The Midnight Bargain

The Midnight Bargain by CL Polk is set in an Austenesque world, but where a certain percentage of the population have the innate ability to do magic. This is aided by making bargains with spirits that represent various aspects - eg knowledge, fortune, strength, etc. But, women are restricted in their magic use, as there is a danger that spirits might possess unborn children and take over their souls before they are born. Women with magical ability are therefore locked into magic-suppressing collars upon their marriage, which means they are barred from forming long-term partnerships with spirits, casting higher magics, or joining the magical societies that accept the men.

Beatrice Claybourn, our protagonist, is a young lady of magical means, who is about to enter into her 'bargaining season', whereby suitors will vie for her hand. It's important for her family's fortunes that she make a good match - but Beatrice wants to follow the path of magic and escape the fate of the warding collar.

This is a really fun book, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The gender politics message was a bit heavy-handed in places, and the arc of Beatrice's father's reactions to her behaviour and treatment of her as a consequence jarred a bit in terms of how swiftly and intensely his feelings changed. It also got a smidge repetitive in the middle. But I loved the characters, the world-building was excellent, the romance aspect was wonderful, the plot was largely compelling, and the conclusion was very satisfying.

I will definitely be looking for more books by this author.