"A Radical Act of Free Magic" by H.G. Parry is a spellbinding work of fantasy that effortlessly combines intricate world-building, complex characters, and a gripping plot. This book, the second installment in the Shadow Histories series, takes readers on a journey through an alternative historical world where magic is at the center of political turmoil and societal transformation.

Parry's world-building is nothing short of remarkable. In this alternate 19th-century Britain, magic is not only real but deeply intertwined with the fabric of society. The author has meticulously crafted a world where the rich tapestry of magic and history blends seamlessly. Her attention to detail is evident in the way she weaves magical elements into the political and social landscape, creating a setting that is both vivid and believable.

The characters in "A Radical Act of Free Magic" are a highlight of the book. The story follows the perspectives of several characters, each with their own unique voice and motivations. Parry's character development is exceptional, making it easy for readers to become emotionally invested in their struggles, triumphs, and moral dilemmas.

One of the novel's strongest aspects is its exploration of complex themes. At its core, the book delves into questions of power, privilege, and the consequences of revolution. Parry examines the ethical dilemmas faced by those who possess extraordinary magical abilities and the moral responsibilities that come with such power. This depth of thematic exploration elevates "A Radical Act of Free Magic" beyond mere entertainment and into the realm of thought-provoking literature.

The plot of the novel is both fast-paced and intricately plotted. Parry skillfully blends political intrigue, magic, and personal drama, creating a story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The narrative unfolds with unexpected twists and turns, making it impossible to predict the outcome until the very end.

Furthermore, the prose in this book is a delight to read. Parry's writing is elegant and immersive, painting vivid pictures of the world she has created. Her descriptive prose brings the settings and characters to life, making it easy for readers to lose themselves in the story.

While "A Radical Act of Free Magic" is the second book in a series, it can be enjoyed as a standalone work. However, reading the first book, "A Declaration of the Rights of Magicians," will undoubtedly enhance the reader's understanding of the intricacies of this richly imagined world.

In conclusion, "A Radical Act of Free Magic" is a mesmerizing and thought-provoking fantasy novel that excels in every aspect. H.G. Parry's talent for world-building, character development, and thematic exploration shines brightly in this work. If you're looking for a book that will transport you to a world where magic and revolution collide, this is a must-read. It's a testament to the power of fantasy literature to both entertain and provoke deep reflection.

Second and final book in Parry's Shadow Histories duology. The historical events come as no surprise.

Napoleon's army marches, aided by a kraken and(!) a dragon; but we don't get to see the Battle at Waterloo.

Similar to the first book, I found the long dialogues were bogging the story down.

I have quite a few pending reviews to round off the year before my end of year lists. But I just put this book down and was shocked at the lack of buzz on Goodreads for it. Especially since the Goodreads Choice awards first round came up, and this was not even on it (Mostly due to the fewer reviews on the book, I guess).
I usually (almost never) jump from the cozy position in which I find myself, towards the end of a great read and sit down to post my review. I make exceptions when I realise that I have not heard as much about this as I should have, given the number of people who read this complex historical fantasy genre and the sort of good books but not really that got praises sung for them throughout this year!
One of the qualifications I should give, which bolsters the book's objective brilliance, is that I am from the other side of colonialism(being Indian) and have never been swept away by with depiction of 'nobility' or gentlemanliness in the characters of the 1700s-ish. Despite that prior bias, I was rooting for England's victory and that of the core characters. I iterate that I know nothing of the French revolution and the things that happened in the duration that this fictional magic-filled world is based in, but I enjoyed it nevertheless.
This is the second book, and I would not recommend coming anywhere near it without having read the first. I found the first book slow but good. It took me forever to work my way through it, and I know many might find it hard too. But the trouble is worth it because the second literally flew through. It did not feel rushed, but after the solid foundation of all the principal characters and their supportive structures, it did not take much to be completely submerged in the events that unfold here.
Magic had long been allowed only to aristocratic classes, and now with war more of a constant than ever before, the norms of the day are being challenged. The bindings holding the status quo are fraying. The enemy has dug in deeper than we can guess, and it is going to take a lot more than friendship for things to work out. It was the kind of book that I would want a friend to pick up and for me to discuss it elaborately with them. If someone would like to talk about it, I am still hyped up. I am not talking about any person or event in particular because the previous book lays the foundation, and I do not want to interfere.
Lastly, the best part of the entire reading experience was the interpersonal bonds between several individual groups/pairings. There is a wife character who was probably the least colourful of any that I have encountered but written in such a way that she endeared herself to me almost immediately, and I looked forward to her subtle presence in the narratives. I waxed poetic (to my husband, unfortunately for him, he was home as I was reaching the final chapters) about the friendships that are all not flowers and kind words, with sharp falling outs and patching ups but done in a way that had me cheering them on as if I was watching it on stage.
The magic, its implications, Slavery, the real battle for freedom and Haiti are all mixed in there in a very cohesive fashion, making it a highly satisfying read.
I highly recommend it to any history buff who is not against a combination of fantasy and good writing mixed in for good measure. I kept postponing reading it because I thought it would be as heavy as the first, but it was released in July, and I should have gotten to it sooner!

I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is (as is obvious) entirely based on my own reading experience of this and the previous work in the series.

This is one of my favourite reads of this year so far, A Radical Act of Free Magic is the final book in The Shadow History duology (A Declaration of the Rights of Magicians is the first book) This book to me is magical, excuse my pun , such a wonderful combination of magic and history, I didn’t think however it was quite as dark as A Declaration of the Rights of Magicians but that didn’t affect my enjoyment in anyway at all, it’s still such an engaging and compellingly addictive read. .This duology is perfect To me, definitely recommended read to me

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

Great conclusion to the series. I loved them all. Full of magic, surprises and good writing. I'd recommend for fantasy lovers.

A well-written and rewarding end to this historical fiction duology. The author has created an expansive world with developed characters and gripping social history. Highly recommended.

A magical war is sweeping across Europe. At the head of France’s army is Napoleon Bonaparte with an army of undead, the Kraken and an ancient dragon under his control. William Pitt must manage the political aspect of this uneven war as Britain’s prime minister while battling the growing strength of his own blood magic. Pitt must master his increasingly darker desires and the effect it has on his health and battle another blood magician, a vampire who has hidden for years but moving events in directions that suit him.
In Saint Domingue, Fina turns her attention to liberating Jamaica’s slave population, those she left behind when she escaped. But the vampire is there already, in the slave’s minds, and it may be too late to save anyone.
A Radical Act of Free Magic is the final part of H. G. Parry’s The Shadow Histories Duology, a fantasy alt-history of the French Revolution and the abolition of slavery. Magic is common among the world’s population but controlled by the wealthy and elite, and the journey to end slavery is also the end of the control of magic for Commoners. My review of the first book, A Declaration of the Rights of Magicians, is here. It had so much promise, especially at the end, that I forgave the slow pace and the long, repetitive conversations and got stuck into A Radical Act of Free Magic.
It started strong, showing how William Pitt came into his vampiric inheritance and the extraordinary control he displayed at 14 years old in not giving in to his magic. We’re also introduced to a new character, Catherine (Kate), a Commoner mage braceleted at a young age, preventing her from using her power without great physical pain. Then we fall into the familiar pattern of the first book. Chapters start with large information dumps, bringing us up to speed with world events while focusing on the stagnating relationship between Pitt and his oldest friend Wilberforce.
My issues with this book are the same as for the first. The focus is not on the best characters (in my opinion), such as Fina and Kate. Most of the action events also occur off-page, so we are told about them instead of living them with the characters. However, I feel all my issues stem from the same thing; the blurb and PR information did not manage my expectations. If I am told there is an Army of the Dead, I want to see them. If the British Navy is decimated by a Kraken, I want to hear the masts splinter and taste the sea salt on my lips. I do not want to be told that Le Cap on Saint Domingue was burned because the Army of the Dead had arrived. I want to live the decision-making experience. However, had I been told the duology’s focus was Pitt and Wilberforce’s relationship as they work towards abolishing slavery, I probably would have enjoyed the books more.
And what is more frustrating for me is the final ten per cent of the book where Fina meets the Kraken. Those pages sizzled with magic as Kate fights to keep their ship upright while battle mages throw spells at enemy ships, and Fina hunts the Kraken with her magic. We are right there in the action, living and breathing the choices made. Without giving anything away, this section of the book touched me more than anything else in both books. It left me sad that Parry can have such beautiful, heart-breaking writing yet does so sparingly. That isn’t to say the writing in the rest of the book is poor; it’s not; it just lacks the emotional punch I need.
But all that is a personal preference. If you loved the first, then A Radical Act of Free Magic is more of the same, a sprawling, fantastical alt-historical, where sea monsters are a standard risk of travelling on the sea, and magic can be either a blessing or a curse.

P “The Concord has been broken, and a war of magic engulfs the world. “

My thanks to Little, Brown Book Group U.K. - Orbit for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘A Radical Act of Free Magic’ by H. G. Parry in exchange for an honest review.

This is the final part of Parry’s Shadow Histories duology. Last summer I read the first book, ‘A Declaration of the Rights of Magicians’ and absolutely loved it. It was not only one of my favourite books of 2020 but quickly entered my list of all time favourites.

This second part of the duology is a magical reimagining of the Napoleonic Wars. In France, the brilliant young battle-mage Napoleon Bonaparte has all but conquered Europe. Britain is protected by both the English Channel and fire magic. William Wilberforce continues his fight to bring about free magic and abolition, though he has met obstacles from those invested in seeing the slave trade continue. In Saint Domingue, Fina continues to support Toussaint Louverture as he seeks to liberate the country. She also urges him to expand his campaign to Jamaica.

Yet beneath the surface another, darker war is raging. The blood magician, known as the Stranger, is using these conflicts to bring about a return to dark magic. Only a few know of his existence and his identity is cloaked.

This novel has a kraken and a dragon. The inclusion of these creatures alone brought me great pleasure. In addition, I was very happy with Fina’s expanded role as well as the introduction of two other magically gifted women: Lady Hester Stanhope, a close relation of William Pitt, and Kate Dove, a working class Londoner who becomes a naval battle-mage once women are permitted to sign on.

Again, I am so thrilled by how this story played out. I feel that Parry has produced an excellent blend of historical fiction infused with magical and supernatural elements. It proved a very satisfying conclusion. In addition to this, her characterisation was brilliant and I found myself highly invested in their lives. The bond between Pitt and Wilberforce was especially moving.

I do hope that in due course an audiobook edition will be available.

H.G. Parry has quickly established herself as one of my favourite authors. I am looking forward to news of her future projects.

Very highly recommended.

Ask me right now who my favourite author is, it’s HG Parry. And, A Radical Act of Free Magic is my favourite book.

It’s probably the closeness of just finishing, and I’ll probably qualify the feeling later, but today: no book beats this one.

I can’t remember when a pair of books brought me as rich a reading experience, characters I cared about as much, or just this much joy.

The Shadow History duology—which began with last year’s, A Declaration of the Rights of Magicians (reviewed here)—is a pitch-perfect mix of magic and history, grounded in spotless research into the era, a canny eye for how to mix in a fantastic magic system, and a passion to speak about race, gender, colonial abuses and redress, all of which lifts this epic work from merely clever to genuinely inspiring.

Picking up from the end of Robespierre’s story in book one, this second half of Pitt’s war with his vampiric enemy (a classification of the events herein that I choose deliberately, as it becomes a point of division as the story unfolds) brings Napoleon onto the field, and finally gives full focus to the story of Fina and the Haitian Revolution, which had only been lightly touched upon in the previous book.

Napoleon is rendered incredibly well, as self-possessed and ambitious as you’d expect, but not the butt of any joke, in a way that he could easily have been. There is an ironic air to how his story is handled, but the emperor-in-waiting’s alliance with the enemy is a much more complex and interesting relationship than the one the enemy had with Robespierre: here, ideals are set aside in favour of a truly toothsome game of chess that continuously revitalises them both.

Pitt and Wilberforce, by contrast, are older, wearier, less idealistic versions of the men in the first book, at odds with each other and themselves because of what life has cost them both in terms of their ideals. New foes and forces at home complicate their relationship further, but if book one was about Pitt and Wilberforce’s history and Robespierre’s life, book two attends to the English protagonists’ lives at last, and not just their lives in politics.

But it is Fina’s move to centre-stage that really puts this book a step ahead of book one. Where the male characters juggle their ideals like thought experiments—mostly at a distance from the consequeces of their warcrafts—Fina is living hers. Her struggle with Toussaint and the enemy is more immediate, and if the true battlefield of this history is in the mind, she’s a front line soldier.

The whole book is heftier, more muscular, more dynamic, though it gives itself a measured opening to get into gear. The war of magic is properly messy and global, with more context for the abuses it exposes. The side stories we’re given here, of ordinary lives with magic, deepen our connection to those who’ve had their freedoms denied them, and this book is a little more human than the first for that. But the shadow war remains the driving force and its resolution is so assured and ‘right’, it’ll make you cheer and ache.

I loved this stunning book, above (currently) all others. Together, the duology is a masterpiece, at least to me. I am so grateful to Parry and her publisher for sharing it with me, and cannot recommend it enough.

The concluding book in the Shadow Histories duology, A Radical Act of Free Magic continues the fight for abolition, the fight for freedoms and the shadowy vampire war secretly raging between the Stranger & William Pitt the Younger.

Moving on from the Terror and French Revolution towards the Napoleonic Wars across Europe. In the Caribbean, Saint Domingue is a free French territory but continues to have to fight for that freedom.

The Stranger has now recruited Napoleon Bonaparte but he is a more enigmatic character than Robespierre and is a less heavy focus in the story. Instead, the female cast is bulked up. Fina becomes increasingly important both as an advocate & fighter for abolition and freedom but also as a magic user. Joining her are Kate, a commoner magician who takes advantage of changing times, and Pitt's niece Hester who has a powerful magic of her own.

Parry deftly interweaves magic with real historical events and people. Perhaps the outcomes aren't a surprise if you know your history but the joy is in how those points are reached and the rich character development along the way. I think the relationship between Pitt and Wilberforce is particularly engaging - lifelong friends but also tussling with different senses of duty & belief but with a strong conviction that the other will always try to do the best they can.

Maybe not quite as dark or tense as the first book but still very engaging and compellingly written. This duology is perfect for readers who enjoy complex, political and historical fiction with a fantastical twist.
If you enjoyed the premise of Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell then I think you'll enjoy this series.

A Declaration of the Rights of Magicians was one of my top books in 2020. This means that I couldn't wait to read A Radical Act of Free Magic.
WOW! It's a slow burning story and I read it savoring the style of writing, the great characters and loving every moment.
As I grew in a Latin country I study French Revolution and Napoleonic Was but as they are told from the other side. It may seem paradoxical but this books made learn about another point of view and discover some very interesting historical character, Pitt and Wilberforce above all.
This story is darker than than the previous but the parts about Pitt/Wilberforce friendships and their banters are delightful. I loved them as much as I loved Fina.
The last part was emotionally charged and I think I cried, it's always hard to say goodbye.
The world building is excellent and I would be curious to learn more about the Vampire Kings and Vampire Wars
H.G.Parry is a talented storyteller and this story always kept me hooked and entertained.
It's a gripping, fascinating and highly entertaining story
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

The reviews for books you adore are often very hard to write (because arhhhhhhhhhh!!!!! alas does not constitute a review) and this book is no exception.

This series combines some of my favourite things - actual history, political debates, and magic. It's like the author reached into my mind to bring out everything I love in a look, with all the scheming and peril, and meticulous attention to detail.

This is not the sort of historical fantasy that wholesale changes things to suit the story's needs, but rather takes the history and works around the edges, changing small details to let magic in. It's so intricate and would have taken a lot of research to feel so perfectly put together.

A DECLARATION OF THE RIGHTS OF MAGICIANS followed the French Revolution (plus all the British politics happening at the same time and the Saint-Domingue/Haitian Slave Revolt) and A RADICAL ACT OF FREE MAGIC is Napoleon! I've read other historical fantasies around Napoleonic wars, but done that dig so deeply into the politics happening around the same time. This is not a "we have to fight Napoleon" book, because it goes so much broader than that. We still have Fina on Saint-Domingue/Haiti (I was so pleased when she met up with the others).

There are new additions to the cast two. Obviously, Napoleon replaces Robspierre, though much less time is spent on Napoleon than Robspierre got, as the focus is on finding "the enemy/the stranger." The mysterious vampire is the real villain. Plus there's Catherine, a commoner mage who joins the navy and (non-POV) Pitt's niece Hester, who was probably my favourite of the new members.

Even knowing roughly how it would end (thanks to knowing the basics of Pitt's life), I was still tearing up by the end. It is the mark of really strong writing and a brilliant relationship between Pitt and Wilberforce for me (who does not often cry with books) to be on the verge when I <em>knew</em> how it would end.

Between this duology and THE UNLIKELY ESCAPE OF URIAH HEEP, H. G. Parry demonstrates her real skill at writing complex, but incredibly strong (to the point of unbreakable despite massive challenges) relationships that tug at heartstrings. Pitt/Wilberforce's relationship is the heart of the book, seeing them come back together after the tensions they ended the previous book on - plus the friendship at the pivotal point of the finale.

Husband: What's that book about?
Me: Magic. With politics. And history. And "what ifs". And I want this to be real and the series to never end. Pass me the tissues please.
I loved "A Declaration of the Rights of Magicians", so I had high expectations for "A Radical Act of Free Magic". I wasn't let down in any way. In fact, the second book may be a smidgen better. This duology is just perfect. I want to read both books over and over again. Writing, plot, characters, setting(s) - all 5 stars. I can't find a single negative here.

My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.

Almost, this didn′t need the magic. The sequel to ″Declaration of the Rights of Magicians″ is a vivid retelling of the events in Britain, France and Haiti as the 18th century gives way to the 19th. Many of the characters are historical, Pitt the Younger, Wilberforce, Napoleon and Toussaint Louverture, but the fictional characters are also prominent in the story.

The history falls out pretty much as it did in real life, but there is an undercurrent of magic which serves to accentuate the themes of the book. And I think the main theme is freedom, not just in the rebellion in Haiti, and the slow progress of the Abolition of the Slave Trade bill in Britain, but in the restrictions that magic users are bound by.

Fina, is a main character from the first book, a former slave whose magic consists of being able to enter the minds of others and to control their actions. She travels to Britain and joins the fight against France because the shadowy figure behind the French forces. We also see another female magician come into the story, Catherine Dove, who is a Commoner so unable to legally use her weather magic, until war forces the relaxation of laws against magic. Hester Stanhope, another real historical personage, is also a magic user in ways that fit very well with her actual character. These three are present at some of the most dramatic events of the book, which are the ones where magic is most impressive.

Because the history does run parallel to real life (with some variations in how events play out, but with the same conclusions) so there are no big surprises in the plot, I found the interactions between the characters to be the strongest aspect of the book. Particularly rich are the witty exchanges between friends, and the insights that are given into the wide sweep of history from the small people who are caught up in it. I very much enjoyed this book and its predecessor and will be re-reading them in the future.

I had a copy of this book early through Netgalley

A Radical Act of Free Magic. Continues from the first book, A Declaration of the Rights of Magicians. In the second book, the concord has been broken, and a war of magic engulfs the world.

In France, the brilliant young battle-mage Napoleon Bonaparte has all but conquered Europe. Britain fights back, protected by the gulf of the channel and powerful fire-magic, but Wilberforce's own battle to bring about free magic and abolition has met a dead end. In Saint Domingue, Fina watches as Toussaint Louverture navigates these opposing forces to liberate the country. But there is another, even darker war being fought beneath the surface. A blood magician is using the Revolutionary Wars to bring about a return to dark magic. Across the world, only a few know of his existence and the choices they make will shape the new age of magic.

A Radical Act is a very slow-moving story, to begin with. It charts an alternate history of the aftermath of the French Revolution. It’s also a sweeping tale of the struggle for magical freedom, across France, Britain and freedom from slavery in Haiti.

There are some really great characters in this immersive world. I loved the great emotional friendship between Pitt and Wilberforce, which felt very real and it comes across in the narrative very strongly, so much so, I just loved spending time with them, just like in the first book. The story did jump around quite a bit, however, this was necessary for the plot. A plot that unfolds slowly and methodically. If you like a slow reading experience and you're a patient reader, you'll definitely be rewarded reading this.

The story really takes off when Fina is introduced much later. The slow build-up pays off, as the plot, character tensions increase toward the last third of the book. By this point, it was a spellbinding but also a bittersweet reading experience. The tone of the story in the final moments absolutely hit all the right points. You are rewarded by the emotional investment. Overall, this is a fascinating duology mixing both historical, alternative history and magical characters. It was a story that felt seamlessly woven together, almost like this was our history, all credit to the author for writing this engaging story.

My thanks to both NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group for this free e-book.

Following last year's A Declaration of the Rights of Magicians, A Radical Act of Free Magic completes Parry's Shadow Histories dualogy, taking us back to the early 19th century, to revolts by enslaved people in the Caribbean, debates over abolition in Britain, and revolution in France. Again we meet William Pitt the Younger, Prime Minister, and William Wilberforce, abolitionist and simply the nicest man in fiction. And Fina, who has freed herself and joined the revolt on the island of Saint Domingue. And - a newcomer - Napoleon Bonaparte, who is about to take a hand in French affairs.

And, of course, the Stranger. The Enemy. The puppet master pulling everyone's strings, shaping events, offering help here and there only to withdraw it again when he's got what he wants.

The atmosphere is, I would say, darker than the first book. The revolt led by Toussaint Louverture has been met with unmitigated savagery by the British (who nevertheless are being driven back) and Fina's dream of spreading freedom to Jamaica seems as forlorn as ever. In Britain, the efforts of the abolitionists are making no progress. Pitt's health is failing, his enormous workload and magical affliction undermining his constitution. The French Revolution, which seemed to herald liberty for the oppressed magicians of Europe, has drowned its makers in blood.

Against this background, realpolitik plays out, idealistic dreams compromising with raw power. there are betrayals, disappointments and fresh dangers as war sweeps Europe. And worse, the friendship between Pitt and "Wilber" seems to have broken down under the weight of those betrayals. That friendship, at the heart of the first book, had sustained the two men in the darkest of times and Parry's portrayal of it under strain - her sympathy for both, and her account of their estrangement - is actually very moving. It's part of the delicate dance she does with history, preserving, as far as I can see, most actual events while giving them a whole new significance. (So for example, Nelson's victory at Trafalgar was not a defeat of an actual invasion fleet carrying troops but of a naval force that might have joined and led such a fleet). A story that involves magic and monsters can, obviously, do that, but the human stories here - whether Pitt and Wilberforce, or enslaved people taking their liberty in their own hands - are still true and affecting.

Above all, in re-presenting this period of history, Parry has brought so many things together. At a time in history when slavers' statutes are falling (I hope they will continue to fall!) and British history is being challenged to retell its darker stories, the two books in this duopoly show how global events weave together, how the Napoleonic Wars are about more than "hearts of oak", Nelson and the Duke of Wellington (actually, he's not on the scene yet). In doing that she does a real service to the truth, even though in fiction.

She also tells a thumping good tale, one that holds the reader's attention throughout. Even when the ostensible subject is two middle aged white men in office, every sentence, every word builds up a rounded portrait of their relationship, dramatising the tension between different notions of duty, between the needs of friendship and the needs - perhaps - of country, of wider humanity. It it as much a moral narrative as one of events, as it should be because in fantasy, the ultimate questions come down not to cleverness and skill but in the end to morality, good and evil, strength of will and courage - which are strange characteristics, you might think, for middle aged white men in an office but which matter here a lot.

In summary - gosh, this was good. I could read more instalment software this story, if parry were to write them, but I suspect it will stop here, and that's probably right. I'll watch eagerly, instead, for what she does next.

OMG.
First, my biggest thank you to the publisher for the ARC. H. G. Parry is one of my favourite writers ever and naturally I was dying to read this spectacular sequel. I was not disappointed. This is sublime, this is spectacular, this is innovative, adventurous, heart breaking, heartwarming - all at the same time.

The balance of humour and seriousness is so well done. The characters are so well drawn. I was invested.

Maybe, at times, it felt a bit disjointed? But nothing that can't be fixed in the editing process.