Entwined

Entwined Duology #1

by H.M. Long

Three sisters join the hunt for a stolen magical artefact in the start of this Gilded Age fantasy duology.

Ottilie Rushforth hides from the mighty Sorcerer’s Guild as secretary to a has-been detective. She is Entwined – threads of magic run beneath her skin, and the Guild would trap her in service.

But Ottilie has a plan to escape the Guild forever with her estranged fiancé, the enigmatic poet, soldier and smuggler Lewis Illing. All she must do is track down a mysterious artefact, claim the bounty, and leave the city forever. But Ottilie's sisters – Pretoria, a quick-witted sorceress and thief recently emerged from exile, and Madge, a guild mage to the core, appear to make equally unwelcome offers. A new life at the cost of everything she has ever wanted, or prestige and safety in a gilded cage.

With her life on the line, Ottilie must track down the artifact in a city torn apart by prejudice and violence, and choose between the two sides of herself – the fugitive and the Entwined.

Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Historical Fantasy, Historical, Fiction, Audiobook, Adult

304 pages, Paperback

First published March 10, 2026

About the author

Hannah (H. M.) Long is a Canadian fantasy author. She inhabits a ramshackle cabin in Ontario with her family, but she can often be spotted snooping about museums or wandering the Alps.

Hannah writes for Titan Books and is the author of the Four Pillars Quartet (Hall of Smoke), the Winter Sea Trilogy (Dark Water Daughter), the Entwined Duology (2026/27), Ashmarked (2027), and more.

For the latest updates, follow Hannah on TikTok (@hmlongbooks), Instagram (@hmlongbooks), and Twitter (@hannah_m_long).

Reviews

[Mai ༊*·˚ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 ★— I’ve had this book on my TBR for a while after reading the interesting blurb and seeing that it was a historical fantasy, a genre I always look out for! And while I liked a lot of it, Entwined didn’t quite hook me as much as I hoped.

The Entwined are beings with magical abilities in a world that tries to trap them or punish them for it. We follow Otillie Rushforth, one of three sisters who is living in hiding, working as a secretary, and trying to fulfil her plan of escape with the man she is in an engagement of convenience with.

So, while I loved the historical setting, thought the prose was fun to follow along with on audio, and liked Otillie’s very determined, if sometimes a bit too proper, personality, this book was missing something for me.

I thought the overall plot of tracking down the artefact, while fun, sometimes felt confusing to follow, and I felt a lack of connection or real care for every character who wasn’t Otillie.

And that includes Lewis, her fiancé, who appears later on in the story. Otillie is in love with Lewis, and this is a fact that multiple characters know and pity her for, as the book portrays Lewis as someone who very much sees their engagement for what it is: convenient.

My dislike of them together is mostly coloured by my very personal dislike of the She Falls First trope, which is the dynamic between them here. And as a character, Lewis does little to redeem himself for me in the span of the story, making me really not enjoy him as a love interest.

The book does feature some interesting avenues with other characters who show Otillie interest, and I appreciated that quite a bit when it appeared in the story.

The book ends on a light cliffhanger, with everything feeling fairly open and promising an intriguing continuation. I’m interested in seeing how it’s all resolved, and because I liked the historical vibe and setting of the story and thought Otillie was fun to follow, I do want to read the next book and see how it all ends.

🎧 Audiobook Notes
🎙️ Narration Style: Solo
⭐ Listener Rating: 5/5
I loved the narrator of this audiobook! She brought a real sense of historical primness and properness to the main character, and I thought her tone and voice were lovely in general. I have zero complaints!

___________

Thank you to RBmedia for the ALC.

[jenny reads a lot · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book & definitely the overall reading/listening experience when consumed via audio, because Moira Quirk is amazing.

Whats to love…
- interesting world
- multiple love interests (ok, this could be a love or a hate thing, depending on your preference, I enjoyed it)
- complicated political and class dynamics
- murder mystery + artifact heist plot lines

What might not work for some…
- Pacing was my main issue with this book. At times I felt like nothing was happening and other times I felt like everything was happening all too fast.
- I don’t know that I like the way the love interest situation is panning out.

Overall I think if you enjoy Gaslamp/historical fantasy this might be one worth trying, especially if you read via audio!

Audiobook:4.5/5 | Narrator: Moira Quirk | Length: 9 hrs 23 mins
Moira Quirk never misses! Her narration is always phenomenal and I would probably enjoy a user manual for a toaster if she was reading it. This is no exception. Pausing, pacing, inflection, and voice variation were all perfect. The only thing to note is I did hear some (very faint) mouth/breathing sounds, but only occasionally and not enough to really detract from the overall audiobook experience.

3.75⭐️| IG | TikTok |

Thank you RBMedia for the gifted ALC. All opinions are my own.

[Samantha (ladybug.books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

With Entwined, HM Long once again proves that she is the master of unique, engaging world-building. I was immediately consumed by the magic of the entwined and this gaslamp fantasy world on the brink of conflict. The characters were endearing, Ottile's headstrong, snarky nature reminded me of Mary Firth in a lot of ways. I liked that we met Ottile when she was still figuring out her goals and priorities. You can feel the impact that the conflict in the city—and her increasing role in it—plays in her character development.

The mystery was intriguing, but I struggled with the pacing of the story. I spent the first half wondering how the story could possibly be worth splitting into a duology. It felt like it took a long time for anything to happen. And then the second half was crammed full of conflict, kidnappings, reunions, reveals, and more. The events in the end needed a bit more time and space to develop. I never really got a clear sense of the conflict that overtook the city. It was just a vague sense of chaos among all parties involved.

I'm also curious to see what direction the romance plot takes in the sequel. I'm not sure if I feel any real romantic chemistry with either of the love interests.

A really strong start to the duology, I'm excited to pick up book two!

Links to my TikTok | Instagram | Bindery Books

[greta · Rating 3 out of 5]

i've never read anything by this author so this book was an introduction to her! it was fine, not my favourite, but i had a good time.

the characters were fine, they didn't really stand out for me, i just enjoyed following the ottilie's story.
the villains were also quite strong, i just wanted to know even more about them though. i don't think we got to see a lot of stuff happening with the guild and whatnot.

the writing style was also engaging enough, i just don't know how i feel about the fmc herself talking to us, the reader, at some parts. it threw me off a little at times lol.

the plot was really interesting and i found myself intrigued to see what was gonna happen, but at the same time some of it got resolved quickly or things just moved too fast for it to really make some sort of an impact. it was quite mysterious, too, so i appreciated that!
the beginning was really solid, but by the end it definitely waned a little... i did lowkey want to be done with it lol.
this book wasn't my favourite, but i still liked it. i don't think i'm extremely interested to continue with the series, though.

[M.J. Kuhn · Rating 5 out of 5]

If this is not on your TBR already, you're gonna wanna correct that POSTHASTE.

I smashed through this in three days, and it would have been faster if annoying things like work and sleep hadn't gotten in the way lol.

This has just catapulted itself onto my top reads of 2025 list. If you like Long's writing, Gilded Age stuff, or characters that are badass, charming, and wonderful in the same way as Evie from the first Mummy film, you need to preorder this bad boi immediately.

[Stacey Markle · Rating 4 out of 5]

First...all the stars for Moira Quirk for the audiobook narration. I will listen to her read the phonebook (if that was still a thing!) Moira always brings her A game. Her pacing and delivery is top tier and the emotions she can make us believe are second to none. Well done!

Entwined is a magic system that those with power work within, or hide from. It's unique and interesting to read about especially in this historical setting. I love a good period piece. However, this didn't totally hit all the right notes for me. I thought Ottilie felt a little scattered, but that could have also been due to the disjointed pacing. I loved her options for love interests though! I thought that story arc was really interesting. Her sisters were both interesting characters but I wanted more of their dynamic.

I love a good heist and mystery story and this did a pretty good job keeping me guessing. I'm looking forward to more Guild villains in the follow up book to this duology. I think we need that to add depth.

Thank you to NetGalley and RB Media for this ALC. My thoughts are my own.

[Andi · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is sad.

I really enjoy her books, and her previous trilogy was amazing and had depth. This? I felt like nothing happened in it, and I understood why it sat on the shelf for a time.

I liked the characters, the plot felt really bland. The magic wasn't really that well explained.

It could be finished, yes, but nothing I'm wanting to continue.

[Jamedi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review originally on JamReads

Entwined is the first novel in the eponymous Gilden Age-inspired fantasy duology, written by H.M. Long, published by Titan Books. We have a really fun adventure, a quest-like plot that is accompanied by interesting political intrigue, all led by a really determined female main character, doing its most from vivid worldbuilding and the class dynamics that we can guess from details.

Ottillie Rushforth is an Entwined: threads of magic run through her skin, giving her some powers; for that same reason, she's hiding from the Sorcerer's Guild, working as a secretary. She has a plan to escape the Guild forever, together with her estranged fiancé, Lewis: find the lost-by-her-boss artifact, claim the bounty, and leave the city for good. But the apparition of her two sisters, each one with their own equally unwelcome offer, only serves to complicate this even more, putting her between the stone and the wall, having to choose between a new life without everything she loved, or prestige and safety attached to a gilded cage.

Long gifts the reader a really enjoyable lead character such as Ottillie; not only as we see how she's fighting to keep control of her life, hiding to escape from the Sorcerer's Guild. She's forced to navigate a city during convulse times, trying to retrieve an artifact that for her means freedom. While I loved many things about our main character, I wasn't sold on her romance with Lewis, especially as he passes half of the novel being just an ethereal figure, and probably, I had too many expectations that were not meet when he finally becomes part of the narrative.

This kind of quest is set against a really interesting background, reflecting the class dynamics and the politics that are part of this world; the own Entwined are a mystery for most of the people, and that's something used by certain groups to spread their intolerant agenda, while the Sorcerer's Guild also tries to exert that control that Ottillie is escaping from.
The pacing was really agile from the start, constantly keeping the reader in tension while also including some funnier moments that help balance it; it's a novel that asks to be read in a few sittings.

Entwined is a fun historical-inspired fantasy novel, the first novel in a series that shows much potential; a well-executed story that leaves you craving for the next book in the duology. A great novel by H.M. Long!

[MyNeverEndingTBRList · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the historical setting and really liked the narrator… however, it felt like the book was missing something, and it didn’t fully hold my attention. I’m not sure if I’ll continue the series.

3🌟

[Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

The family tension in this had me in a chokehold at the beginning; I love all things mess and drama. The sisters were stubborn, protective, sometimes frustrating, sometimes understanding, but their interactions gave the book its energy for me. I also liked the city in which this book is set with its with strict laws and social pressure shaping how characters behave, and I thought the world-building was done really well written.

However, my overall experience landed somewhere in the middle. I liked the character work and the premise, but I just keep wishing the story would slow down and stop adding more elements into it, and focus on the ones that were there. Even so, I stayed interested enough and I appreciated the direction Long took with the relationships and the underlying conflict.

I can see the intention and I really enjoyed parts of it quite a bit, I just haven’t been completely won over.

Thank you Titan Books for the early copy in an exchange for an honest review.

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC copy of the audiobook version.

This book was a treat. The audio, specifically was fantastic and really enjoyable. The story itself gave me a similar vibe to ‘The Secret Society of Irregular Witches.’ It was easy to follow and kept me interested. Will likely purchase the physical copy and give it a re-read before the next book comes out!

[Michelle (Bamamele.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to RBMedia for the preview. All opinions are my own.

4+ stars

This was so good! Once I saw that Moira Quirk was the narrator, I leaped at the chance to listen. Entwined is my first book by Long, but it won’t be the last.

This is fast-paced with high stakes, magic, mystery, complicated family relationships, a city in turmoil, and a super subplot romance. The magic system is unique (though please don’t ask me to explain it), and I liked that our FMC Ottilie is trying to find a way to live her own life independent of the restrictions of both the Guild and the city.

I’m super excited to see where the next book goes, as it looks like we’ll be going questing. I’m also super curious to see which way Ottilie will go in the potential love triangle. I will be reading for sure!

As always, Quirk just does a phenomenal job with the narration, and I’d highly recommend the audiobook.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little unsure what I want to give this. 3.75 I think?

The magic system in this book was fun, but I also never felt like I had a good grasp on it. I never fully understood what the FMCs abilities were, nor anyone else’s. Perhaps that was the point so as to keep the reader guessing, but it just felt a little vague and confusing to me.

I enjoyed the dynamic between our FMC, Ottilie and her sisters as well as the love triangle between Ottilie, Harden, and Lewis. 🤭 The banter between the FMC and most any character she crossed paths with was delightfully snippy without being too much.

I think this set of characters and their story has a promising future; one that I will be following, no doubt. It’s just that the plot always made me feel like it was right on the cusp of getting really good, but it never quite got there. At least not until the very, very end. And even with how much better the ending was, I still found myself wanting more out of it.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read the advanced digital copy.

[Lata · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in an alternate world and a in time period similar to the Gilded Age, "Entwined" is a novel about magic and who has it and who controls it, magical artifacts, bigotry, revolution and political intrigue.

Ottilie Rushforth works for a washed up detective named Stoke as his secretary. She is also living in hiding from the Sorcerer's Guild; she is an Entwined. Entwined have magical threads running beneath their skin, looking much like a very large, elaborate tattoo. Also, each Entwined has an affinity, such as healing, physical strength, or manipulation of shadows. Not all Entwined are powerful in magic, with the strongest classed as Adepts, while the Affinates are the weakest.

Ottilie can touch an object and know its history, such as who touched it. She is an Adept, and also a member of the well known and wealthy Rushforth family, who are all Adepts, and who are required by the Sorcerer's Guild (as all Entwined are) to marry another Entwined and have children, thereby ensuring more Entwined are produced. Though engaged to an Entwined man named Lewis whom she's been attracted to for years, she has still run from the Sorcerer's Guild, as she has no desire to be under their control, as her older sister Madge is happy to be. Pretoria, Ottilie's other sister, may be a Rushforth, but she's not happy being controlled by anyone, and is a skilled thief.

When Ottilie hears of a magical artifact, she knows she has to get to it first, so she can claim the bounty for its recovery, then she can escape with her estranged fiancé Lewis, far from this country which is coming apart at the seams. Not only is it very dangerous to be Entwined here because of violent reprisals against anyone bearing magic, but there is a contingent of sorcerers who have repudiated the Guild and who are using violence to make their point. Then there is the army, which is doing its own anti-Entwined thing, and a contingent of ultra anti-magic believers, who want to wrest governance away from the Entwined and eradicate them all.

So, there are a lot of people who all want the artifact for their own reasons, and Ottilie has to find it first, stay alive, and stay out of the Army's, the Separatists', the Guild's and the anti-Guild's way. Easier said than done, Ottilie finds herself at the mercy of each of these groups, and it requires some fast talking, and sometimes violence, to get herself free and continue her search.

At the same time, we get some of her backstory with Lewis, and see her pining after him for years, despite his meagre interest in her.

We also get information from an in-story guide that explains what the Entwined are.

So, there is a lot of to'ing and fro'ing across the city, and daring escapes and reveals. There is a lot of action, and Ottilie shows herself quite capable of taking care of herself, which I liked a lot.

What I found countered this was a somewhat confusing search for the artifact, and somewhat confusing goals for the political groups. Also, Lewis was such a nothing character, despite the backstory we get of their sort of relationship that I kept wondering, what the heck does she see in the cardboard cutout?

Other than Ottilie, my fave character was the cat who deigned to visit her apartment, Hieronymus. What a great name for a feline!

I sent back and forth between the prose and audio, and though I found the prose was not always as clear as I needed, I adored Moira Quirk's narration, who perfectly captures the feel of the period (re: pseudo Gilded Age) and the different accents of the characters, all of whom come from different classes. Quirk's greatly enhanced the prose, which though a 3 star read for me, the audio was 4 stars.

Thank you to Netgalley, Titan Books and RBMedia for these ARCs in exchange for my review.

[Desirae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entwined by H. M. Long is an ambitious and atmospheric start to a duology, blending gaslamp fantasy, political intrigue, and a family-centered narrative. While the novel offers strong prose and an intriguing premise, it can also feel overwhelming—especially as it juggles a large world, multiple factions, and layered character motivations.

At its core, the story follows Ottilie Rushforth, a young woman living in hiding in a Gilded Age–inspired city where magic users—known as the Entwined—are tightly controlled by the Sorcerer’s Guild. Ottilie works as a secretary to a struggling detective while secretly planning her escape from the city with her estranged fiancé, Lewis Illing. Her plan hinges on recovering a stolen magical artifact that could earn her enough money to disappear for good.

The plot quickly expands beyond this initial setup. Ottilie becomes entangled in a complex web of theft, political unrest, and competing factions, all seeking the same artifact for different reasons. Her two sisters—Pretoria, a rebellious thief, and Madge, a loyal Guild mage—re-enter her life and complicate her choices further. Each sister represents a different path: rebellion, conformity, or escape. This central conflict—between freedom, family loyalty, and survival—drives the narrative, though it often branches into multiple subplots that can feel difficult to track.

Character-wise, Ottilie is a compelling protagonist, resourceful and constantly caught between conflicting desires. Her internal struggle—whether to flee, fight, or submit—anchors the story emotionally. The dynamic between the three sisters is one of the novel’s strongest elements, with each embodying a different response to systemic oppression. However, the wider cast can blur together at times, particularly as new factions and side characters are introduced rapidly, making it challenging to keep track of who aligns with whom.

One of the book’s standout features is its worldbuilding. The setting—a foggy, politically tense city where magic is both feared and exploited—is richly imagined and thematically resonant, exploring control, autonomy, and prejudice. Yet this same strength also contributes to one of its biggest weaknesses: the sheer scale of the world is not always matched by clarity. Important details about the magic system, history, and political structure are often introduced without enough grounding, which can leave readers feeling disoriented.

This ties directly into the pacing issues. At times, the story moves very quickly, jumping from one crisis to another—kidnappings, escapes, revelations—without giving the reader enough time to process. At other moments, it slows down to focus on atmosphere or interpersonal tension, creating an uneven rhythm. Several reviewers note a repetitive cycle of capture and escape, which adds to the sense of inconsistency. The result is a narrative that can feel both rushed and oddly drawn out, depending on the section.

Despite these flaws, the writing itself is consistently strong. Long’s prose is vivid and polished, with sharp dialogue and a clear sense of tone. The atmosphere is immersive, and the emotional stakes—particularly within the family dynamic—are compelling enough to keep the reader engaged, even when the plot becomes confusing.

Overall, Entwined is a promising but imperfect opening to a series. It offers a fascinating world and strong character dynamics, but its complexity and uneven pacing can make it a challenging read. For many readers, the experience may mirror yours: impressed by the writing, intrigued by the ideas, but occasionally lost in the execution.

[Faye Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entwined is the first book in a fantasy duology set in a Gilded Age-inspired fantasy world. As soon as I started Entwined, I knew this was going to be a 5 star read for me. It's a wonderful combination of the things I love - a complex and twisty mystery and sort of action adventure, set within an original fantasy world inspired by an historical time period. There's plots within plots, and I didn't want to put the book down!

I really enjoyed the magic system, which was a little similar to the idea of burning certain metals in Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn series, but instead of people being able to burn certain metals, the Entwined mages are able to perform magic due to either the presence or absence of light, which is enhanced by the time of day, depending on what kind of Entwined they are. It's clear from book 1 of the duology that we don't have all the answers yet, but I can't wait to see where things go in the second book!

There's a romantic subplot for Ottilie, but it's blended well into the wider plot and isn't a main focus of Entwined. What I really loved about this was how realistic it seemed - there's these huge plot developments going on and Ottilie has A LOT on her plate, and she just wouldn't have the time to get into a relationship or to pursue certain things. It just felt really genuine and I appreciated that romance wasn't shoe-horned into the story. Ottilie felt like a mature, real person. Ottilie's relationship with her two sisters, one on either side of a revolution, is explored also, although there's obviously more to come there too in the next book!

Entwined honestly covers so much ground but does it all flawlessly, and within 300 pages to boot. It's fast paced and quite unpredictable! I had a great time reading this one, and I can't wait to see what happens in the second book of the duology.

Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy from Titan Books but this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

H.M. Long is wildly creative when it comes to fantasy worlds and magic systems, and that was certainly present here. Similarly to The Winter Sea trilogy, you get occasional chapter prefaces that detail the various types of mages and magic that exist, and the world building is well mixed into the narrative as well. I enjoyed the mystery and am looking forward to seeing how it resolves in book two.

Where this didn't work as well for me was the characters - something about them made them feel distant, and despite getting Ottilie's first person POV I struggled to connect to her. A lot of the characters are morally gray, yes, but something just didn't quite click when it came to caring for or being captivated by them. I also wasn't a fan of Ottilie's love interest, not so much for the unrequited aspect of it but more because I couldn't figure out why she was so infatuated with this man who barely acknowledged her. Perhaps we needed more backstory to cement why she was so dedicated to him - I can see an argument for a trauma bond or the various effects of her being raised in this very constricting environment of the magic guild, but something was missing to explain her attachment. It certainly wasn't compelling, and the book might have fared better with no love interest at all.

I can't put my finger on exactly why I felt this way but despite the great magic system, I never felt fully immersed in the story. I'll definitely be reading the conclusion but unfortunately this did not capture my attention quite like Long's other work that I've read.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Estranged sisters in a world where their magic is seen as illegal. Ottilie has escaped the Guild that destroyed her family. She is working with a detective to earn enough money to finally disappear for good, but absolutely nothing goes right. The artifact that they smuggled in for huge payday goes missing and it all falls apart after that. With one sister under the thumb of the Guild and the other basically a criminal, Ottilie just wants a normal life, but that’s almost impossible when there is a power hungry general out to get the Entwined, along with zealots who want to eradicate Entwined as well. On the other hand there are the separatists who just want to live their lives and the Guild that wants to control all the magic the Entwined possess.

A wonderfully engrossing mystery with tons of twists and turns. Ottilie is strong and capable, but also vulnerable when it comes to her family and those she loves. With a Guilded Age inspired backdrop this story keeps you guessing and the action never stops. We must now wait to see how the mystery is solved until the second book.

Team Hardin!! ❤️

*The audiobook was superbly narrated by Moira Quirk. Highly recommended.

[Jessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

NetGalley Audiobook

2.75

The entwined, those with magic powers, are controlled by The Guild. Ottilie hides her magic to escape the guild. She hopes to escape the country for good with her absent fiancé Lewis. When her employer disappears she must track down a mysterious artifact.

While I liked the world building and Ottilie's desire to create a free life for herself, the book just had too much going on. The plot was not very clear to me, and some of the characters seemed unnecessary.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to win an early copy of this book and I’m so happy that I did! I really enjoyed this book and I’m for sure looking forward to the second already because I need more of this world

[JennaJustReading · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐✨ 3.75/5

Plot / Story ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Characters ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Writing Style ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Atmosphere/Vibes ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice 🫑

A Gilded Age Fantasy Full of Magic, Sisterhood, and High-Stakes Intrigue
If you enjoy gaslamp fantasy worlds, magical conspiracies, and stories about sisters navigating dangerous political systems, Entwined by H.M. Long is a compelling start to a new fantasy duology. Set in a foggy, Gilded Age–inspired city filled with magic, prejudice, and power struggles, this novel blends heists, mystery, and family drama into an action-packed fantasy adventure.
While I did find myself wanting more depth in certain aspects of the worldbuilding, the immersive atmosphere, engaging characters, and fast-moving plot kept me invested. And I will definitely be picking up the next book in the series.
The story follows Ottilie Rushforth, a young woman hiding in plain sight as the secretary to a washed-up detective in the bustling city of Harrow. On the surface, she’s just another quiet clerk trying to make ends meet. But Ottilie carries a dangerous secret: she is Entwined, one of the rare individuals whose magic runs like threads beneath their skin. In this world, that kind of power isn’t a blessing, it’s a liability. The powerful Sorcerer’s Guild hunts Entwined individuals, forcing them into service and treating them more like property than people.
Ottilie has spent years carefully staying out of their reach. Her plan is simple: track down a stolen magical artifact, claim the bounty, and escape the city forever with her estranged fiancé, Lewis Illing, an enigmatic poet, soldier, and smuggler. But as often happens in fantasy stories (and life), nothing goes according to plan.
Instead, Ottilie’s two estranged sisters reappear, each representing a different path for her future. Pretoria, a sharp-witted sorceress and thief who has recently returned from exile, offers freedom through rebellion. Madge, a loyal member of the Sorcerer’s Guild, offers safety and prestige within the very system Ottilie has spent her life avoiding.
Caught between these competing loyalties and hunted by forces that see her as nothing more than a tool, Ottilie must decide who she truly is: the fugitive fighting for freedom, or the powerful Entwined woman the world refuses to ignore.
One of the things I loved most about Entwined was the atmosphere and setting. H.M. Long creates a vivid Gilded Age–inspired fantasy city filled with foggy streets, cobblestone alleys, and simmering political tension. The city of Harrow feels alive: dangerous, divided, and layered with secrets. There’s a strong gaslamp fantasy aesthetic throughout the book that gives it a slightly steampunk-adjacent vibe, even though it firmly sits in high fantasy territory with its own mythology and magical rules.
The broader world of the Verran Isles, where different islands are influenced by different gods and magical traditions, hints at a much larger fantasy landscape that I’m excited to see explored more deeply in the next installment.
The characters are another strong point. Ottilie is an engaging protagonist, resourceful, determined, and constantly navigating impossible choices. The tension between her desire for independence and the reality of her circumstances drives much of the story’s emotional weight.
I also really enjoyed the dynamic between the three sisters. Each of them represents a different way of surviving in a world hostile to magic users. Their complicated loyalties and conflicting goals add a lot of emotional depth to what might otherwise have been a straightforward artifact-heist story.
The dialogue between the characters is often witty and sharp, which helps balance some of the darker themes in the novel. And while romance exists in the story (primarily through Ottilie’s connection with Lewis) it remains very much a secondary subplot rather than the central focus.
That said, there were a few areas where I wanted more.
My biggest critique is that I would have loved more worldbuilding and backstory. The book introduces several fascinating ideas - like the history of the Entwined, the role of the Sorcerer’s Guild, and the sisters’ complicated past - but doesn’t always fully explore them. I found myself wondering what happened to the sisters after they were taken by the guild, how they learned their skills, and what exactly sparked the larger societal conflict surrounding magic users.
There are clearly deeper stories here, and while some of that will likely be explored in the second book, I would have appreciated a bit more context in this first installment.
Still, the pacing keeps things moving. The story jumps quickly into the central mystery, the hunt for the stolen magical artifact, and rarely slows down. There’s plenty of action, close calls, and moments where Ottilie has to think fast to survive. While a few readers may find the repeated capture-and-escape cycles a bit repetitive, the constant sense of danger keeps the narrative engaging.
Another highlight worth mentioning is the audiobook narration by Moira Quirk, which is excellent. She captures the tone and personality of the characters beautifully, bringing energy and nuance to the dialogue and making the world feel even more vivid.
Thematically, Entwined dives into issues of autonomy, systemic oppression, and the cost of freedom. The Entwined are viewed as state property (valuable but expendable) and the story doesn’t shy away from exploring the cruelty of that system. Ottilie’s struggle to maintain control over her own life in a world determined to claim her is the emotional core of the book.
Readers who enjoy fantasy heists, sisterhood dynamics, and politically charged magical worlds will likely find a lot to appreciate here. Fans of authors like Sarah J. Maas, Rebecca Yarros, Nghi Vo, and M.A. Carrick - or readers who love atmospheric gaslamp fantasy settings - should definitely give this one a look.
Overall, Entwined is an engaging start to a new fantasy duology with strong atmosphere, compelling characters, and an intriguing magical world. While I would have liked a bit more depth in the worldbuilding, the story’s action, banter, and sister-driven narrative kept me hooked, and I’m eager to see where the next book takes these characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and RBMedia for the audiobook ARC. As always, all opinions are my own.
#NetGalley #Entwined

[Susanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entwined is set in a secondary world that resembles the early 20th century with its technology, with two kinds of people: humans and Entwined, people genetically capable of magic who aren’t considered human. The Entwined used to rule Harrow where the events take place, but after a revolution of sorts, humans are now in charge and it means trouble for the Entwined that humans hate. Only the Entwined bound to the Guild can operate freely. But the Guild is a gilded cage that’s not for everyone.

Ottilie is an Entwined who has escaped the Guild. The Guild forces marriages between the Entwined in order to produce offspring capable of magic, and she and her pretend fiancé, Lewis, have fled to avoid it. She’s hiding under a false name from both the Guild and humans in Harrow. She works as a secretary to a private investigator, saving money to flee the country to where Lewis is waiting. He’s a goal to work towards, and maybe a crush she doesn’t want to admit.

Ottilie’s boss has unearthed an artefact a client wants, which should bring in so much money that Ottilie can finally leave. But before the transaction is complete, both the artefact and her boss disappear. The client wants the artefact back and since Ottilie is the only one left, she’s forced to find it. She has a good notion who took it: her sister Pretoria, who has also left the Guild, and become a thief.

The artefact isn’t the only thing bringing Ottilie trouble. Humans are turning against the Entwined and it’s getting more difficult to hide what she is. Human zealots and Entwined terrorists are clashing and creating political upheaval, it could be that the artefact she has to find is a key to destroying the Entwined for good, and man she’s interested in might be a terrorist. On top of this, her other sister shows up too, and she wants to take Ottilie back to the Guild. Things soon get out of hands and Ottilie finds herself in the middle of events she has no way out of.

This was an interesting first book in a duology. The magic powered by different lights (sun, moon, twilight etc.) was unique, and the political situation was complex. It was a bit too complex, to be honest, and I found it confusing a lot of time. The narrative was rich and pulled the reader into the world and the magic effortlessly. The story was a bit slow though, and not as engaging as the events would merit.

The narrative is from Ottilie’s POV. She’s a good character with a lot of baggage, but not as compelling as, for example, Hessa with her rage in Long’s Four Pillars series. I couldn’t quite fathom why she’d come to Harrow where she knew she’d be trapped and why she hadn’t left sooner, as she had the money for it. Many of the events just happened to her and she accepted everything. Her waffling between suitors was very characteristic. It wasn’t until the end that she took a stance and even then, others made the decisions. The side characters, especially the sisters, had good backstories too, but the reader didn’t have similar insight into them as Ottilie, though the epilogue gave a good glimpse.

The book ends at a natural turning point, setting the stage for the second book. Good though this was, the storyline I was most interested in concluded here and nothing particularly compels me to read more. I’m not sure I’ll read the conclusion.

I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Svea · Rating 4 out of 5]

H.M. Long is an amazing author, I knew as much already. I loved her Four Pillars trilogy, I loved Dark Water Daughter (and have yet to read the sequel, which is on my tbr). Basically, when I hear she releases something new, you bet I'm excited to read it.
While she's always been a good writer, I do really enjoy watching her grow in her craft. Entwined, the first book in a new duology, is a testament to that. It's beautifully written, perfectly paced and engaging from the first to the final page.
And I really liked the story and the world building as well. It's not a long book so yes, the world building isn't incredibly detailed or intricate, but it works for the story and I never felt like I was missing something. The magic system isn't anything groundbreaking but I actually really really enjoyed it. The implications of especially Madge's powers are so incredibly intriguing, and I can't wait to see how it all plays out.

Our protagonist is Ottilie, a detective's assistant hiding in plain sight from those who hunt her - she's an Entwined so has magic, after all, and her kind isn't popular. The Sorcerer's Guild wants her just as it wants her two sisters - Madge, who's already been made part of the Guild, and Pretoria, a criminal and revolutionary who has so far managed to evade them. The sister relationship between these two is the most interesting aspect of the novel for me, and while this first book mostly focuses on Ottilie and Pretoria, I genuinely am excited to see Madge more prominently thrown into the action. All three sisters embody different ways of dealing with the Guild, the government and the imperial power structure it represents: Ottilie simply wants to leave it all behind and flee, Pretoria wants to fight it, Madge has succumbed to it and works for them. It's an incredibly interesting dynamic.

Of course, Ottilie can't hide forever - her boss disappears and with him the money she desperately needs in order to finally leave the country with her fiance and disappear. Now she has to find out what happened to him and is thrown into a mystery, a revolution, a struggle she wasn't prepared for.

Now, while I really enjoyed my time with the book it's not perfect. Sometimes the pacing is simply too fast and Long doesn't give the reader a chance to sit on what has happened, to reflect on it. And I unfortunately don't care about the main romance being set up, because it's very stereotypical so far and the love interest is just the guy you would expect to be a love interest in this kind of book. I'm much more interested in whatever is going on with her fiance and the complicated relationship these two have, which I hope won't turn into a typical romantic subplot/love triangle in book 2. For what it's worth, I don't think it will.

All in all, definitely another hit from this author and I'm already excited to see where it all leads in book 2. If you like Gilded Age fantasy and prefer a lighter read that still has some intriguing themes in it, this one's for you.

Many thanks to Titan Books and Netgalley for the arc!.

[Cat Treadwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

At a time when fantasy is producing many stories of magical academia, Chosen Ones and daring quests (not that I'm complaining, mind you!), it's refreshing to encounter a book that's so very different to all of its peers.

'Entwined' is, appropriately enough, a multi-threaded mystery set in a politically charged city, where magic is so much of a threat that it's harshly controlled. The Guild logs every Entwined, no matter their level of power, trains them and then decrees their future marital partner as deemed appropriate for breeding purposes. This keeps everyone in the city safe and utilises their skills, you see?

Into this comes Ottilie, a rogue mage who managed to escape the system but not the land. Hiding whilst trying to save up enough to flee, she becomes caught up in a theft, a murder and even (accidentally) seditious acts by other rebellious Entwined who seek to overthrow the system. Pulled on all sides by both family and state, what can a lone mage do to simply survive and work her threads free?

First of all, the world-building here is excellent. Yes, the status quo is terrible. It demonstrates how certain extreme right-wing groups would 'deal with' minorities that they see as lesser or threatening, and it directly challenges the privilege of the reader as they're forced to face such an awful regime and the fact that so many regular folk see this as fine and normal.

Then, the magic. Each Entwined has their own ability, grouped together by skill set. It's easy to see how non-magic-users would see these as threatening - being able to steal someone's strength, their memories, or twist time - and it's fascinating to see this depicted in such context.

Ottilie herself is a great protagonist, ostensibly just fighting to find a way out of this world to a fairer country where she can live her life. Unfortunately her sisters have other ideas - from gentlewoman thief Pretoria to Guild Mage Madge, each has something they want or expect from our heroine.

I first encountered HM Long's work with her first title 'Hall of Smoke' years ago. I flew through it and have kept an eye on her ever since, as her skill really is writing books with fantastically strong and yet very relatable women. These aren't romances where men sweep in to save the day. These are adventures where a female protagonist is quite often left struggling for her life against multiple forces ranged against her - and her own goal may not actually be the best one, as she learns once more facts are revealed. Multifaceted, complex and thoughtful, her ladies are always a pleasure to travel with and root for, and Ottilie is no exception.

The quasi-steampunk/Victorian style was fun too, especially when the almost 1920s-noir aspects of the missing artefact and murder victim enter the frame.

This really is an entirely new and fresh take on a stalwart heroine battling evil forces, and I loved it. Looking forward to more of this world in the sequel, and maybe even revisiting this author's other works because I enjoy her writing just so much!

I was kindly sent an early copy of this book by the publisher, but the above opinions are entirely my own.

[Janette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another brilliantly written book by H M Long. From the very beginning, the reader is immersed in the world that she creates.
The Entwined are wielders of magic, so called because of the threads that lurk beneath their skin and become visible at certain times of the day. All those who are entwined must belong to the guild but the protagonist, Ottilie, is determined to stay out of its clutches. She is living under a false name as a secretary to a private detective and trying to save up enough money so that she and her fiancée can escape to a country where the entwined can live safely and openly.
She is on the verge of achieving this ambition when all her plans fall apart. Her employer and the artefact she is hoping to claim the reward for both disappear and her older sisters who each have different ideas about her future both reappear in her life.
Ottilie is an amazing protagonist. She is plucky and determined as well as being extremely resourceful in a crisis of which there are many in this book. She is loyal to her employer and loves both of her sisters but above all she wants her freedom even if that means letting down the people closest to her. As the story progresses, we learn more about her background and the power of the guild and this single mindedness becomes completely understandable.
This is very much Ottilie’s story and the other characters are less well developed although still memorable. I loved Mr Stokes and felt as frustrated as Ottilie by the behaviour of her fiancé Lewis.
I loved the setting and the author’s descriptions really convey the atmosphere. Harrow is a city in turmoil. The old imperial system has been cast down and there are those who want to see the Entwined destroyed completely. The political situation is volatile; violence erupts frequently and Ottilie is at risk of death no matter whose hands she falls into. Sadly, one of the things that I found less successful was the amount of time that she spends escaping from different captors. It did get a bit repetitive at times
The magic system was fascinating and seemed unique to me but I didn’t feel that I understood enough about it despite the helpful entries that began each chapter. It definitely had a very dark side with one character having the power to leech life away from any one he touched. Others had the power to use art to take away memories and Madge, Ottilie’s eldest sister Madge had this ability and was a character that I felt had such a sad storyline.
This was an action packed novel with a brilliant heroine and a fascinating magic system. I would have liked a bit more historical background to the current situation and a bit less escaping from carriages but I can’t wait for the second book in this duology to come out.
Huge thanks as always to the publishers, Titan Books and Net Galley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[☽｡⋆ Shells (jlreads_) · Rating 3 out of 5]

First things first, I really love the cover. One thing for sure in author H.M Long's novels are the banger book covers. Of course, The Winter Sea series would be my favourite ones, and that just reminds me to finally read the last book 🙈.

Onto this first book of the duology, it was a very engaging read. As expected from the author, they never failed to hook me from their first chapter. Not to mention the immediate intrigued in our FMC.

Another thing I liked here was how the pacing of the story was really in a steady like slow burn pace. It is just in the right magnitude of fast and compelling storytelling. I also really enjoyed the whole 'interlude' like parts of the novel where we presented information of the Entwined bits by bits.

One might think that this is a light one, but I would say this is kinda dark, especially how the system of the Entwined Guilds works. Forms of subjugation and oppression that really made me so angry. I guess that dark part was kind of overshadowed by how the cosiness this historical fantasy emmits.

As much as I did enjoy this novel, I would say that the last 30% were shaky for me, and how things unravelled from the decision-making born from naivety really frustrated considering how broad and the magnitude of the conflict is. There were just so many short-term like reasoning for me and not really one that is convincing considering again the conflict.

I would also like to mention the complexity of the sisters here. All three present different form self sufficiency, coping up, and resistance from the horrors and subjugation they experienced and would really want to get deeper into them, especially on Madge. From the three of them, Madge us by far where I'm so intrigued with.

Lastly, the romance. I'm not sure if I like the romance going on here, but one thing for sure is that it frustrates me how it seemed to cloud the FMC's mind. I mean, I understand her desires to be free from the shackles, but the whole reasoning is so unconvincing and short-term for me, considering how dangerous the conflict device is here.

I wouldn't be so sure the General would just stop there and not look at those parts where the Entwined is still present. Although, we see at the end that the FMC has started to realise this.

For all of it, I still enjoyed it, tho. It was really an engaging read and a page turner. Not to mention how unique the manifestations of the magic/ sorcery are. I really liked the idea and its concept. Considering this is going to be a duology, I'm intrigued by how the 2nd book would play out, especially the entanglement of the characters, the 3 warring groups, or the whole affair in here.

Anyway, again, this is still a good read. I just hope there's more character development with our FMC and more presence with the rest of the characters since they kinda felt not that solid to me despite the intrigue I had with them.

Thank you, Titan Books, for the e-arc via Netgalley and Edelweiss. 3.5⭐️.

[Rachel Feeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder mystery, fomenting rebellion, and assorted gaslamp escapades (cue ladies escaping from carriages). In this new series, HM Long presents yet another rich and vibrant system of magic, where Entwined wield the power of memories, words, or time, according to the threads visible on their skin in certain types of light. Ottilie is an intriguing heroine - fastidious, cat-loving, fiercely independent, with an analytical bent that keeps her oddly calm in the most dire of circumstances. This rationality and an upbringing shaped by fear form a strong self-interest, so while I didn’t always like Ottilie, I was invested in her decisions and rooting for the cracks in her heart to lead her to join with a larger cause than her personal safety.

With an archly retrospective narrator and nations at war, the overall style felt something like A Natural History of Dragons with Divine Rivals. The city is steeped in wartime politics and discontent, full of anti-magic sentiment and ordinary divisions of class, though I dearly needed a map to understand who was fighting who, and where, and just how far away Lewis Illing was stationed from Harrow. Some more grounding on all fronts would’ve been nice, starting with the history of the Entwined, and their mysteriously powerful Guild, and this ambiguous place outside their reach where Ottilie wishes to seek asylum across the sea. One would think that having a narrator that sometimes addresses remarks to the reader would clearly set up these sorts of things, but the world at large remains largely opaque until story context sees fit to clear some of the fog.

As with the author’s most recent series, The Winter Sea, I did find myself sometimes more in love with the concept than the execution. Lewis’s character, for example. Poet, smuggler, soldier? Say no more, but actually, please do, because in the story itself his role doesn’t get much further than reluctant fighter, with very little of the poet (or his Entwined abilities in general). Similarly, early discussions of what it means to be human or Entwined, and the destructive prejudice of each, fall by the wayside after initial introductions. This novel expects the reader to stay on their toes, and I scoured the opening chapters with delight. But then, those details didn’t seem to have much import (I was so sure there’d be something important with the cat), so I paid a bit less attention, and perhaps in that shuffle lost key background information, making me want to focus in, and so the cycle went. Maybe I’m out of practice in my literary sleuthing, maybe these beats don’t come full circle until the second book, maybe not everything needs to be important (*shrug*).

Still, I anticipate the duology will finish strong, as the next book promises to see Ottilie and her motley band embark on a harrowing treasure hunt.

**Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC**

[Nannette Demmler · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided by Titan Books via Netgalley for an honest review.

I have some mixed feelings about this one. While I liked the story and even at times enjoyed reading it, I also struggled with it. I never felt fully connected or invested in the characters and their stories, the magical system also needs more explanation, and the full extent of the issues facing Ottlilie and her sisters just never materialized.

The story is told fully from Ottlilie’s point of view which was fine. I liked her quite a bit, even though I never felt fully connected or invested in her story. She is smart and loyal to her friends and family, even when she doesn’t fully trust them. She does seem to be quite the disaster magnet though. She spends most of the book being captured by the various warring factions and then miraculously escaping or being rescued, sometimes by the people who last kidnapped her. This happened so many times I lost count, and it got old pretty fast.

There were a lot of secondary characters and I did at times have trouble keeping them all straight and which faction they belonged to. I did like Ottlilie’s sisters though. I very much felt the sisterly dynamic between them whenever they got together. The romance on the other hand, felt completely nonexistent. Lewis, her fiance doesn’t show up until well into the story, and then he treats her almost like a stranger. There is also an erstwhile kiss with another character, but nothing else ever comes of that storyline until the very end. Hopefully the romance will be more prominent in the next book.

The magical system was interesting, but I never really felt like I understood it. The different types of Entwined and their abilities were interesting, but I never really understood why these abilities would be feared or used for that matter. There were some epigraphs at the start or maybe the end of some of the chapters that explained some of the magical system, but they also didn’t seem to connect to the story as a whole. I just needed something more to make this interesting system, well better understood.

The writing and the setting for the story was very well done. I loved the descriptions of the places and people we meet. The tension and the turmoil that the city was experiencing was well described and really added to the story as a whole. The political intrigue and the warring factions needed a bit more details to really understand what was going on. Or perhaps there was too much going on to really understand the full picture.

As much as I liked the book, I didn’t love it as much as I hoped I would. I am somewhat undecided if I will read the next book or not. I think I will reread this one closer to when the next one comes out to see if my mind about it changes. I do recommend that you give this one a chance. I can easily see others loving this book more than I did.

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[M. K. French · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ottilie Rushforth hides from the Sorcerer’s Guild as secretary to a has-been detective, hoping to escape with her estranged fiancé, the enigmatic poet, soldier, and smuggler Lewis Illing. She is Entwined, meaning magic is inside her, and the Guild would force her to serve them if they find her. While she plans to leave the city once she finds a particular artefact, her sisters have offers of their own. Pretoria is a sorceress and thief recently emerged from exile, and Madge is a guild mage. She will have to choose a new life at the cost of everything she has ever wanted, or prestige and safety in a gilded cage.

This is the first half of a duology, taking place in a gaslamp Art Nouveau-style world. Ottilie is posing as a secretary to hide, not wanting to fall in line with the Guild. Those who carry magic aren't considered human, and mobs frequently hang the mages they find. Asides in the text tell us about Entwined powers, and Ottilie outlines how the Guild matches the Entwined to have children, whom they eventually take and teach in their enclosed schools. Those who oppose the Guild are changed through the powers of other Guild members or killed. Ottilie and her older sisters were taken from their mother and taught Guild ways in such a manner, and this is part of the reason why she and her sister escaped. Ottilie just wants to get far away from their influence, but Pretoria is part of the Separatist movement. There's also a war going on, adding to the background tension of the book. Caught between her sisters' opposing ideals, Ottilie can no longer keep her head down and hide.

The larger concern about the Entwined and their gifts is posed, and Ottilie worries that either sister’s side will use the information badly. The Guild wants more Entwined of powerful types, which their breeding program is supposed to produce. Separatists don't want the Guild. The Zealots don't want Entwined at all, and artifacts from the ancient world could possibly explain the origin of the Entwined or how to erase that ability entirely. With riots throughout the city, Ottilie isn't sure who to trust. The allies she thought she had were few and far between, and the opposition has been several steps ahead of her the entire time.

The book moves through several questions, each answer making Ottilie and us doubt what we knew of any faction's motives. It is very well done, and I applauded Ottilie as she tried to figure out what was going on and escape from various traps. It's a wild ride, and I eagerly look forward to the second half of the duology.

[Helen Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entwined by is part fantasy, part mystery set against the backdrop of a reimagined America in its Gilded Age. Focusing on the youngest of three sisters as she uncovers a plot to wipe out those with magic known as the Entwined.

About the Book 📖

In a land where having magic puts a target on your back Ottilie Rushforth has carved a new identity for herself, secretary to a former detective turned purveyor of items of questionable origin. With her Entwined threads appearing on her skin at night, by day Ottilie can live a relatively normal life but that begins to unravel.

When their most recent acquisition brings unwanted attention to their door Ottillies' carefully cultivated life begins to unravel. Finding her boss’s office ransacked and a dangerous man waiting in the shadows Ottilie is dragged into a mystery that seemingly only she can get to the bottom of. The artefact is missing, along with Ottilie’s savings with which she planned to procure her and her faux-fiancé’s escape.

What follows is a game of cat and mouse between Ottilie and a whole host of characters including both her older sisters, one a career criminal and the other a mage under the thumb of the Guild, the powerful sorcerers that would see Ottilie forcibly married off and made to produce a gaggle of baby mages. Pulled into a dangerous web with the Grand General Baffin at its heart, the man who wants the Entwined eradicated, Ottilie must fight back or turn and flee.

My Thoughts 💭

We first meet Ottilie when she goes to collect an artefact from a smuggler and this really sets the tone for the whole book. Ottilie is suspicious of everyone's motives and doesn’t really trust anyone. This is evident in the way she approaches the situation she finds herself in. She moves from person to person, only trusting them with minimal information and nothing that could incriminate her. I loved her independence and all the times that it seems as though she needs rescuing she manages to figure things out for herself - just about!

I loved Ottilie's progression from hiding in the shadows to taking control of the situation and organising those around her. She's a young woman who has never been able to do what she wishes, so the situation she finds herself in really allows her to come out of her shell.

Ottilie's scepticism of those around her rubs off on the reader. I found myself questioning the motives of all those that Ottilie encounters, especially her sisters who on the surface want to control their baby sister but deep down I think just want to protect her.