Review: Of Mages and Makers by Rel Carroll

I received an advanced review copy of this book for free via Reedsy Discovery. This did not affect my opinion of the book in any way.

Publisher: RomanSnail LLC
Published: September 2025
Pages: 302

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Synopsis

Of Mages and Makers, the debut novel from author Rel Carroll, is a gaslamp romantic fantasy set in a vibrant world with magic, manners, witty banter, some lighthearted thievery, and a swoon-worthy scarlet pimpernel!

Mr. Art Keays has one goal in to appear as useless as possible. But when his sister recklessly unveils a dangerous new invention at the Maker Exhibitions, an elite competition for the coveted title of maker, and her blueprints are stolen, Art is forced to intervene or risk losing everything he pretends not to care about. With an unwelcome mage looking over his shoulder and a looming timeline to find and return the blueprints to the queen, all clues point to a suspicious carriage conveying a most delightful obstacle.

Miss Audrey Clune longs to be Robin Renegade, the fearless heroine from the old adventure stories. In real life, however, her choices are rather limited. Before accepting a sudden proposal from the man of her grandmother’s choosing, Audrey sets out on one last journey to visit her beloved aunt. But when her carriage is ambushed by two mysterious highwaymen, she embraces a novel world of industry and magic with opportunity for adventure far greater than she imagined.

As both Audrey and Art playact different roles in society, the “honest truth” is a precious commodity, especially when dangerous secrets come to light and power has terrible consequences.

My Thoughts…

This review was originally published on Reedsy Discovery.

No one knows the real Art Keyes, and he is more than happy to keep it that way. But when his sister shares her new, terribly dangerous creation at the annual Maker Exhibition, he is forced to step in and risk everything to save the person he most cares about.

Audrey Clune is trapped in a life of duty and strict rules, dreading the moment she will have to accept the proposal of a man she dislikes but is being forced to marry. She longs for a life of adventure like that of the famous heroine Robin Renegade, and she may just get her wish when her carriage is attacked by highwaymen during her last journey before the dreaded engagement.

As Art and Audrey have to navigate high society and a thick web of lies, it is hard to know whom to trust when the stakes are so high and the “honest truth” becomes a precious commodity.

Of Mages and Makers is a delightful gaslamp fantasy novel brimming with rich, full characters and adventure at every turn. The book features a slow-burn romance that is an absolute joy to watch unfold. Readers looking for spice will not find it here, but anyone seeking a tender romance based on mutual trust and respect won’t be disappointed.

The world is described vividly and built so that, after an initial disorientation due to the complex social structure, it feels easy to understand the politics and (im)balances of power at play. The entire cast is characterised extremely well, with even the secondary characters being easy to love (or despise, depending on the case), feeling essential to the story and entirely unforgettable.

The two main characters of course steal the show. I particularly loved the journey of self-discovery and acceptance that Audrey goes on, and reading in the author’s final note that it is inspired by the experience of living with chronic pain made it even more touching. The romance is beautifully constructed, never coming across as forced. Although a few passages felt slightly too repetitive in their attempts to reiterate the characters’ emotions or thoughts process, the banter is witty and sharp and the writing flows easily. Any (very minor) flaws are entirely forgiven with that near-perfect epilogue.

Overall, Of Mages and Makers is the perfect novel to kickstart autumn and cosy reading season with a sweet, swashbuckling romance that is never banal.