Author: C. J. Archer
Genre: Historical Fantasy / Mystery / Magical Realism
Tropes: Hidden Magic, Post-War Setting, Quest for Answers, Family Secrets, Slow-Burn Relationship, Amateur Sleuth, Artifact/Art Theft Mystery
Spice Level: None
Format: Audiobook
Series: The Glass Library Book 1
Sylvia was a reporter during the war, but now that the men have returned home, there’s no place for her in that world anymore. Not that she misses it. Instead, she finds quiet comfort working in a library, repairing books and keeping to herself. With no real family left—her mother and brother gone, and no knowledge of her father—she’s always lived a transient life, moving from place to place.
But everything changes when she reads her late brother’s journal.
Inside, he writes about magic—about the possibility that their family was connected to it—and his search for a mysterious magician named Glass. Determined to uncover the truth, Sylvia sets out with her friend to track down the elusive Glass family and finally get answers about her past.
Along the way, they stumble into an unexpected art theft mystery that pulls them deeper into a world of secrets, danger, and hidden magic.
I listened to this as an audiobook, and I’ll admit—it took a little while to fully grab my attention. Historical settings, especially ones with older social dynamics, aren’t usually my go-to. While this leans more WWII/post-war than Regency, it still carries some of those same frustrations, particularly with how women are treated.
That said, once the story gets going, it really pulls you in.
This historical fantasy blends mystery and magic in a way that keeps you guessing. Sylvia’s journey through London, following the clues left behind in her brother’s journal, is engaging and layered with emotion. She’s searching not just for answers about him, but about herself—and keeps hitting dead ends until one name changes everything: Glass.
The magician she’s searching for is one of the last known magic users, though she rarely practices anymore. That mystery alone is compelling, but when combined with the art theft plotline, the story gains a strong sense of momentum. The investigation feels real, the twists land well, and while the theft itself is resolved, the bigger questions surrounding Sylvia’s past are left open—ending in a solid cliffhanger that sets up the next installment.
One thing I kept questioning throughout the book was whether this would turn into a romance. The dynamic between Sylvia and Gabe walks that line, but as of now, it reads more like a slow-burn partnership or colleagues working toward a common goal. Personally, I’m hoping it stays that way—at least unless circumstances change—because certain tropes (looking at you, cheating) just aren’t for me.
Overall, this is a strong historical fantasy mystery with a unique blend of magic, post-war atmosphere, and investigative intrigue. Once it finds its footing, it becomes an engaging and rewarding read.
⭐ You’ll like this book if you enjoy:
- Historical fantasy set around WWII or post-war London
- Hidden magic and magical realism
- Mystery-driven plots with investigations
- Female protagonists searching for identity and truth
- Slow-burn character dynamics (romance-light or ambiguous)
- Stories with layered secrets and cliffhanger endings
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