The Tournament of Shadows series is a cosy blend of historical fantasy, mystery and light romance. It follows a determined heroine navigating a world where rules, manners and social expectations weigh just as heavily as magic. With humour, friendship, danger and a touch of romance, it makes for a comforting yet engaging read.
An unexpected move could place Sera in check…or will it be checkmate?
A strange beast stalks unfashionable Southbank, taking victims in a horrific fashion. Naturally the Mage Council sends Sera to track the supernatural killer, while pressuring her to marry one of their hand picked suitors.
With few clues as to whether the man was targeted or if it were a random crime of opportunity, Sera casts a remembrance spell that brings to the surface a similar crime. Set on the trail of a decades old curse that may have resulted in fatal consequences, Sera stumbles upon a tingle of familiar magic. Finally, she unravels long buried secrets about her history.
Then from the shadows, her opponent steps forward and makes a move. But with Sera distracted by revelations from her past, it could put her into a deadly checkmate…
Feint and Doublecross is the start of the second omnibus (books 4–6), and it feels like the series settles into a new rhythm here. It does end on a cliffhanger, which I would normally dislike, but since the omnibus keeps going straight on I did not really mind. Instead it gave me the sense of pausing in a larger story, rather than being left hanging in frustration.
By this point I found myself liking the heroine much more than in the earlier books. She feels more fleshed out, easier to connect with, and I enjoy watching her grow into her power. The side characters continue to be fun too, even if the good ones sometimes feel a little too good to be fully believable. For this kind of comfort read, though, I don’t mind it much.
The setting remains one of my favourite aspects. I love historical fantasy where rules, manners and social restrictions matter just as much as magic. It is a world that feels stacked against her, and I like that she refuses to bow to expectations. The push and pull between those who want to tear her down and those who quietly or openly help her along adds texture, while still keeping the tone cosy.
I also enjoy the balance of mystery and humour. There is always something to solve, but it never feels heavy. Romance remains a very gentle thread that never takes over. Altogether these books are quick, engaging reads I can breeze through and enjoy.
Sera is imprisoned, magic-less, and alone…or is she?
Sera’s curiosity is finally satisfied about the Repository of Forgotten Things. Just not in the manner she desired. While she staves off boredom confined in her cell, Lord Rowan finally reveals his hideous plan, and Sera is not having any of it.
The shadow of the old mage’s conspiracy is cast over all of England and even King George. Sera holds the key to unraveling the web of treachery, but first she must escape her magical confinement and rekindle trapped powers. From the depths of the Repository, she weaves a tapestry of friendship and loyalty with unlikely allies.
With every passing day, the stakes grow higher, but time is running out for both England and Sera. The fate of the kingdom rests in her hands. The time for her to rise and claim her destiny is now. Only by escaping the Repository and unlocking the full potential of her magic can Sera hope to rewrite the fate of a nation and secure her own freedom. This is the thrilling conclusion to the gaslamp series about a young mage finding her place in a magical Georgian England.
Castle Manoeuvre shifts the tone a little darker, with more intensity than the earlier installments. Even so, the familiar blend of magic, manners and mystery is still there. We also get a deeper look into fairy and the seely court, which I found fascinating.
One thing I particularly liked here is how Sera and Hugh continue to grow closer. Their relationship avoids all the usual contrived drama—no jealousy, no deception, no forced obstacles. They are simply there for each other, a steady presence that feels natural. The story does end on another cliffhanger, though since the omnibus moves straight on it never feels like too much of a pause.
This book also introduces a new character in the second half, one I instantly loved and hope to see more of in the future. Even with darker touches, it still gave me the comfort, richness, and fun I want from this series.
If a pawn makes it across the board…it becomes a queen…
Sera has had enough of others trying to control her life. She intends to send a message so loud, no one will ever try to assert dominion over her again. There’s just a few problems to clear out of the way first…like the fact she in on the run, Lord Rowan has labelled her a dangerous traitor, he has set magical traps throughout the country, and there’s even a bounty on her capture.
Sera joins forces with her loyal comrades as they plot to overthrow the tyrant and release King George from the grip of a horrifying curse—one that harkens back to long veiled secrets, and threatens both king and country.
As the stakes escalate, Sera and her companions must navigate a treacherous path with their every move shadowed by Lord Rowan’s malevolent forces. Will they triumph over the darkness about to engulf the throne and all they love, or will they succumb to a fate worse than they could ever imagine?
This is the thrilling conclusion to the series about a young mage finding her place in a magical Georgian England.
Mage’s Endgame brings the Tournament of Shadows series to a close, keeping the same fun and cosy tone as before. One thing I enjoyed throughout was the sense that good people can fight back and win the day. At times the good characters may feel a little too good, but the overall effect is comforting and satisfying.
The relationships continue to be handled well. The romance is never the focus, remaining a steady background thread that adds warmth. Friendships and found family play just as important a role, and the loyalty between characters was one of the main draws for me. The banter and quick quips scattered throughout keep everything from getting too heavy.
The conclusion itself is both exciting and satisfying. There’s a tense confrontation with mages and guards that works as a proper high point for the series, followed by a slower “what happened after” that ties up loose threads and leaves room to imagine the characters’ futures.
Overall, books 4–6 are an enjoyable continuation and ending to the Tournament of Shadows series. While I think I liked Manners and Monsters a little more, mostly for its added nuance, this series has given me comfort, mystery, magic, friendship, and a strong heroine who refuses to accept the role society tries to force on her.
