Master Lilley has to walk a delicate path to ensure his life continues in a country in turmoil. Magic, politics, war, plague and love. Plenty to keep the reader entranced as we follow Lilley and his predictions.

Fabulous tale of the master Adept of the 17th century; William Lilley. This gripping novel relates a fictionalised account of England's most renowned astrologer with the turbulent and dramatic backdrop of the Civil War as his crucible of action. I couldn't put this compelling narrative down. Tobsha Learner writes with such convincing authority and control. The author's beautifully researched context subtly conveys her outrage at the treatment of suspected witches. Historical nuance is masterfully delivered along with a much appreciated dry and ironic wit. I am rushing to read more of this writer's work. Master Lilley is indeed a marvel!

Dear Tobsha, what a truly wonderful writer you are! Have never felt such connection with a book! I was immediately transported into 17th century England, felt I knew William Lilly and liked him very much and was thus educated in the wonders of the Philomath, Astrology and Horary. I felt quite bereft when I finished the book, Lilly was writing to me and me alone and then he was no more! What book can possibly match this one! Please be assured that William Lilly will have pride of place upon my bookshelf and I will be boring people with its wonder in the weeks and months to come! I loved every word!

'The Magick of Master Lilly' is a gripping and engrossing historical thriller about Master Astrologer and learned magician William Lilly. Given many people have hanged for practicing magic, Mr Lilly is taking quite a chance in continuing with his ways. This is a fictional account of England's most renowned astrologer based in the turbulent times of the English Civil War which took place in the seventeenth century. At its core, it is a novel about the injustice in terms of the treatment those suspected of being witches received at that time.

This is an impressive book which comes across as meticulously research by Learner, and boy can she write! Wow! Admittedly, it took a little while for me to get into the style of writing, but once I was over that hurdle there was absolutely no stopping me! By the time I reached the end I was incredibly sad as though I was saying farewell to a friend. Some historical fiction novels are a real struggle to get into and then to maintain interest can often be a chore rather than a pleasure. Not here! Since I finished I have pre-ordered a copy as an addition to my book shelf and have recommended it to all my bookish friends. I truly love it when a book touches you that much that you feel the need to gush about it everytime you open your mouth! The characters are beautifully drawn and very believable. Of course, Lilly is the star of the show, and I found him so, so intriguing as a person, but the other secondary characters are sufficiently developed too. There is even some humour and dry wit sprinkled among the prose, and I for one always appreciate a giggle when i'm reading. Learner is an author to watch for sure, and I look forward to enjoying her future work. Stunning!

Many thanks to Sphere for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

The Magick of Master Lilly will have widespread appeal as it covers many genres including historical fiction, magic, astrology, politics, the plague, civil war, and a little love interest to boot. It also brings to life renowned real life astrologer and magician William Lilly, whose predictions proved frighteningly accurate.

It’s 1641 when we meet Master Lilly. He’s living in exile in Suffolk after losing favour with Parliament, but his talents are well known and respected, and he soon finds himself returning to London after being invited to read the fate of his Majesty the King. Lilly’s reading will ultimately change the course of history.

This was a very turbulent time in history with the English Civil War being particularly brutal, and it also coincided with the Witchfinder Trials in Manningtree Essex, where self imposed Witchfinder General, Matthew Hopkins wrought fear throughout the country, accusing many innocent souls of witchcraft and condemning them to death. This also meant that it was an extremely dangerous time for astrologers and magicians such as Lilly and his circle of learned astrologers.

Lilly is definitely a character that you’re not going to forget in a hurry, his personality literally jumps from the page, he’s an exceptional astrologer and healer, and can be extremely kind and generous to those less well off than himself, he’s amusing at times, but (having married someone quite incompatible) he’s not the most faithful of husbands, throwing himself into a passionate affair with a lady of the Royal Court!

The research needed to create this intense read must have been phenomenal, and it certainly showed, but if I have one negative, it was that I found the style of writing difficult at times, (though it suited the time period in which it was set). That said, it was a completely absorbing tale of magic and mayhem that transports the reader back to the 17th century, with it’s descriptions of a divided England with spies on every corner and in every tavern. It wasn’t difficult to imagine the filthy streets filled with effluence, the gut churning smells, the resulting plagues, and of course the sense of a time in history where one had to tread very carefully if one wanted to keep one’s head.

All in all, an extremely absorbing narrative that weaves a fictional tale around real historical events and characters, in this most turbulent time in history, and I have to say that I’ve particularly enjoyed spending time in the company of Master Lilly!

*Thank you to Little, Brown Book Group UK, Sphere for my Arc. I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *

Thankyou to NetGalley, Little Brown Book Group UK, Sphere and the author, Tobsha Learner, for the opportunity to read an advanced readers copy of The Magick Of Master Lilly in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
I found the storyline to be well thought out and written. It was atmospheric in detail and drew me in from the start. I enjoyed this book immensely.
Definitely well worth a read.

The Magick of Master Lilly is a historical thriller with different facets that will be enjoyable to readers of a wide variety of genres such as fantasy, politics, history etc. It is gripping, enthralling and easy to read.