Title: The GeomagicianAuthor: Jennifer Mandula
Pages: 464
Publication Date: March 31, 2026
Publisher: Del Rey
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Historical / Fantasy
Synopsis:
When a Victorian fossil hunter discovers a baby pterodactyl, she vows to protect him with the help of a fellow scholar—her former fiancé—in this enchanting and transporting historical fantasy.
Mary Anning wants to be a geomagician—a paleontologist who uses fossils to wield magic—but since the Geomagical Society of London refuses to admit women, she’s stuck selling her discoveries to tourists instead. When an ancient egg hatches in her hands, revealing a loveable baby pterodactyl Mary names Ajax, she knows this is the kind of scientific find that could make her career—if she’s strategic.
Mary contacts the Society about her discovery, and they demand to take possession of Ajax. Their emissary is none other than Henry Stanton, a distinguished (and infuriatingly handsome) scholar… and the man who once broke Mary’s heart.
Henry claims he believes in the brilliant Mary, and that he only wants to help her obtain the respect she deserves. She knows she can’t trust her fellow scholars, who want to discredit her and claim Ajax for their own—but can she even trust Henry, who seems intent on winning Mary back?
Now Mary has a new mystery to solve that’s buried deeper than any dinosaur She must uncover the secrets behind the Society and the truth about Henry. As her conscience begins to chafe against her ambition, Mary must decide what lengths she’s willing to go to finally belong—and what her heart really wants.
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The Geomagician is a unique story with a great premise and a fantastic romance. I loved it! It felt so fresh and different from anything else I’ve read lately. The story is actually a reimagining of the life of Mary Anning, a fossil hunter who was barred from The Geological Society of London even though they repeatedly purchased her discoveries. The author weaves history and fantasy together so seamlessly, and it made for such an intriguing read. I have a feeling Mary Anning would have loved it!
Mary was a strong and compelling protagonist. She’s incredibly ambitious and determined, but she works in a field that constantly tries to shut her out. Fossil hunting and paleontology had no place for women, however, despite everything working against her, Mary remains focused and passionate about her craft.
When Mary discovers an ancient egg, and it cracks, revealing a bay pterodactyl, she believes it’s her ticket into the Geomagical society. She ends up working with her mentor and her ex, both of whom are vying for the role of president of the very society that has snubbed her, to protect Ajax (the pterodactyl) and help her become a geomagician. But Mary isn’t sure who she can trust, and as she becomes closer to Ajax, her priorities begin to change. I enjoyed her arc as she faces all of the obstacles standing in her way.
The romance was another highlight for me (no surprise there lol). I’m always a fan of second-chance romance, and Mary and Henry had so much tension and chemistry between them. They have some really interesting and intellectual conversations, which I liked almost as much as their more vulnerable moments. There was an air of mystery around Henry, and his character and motives are slowly revealed throughout the story, which I liked. There’s a lot of hurt, mistrust, unanswered questions, and secrets between him and Mary that they have to resolve, and it’s only exacerbated by the fact that Henry has climbed the ranks of the society Mary desperately wants to be a part of. Basically, their relationship is messy and complex and layered and swoon-worthy!
I also really loved the found family vibes and the plot. What starts as Mary discovering and protecting this incredible baby pterodactyl quickly turns into something so much more. Between the pressure from the Geomagical Society, the mystery of what they really want, the growing tension around who can be trusted, Mary’s realizations about herself and her role in empowering women, and the various complicated relationships and situations, there were a lot of strong messages about society, gender, religion, and more.
And I have to talk about Ajax, because he completely stole the show for me. He’s so cute, and he brought a sense of wonder and softness that balanced out some of the heavier themes. I got way more attached to him than I expected, and now I kind of wish I had a baby Pterodactyl. lol
Overall, I absolutely loved this book. It was unique, entertaining, and intriguing, and I really like the author’s writing style. The mix of fantasy, history, mystery, and romance was done so well, and I’m already looking forward to seeing where the story goes next.
Special thanks to Del Rey for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
- second chance romance
- found family
- slow burn romance
- enemies to lovers
“He may have helped you to—to shine—but you were always the diamond.”
I just started this today and I love it already😁 Lovely review!
Yay! I’m glad you’re loving it! I’ll have to keep an eye out for your review!
Sounds terrific — great review! I’ve read another book with Mary Anning as a character — I think I’d have fun with this one as well.
Thank you! It was a good one, and I’m really enjoying this genre lately. 😊
Ooh I’ve seen this in giveaways and I was wondering if it was good! Great review. You’re pushing me towards adding it to my TBR 🙂
Beautifully written review. I’m happy to hear it was such a hit for you!
Thanks so much, Angela! It was a unique story.