The Mechanics of Magic, penned by the author duo writing as W.J.B. Martin, is a gripping, high-stakes fantasy that blends political intrigue, magical heists, and emotional depth. The story opens with the theft of a powerful magical weapon and quickly unfolds into a series of heists that drive the plot forward.
At its heart, the novel is the story of a father, secretly a prince, desperately trying to protect his son. Woven through this narrative is the Awakening of the four Champions, a larger magical phenomenon that promises sweeping consequences for their world.
The worldbuilding is compelling, blending magic and science. Magic is primarily a form of human energy, somewhat like electricity, which also exists in the world. The political backdrop is equally rich: a country taken over by non-mages who were once the oppressed underclass.
The prose is sharp, the pacing brisk, and the stakes always feel real. Now that the Champions have awakened, I’m eager to read further adventures in this world.