Booklog 73/2017 - Sandra Unerman: Spellhaven

[jacey]

An intriguing premise. In the early years of the twentieth century, just before World War I, Jane, a flautist, is spirited away to Spellhaven where the spirits of the city have to be entertained to keep them sweet. Talented musicians, actors, entertainers of all kinds are brought to the city, some willingly, some not, signing contracts for (usually) a three year term with the Lords Magician (the alternative is to get thrown into Spellhaven’s jail). Jane signs up for longer than the minimum term on condition that she’s taught magic. She wants to force a duel on Lucian Palafox, the magician who brought her to Spellhaven against her will. But time passes and things change – and then there’s a catastrophe. This is a book of two halves, a before-and-after book. It's beautifully written, but sadly I found the ending unbearably sad, a little too bleak for my taste.