The Naturalist Society

Bestseller Vaughn (the Kitty Norville series) tackles women’s rights in this delightful romantic fantasy set in Victorian-era New York. Self-educated ornithologist Beth Clarke secretly practices Arcane Taxonomy, or nature magic, that she derives from the identification of bird species. But women are not permitted to join the Naturalist Society and New York society requires Beth to marry and play dutiful housewife instead. She and her husband, Harry Stanley, have an arrangement: Harry publishes Beth’s essays on birding and arcane taxonomy under his name so that her work can be seen. When Harry dies suddenly, however, Beth is at a loss. Will she continue writing under Harry’s byline or is there a path toward emerging from his shadow? Fortunately, Harry’s old friends Brandon West and Anton Torrance are there to help. With the men’s support—and a growing attraction between all three of them—Beth unlocks her true potential and finally breaks free from societal strictures. Vaughn spins a moving tale about the hardships that women faced in the late 19th century, while also introducing an inventive magic system that hinges on the pursuit of knowledge. The result is an adept and provocative feminist fantasy. (Nov.)