In 1812, Elinor Pembroke wakes to find her bedchamber in flames—and extinguishes them with a thought. As an Extraordinary, gifted with powerful magical talent, she is respected and feared, but her father intends to control her and her talent by forcing her to marry where he insists. Trapped between the choices of a loveless marriage or living penniless and dependent on her parents, Elinor takes a … takes a third path: she joins the Royal Navy.
Assigned to serve under Captain Miles Ramsay aboard the frigate Athena, she turns her fiery talent on England’s enemies, vicious pirates preying on English ships in the Caribbean. At first feared by her shipmates, a growing number of victories make her truly part of Athena’s crew and bring her joy in her fire. But as her power grows and changes in unexpected ways, Elinor’s ability to control it is challenged. She may have the power to destroy her enemies utterly—but could it be at the cost of her own life?
more
Fantastical Regency historical romances have become a popular subgenre, ever since Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer published their fictional letter game Sorcery and Cecelia two or three decades ago. Melissa McShane has come up with my favorite since the above–and for totally different reasons.
While Wrede and Stevermer were basically inserting magic into a Georgette Heyer world, McShane has eschewed the Heyerverse, drawing on influence from Jane Austen and Patrick O’Brian, to come up with a fascinating next-universe-over in which King George III is reclusive because of a painful paranormal power, and the Colonies have not revolted. In this world, those who manifest powers are valued; women as well as men can serve in the British Army, but the Royal Navy is being its typical self, stubbornly traditionalist and resistant to change–unless, of course, that change comes from within.
But Elinor Pembroke is desperate enough to bang down the castle walls, and confront the First Lord himself, with an awesome demonstration of her Extraordinary Scorcher power. In other words, she can call fire at will. Lots of fire.
Elinor is desperate to get away from her father, who is determined to marry her off to suit his ambitions, with no regard for her wishes. She finds herself summarily assigned to the frigate Athena under Captain Ramsay, who seems neutral, at best, to be assigned a woman of quality aboard. He knows what a hassle it’s going to be.
Watching these two navigate their relationship while Elinor deals with the rules of the wooden world keeps those pages turning. She’s leaped from the ballrooms of London to the smelly belly of wooden ships crewed by 300 men crammed in close quarters. And, well, men are men.
Just when things are getting very tense, a French ship attacks them, with a scorcher on board. I enjoyed the way McShane figures out how the various powers would affect tactics and strategy on the high seas. Elinor knows zilch about ship to ship warfare, she has to concentrate on the firefight. It’s a pleasure watching her explore her powers–and then discover the downside of having the skill to kill. McShane doesn’t flinch away from the cost of power, which adds to the tension, and heartbreak, of the storyline.
One of the best moments in a tale of adventure and romance and friendship and complexity was when Elinor finally meets her counterpart among the pirate fleet the naval detachment has been assigned to eradicate. It’s a terrific scene.
Welcome to a world where having a gift makes you Extraordinary! It’s the War of 1812 and Napoleon isn’t the only enemy… and definitely not the only enemy with a few Extraordinaries on their side! Time to even the odds! Let’s meet Elinor, shall we? Elinor is a Scorcher. She can set anything on fire at will and extinguish any attack. Her fire ability not only makes her a worthy opponent at war, but she’s also able to fight the battle of wits as she puts men in their place! However, her father wants to marry her off so he can profit and reap the rewards of her talent. He has no care or thought as what she thinks or how she feels about this. So… she must take her life and her fate in her own hands.
Her father told her she had two choices, marry who he picks or be dependent on him and will make no allowances. By forcing her to choose between these two options, her father (inadvertently) forced her to create a third option. What a choice it was! She joins the Navy… at a time when there were no women in the military, a time where you were still considered property of your husband. Elinor has made herself pretty useful to the British Navy, but not without trials and tribulations! Those without gifts are either jealous or afraid of those with gifts. But Elinor has no ordinary fire ability! She’s quite possibly the strongest Scorcher in history to date. Captain Miles Ramsey is no slouch in the Extraordinary department either. He’s a Mover! (yep, exactly what it sounds like… and he can fly with this ability) How cool is that?! Together, can they defeat the pirates (who have gifts of their own) and Napoleon?
The writing and character development were great. Elinor started off as a timid young woman who just wanted to appease her father because he scars her. Through her experiences with the Navy, she becomes strong and independent. The world creation was explicit and well done. I felt as though I was standing on deck with Captain Ramsey awaiting orders. While there was a romance aspect to the story, it wasn’t a major part. It was truly amazing to read a story about a young woman grabbing by the lapels and saying, “We’re doing this MY way!” It was a great read and I look forward to book 2!
I love this book! Such a captivating and deftly balanced blend of adventure, magic, and (gradual) romance. I particularly loved Elinor’s inner strength, intelligence, and integrity. I’m so pleased to have discovered McShane and this series.
I really enjoyed the book, and her growth with her powers. A different type of Victorian society.
I love the whole series – and it was possible because of that first book. The heroine is likable, attractive, and with interesting powers 🙂 And I like this view on Napoleonic wars, too. I am currently saving for the Abounding Might 🙂
Unlike most historical romances; romance is in end of book.
I did not read this when I found out it is about a heroine with powers of producing fire and burning) .
A bit different, has other world activity, but I read it in a two day period, it was good.
Burning Bright was an adventure on the high seas with a small side of romance. I always enjoy a good alternate history, and the enjoyment can only be multiplied by a fantastic heroine who negotiates her own terms despite the social constraints of her time.
I LOVED this book! So much!
Nice to blend regency and fantasy.
Regency with a difference! I enjoyed the setting, the fantasy aspects and the world building. I didn’t think these two genres could mix, but the author did so masterfully.