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Magician of Light
One of the most innovative designers of his time, René Lalique was a leader in the decorative arts. Magician of Light begins in his adolescent years in Paris as a striving apprentice.
Meanwhile, across the channel, Lucinda Haliburton is facing her own struggles, including a dysfunctional family and history of mental illness. Her grandfather, Lord Haliburton, suggests a visit to his archaeologic dig in Egypt in an effort to help her escape her difficulties at home—but the trip ends in disaster, and Lucinda returns to England with the belief that she is being preyed upon by ancient Egyptian spirits.
Rene and Lucinda’s paths cross when he leaves Paris to continue his studies at a nearby art college. His fascination with Egypt sparks a connection with Lucinda, and romance blooms—but is complicated by her mental condition. Overactive imagination, insanity, or a real haunting? Will their love see them through?
Magician of Light touches on the truth of Lalique’s illustrious life, the people most important to him, and the anguish of some of those personal relationships, creating a unique view of his real life and a compelling storybook love story.
Meanwhile, across the channel, Lucinda Haliburton is facing her own struggles, including a dysfunctional family and history of mental illness. Her grandfather, Lord Haliburton, suggests a visit to his archaeologic dig in Egypt in an effort to help her escape her difficulties at home—but the trip ends in disaster, and Lucinda returns to England with the belief that she is being preyed upon by ancient Egyptian spirits.
Rene and Lucinda’s paths cross when he leaves Paris to continue his studies at a nearby art college. His fascination with Egypt sparks a connection with Lucinda, and romance blooms—but is complicated by her mental condition. Overactive imagination, insanity, or a real haunting? Will their love see them through?
Magician of Light touches on the truth of Lalique’s illustrious life, the people most important to him, and the anguish of some of those personal relationships, creating a unique view of his real life and a compelling storybook love story.
248 pages, Paperback
First published May 16, 2022
About the author
J. Fremont
4 books28 followersJ Fremont is an author and veterinarian. For more than twenty-five years she practiced small animal veterinary medicine while also serving as an adjunct professor at a local university and community college. The mother of two adult sons, she lives in Southern California with her husband of thirty years.
In addition to writing, J is a passionate practitioner of the decorative arts, including gardening, jewelry making, glass fusing, photography, sewing, and other arts and crafts, and the author of multiple short stories (via her website, drjfremont.com). Magician of Light is her debut novel with She Writes Press.
In addition to writing, J is a passionate practitioner of the decorative arts, including gardening, jewelry making, glass fusing, photography, sewing, and other arts and crafts, and the author of multiple short stories (via her website, drjfremont.com). Magician of Light is her debut novel with She Writes Press.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 25, 2022
This spin on the story of renowned French jeweler and master glassmaker Rene Lalique is an intriguing and imaginative tale. Lalique is introduced as an ambitious and gifted young jeweler’s apprentice stifled by the constraints of his masters. His frustrations mount and when tragedy strikes, he decides to leave for the English countryside to study drawing. There he meets troubled and beautiful Lucinda, who becomes his muse until circumstances drive them apart. The story follows both Rene and Lucinda’s lives in a whirlwind of professional triumph, mental illness, loss, and regret.
As an art lover, I greatly enjoyed the glimpse into Lalique’s life and times. Lucinda’s story, which involves Egyptian relics and mysticism, is in turn an engaging arc on its own. The way these star-crossed lovers’ stories intertwine makes for an engrossing read with many a twist and turn.
Read this one if you are an art buff or historical fiction fan. While the love story is an important part of the narrative, there is so much more to enjoy in this enchanting and richly detailed novel.
As an art lover, I greatly enjoyed the glimpse into Lalique’s life and times. Lucinda’s story, which involves Egyptian relics and mysticism, is in turn an engaging arc on its own. The way these star-crossed lovers’ stories intertwine makes for an engrossing read with many a twist and turn.
Read this one if you are an art buff or historical fiction fan. While the love story is an important part of the narrative, there is so much more to enjoy in this enchanting and richly detailed novel.
May 28, 2022
I want to say thank you for the opportunity to read and review this in advance!!
In short, this book was interesting and different to many others I have read and it was refreshing. It was fairly easy and nice to read throughout and once I had started I didn’t want to stop.
The plot of the book was not overly complicated but it was still a joy to read. I was interested to know where it was going to end and I was very glad that the ending felt complete.
This was something I don’t usually read but I don’t regret it at all, it was lovely. I recommend this book if you love the arts as that is the main theme of the book which I personally believe is portrayed beautifully.
On a last note, check trigger warnings first because there is a lot of things to do with mental illnesses in this that can potentially be triggering.
In short, this book was interesting and different to many others I have read and it was refreshing. It was fairly easy and nice to read throughout and once I had started I didn’t want to stop.
The plot of the book was not overly complicated but it was still a joy to read. I was interested to know where it was going to end and I was very glad that the ending felt complete.
This was something I don’t usually read but I don’t regret it at all, it was lovely. I recommend this book if you love the arts as that is the main theme of the book which I personally believe is portrayed beautifully.
On a last note, check trigger warnings first because there is a lot of things to do with mental illnesses in this that can potentially be triggering.
April 7, 2022
Subtle, smart, compelling, and blessed with an intelligent storyline and top-notch writing, Magician of Light transports us to European life at the end of the 19th Century. Through Fremont’s sensory descriptions, readers practically live—smell, taste, see, touch, and hear—the life and art of René Lalique.
May 2, 2023
If you're looking for a book full of mystical with gothic undertones, look no further! The author combines the supernatural and mystical in a beautiful manner, while keeping the characters down to earth and relatable. The writing style is very rich and spiritual, full of deeper meanings relating to one's spirit/soul, that'll take you on a truly unique journey.
As I said, this is a rich book that deserves to be read slowly and deeply, it's not the kind of book you finish in a day, but it'll definitely stay on your mind way after you finish it.
As I said, this is a rich book that deserves to be read slowly and deeply, it's not the kind of book you finish in a day, but it'll definitely stay on your mind way after you finish it.
March 14, 2022
If you're looking for a magical read about a real painter, René Lalique, and his contributions to the art world then look no further! J. Fremont does an excellent job of really delving into the mind of this painter, adding in some romance, and writing beautiful and accurate historical fiction. The reader can tell that this book was researched with care. A great read for historical fiction lovers that are interested in a dash of romance!
May 14, 2022
Readers may already be familiar with French designer René Lalique (1860 – 1945). In this tale, while studying art in London, he lodges in an old cottage on Foxhill Estate. There he meets Lucinda Haliburton, recovering after time spent in an asylum. She remembers little from her time spent in Egypt before being institutionalized: only her belief the god Anubis has followed her home. After all, mental illness runs in her family. As she and René grow closer, Lucinda finds a new medicine to help heal her instead of the bromide being slipped into her tea. Her doctor, however, doesn’t appreciate the attention René is showing Lucinda. He wishes to court Lucinda and sets in motion events that will change the lives of everyone at Foxhill Estate.
Time and its movement through the storyline aren’t handled well. The last third of the book weaves back and forth in time, but transitions are absent. René or Lucinda could start a new chapter in the present, in the past on Foxhill Estate, or in a dream somewhere in between. The book’s final section is less enjoyable due to this inconsistency.
I found myself quite drawn to Lucinda’s story as she struggles with mental illness and finding her voice while surrounded by men who place differing expectations on her. The time in Egypt is intriguing and a bit uncanny while she’s exploring a dig site. When she returns home, René is the only man who listens to her. Interwoven in the development of their relationship are questions of reality, mysticism, and the ancient Egyptian concept of Heka: magic. While exploring the life of René Lalique, Magician of Light also explores love, choice, and the consequence of each while weaving together the fate of two people in unexpected ways.
Review originally posted via the Historical Novel Society at: https://historicalnovelsociety.org/re...
Time and its movement through the storyline aren’t handled well. The last third of the book weaves back and forth in time, but transitions are absent. René or Lucinda could start a new chapter in the present, in the past on Foxhill Estate, or in a dream somewhere in between. The book’s final section is less enjoyable due to this inconsistency.
I found myself quite drawn to Lucinda’s story as she struggles with mental illness and finding her voice while surrounded by men who place differing expectations on her. The time in Egypt is intriguing and a bit uncanny while she’s exploring a dig site. When she returns home, René is the only man who listens to her. Interwoven in the development of their relationship are questions of reality, mysticism, and the ancient Egyptian concept of Heka: magic. While exploring the life of René Lalique, Magician of Light also explores love, choice, and the consequence of each while weaving together the fate of two people in unexpected ways.
Review originally posted via the Historical Novel Society at: https://historicalnovelsociety.org/re...
January 6, 2023
Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
Thank you to BooksForward for picking me to read and review this book for them last year as part of their review crew!! I meant to read this sooner but wasnt able to get to it til recently.
This was my first time reading a book by J Fremont and i have to say i loved the way she wrote and told this story about an Apprentice turned Painter. The Characters were so fun and interesting to read about. I can't pick who my favorite was because i truly enjoyed learning about all the characters throughout the story.
The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in the book while reading.
Overall a Good Historical Fiction/Fantasy Novel about an Apprentice turned Painter!! Can't wait to read more by J Fremont in the future!!
Review:
Thank you to BooksForward for picking me to read and review this book for them last year as part of their review crew!! I meant to read this sooner but wasnt able to get to it til recently.
This was my first time reading a book by J Fremont and i have to say i loved the way she wrote and told this story about an Apprentice turned Painter. The Characters were so fun and interesting to read about. I can't pick who my favorite was because i truly enjoyed learning about all the characters throughout the story.
The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in the book while reading.
Overall a Good Historical Fiction/Fantasy Novel about an Apprentice turned Painter!! Can't wait to read more by J Fremont in the future!!
January 5, 2022
Fremont suffuses this story about the artist, Renee Lalique with a magic that captures the flavor and atmosphere of Paris and London at the end of the 19th Century, where the mystical lived side by side with the rational. Her detailed account of Lalique’s life takes the reader on a fascinating journey as he seeks to find his place in the world of art and along the way discovers love, insanity, heartbreak, betrayal, and a secret world populated by spirits, real or imagined. Reminiscent of 19th Century gothic novels, this fictional account of the artist’s life is both engaging and informative. A must read for anyone who loves this era.
May 25, 2022
A historical fiction tale based on the real life of designer René Lalique. Not having known anything about René Lalique, it was hard to determine where non-fiction ended and fiction began.
The writing was very lyrical but so easy to fall into and be submersed within the story.
There were supernatural elements to this tale which made it more interesting for me and of course, all of the Egyptian references were my favorite!
If you are looking for something a bit different in your Historical Fiction read, check this one out!
The writing was very lyrical but so easy to fall into and be submersed within the story.
There were supernatural elements to this tale which made it more interesting for me and of course, all of the Egyptian references were my favorite!
If you are looking for something a bit different in your Historical Fiction read, check this one out!
May 16, 2022
I am not much of an art lover and so I had no idea who Rene Lalique was when I started Magician of Light. After reading through this one, I am definitely curious about the pieces he created.
I really enjoy historical fiction as I am always learning something new from the books I read. Following along Rene's journey from youth to aged was very interesting. This isn't a fast-paced read and it shouldn't be. It's meloncholy, dark and atmospheric and should be read with that in mind. You aren't just reading the words on the page, you're feeling them.
Lucinda was my favorite part of this story. I wish there was more to the Egyptian discoveries and artificats found as that was very interesting for me. I understand their part in the story though so the abrubt end to that part wasn't as jarring as it could have been.
The mystery surrounding Lucinda and her mental illness was also a good reading point for me. I loved the mystical and mysterious that surrounded her and felt this was well done.
Overall, this was an enjoyable one for me and I recommend for fans of art and historical fiction.
I sincerely appreciate the publisher and Books Forward for providing me with a review copy. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.
I really enjoy historical fiction as I am always learning something new from the books I read. Following along Rene's journey from youth to aged was very interesting. This isn't a fast-paced read and it shouldn't be. It's meloncholy, dark and atmospheric and should be read with that in mind. You aren't just reading the words on the page, you're feeling them.
Lucinda was my favorite part of this story. I wish there was more to the Egyptian discoveries and artificats found as that was very interesting for me. I understand their part in the story though so the abrubt end to that part wasn't as jarring as it could have been.
The mystery surrounding Lucinda and her mental illness was also a good reading point for me. I loved the mystical and mysterious that surrounded her and felt this was well done.
Overall, this was an enjoyable one for me and I recommend for fans of art and historical fiction.
I sincerely appreciate the publisher and Books Forward for providing me with a review copy. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.
February 10, 2022
Magician of Light by J. Fremont is a mystical gothic novel that follows the intersecting lives of a fragile young woman and French artist whose personal relationship harkens back to the time of the pyramids. Rene Lalique is an aspiring artist in Paris whose destiny becomes apparent after visiting an Egyptian seer who prophesies his future. Lucinda Haliburton is a member of a prominent family who funds Egyptian excavations and has her life forever changed when an ancient tomb is discovered. She returns to England with the belief that she is being haunted by something sinister from the tomb which begins her obsession with Ancient Egypt. Fate somehow brings Lucinda and Rene together who are each striving to find their purpose with ghosts and glass being the vessels to which they can communicate their feelings.
The 19th century passion for Egyptomania is on full display in this haunting dark romantic novel. The interlacing of Rene and Lucinda’s stories was intricate and compelling pulling me deeper and deeper into the book. There was an essence of mysticism that was present throughout the entire book and a deeper message about destiny, souls, reincarnation, and spirit that was coming through. There are still quite a few unanswered questions that are tethered to something dark and mysterious that one could answer if they familiarize themselves with Egyptian mythology. Rene Lalique was a real famous French artist, jeweler, and glassmaker and even though this is a fictionalized version of his life, one can’t help but wonder where his inspiration came from?
I could not put down this spellbinding book. It was esoteric, spiritual, and magical, and I hope the author continues writing supernatural themed stories because for a gothic novel, the magic and classic gothic elements were of equal weight…the goddess Maat would be proud.
The light of ancient Egypt, truth, fate, and love shines through in the Magician of Light by J. Fremont.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The 19th century passion for Egyptomania is on full display in this haunting dark romantic novel. The interlacing of Rene and Lucinda’s stories was intricate and compelling pulling me deeper and deeper into the book. There was an essence of mysticism that was present throughout the entire book and a deeper message about destiny, souls, reincarnation, and spirit that was coming through. There are still quite a few unanswered questions that are tethered to something dark and mysterious that one could answer if they familiarize themselves with Egyptian mythology. Rene Lalique was a real famous French artist, jeweler, and glassmaker and even though this is a fictionalized version of his life, one can’t help but wonder where his inspiration came from?
I could not put down this spellbinding book. It was esoteric, spiritual, and magical, and I hope the author continues writing supernatural themed stories because for a gothic novel, the magic and classic gothic elements were of equal weight…the goddess Maat would be proud.
The light of ancient Egypt, truth, fate, and love shines through in the Magician of Light by J. Fremont.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 17, 2022
This is an amazing story full of the occult and ghosts.
Fascinated by the occult, René feels stifled, apprenticed to a traditional jeweler. Yearning for the creative freedom to explore the mythical world in his art, he leaves Paris to study at the Crystal Palace outside London. There, he meets Lucinda Haliburton and her dysfunctional family.
Having returned from an archaeological dig and tomb discovery in Egypt, Lucinda believes she is preyed upon by ancient spirits. Rene finds her unearthly situation both enchanting and frightening. Is it imagination, delusional, or a real ghostly encounter?
Magician of Light illuminates the dark side of Lalique’s life while spinning a suspenseful tale of twisting fates. An enthralling love story filled with historical intrigue and overshadowed by the unknowable.
I have not read a book by this author before.
I received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Fascinated by the occult, René feels stifled, apprenticed to a traditional jeweler. Yearning for the creative freedom to explore the mythical world in his art, he leaves Paris to study at the Crystal Palace outside London. There, he meets Lucinda Haliburton and her dysfunctional family.
Having returned from an archaeological dig and tomb discovery in Egypt, Lucinda believes she is preyed upon by ancient spirits. Rene finds her unearthly situation both enchanting and frightening. Is it imagination, delusional, or a real ghostly encounter?
Magician of Light illuminates the dark side of Lalique’s life while spinning a suspenseful tale of twisting fates. An enthralling love story filled with historical intrigue and overshadowed by the unknowable.
I have not read a book by this author before.
I received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
June 8, 2022
A lovely story to transport you back and beyond the realm of exotism and next, at the beginning of the 20th century in Europe. The details about craftmanship are very cleverly included in the story telling and never boring. The characters will stay in the mind of the reader for a long time, and no reader will look at a Lalique master piece in the same way ever again.
May 18, 2022
This was such a fascinating read! I never heard of Rene Lalique before this book so it was quite interesting to learn so much! The reader gets an indepth look as Rene discovers a supernatural side of life with spirits real or imagined, love, betrayal and mental illness. This book really sucked me in! The written is fantastic but the way the author blended the mystical elements with the real life and still giving us characters that are easy to feel for and relate to was amazing! It's deep meaning full and a book you won't be able to put down but will stay with you long after the very last page! Truly an amazing read!
Thank you Books Forward and J. Fremont for sharing this absolutely amazing story with me!
Thank you Books Forward and J. Fremont for sharing this absolutely amazing story with me!
May 29, 2022
Pleasantly mesmerized as I was transported back in history. The story really immerses you through vivid description that you can’t help but feel the thrill of the supernatural chasing you too!
February 25, 2022
This book offered a bit of everything. I loved how it followed the real life of Rene Lalique so closely. It also had a mysterious vibe with all of the Egyptian elements. There is also romance, along with heartbreak, disappointment, and regret. The story had the feel of a tangled spider's web. I liked all the historical details the best.
I received a copy of this book to review.
I received a copy of this book to review.
May 23, 2022
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Rene Lalique's life and art are combined with Egyptian mystery and heartbreaking romance in this well written historical fiction.
Rene Lalique's life and art are combined with Egyptian mystery and heartbreaking romance in this well written historical fiction.
June 1, 2022
As a reader, I was immersed in the sensual and visually provocative surroundings of 19th century Paris and Britain-- it was a treat. I appreciated the careful narrative of the artistic development of Lalique and the true notes about his family life, apprenticeship and personal struggles throughout his life. The Egyptian connection through the somewhat chance encounter with Lucinda, dealing with her own struggles, and the resulting tragic love affair was a romantic drama fitting of the era.
February 8, 2022
Book Review - Magician of Light by J Fremont.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
My thanks to @netgalley and @shewritespress for the arc.
This book follows the life of renowned designer Rene Lalique {a real person} - beginning in his adolescence in Paris and following him to London as he starts art school. It is here that his path crosses with Lucinda Haliburton {not a real person as far as I can make out}. The granddaughter of Lord Haliburton, she is recently returned from a trip to an archaeological dig in Egypt, which ended in tragedy. Since this time, she believes that she is being haunted by the Egyptian god Anubis.
I found this book slow paced, and in all honesty around the halfway point, I was struggling to understand where it was going. I am mildly obsessed with Ancient Egypt, and I had been hoping that the mythology / haunting would have a more prominent focus, which it did not - the main character being Lalique and not Lucinda - and I think that was a real shame.
The main themes in this book, in my opinion, were love, trauma/mental illness, and ambition. There was a lot of potential, but it just didn't quite hit the spot for me. That said - the last few chapters were emotionally charged (I confess I shed a tear), and they tied up loose ends, but I felt it was quite rushed.
Sadly, only a 3/5 for me. But - it has encouraged me to learn more about Rene Lalique and his work is exquisite 👌
⭐️⭐️⭐️
My thanks to @netgalley and @shewritespress for the arc.
This book follows the life of renowned designer Rene Lalique {a real person} - beginning in his adolescence in Paris and following him to London as he starts art school. It is here that his path crosses with Lucinda Haliburton {not a real person as far as I can make out}. The granddaughter of Lord Haliburton, she is recently returned from a trip to an archaeological dig in Egypt, which ended in tragedy. Since this time, she believes that she is being haunted by the Egyptian god Anubis.
I found this book slow paced, and in all honesty around the halfway point, I was struggling to understand where it was going. I am mildly obsessed with Ancient Egypt, and I had been hoping that the mythology / haunting would have a more prominent focus, which it did not - the main character being Lalique and not Lucinda - and I think that was a real shame.
The main themes in this book, in my opinion, were love, trauma/mental illness, and ambition. There was a lot of potential, but it just didn't quite hit the spot for me. That said - the last few chapters were emotionally charged (I confess I shed a tear), and they tied up loose ends, but I felt it was quite rushed.
Sadly, only a 3/5 for me. But - it has encouraged me to learn more about Rene Lalique and his work is exquisite 👌
May 1, 2022
*Thanks to Netgalley for providing me an ARC*
I loved this. Although the book did took quite a bit of time to get into, as it was slow paced. As Lalique was a real person, it was interesting to see his side of the story and to see his success and how he got to the top. While those were fun to read, I wish we had gotten more of Lucinda's life too as well as the Egyptian side of it. I wanted to see more of the Egyptian. There were certain characters that I wasn't fond of too much like Charles, although that was probably the purpose of it.
Overall, this was a good read and enjoyable.
I loved this. Although the book did took quite a bit of time to get into, as it was slow paced. As Lalique was a real person, it was interesting to see his side of the story and to see his success and how he got to the top. While those were fun to read, I wish we had gotten more of Lucinda's life too as well as the Egyptian side of it. I wanted to see more of the Egyptian. There were certain characters that I wasn't fond of too much like Charles, although that was probably the purpose of it.
Overall, this was a good read and enjoyable.
February 8, 2022
Book Review - Magician of Light by J Fremont.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
My thanks to @netgalley and @shewritespress for the arc.
This book follows the life of renowned designer Rene Lalique {a real person} - beginning in his adolescence in Paris and following him to London as he starts art school. It is here that his path crosses with Lucinda Haliburton {not a real person as far as I can make out}. The granddaughter of Lord Haliburton, she is recently returned from a trip to an archaeological dig in Egypt, which ended in tragedy. Since this time, she believes that she is being haunted by the Egyptian god Anubis.
I found this book slow paced, and in all honesty around the halfway point, I was struggling to understand where it was going. I am mildly obsessed with Ancient Egypt, and I had been hoping that the mythology / haunting would have a more prominent focus, which it did not - the main character being Lalique and not Lucinda - and I think that was a real shame.
The main themes in this book, in my opinion, were love, trauma/mental illness, and ambition. There was a lot of potential, but it just didn't quite hit the spot for me. That said - the last few chapters were emotionally charged (I confess I shed a tear), and they tied up loose ends, but I felt it was quite rushed.
Sadly, only a 3/5 for me. But - it has encouraged me to learn more about Rene Lalique and his work is exquisite 👌
⭐️⭐️⭐️
My thanks to @netgalley and @shewritespress for the arc.
This book follows the life of renowned designer Rene Lalique {a real person} - beginning in his adolescence in Paris and following him to London as he starts art school. It is here that his path crosses with Lucinda Haliburton {not a real person as far as I can make out}. The granddaughter of Lord Haliburton, she is recently returned from a trip to an archaeological dig in Egypt, which ended in tragedy. Since this time, she believes that she is being haunted by the Egyptian god Anubis.
I found this book slow paced, and in all honesty around the halfway point, I was struggling to understand where it was going. I am mildly obsessed with Ancient Egypt, and I had been hoping that the mythology / haunting would have a more prominent focus, which it did not - the main character being Lalique and not Lucinda - and I think that was a real shame.
The main themes in this book, in my opinion, were love, trauma/mental illness, and ambition. There was a lot of potential, but it just didn't quite hit the spot for me. That said - the last few chapters were emotionally charged (I confess I shed a tear), and they tied up loose ends, but I felt it was quite rushed.
Sadly, only a 3/5 for me. But - it has encouraged me to learn more about Rene Lalique and his work is exquisite 👌
April 21, 2022
I loved how this book followed the life of Rene Lalique; he is a person a didn't know much of anything about until I read this book, and it was so interesting. This book also has a romance / heartbreak element to it that made the story feel so real even though it's a historical fiction. I wish I could read it for the first time all over again. :)
June 11, 2022
"René Jules Lalique was a French jeweler, medallist, and creator of glass art, perfume bottles, vases, jewelry, chandeliers, clocks, and automobile hood ornaments."
He was educated at the Crystal Palace School. This story starts as he is an apprentice to goldsmith Louis Aucoc in Paris.
Lucinda Haliburton is the other character in the story, with a dysfunctional family and a history of mental illness. Her grandfather suggested that she go to Egypt, where she finds her father and falls in love with a man at the dig where she is visiting. Disaster ensues and she returns home, only to be pursued in her mind by ancient Egyptian spirits. Are they real or imagined?
She meets and falls in love with Rene as he is living on the property of her grandfather, Lord Haliburton. As their romance blooms, there are forces trying to get between her and Rene. One of them is her grandfather's doctor who feels that the romance can't go anywhere as Rene is a poor student.
The story is based on a lot of facts, researched impeccably by the author, He had a fascinating life and his legacy continues in his creations. Lucinda is fiction but a nice addition to his story. Who knows? Maybe they were real. The story continues into their old age and deaths.
I really like the story and was interested in him so went and did my own research. Fascinating man for sure.
I received a copy of the book for review purposes only.
He was educated at the Crystal Palace School. This story starts as he is an apprentice to goldsmith Louis Aucoc in Paris.
Lucinda Haliburton is the other character in the story, with a dysfunctional family and a history of mental illness. Her grandfather suggested that she go to Egypt, where she finds her father and falls in love with a man at the dig where she is visiting. Disaster ensues and she returns home, only to be pursued in her mind by ancient Egyptian spirits. Are they real or imagined?
She meets and falls in love with Rene as he is living on the property of her grandfather, Lord Haliburton. As their romance blooms, there are forces trying to get between her and Rene. One of them is her grandfather's doctor who feels that the romance can't go anywhere as Rene is a poor student.
The story is based on a lot of facts, researched impeccably by the author, He had a fascinating life and his legacy continues in his creations. Lucinda is fiction but a nice addition to his story. Who knows? Maybe they were real. The story continues into their old age and deaths.
I really like the story and was interested in him so went and did my own research. Fascinating man for sure.
I received a copy of the book for review purposes only.
January 8, 2025
As an enthusiast of Rene Lalique’s life and work, getting a little more insight into his personal life was enjoyable. It is my understanding that this is the authors first published novel. To her: congratulations! hard work well done!
As for criticism, the novel has some real gems in it, there are sections where a twist comes in and catches you by surprise, or where you are caught in the beauty and awe intended by the author… However, there are also times where less relevant pieces of the storyline drone on, and details which could have been revisited are missed. The love storyline could use some rehashing, as it has real opportunity, but occassionally relies on cliches and tropes that are, in my opinion, doing the broader narrative a disservice.
On that note, I believe much of this is the experience level of the writer, and I hope to see some new writing from her after getting this novel under her belt. Thank you!
As for criticism, the novel has some real gems in it, there are sections where a twist comes in and catches you by surprise, or where you are caught in the beauty and awe intended by the author… However, there are also times where less relevant pieces of the storyline drone on, and details which could have been revisited are missed. The love storyline could use some rehashing, as it has real opportunity, but occassionally relies on cliches and tropes that are, in my opinion, doing the broader narrative a disservice.
On that note, I believe much of this is the experience level of the writer, and I hope to see some new writing from her after getting this novel under her belt. Thank you!
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April 13, 2022'Magician of Light' is thoughtful, deliberate, and full of fun mysticism. While I was expecting this novel to be a little more grounded, starring an actual historical figure, but the surprise wasn't an unpleasant one when it took a more supernatural turn. Fremont leans heavily into the Egyptomania of the time and the payoff is a mystifying reflective tone. While slow-paced and not particularly exciting at any point, Fremont's debut shines in its carefully crafted blend of history and the very human fascination with the mythological.
July 27, 2022
“I saw two birds drawn on the wall. A voice said to me, ‘Tell him to be a Magician of Light.’”
Fortune-tellers, archeologists, actresses, and artists people the Magician of Light. The novel takes the reader from plundered tombs in Egypt to the dance halls and perfume houses of Paris, following Lucinda Haliburton and Rene Lalique as their destinies collide, transforming both of their lives. I knew very little about Lalique and found his backstory and the stories of historical figures for whom he designed pieces to be fascinating and illuminating. Highly recommend.
Fortune-tellers, archeologists, actresses, and artists people the Magician of Light. The novel takes the reader from plundered tombs in Egypt to the dance halls and perfume houses of Paris, following Lucinda Haliburton and Rene Lalique as their destinies collide, transforming both of their lives. I knew very little about Lalique and found his backstory and the stories of historical figures for whom he designed pieces to be fascinating and illuminating. Highly recommend.
June 2, 2023
following the light
A story loosely based on Rene Lalique’s life, it left me feeling quite sorry for him. As talented as he was, his personal life was a wreck. It does seem to be way of so many exceptional artists, their life is their art.
The mystical and fictional part of this story concerning his first love and muse, Lucinda, was truly sad. I found myself hoping what she experienced, was real, not some construct of her mind. And, the jury is still out on that.
A story loosely based on Rene Lalique’s life, it left me feeling quite sorry for him. As talented as he was, his personal life was a wreck. It does seem to be way of so many exceptional artists, their life is their art.
The mystical and fictional part of this story concerning his first love and muse, Lucinda, was truly sad. I found myself hoping what she experienced, was real, not some construct of her mind. And, the jury is still out on that.
June 11, 2022
I've always admired the fabulous jewelry and glasswork created by Rene Lalique and was excited to learn of J. Fremont's historical novel about him. She masterfully evokes the time period. Much as Rene Lalique was a "magician of light," Fremont weaves magic, mysticism, and the supernatural in her Gothic-style tale of Lalique's life and work from the late 1800s to the early 20th century. Imaginative and delightful.
June 1, 2022
I'm not sure how much of the fault lies in the formatting, but this book was very hard to get into. The writing was over-stylized; the commas abundant. The chapters bounced from person to person, but not consistently, and it took a while to get oriented at the start of any new chapter. I found it very difficult to understand or latch on to the characters, and had to re-read passages to understand what was happening to whom. The idea was interesting, and the author talented, but this book could do with a dedicated editor.
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