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Tournament of Shadows #2
A Dangerous Ruse
Her opponents have her cornered, unless Sera makes an unexpected move… Seraphina continues to pick at the secrets entangling her. Then, during a ball, she spots a piece of enchanted jewellery eerily similar to the bracelet she once wore. But before she can find out about its origins, its owner is murdered. At least this time no one is blaming Sera. To find the missing bracelet before it falls into the wrong hands, she must first find the murderer. Her friends gather to investigate—could it be someone in the visiting Austrian delegation, or are older grudges in play? They need to stop the person responsible before another life is lost—or worse, before many more lives are irrevocably ruined. Meanwhile, the Mage Council plots to corner Seraphina using the oldest tool they have—forcing her into submission. If they lay their hands on the bracelet first, she will be powerless to resist. What she needs is a plan, some schnitzel, and a dangerous ruse…
A historical fantasy novel set in Georgian England where magic is real and creatures from myth walk the streets. Perfect for fans of Charlie N Holmberg and CJ Archer. Grab the next instalment of your favourite mage’s adventures now.
A historical fantasy novel set in Georgian England where magic is real and creatures from myth walk the streets. Perfect for fans of Charlie N Holmberg and CJ Archer. Grab the next instalment of your favourite mage’s adventures now.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 5, 2022
40 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
About the author
Tilly Wallace
36 books602 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 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 15, 2023
I enjoyed A Dangerous Ruse by Tilly Wallace more than the first book in the series. The main character seems to come more into her own power, the world building gets expanded a bit and it just overall has a bit more depth to it.
I like the way she won't back down in a world run by men, for men, but rather sticks to her own path and choices. The romance is minimal, which is a big plus for me, just like the friendships that are growing.
I'm already looking forward to the third!
I like the way she won't back down in a world run by men, for men, but rather sticks to her own path and choices. The romance is minimal, which is a big plus for me, just like the friendships that are growing.
I'm already looking forward to the third!
October 20, 2024
4 stars (Audible). I truly love a stong female character + Sera has magic to boot! Perfect cozy historical mystery. I think Tilly Wallace is a new favorite author.
October 19, 2022
I didn’t realise this series was about sera the fmc mother in the manners and monsters series
It’s cute to hear about her mum and dad and the start of their relationship.
3 star listen
Cozy mystery with romance being secondary
It’s cute to hear about her mum and dad and the start of their relationship.
3 star listen
Cozy mystery with romance being secondary
March 2, 2025
This is easily becoming a favorite cozy historical fantasy series! Tilly does such a great job making my blood boil. Lol! But I’m also loving her FMC, Sera. She’s starting to unleash and I can’t wait to see how much further she goes and what else she uncovers! Plus, this slow burn is swoon worthy! I adore the love interest. Can’t wait to read the next one!
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.
February 18, 2023
I am really enjoying this series! Book 2 was just as good as book one.
The world-building in this series is very clever and well-conceived. I love the concept of the only female mage in a world where only men have been allowed to hold the magic prior to Sera's birth and her protection from being killed (as all other female babies had been when magic landed in them after the death one of the limited number of existing mages) by her father.
This second book really expands and develops Sera's character and her abilities in the world she's trying to live in without letting a bunch of overblown men tell her what to do and how to live (sigh, even in fiction women have to battle to simply live their lives) and it was lots of fun seeing her figure out how to ingeniously out-maneuver both the Mage Council and the King to live her life ruled by no one but herself.
The plot is just as clever this time around as in book 1 and I also enjoyed getting to know the supporting characters better in this second book. All of them are likable and interesting and add to the enjoyment of the story.
Format note: I had this as an audio-book and the narrator is excellent, so if you enjoy audio format, this is a good series to listen to.
I look forward to book 3 which I will definitely be reading.
The world-building in this series is very clever and well-conceived. I love the concept of the only female mage in a world where only men have been allowed to hold the magic prior to Sera's birth and her protection from being killed (as all other female babies had been when magic landed in them after the death one of the limited number of existing mages) by her father.
This second book really expands and develops Sera's character and her abilities in the world she's trying to live in without letting a bunch of overblown men tell her what to do and how to live (sigh, even in fiction women have to battle to simply live their lives) and it was lots of fun seeing her figure out how to ingeniously out-maneuver both the Mage Council and the King to live her life ruled by no one but herself.
The plot is just as clever this time around as in book 1 and I also enjoyed getting to know the supporting characters better in this second book. All of them are likable and interesting and add to the enjoyment of the story.
Format note: I had this as an audio-book and the narrator is excellent, so if you enjoy audio format, this is a good series to listen to.
I look forward to book 3 which I will definitely be reading.
September 19, 2025
Book two took a while to get to the murder—so long, I was starting to wonder if Wallace was going to veer off the trodden path. But nope, it came, together with a piece of enchanted jewellery that has Sera VERY interested indeed, as part of the arc of the series. The murder victim was someone no one cared much for, and the more that was revealed about her, the less I cared. I wasn’t too fond of the resolution of the murder.
But Sera gathers her friends to investigate, which brings Hugh back to her, so their very sloooow burn romance continues. Unlike in Manners and Monsters, this is a friends-to-lovers romance, with a heavy he-falls-first trope. And Hugh is lovely. (And huge. This is pointed out so many times, it’s not even funny.)
It continues to be a very strong feminism vibe, with Sera wanting to change the whole world. I like her as a character, but as with the previous book, she’s a bit too powerful. There are very few things she can’t do, it seems. So while she’s fighting from an underdog place because she’s a woman and the Mage Council is determined to push her down, she isn’t exactly an underdog. She’s more powerful than the lot of them, apparently, even after just months of having her full powers, and she makes every common man like her.
Still, as always, the writing is nice, the story is fun, and I will continue the series.
But Sera gathers her friends to investigate, which brings Hugh back to her, so their very sloooow burn romance continues. Unlike in Manners and Monsters, this is a friends-to-lovers romance, with a heavy he-falls-first trope. And Hugh is lovely. (And huge. This is pointed out so many times, it’s not even funny.)
It continues to be a very strong feminism vibe, with Sera wanting to change the whole world. I like her as a character, but as with the previous book, she’s a bit too powerful. There are very few things she can’t do, it seems. So while she’s fighting from an underdog place because she’s a woman and the Mage Council is determined to push her down, she isn’t exactly an underdog. She’s more powerful than the lot of them, apparently, even after just months of having her full powers, and she makes every common man like her.
Still, as always, the writing is nice, the story is fun, and I will continue the series.
July 3, 2023
It was fun to return to this world of court antics, magic, murder, and the daily life of commoners in/around London.
The male mages continue to go to great lengths to control and minimize Seraphina, trying to marry her off and sending her about the city to do dirty jobs. Unbeknownst to them, they’re plan is slowly backfiring as Sera is addressing real issues that affect the day-to-day lives of the lower class. These people will become her supporters.
The murder of a visiting trade delegate puts the Seraphina in the frame for another accusation. Working with old and new friends, she catches the culprit, avoids the marriage trap set for her, and solidifies foreign alliances (I’m really hoping the author uses them to again help Sera in a subsequent book in the series).
Although the Sera and Hugh’s relationship is an extremely slow burn, it’s part of how the author is cleverly drawing out the series. The puppet master has yet to be revealed, but the introduction of Sera’s father and early protector was a brilliant touch. Also, I can’t ignore the King and Queen’s timely interventions whenever Sera is before them. I’m definitely going to continue the series.
Audible
5
The male mages continue to go to great lengths to control and minimize Seraphina, trying to marry her off and sending her about the city to do dirty jobs. Unbeknownst to them, they’re plan is slowly backfiring as Sera is addressing real issues that affect the day-to-day lives of the lower class. These people will become her supporters.
The murder of a visiting trade delegate puts the Seraphina in the frame for another accusation. Working with old and new friends, she catches the culprit, avoids the marriage trap set for her, and solidifies foreign alliances (I’m really hoping the author uses them to again help Sera in a subsequent book in the series).
Although the Sera and Hugh’s relationship is an extremely slow burn, it’s part of how the author is cleverly drawing out the series. The puppet master has yet to be revealed, but the introduction of Sera’s father and early protector was a brilliant touch. Also, I can’t ignore the King and Queen’s timely interventions whenever Sera is before them. I’m definitely going to continue the series.
Audible
5
June 28, 2024
This is sadly a massive downgrade from Manners and Monsters. I was so looking forward to the completion of the series to begin reading them. I enjoyed the Manners and Monsters stories and was excited to see the blossoming of Seraphina into her powers and the development of her relationship with Hugh, but so far this series is full of overly modern concepts (spoiler: the literal phrase "friends with benefits" arises), inconsistencies in behavior, mysteries that are impossible for the reader to solve because the "big reveal" is literally an info dump of missing information that comes out of left field, and flogging a dead horse with gender and societal inequalities. The scrap of plot itself is often sidelined for tawdry tropes and the character development is nonexistent. What a shame.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2023
A Dangerous Ruse is the follow-up to Opening Gambit. It is quite enjoyable with a murder mystery that is solved by the end of the book. There are other mysteries involving Sera’s deceased mage mentor and shifty happenings within the mage council. We do learn more about the mysterious bracelet that was put on Sera as a young girl to dampen her abilities and about her parents, especially her father. The relationship between Sera and Hugh progresses. It’s fun and interesting. I listened to the audiobook. Marian Hussey was excellent once again. I am looking forward to the next in the series.
July 10, 2022
Not bad.
Hugh is cool and all but it would have been nice to see her stand on her own two feet first without romance. She is still an absolutely strong character and the romance doesn’t diminish her but in the society she is in even a love match would still have her beholden. I hope Hugh gets knocked out of the story somehow because I find her struggle against society far more interesting then him.
Hugh is cool and all but it would have been nice to see her stand on her own two feet first without romance. She is still an absolutely strong character and the romance doesn’t diminish her but in the society she is in even a love match would still have her beholden. I hope Hugh gets knocked out of the story somehow because I find her struggle against society far more interesting then him.
December 1, 2022
Having proven she won’t be dictated to by the Mage Council, Seraphina is relocated to dealing with sewer backups and farm issues, which suits her just fine. She makes friends with the kinds of people the Council won’t deign to notice. When a visiting Austrian noble is murdered, she joins her friends to solve the mystery all the while fending off the Council’s, and her friend’s attempts to get her with husband. Fun read with a strong main character.
Read
December 2, 2022There is a subtle women's rights theme that runs throughout these books with a bit of a men suck vibe. Why is it always the women's fault if she can't conceive, women can't have the vote because the men would have to explain it to them etc etc. I'm feeling lectured to. I am very aware of power imbalances and am not loving it in my escapist reading.
July 9, 2022
An excellent read
I enjoyed this book as much as the first one. This series is becoming one of my favourites along with Monsters and Manners. A well written and fast paced storyline that draws you in and keeps you hooked until the very end. Highly recommend.
I enjoyed this book as much as the first one. This series is becoming one of my favourites along with Monsters and Manners. A well written and fast paced storyline that draws you in and keeps you hooked until the very end. Highly recommend.
January 4, 2023
So...
This series is definitely holding my attention. I'm about to purchase the third book in the series. I'm enjoying the characters and the mystery. I can't wait to find out the secrets about Sera's magic, her past, and why she has to be kept safe.
This series is definitely holding my attention. I'm about to purchase the third book in the series. I'm enjoying the characters and the mystery. I can't wait to find out the secrets about Sera's magic, her past, and why she has to be kept safe.
May 19, 2023
A good bridge
In this story we continue to learn more about Sera and het adventures. It was a fun romp and left me looking forward to the next book. If you like magic and manners, this is a good and easy read.
In this story we continue to learn more about Sera and het adventures. It was a fun romp and left me looking forward to the next book. If you like magic and manners, this is a good and easy read.
March 29, 2025
I like this installment much better than the first. The misogyny in the first installment was most annoying; in this edition, Sera’s temper was a bit annoying. Other that, I like how the story is moving along.
July 10, 2022
I enjoyed that, but would have enjoyed more (i read it in 2 days)
Plenty of action and intrigue plus several distinct characters
Plenty of action and intrigue plus several distinct characters
December 13, 2022
I am loving this series so much!
January 3, 2023
Good fantasy
I quite enjoyed the first two books. It's a different premise than you normally see and a twist on history.
I quite enjoyed the first two books. It's a different premise than you normally see and a twist on history.
January 18, 2023
I love the whole series and am looking forward to the next book in the series.
February 22, 2023
I love Tilly's writing.
I had a suspicion the plot would lead us in this general direction, but even knowing that I love listening to the story and enjoy every minute of it.
I had a suspicion the plot would lead us in this general direction, but even knowing that I love listening to the story and enjoy every minute of it.
May 17, 2023
I managed to find book 2! Woho!
I really like this series. It's fun! Witty and quite intelligent.
Sera and Hugh... Yeah. I ship them. Can't wait to see how this will evolve.
I really like this series. It's fun! Witty and quite intelligent.
Sera and Hugh... Yeah. I ship them. Can't wait to see how this will evolve.
October 14, 2023
An interesting take.
October 24, 2023
another good read
Another good read from Tilly Wallace! I trust that the other books are just as captivating as the first two.
Another good read from Tilly Wallace! I trust that the other books are just as captivating as the first two.
December 13, 2023
quickly becoming one of my favorite series of the year!
April 1, 2024
Ooh…I think I like this series and hope it keeps this ‘fantasy murder mystery’ thing going while keeping me interested in the overarching mystery about Sera’s history/situation
February 25, 2025
I love the main characters and the w-w friendships.
NB: updating books I've read way after the fact (Feb 2025), so ratings and reviews are really based on fuzzy vibes.
NB: updating books I've read way after the fact (Feb 2025), so ratings and reviews are really based on fuzzy vibes.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews