Shades of Milk and Honey: Difference between revisions

''[[Shades of Milk and Honey]]'' is a Regency Fantasy novel by [[Mary Robinette Kowal]], written as a loving [[Homage]] to [[Jane Austen (Creator)|Jane Austen]]. Its only fantasy element is the ability to create "folds" of illusion, at the expense of some exhaustion. It tells the story of Jane Ellsworth, a young woman in the mold of a sensible Austen heroine, who possesses a high degree of skill in illusion, as well as music and the other "accomplishments" of [[Regency England]]. Her sister, a specimen of much less maturity (both in years and wisdom) provides much conflict, of the familial and romantic variety, as suitors dance about both girls. The plot thickens when certain secrets come to light...and when certain emotions come into play.

Followed by ''Glamour in Glass,'' which promises to delve into Napoleonic intrigue, marital tension and reconciliation, and {{spoiler|possible pregnancy}}. Recently announced to follow are ''Without a Summer,'' mixing ''[[Emma]]'' with [[Industrial Revolution]] riots, and ''Valour and Vanity,'' an apparent Jane Austen caper yarn in the vein of the [[OceansOcean's Eleven]] series.

* [[Foolish Sibling, Responsible Sibling]]: Paralleling [[Jane Austen (Creator)|Jane Austen]]'s ''[[Sense and Sensibility (Literaturenovel)|Sense and Sensibility]]'', Jane is an [[Expy]] for Elinor, the responsible elder sister, while Melody fills the role of occasionally foolish Marianne.

* [[In Space]]: It's [[Jane Austen (Creator)|Jane Austen]] with [[Fantasy|Magic!]].

* [[Regency England]]: Unlike ''[[Jonathan Strange and& Mr. Norrell]]'' or the ''[[Temeraire]]'' series, the history and structure of this era aren't dramatically changed by the existence of functional magic, as that magic is a decorative and beautifying art, rather than reality-altering or easily weaponized. Though Jane does give a demonstration of possible combat uses...