For fans of a story that builds, check out The Incandescent. Not going to lie, I was really not sure where this book was going, but when it clicked it CLICKED. Keep reading this book review of The Incandescent for my full thoughts.
Summary
Doctor Walden is the Director of Magic at Chetwood Academy and one of the most powerful magicians in England. Her days consist of meetings, teaching A-Level Invocation to four talented, chaotic sixth formers, more meetings, and securing the school’s boundaries from demonic incursions.
Walden is good at her job―no, Walden is great at her job. But demons are masters of manipulation. It’s her responsibility to keep her school with its six hundred students and centuries-old legacy safe. And it’s possible the entity Walden most needs to keep her school safe from―is herself.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
The Incandescent is a book that builds up. It’s a slow burn in terms of the plot. Enjoy the ride. Tesh describes a world of a school, the little moments, the students who we save, and the ways in which we try to make something better. It’s a school with demons, sure, but it’s also with flailing mistakes and attempts to help guide students. I loved the professor and magical school angle. There’s a genuine care, but also to know that for them we are passing figures in their lives. The world building feels contained and then when the pieces finally click, your jaw drops. There’s this slow strong current of action with demons and the romance subplot, but it’s largely quiet – until it isn’t.
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It feels mostly character driven. It’s very different than I expected and I enjoyed this refreshing breath of air. And the last 10% really cemented my positive enjoyment. I don’t mind a good slice of life story, but in The Incandescent you can tell it’s building, something is coming, and the other shoe will drop. If you’re looking for a school where there are demons, students, and mystery swirling pick this one up. Find The Incandescent on Goodreads, Storygraph, Bookshop. org, Blackwells, & Libro. fm.