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Mysterious Fields #1
Enchanted Net
Thessaly’s life is laid out before her, a sparkling path toward the goals any young woman of Albion should aspire to. Her own magic is strong, she’s a gifted duellist mastering the enchantments of illusion work. Now she’s betrothed to the shining son of one of the greatest families in the country. All she has to do is tread the steps of the proper dance.
Vitus has just returned from a grand tour, learning all he can about stones and mines to cap off his apprenticeship as a talisman maker. Now it’s time to establish himself, build his business, and craft his own future.
When Thessaly and Vitus meet at a costume ball, there’s an immediate spark between them. Thessaly’s marriage agreements specifically permit that, so long as she’s discreet. Certainly, there’s no barrier to a friendship or magical collaboration. Vitus, for his part, is charmed by her intelligence, creativity, and eye for crafting magic.
They’ve barely begun to get to know each other - or figure out how to handle their growing mutual interest properly - when Thessaly’s world collapses. The sudden change in her life throws everything she’d expected into chaos. Vitus has no idea how to help, not without risking his future as well.
The first book in the Mysterious Fields trilogy begins Thessaly and Vitus’s story and romance - but their happily ever after won’t come until book three. Join them for a toast in honour of recognising each other as kindred spirits, navigating the politics of Albion’s Great Families, and figuring out how to live their own lives. Set in 1889, this book about the magical community of Victorian Britain is a wonderful entry point to Celia Lake’s Albion books.
Vitus has just returned from a grand tour, learning all he can about stones and mines to cap off his apprenticeship as a talisman maker. Now it’s time to establish himself, build his business, and craft his own future.
When Thessaly and Vitus meet at a costume ball, there’s an immediate spark between them. Thessaly’s marriage agreements specifically permit that, so long as she’s discreet. Certainly, there’s no barrier to a friendship or magical collaboration. Vitus, for his part, is charmed by her intelligence, creativity, and eye for crafting magic.
They’ve barely begun to get to know each other - or figure out how to handle their growing mutual interest properly - when Thessaly’s world collapses. The sudden change in her life throws everything she’d expected into chaos. Vitus has no idea how to help, not without risking his future as well.
The first book in the Mysterious Fields trilogy begins Thessaly and Vitus’s story and romance - but their happily ever after won’t come until book three. Join them for a toast in honour of recognising each other as kindred spirits, navigating the politics of Albion’s Great Families, and figuring out how to live their own lives. Set in 1889, this book about the magical community of Victorian Britain is a wonderful entry point to Celia Lake’s Albion books.
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 20, 2024
10 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Celia Lake
46 books73 followersCelia Lake spends her days as a librarian in the Boston (MA) metro area, and her nights and weekends at home happily writing, reading, and researching.
Born and raised in Massachusetts to British parents, she naturally embraced British spelling, classic mysteries, and the Oxford comma before she learned there were any other options.
Born and raised in Massachusetts to British parents, she naturally embraced British spelling, classic mysteries, and the Oxford comma before she learned there were any other options.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
September 21, 2024
Fascinating, fantastic, absorbing, compelling story arc and relationship buildup. Love love love!
My only regret is that I didn't save this to glom with books 2 and 3 of the trilogy, because I want more, soonest!
(This is book 1 of a trilogy, with the HEA coming at the end of book 3. I knew that going in, so I'm fine with where the story pauses.)
My only regret is that I didn't save this to glom with books 2 and 3 of the trilogy, because I want more, soonest!
(This is book 1 of a trilogy, with the HEA coming at the end of book 3. I knew that going in, so I'm fine with where the story pauses.)
July 24, 2025
4.5 stars. I loved seeing a friendship and attraction develop between Thessaly and Vitus, and how carefully (in the sense of "full of care" as well as caution) they treat each other's feelings, needs, and concerns as their acquaintance deepens. I was worried going in, because of Thessaly's betrothal to Childeric Fortier, but if you've read some of Celia Lake's previous Albion books (which take place chronologically a generation or two later), you know... well, you know why I am ultimately not too worried about that. (Also, Celia assures us that Thessaly and Vitus will get their HEA in book three, and I trust her.) Full review to come.
March 15, 2025
Full of Lake's signature detailed world building and characters who are deeply decent and thoughtful in their interactions - this is a very comforting and stable world to visit when the world at large is the opposite. This is set earlier than many of her other books set in this world and I feel a little bit of tension between elements of the Victorian era and the more modern behaviors of the magical community. This is not really a stand alone, it feels like the first third of a long novel.
As always, my reviews are reflections of my experience in reading the book and not meant to be taken as true critique.
As always, my reviews are reflections of my experience in reading the book and not meant to be taken as true critique.
January 15, 2025
Another terrific book from Lake. This one takes place in a slightly earlier time and I enjoyed seeing some familiar names from the later books. I love revisiting this world and this story has several interesting characters with different magical abilities. As always, I appreciate the kindness and competence of the main characters.
October 1, 2024
Absolutely gorgeous start to the trilogy! I’m not usually a big fan of romance arcs over several books but the tension in both the romance and the rest of the plot here was fantastic! My only regret with this book is that I have to wait for the next one!
February 8, 2025
Super detailed social scenarios in a way that pays off with elaborate drama if you can keep all the names straight. The narrative voice is kind of odd, restrained and bookish in a way that I don't expect in a romance, but I guess it works for the setting.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews