Picture an Australian storyteller who weaves magic, romance, and Edwardian intrigue into spellbinding tales—meet Freya Marske! This fantasy author burst onto the scene with her debut novel, A Marvellous Light, a queer historical fantasy that’s as enchanting as a moonlit manor house party. With a knack for blending blood, magic, and sizzling romance, Marske has captivated readers and critics alike, all while co-hosting the Hugo-nominated podcast Be the Serpent and chasing the perfect gin.
Born in Australia, Marske’s stories are infused with her love for speculative fiction, figure skating, and art galleries. Her unique voice and passion for queer narratives have made her a rising star in the romantasy genre, where love and magic collide in delightful, unexpected ways.
The Making of Freya Marske
Growing up in Canberra, Freya Marske was a voracious reader of fantasy, her imagination sparked by authors like Jane Austen, Agatha Christie, and Zen Cho. A medical doctor by training, she balanced her scientific career with a love for storytelling, eventually diving into speculative fiction. Her early works, including short stories published in Analog and Andromeda Spaceways, showcased her flair for crafting vivid worlds. Co-hosting Be the Serpent with fellow authors Alexandra Rowland and Jennifer Mace honed her ability to dissect tropes, which she playfully weaves into her novels.
Marske’s transition to novel-writing was fueled by her desire to tell queer stories set in richly detailed historical settings. Her debut, announced in 2020, marked the start of a career that’s as dynamic as her figure skating spins.
Freya Marske’s Unforgettable Stories
Marske’s The Last Binding trilogy, beginning with A Marvellous Light (2021), is a cornerstone of her work. Set in an alternate Edwardian England, this queer historical fantasy follows baronet Robin Blyth, who stumbles into a secret magical society. Paired with the bookish magician Edwin Courcey, Robin unravels a conspiracy laced with murder and romance. The novel’s lush prose, intricate magic system, and heartfelt queer love story earned it the Romantic Novel Award for Fantasy.
The trilogy continues with A Restless Truth (2022), a lesbian-led adventure aboard an ocean liner, described as “Knives Out on a boat.” A Power Unbound (2023) wraps up the saga, resolving the magical Last Contract with broody aristocrat Jack, Lord Hawthorn, finding love. Marske’s 2024 standalone, Swordcrossed, blends comedy, duels, and queer romance in a magical murder mystery. Her upcoming novella, Cinder House (2025), promises more of her signature wit and charm.
Marske’s style is a delightful mix of fantasy of manners, with personal stakes, witty dialogue, and sumptuous settings. Her magic systems, inspired by historical aesthetics like Arts & Crafts, are both intricate and accessible, while her focus on queer joy sets her apart in the romantasy genre.
Why Freya Marske Matters
Freya Marske’s impact lies in her ability to craft queer narratives that celebrate love and adventure without dwelling on historical oppression. Her Last Binding trilogy, nominated for a 2024 Hugo Award for Best Series, has redefined romantasy by blending high-stakes fantasy with tender, authentic relationships. Readers and critics praise her for making queer characters central to epic tales, offering representation that feels vibrant and affirming.
Beyond her novels, Marske’s podcast Be the Serpent has inspired a global audience to engage deeply with speculative fiction, earning Hugo and Ditmar Award nominations. Her work encourages readers to embrace joy, explore diverse identities, and perhaps sip a gin or two while diving into her magical worlds.
- Birthplace: Canberra, Australia
- Key Works: A Marvellous Light, A Restless Truth, A Power Unbound, Swordcrossed
- Awards: Romantic Novel Award for Fantasy, Ditmar Award for Best New Talent
- Hobbies: Figure skating, art gallery visits, gin tasting
Ready to fall under Freya Marske’s spell? Grab A Marvellous Light and dive into her enchanting world of magic, romance, and manor house mysteries!