Salt Magic, Skin Magic

This book accomplished the frankly amazing feat of reminding me of a lot of my favorite books while still surprising me at every turn. I never had any idea what was going to happen next. Thank you to Ariel, who told me that I would love it - you were so right!I did guess the basic concept of what was going on with Thornby very early on, and perhaps the characters could've figured it out, too. But maybe not: John frequently gets caught up in the details of his magical practice in a way that's pretty adorable (and his materials are also adorable, but never cloyingly so), and the events of the story batter Thornby around too much for him to take many moments to think things through. So it's believable that they stay in the dark for most of the story.I think the fresh feeling of this book, for me, is partly due to how much sex it has, and how unusual most of the sex scenes (and even the characters' fantasies about one another) are for m/m. They are not sweet, which works for the characters and their situation. Real affection does grow between the characters, but the author handles their feelings with a light touch. This book could've easily gotten bogged down with flowery language and wordy declarations, but that never happens. Trust drives all of the conflict between the main pair, and it's a major theme in their relationship. The final resolution of that conflict is so lovely. I was reminded strongly of my current favorite authors, who write historical gay romance with humor, sensitivity, and depth, and this author thanks a few of them in the acknowledgements. But this book also reminded me of an old favorite, [b:The Amulet of Samarkand 334123 The Amulet of Samarkand (Bartimaeus, #1) Jonathan Stroud https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1528705815s/334123.jpg 1121748]. There aren't any footnotes, and only one minor brush with a demon, but the wit and worldbuilding are both on that high of a level. Overall, this is a great book and it's a new favorite for me! The story feels complete, and the book is a good length. But I'm still deeply sorry to say goodbye to this world & these characters. Maybe the author will return us here someday.