The Midnight Bargain

by C.L. Polk Narrated by Moira Quirk

Overview

From the beloved World Fantasy Award-winning author of Witchmark comes a sweeping, romantic new fantasy set in a world reminiscent of Regency England, where women's magic is taken from them when they marry. A sorceress must balance her desire to become the first great female magician against her duty to her family.
Beatrice Clayborn is a sorceress who practices magic in secret, terrified of the day she will be locked into a marital collar that will cut off her powers to protect her unborn children. She dreams of becoming a full-fledged Magus and pursuing magic as her calling as men do, but her family has staked everything to equip her for Bargaining Season, when young men and women of means descend upon the city to negotiate the best marriages. The Clayborns are in severe debt, and only she can save them, by securing an advantageous match before their creditors come calling.
In a stroke of luck, Beatrice finds a grimoire that contains the key to becoming a Magus, but before she can purchase it, a rival sorceress swindles the book right out of her hands. Beatrice summons a spirit to help her get it back, but her new ally exacts a price: Beatrice's first kiss . . . with her adversary's brother, the handsome, compassionate, and fabulously wealthy Ianthe Lavan.
The more Beatrice is entangled with the Lavan siblings, the harder her decision becomes: If she casts the spell to become a Magus, she will devastate her family and lose the only man to ever see her for who she is; but if she marries-even for love-she will sacrifice her magic, her identity, and her dreams. But how can she choose just one, knowing she will forever regret the path not taken?

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Praise for Witchmark:
"Thoroughly charming and deftly paced." —The New York Times

"Invigoratingly original, crisply and subtly and wittily written." —Anthony Rapp

"C.L. Polk's Witchmark is a delightfully compulsive read. With an intriguing alternate world of magic and modernity and the costs of both, and an endearing protagonist in Dr. Miles Singer—more, please!" —Carrie Vaughn

"Enthralling, fast-paced, and romantic, Witchmark unveils a fascinating world. Polk writes with assured ease. I can't wait for her next book!" —Elizabeth Hoyt

“This book has it all: alternate history Edwardian world, magic system world-building, murder mystery, family drama, examination of class systems—did I mention magic?—and a sweet male/male romance.” —Alyssa Cole

"A crackler, with layers like a nesting doll and just as delightful to discover. Witchmark is a can't-miss debut that will enchant readers." —Booklist Starred Review

"Polk's stellar debut... blends taut mystery, exciting political intrigue, and inventive fantasy... Polk is a writer to watch." —Publishers Weekly Starred Review

"The world of this new series feel rich and familiar, yet wholly unique. The atmosphere is perfect for this tale of dangerous magic, lost souls and lonely hearts." —RT Book Reviews

"The subtle ways Polk builds her characters, reveals the systems under which they live and unwinds a complicated, twisting plot with both personal and political implications are testaments to her skill as a storyteller." —Shelf Awareness

Product Details

BN ID:	2940172798252
Publisher:	Recorded Books, LLC
Publication date:	10/13/2020
Edition description:	Unabridged

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