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The dangerous kingdom of love by Neil Blackmore My rating: 5 out of 5 stars How do you like your Bacon? Francis Bacon is an important cog in early seventeenth-century Jacobean royal circles - not titled, not a favourite, but he has the ear of the king nonetheless. James I (and VI) has been transplanted from Scotland to the English court. Bacon's role as administrator, facilitator, maybe procurer, to the crown means he's a man to be watched. James is different from old Queen Elizabeth in many ways. One way is, though he's married (as any monarch should be), he's what would be described nowadays as gay. Maybe bi? Certainly queer. As we listen to Bacon telling his story, it becomes clear he too isn't straight. These two facts colour the entire novel, driving the action and making you realise Bacon's account might be suspect. Why does he act one way and then another? What is he saying? Is he being true to himself, never mind the people he comes into contact with? As Bacon navigates his life at court, of course, he doesn't do so in a vacuum. Lies, intrigue, plots, and the fight for survival in the cockpit that is James' court figure prominently. I'd put off reading this novel for several months. Why? Maybe for easier reads. However, once I got stuck in, it was one of those books I couldn't put down. Both the book and Philip Stevens' narration are wonderful - rich, satisfying, and colourful. One to be read again.

Syncopation by Anna Zabo My rating: 4 out of 5 stars In music, syncopation is the idea of cross-beats, a rhythm that stands out against whatever else is going on. Yes, it can be a cause of musical conflict or tension, but syncopation is also an important part of the musical whole. Those different, independent beats often enhance whatever else is going on. They add strength. This is where we meet Ray van Zeller and Xavier Damos. Ray's band is going through tricky times. So is Xavier, in a different way. Xave answers an audition call as a drummer for Ray's band and excels. There's no question he's going to be good for Twisted Wishes, but only if he and Ray can get past some joint ancient history. Plus, Xave got burned in his previous post. He swears not to get involved with any of his bandmates this time. Lead singer Ray lacks self-confidence off the stage. Having a musical know-it-all in the form of the band's new drummer doesn't look likely to improve things but beggars can't be choosers. There are concerts to get through. Concerts that have to reach the level their record label expects. The catalyst that finally brings the two men together comes from a surprising direction. Domino/Dominic, guitar, and Mish, bass guitar, make up the rest of the band. A family who look after their own. Both characters star in their own book later in the series. Anna Zabo revels in describing performing, the joy of making music, especially in front of enthusiastic audiences. Their writing also includes drama, kink, rivalries, and unapologetic queerness. I'm a musician. Novels with music at their core are something I enjoy. Syncopation is no exception.

A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars This book contains magic, Edwardian society, arcane puzzles, soul-deep connections, and the British civil service. What a mix. And you know what? It works. It really works. Some reviewers complain there's not enough emphasis on the magic. For me, it's enough. Magic drives the plot, steers the action, and has sufficient internal logic to hold the story together. I don't want to be sitting through pages of lore or mechanics. Yes, it's alt world fantasy, but the author seizes her opportunity to portray Edwardian London (and the countryside) as being inhabited by a more diverse set of characters than you usually get. And rightfully so. The two leads, Sir Robin Blyth (definitely non-magical) and Edwin Courcy (insufficiently magical), are not the only queer players on stage. Blyth's assistant at the office is both female (unusual) and of Indian heritage (even more unusual). She plays a greater part in the book than you initially expect. Any novel that chips away at the idea that history is the province of straight, cis, white men should always be welcome. The main story arc introduced here is projected to drive another two novels. At its core is a magical struggle between good and evil. Predictable? Yes maybe, but Marske provides nuance, unusual slants, and plenty of colour beyond the expected black and white. No-one is a cardboard cut-out. Without this magical mystery, the romance wouldn't stand on its own. As part of the whole thing though, it's one strand of many that slowly bind Robin and Edwin, and their fates, together. Any standard romantic tropes are counterbalanced by the presence of some very relatable frailties. They only make you root for both men the more. After a confusing first chapter (maybe I wasn't listening hard enough), A Marvellous Light settles into an engaging, different, entertaining read. The second book, A Restless Truth, is now available.