Arcana

Magic, romance, and intrigue are erratically melded in Leake’s undistinguished romantic fantasy debut, set in a vague facsimile of 1905 England. The Hon. Katherine Sinclair, daughter of the Viscount of Bransfield, carries a dread family secret. Arcana—a magical power based on sunlight—comes to Katherine through her mother, a Sylvani who left her world and her family to marry Katherine’s father. As a peer coming of age, Katherine is required to go to London for her debut, but she would rather ride horses than endure the marriage mart. Guarding against callow rakes is a given, but Katherine must also safeguard her family secret against the shadowy Order of the Eternal Sun, which craves the power of arcana. Is the dashing Earl of Thornewood a member of this villainous group? Or is Lord Blackburn, whom Katherine’s grandmother wants her to marry? Lack of detail and a routine plot bog down the supernatural and romantic aspects of this story, making it predictable and forgettable. Agent: Brianne Johnson, Writers House. (Nov.)