Reading order
| # | Title | Published | Author | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A Declaration of the Rights of Magicians | 2020 | H.G. Parry | Buy |
| 2 | A Radical Act of Free Magic | 2021 | H.G. Parry | Buy |
The Shadow Histories reimagines the revolutions of the late 18th century in a world where magic is real, regulated, and deeply tied to political power. A Declaration of the Rights of Magicians (2020) introduces a version of Europe where commoner magic has been suppressed for centuries by an aristocratic ruling class. As revolution erupts in France and Haiti, the novel follows real historical figures like William Pitt, Robespierre, and Toussaint L’Ouverture, each given magical abilities that change the shape of familiar events.
A Radical Act of Free Magic (2021) picks up the story as the Napoleonic Wars begin, and the shadowy magical threat hinted at in the first book comes fully into focus. The duology balances political intrigue, battlefield action, and questions about freedom and power, all while staying grounded in the actual history it reimagines.
H.G. Parry’s research into the period shows on every page, and the magic system feels like a natural extension of the historical setting rather than something bolted on. Fans of Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell or Susanna Clarke’s approach to historical fantasy will find a lot to like here, though Parry’s style is faster-paced and more plot-driven.