Witchmark by C.L.Polk

It’s been a while since I read straight adult fantasy, mainly because of the absolute plethora of well written YA. However, the Witchlanders picked Witchmark for our January read along, and it was so good. So good that at one point I’d been listening to it while making and eating dinner, and even after I was staring off into space when I was supposed to be working on homework. I then got startled by my roommate.

I would recommend this book to any one who likes V.E. Schwab’s A Darker Shade of Magic series. It’s got some similar vibes, though I will say the pacing is a bit slower pacing. Set in an alternate universe based slightly off of the UK, we follow Dr. Miles Singer, a doctor in the Queen’s army after he has returned from war. With is strong moral code, murky past, and independent streak a mile wide, Miles is the perfect lead. However, beyond her characterizations, what drew me into the fascinating real that Ms. Polk has created is her expertise at weaving veterans, medical problems, and magic together.

Not only does she artfully create and early 19th century-esque world that is at once strange and familiar, she populates it with history and characters that are delivered with a deft hand. I loved the complexities between the characters, and how while Miles is on his quest to find the answer the the mystery of a magical illness, and the death of a man who came to him for help, at the same time he is on a journey to discover who he truly is while breaking free from the secret society that raised him. Additionally, I can say that Tristan was the perfect character to mix the plot up even more. Can I just say the slow, but steady relationship that grew between these two was addicting? I’d love to solve mysteries, and have a Tristan to attempt to woo me.

Witchmark was nothing that I expected, but everything I wanted. Complete with family drama, delightful plot twists, phenomenal romantic tension, murder mysteries and a government conspiracy Witchmark sinks into your bones, begging for you to rush to the ending. The story is seamlessly woven into a unique world inlaid with a well developed magic system. I fully recommend this addictive adult fantasy, just be warned you’re going to have to wait for the sequel!

You can get Witchmark here through Bookshop.org, which supports local independent bookstores!

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