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Tournament of Shadows #1
Opening Gambit
This pawn is going to take control of the game…
Seraphina Winyard is an abomination—a female mage. The first magic wielder of her sex to reach adulthood in three hundred years, she is treated like a zoological exhibit and leads a restricted life. Determined to escape and control her own destiny, she seizes a chance for freedom. But when her guardian is murdered, suspicion falls on the young mage.
The brilliant young surgeon Hugh Miles is tasked to aid the investigation to find the murderer. But the more he unearths, the more unsure he is about the mage’s innocence, particularly when he witnesses her power and temper.
As shadowy forces seek to label Seraphina a danger and have her imprisoned, she must decide if she can place her trust and life in Hugh’s large hands. Can they work together to find the true murderer, or will the mage council replace her leash with a noose…?
Seraphina Winyard is an abomination—a female mage. The first magic wielder of her sex to reach adulthood in three hundred years, she is treated like a zoological exhibit and leads a restricted life. Determined to escape and control her own destiny, she seizes a chance for freedom. But when her guardian is murdered, suspicion falls on the young mage.
The brilliant young surgeon Hugh Miles is tasked to aid the investigation to find the murderer. But the more he unearths, the more unsure he is about the mage’s innocence, particularly when he witnesses her power and temper.
As shadowy forces seek to label Seraphina a danger and have her imprisoned, she must decide if she can place her trust and life in Hugh’s large hands. Can they work together to find the true murderer, or will the mage council replace her leash with a noose…?
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 8, 2022
About the author
Tilly Wallace
44 books647 followersTilly writes whimsical historical fantasy books, set in a bygone time where magic is real. With a quirky and loveable cast, her books combine vintage magic and gentle humour. Through fierce friendships her characters discover that in an uncertain world, the most loyal family is the one you create.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
March 13, 2022
I wasn't sure if I'd love Opening Gambit (Tournament of Shadows #1) as much as Manners and Monsters, mostly because it's a prequel series based around the youthful adventures of Hannah's magician mother Seraphina, and I sometimes feel like prequels are lacking the usual wonder and tension if you know how it all turns out.
I needn't have worried! Sera is an electric heroine, caught in a fascinating situation. England only has 12 magicians, whose power is reborn in new babies when they die. Usually they dispose of female babies with magic, to keep everything good and patriarchal... but Sera slipped through their net, and is now (much to the dismay of the powers that be) a qualified mage.
Her first mystery (like the Manners and Monsters series, these gaslamp fantasies are also cozy mysteries) is the murder of her former "mentor," the mage who worked the hardest to hold her back during her student years. She's a main suspect, so Sera has to solve the case! Just as interesting to me, though, was her coming of age adventures -- setting up a house, stealing staff, and figuring out which of her friends are actually on her side. A fast-paced, fun read in a world still full of surprises even before zombie face powder curses enter the equation.
I needn't have worried! Sera is an electric heroine, caught in a fascinating situation. England only has 12 magicians, whose power is reborn in new babies when they die. Usually they dispose of female babies with magic, to keep everything good and patriarchal... but Sera slipped through their net, and is now (much to the dismay of the powers that be) a qualified mage.
Her first mystery (like the Manners and Monsters series, these gaslamp fantasies are also cozy mysteries) is the murder of her former "mentor," the mage who worked the hardest to hold her back during her student years. She's a main suspect, so Sera has to solve the case! Just as interesting to me, though, was her coming of age adventures -- setting up a house, stealing staff, and figuring out which of her friends are actually on her side. A fast-paced, fun read in a world still full of surprises even before zombie face powder curses enter the equation.
July 29, 2022
This is a prequel series to Manners and Monsters, which I only realised quite a bit into the story. It's absolutely fine to read it before or after the other series, it just has an older character from Manners as main character, and tells the story of their younger years.
I must confess I didn't love it just as much as I did Manners and Monsters. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed this a lot! It has a strong heroine in a world run by men, a murder mystery, magic, a very light budding romance, banter and a nice dose of humour! So it's a very deserved 4* read for me.
It just missed... That special spark that Manners had. I think it's a mix of not really knowing where the plot is supposed to go, and the character being a bit too powerful when it seems she's supposed to grow into that power more. There's also a little to few of all the secrets unraveled to fully satisfy me.
Despite these minor gripes anyway, this was a lot of fun to read, and I breezed through it in just a few days. I will definitely continue on, especially as there's a whole new mystery introduced at the end of the book!
I must confess I didn't love it just as much as I did Manners and Monsters. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed this a lot! It has a strong heroine in a world run by men, a murder mystery, magic, a very light budding romance, banter and a nice dose of humour! So it's a very deserved 4* read for me.
It just missed... That special spark that Manners had. I think it's a mix of not really knowing where the plot is supposed to go, and the character being a bit too powerful when it seems she's supposed to grow into that power more. There's also a little to few of all the secrets unraveled to fully satisfy me.
Despite these minor gripes anyway, this was a lot of fun to read, and I breezed through it in just a few days. I will definitely continue on, especially as there's a whole new mystery introduced at the end of the book!
June 12, 2023
''Your honor, if I may add; maybe she killed him but she also slayed. Are we going to ignore that?''
January 13, 2026
Seraphina Winyard is the first female mage to reach adulthood in England for centuries. Surrounded by pompous men she is viewed either as a freakish chattel or as a danger that must be erased from history.
When her former guardian is murdered, suspicion immediately falls on Seraphina. Only the surgeon Hugh Miles seems to trust in her innocence. Not only must Seraphina find the true murderer but also discover how to wield her developing mage powers.
I liked the „Manners and Monsters“ series but did not enjoy this prequel series as much. I am not really into this series yet. But I really love to decorate according to the spirit of the era.
When her former guardian is murdered, suspicion immediately falls on Seraphina. Only the surgeon Hugh Miles seems to trust in her innocence. Not only must Seraphina find the true murderer but also discover how to wield her developing mage powers.
I liked the „Manners and Monsters“ series but did not enjoy this prequel series as much. I am not really into this series yet. But I really love to decorate according to the spirit of the era.
February 21, 2023
It is so lovely to return to this world.
I love the little dance that immediately starts with Sera and Hugh.
We all know they will get together (if you read Manners and Monsters), but I can't wait to see how!
I love the little dance that immediately starts with Sera and Hugh.
We all know they will get together (if you read Manners and Monsters), but I can't wait to see how!
June 21, 2023
3.5 stars.
Not quite as entertaining to me as Manners and Monsters but still a good read. I enjoyed finding out how Seraphina and Hugh met.
Not quite as entertaining to me as Manners and Monsters but still a good read. I enjoyed finding out how Seraphina and Hugh met.
April 11, 2023
I had a lot of fun listening to this book!
Had book 2 been available from the streaming service I'm currently using I would have thrown myself at it straight away. But for some really daft reason Nextory only have book 1, 3 and 4!!! (Something I didn't notice until searching for book 2.) 🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️
Sera and the basic setup of this book gave me serious Veronica Speedwell by Deanna Raybourn feelings - in a very good way.
The dose of added magic was a chef's kiss. Like a cherry on top it all. 🍦🍒✨
Very enjoyable, even if it contains the classic first instalment trope of the heroine becoming a murder suspect and having to prove her innocence.
There were two things that bothered me through out the book.
First of all: Sera is only 18 (on the day!), but she acts like a 25-ish woman.
In fact, the way the entire book is written, it's very hard to believe she's an 18 year old girl that's been sheltered from society for all her life. She's too savvy, sassy, and mature, even for the historical setting, and it bothered me just a smudge.
(Plus, the woman on the cover is hardly a teenager.)
I haven't had to use my internal "Don't think about the actual age! Just pretend she's older!" editing function for quite a while. I didn't exactly appreciate having to dust it off, but ... Ah, well. It worked.
The second thing that nagged at me (initially) was the way the author kept pointing out potential-love-interest Miles' size - over and over and over again.
It became not only repetitive, but bordered on the ridiculous after just a few chapters.
Somewhere before the halfway mark the constant size references stopped though and Miles started to become more of a real person than this stereotypically sexy, silent hunk, lumbering around, towering over every other man like a mountain.
I will absolutely listen to more of this series. The narrator is great! So I'm really looking forward to continuing. First I have to locate book 2 though... 😤
Had book 2 been available from the streaming service I'm currently using I would have thrown myself at it straight away. But for some really daft reason Nextory only have book 1, 3 and 4!!! (Something I didn't notice until searching for book 2.) 🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️
Sera and the basic setup of this book gave me serious Veronica Speedwell by Deanna Raybourn feelings - in a very good way.
The dose of added magic was a chef's kiss. Like a cherry on top it all. 🍦🍒✨
Very enjoyable, even if it contains the classic first instalment trope of the heroine becoming a murder suspect and having to prove her innocence.
There were two things that bothered me through out the book.
First of all: Sera is only 18 (on the day!), but she acts like a 25-ish woman.
In fact, the way the entire book is written, it's very hard to believe she's an 18 year old girl that's been sheltered from society for all her life. She's too savvy, sassy, and mature, even for the historical setting, and it bothered me just a smudge.
(Plus, the woman on the cover is hardly a teenager.)
I haven't had to use my internal "Don't think about the actual age! Just pretend she's older!" editing function for quite a while. I didn't exactly appreciate having to dust it off, but ... Ah, well. It worked.
The second thing that nagged at me (initially) was the way the author kept pointing out potential-love-interest Miles' size - over and over and over again.
It became not only repetitive, but bordered on the ridiculous after just a few chapters.
Somewhere before the halfway mark the constant size references stopped though and Miles started to become more of a real person than this stereotypically sexy, silent hunk, lumbering around, towering over every other man like a mountain.
I will absolutely listen to more of this series. The narrator is great! So I'm really looking forward to continuing. First I have to locate book 2 though... 😤
June 2, 2022
I really enjoyed this - a great story with magic, strong female characters and clever, thoughtful world-building.
Sera is a very sympathetic, likable main character. Set in a world where female mages are usually smothered at birth because the male mage council believes women are too weak to be mages, Sera has managed to make it to adulthood, but has been stifled by a rotten male mage guardian until her 18th birthday.
When her guardian is murdered just as she gains her freedom and independence, she's suspected (naturally!) and has to prove her innocence to keep her independence and her life.
With a great cast of supporting characters, a very engaging plot and a plucky, likable clever main character, this was a very entertaining story and I look forward to reading more in this series!
Sera is a very sympathetic, likable main character. Set in a world where female mages are usually smothered at birth because the male mage council believes women are too weak to be mages, Sera has managed to make it to adulthood, but has been stifled by a rotten male mage guardian until her 18th birthday.
When her guardian is murdered just as she gains her freedom and independence, she's suspected (naturally!) and has to prove her innocence to keep her independence and her life.
With a great cast of supporting characters, a very engaging plot and a plucky, likable clever main character, this was a very entertaining story and I look forward to reading more in this series!
January 27, 2025
What a fantastic mystery!
When Sera turns 18 she is released from her mage mentor/guardian and introduced into the world of mages. The only thing is, women are few and far between within the stuffy magical circle. Sera has to battle the constant misogyny within the mage council while also having to prove her worth as well as her innocence when her old mentor turns up dead the very night she’s released from his custody. She does find an ally with a surgeon who is determined to help her with her endeavors.
This was such a fun story. While I loved the magical element, I really enjoyed the addition of mythical beings, unnaturals. The spark of romance was just that, a spark which was really nice b/c it didn’t distract from the main plot and character development. Definitely recommend and I’ll be continuing this series.
When Sera turns 18 she is released from her mage mentor/guardian and introduced into the world of mages. The only thing is, women are few and far between within the stuffy magical circle. Sera has to battle the constant misogyny within the mage council while also having to prove her worth as well as her innocence when her old mentor turns up dead the very night she’s released from his custody. She does find an ally with a surgeon who is determined to help her with her endeavors.
This was such a fun story. While I loved the magical element, I really enjoyed the addition of mythical beings, unnaturals. The spark of romance was just that, a spark which was really nice b/c it didn’t distract from the main plot and character development. Definitely recommend and I’ll be continuing this series.
September 28, 2022
This was great! Seraphina is the first recognized adult female mage in England and (near literally) comes into her power after escaping her mentor/warden. While battling the patriarchy to maintain her status as a fully recognized mage, she begins to live life, make friends, and explore romance now that she's out of the home where she was imprisoned.
Through her efforts to help the poor people who are typically ignored by the nobles and mage council, she begins to quietly build her loyal network of supporters in preparation for a larger confrontation with those trying to sabotage her. But all is not what it seems...
This story ends on an HFN. I'll definitely read the rest of the series. Plus, I'm dying to see Seraphina and Hugh's relationship grow.
Audible
5
Through her efforts to help the poor people who are typically ignored by the nobles and mage council, she begins to quietly build her loyal network of supporters in preparation for a larger confrontation with those trying to sabotage her. But all is not what it seems...
This story ends on an HFN. I'll definitely read the rest of the series. Plus, I'm dying to see Seraphina and Hugh's relationship grow.
Audible
5
June 5, 2022
Another great book
I loved the Manners and Monsters series so was hesitant about this prequel. I'm so glad I took a chance and read this book. A well written and entertaining story about murder and magic. A really enjoyable read. Highly recommend.
I loved the Manners and Monsters series so was hesitant about this prequel. I'm so glad I took a chance and read this book. A well written and entertaining story about murder and magic. A really enjoyable read. Highly recommend.
May 6, 2022
4.5 starts
As always an immersive world , intrigue and tension all over you have got to love how Tilly builds her world and collects everything trough out her books. Her books are light to read, fun and filled with fantasy. If you haven’t read a book by Tilly Wallace , better pick one up now!
As always an immersive world , intrigue and tension all over you have got to love how Tilly builds her world and collects everything trough out her books. Her books are light to read, fun and filled with fantasy. If you haven’t read a book by Tilly Wallace , better pick one up now!
September 21, 2023
Struggling to create her own fate in a world where female mages aren't allowed to survive. Once she's escaped she finds there are more plots to contain her. And she starts to question her mentor's reasoning. New friends help and there is a sweet romance blossoming at the centre.
October 20, 2024
4 stars (Audible). A delightful prequel series to Manners and Monsters. We learn of the origins of Hannah Miles through the story of her parents' coming of age in magic and marriage.
April 6, 2022
YA
This reads as a coming of age YA fantasy. If you like those two elements this will work for you.
This reads as a coming of age YA fantasy. If you like those two elements this will work for you.
November 7, 2023
These were short and quite… vanilla I must say.
The world-building is not skimp exactly but it just is not as involved and mystically developed as one would expect. This magical world consists of mages and even fantastical creatures and it seems we get the cliff notes version of that. Like there is a fixed number of mages and magic is not passed down and most mages born in history have primarily been male so when the h shows with magical ability it's a big deal and gives the men mages the big scare but then they just kind of act sexist against her and underestimate her ability thinking she doesn't have much of the magical power cuz she is just a womant. Cuz she got born with it they just treat it as a fluke and not something more meaningful considering there is some foreshadowing that something bad might have happened in the past when another woman mage got born. But it is given in these tiny forget-they-are-there moments and all the focus is placed on the murder mystery ocuping each book. Which instead of serving to drive the plot forward and allow for all these characters to come forward and reveal more information about this world and some deeper information on how this magical stuff works it ends up being just one big distraction. I just kind of wish there was a way of us finding more of it and more involved than the mysterious death of some fringe characters one doesn't really care to know about.
I am now on my second book and I do not like the thread of the murders either. It follows the same plot twist as the Grantchester TV series which manages to pull it off with more depth and a thought-provoking process. Here we get to know that the murdered victims were some really bad people and were offed by good tragic supporting characters doing it to protect their families. But it ends up being used in such a user way that it just seems like a cheap ploy to add some value to these characters. It just seems rather bland and manipulative in a way.
And the romance is also introduced in a blink-and-you'll-miss-it-moments. The H is just kind of nothing guy just this big burly dude that follows the h around like a little puppy saying some not-too-memorable stuff that the h can use to complete her briliant purpose and bla bla bla just not connecting with them at all.
Not sure if I am finding these books worth the time… they just lack any kind of sink-your-teeth-in drama and some valid stakes. Everything is just so pleasant and polite and even the h getting it on with the H with some kissing action, calling it 'Friends with benifites' was just done with no threat of scandal or any kind of emotional chemistry. It's just she likes kissing the guys so she's going to keep doing it and he is just in for the ride. Their meeting had potential but it too was kind of managed to be dulled down despite actual sparks having been flowing at their first touch. I guess that should have been an indication to expect how their relationship will be managed to matrimonial dullness. The end.
For a world that has magic and the king is half insane and has a Fae half-brother whose story we never hear about but he is a royal bastard so even though all historical records and even in this book it is shown there will be some serious prejudice towards all things creature and non-human. The half-Fae bastard is just allowed to exist alongside the other nobles at court because he is of royal blood and there is no undercurrent of drama and some complicated emotions shown there even by all the laws of human relationships there should totally be some unspoken shots fired in the polite English of that time way.
The author just handles all of it in a very modern eye and tries to PC a lot of the more questionable things or speak about them in some open way that would not have been done in that time, while ignoring some potential for dramatic tension and it just screams politely managed to debutant boredom.
Just kind of a waste of a good potential and some nice world creation.
The world-building is not skimp exactly but it just is not as involved and mystically developed as one would expect. This magical world consists of mages and even fantastical creatures and it seems we get the cliff notes version of that. Like there is a fixed number of mages and magic is not passed down and most mages born in history have primarily been male so when the h shows with magical ability it's a big deal and gives the men mages the big scare but then they just kind of act sexist against her and underestimate her ability thinking she doesn't have much of the magical power cuz she is just a womant. Cuz she got born with it they just treat it as a fluke and not something more meaningful considering there is some foreshadowing that something bad might have happened in the past when another woman mage got born. But it is given in these tiny forget-they-are-there moments and all the focus is placed on the murder mystery ocuping each book. Which instead of serving to drive the plot forward and allow for all these characters to come forward and reveal more information about this world and some deeper information on how this magical stuff works it ends up being just one big distraction. I just kind of wish there was a way of us finding more of it and more involved than the mysterious death of some fringe characters one doesn't really care to know about.
I am now on my second book and I do not like the thread of the murders either. It follows the same plot twist as the Grantchester TV series which manages to pull it off with more depth and a thought-provoking process. Here we get to know that the murdered victims were some really bad people and were offed by good tragic supporting characters doing it to protect their families. But it ends up being used in such a user way that it just seems like a cheap ploy to add some value to these characters. It just seems rather bland and manipulative in a way.
And the romance is also introduced in a blink-and-you'll-miss-it-moments. The H is just kind of nothing guy just this big burly dude that follows the h around like a little puppy saying some not-too-memorable stuff that the h can use to complete her briliant purpose and bla bla bla just not connecting with them at all.
Not sure if I am finding these books worth the time… they just lack any kind of sink-your-teeth-in drama and some valid stakes. Everything is just so pleasant and polite and even the h getting it on with the H with some kissing action, calling it 'Friends with benifites' was just done with no threat of scandal or any kind of emotional chemistry. It's just she likes kissing the guys so she's going to keep doing it and he is just in for the ride. Their meeting had potential but it too was kind of managed to be dulled down despite actual sparks having been flowing at their first touch. I guess that should have been an indication to expect how their relationship will be managed to matrimonial dullness. The end.
For a world that has magic and the king is half insane and has a Fae half-brother whose story we never hear about but he is a royal bastard so even though all historical records and even in this book it is shown there will be some serious prejudice towards all things creature and non-human. The half-Fae bastard is just allowed to exist alongside the other nobles at court because he is of royal blood and there is no undercurrent of drama and some complicated emotions shown there even by all the laws of human relationships there should totally be some unspoken shots fired in the polite English of that time way.
The author just handles all of it in a very modern eye and tries to PC a lot of the more questionable things or speak about them in some open way that would not have been done in that time, while ignoring some potential for dramatic tension and it just screams politely managed to debutant boredom.
Just kind of a waste of a good potential and some nice world creation.
July 2, 2026
I read several of the Manners and Monsters books by the same author last year and fell in love with them; much to my annoyance as they are not on Kindle Unlimited and I already spent too much money on books. Along with planning to finish the series this year, I splurged and picked up the Tournamant of Shadows series, having full faith in the author. They did not disappoint. This is more YA oriented than the Manners and Monsters series with a strong coming of age tale at the heart of it. The author weaves this through a magically re-interpreted eighteenth century world in a novel that tackles societal issues within a cleverly plotted mystery woven through.
Sera is one of only twelve magicians within England. When one magician dies, their power is passed to a newborn babe, but until now only the males have been allowed to live. Sera has been caged by a guardian until she reaches her majority where she can take her place as a magician of the realm. Only the existing magicians don't see that as a good thing and would prefer her confined and under control rather than letting a female lose with the powers of magic. When her previous guardian is found murdered, it looks like they may get their wish. If Sera can't solve the mystery herself, she will find herself under far deeper confinement than a mere guardianship.
This is clearly set in the same world as Manners and Monsters, just a hundred years odd previously so some of the strange twists that colour the other series do not yet exist. In many ways, it's very similar with the murder mystery focus that has Sera's life and freedom on the line. In other ways it's lighter, aimed at a slightly younger audience with Sera's growth as she overcomes the challenges of living as a magician in a world ruled by men. It's got the same spark and magic that Manners and Monsters demonstrates however and I absolutely flew through the novel. It was fun, it was engaging and I loved the characters.
I will say, it didn't quite wow me in the way that Manners and Monsters did. There was far less of a focus on the science, although it still existed in the investigation and medical aspects of the novel. The romance angle was also far more obvious from the get go, whereas I quite enjoyed how the previous series snuck that up on me in a really unexpected way. And is does somehow feel both simpler and less cozy at the same time, which may be due to the tone being much more YA.
That said, I enjoyed my time in this prequel world and will absolutely be continuing even if I curse myself when I have to purchase the book instead of borrowing it. But hey, pay day has been and my book buying spree now can be a financial problem for future me.
Sera is one of only twelve magicians within England. When one magician dies, their power is passed to a newborn babe, but until now only the males have been allowed to live. Sera has been caged by a guardian until she reaches her majority where she can take her place as a magician of the realm. Only the existing magicians don't see that as a good thing and would prefer her confined and under control rather than letting a female lose with the powers of magic. When her previous guardian is found murdered, it looks like they may get their wish. If Sera can't solve the mystery herself, she will find herself under far deeper confinement than a mere guardianship.
This is clearly set in the same world as Manners and Monsters, just a hundred years odd previously so some of the strange twists that colour the other series do not yet exist. In many ways, it's very similar with the murder mystery focus that has Sera's life and freedom on the line. In other ways it's lighter, aimed at a slightly younger audience with Sera's growth as she overcomes the challenges of living as a magician in a world ruled by men. It's got the same spark and magic that Manners and Monsters demonstrates however and I absolutely flew through the novel. It was fun, it was engaging and I loved the characters.
I will say, it didn't quite wow me in the way that Manners and Monsters did. There was far less of a focus on the science, although it still existed in the investigation and medical aspects of the novel. The romance angle was also far more obvious from the get go, whereas I quite enjoyed how the previous series snuck that up on me in a really unexpected way. And is does somehow feel both simpler and less cozy at the same time, which may be due to the tone being much more YA.
That said, I enjoyed my time in this prequel world and will absolutely be continuing even if I curse myself when I have to purchase the book instead of borrowing it. But hey, pay day has been and my book buying spree now can be a financial problem for future me.
January 5, 2026
So, I loved the Manners and Monsters series. I am a big fan of most things relating to historical, urban fantasy, and romance, in terms of genres, and I really loved the way that Manners and Monsters captured all of those.
My experience with Opening Gambit was very similar, and I think that it’s a great first book in this series.
Basically, Seraphina is a female mage, and somehow managed to survive in a place where female mages are killed at birth. She was brought up in isolation by a male mage she despised, who later dies just after she gains freedom and independence. Because of this, she is the main suspect of the murder.
But she decides to find the true culprit, and has teamed up with a surgeon whom she met early on.
The characters are my favorite part in a book, especially if they’re the main couple (Romance can be pretty cool 👍) , and I wasn’t disappointed by what I read.
Obviously, we have Seraphina, who is a feisty, smart, somewhat chaotic young woman, and only eighteen years old. I really liked reading her—I thought she had a great energy to her, and after reading several books with bland, boring, stupid main characters, Seraphina was a breath of fresh air.
The one character I’m most excited to talk about is Hugh. I thought he was very sweet, and I’m all for a gentle giant. The author does talk about his size a lot, but I guess, in my head, that just felt right? That or it simply didn’t bother me. We don’t really know how old he is, only that he’s a surgeon, he’s young, he’s really big, and that he’s poor. Maybe that’s all you need to know? I don’t know. But I found that I enjoyed reading him more than I think I enjoyed reading Seraphina. How often do you just get to read about a gentle giant? And where can I read more? He wasn’t stupid either, he was just really compassionate. And it gave me the warm and fuzzies sometimes.
Overall, this is a book that I think is very easy to get into. It’s fluffy and it’s got really cool worldbuilding, and it was well written, but it also wasn’t too heavy, or packed with ✨lore✨
There was basically no spice, but there was mild language, from what I remember, and the isolation Seraphina deals with, along with the pain associated with it, may constitute as abuse? Or at least neglect. But it’s not something that drags on, which may have made sense. She almost acted like it never happened, which, while unrealistic, meant that there was more happy energy, and didn’t make me feel burdened with the trauma.
But I would say I think I liked Manners and Monsters a little better. Just because I think I prefer these characters as chaotic parents.
My experience with Opening Gambit was very similar, and I think that it’s a great first book in this series.
Basically, Seraphina is a female mage, and somehow managed to survive in a place where female mages are killed at birth. She was brought up in isolation by a male mage she despised, who later dies just after she gains freedom and independence. Because of this, she is the main suspect of the murder.
But she decides to find the true culprit, and has teamed up with a surgeon whom she met early on.
The characters are my favorite part in a book, especially if they’re the main couple (Romance can be pretty cool 👍) , and I wasn’t disappointed by what I read.
Obviously, we have Seraphina, who is a feisty, smart, somewhat chaotic young woman, and only eighteen years old. I really liked reading her—I thought she had a great energy to her, and after reading several books with bland, boring, stupid main characters, Seraphina was a breath of fresh air.
The one character I’m most excited to talk about is Hugh. I thought he was very sweet, and I’m all for a gentle giant. The author does talk about his size a lot, but I guess, in my head, that just felt right? That or it simply didn’t bother me. We don’t really know how old he is, only that he’s a surgeon, he’s young, he’s really big, and that he’s poor. Maybe that’s all you need to know? I don’t know. But I found that I enjoyed reading him more than I think I enjoyed reading Seraphina. How often do you just get to read about a gentle giant? And where can I read more? He wasn’t stupid either, he was just really compassionate. And it gave me the warm and fuzzies sometimes.
Overall, this is a book that I think is very easy to get into. It’s fluffy and it’s got really cool worldbuilding, and it was well written, but it also wasn’t too heavy, or packed with ✨lore✨
There was basically no spice, but there was mild language, from what I remember, and the isolation Seraphina deals with, along with the pain associated with it, may constitute as abuse? Or at least neglect. But it’s not something that drags on, which may have made sense. She almost acted like it never happened, which, while unrealistic, meant that there was more happy energy, and didn’t make me feel burdened with the trauma.
But I would say I think I liked Manners and Monsters a little better. Just because I think I prefer these characters as chaotic parents.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2026
It has hints of the fun parts of the Manners and Monsters series with just a bit too much of the boring bits of the Grace Designs Mysteries. It's just fun enough, with enough interesting characters, for me to want to read the next one but there were big chunks of this book where I wondered if we were even investigating anything or doing anything. I was pretty hyped to follow Hannah Miles awesome mom in the prime of her life and power only for the majority of the book to have her making flashy aerial displays for nobles to clap and fawn over. When she got down to doing some real magic that was exciting but a good amount of time in this book is spent putzing around high society. At least with the Manners and Monsters books the characters are action oriented.
There's a lot to like about this book, I don't want to sound like I hated it, but it only really got going around the halfway mark. The characters are interesting and fun to follow. They have some intricacy beyond "good and bad" and there's some threads that have promise to lead to great moments in the series.
The sexism thing was pretty heavy handed and while it's not out of place for the era she's writing about, there's only so many characters I can listen to go "*loud scoffing* but you're a WOMAN! Women don't have brains!" before it starts to get silly and annoying. And repetitive. I get it, the society is sexist. It was a part that really bogged down her Grace Designs Mysteries, the social commentary. I'm here for a goofy, high class time with undertones of supernatural creatures. There's lesbian vampires just chilling around town, lighten up! We get Scottish werewolves in a different series, let me just enjoy my slow burn romances.
Hugh is a cutey and I'm excited to see these crazy kids court each other. And to see where the series goes. Hopefully I enjoy it as much as her others.
For future me, this book was about
There's a lot to like about this book, I don't want to sound like I hated it, but it only really got going around the halfway mark. The characters are interesting and fun to follow. They have some intricacy beyond "good and bad" and there's some threads that have promise to lead to great moments in the series.
The sexism thing was pretty heavy handed and while it's not out of place for the era she's writing about, there's only so many characters I can listen to go "*loud scoffing* but you're a WOMAN! Women don't have brains!" before it starts to get silly and annoying. And repetitive. I get it, the society is sexist. It was a part that really bogged down her Grace Designs Mysteries, the social commentary. I'm here for a goofy, high class time with undertones of supernatural creatures. There's lesbian vampires just chilling around town, lighten up! We get Scottish werewolves in a different series, let me just enjoy my slow burn romances.
Hugh is a cutey and I'm excited to see these crazy kids court each other. And to see where the series goes. Hopefully I enjoy it as much as her others.
For future me, this book was about
February 25, 2022
A fascinating world emerges, so vividly into life, in this intriguing prequel series!
Mystery, secrets, magic and murder merge as Sera attempts to break free from the magical shackles that bind her. With tenacious conviction and sheer gumption as her guide, can she claim what so many want to deny her? As the battle begins to forge her rightful path as the first, highly unwanted, female mage against such a powerful wall of resistance steeped in a fear of the unknown, scepticism and the hateful belief in female inferiority.
Making this one fun, very well written, 'race against time' adventure. With a cocktail of building suspense, a twist of magic meets paranormal shenanigans and a touch of budding romance and blossoming friendships to sweeten the brew.
In this installment, we finally get to see how Hugh and Sera first met as their fates became entangled and that instantaneous spark of admiration and attraction is lit, and slowly cast to burn ever brighter, as they work together to solve their first precarious mystery together - murder!
Sera, freshfaced, underestimated and just turned eighteen, is such a blast of warmth, fiery determination and captivating intellect. While, Hugh, the naturally talented surgeon, becomes the balm to her fire with his steadfast reassurance, keen deductions and sweet tenderness.
Together their journey is bound so enjoyably with a keen wit blended with a subtle thread of levity and teasing humour, savvy determination and the promise of flaring romance simmering beneath each encounter.
The fun and games are literally just beginning as we get to delve into the past and uncover the tangled web of secrets, scheming and glimpse the shifting power struggle that envelops this creative and intriguing world that intially sprang to life in Wallace's linked series Manners and Monsters and the Highland Wolves.
I've come to find that the deeper I burrow into this world, the further it seems I want to uncover and the harder it is to re-emerge.
Exciting new series where you don't need to have read any of its predecessors to fully understand and become absorbed in this tale.
And so it begins ... the Mage and the Surgeon... on to Hugh and Sera's next perilous adventure and I'm really looking forward to it!
Mystery, secrets, magic and murder merge as Sera attempts to break free from the magical shackles that bind her. With tenacious conviction and sheer gumption as her guide, can she claim what so many want to deny her? As the battle begins to forge her rightful path as the first, highly unwanted, female mage against such a powerful wall of resistance steeped in a fear of the unknown, scepticism and the hateful belief in female inferiority.
Making this one fun, very well written, 'race against time' adventure. With a cocktail of building suspense, a twist of magic meets paranormal shenanigans and a touch of budding romance and blossoming friendships to sweeten the brew.
In this installment, we finally get to see how Hugh and Sera first met as their fates became entangled and that instantaneous spark of admiration and attraction is lit, and slowly cast to burn ever brighter, as they work together to solve their first precarious mystery together - murder!
Sera, freshfaced, underestimated and just turned eighteen, is such a blast of warmth, fiery determination and captivating intellect. While, Hugh, the naturally talented surgeon, becomes the balm to her fire with his steadfast reassurance, keen deductions and sweet tenderness.
Together their journey is bound so enjoyably with a keen wit blended with a subtle thread of levity and teasing humour, savvy determination and the promise of flaring romance simmering beneath each encounter.
The fun and games are literally just beginning as we get to delve into the past and uncover the tangled web of secrets, scheming and glimpse the shifting power struggle that envelops this creative and intriguing world that intially sprang to life in Wallace's linked series Manners and Monsters and the Highland Wolves.
I've come to find that the deeper I burrow into this world, the further it seems I want to uncover and the harder it is to re-emerge.
Exciting new series where you don't need to have read any of its predecessors to fully understand and become absorbed in this tale.
And so it begins ... the Mage and the Surgeon... on to Hugh and Sera's next perilous adventure and I'm really looking forward to it!
August 13, 2023
Opening Gambit is book one in the Tournament of Shadows series. Tournament of Shadows is a prequel to the Manners and Monsters series. Our main character, Seraphina or Sera, is the mother of M&M’s Hannah. In the opener, Sera has just reached the age of majority for a mage, and steps into her role as the first female mage. Previous to her, girls born with magic were killed upon discovery. Sera has to contend with a society of mages that do not want her (minus a few open to her status). King George III and Queen Charlotte seem to support her but that is not solid. Sera’s mentor who was not kind to her and seemingly siphoned her magic for himself, is found murdered almost immediately after she moves out of his home into her own. Sera is made the prime suspect in his murder by the Mage Council. The book is about her quest to find the real murderer and save herself.
In the course of events, we meet surgeon Hugh, Sera’s future husband and Hannah’s father. There are other strange and mysterious things happening that are not resolved by the end of this book but appear to be an overarching mystery that lasts the entire series.
Opening Gambit has to deal with the world building and exposition that brings a lot of telling, not showing, that many first books in a series have to deal with. Even so, I enjoyed the story and characters. I liked the world of Manners and Monsters. Seeing the development of the history prior to Hannah’s story is interesting. You don’t have to have read M&M first. The story works well on its own, not just as a prequel.
I listened to the audiobook with one of my favorite narrators, Marian Hussey. She does an excellent job as usual. I have the next book queued up and ready to go.
In the course of events, we meet surgeon Hugh, Sera’s future husband and Hannah’s father. There are other strange and mysterious things happening that are not resolved by the end of this book but appear to be an overarching mystery that lasts the entire series.
Opening Gambit has to deal with the world building and exposition that brings a lot of telling, not showing, that many first books in a series have to deal with. Even so, I enjoyed the story and characters. I liked the world of Manners and Monsters. Seeing the development of the history prior to Hannah’s story is interesting. You don’t have to have read M&M first. The story works well on its own, not just as a prequel.
I listened to the audiobook with one of my favorite narrators, Marian Hussey. She does an excellent job as usual. I have the next book queued up and ready to go.
March 27, 2022
London, England July 1788
Seraphina “Sera” Winyard is the first female mage in England in centuries. She’s been a guardian of a demanding and unfeeling mage since she was five years old. Sera is anxiously awaiting her 18th birthday when she becomes a Duchess and can take her place as a mage. When that day comes Sera’s life changes forever when her magic is released. Hugh Miles grew up on the streets of London and his affinity for healing people has made him a surgeon to the King under the apprenticeship of a highly respected doctor. A young woman catches Hugh’s eye when she appears at court to take her right full place as a mage. Hugh’s life just may change forever when he teams up with Sera to help clear her of murdering her former guardian. Will Sera’s Opening Gambit have her finding the answers to her past?
Tilly Wallace takes a different turn with her new series Tournament of Shadows and the first book Opening Gambit. A young woman must fight to take her place in the world of magic in a man dominated system. A man who grew up without anything is thrown into the world of Kings and courtiers. These two must work together to find their places in a world that is strange and magical. A murder, danger and suspense will take these two on a journey through different areas of the Unnatural world and high society of Kings and Queens. Opening Gambit is a murder mystery with a magical flare that has a touch of romance and a budding friendship between two people that are more interested in helping people than living in the high society. Tilly Wallace’s Tournament of Shadow first book Opening Gambit takes the reader into the lives of the elite of London and the World of Unnaturals that will keep you wondering about who murdered a mage and will two people find love and what is the history of the newest mage and will she succeed in changing the world.
Seraphina “Sera” Winyard is the first female mage in England in centuries. She’s been a guardian of a demanding and unfeeling mage since she was five years old. Sera is anxiously awaiting her 18th birthday when she becomes a Duchess and can take her place as a mage. When that day comes Sera’s life changes forever when her magic is released. Hugh Miles grew up on the streets of London and his affinity for healing people has made him a surgeon to the King under the apprenticeship of a highly respected doctor. A young woman catches Hugh’s eye when she appears at court to take her right full place as a mage. Hugh’s life just may change forever when he teams up with Sera to help clear her of murdering her former guardian. Will Sera’s Opening Gambit have her finding the answers to her past?
Tilly Wallace takes a different turn with her new series Tournament of Shadows and the first book Opening Gambit. A young woman must fight to take her place in the world of magic in a man dominated system. A man who grew up without anything is thrown into the world of Kings and courtiers. These two must work together to find their places in a world that is strange and magical. A murder, danger and suspense will take these two on a journey through different areas of the Unnatural world and high society of Kings and Queens. Opening Gambit is a murder mystery with a magical flare that has a touch of romance and a budding friendship between two people that are more interested in helping people than living in the high society. Tilly Wallace’s Tournament of Shadow first book Opening Gambit takes the reader into the lives of the elite of London and the World of Unnaturals that will keep you wondering about who murdered a mage and will two people find love and what is the history of the newest mage and will she succeed in changing the world.
September 19, 2025
After Manners and Monsters, this is a prequel series about Hannah’s mother Seraphina Winyard. She is something that shouldn’t exist: a female mage. Usually, the older mages kill any girls born with mage powers (because there can’t be girls with power, no way!), but for some reason, Seraphina was allowed to live. Where there was a feminism vibe to Manners and Monsters, it’s quite a bit more on the nose in this book (and probably series).
This book starts just before Sera turns eighteen, showing her as a Harry Potter-style child taken care of by someone who doesn’t want her, who berates her and she mostly hangs out with the staff. Then comes her eighteenth birthday, a bracelet comes off, and she’s suddenly powerful.
That’s probably my biggest gripe with this book, which I otherwise adored. Sera goes from abused child to Powerful Mage in just a few pages. She meets the king and shows everyone that she’s powerful within the first third of the book (or less, I listened to the audiobook).
There is a murder (where the victim was slightly disappointing, since I was looking forward to Sera putting him in his place), and that introduces us to Hugh Miles, the man we already know from Manners and Monsters will become her husband.
It is a light and lovey read, much in the same vein as Manners and Monsters, but with a powerful heroine. Perhaps that’s why I liked MaM better—Hannah was just a regular person. But I’d still recommend it warmly for anyone looking for whimsical regency fantasy.
This book starts just before Sera turns eighteen, showing her as a Harry Potter-style child taken care of by someone who doesn’t want her, who berates her and she mostly hangs out with the staff. Then comes her eighteenth birthday, a bracelet comes off, and she’s suddenly powerful.
That’s probably my biggest gripe with this book, which I otherwise adored. Sera goes from abused child to Powerful Mage in just a few pages. She meets the king and shows everyone that she’s powerful within the first third of the book (or less, I listened to the audiobook).
There is a murder (where the victim was slightly disappointing, since I was looking forward to Sera putting him in his place), and that introduces us to Hugh Miles, the man we already know from Manners and Monsters will become her husband.
It is a light and lovey read, much in the same vein as Manners and Monsters, but with a powerful heroine. Perhaps that’s why I liked MaM better—Hannah was just a regular person. But I’d still recommend it warmly for anyone looking for whimsical regency fantasy.
February 15, 2022
I received this book early in exchange for an honest review.
My rating, 4.5 stars.
This was an enjoyable and easy read.
Sera is a young mage who is coming into her own in a world that neither understands nor supports her, and she must make her own way against all odds, with whatever few allies she can gather. These include good friends, loyal employees, and new acquaintances that blossom into more. She must also be on her guard against appearances.
It was particularly nice to see characters I had met in Tilly Wallace's other two series (the Highland Wolves and Monsters and Manners), but when they were much younger. Especially knowing what comes for them in the future, it was great to see how those future events are being set in motion so many years before.
Added to that, the new characters introduced definitely add to the spirit of the book, and make me wonder what will happen to them later on. I very much look forward to the next book in this series!
My rating, 4.5 stars.
This was an enjoyable and easy read.
Sera is a young mage who is coming into her own in a world that neither understands nor supports her, and she must make her own way against all odds, with whatever few allies she can gather. These include good friends, loyal employees, and new acquaintances that blossom into more. She must also be on her guard against appearances.
It was particularly nice to see characters I had met in Tilly Wallace's other two series (the Highland Wolves and Monsters and Manners), but when they were much younger. Especially knowing what comes for them in the future, it was great to see how those future events are being set in motion so many years before.
Added to that, the new characters introduced definitely add to the spirit of the book, and make me wonder what will happen to them later on. I very much look forward to the next book in this series!
February 5, 2023
format: Audiobook
rating: 2,2
Seraphina is one of 12 magicians, but all the others are male. Of course the magicians of England are sexist douchebags. And our dear heroine Seraphina is being kept in bondage by these assholes.
Why? Garden variety sexism, or even more nefarious reasons? Well, you'll have to read it to find out.
There is also an unsolved murder, and a touch of romance with the erstwhile surgeon Hugh Miles.
I enjoyed our heroine's best friend Kitty, and would like to see more of her.
I also enjoyed the fact that it has queer rep, it's in the background but it's there.
All in all though, despite all that was going on, this was just kinda boring. It worked well as background material, but I'm not particularly invested in the story.
The world building is decent, like everything is good enough, but the story never gripped me. At no point did I feel any worry for the characters, or much of anything for them really.
On paper, I should like this story a lot more than I do.
I'd have liked to give this 3 stars, but it was so forgettable, and dunno if I can bother getting around to book 2, so can only give it the OK rating.
rating: 2,2
Seraphina is one of 12 magicians, but all the others are male. Of course the magicians of England are sexist douchebags. And our dear heroine Seraphina is being kept in bondage by these assholes.
Why? Garden variety sexism, or even more nefarious reasons? Well, you'll have to read it to find out.
There is also an unsolved murder, and a touch of romance with the erstwhile surgeon Hugh Miles.
I enjoyed our heroine's best friend Kitty, and would like to see more of her.
I also enjoyed the fact that it has queer rep, it's in the background but it's there.
All in all though, despite all that was going on, this was just kinda boring. It worked well as background material, but I'm not particularly invested in the story.
The world building is decent, like everything is good enough, but the story never gripped me. At no point did I feel any worry for the characters, or much of anything for them really.
On paper, I should like this story a lot more than I do.
I'd have liked to give this 3 stars, but it was so forgettable, and dunno if I can bother getting around to book 2, so can only give it the OK rating.
March 7, 2022
A very fun rewind on the Manners and Monsters Universe!
You get to see Hannah's mother Seraphina Winyard on her dangerous way to being one of the 12 English Mages.
As one of the first female English Mages that was allowed to grow up, you see the dirty and stained side of the Mage Council. Later she finds a ray of hope in her future husband, Hugh Miles, he is one of the first bright spots for her. You see his sweet disposition and his good-natured manner show itself in his investigation into the murder of one of the misogynistic Mages that tried to keep Sera down, when she was younger.
As a cute budding romance, I loved the feel of this book. It's a romance-murder mystery with a fair bit of detail. Another look into a paranormal historical romance, with the attitudes and ideas minutely shifted for the supernatural.
I highly recommend this book for a fun and lovely read!
You get to see Hannah's mother Seraphina Winyard on her dangerous way to being one of the 12 English Mages.
As one of the first female English Mages that was allowed to grow up, you see the dirty and stained side of the Mage Council. Later she finds a ray of hope in her future husband, Hugh Miles, he is one of the first bright spots for her. You see his sweet disposition and his good-natured manner show itself in his investigation into the murder of one of the misogynistic Mages that tried to keep Sera down, when she was younger.
As a cute budding romance, I loved the feel of this book. It's a romance-murder mystery with a fair bit of detail. Another look into a paranormal historical romance, with the attitudes and ideas minutely shifted for the supernatural.
I highly recommend this book for a fun and lovely read!
May 6, 2024
3.75 stars.
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. The magic system didn't make much sense to me as it seemed Sera could basically just do anything she put her mind to and it was a bit 'chosen one' but I liked the investigation part of it and seeing how Sera's life as a young mage developed.
I thought Sera and Hugh's romance was cute enough and the fact that the author clarified Sera and Elliott were like brother and sister almost every single time they interacted made me laugh.
Also I liked the idea of real world history with magical creatures but thought the 'unnaturals' could have been introduced earlier.
Might read the next one
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. The magic system didn't make much sense to me as it seemed Sera could basically just do anything she put her mind to and it was a bit 'chosen one' but I liked the investigation part of it and seeing how Sera's life as a young mage developed.
I thought Sera and Hugh's romance was cute enough and the fact that the author clarified Sera and Elliott were like brother and sister almost every single time they interacted made me laugh.
Also I liked the idea of real world history with magical creatures but thought the 'unnaturals' could have been introduced earlier.
Might read the next one
September 20, 2025
Murder mystery, magical characters, and vampires? Surely, this book has so many of my favorite elements in it, so it’s not a surprise that I enjoyed it. Sera’s a strong female main character, and it was interesting to see her interact in a magical world that tried for so long to hold her down. I also appreciated the romantic element as a backdrop, giving the plot and the development of the characters a chance to shine. The mystery’s pacing is nice and is decent at wrapping itself up while also offering Sera more chances for adventure. The only thing that kept me from giving this book its fifth star is that chapters sometimes ended on sentences that had already been said before.
March 5, 2023
First is a series, this 1888 paranormal mystery took me on a fun story about this female mage.
In this world male chauvinism is rampit and Sere fights a never ending battle to prove she is just as good if not better then the other mages.
This struggle is written out so beautifully and easy to relate too.
Every turn there is a new mystery to solve leave more for another book.
One thing I was not keen on was for the audio there was, what felt like a random male reader for only part of the book only to be forgotten about.
This book grabbed me and left me wanting more in this series.
In this world male chauvinism is rampit and Sere fights a never ending battle to prove she is just as good if not better then the other mages.
This struggle is written out so beautifully and easy to relate too.
Every turn there is a new mystery to solve leave more for another book.
One thing I was not keen on was for the audio there was, what felt like a random male reader for only part of the book only to be forgotten about.
This book grabbed me and left me wanting more in this series.
January 22, 2023
Fun romp with manners and magic
I really enjoyed this story. It was a quick read with magic, light romance, an independent woman and takes place in Victorian England -- all favorites for me. My one criticism was that it was a tad repetitive with rehashing events that already happened in the book, but it can be overlooked if you don't read fast. All in all, I liked it and will continue the series.
I really enjoyed this story. It was a quick read with magic, light romance, an independent woman and takes place in Victorian England -- all favorites for me. My one criticism was that it was a tad repetitive with rehashing events that already happened in the book, but it can be overlooked if you don't read fast. All in all, I liked it and will continue the series.
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