"Of Mages and Makers" Charms SPFBO Judges with Gaslamp Romp and Witty Romance

[City, State] – [Date] – In a literary landscape often dominated by sprawling epics and grimdark narratives, a refreshing breath of fresh air has captivated the judges of the Self-Published Fantasy Blog-Off (SPFBO) 11. S. Carroll’s Of Mages and Makers has emerged as a standout semi-finalist, lauded for its sheer delight, sharp banter, and a slow-burn romance that has charmed even the most cynical of critics. Described as a "gaslamp romp" blending steampunk aesthetics with Regency-era charm and magical intrigue, the novel has proven to be a genuinely hard-to-put-down experience, leaving readers with a sense of warmth and happiness.

As the SPFBO 11 competition nears the conclusion of its first round, Of Mages and Makers stands as a testament to the vibrant creativity within the self-published fantasy sphere. Its unique fusion of genre elements and engaging characters has garnered widespread acclaim from the judging panel, setting it apart as a strong contender for the coveted finalist position.

A World Forged in Steam and Secrets: The Narrative Core

Of Mages and Makers plunges readers into a meticulously crafted world where industrial innovation collides with ancient magic, and societal facades conceal dangerous truths. At its heart are two compelling protagonists, Mr. Art Keays and Miss Audrey Clune, whose paths cross amidst a brewing societal crisis.

Art Keays: The Calculated Charlatan

Art Keays embodies the familiar, yet masterfully executed, trope of the seemingly useless ne’er-do-well. His primary goal is to appear as idle and inconsequential as possible, a stark contrast to his true, covert activities. This facade, however, shatters when his brilliant sister, Cecily, unveils a revolutionary invention at the prestigious Maker Exhibitions – an elite competition for the coveted title of Maker. When Cecily’s blueprints are stolen, threatening to destabilize the delicate balance between society’s factions, Art is compelled to abandon his carefully constructed indolence. His intervention is not merely to recover stolen property, but to protect everything he pretends not to care about, including his sister and the persecuted mages he secretly aids. Forced to navigate a world of political intrigue with an unwelcome mage looking over his shoulder and a strict deadline to return the blueprints to the queen, Art’s quest leads him to a suspicious carriage and its most delightful occupant. Judge Eva praises Art as a "seemingly lazy ne’er-do-well who is secretly a sort of pseudo-superhero who saves mages in need," appreciating the author’s transparent and honest portrayal of his true intentions, especially in his interactions with Audrey.

Audrey Clune: The Aspiring Adventuress

Miss Audrey Clune, on the other hand, yearns for a life far removed from the restrictive confines of her noble upbringing. Her imagination is fueled by the daring escapades of Robin Renegade, the fearless heroine from old adventure stories. However, her real-life choices are severely limited, culminating in an impending, arranged marriage. Before succumbing to her grandmother’s choice, Audrey embarks on a final, personal journey to visit her beloved aunt. This seemingly innocuous trip takes a dramatic turn when her carriage is ambushed by two mysterious highwaymen. This ambush thrusts her into an unexpected world teeming with industry and magic, presenting an opportunity for adventure far greater than she had ever dared to imagine. Audrey’s journey is one of self-discovery and empowerment. Eva notes that Audrey "blends curiosity, smarts, and courage in a way that feels refreshingly real rather than extreme," highlighting how her self-confidence develops organically through experience, rather than being driven by ego.

The Tapestry of Diadem and Parure

The world of Of Mages and Makers is a vibrant fusion, where the glittering opulence of a gilded age meets the grimy innovation of steampunk, all infused with an undercurrent of magic. The city of Diadem and the monarchy of Parure form the backdrop for a society teetering on the brink. Judge Maureen particularly lauded the "remarkable worldbuilding in such a short book," noting how Diadem and Parure "combine the glitter of the gilded age with magic, steam inventions, and the rustle of fine silk."

At the heart of the societal tension lies the precarious relationship between three factions: the "makers" (innovators and engineers), the "Magicstry" (the established magical elite, often noble), and the "cogs" (average, non-magical citizens). Cecily’s invention, designed to allow "normal people to use magic," acts as the ultimate catalyst, threatening to ignite the already volatile divisions. This concept of accessible magic challenging the established order adds a compelling layer to the political machinations. EG describes this societal friction as "the upper-class, middle/lower class, and mage factions of society being ready to tear each other apart," acknowledging that while the concept isn’t entirely unique, Carroll’s characters and execution put "a unique spin on things."

As both Art and Audrey navigate their respective societal roles, often engaging in elaborate playacting, the concept of "honest truth" becomes a precious commodity. The narrative expertly explores the consequences when dangerous secrets are exposed and power dynamics shift, promising a thrilling and thought-provoking adventure alongside the romance.

The Judges’ Verdict: A Symphony of Praise

The SPFBO 11 judging panel universally embraced Of Mages and Makers, with several judges using words like "delight," "romp," and "charming" to describe their experience. The book’s ability to engender happiness and its sheer readability were recurring themes.

Overall Resonance and Broad Appeal

Julia aptly summarizes the general sentiment, calling the book "a romp. A genuinely fun, breezy, gaslamp romp with witty banter, lighthearted thievery, and a slow-burn romance that even I, someone who usually could do without romance entirely, didn’t mind one bit. For me, that’s already saying something." This broad appeal, particularly regarding the romance, was a significant factor in its high regard. Sara echoed this, enjoying the "whirlwind of adventure and romance," while Kerry, a self-professed fan of steampunk, had "fun with this" light-hearted book despite the inherent danger.

Key Strengths Highlighted

1. Character Dynamics and Banter: The chemistry between Art and Audrey was consistently highlighted as a major strength. Julia noted that their "dynamic carries the book, and the banter is sharp enough to make you smile without feeling forced." EG found the characters "cleverly written and very interesting, with their own desires that didn’t necessarily match up with the things they had been told to do." Maureen added that even "marginal players have personalities of their own," including the "snorty little pug Sweet-Pea."
2. Genre Blending and Atmosphere: The unique blend of genres was a significant draw. Eva described it as "Bridgerton-style Regency meets Panam in this adorable gaslamp/steampunk romantasy," a "cozy ‘Fantasy of Manners’ with a heavy dose of magical and mechanical inventions." Julia appreciated the "charm and the steampunk-meets-manners atmosphere" which was "well-executed."
3. Pacing and Engagement: Many judges praised the book’s engaging pace. Eva "flew through this book in one sitting," finding it "genuinely hard to put down." While Sara felt the pace was "a little bit rushed" at times, leaving her thinking, "Wait, what?", this was balanced by the overall sense of a "whirlwind of adventure."
4. Romance Without Miscommunication: A significant point of praise was the handling of the romance. Eva "despise[s] miscommunication tropes and was delighted this did NOT fit that bill," appreciating Art’s transparency with Audrey. EG noted the "no-spice" romance as an "awakening of the characters making choices for themselves instead of appeasing others," leading to a fulfilling conclusion. Kerry also "enjoyed the romance as it progressed, due to the characters being honest and open with their feelings." Maureen even noted a "lesson in consent" embedded within the lighthearted romance.
5. World-Building (with Nuance): While generally praised for its inventiveness and atmosphere, some judges felt certain aspects could have been elaborated upon. EG liked the "world and the magic, as well as the various adventures our characters had to undertake." Maureen found the worldbuilding "quite remarkable" for a short book, detailing the glitter of the gilded age combined with magic and steam.

Points for Refinement: Constructive Feedback

Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, the judges offered some constructive feedback, primarily concerning the depth of lore and the timing of certain reveals.

Deeper Lore and Foreshadowing

Eva expressed a desire for "a bit more background on why mages are so persecuted in certain parts of this world," suggesting that such context would have enriched the understanding of the central conflict. Similarly, both Eva and Kerry noted that Audrey’s "secret reveal" – particularly regarding her long-standing ailments – felt "a bit out of the blue" or too late in the narrative. Kerry articulated, "Why do we find out about her ailments midway through the book? I’d have liked to have known this when we were first introduced to her, thus making the reveal a bit more believable." More subtle foreshadowing could have allowed these revelations to land with greater impact and integrate more seamlessly into the character’s journey. Sara, too, mentioned that while the worldbuilding was strong, she "would have liked it explained a bit more at the beginning."

Stakes and Resolution

Julia observed that while "the stakes are there on paper, they rarely feel urgent. Whenever our characters find themselves in a tight spot, a convenient exit tends to materialise." This led her to conclude that "the book resolves its tensions cleanly, sometimes a little too cleanly." While this contributes to the novel’s "comfort reading" quality, leaving the reader "warm and hopeful, not contemplative," it might prevent it from being perceived as a "deep read" by those seeking high-stakes tension and complex moral dilemmas.

Implications for the SPFBO Competition

Of Mages and Makers‘ strong performance as a semi-finalist in SPFBO 11 underscores the immense talent within the self-published community. The competition, now in its eleventh year, plays a crucial role in highlighting deserving authors and bringing their works to a broader audience. As the Fantasy-Faction team prepares to announce its finalist pick, the positive reception of Carroll’s novel signals its potential to advance to Round Two, gaining further exposure and critical attention.

The success of Of Mages and Makers also serves as an encouraging beacon for debut authors and those navigating the independent publishing landscape. Receiving such consistent praise from a diverse panel of experienced judges is a significant achievement, validating the author’s craft and storytelling prowess. Maureen’s comment, "I think there should be an entire novel-length series of adventures," speaks volumes about the enduring appeal of the world and its characters, hinting at a promising future for the author.

For readers seeking a "cozy ‘Fantasy of Manners’," a delightful steampunk adventure, or a romance that prioritizes honesty and character growth, Of Mages and Makers comes highly recommended. Its ability to entertain and charm, even for romance-skeptics, positions it as a must-read for fans of lighthearted, inventive fantasy.

As the SPFBO 11 contest progresses, the anticipation builds for the announcement of the ultimate finalist. Regardless of the final outcome, Of Mages and Makers has already left an indelible mark on the judges, proving that courage, creativity, and a dash of gaslamp magic can truly captivate. The Fantasy-Faction team extends its sincere gratitude to every author who entered, acknowledging the bravery required to put one’s work forward for such a rigorous competition.

Further updates on SPFBO 11 can be followed on the official SPFBO website.