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Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Devious Arcana: Trilogy 1 by M. R. Mathias is a time travel fantasy omnibus and the first three books in the titular canon. In book one, Nefarious Allure, Braiden Thane, an orphaned debt collector, escapes after a failed job leaves him tied to a murdered royal agent. With only a stolen timepiece, he travels across kingdoms, facing pirates, giants, and wizards while uncovering secrets tied to hidden treasure. In book two, Reluctant Deception, pirate wizard Kizzon Ahlm uses dark magic and blood to hunt Braiden and Lady Cecelia, who stole the only key to Grimm the Marauder’s vault. Separated by time, Braiden must survive, reunite with Cecelia, and master the watch. Book three, Perilous Defiance, sees Braiden and Sissy discovering a hidden stronghold, but an extinct herb is needed to preserve it. Forced to time-travel through deadly marshlands, they face illness, old enemies, and looming judgment, relying on blood magic and unlikely allies to secure their future. “You have not been born yet, boy. How is it that you are even here?”
Devious Arcana: Trilogy 1 by M. R. Mathias is a fantastic fantasy with a unique magical system. I love that the pocket watch isn't just a prop, and that it operates with its own rules, where clicks indicate direction and hand placement controls time. Through this, Mathias portrays a world changing across eras, with Braiden and Sissy journeying through the same locations in different times, giving the setting a tangible presence. Historical artifacts and pirate legends are knitted directly into the plot, such as a letter from Commander Everett Grimm that reveals important backstory. Letters can sometimes feel like information dumps, but Mathias doesn't employ crutches, and it is a testament to their skill as a writer. There are both sizzle and tender, romantic moments, often sharply contrasted with sudden, grisly violence. It's all fun and games until a giant pet’s crushing attack, right? As readers, we are constantly on our toes, fully immersed in political and cultural rivalries that are frequently divided. With intelligent writing and a fully fleshed-out world, this is a series worth reading.
