The Windermere Inheritance: A Victorian Romantasy

by Steffie Glen

In the shadow-soaked streets of Victorian London, governess Eliza Clarke hides a power that could get her killed. Orphaned in a massacre she cannot remember, she has spent years concealing her forbidden shadow magic—until her twelve-year-old charge, Madge Windermere, awakens the rarest light magic the Empire has seen in centuries.

When Madge is seized for the Imperial Tournament—a brutal crucible where gifted children are weaponized for the Crown—Eliza follows into the Empire’s deadliest fortress. There she collides with Major David Thorne, the enigmatic Battle Mage whose gray eyes should mean nothing… except he claims to have known her as a child. He swears the boy who once bound his light to her shadows still lives beneath his Imperial uniform.

But Thorne is also the man who serves the machine that breaks children. And when Eliza’s unraveling power exposes her as the last Shadowbinder—a bloodline the Empire nearly erased—trusting him may be the most dangerous choice she can make.

As Madge faces lethal trials and Eliza’s shadows spiral beyond control, survival demands one impossible remain hidden, or embrace a legacy that could shatter an Empire built on stolen magic. Because the Tournament doesn’t just forge weapons—it consumes souls.

Some bloodlines are worth dying for. Others are worth killing for.

A gothic romantasy perfect for fans of dark Victorian fantasy, morally complex heroes, and magic that comes with a price.

289 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 17, 2025

Reviews

[Coco · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is very close to being a 5 star read for me, there are many strengths to ‘The Windermere Inheritance’ which made it a very enjoyable read but I did have a few minor niggles which just took the rating down ever so slightly to 4.5.

The beginning was very strong, I was very quickly drawn into the story, setting and characters. The scene is set up very strongly, giving you the character's motivations, desires and goals as well as the sense of danger and intrigue about the overall picture to which they are a part of. The initial pacing is good allowing the story to kick off quickly but with a good understanding of what is going on so you don’t get whiplash from it being so fast you’re not able to follow or immerse yourself or get bored from it taking too long.

There is still decent pacing through the middle of the book, with good tension, action and emotion. (Trigger warning involving child violence/abuse/death.) Though the romance gave me mixed feelings. I did feel the initial romance phase relied heavily on the imagery of the interjoining of shadow and light magic (which often ‘act’ like they have a mind of their own) rather than genuinely making me feel emotional chemistry stemming from the people themselves - at least at first. The middle romantic development really made me pause, both from questioning whether this behaviour made sense for a woman of the time period this is set in general but also from where she was at mentally and emotionally in regards to the romance at that point in time. How the romance progressed from there only made this feeling stronger for me that this ‘development’ was too much too soon given her blatant trust issues.
The ending did feel rather drawn out and the pacing/tension etc was then entirely dropped making it feel somewhat anti-climatic in the context of this specific book. I think this could’ve been rectified if it had been a little shorter (and get the same things across) but also there was a significant time/location skip (not going to say too much to avoid a spoiler) but that felt like a missed opportunity to keep up the same energy present in the rest of the book to add tension to make the last page felt more ‘hard won’ for them.

If you like atmospheric, high stakes, magically rich stories with elements of found family/strong bonds then this could be for you.

[Wolf2001 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compelling magical romantasy novel set in a parallel Victorian era

This descriptive, well-written book quickly hooked me in with its confident narrator’s voice. The fictitious universe is an imagining of a parallel Victorian Era, in an age where magical citizens—perhaps a symbolic rendering of colonialism—are captured and indentured to toil for the Empire’s glory. It is deftly imagined in complex, multisensory detail.

Eliza is a supposedly working-class governess employed to care for Madge, an adolescent aristocratic scion, possessed of extraordinary magical powers but unable to control them. Yet Eliza is also magical, although often unable to contain or hide the magical shadows emanating from her persona. She lives in fear of one day being apprehended by the repressive Empire. With the entrance of love interest and apparent anti-hero David Thorne, the worst comes to pass, and Eliza and Madge are carried off to the fearsome Blackstone Castle, somewhere out in Essex, where a malignant authoritarian regime attempts to turn their contrasting forms of magic to its evil imperial uses.

If I had one misgiving with the novel it is that it initially develops too quickly, not allowing itself the time and space to set up and explore its opening setting and characters, or giving the relationship between Eliza and Madge time to mature, before rapidly abandoning that setting entirely and thrusting us into a world in which the plot rests on the believability of their relationship. Also, while the book is a compelling fantasy adventure, on the romance front it struggles to touch all of the proper structural beats. Albeit this is a difficulty inherent in the romantasy genre itself, with its necessary juggling of the plot requirements of both fantasy and romance.

However, the book rises above these difficulties and its story begins to move with more pace towards the end before coming to a fast-moving climax, followed by a leisurely and satisfying conclusion.

[Curious Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Windermere Inheritance quickly drew me into the story. It's set in England of the 1800s, but not the England I grew up hearing about in school. Essentially, it's an alternative history where magical ability is dangerous and faces the potential of being weaponized. 

I'm not fluent in all writing genres, but I believe this book would be considered a 'gaslamp fantasy.'

The story is very dark, placing adults and children in horrible physical and psychological danger, along with forcing good people into morally ambiguous decisions and actions. 

Morally ambiguity is a strong theme in the book, raising questions both overtly and subtly. How much of your soul do you sacrifice to survive? Is surviving worth that cost? Followed by, what if that sacrifice means saving someone else, or even the ultimate destruction of something that's hurting so many people? 

The writing is third person, by far my favorite style. 

There's some repetition of words. "Reckon" is a word that leaps out for me while reading and though it only occurs about 9 times in the book, in several cases it's in close proximity. Once twice in a paragraph. A few times Eliza's refusal to understand felt both frustrating and repetitive. Further, a few lines say the opposite of what's seems to be intended. 

The book doesn't quite end on a cliffhanger, but the potential for future stories is apparent. 

While a few minor issues were noted, this is an excellent book for paranormal readers and lovers of alternate histories!

[Shuo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Windermere Inheritance is an atmospheric and deeply engaging gaslamp fantasy that pulled me in from the very first chapter. Alexander Azalea creates a version of Victorian London that feels both familiar and unsettling—thick with fog, secrets, and a magic system that is as dangerous as it is fascinating. I could practically see the gaslit streets and feel the chill of night air as the story unfolded. Eliza Clarke is a compelling heroine—cautious, resilient, and shaped by a past that slowly reveals itself in ways that add tension and emotional depth. The relationships, especially her bond with Madge and her complicated connection with Major David Thorne, grounded the darker elements of the story with moments of genuine heart. The novel explores moral ambiguity really well. The Empire’s attempt to control and weaponize magical children raises difficult questions about survival, loyalty, and the cost of power. The romance is slow-burn and subtle, adding warmth without overshadowing the central conflict. Beautifully written, immersive, and filled with haunting secrets, this book is a standout for readers who enjoy dark Victorian fantasy, alternative history, and magic that always demands a price. I’ll be eagerly watching for the next installment.

[Rachel Knox · Rating 5 out of 5]

'The Windermere Inheritance' is a Victorian Fantasy story with an interesting magic system, and likeable characters. The story follows Eliza and her charge, Madge, as they navigate a restrictive world where people with magic powers must be registered. As unregistered magic users, it's only a matter of time before the authorities come after them. Although the book sits firmly in the magical fantasy genre, it also has some similarities to The Hunger Games, with children enduring trials and games designed to turn them into weapons for the Empire. This does mean some child abuse and death are depicted on the page, although by modern standards, it's not very graphic.

I very much enjoyed reading this, and it had enough originality to set it apart. I liked the flashbacks to Eliza's early life, which gradually build as her memory returns. I also really enjoyed the more spiritual aspects of the magics, e.g. empowering a third eye and focusing power. Learning to control power and how different powers can be complementary. Overall, a good read with romance thrown into the mix and a morally grey love interest.

[Kindle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging and Enjoyable Read


I read The Windermere Inheritance and loved how it lays a gothic veil over Victorian London. I enjoyed Eliza Clarke’s guarded strength, the tender, dangerous bond with Madge, and the crackling tension whenever Major David Thorne stepped onto the page. I liked the light-versus-shadow magic system as it was intuitive, visual, and threaded through character choices rather than dumped in exposition. I appreciated the way the Imperial Tournament frames stakes: personal, moral, and political. Scenes inside the fortress felt cinematic; the trials had rhythm, dread, and heart. The romance stayed morally knotty without slipping into cruelty, which, imho, makes the payoffs feel earned. The prose balances atmosphere with momentum, and the reveals about Eliza’s lineage deepen theme instead of just widening lore. I also liked the found-family notes, subtle class critique, and the recurring imagery of lamps, fog, and binding. The ending lands on resolve with room for more; satisfying yet tantalizing. If you want dark Victorian romantasy with consequence, I strongly recommend it. And Intrigued by whatever shadows and secrets the future chapters hold.

[Kelly Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Windermere Inheritance” by Steffie Glen is a Victorian paranormal tale. Eliza Clarke is summoned to Windermere mansion to apply for a position as governess to a very special ward, 12-year-old Miss Madge. In this world, those with magic are supposed to register with the government. Those with unusual powers of magic, such as Eliza and Miss Madge Windermere, are of particular interest to the government. If they learnt of their abilities, they would be conscripted into the military and forced into a Hunger Games/style competition. So, their gifts must be kept secret at all costs, and that is complicated when their powers are difficult to control. Thus, Lord & Lady Windermere are desperate for Eliza to show Miss Madge how to conceal her powers. Eliza takes the position, though she can barely hide her own illicit magic. Eliza soon learns that Lady Windermere researched Eliza’s background before hiring her and may know more about her true heritage than Eliza herself knows. This is an engaging and well-written story!

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t usually reach for fantasy novels, but The Windermere Inheritance completely won me over. Alexander Azalea’s writing is rich and immersive without ever feeling heavy, and I found myself flying through the pages. The atmosphere of Victorian London—fog, gaslight, and secret magic—felt so vivid I could almost smell the rain on the cobblestones.

Eliza Clarke is a heroine who’s easy to root for: brave but vulnerable, with a past that unfolds in such an intriguing way. I especially loved how the author balanced the dark tension of the Empire’s cruelty with moments of tenderness and hope, particularly between Eliza, Madge, and David. By the time I reached the final chapters, I was genuinely moved.

Even as someone new to the romantasy genre, I found the story clear, engaging, and emotionally satisfying. The prose carries a quiet confidence, and every chapter left me wanting more. Bravo to Alexander Azalea for crafting a beautifully written tale that lingers long after the last page.

[Lucian J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dark, atmospheric Victorian Romantasy full of magic and suspense

The Windermere Inheritance pulled me in from the first chapter with its haunting atmosphere and beautiful writing. The world feels vivid and alive, full of fog, candlelight, and secrets. I loved how the story blends suspense, romance, and moral complexity without ever feeling forced or predictable.

Eliza is such a compelling main character. She’s strong and intelligent, but also vulnerable in ways that make her feel real. Her fragmented memories and flashbacks add tension throughout the book, and one particular memory from her school days gave me chills. Major Thorne is equally intriguing, and the chemistry between them feels natural and intense.

The pacing is perfect, and the twists kept me reading late into the night. It’s dark, emotional, and full of depth. I also loved how the magic system felt both unique and believable, fitting seamlessly into the gothic Victorian world. If you enjoy gothic settings, complex characters, and slow-burn romance wrapped in danger and mystery, this book is a must-read.

[Tipper · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story kcks off in Victorian London with a governness hiding magic she didn’t ask for. Then a kid she cares for shows power too and bam things start going sideways. The magic is dark and sneaky, the empire is creepy, and the stakes are big (kids in a deadly tournament, secret bloodlines, power you can’t control). Some chapters felt heavy, full of magic system talk and history stuff and I kinda lost track. But when the action hit, like with shadows moving, secrets revealed, the fortress, that’s when I leaned in. The romance side is weird because the guy is part of the machine she’s fighting, and trusting him feels like a trap. So you root for her but you’re also worried. The pace shifts, the setting throws you new rules, and sometimes I wished for fewer explanations and more wild magic. But I stayed because the world is dense and weird and the character fighting her legacy made me care. If you like gothic romantasy with Victorian setting, hidden powers, messy trust and magic that’s more curse than gift, this one will probably work.

[Emirhan Korkmaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Windermere Inheritance wraps gaslight London in a true gothic hush, with fog, hush money, and secrets that refuse to stay buried. Eliza Clarke is the capable and wary. Her quiet bond with Madge gives the story its pulse, and the light-versus-shadow magic feels intuitive because it grows out of character choices rather than lecture.

The Imperial Tournament provides clear moral pressure. It shows a state that turns gifted children into instruments, which makes every act of care feel subversive. Major David Thorne fits the “morally gray” act, and Their chemistry is tense and patient, and the reveals about Eliza’s past deepen the theme of inheritance, not just the lore.

Lamps, bindings, and the small moments of gentleness carry unusual weight. If you want dark Victorian fantasy with consequence, a slow-burn romance that earns its hope, and magic that always asks a price, this is an easy recommendation.

[Sam Staples · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Windermere Inheritance drew me in from the very first chapter. The relationships between the characters feel natural and evolve in ways that kept me emotionally invested throughout. I found myself rooting for Eliza early on—her background against high society makes for an interesting perspective. Thorne had a great arc throughout, it was very natural from the first encounter in the house but as it kept going it never felt unrealistic.

The magic system was a real standout for me. It’s imaginative, clearly defined, and cleverly tied to the story’s social and political structure. The way the government enforces and manipulates magic adds a layer of realism that’s dark enough to feel believable yet still captivating. The world-building balances mystery with clarity, and the pacing stays tight even as the plot grows more complex.

Overall, a well-crafted, engaging read that delivers both emotional connection and a fresh take on a controlled-magic society. Highly recommended.

[Matthew Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I went into this one expecting your classic hidden society operating behind the scenes. My mistake as it’s more an alternate reality. Doesn’t matter, since I ended up loving the book. It helps that Eliza, our heroine, manages to keep your interest without ever feeling overpowered or a damsel in distress.

Overall the pacing is excellent. Even scenes that handle exposition only graze the dread “talking head” syndrome. Usually there is enough emotion or potential action in a scene to make even those bearable. And the mood? Yikes. There are a few scenes that really hammer home the darkness of Victorian times, with or without magic.

Is this one a perfect novel? No, there are a few slow points. But you barely notice them. I would call this a solid 4.5, so let’s round it up to a soft 5. Definitely worth a read, especially if you are using Kindle Unlimited like I did. Definitely going to check out any future installments or other works by the author.

[Ann Birdgenaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Windermere Inheritance by Steffie Glen is listed as a Victorian Romantasy, but there's less romance and more fantasy. It's book 1 in the Shadowbinder Awakens series and focuses on Eliza, a young woman from the destitute East End of London in the mid 1800s. She has a history based in magic but since she was adopted, she doesn't know the details. She speaks like Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, however, the author is not consistent with the cockney accent so I found it more of a distraction and pulled me out of the story. Eliza lands a plumb job as governess of the young Windermere daughter, Madge. Eliza finds out that she was given the job because of her magical history. Madge is demonstrating a very strong magical ability, but it needs to be controlled and hidden, or risk being taken into custody by the Imperial Magisterium. Both Eliza and Madge are discovered and taken to be participants in The Tournament. Which sets the story on a more action adventure trajectory.