The Midnight Bargain by World Fantasy Award Winner, C. L. Polk

From the beloved World Fantasy Award-winning author of Witchmark comes The Midnight Bargain, a sweeping, romantic new fantasy set in a world reminiscent of Regency England, where women’s magic is taken from them when they marry. A sorceress must balance her desire to become the first great female magician against her duty to her family.

Beatrice Clayborn is a sorceress who practices magic in secret, terrified of the day she will be locked into a marital collar that will cut off her powers to protect her unborn children. She dreams of becoming a full-fledged Magus and pursuing magic as her calling as men do, but her family has staked everything to equip her for Bargaining Season, when young men and women of means descend upon the city to negotiate the best marriages. The Clayborns are in severe debt, and only she can save them, by securing an advantageous match before their creditors come calling.

In a stroke of luck, Beatrice finds a grimoire that contains the key to becoming a Magus, but before she can purchase it, a rival sorceress swindles the book right out of her hands. Beatrice summons a spirit to help her get it back, but her new ally exacts a price: Beatrice’s first kiss . . . with her adversary’s brother, the handsome, compassionate, and fabulously wealthy Ianthe Lavan.

The more Beatrice is entangled with the Lavan siblings, the harder her decision becomes: If she casts the spell to become a Magus, she will devastate her family and lose the only man to ever see her for who she is; but if she marries—even for love—she will sacrifice her magic, her identity, and her dreams. But how can she choose just one, knowing she will forever regret the path not taken?

C.L. Polk is the bestselling, World Fantasy Award-winning author of the critically acclaimed novels The Midnight Bargain and Witchmark, which was also nominated for the Nebula, Locus, Aurora, and Lambda Literary Awards. It was named one of the best books of 2018 according to NPR, Publishers Weekly, BuzzFeed, the Chicago Review, BookPage, and the B&N Sci-Fi and Fantasy Blog. They live in Alberta, Canada.

Advance praise for The Midnight Bargain

“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. We just got Beatrice from the moment she appeared on the page. Polk does an amazing job pulling us into the depth of her heroine’s struggle, especially when Beatrice falls in love, making it even harder for her to choose between pursuing her dream and building a loving home. Throughout it all, we had no doubt: If there’s any woman in Chasland who can figure out how to have it all, it’s Beatrice.” —Apple Books 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 ★

“An expertly concocted mélange of sweet romance and sharp social commentary.” —Kirkus Reviews ★

“World Fantasy Award winner Polk (Witchmark) delivers sharp social commentary in this excellent Regency-flavored fantasy . . . 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 ★

“A subversive tale of magic and manners. I stayed up all night to finish this one.” —Ellen Klages

"Utterly charming. It's the perfect blend of fantasy and romance." —Kat Howard

“C.L. Polk's The Midnight Bargain seamlessly blends Regency class issues, subversive intrigue, and fantasy together in a heart-racing seaside romance where everything hangs in the balance. Polk's magical elements are so integral to the romantic plot that the two are inextricable, much as all of the characters, from the leads to the seamstresses, now have a firm place in my heart. I loved every intricate inch of The Midnight Bargain and am hoping for many more tales set in this world.” —Fran Wilde

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

"Incredibly timely . . . Heartfelt and witty.” —Marissa Lingen

"The Midnight Bargain is an absolute dream—at once sparkling and romantic, delightfully magical, and deeply thought-provoking. This book is a fantastical homage not only to the balls and matchmaking and strong-minded heroines of Regency romances, but the questions of gender, class, family obligation and personal ambition that lie at their beating heart." —H. G. Parry

Praise for C. L. Polk and Witchmark

"Thoroughly charming and deftly paced.” —The New York Times on Witchmark

"Invigoratingly original, crisply and subtly and wittily written." —Anthony Rapp

"C.L. Polk's Witchmark is a delightfully compulsive read. With an intriguing alternate world of magic and modernity and the costs of both, and an endearing protagonist in Dr. Miles Singer--more, please!" —Carrie Vaughn

"Enthralling, fast-paced, and romantic, Witchmark unveils a fascinating world. Polk writes with assured ease. I can't wait for her next book!" —Elizabeth Hoyt

“This book has it all: alternate history Edwardian world, magic system world-building, murder mystery, family drama, examination of class systems—did I mention magic?—and a sweet male/male romance.” —Alyssa Cole

"A crackler, with layers like a nesting doll and just as delightful to discover. Witchmark is a can't-miss debut that will enchant readers." —Booklist, Starred Review

"Polk's stellar debut... blends taut mystery, exciting political intrigue, and inventive fantasy... Polk is a writer to watch." —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

"The world of this new series feel rich and familiar, yet wholly unique. The atmosphere is perfect for this tale of dangerous magic, lost souls and lonely hearts." —RT Book Reviews