Book Review: The Master of Heathcrest Hall

The Master of Heathcrest Hall is the final book in the fantasy series Mrs. Quent triology by author Galen Beckett. If you were a fan of the first two books, The Magicians and Mrs. Quent and The House on Durrow Street, the third one does not disappoint. And if you haven't read any of them? Here's a checklist to see if you might like this series:

- Are you a fan of Jane Austen?
- Did you love Jane Eyre?
- Do you like books about Magick?

In the Master of Heathcrest Hall, heroine Ivy Quent (and she is a proper heroine - see my last post) and the dashing Lord Rafferty have to save the city of Altania against the invasion of a race of dark shadow creatures through the use of magick which is forbidden to be practiced.

This book reminded me of Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrel by Susanna Clarke which is also set in an alternative 19th century. Definitely a must read if you like this genre of books.

One unique thing about this series is the delicate handling of a homosexual relationship which is as frowned upon in this setting as it would have been in our own history. I thought this secondary story involving illusionist Eldyn Garritt was an interesting addition. Of course, as in a Jane Austen novel, there is no sex but there is a satisfying sexual tension between characters. Jane would approve I think.