#QueerLitLoft

The Mage’s Secret is a terrific urban fantasy novel with a thoroughly compelling story to delve into and an equally engaging array of characters.

The Crow’s Nest Coven has served as a haven for Mages – those individuals with powers; revered in society until they weren’t. No longer safe to live and practice their powers in the open, Mages sought refuge inside their communities, hiding in plain sight and protecting their own. But a Soothsayer’s vision of a Hidden Mage upends their decades old reality, plunging the Coven into dangerous territory.

Tasked with leading their Coven through the amassing threats is Coven Elder, Av Moss. Growing up in the relative comfort of a Coven hasn’t always meant being comfortable for Av, not least when your mother is as conservative as they come. But one person who has always accepted them for who they truly are is their best friend turned girlfriend Sare Emmot, the Pastoral Head of Crow’s Head Academy. Av and Sare will need to rely on the solid foundations of their relationship to weather the fallout of the Hidden Mage’s arrival.

The story flows exceptionally well, and despite being longer than your average Sapphic novel it is far from tedious to read. I loved that Av is a non-binary main character; made all the more fabulous in this case by own voice writing. The author draws upon Av’s identity and lived experience to intricately explore the themes of acceptance and found family. Av’s interactions with Sara and Iola when compared to those with their mother serve to illuminate the power of truly being seen, and the peace which comes with unconditional love and acceptance. Different aspects of each of their journeys resonated deeply with me, and I know this is a book I will take great joy in picking up again.

Despite addressing some profound topics, the author makes sure to bring lighter elements to the story. In particular, Av’s father Atticus, conjures a teddy bear of a man, the merry, supportive father and grandfather that everyone would love to have by their side. Iola’s teasing banter with Av is also equal parts sweet and humourous. And to fully round out what is a fantastic plot there’s a wealth of spice between Av and Sare – their shared moments wonderfully intertwine heat, emotion and boundaries.

My only real frustration with The Mage’s Secret was the repetition of some mannerisms e.g. kissing/cupping another’s cheek. By the end, the overuse started to feel unimaginative in terms of ways to be affectionate. And although I loved the characters and the overall plot, I did find the writing to be somewhat narrative i.e. more telling than showing, and so a deeper connection to what was on the page took time to appear because of this.