About the Book:
Title: Subversive
Author: Colleen Cowley
Series: Clandestine Magic Trilogy (Book 1)
Narrator: Leanne Woodward
Publication Date: Sept. 27, 2020
Synopsis: In an America controlled by wizards, Beatrix Harper counts herself among the resistance—the Women’s League for the Prohibition of Magic. Then Peter Blackwell, the only wizard her town has ever produced, unexpectedly returns home and presses her into service as his assistant.
Beatrix fears he wants to undermine the League. His real purpose is far more dangerous for them both.
Subversive is the first novel in the Clandestine Magic trilogy, set in a warped 21st century that will appeal to fans of gaslamp fantasy.
LINK: Goodreads
I loved Subversive when I read it last year, so when the author reached out and asked if I’d listen to the audiobook, I jumped at the chance. Even though I generally gravitate toward eBooks or physical copies, I enjoyed this as an audiobook.
The story follows Beatrix, an active member of the Women’s League for the Prohibition of Magic and Peter, a powerful wizard who has manipulated Beatrix into serving as his assistant. Worried that he hired her to spy on the League, Beatrix decides to find out Peter’s true intentions.
As the pair works together and gets to know each other better, Beatrix begins to realize that Peter’s reasons for returning are far more dangerous than she imagined. With unknown attempts to undermine the league, secrets, lies, betrayal, and dangerous threats in both their lives, Beatrix and Peter struggle to trust each other. However, they can’t deny their growing connection.
I love so much about this story – the unique characters, the immersive world, the intriguing plot, and the slow-building, enemies-to-lovers romance. All of this translates well to audiobook. I found myself pulled into the audiobook as quickly as I was pulled into the story when I first read it.
The audiobook flows well, and Leeanne Woodward offers a well-paced narration that is easy to listen to. I love that Woodward changes voices for the different characters. It adds a rich dynamic to the story while enabling the listener to easily differentiate between the characters. I also like how Woodward added inflections into her voice and highlighted the emotions of each character. It made for an engrossing read.
Overall, I loved going back into Beatrix and Peter’s world and am pleased to say it was a great re-read!
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Want to learn more about the series? Take a look at some of my favorite quotes!
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Want to know more about the author? Check out my interview with Colleen Cowley!
Want to learn more about Subversive? Check out my original review.
oooh i haven’t heard of this one before, but it sounds good.
It’s very good – unique!
lovely review!!
Thanks so much! 🙂
This sounds quite interesting. So glad you liked it enough to listen to the audiobook even though you had already read it.