A Tale of Secrets and Sorcery

by Vanessa Nelson

One librarian, one sorcerer, and a whole lot of trouble.

Evie has been doing her best to lead a quiet, unremarkable life, working her job as a librarian at one of the largest libraries in the world amid a collection of magical books and magical creatures that delight in causing mischief. She dreams of adventure even as she struggles to hide her magical abilities in a kingdom that executes rogue sorcerers. When a chance encounter leads to her secret being uncovered, Evie finds herself in the middle of a greater adventure than she could ever have imagined.

Lord Fentemann - Barnaby to his few friends - has been charged by his Queen with a special, dangerous and vital task. Already annoyed at having to travel to the kingdom to carry out research in the library, worse is to come when he is forced to go on the run. Someone doesn't want Barnaby to succeed in his mission.

Thrown together, Evie and Barnaby realise that their best chance of survival is working together.

Can Evie and Barnaby work together to stay ahead of the Queen's enemies and complete the mission to save the Queen?



If you like your fantasy mixed with a bit of mystery, a bit of magic and a heroine who can hold her own, you will love this new book by Vanessa Nelson - this will be a complete story in one volume.

Genres: Fantasy

359 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 5, 2026

About the author

I am a fantasy author living in Scotland, United Kingdom and spending my days juggling the demands of an elderly, spoiled cat, two giant dogs and a host of fictional characters.

As far as the cat is concerned, she’s in charge and should always come first. The older dog’s favourite method of getting my attention is a gentle nudge with his head. At least, he would say it’s gentle. And the younger dog's attention-getting method generally involves playing with the loudest squeaky toy he can find.

You can find out more information at the following places:
Website: www.vanessanelsonwrites.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Taellaneth

Reviews

[Tais · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly lovely.
Cute story, with just the right blend magic, adventure and romance. Really loved Evie and Barnaby.
And despite being more used to write long series, this exercise of a standalone novel was a really successful venture — the author managed to pack in just as much punch and narrative as her series have. Another one for my rereading list!

[Philip Harrington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anything by Ms. Nelson is superior to the vast majority of fantasy books that I read, this included. Nonetheless, I find that in this one-volume work she failed to make character and plot development points quite as convincing as in her longer works, in particular toward the end.

[Bea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m HERE I’m SAT, patiently waiting… Y’all Ms Nelson comes in again to save the day. A pleasant read, very fun and adventurous. A throw back in style to her older works! I have to say some of her newer series have become quite samey in terms of outline, I personally enjoy it, if it works why change it? This book however breaks from the pattern!
Throughout the book I wasn’t sure if this was a standalone or part of a wider series so wasn’t sure if there was going to be a conclusion of plot. I enjoyed it! A bit more fast paced and less chemistry or build up than her longer series but over all super sweet, easy, enjoyable read!

[Spinneretta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

A librarian in the world’s most prestigious library,the Liber Alchemica, Evangeline lives a careful life dreaming about the places she would love to see, while hiding her forbidden magical ability.
Barnaby Fentemann, a legal sorcerer travels to the library in search of answers to an issue facing the kingdom where he lives, and he thinks the library may well have a book which can help.
It’s not long before the two are thrown together, and end up fighting to stay ahead of forces determined to stop them.

This was an enjoyable, complete story, with a slightly steampunk flavour to it. Evie is a creative but practical woman with a kind heart; while Barnaby is powerful sorcerer, but also intelligent and resourceful. These qualities in the two of them prove to be extremely beneficial on their journey.
It’s a story filled with adventures, magic, and a mystery that Evie and Barnaby have to work together to solve.
I loved Evie’s gremlins, as well as the assortment of steampunk-esque magical devices that Barnaby uses throughout the book, and I enjoyed their adventures together. I was a little sad when it ended, because I really want to know what the Queen was planning to do with the culprit, and how Barnaby’s mother will react!

If you’ve loved Vanessa Nelson’s other books, or want a steampunk style fantasy, then this is definitely the book for you!

[Laur Laur · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rare standalone from VN, whose series I love. I'm rounding up to 5 stars, this was a bit sad and glum at the beginning - as most of her series start - but then turned into a fun romp. I loved the gremlins, and I love that this author doesn't need to spell things out for the reader, I was as surprised as Barnaby that Evie was the only one who could understand the gremlins, and this was foreshadowed by Hove's surprise at the jail but never actually stated .

My only complaint would be that it ended kind of abruptly, but then I am used to multiple sequels with her books, and maybe she is too lol.

[Nickie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have loved all of Ms. Nelson's books. This was the exception. It seemed to drag on and on with little action and a LOT of contemplation, reflection and description. There were also a lot of typos that were distracting. The story was interesting, but I felt we were skimming the surface and not really getting into the meat of it... really disappointed in this title, BUT I will keep reading future offerings by this talented author!

[Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

As soon as I bought this and started reading, I fell under the spell woven by Ms Nelson. This is an intriguing mystery with abundant magic, headlined by a determined protagonist, called Evie, and a skilful counterpart, named Barnaby, supplemented by many mischievous gremlins. I was greatly disappointed when it came to an end, such was my immersion in the tale.
Recommended!

[Mrs Vivienne Lamb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely sweet mysterious story

Loved the way that the characters developed. The POV of the chapters was well done and didn't break up the story the way it can sometimes. I really enjoyed that it was a complete story in one book. Old fashioned I know! Well done!

[Donald Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast pased, crisp and cleanly written. One of the few examples where dual MC's was made to work well.

[Nadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

a little different but oh so good

Wasn’t sure if I would enjoy this format, but I should have known Vanessa Nelson, anything she writes is a keeper. I want a gremlin! and a Barnaby

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[JULIE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book!

I loved the history and
adventure behind the story. Strong smart female lead. In fact more strong females with brains than males!!




behind the story.

[Harriet · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful - Vanessa does it again!

Love this fascinating and imaginative storyline – especially love that it’s only one volume and I don’t have to wait for the next one!