Uncertain Magic

2.5 stars

*This is a TBRChallenge review, there will be spoilers, I don't spoil everything but enough, because I treat these reviews as a bookclub discussion.

"You think I'm mad. I think you're mad. We're meant for each other, my love."

This month's TBRChallenge was Tales of Old, so I went with this bodice ripper that has probably been on my tbr for around 20yrs.

It's 1797 and Roderica (Roddy) is dressed as a stable boy watching a horse race. The reader learns that she has a “gift” that allows her to hear the thoughts and feelings of humans and animals. The horse winning the race is in severe pain and even though he wins, Roddy knows if he runs again, he will die. As any good romance heroine does, she pushes and shoves her way to get show more to the horse and jockey and tries to tear the reins out of his hands and starts stating that the horse can never run again. The jockey hits her and the owner of the horse shows up,

For the first time in her life, Roddy felt herself reaching out instead of turning away, probing for emotion or thought instead of rejecting it.

Iveragh. The Devil Earl of Ireland. Aka Faelan Savigar. He's a man known and reviled for his dastardly deeds, duels, and seducing innocent maidens. But, when Roddy tells him about the danger the horse is in, he agrees to never run the horse again, even though it will cost him a huge amount of money, money that he direly needs. Roddy is immediately drawn to his trust in her and most importantly, the fact that he is a blank slate to her, she can't read his thoughts or feelings. This is a huge relief to her, her family knows about her gift/curse because it effects the females from her dad's side. With her mother, father, and four older brothers, she tries to live in solitude in the Yorkshire countryside because of the toll it takes on her to try and keep her walls up so that she isn't constantly hit with others emotions and thoughts. Since she is an heiress, she decides to throw out that she and Faelan should get married. Even though she fears Faelan's reputation she wants a family and doesn't want to fall into the pit of despair one of her aunts did, who ended up killing herself because of her ability.

"Good God, man," he exclaimed. "Are you in love with her?"
Roddy bit her lip in the long pause that followed, afraid that Iveragh would miss another golden opportunity.
But this time the earl took his cue. In a strangely subdued voice, he said, "It's quite possible that I am."

They've only had a handful of conversations by this time but Kinsale, even in this obviously earlier work of hers, is great at showing those emotions under the rubble of damaged characters. The strangely subdued voice is a big clue that Faelan does have feelings. This story is all told from Roddy's point-of-view, it partly gets away with it because through Roddy's gift, we the reader can read other characters' thoughts and feelings, but Faelan is the exception. This is obviously done to keep him a mystery, is he really as evil as everyone says? But, like I said about Kinsale's skills, the reader can glean his true feelings in the subtleties.

She sat up and looked at him. "You're not a rake," she cried. "I believe you're a bloody farmer!"

By 12% we have the start of our marriage of convenience and by 20% they are married. I was excited because they were married so quickly, part of liking marriage of convenience trope is getting the part where they are forced together and have to learn one another. I think it was around 17% Faelan knows that Roddy has a gift, more in regards to her knowing emotions of animals, he's not afraid of it because he grew-up in Ireland and believes in the fae, which he considers Roddy a link to. This first half I liked how Faelan was considerate of Roddy, she's 19 to his 35, and his double speak goes above her head sometimes but it came off gentle teasing and I liked it. You can also tell he is hungry for love and when Roddy isn't afraid of him, he naturally leans toward her like a flower towards the sun (oof, reading purple prose is infecting my writing, lol).

His hand touched hers, covering the pale shape with another, larger one, entwining their fingers in a gesture that was no less intimate for being muffled by two layers of kidskin. He remained silent. He did not even look at her. Though he pressed his palm to hers steadily, she sat still, afraid to misinterpret. It was so strange, to have that touch and not be certain of the thought behind it.

More hand holding scenes in romance! These two are sweet together but, of course, we have a whole second half to fill and, unfortunately, it gets filled with misunderstanding after misunderstanding that a quick conversation and stating of intents could have solved. The big one is Roddy's childhood friend Geoffrey, who is also Faelan's childhood friend as he once saved Geoffrey's life. Faelan is sweet and caring towards Roddy but his character also flips and has seething jealously, he constantly thinks Roddy wants to or is sleeping with Geoffrey. When he then is cold towards her, Roddy instantly thinks Faelan doesn't love her and she's all alone in her feelings. This gets repeated/rehashed over and over.

Because if he was human and not marble; if his heart and his mind were flesh and blood— then he said hurtful things because he was hurting. And he hurt now because she had the power to wound him.

Roddy thinks this at 32% and I was excited because I thought she had Faelan's number but nope, this thought happens but then goes back to repeating lack of communication misunderstandings. The second half moves to Ireland because that is where Faelan's estate is and building that back up is what he wanted Roddy's money for and since this is 1797, the Irish Rebellion comes into play. Geoffrey has guns he wants Faelan to smuggle on his property for the United Irishmen and this leads to danger from British soldiers. Faelan doesn't want anything to do with either side and just wants to farm his estate land but outside players keep disrupting that. I enjoyed the history incorporating of this rebellion but with the whole fae and magic threads coming in and, honestly, kind of confusing matters, it made this second half feel more manic. The paranormal/fantasy really comes into play with fae stealing characters away for days at a time and playing with characters lives.

Fionn smiled, her sly smile, bright and somehow terrible to look upon. "Ah. You think to bargain. Your wife. Do you care for her so much?"

From around 65% on, the story gets really manic with trying to weave and tie-in the fae, rebellion, and Faelan's mother and uncle plots. I haven't talked about the rumor that Faelan killed his father and his relationship with his mother and how it seems her and his uncle scammed him out of Faelan's money for the estates because I'm not quite sure I understand it myself. It gets quickly dumped and wrapped up at the end with a reveal but again, I'd probably only get a C on a test about it. Just know, it also ties-in to why Roddy can't read Faelan's thoughts and emotions and all this doesn't get answered until 10mins left in the book.

MacLassar made short work of a loaf of hard bread. She lifted his foot and inspected the bandage, made of a ripped cravat and tied with careful skill. Faelan did this, she thought, and suddenly her eyes went blurry and her throat closed.

MacLassar was Roddy's pet pig and again, a sweet moment that happened after a miscommunication that had Faelan thinking Roddy cheated on him with Geoffrey and leading to Roddy thinking Faelan turned in Geoffrey and her brother to the British. So much repetitive misunderstandings, that made a mess of the second half! I did think modern romance could learn a thing or two from this couple's first long sex scene, slowed down and emotion that brought the heat rather than rushed slide part A into part B but the mixture of paranormal/fantasy elements, historical rebellion, and marriage of convenience needed to be edited down from misunderstanding after misunderstanding. The ending was a little surprising and abrupt from the paranormal/fantasy angle and I think my head is still trying to work out Faelan's family reveals from the last 10mins. Unless you're craving some old school-ness, I'd skip this one and read Prince of Midnight instead. show less

Uncertain Magic by Laura Kinsale
Genre: Adult Historical romance
ISBN: 9781402237027
Published: May 4th 2010 by Sourcebooks Casablanca (first published March 2nd 1987)
Rating: 5
Roddy has a "gift"—or as she thinks of it, a curse—that allows her to hear the mind and feel the emotions of every human and animal on earth. Because of this, and her family history, she knows she will never be married, never have her own family… because what man wants every single thought and emotion on display for his wife? Past failed marriages in the family have shown her that her happiness is a hopeless cause… until she meets one man whom she does not have access to his thoughts and feelings. So Roddy takes things into her own hands. She realizes a show more little too late what kind of man she's gotten interested in her: Lord Iveragh. The Devil Earl of Ireland.
She carries out her plan, however, and he seems to like her enough to marry her. But The Devil Earl is hiding things from her… and possibly himself. Roddy finds that she can help him… but it will require more than she may be willing to give. If she doesn't, though, she will loose him forever… and maybe loose herself, too.
I loved Uncertain Magic. I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading it. It was certainly a romance, and a very good one at that. But it was so much more than a romance novel: It was a clever blend of romance, adventure, historical events, family secrets, and Gaelic magic. The plot incorporated a rebellion in Ireland, smuggling, murder, and magic. There were horse races, escaping soldiers, and midnight balls with the dead.
The relationship between Roddy and Faelan (Lord Iveragh) started off a little random: a chance meeting, Roddy saving his horse from a heart attack, her pretending to be a stable boy and bragging on his employer (herself, of course) and Faelan seeing through it and embarrassing her. As it continued, I was a little surprised at the speed it progressed: They were married by chapter five. But them being married though the book was such an important aspect, that I understood it later. Of course, no marriage is perfect, and many romances are victims of happyland syndrome, where their relationship is so perfect that it's almost Holy.
Not this one.
There were misunderstandings, tears, heartbreak, scandals, possible affairs, redemption, and healing. And plenty of love-making.
With that said: the characters were great. Roddy was sweet and soft, but she had her spunk and I liked her immediately (especially when she took out a rude stableboy with a single kick). Faelan was, as his nickname describes him, a devil—but he was good that way. He was a little obnoxious, he had his sarcastic moments, and he certainly had his pride. He's the kind of dark secretive hero that everyone looks for… but with a touch of madness—or maybe magic—to make him even more mysterious. I love Roddy, I adore Faelan, and his mother (let's just say she never. shuts. up.) makes me laugh… the characters in this story are gems.
Just as I didn't expect the twisting exciting plot, I didn't expect the writing to be so good. It felt great to read, and the dialogue was easy to speak and felt natural. It flowed well, and was descriptive and lyrical. I liked the way Kinsale described Roddy experiencing everyone else's thoughts and emotions, and I liked the way she didn't over-describe everything—every little facial expression, every little movement—leaving out some for your imagination, but added enough description to allow you to see everything.
There were disappearing faeries and blind men who could see (try figuring that one out!) and missing chunks of time… all tied up beautifully at the end. Although it was, at first, a little confusing to figure out what had just happened on the last few pages, I loved the ending. There wasn't quite enough closure, but it didn't need to be closed: it was more like an opening for their new life together. After reading it, you know what will happen… so it doesn't need to be said.
This is probably one of my favorite books I've read this year, and it demands a re-read in the future.
Content/Recommendation: Some sex, mild language. Ages 18+
Review copyright Haley Mathiot 2010. Review copy supplied by publisher. show less

The heroine often breaks lady like decorum by dressing as a stable lad and most times got away with it But when she feels the pains of the horse in the derby race, she instantly rushes onto the field to protect the animal, only to be punched in the face by the rider. The hero finds her by the stalls later that day and, recognized her as a female becomes enraptured by her. He makes up his mind right there to court her and to marry her. The heroine, with no other marriage prospects and little hope of finding a suitable match elsewhere is equality enraptured by the strong, mysterious male. They wed and he takes her back to his home in Ireland but there is where that honeymoon officially ends. The realization that they don’t truly know show more each other becomes evident as the dark brooding secrets of her new husband causes the heroine’s relationship with him to become strained. I loved the mood of this book. The age difference between the characters made an interesting element but resulted in a lot of misunderstandings. The man was much older than the girl and beautifully possessive of his younger wife. The guy, having experienced missing time as a child because of the fairy's, thinks he's insane and the heroine is torn between her love for him and a healthy fear for his mental stability. show less

My Synopsis:

Uncertain Magic by Laura Kinsale

(For review from Sourcebooks)

Roddy can't decide if her "talent" is a gift or a curse. Being able to read the minds of every living creature around her, may sound like fun, but for Roddy it can be overwhelming. When Roddy meets, the "Devil Earl", Faelan Savigar she is shocked to realize that she cannot hear anything from him. Roddy realizes that this may be her only chance at a normal life. Who wants to marry a wife who can read their every thought? But the Lord of Iveragh has secrets of his own. His reputation precedes him and Roddy's family worries for her safety.

When Roddy and Faelan marry, Roddy assumes it will be a marriage of convenience. Faelan needs her money to save his estate in show more Ireland and she wants to marry and have children. But, does she dare hope that the stories of Lord Iveragh are only rumors? Is it possible that he could love her and no other? Faelan has been plagued by bouts with what he calls "lost time", from his childhood. He just doesn't remember! His deep secrets threaten to ruin their happiness. Will Roddy's gift be able to save him from his aliment or will it destroy him?

My Thoughts:

Ireland is a land of mist and magic. Laura Kinsale draws on the legends and fairy tales of Ireland to bring Uncertain Magic to life. Uncertain Magic is a re-issue from 1987, and was Laura Kinsale's second novel. In 1987 the genre of "paranormal" romance didn't exist. This novel was a forerunner to the explosion of books we are now seeing with "magical" themes. Whether is be vampires and werewolves or more subtle elements like Roddy's gift of reading minds, paranormal romances have taken the book community by storm.

In Uncertain Magic, Laura Kinsale uses characters that uncommon. They aren't your average Lord and Lady. Roderica's, character is torn between believing her 'talent' is a gift or a curse. She desperately wants to find love, but believes it is beyond her ability because no one wants to be with someone who lays them bare and vulnerable. Faelan's character is the strong and silent type, but we soon learn it is because he fears himself more than anything else. Both characters are have faults, but that makes them all the more accessible. We as readers, want to see them overcome their fears and find love.

I really liked the way, Kinsale used point of view in this book. The story is primarily told from Roddy's perspective. We don't get to see what's going on Faelan's mind until the very end of the book. Though we are able to glean a lot from his actions we can't see him clearly and that adds a lot of mystery to his character. I think this is a very powerful tool in the writer's arsenal.

I truly enjoyed this book and will probably add it to my top ten of the year so far! I give this one a definite 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag! show less

Let me start by saying that I'm very so-so on this story. There were parts that I absolutely loved and then there were parts that I rolled my eyes at.

Roderica (Roddy) Delamore has a gift of being able to hear the thoughts and feel the emotions of people and animals. To Roddy, her gift is both a blessing and a curse. On one hand she is able to see past facades and get to the truth of the people around her, but on the other it leaves her feeling as though she knows too much. All of the women on Roddy's fathers side of the family have had this gift and they all lived lonely lives because it. One of her aunts even suffered having her husband leave her when he found out about his wife's gift. Roddy fears that she will fare the same fate as show more her aunts so when she meets a man whose thoughts she can not read, she jumps at the opportunity to get him to marry her.

The man is Faelan Savigar, "the Devil Earl." Faelan is man with a horrible reputation. He is said to be a callous murderer, scandalous womanizer, and it is even whispered that he killed his own father. To Roddy, none of these rumors matter, the fact that she is unable to read Falen is reason enough for her to propose the idea of a marriage to the impoverished earl. Roddy knows that Faelan's estate is in ruin and he is in dire need of money. She has a sizable fortune of her own that will become her husbands when she marries. She tells this to Faelan in hopes of him seizing the opportunity, Faelan is easily persuaded and asks Roddy's father for his daughters hand in marriage.

Of course, Roddy's family is flabbergasted at this sudden request. They had no idea that Faelan even knew Roddy let alone wanted to marry her. They also know of his reputation and are not too eager to let Roddy go to him. None the less, they give in and Roddy and Faelan are married. Once Roddy is married to Faelan she realizes that the simple life she wanted might not be as easy to obtain as she had once hoped. Her new husband has many secrets that come in many forms and it is slowly revealed to Roddy just how dangerous the man she has come to love can be.

Alrighty then.

Certain Magic is told in third person, but from Roddy's POV, we never get inside of Faelan's head. No problems though, because Faelan's character is drawn very well. I had no problems understanding him or his motivations, and I liked him a lot. I loved the passion between Roddy and Faelan and for the most part I thought they were well matched, but as the book progressed I began to not care so much for Roddy.

Roddy had a tendency to do stupid things: Like pull away from Faelan's side while a battle was going on around them (bodies were hitting the ground) to chase after her pet pig! I also felt as though she doubted Faelan way too easily. Her faith in him was not strong which made me doubt her love for him. My dislike of Roddy only grew as the story progressed and toward the end of the book I was secretly hoping that Faelan would ride off into the sunset without the faithless chit. If not for the fact that she finally began to show some conviction in him (all be it late), I would have written her off completely.

I feel that most of the drama that occurred between Roddy and Faelan during the second half of the book was contrived and could have easily been done away with to make a better story. But that's just me.

As far as the paranormal aspect goes... There was Roddy's gift and some other paranormal elements, related to Faelan, threaded through the story. Both came together to tie everything up at the end. I'm still not sure how much I liked the final explanation given to all of the strangeness.

Even with its faults I can not ignore Kinsale's talents. Her writing is very captivating and it is easy to get lost in the story she builds. If I could grade this book in two parts I would give the first half a strong B and the second half a low C. I guess that would average out around a C+. show less

One of her earlier ones, but man, does she get to the heart of the characters' emotions. Reminded me a tad of Robin D. Owens's Heart Thief.

Sorry but this is going to be a short review. I really enjoyed the book and I love the mix of historical romance with some paranormal but the ending just didn't do it for me. Too abrupt and I felt like there was not definite HEA or any resolution.