I was just browsing for new authors by selecting oddball titles in recommendations based on browsing. About four levels in, books by Charlotte English started cropping up. The first one I tried was Wyrde and Wayward. I loved it and was so disappointed to learn that it was a new book, so no additional sequels as yet - Darn! So, I browsed some more of her books. I was most intrigued by the Malykant mysteries, so decided to try this omnibus, and boy, am I glad I did. I loved these so much, the only thing keeping me from buying the next omnibus volume is writing this review. Then I’m off to download the next book.
Charlotte English does an impressive job of world building with the Malykant books that is completely different from the Jane Austenish setting of Wyrde and Wayward. The Malykant mysteries are evocative of old tales of Eastern Europe in terms of style and setting. It is a cold land the Malykant lives in - bitter in winter and chilly even in summer - and that chill lies over the tales in a way that enhances the atmosphere the author has created. Much of what you learn about the land of Assevan and the world in which it is located builds as you read - you aren’t going to get much in the way of expository narrative that lays out the where and when of these stories. If you’re a reader who needs background first, it’s going to bother you, but I suggest just letting go for a bit and letting these elements come to you as you read. If you need something that is more grounded in a recognizable world, try her Modern Magick series which is clearly based in England. I tried a sample of the first volume and have already downloaded that one for reading as well.
In this series, the Malykant serves the Malykt, this world’s god of Death, and is tasked with bringing rightness to deaths that occur due to murder or other foul intent. He is a human whose senses and other abilities are enhanced through his service to the Malykt. In the first book, he moves alone through his world as he investigates deaths brought to his attention by either the Malykt or the two spirit companions bound to him (who definitely gain some attitude over the course of the four books in this volume - so much fun). Over the course of these first four books, he begins to develop a friendship with a woman apothecary in the city who, herself, is more than she appears to be.
I really enjoyed this first volume of stories and will be moving on to the next set right away. They are very well-written and well-edited (which is, sadly, no longer a given with so many published authors these days). The premise is intriguing from the start. Konrad Savast, the Malykant, is introduced to us at a point in his life when he has mastered his role as the Malykant but is beginning to chafe at his isolation. Over the succeeding books, the author does a beautiful job of developing the Malykant, his world, Irinanda, and the friendship between Savast and Irinanda in a way that flows naturally across the four books and holds potential for even more by the end. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
I strongly recommend this series, if even to just try out these first four stories. Unlike many authors who develop multiple series, Charlotte English does more than just change locales and names of major characters. Each of her series are unique and stand on their own in terms of world-building, premise, and characters. The only consistency I see across them (I’ve read or sampled at least one from each) is the presence of independent, strong-minded women who do not fall apart in crisis and keep their own counsel quite well in the presence of men. Don’t get me wrong though, the men’s characters are well-done also. I think it’s what I really enjoyed the most and what drew me to Ms English. So, go ahead and take the plunge - I think you’ll enjoy it.
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Top reviews from other countries
Adrian Illingworth
Slow burner but lovely characters
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 4, 2023