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Regency Mage #4
Mary Bennet and the Shades of Pemberley
What is haunting Pemberley?
Mary Bennet, apprentice magician, is both thrilled and apprehensive to be spending Christmas at Pemberley. Thrilled to see her lively sister Elizabeth again, and apprehensive because Elizabeth’s husband Darcy is so wealthy and so grand that Mary is a tiny bit afraid of him.
But when Mary arrives at Pemberley, she finds Elizabeth on the verge of a breakdown, and Pemberley overrun with ghosts - ghosts that Elizabeth can see and Darcy cannot. A Norman Baron’s lady spins thread in the drawing room, Cavaliers duel on the lawn, and a not at all respectable opera dancer dances in the ballroom.
And the ghosts are only the beginning. Some malicious magician is targeting Lizzie, threatening her sanity and her very life. Who is attacking Lizzie? And why?
Mary Bennet and the Shades of Pemberley is the fourth book in the Regency Mage series and blends Regency comedy of manners and fantasy high adventure.. If you enjoy Jane Austen and Harry Potter, you’ll love Regency Mage. Get it now!
Mary Bennet, apprentice magician, is both thrilled and apprehensive to be spending Christmas at Pemberley. Thrilled to see her lively sister Elizabeth again, and apprehensive because Elizabeth’s husband Darcy is so wealthy and so grand that Mary is a tiny bit afraid of him.
But when Mary arrives at Pemberley, she finds Elizabeth on the verge of a breakdown, and Pemberley overrun with ghosts - ghosts that Elizabeth can see and Darcy cannot. A Norman Baron’s lady spins thread in the drawing room, Cavaliers duel on the lawn, and a not at all respectable opera dancer dances in the ballroom.
And the ghosts are only the beginning. Some malicious magician is targeting Lizzie, threatening her sanity and her very life. Who is attacking Lizzie? And why?
Mary Bennet and the Shades of Pemberley is the fourth book in the Regency Mage series and blends Regency comedy of manners and fantasy high adventure.. If you enjoy Jane Austen and Harry Potter, you’ll love Regency Mage. Get it now!
168 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 22, 2019
92 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Joyce Harmon
13 books99 followersJoyce Harmon has been from one side of the galaxy to the other (slight exaggeration) and seen a lot of strange stuff (very true). Since retiring from the Navy, she has worked as a winery tour guide, a journalist for a local newspaper, selling collectibles on eBay, and making candles - and always, always, a writer. She shares her rural Virginia home with two haughty and indolent cats and one clever, busy dog, and is haunted by a noisy crowd of characters, all clamoring to be written down and set loose into the world. She accommodates them as quickly as she can. She is the author of the Passatonnack Winery mysteries, Died On The Vine and Bidding On Death. A Feather To Fly With is her first Regency romance, and she is currently working on a sequel.
Joyce blogs occasionally at http://joyceharmon.wordpress.com/ , mostly about her dog.
Joyce blogs occasionally at http://joyceharmon.wordpress.com/ , mostly about her dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
June 14, 2022
Another light, entertaining installment in a light, entertaining series. When I’ve been in the right mood, these “Pride & Prejudice but make it magic” mashups have hit the spot.
This one suffered from the mystery being too easy to solve, the bad guy(s) too easy to identify. And, while we blessedly were not subjected to “the villain explains all in a grand monologue,” we did get a kinda-sorta magical version of that cliché. :/
Supposedly more books will be coming, but these first four were all released in 2019 and nothing has happened since, so I won't be holding my breath. If this turns out to be all there ever is, I wish things had ended on a stronger note. Regardless, overall the series has been fun, and I'm glad I found it.
This one suffered from the mystery being too easy to solve, the bad guy(s) too easy to identify. And, while we blessedly were not subjected to “the villain explains all in a grand monologue,” we did get a kinda-sorta magical version of that cliché. :/
Supposedly more books will be coming, but these first four were all released in 2019 and nothing has happened since, so I won't be holding my breath. If this turns out to be all there ever is, I wish things had ended on a stronger note. Regardless, overall the series has been fun, and I'm glad I found it.
February 7, 2020
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars
I've become an unabashed devotee of this series of magical Pride and Prejudice sequels. Mary's late-blooming magical abilities continue to grow, as do her self-confidence and maturity. She cringes at the memory of the self-righteous, Fordyce-quoting creature she used to be.
But going to visit her sister Elizabeth during the Christmas season is still a bit daunting. Mary has always looked up to Lizzy and felt slightly intimidated by her. Additionally, she only knows Mr. Darcy from his stiff, haughty behavior around her family. Mary isn't sure she'll be completely comfortable with either of them during her upcoming visit to Pemberley.
Instead, she encounters difficulties of a different kind. Pemberley has a whole bunch of ghosts! It becomes evident that Elizabeth can see them too, but no one else does. The strain of trying to act normal when, for example, a ghostly child is running through the room at regular intervals is clearly taking its toll on Elizabeth, who believes she must be going mad.
During Mary's visit, she interacts with various relatives and friends of the Darcys: Mister Wilcox is the local vicar - Lizzy initially thought he might make a good match for Mary, not realizing how much her younger sister has changed. Colonel Fitzwilliam arrives, bringing Georgiana with him, who has been staying with a set of young cousins, David and Clarissa, from another branch of the Fitzwilliam family. He also brings an army comrade, Captain Fairchild. Mary previously met him in London. While not magical himself, Captain Fairchild's mother was an accomplished magician, and he is aware of the Order of Saint George and many of their secrets. Mary also meets Quincy, Percy, Sylvia Fulton and their parents.
The young people are all eager to make merry around Christmas, with various activities that include a hunt and a masquerade ball. They're a lively bunch, and there's a bit of flirting and matchmaking in the air.
However, Mary becomes aware of magic working against Elizabeth and has to act several times to prevent her sister from becoming seriously injured or killed. Also, her ghost investigation indicates most appeared at Pemberley after Darcy and Elizabeth married, and the phenomenon is oddly limited to Pemberley - there are no reports from the Order of ghosts amassing at any other locations.
Intriguing mystery! Are the ghosts and threats against Elizabeth related? Who's the secret magician that wants to hurt her? Why?
I did catch one plot glitch. Granted, this would solve the mystery much sooner, but it did seem like the obvious next step, and Mary is smart enough to realize it.
Despite this quibble, it's a thoroughly entertaining story. I'm already looking forward to the next!
I've become an unabashed devotee of this series of magical Pride and Prejudice sequels. Mary's late-blooming magical abilities continue to grow, as do her self-confidence and maturity. She cringes at the memory of the self-righteous, Fordyce-quoting creature she used to be.
But going to visit her sister Elizabeth during the Christmas season is still a bit daunting. Mary has always looked up to Lizzy and felt slightly intimidated by her. Additionally, she only knows Mr. Darcy from his stiff, haughty behavior around her family. Mary isn't sure she'll be completely comfortable with either of them during her upcoming visit to Pemberley.
Instead, she encounters difficulties of a different kind. Pemberley has a whole bunch of ghosts! It becomes evident that Elizabeth can see them too, but no one else does. The strain of trying to act normal when, for example, a ghostly child is running through the room at regular intervals is clearly taking its toll on Elizabeth, who believes she must be going mad.
During Mary's visit, she interacts with various relatives and friends of the Darcys: Mister Wilcox is the local vicar - Lizzy initially thought he might make a good match for Mary, not realizing how much her younger sister has changed. Colonel Fitzwilliam arrives, bringing Georgiana with him, who has been staying with a set of young cousins, David and Clarissa, from another branch of the Fitzwilliam family. He also brings an army comrade, Captain Fairchild. Mary previously met him in London. While not magical himself, Captain Fairchild's mother was an accomplished magician, and he is aware of the Order of Saint George and many of their secrets. Mary also meets Quincy, Percy, Sylvia Fulton and their parents.
The young people are all eager to make merry around Christmas, with various activities that include a hunt and a masquerade ball. They're a lively bunch, and there's a bit of flirting and matchmaking in the air.
However, Mary becomes aware of magic working against Elizabeth and has to act several times to prevent her sister from becoming seriously injured or killed. Also, her ghost investigation indicates most appeared at Pemberley after Darcy and Elizabeth married, and the phenomenon is oddly limited to Pemberley - there are no reports from the Order of ghosts amassing at any other locations.
Intriguing mystery! Are the ghosts and threats against Elizabeth related? Who's the secret magician that wants to hurt her? Why?
I did catch one plot glitch. Granted, this would solve the mystery much sooner, but it did seem like the obvious next step, and Mary is smart enough to realize it.
Despite this quibble, it's a thoroughly entertaining story. I'm already looking forward to the next!
August 22, 2023
The story of Mary Bennet, apprentice magician, continues as she goes to spend the Christmas time at Pemberley. Happy to be with Elizabeth but concerned because of Darcy.
But on arriving she finds Elizabeth in somewhat of a state, believing she is going mad. Now it is time for Mary to be useful. Ghosts have been appearing at Pemberley, and accidents are happening. Can Mary's magic ability solve the problems
Another delightful and enjoyable well-written story in this series. Another re-read.
A pity there are no more in the series.
But on arriving she finds Elizabeth in somewhat of a state, believing she is going mad. Now it is time for Mary to be useful. Ghosts have been appearing at Pemberley, and accidents are happening. Can Mary's magic ability solve the problems
Another delightful and enjoyable well-written story in this series. Another re-read.
A pity there are no more in the series.
December 29, 2019
3.5 stars.
Thanks you, Joyce Harmon, for this surprise holiday treat! It was so fun. I've really been enjoying this series, and this installment was no different. I appreciate how Joyce Harmon makes you see the characters of the original Pride and Prejudice in a different light, giving them some new traits and an overall more developed feel. I'm a little disappointed that a certain character didn't appear in this book but am so pleased that this series will continue on! Originally, I think the author said that this series would have four books, but now per the author bio at the end of this book "And the series continues." Yay! :)
Thanks you, Joyce Harmon, for this surprise holiday treat! It was so fun. I've really been enjoying this series, and this installment was no different. I appreciate how Joyce Harmon makes you see the characters of the original Pride and Prejudice in a different light, giving them some new traits and an overall more developed feel. I'm a little disappointed that a certain character didn't appear in this book but am so pleased that this series will continue on! Originally, I think the author said that this series would have four books, but now per the author bio at the end of this book "And the series continues." Yay! :)
October 8, 2025
Surprisingly Good Series
I say surprisingly because the magical P&P variations always give me pause. I somehow got it in my head that any book having to do with a fantastical P&P world will be poorly done. Hence my hesitation when I find start one. However, this series of books were very good and not at all as outlandish as I feared. Very well written, few typos {which is a huge plus for me} and a clever plot to each book in the series. I can honestly say that I recommend this series highly.
I say surprisingly because the magical P&P variations always give me pause. I somehow got it in my head that any book having to do with a fantastical P&P world will be poorly done. Hence my hesitation when I find start one. However, this series of books were very good and not at all as outlandish as I feared. Very well written, few typos {which is a huge plus for me} and a clever plot to each book in the series. I can honestly say that I recommend this series highly.
June 3, 2021
2021 bk 129: The fourth book and hopefully not the last in this series. Mary has recovered and is visiting Lizzie and her husband Darcy for Christmas. Mary learns that her sister can also see ghosts and quickly disabuses her of the notion that she is losing her mind. There is, however, evil present and it is up to Mary and the liason between order and army to sort out the problem in time for an enjoyable holiday.
I really enjoyed these four books - and would love to see them in print. They are more novella than full length novel (I read the four over a day and a half time period) and could be published in one omnibus. I do hope the author writes more of these.
I really enjoyed these four books - and would love to see them in print. They are more novella than full length novel (I read the four over a day and a half time period) and could be published in one omnibus. I do hope the author writes more of these.
September 23, 2023
Fantastic series!
I hope this is not the last book on this series! This one depicts an interesting plot,well written and developed. The portrayal of the characters is spot on. Even though the series is not of a romantic bent, it engages the imagination and keeps you turning pages.
I hope this is not the last book on this series! This one depicts an interesting plot,well written and developed. The portrayal of the characters is spot on. Even though the series is not of a romantic bent, it engages the imagination and keeps you turning pages.
March 12, 2020
I’m ashamed to admit that I was slightly disappointed by this. Not by the plot or the characters or the writing, which were well up to scratch. No, I’d got myself invested in the possibility of a romance for Mary with a certain handsome young lord, and he wasn’t even in this book. Instead, we got a dashing military man as potential love interest. Which of course may be shaping up to be a love triangle, but…
Well, never mind about the romantic angle, or lack of it. That’s just me. Here’s the premise: Mary Bennet, the over-educated but under-talented middle sister from Pride And Prejudice has here been re-imagined as a young lady with a very special talent indeed: Mary, it transpires, is a magician. This she discovered in book 1 of the series, and in books 2 and 3, as her ability is undergoing training by the secret Order of St George, she tripped over various dastardly plots which her skills, with a bit of help from other magicians and a few familiar faces from P&P, were able to resolve. Now she’s heading off to see Darcy and Lizzie at Pemberley and blow me down if there isn’t something odd going on there, too. As one character put it, why can’t you just go on holiday like everyone else?
Like any self-respecting ancestral pile, Pemberley has a couple of resident ghosts, but the problem here is that there seem to be random extra ghosts popping up all over the place. A couple of cavaliers are duking it out on the lawn, there’s a well-bred Norman lady spinning in the drawing room, and (rather delightfully) an opera dancer is in the ballroom. Elizabeth can see these ‘shades’ (hence the book’s title; geddit?), even though no one else can, and it’s driving her almost to the point of a nervous breakdown.
Happily, our newly-fledged magician can see them too, and sets about, in her sensible, systematic way, to find out more about them, discover how they got there, and maybe even get them back to where they came from. This is a lot of fun, and the very different characters of the ghosts definitely add to it. It has to be said that the challenges are not very great and Mary seems to succeed with some of her self-appointed tasks almost too easily. There is a villain, but this too is easily spotted. So this is perhaps the gentlest story yet of this series.
But drama and out-of-nowhere plot twists aren’t at all what this series is about, since it's three parts P&P, two parts cozy mystery and one part Harry Potter. Neither the language nor the characters are strictly true to the books, but they’re terrific fun and I recommend them to anyone who would like a little added magic in their Jane Austen. A good four stars, and here’s hoping that a certain handsome lord turns up in a future book.
Well, never mind about the romantic angle, or lack of it. That’s just me. Here’s the premise: Mary Bennet, the over-educated but under-talented middle sister from Pride And Prejudice has here been re-imagined as a young lady with a very special talent indeed: Mary, it transpires, is a magician. This she discovered in book 1 of the series, and in books 2 and 3, as her ability is undergoing training by the secret Order of St George, she tripped over various dastardly plots which her skills, with a bit of help from other magicians and a few familiar faces from P&P, were able to resolve. Now she’s heading off to see Darcy and Lizzie at Pemberley and blow me down if there isn’t something odd going on there, too. As one character put it, why can’t you just go on holiday like everyone else?
Like any self-respecting ancestral pile, Pemberley has a couple of resident ghosts, but the problem here is that there seem to be random extra ghosts popping up all over the place. A couple of cavaliers are duking it out on the lawn, there’s a well-bred Norman lady spinning in the drawing room, and (rather delightfully) an opera dancer is in the ballroom. Elizabeth can see these ‘shades’ (hence the book’s title; geddit?), even though no one else can, and it’s driving her almost to the point of a nervous breakdown.
Happily, our newly-fledged magician can see them too, and sets about, in her sensible, systematic way, to find out more about them, discover how they got there, and maybe even get them back to where they came from. This is a lot of fun, and the very different characters of the ghosts definitely add to it. It has to be said that the challenges are not very great and Mary seems to succeed with some of her self-appointed tasks almost too easily. There is a villain, but this too is easily spotted. So this is perhaps the gentlest story yet of this series.
But drama and out-of-nowhere plot twists aren’t at all what this series is about, since it's three parts P&P, two parts cozy mystery and one part Harry Potter. Neither the language nor the characters are strictly true to the books, but they’re terrific fun and I recommend them to anyone who would like a little added magic in their Jane Austen. A good four stars, and here’s hoping that a certain handsome lord turns up in a future book.
January 1, 2020
Another installment of this wonderful series! Mary Bennet continues to blossom now that she has a chance to use her strong points, and she also continues to mature and understand other people better. I like that thus far, she hasn't had a romantic entanglement. I don't mind if it happens in time, but it's in character that she's focused on her scholarship and her new friendships.
Also, the magical worldbuilding in this series is really detailed and interesting! I enjoy this series a lot and I hope the author keeps writing it.
Also, the magical worldbuilding in this series is really detailed and interesting! I enjoy this series a lot and I hope the author keeps writing it.
February 7, 2020
I read the 4 books in a row and will copy and paste this review since my opinion was the same for all four.
A magical sequel to Pride & Prejudice; delicious & cleverly done; choosing the ‘nerdy’ Mary Bennett as the MC was a great idea. Only drawbacks to be a 5-star book: too many secondary characters seen Incidentally and each mystery too quickly (magically?!) solved at the very end of the book. Still a very enjoyable read.
A magical sequel to Pride & Prejudice; delicious & cleverly done; choosing the ‘nerdy’ Mary Bennett as the MC was a great idea. Only drawbacks to be a 5-star book: too many secondary characters seen Incidentally and each mystery too quickly (magically?!) solved at the very end of the book. Still a very enjoyable read.
August 21, 2021
Great series
I have very much enjoyed Joyce Harmon's Mart Bennett series. I flew through the books and was sad when they ended.
I have very much enjoyed Joyce Harmon's Mart Bennett series. I flew through the books and was sad when they ended.
October 20, 2021
Aww I’ve loved this series but I’ve come to the end. Hopefully this won’t be the last 😉
“I was advised not to take listening lightly, to pay attention not only to the words that were spoken, but the way in which the words were said. “For while often the words on the surface are the entire message, sometimes there is an underlying meaning, which can only be discerned by careful attention.”
“I was advised not to take listening lightly, to pay attention not only to the words that were spoken, but the way in which the words were said. “For while often the words on the surface are the entire message, sometimes there is an underlying meaning, which can only be discerned by careful attention.”
March 7, 2023
An excellent end to a very enjoyable series
This final instalment in the Mary Bennet Mage series takes Mary and the reader to Pemberley where Elizabeth is not quite herself. Mary finds herself embroiled in two magical mysteries which she has to solve.
The writing flows well and draws the reader in with ease. There were a few editing errors with mixed tenses and a couple of non-regency words but these do not affect the overall enjoyment.
This final instalment in the Mary Bennet Mage series takes Mary and the reader to Pemberley where Elizabeth is not quite herself. Mary finds herself embroiled in two magical mysteries which she has to solve.
The writing flows well and draws the reader in with ease. There were a few editing errors with mixed tenses and a couple of non-regency words but these do not affect the overall enjoyment.
April 6, 2022
This is the last book in the series, which is weird because it feels like another installment rather than being any sort of climax to the storyline. I appreciate the author not feeling the need to introduce a romance for Mary at the last minute, even if as an outgrowth of Pride and Prejudice I am curious about who she would want to marry. But the story feels like it could keep going indefinitely, because while we’ve now pretty much run out of Pride and Prejudice characters, there are plenty of other Austen novels that Mary could cross over with.
Since she’s previously encountered Jane, Lydia, and Anne DeBourgh it’s time to round things out with Lizzie. Not wanting to face weeks of Caroline Bingley, Mary instead heads to Pemberly for Christmas, only to discover it’s haunted. Or, rather, more haunted than usual. The normal allotment of two ghosts has been augmented by a half dozen or so specters, acting as the shades of the title. It turns out that Lizzie can see ghosts, but Darcy and the others at Pemberly cannot, and until Mary arrives Lizzie feared she was going mad.
The mystery this time has more personal stakes for Mary. Somebody is using magic to target her sister. It started with the ghosts, who were dragged along to Pemberly, but a number of strange incidents follow as everyone does their best to make merry. One flaw is that the number of characters is somewhat more constrained as the action focuses largely on the party staying at Pemberly, which mixes existing Pride and Prejudice characters with a few new ones. But whereas I could well have believed something was up with Anne DeBourgh, I’m much less willing to believe Georgiana is plotting to kill her sister.
I also found other elements of the plot a little weaker. Mary has a new lady’s maid, a girl from a hidden non-Order magical group who is being taken under Mary’s wing to see if she can reform herself. It’s a neat idea and is a good way to allow Mary to discuss magical things with another character, except barely anything is done with the girl and another of Mary’s friends from the magical world shows up partway through the plot. I couldn’t help being reminded of the attempt in the 90s Sabrina the Teenage Witch show to give her an apprentice that went nowhere.
There are some fun moments in the story. When Mary first sees Lizzie, Lizzie is sick with worry about the ghosts only she can see. Mary immediately believes that there is something sinister about Mister Darcy, and quickly spins a tale of him being a villain out of a Gothic novel, oppressing and abusing his poor wife. (Clearly Mary would get along with Catherine from Northanger Abbey.) While this is quickly cleared up, it does make the good point that while the reader of Pride and Prejudice understands exactly how Lizzie and Darcy came to wed, it must’ve been confusing for many of her family and friends, at least at first.
I also enjoyed seeing Mary interact with the various ghosts. Ghosts have been a running element in the series, and while previously they had died recently this time there’s a variety from different time periods. Probably my favorites are the girl from the dancing hall and the medieval spinning woman. The former wants to go back to her former haunt, while the latter has fallen in love with Pemberly and wishes to stay - especially because her place of death is now a barren ruin.
There was still a fair balance of the Pride and Prejudice characters and Austenesque plot with the magic, but it wasn’t quite as fun as the previous books because Lizzie and Darcy didn’t have too much to do. There was none of the fun of seeing what the author did with Lydia or Anne - Darcy and Lizzie are still a happy couple, with the drama being entirely from the magical realm.
Overall, this wasn’t a bad book, and I enjoyed reading it well enough. But it didn’t really feel like the end of the series. Mary is still, for all her feats of magical prowess, an apprentice in the Order of Saint George, and while she has in some ways grown and changed I feel like there’s more places her character could go. I think if there were more books after this I wouldn’t mind this one so much, but as an ending to the series it does feel a little weaker than I’d like. But I’ve had enough fun with these four books that I’d still recommend them to anybody who wants a fun mix of Regency and magic.
Since she’s previously encountered Jane, Lydia, and Anne DeBourgh it’s time to round things out with Lizzie. Not wanting to face weeks of Caroline Bingley, Mary instead heads to Pemberly for Christmas, only to discover it’s haunted. Or, rather, more haunted than usual. The normal allotment of two ghosts has been augmented by a half dozen or so specters, acting as the shades of the title. It turns out that Lizzie can see ghosts, but Darcy and the others at Pemberly cannot, and until Mary arrives Lizzie feared she was going mad.
The mystery this time has more personal stakes for Mary. Somebody is using magic to target her sister. It started with the ghosts, who were dragged along to Pemberly, but a number of strange incidents follow as everyone does their best to make merry. One flaw is that the number of characters is somewhat more constrained as the action focuses largely on the party staying at Pemberly, which mixes existing Pride and Prejudice characters with a few new ones. But whereas I could well have believed something was up with Anne DeBourgh, I’m much less willing to believe Georgiana is plotting to kill her sister.
I also found other elements of the plot a little weaker. Mary has a new lady’s maid, a girl from a hidden non-Order magical group who is being taken under Mary’s wing to see if she can reform herself. It’s a neat idea and is a good way to allow Mary to discuss magical things with another character, except barely anything is done with the girl and another of Mary’s friends from the magical world shows up partway through the plot. I couldn’t help being reminded of the attempt in the 90s Sabrina the Teenage Witch show to give her an apprentice that went nowhere.
There are some fun moments in the story. When Mary first sees Lizzie, Lizzie is sick with worry about the ghosts only she can see. Mary immediately believes that there is something sinister about Mister Darcy, and quickly spins a tale of him being a villain out of a Gothic novel, oppressing and abusing his poor wife. (Clearly Mary would get along with Catherine from Northanger Abbey.) While this is quickly cleared up, it does make the good point that while the reader of Pride and Prejudice understands exactly how Lizzie and Darcy came to wed, it must’ve been confusing for many of her family and friends, at least at first.
I also enjoyed seeing Mary interact with the various ghosts. Ghosts have been a running element in the series, and while previously they had died recently this time there’s a variety from different time periods. Probably my favorites are the girl from the dancing hall and the medieval spinning woman. The former wants to go back to her former haunt, while the latter has fallen in love with Pemberly and wishes to stay - especially because her place of death is now a barren ruin.
There was still a fair balance of the Pride and Prejudice characters and Austenesque plot with the magic, but it wasn’t quite as fun as the previous books because Lizzie and Darcy didn’t have too much to do. There was none of the fun of seeing what the author did with Lydia or Anne - Darcy and Lizzie are still a happy couple, with the drama being entirely from the magical realm.
Overall, this wasn’t a bad book, and I enjoyed reading it well enough. But it didn’t really feel like the end of the series. Mary is still, for all her feats of magical prowess, an apprentice in the Order of Saint George, and while she has in some ways grown and changed I feel like there’s more places her character could go. I think if there were more books after this I wouldn’t mind this one so much, but as an ending to the series it does feel a little weaker than I’d like. But I’ve had enough fun with these four books that I’d still recommend them to anybody who wants a fun mix of Regency and magic.
March 18, 2020
I almost missed the instalment of one of my favourite series. Mary Bennet has finally arrived at Pemberley to find her sister being able to see ghosts. Ghosts that are currently overrunning the place. There is also the mysterious attacks on her sister by a magician not known to the Order. Essentially, Mary Bennet cannot go on holiday like other people.
What I really liked was so the relationship between the two sisters, a closeness that was not there before. As much as the old Mary Bennet was a bore, it is partially explained by her desire to be accepted by her older sisters. Mary is now self-assured enough to realise that her learning stemmed from insecurities. Fortunately, both Jane and Elisabeth realise it as well and they do try to get to know the new Mary. This self-knowledge and acceptance were one of the big strengths of the book.
The appearance of Captain Fairchild, whilst mostly done in a non-romantic manner prompted the question of the whereabouts of a certain lord. As someone who is familiar with magic, whilst not being magical himself his help to Mary proves invaluable.
I did wonder why if Elisabeth could see the ghosts she wasn't told about magic. Perhaps it will be explained in the next book
What I really liked was so the relationship between the two sisters, a closeness that was not there before. As much as the old Mary Bennet was a bore, it is partially explained by her desire to be accepted by her older sisters. Mary is now self-assured enough to realise that her learning stemmed from insecurities. Fortunately, both Jane and Elisabeth realise it as well and they do try to get to know the new Mary. This self-knowledge and acceptance were one of the big strengths of the book.
The appearance of Captain Fairchild, whilst mostly done in a non-romantic manner prompted the question of the whereabouts of a certain lord. As someone who is familiar with magic, whilst not being magical himself his help to Mary proves invaluable.
I did wonder why if Elisabeth could see the ghosts she wasn't told about magic. Perhaps it will be explained in the next book
June 23, 2021
Clever title
As a young girl, watching the BBC Pride and Prejudice videos with my friends, I always wondered what the “shades of pemberly” were and how they could be polluted by Elizabeth coming to live there.
When I was older, I realized shades could be ghosts or curtains. And still, I was never quite sure what the great Lady Catherine deBourgh meant by her comment.
This book was as lovely as the rest, and did not have the editing errors found in volume 3 of the series. I love that Mary (my least favorite Bennet sister) is now one of my favorites, and I love that she is getting her “happy ever after”, traveling around and visiting her sisters while we get to watch those relationships blossom and grow.
As a young girl, watching the BBC Pride and Prejudice videos with my friends, I always wondered what the “shades of pemberly” were and how they could be polluted by Elizabeth coming to live there.
When I was older, I realized shades could be ghosts or curtains. And still, I was never quite sure what the great Lady Catherine deBourgh meant by her comment.
This book was as lovely as the rest, and did not have the editing errors found in volume 3 of the series. I love that Mary (my least favorite Bennet sister) is now one of my favorites, and I love that she is getting her “happy ever after”, traveling around and visiting her sisters while we get to watch those relationships blossom and grow.
March 1, 2022
Great conclusion
I would first like to point out how disappointed I am that is is the last of the series. Secondly, I absolutely adore it. It's so difficult to successfully write characters so universally adored, like Elizabeth and Darcy, when they aren't your own. Fortunately, she did not much attempt it, relegation them to support roles where there their actions and descriptions would not risk being "out of character." And finally, spoiler alert, I am even forgiving of the plot hole in the amount and number of ghosts brought to Pemberley. The ghost outside Darcy's office was never followed up with after the initial mentioning... and if that's my only complaint, this is a fabulous book.
I would first like to point out how disappointed I am that is is the last of the series. Secondly, I absolutely adore it. It's so difficult to successfully write characters so universally adored, like Elizabeth and Darcy, when they aren't your own. Fortunately, she did not much attempt it, relegation them to support roles where there their actions and descriptions would not risk being "out of character." And finally, spoiler alert, I am even forgiving of the plot hole in the amount and number of ghosts brought to Pemberley. The ghost outside Darcy's office was never followed up with after the initial mentioning... and if that's my only complaint, this is a fabulous book.
July 29, 2020
Mary Bennett goes to visit her sister Elizabeth and her husband at their home Pemberly for Christmas. Upon arrival Mary discovers Elizabeth in poor health. Her weight is less and there are signs of lack of sleep and stress. Mary soon realizes Pemberly is haunted and Mary is questioning her sanity because she can see them. Fortunately, Mary can see them as well. Mary begins to unravel the mystery of the appearance of new ghosts at Pemberly. Someone sent spirits to make Elizabeth go crazy. Holiday guests arrive and the plot thickens when it is discovered a more sinister idea is at play.
August 10, 2021
Regency magic
This series is a twist on Pride and Prejudice. Mary Bennet discovers she is a magician accidentally while organizing her brother in law's library. In this fourth book in the series, Mary prevents several attempts on her sister's life. She discovers who is responsible for the attacks, and also learns how to banish ghosts. All the books in the series had me reading instead of sleeping. Joyce Harmon I hope you are well. I'm not alone in wondering about Mary's next adventure.
This series is a twist on Pride and Prejudice. Mary Bennet discovers she is a magician accidentally while organizing her brother in law's library. In this fourth book in the series, Mary prevents several attempts on her sister's life. She discovers who is responsible for the attacks, and also learns how to banish ghosts. All the books in the series had me reading instead of sleeping. Joyce Harmon I hope you are well. I'm not alone in wondering about Mary's next adventure.
August 12, 2021
Mary the Magician continues to delight as she grows closer to her older sister Elizabeth and realises both what is troubling Elizabeth and what she sees in Mr Darcy.
As Christmas approaches she is joined at Pemberley by a house-party including a couple of rather exuberant young people, and also the neighbours who are also around her own age... and dangerous things begin to happen to Elizabeth.
As the only member of the order in the area, Mary has to cope with an influx of ghosts and the threat to her sister.
As Christmas approaches she is joined at Pemberley by a house-party including a couple of rather exuberant young people, and also the neighbours who are also around her own age... and dangerous things begin to happen to Elizabeth.
As the only member of the order in the area, Mary has to cope with an influx of ghosts and the threat to her sister.
September 14, 2021
Enjoyable Read
Simple read but I find myself enjoying them very much. Perhaps it's because of my familiarity with Austin's characters and the twists Harmon adds to the continuation of their stories. Mary Bennet continues to mature and blossom in light of her newly discovered magical powers in her world so beautifully replicated by the author. Recommend for light reading that is charming and always interesting.
Simple read but I find myself enjoying them very much. Perhaps it's because of my familiarity with Austin's characters and the twists Harmon adds to the continuation of their stories. Mary Bennet continues to mature and blossom in light of her newly discovered magical powers in her world so beautifully replicated by the author. Recommend for light reading that is charming and always interesting.
December 11, 2021
Jane Austin fans and fantasy fans will love this series.
This is really a fascinating series. Written in the style of Jane Austin and set in the time of her Pride and Prejudice, these stories continue the tale in a wonderful and magical way. We get to see all of the characters in such a marvelous and imaginative way. Certainly looking forward to a continuing magical adventures of Mary and her family!
This is really a fascinating series. Written in the style of Jane Austin and set in the time of her Pride and Prejudice, these stories continue the tale in a wonderful and magical way. We get to see all of the characters in such a marvelous and imaginative way. Certainly looking forward to a continuing magical adventures of Mary and her family!
March 1, 2022
Love this series binged it in 4 days basically except a 48-hour commitment elsewhere.
spoiler rant.
I am not okay with this ending. I need more and more ST. Ives, I don't care about this other fellow at all I kept thinking he would be the villain somehow or hope to avenge his mother since we first met him in book 2. I had hoped for a Mary and st. Ives taking on order business as a couple, adventure in the future. They both trust Mary so that's in his favor but it's not the same.
spoiler rant.
I am not okay with this ending. I need more and more ST. Ives, I don't care about this other fellow at all I kept thinking he would be the villain somehow or hope to avenge his mother since we first met him in book 2. I had hoped for a Mary and st. Ives taking on order business as a couple, adventure in the future. They both trust Mary so that's in his favor but it's not the same.
March 23, 2022
fun read
I love Jane Austen and have often felt sorry for Mary throughout Pride and Prejudice. Imagine my joy to find a book written in Jane Austen style about Mary, with a twist. I read all four books and enjoyed everyone as the P&P characters are brought in while adding new interesting characters. Thank you also for keeping it clean in true Austen style without sacrificing some modern sensibilities. Fun read for sure
I love Jane Austen and have often felt sorry for Mary throughout Pride and Prejudice. Imagine my joy to find a book written in Jane Austen style about Mary, with a twist. I read all four books and enjoyed everyone as the P&P characters are brought in while adding new interesting characters. Thank you also for keeping it clean in true Austen style without sacrificing some modern sensibilities. Fun read for sure
July 7, 2022
Finally! A heroine without a beau!
She is magical in more ways than the obvious. Mary's character has come into her own as a woman and does not feel the need to be encumbered by a relationship with a significant other. She is strong-willed, intelligent, and lovely! I find the Mary Bennet books addicting. Bravo Joyce Harmon for a character who does not need a man in a day and age where women were expected to marry!
She is magical in more ways than the obvious. Mary's character has come into her own as a woman and does not feel the need to be encumbered by a relationship with a significant other. She is strong-willed, intelligent, and lovely! I find the Mary Bennet books addicting. Bravo Joyce Harmon for a character who does not need a man in a day and age where women were expected to marry!
June 14, 2025
I hate to see this series come to an end. The characters are beloved to me and I delight in their adventures, but this author is wise to end it at four books, even though I'd enjoy more. The plot is easily followed and the premise is finding out why ghosts had started populating Pemberley House. As it turns out they were being summoned for a distinct purpose, as well as magical attacks being done. You need to read the book to find out what happens. I truly think it will be worth your effort.
June 22, 2025
I don't generally read Jane Austen fan fiction as I find it simplistic and not at all true to Jane Austen. However, I thoroughly enjoyed this series. It felt like I was stepping into the world of Pride and Prejudice, continuing a beloved story with a magical twist. I'm sorry to see it end, but it concluded in a way that left me satisfied. My only quibble--and it is a minor one--is that the series could use better editing, as there are several typos and a few grammatical errors.
August 1, 2020
I enjoyed them all
This is book 4 in the Regency Mage series with Mary Bennet. Mary always seemed lonely in Pride..., but in this series she definitely finds her own happiness. I have read and enjoyed all four books in a very short time. I hope there are more in the series with Mary finding a companion wizard she wants to stay with.
This is book 4 in the Regency Mage series with Mary Bennet. Mary always seemed lonely in Pride..., but in this series she definitely finds her own happiness. I have read and enjoyed all four books in a very short time. I hope there are more in the series with Mary finding a companion wizard she wants to stay with.
February 15, 2021
Wonderfully entertaining
I truly enjoyed this version of the Jane Austen novels. Mary is an entertaining heroine and the books exude the manners, some of them comic, of the age. Inserting magic was sheer genius. I couldn't put the books down and was disappointed to finish the last one. I'm eagerly awaiting the next one!
I truly enjoyed this version of the Jane Austen novels. Mary is an entertaining heroine and the books exude the manners, some of them comic, of the age. Inserting magic was sheer genius. I couldn't put the books down and was disappointed to finish the last one. I'm eagerly awaiting the next one!
August 21, 2021
Mary Bennet coming into her own.
MS Harmon has created an interesting and developing character in Mary Bennet while keeping true to the original characters of the Pride and Prejudice story. The plots are creative and interesting with unexpected situations and outcomes. The writing is clean and concise and very enjoyable to read.
MS Harmon has created an interesting and developing character in Mary Bennet while keeping true to the original characters of the Pride and Prejudice story. The plots are creative and interesting with unexpected situations and outcomes. The writing is clean and concise and very enjoyable to read.
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