A Wild Radiance is my latest obsession. I love this historical fantasy meets Industrial Revolution and criticism of capitalism. And it’s queer. What more could I want? Keep reading this book review of A Wild Radiance for my full thoughts.
Summary
Josephine Haven is about to find out exactly where she fits into the march of Progress. Her outbursts are infamous at the House of Industry, the school for children who can wield radiance, an electricity-like magic. She’s tried to follow the rules, but her fiery nature is at odds with the core tenet of the House: Never form attachments. If she is meant to feel nothing, why are her emotions so volatile?
No one is surprised when, upon graduation, Josephine is banished from the city to a remote Mission. In Frostbrook, she must work under standoffish Julian, the former golden boy of the House of Industry who seems determined to watch her fail. And then there’s Ezra, the flirtatious stranger who’s a little too curious about how the Mission operates.
But there are bigger problems than Julian and Ezra’s secrets. A deadly disease is spreading across the countryside, and in Frostbrook, not everyone is eager to embrace Progress. As Josephine questions the system that raised her—and gives in to desire she’s been taught to suppress—she must decide what she’s willing to sacrifice to expose not just corruption within the House, but the devastating truth about the radiance in her core.
Review
A Wild Radiance is stunning. This critique of capitalism, the sacrifices for progress, and the price of ambition is moving. In a YA historical fiction, the fantasy brings an added layer as Josephine is forced to examine the system she lives within. Taught to suppress emotions and exist in isolation, Josephine is being separated from what brings us life and community. Because love and community are dangerous to the powers at be. As she is sent somewhere to bring ‘progress’ Josephine comes against those who don’t want it, to know that there’s more going on. It becomes a story about questioning everyone, the system, and most importantly herself and what she’s willing to do.
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If you love when a protagonist has to question the pillars, the foundation they walk upon, check out A Wild Radiance. If a system, a dogma, a lifestyle cannot handle questions, if they balk at challenges, and don’t allow you to ask, then how strong can it be? It’s a system that only functions with obedience, discipline, and punishment. But once we realize that nothing is as it seems, what do we do about it? It’s an uncomfortable experience to change, even if it’s necessary, but how do we bring forth that change? Suffice it to say, I’m obsessed with A Wild Radiance. Find A Wild Radiance on Goodreads, Storygraph, Bookshop. org, Blackwells, & Libro. fm.