BOOK REVIEW: A Declaration of the Rights of Magicians by H.G. Parry

BOOK REVIEW: A Declaration of the Rights of Magicians by H.G. Parry

Reviewed by Brianna

CATEGORY: Adult books for Teens

A Declaration of the Rights of Magicians is a complex and immersive historical fiction novel - and a fantasy complete with telekinesis, weather-bending, and vampires - by H.G. Parry. It’s set in the times of the French and Haitian revolutions, with three sets of settings and characters: William Pitt and William Wilberforce in Britain, Maximilien Robespierre and Camille Desmoulins in France, and Fina and Toussaint Louverture in Saint-Domingue.

Some people are mesmers, who can influence the minds of others. Some control fire, some create living shadows. But in Britain, France, and Haiti, our three settings, not everyone is permitted to use these powers. French commoner magic-users are forced to wear bands which shriek whenever they use their powers. One of William Pitt’s first cases as a lawyer is arguing for commoners’ right to use these abilities in defense of their loved ones. Slaves are bound with mesmer magic to complete, terrifying obedience. The movement to change these facts of life is the main thrust of the plot, intertwined with the scheming of a mysterious figure in the background manipulating events.

I went into this book knowing a lot about Robespierre, and practically nothing about what was going on outside of France. Parry’s understanding of Robespierre’s character is far more accurate and engaging than practically any other work of fiction about the French Revolution written in English. The foreshadowing in his sections made me squeal. In the British and Haitian segments, the thorough worldbuilding ensured I never felt left behind. The parallels created between Pitt and Robespierre (and their relationships to Wilberforce and Camille, respectively) were shocking, yet fitting - and in retrospect, inevitable.

The setting and magic system will suck you in, the characters will make you laugh, and the ending will tear out your heart and stomp on it until you break down in tears. (In a good way.) Perfect five out of five stars, I’ve already gotten the next book in the series.

ABOUT THE REVIEWER:
Brianna is a teen attending high school in Cy-Fair ISD. Her favorite genres are dystopian, fantasy, and historical fiction.