The Midnight Bargain

Praise

★“The author’s penetrating social critique and deeply felt depiction of one woman’s struggle for self-determination are balanced by her charming take on classic Regency romance. . . . An expertly concocted mélange of sweet romance and sharp social commentary.” —Kirkus, starred review

★“Polk’s foray into a society of magic and politics places the woman in the secondary role, but neither Beatrice nor Ysbeta will stay in place. Fans of romantic fantasy set in a multicultural world will find this a fascinating read.” —Library Journal, starred review

★“Polk expertly balances propulsive pacing, a rich multicultural world, and a vivid and subversive cast of characters. Readers will be swept away by this powerful and passionate fantasy.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

“A sleek, beautiful book with a quietly serious heart.” —Amal El-Mohtar in The New York Times

“The Midnight Bargain is a smart, compassionate book about the costs of making deals, who pays them and who profits . . . A sharp examination of birth control and parental leave delivered in gorgeous, velvety prose, this was an absolute pleasure to read.” —NPR, “Best Books of 2020”

“The Midnight Bargain is a marvel of fantasy world-building, full of fascinating details and complex rules that govern the rituals of sorcery and marriage.”—Apple Books Review, “Best Books of October 2020”

“This novel is a fast-paced, delightful read full of plot twists, romantic angst, and social justice themes.” —BuzzFeed News

“Smart, sexy, and sincere, The Midnight Bargain is an alter-Regency romance with fantastical magic and very real teeth.” —Alix E. Harrow, bestselling author of The Ten Thousand Doors of January

“From page one, C. L. Polk displays an elegant mastery of form. The Midnight Bargain is by turns charming and wrenching.” —Mary Robinette Kowal­, Hugo Award-winning author of The Calculating Stars

“A rich banquet of a novel with vivid details, smart dialogue, and a cleverly unfolding examination of what it means to be denied the destiny you know you are meant for—and how to fight for change.” —Kate Elliott, author of Unconquerable Sun

“The Midnight Bargain is a delicious mix of forbidden magic and social ritual, with dangerous secrets, impossible choices, coded grimoires, and stolen kisses dressed up in a sensory feast of fancy carriages and corset stays.” —Melissa Caruso, author of The Tethered Mage

“A lush, intensely romantic and intensely political book about love, friendship, freedom and magic.” —Aliette de Bodard, author of Fireheart Tiger

“An absolute dream—at once sparkling and romantic, delightfully magical, and deeply thought-provoking.” —H. G. Parry, author of The Unlikely Escape of Uriah Heep

“I was utterly charmed. . . . It’s the perfect blend of fantasy and romance.” —Kat Howard, award-winning author of An Unkindness of Magicians

“A sparkling, incisive, and razor-sharp fantasy of manners. A must read for anyone who loves stories where romance and fantasy meet.” —Tasha Suri, award-winning author of The Jasmine Throne

“A subversive tale of magic and manners. I stayed up all night to finish this one.” —Ellen Klages, author of The Green Glass Sea