Radical

Clandestine Magic, Book 2

By: Colleen Cowley

Narrated by: Leanne Woodward

Women have no ability to cast spells. That’s what wizards have said for generations - and it’s a lie.

In this second book of the Clandestine Magic trilogy, Beatrix Harper wants to expose the lie to protect her sister’s life. Her desperate plan: train tens of thousands of women in secret, then shock the nation with a display of their magic. She thinks it will work - if only she can keep the details from her town’s wizard, Peter Blackwell.

But that’s nearly impossible thanks to their unwanted magical connection. Peter, meanwhile, fears that his own desperate goal - to counter the terrible weapon he should never have invented - is doomed to fail.

Their plans are about to collide. Disastrously.

Content note: One scene in the book includes a character discussing a past trauma.

©2020 Colleen Cowley (P)2024 Colleen Cowley

Critic reviews

"I flew through it and was left wanting more.... The Clandestine Magic books get me knotted up with tension and drag me in completely." (Delighted Reader)

"Secrets, lies, and betrayal are abundant in the story, and just when you think you know what's going to happen, Cowley stuns you with an unexpected and shocking twist.... I couldn't put the book down, and I can't wait for the final book in the trilogy!" (One Book More)

"The discoveries made, the secrets revealed, the implication of the vows and of using magic, there is just so much packed into these pages.... I hugely recommend giving the series a try." (Life in the Book Lane Reviews)

An Excellent Sequel to Subversive!

I absolutely adored Colleen Cowley’s first book in this series, Subversive, and enjoyed this one equally as much. The world-building and character studies are really unique for the fantasy romance genre (or any genre, to be honest). I love the strong, complex protagonist Beatrix, as well as her multi-dimensional family and friends, and her employer, the Omnimancer Peter Blackwell. For fans of romance, the relationship dynamics are steamy yet realistic, and continue to evolve over this book. For those who like a more intellectual element, this volume contains some interesting political and moral dilemmas that may have you considering what you might do in the same situations.

I really like the narrator, Leanne Woodward. Her voice is clear, expressive, and soothing, and she does a great job of portraying different characters in a way that is convincing, immersive, and seamless.

If you haven’t already read or listened to Subversive, go back and get caught up. Since this book is second in a trilogy, you’ll enjoy it much more after the first one. Although this volume does contain some amount of exposition and backstory, and you’d probably be able to follow it ok, the first book is great and you definitely should enjoy them in order.

Totally enjoyed!

Loved the first in the series and this did not disappoint! Great storytelling. Inventive tale by Colleen Cowley and the narrator Leanne Woodward is talented. Well done!

A Fantastic Sequel

I’m a huge fan of this series. Radical is my favorite of the three. The political and personal stakes rise as Bee fights against her growing feelings for Peter and Beatrix works her own clandestine plan behind Peter’s back. She’s willing to risk everything for her sister. The fight against her feelings coupled with the dream side sequences made for some of my absolute favorite tension filled moments. The dialogue is excellent, the characters fleshed out, and the plot is thrilling! I adore the narration as well.

Great sequel

Colleen Cowley ratchets up the tension in this second book. Her plotting and character development are great! Narrator Leanne Woodward also puts in a very fine performance; I especially love her voices for Beatrix, Peter, and Ella. Highly recommend!

Women's Journey of Magic & Ominancer's earlier fol

The second book delves deeper into women's magic. " ... women could bend magic differently - more powerfully than wizards.". While continuing with the push and pull of Beatrix's and Peter's relationship, "In the beginning, the linked dreams were impossible to distinguish from reality." And they endeavor to find a method to nullify Peter's unwanted weapon.

This book is an innovative story about women's rights in a male dominated world and includes an engaging love story. Cowley's second book does not disappoint and continues to captivate.