Clandestine Magic, Books 1-3

A Romantic Fantasy Series Box Set

By: Colleen Cowley

Narrated by: Leanne Woodward

Length: 35 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

A wizard. An unwilling assistant. An explosive secret.

In an America controlled by wizards and 100 years behind on women's rights, Beatrix Harper counts herself among the resistance - the Women's League for the Prohibition of Magic. Then Peter Blackwell, the only wizard her town has ever produced, unexpectedly returns home and presses her into service as his assistant.

Beatrix fears he wants to undermine the League. His real purpose is far more dangerous for them both.

This box set includes the complete Clandestine Magic trilogy: Subversive, Radical, and Revolutionary. The romantic fantasy series, set in a warped 21st century, appeals to fans of gaslamp fantasy, strong female characters, intrigue, and slow-burn romance with some steam.

If you're a listener who prefers to know certain content details upfront, such as whether any scenes include violence or tropes you absolutely hate, click on the author biography for a link to those details.

©2020 Colleen Cowley (P)2021 Colleen Cowley

Good storyline Way to much repetitive inner dialogue

I enjoyed the story premise very much but all 3 books had repeated inner dialogue either both the FM& the M mc’s it really got old hearing “ what will he she they think?” “What if I hadn’t said, did , thought so in so? I love character growth and taking responsibility for one’s actions but in these books it could have been cut at least in half maybe more without affecting story at all! I very much enjoyed the performance The alternate world could have used a little more fleshing out but I don’t think it makes a difference in this storyline, just creates some questions The romance is sweet, sex doesn’t cross the cringe lines but I did wonder if this was so much about women’s rights why was so much relegated to “Dream world” not important just doesn’t track I got all 3 in a credit bundle not sure I would use credits for 3 individually but if you’re looking for something different try at least the 1st

Very enjoyable

Good value for your credit .
Tastefully done romance scenes.
Interesting approach to magic.

Fab Trilogy and New to Me Narrator

What if magic existed, but it was off limits to half the planet’s population namely women? And, what if leadership was determined by magic-wielders only namely men? Oh, and even the non-magical men are a step above the women, but they, too, are not with many advantages. It’s a world ripe for a revolution, is it not?

I’ve had the opportunity to enjoy this trilogy in electronic print version and was fascinated from first to last so after a bit when I was offered a chance at the audiobook version, it was a forgone conclusion that I would say yes.

Subversive introduces an America that is modern in some respects like tech and geo-political lines, but backward in others. Women have it the worst because their rights are stuck firmly in the nineteenth century. This is why Beatrix Harper and other women have formed leagues to challenge the establishment. Beatrix has known hardship and loss since her wealthy family lost all the wealth in the last Great Depression, her parents passed away, and she gave up a chance of her own college education and dreams to raise her younger sister and see her go onto college and her dreams. They are getting by with Beatrix working at the general store in their small town when a wizard arrives and strong hands her into becoming his assistant as the town's Omnimancer (jack of all magical trades town help). His method of co-opting her was the worst and something she will never forgive or forget no matter what even if he turns out to be her savior more than once in the harrowing adventures of promoting women’s’ rights and learning the secret ways of magic that have been hidden for so long. Powerful men will do what it takes to suppress this.

Peter Blackwell is on a mission to keep a powerful magical weapon that he invented out of government hands and he knows it won't be long before they catch on to what he has done. He doesn't have the time to gain Beatrix Harper's help voluntarily and he can't trust her with his secrets since she has admitted to opposing wizards with her league activities so he does the unthinkable. Only, Beatrix isn't who and what he thought she was and he is pulled into her world as much as she is pulled into his dark, magical world of secrets. He set things in motion that he wish he could undo because he has come to care for Beatrix's respect and more. Radical and Revolution continue this pairs’ story to the heart-stopping finish and what is in store for the future.

As this is a trilogy that are segments of the same story with rises in action and character/relationship development, I chose only to summarize the world and the start of the series. Each book ends in a good place, but the reader/listener will also be left with a strong desire to press on and see what comes next.
At the heart of the story are Beatrix and Peter. They have a tumultuous history and start. In fact, they are enemies forced to work together. They both have much to learn about themselves, each other, and the people around them. There is secrecy, political intrigue, personal betrayals, and moments of intense triumph, too. The pacing was steady and the plot sparkling and focused throughout. There is a growing cast of characters through the series and I appreciated the development in the allies as well as the enemies. There is also that expanding and enchanting magical world the author painted as the backdrop that played a huge roll just like a strong minor character.

As I said earlier, this is a re-read and I was able to listen in to new to me narrator, Leanne Woodward. Ms. Woodward had a versatile husky voice that voiced a large cast including genders, ages, social status, and personalities. She steadily told the story and infused good tone to the varying scenes so that I was fully into the story and regretted when I had to pause listening. I would definitely listen to more of her work.

And, so, I experienced this magnificent series once again and it lost nothing in the retelling. Whether one has a fancy for gaslight fantasy, sci-fi, parallel history, or what, this series will captivate as it crosses several genres.

Great feminist fantasy

I loved the overall story she told here. I wish the sex scenes were a bit spicier. They were the most tame i’ve ever read without being fade to black. So if you prefer low steam, this is the fantasy for you!

Such an amazing series

I loved the magic, the politics, and every heart pounding moment that wove everything together. This was beautifully written and narrated and I can't recommend it enough.

Overall good

It could be a little slow and repetitive but still enjoyable overall. Definitely worth the 1 credit for all 3.

binge

overall I enjoyed this series where magic meets the fight for equality for women. A series worth checking out.

great premise but the story doesn't go anywhere

The main character's problems became extremely tiresome. There was little to no resolution of any of the plot threads even into the third book. There were more depressing scenes than uplifting ones.

I thought the premise was great, the magical system pretty interesting, the world building was good, and there were interesting characters. I couldn't finish the third book because I felt like the story was stuck in a groundhog day loop that wasn't going to go anywhere and it was just tiresome and depressing.