Shades of Milk and Honey by Mary Robinette Kowal

Shades of Milk and Honey by Mary Robinette Kowal


A Guest Review by LaChelle, the Sugar Duchess

Jane Ellsworth lives in an alternate Regency England, where accomplished young ladies not only sing and play and paint, but also manipulate folds of magic called "glamour." Jane and her sister Melody are polar opposites - Jane is particularly talented with glamour, but rather plain, and nearly a confirmed spinster; Melody is younger and more beautiful, but has little skill with glamour. Sparks fly as both sisters fall in love with the same man, and romantic mayhem ensues as new gentlemen arrive, past scandals are uncovered, attractions form, and secret engagements come to light.

The whole premise of Shades of Milk and Honey is "Jane Austen with magic." This book is a faster read and less convoluted than most of Jane Austen's works, but it has everything we love in a good Austen story: Great social action, sparkling prose, intelligent characters (and ridiculous characters), and most of all, that wonderful romantic tension! Mary Robinette Kowal also throws in a sprinkling of twists and surprises, which were pulled off really well. The magic system is intelligent and fascinating on its own, and is able to color the characters and events of the story without breaking Regency England. And the whole thing is completely clean!

Recommended for any age, and for anyone who loves intelligent light fantasy and Jane Austen.

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