s perspective)
- Jane in Love (time travel to modern era)
- The Secret Life of Miss Mary Bennet (Mary is a spy)
- Mrs Wickham (Lydia’s perspective)
- Pride and Premeditation (cozy murder mystery)
- The Mistress of Longbourn (retelling with plot changed; an epidemic)
- Mr Darcy’s Enchantment (Fantasy)
- Engaging Mr Darcy (modern, American retelling)
- Bring Mary Bennet ( young adult, modern retelling from Mary’s perspective)

⭐️⭐️⭐️ - something unique or if this is your genre.

- Accomblished (young adult, modern Georgina)
- London Holiday: A Pride & Prejudice Romantic Comedy (Retelling - prequel plot change)
- Most Ardently (Modern retelling, LGBTQ)
- The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet (Modern retelling)
- Lola at Last (Modern retelling, different perspective - Lydia)
- 1932 (Retelling, changed plot, set in Great Depression)
- Jane Austen Cannot Marry (Time travel)
- Most Ardently (Modern, queer retelling)
- Bitten by Mr Darcy (Vampire variation)
- Trouble at Pemberly (Extension, Kitty, ghosts)
- The Murder of Mr Wickham (Murder mystery, many Austen Characters)
- The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh (cozy murder mystery)
- Meet the Benedettos (Modern, Hollywood retelling)
- Pride and Preston Lin (Modern, Asian American retelling)
- Accomplished (YA, modern Georgiana Darcy perspective)
- Return to Pemberley (Expanded P&P)
- The Bad Miss Bennet (Different perspective - Lydia)
- The Particular Charm of Miss Jane Austen(Time Travel)
- Mr Darcy and the Governance (Retelling, changed plot)
- Proper Darcy Christmas (Murder mystery, continuation of story)
- Pride and Paper cuts (modern retelling, New York)

⭐️⭐️ - okay but probably best to skip, you can do better

- Unmarriageable (modem Pakistan retelling)
- Death comes to Pemberley (Murder mystery, continuation of story)
- An Unpleasant Sort of Man (Retelling, changed plot)
- Pride and Prejudice and Pittsburgh (Time travel, LGBTQ)
- Heir Apparent (Jane as a male)
- The Wrong Mr Darcy (Modern retelling, basketball journalist )
- Mr Darcy’s Bad Day (funny addition to story)
- Dating Mr Darcy (modern retelling, dating show)
- Dangerous Magic (Fantasy)
- Coming up Roses (modern, gender swap with focus on Lydia/Luke)
- Austenland (modern, as a resort)

⭐️ - ugh. I tried to like it and couldn’t.

- Pride and Prejudice and Mistletoe (modern, gender swap)
- Jane Austen Society (Austen fan club)
- Pride, Prejudice and Poison ( Murder mystery)
- Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict (Time travel)
- Mr Darcy's Bad Day: A Pride and Prejudice variation (Retelling, changed plot, Different perspective - Darcy)
- Dangerous Magic: A Pride and Prejudice variation ( Fantasy)
- Austen, Party of Two (vague modern retelling)
- Falling slowly (retelling, plot changed with 2 falls)
- Austenland (Modern retelling)
- Scandal at Pemberly (Continuation of story, Georgina finds a husband)
-Danger at Pemberly (Continuation of story, spies)
- Kitty Bennett’s Ruin (Continuation of story, Kitty and Lydia’s story)
- For Pemberly (Retelling, plot changed)
- Finding Colin Firth (modern, vague references)
- Eligible ( Modern retelling)

[Allison Ripley-Duggan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!

Warning: Meant for mature audiences. Contains scenes that would scandalize the ton. Readers of a delicate constitution are advised to keep their fans and vinaigrettes close at hand. Fear of pregnancy loss, but spoiler, good outcome in the end.

It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. A Pride and Prejudice meets Fantasy variation. Experience a thrilling, magical twist to this tale. Fans of gaslamp fantasy, heartfelt romance, and Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice will be swept away by the heart-pounding adventure and deep love in this tale. When Napoleon and his fire-breathing dragons menace all of Europe, Mr. Darcy and his mage powers are England’s last hope in the second book of Fitzwilliam Darcy, Mage.

Danger awaits in France, where Darcy must complete his mission for England while fighting to return to his beloved Elizabeth, but when he finally comes face to face with Napoleon, Darcy discovers the tyrant’s dark secret, one that threatens the survival of England and everyone Darcy loves. Now he is on the run, trapped behind enemy lines with no hope of escape. Back at Pemberley, Elizabeth discovers Darcy’s grave danger through their entwined magic. Accompanied by her trusted dragon, she sets forth on her own perilous journey to bring him home, but finding him is only the beginning, and Darcy and Elizabeth must work together to face magical traps and a relentless manhunt. As their love and magic are put to the ultimate test, will they be able to overcome the obstacles and save England from certain doom? So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.

[Koren | the_blue_eyed_bluestocking]

This was SO good!

I knew there was going to be a twist based upon the blurb, and I was not disappointed! The intensity went way up in this story as Darcy finally gets the call to head to France to defeat Napoleon. He is in so much danger before he even gets to Napoleon that he realizes that some of the precautions they took saved his life. Elizabeth was actively saving his life. This story focuses a lot on Elizabeth and Darcy apart except for small snippets of time that they connect- there is so much pining and difficulty for these two!

I listened to the audiobook which again came to life with an absolutely fabulous narration by Harry Frost and Elizabeth Klett. There are some pretty fantastical creatures in this one that all get much TLC with their characterization. Even with the angst, the narration just made the story that much more enjoyable and fun.

I can't wait to keep working through the series. I am not typically a fantasy reader, but Abigail Reynolds has really won me over with her take in the world of P&P. Incredible story!

[Lizette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story. Many challenges and changes.

I read Book 2 in a day and a half. It continues right where Book 1 leaves off. The challenges multiply along with additional characters. Big surprises and little ones of all kinds give the plot twists and turns. Darcy and Elizabeth continue to discover previously unknown aspects of each other--sometimes with appreciation, other times with disagreements, but always resulting in greater self-knowledge and deepening their relationship.

I anticipate Book 3 and highly recommend Books 1 and 2 to readers of fantasy and of Pride and Prejudice variations.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continued P&P variations with

In this second book of a fantasy Pride and Prejudice twist, Elizabeth and Darcy are in true love. They both must take measures in the battle against Napoleon, and in saving each other from harm. There are more dragons and a couple surprising dragon twist. I liked this book better than the first because I felt the relationships more between the main characters, with their friends, and with their dragons. It also had emotional turmoil and suspense. Maybe book 3 will be even better.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secret Mission

The Darcy’s involved in undercover efforts to assist England in the battle with Napoleon was interesting. Magic, dragons, Fae and family all mixed up in war led to an unexpected progression of the plot. I never thought of Darcy as the undercover type! The unique relationships between dragons, companions, lesser Fae combined with all the funny family issue nuances was fun to observe. I loved how the story concluded-yet clearly there is more to come!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

This installment was non-stop action packed a lot of different subplots were happening at the same time. It was interesting and kept me entertained. The only reason I deducted stars was because the relationship between the MCs didn't feel fully developed. As such I wasn't as invested in their story as I felt I should've been. Overall however, this was fun, clean, and a nice way to pass the time. :) I'm looking forward to seeing how the author ties up this series.

[Linda K Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart strings

This tugs at your heart string....
Magic, dragons, fae, changling, pain, cruelty, fire, death, love, hope, life.

Totally keeps you involved and best not start reading if you don't have time to finish... Other words, can't put it down and maybe up all night.
So sad have to wait another year for sequel! Reynolds never disappoints.

[Mariska · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!!

Book one was awesome! Book two is beyond amazing! I am going to need another interjection that begins with the letter a for book 3. I am glad I have time to increase my vocabulary and discover one before it is released. I especially loved the fact that dragons are so much more then ever believed possible in this series!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magical.

This was a really good book. I don't think it needed to be a P&P variation - I really haven't seen much relation to the original at all. Anyway, I really liked the twists and additional reveals in this book. It was more interesting than the first book, for that reason. It ends in a good place, no cliffhangers though the story is not fully resolved.

[Annie Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Abigail Reynolds & The Magic of Pemberley is another awesome & very romantic book from her. I really enjoyed the neat twists and turns to this story. I also love the romance and bond between Darcy & Elizabeth. This author just has a way of highlighting their love for each other. I am really looking forward to the final book!!!

[Barbara Shuman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read if you love dragons

I love Jane Austin's A Pride & Prejudices. I have read variations of the Darcey's Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth's story. Along with Elizabeths best friend Lady Fredericia and Lady Amelia which is Elizabeth grandmother. Loved the dragons.

I think you enjoy this series. I know I did.

[Nadeoui Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

More magic, more adventures

This is a wonderful second book. I love the interactions between dragons and their companions as well as the surprises in plot. But I still want more...is there a third book?

[Vesper Lynx · Rating 2 out of 5]

So far, a disappointing read that has me questioning whether this was simply poorly written and edited, or if Abigail Reynolds perhaps never was a good writer to begin with. Still debating whether or not to DNF.

[Vee Stojcevski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous!

I love all of Abigails wonderful books. Book 2 of this magical series is no exception and is amazing! I love the creativity of blending Pride and Prejudice with the enchanting, mesmerising storytelling. Bring on book 3!

[Patricia Munn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The magic of Pemberley

What a wonderful and magical tale! The characters are marvelous and the storyline is wonderful too. I especially loved how the perception and prospective of life deepened for Elizabeth and Darcy. This P&P variation truly is magical.

[I.L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A daunting task

This book dealt with the mission both characters have been preparing for since the last book. The conflict and tension were satisfying if a little much at times. Will read the next one.

[Liz Stalker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story,…

I really am enjoying this story but it’s going to drive me nuts waiting for the conclusion.

At this point I really dislike Napoleon and the Wicked King.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

P3.5 stars. Pretty good but again was so unique that having Darcy and Elizabeth as main characters was actually a detriment.

[Valary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dragons, sea monsters, lesser fae and humans

[Brent White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dragons,sea monsters, lesser fae, and humans

Action, suspense, plots and history changed with magic
Darcy lost in France t war and Elizabeth trying to hold Pemberley together

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up to 5

Now I am anxiously waiting for book number 3

I listened to the audiobook. Elizabeth Klett and Harry Frost are always great 🤩

[Chris]

DNF

[Mustang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeps one on the edge of your seat

To fully grasp and enjoy this book, you need to read book one. If you have done that, you will enjoy returning to this world of hidden dragons and land magic. Darcy and Elizabeth continue to struggle with learning to trust one another and the secrets they have even as their love for each other grows. Darcy’s mission continues to loom in the midst of their relationship. More mysteries and secrets are revealed but the question is how will this affect Darcy‘s mission, their trust and love, and their unborn child. Darcy does some serious soul-searching and growth in his time away from home. Many things will keep you on the edge of your seat and beg for book 3. Thankfully we are not left with too many cliff hangers and feel satisfied at the end.

I also got the audiobook when it came out. That made this story even better! Elizabeth Klett and Harry Frost partnered up beautifully to bring even more life and emotion to this book. This will be a series I will gladly read and listen to again!

[Ashton Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

cannot get enough

Already preordered book 3. Need to know how they defeat Napoleon. Get Jack back. Handle a newborn.

Again, I really is this variation.