The Incandescent

Emily Tesh’s The Incandescent is a boarding school story crafted for adults. She offers a brilliant take on the magical boarding school genre, reminiscent of the darker tone of the Scholomance series by Naomi Novak. Tesh, author of Silver in the Wood and The Drowned Country, crafts a compelling narrative with beautiful descriptions, dynamic characters, and that classic, insulated boarding school atmosphere.

At Chetwood School, Dr. Walden, the Director of Magic, navigates the complexities of her position. Yet the routine goes awry when her four A-level Invocation students summon a very powerful demon from Walden’s, and the school’s, past. It will take a very powerful Marshal and some quick thinking to save Walden, the students, and the school.

Tesh’s masterful storytelling shines through this story, especially in Dr. Walden. This is a confident yet flawed protagonist whom readers can root for. The Incandescent explores demons, magic, and the surprisingly fascinating bureaucracy within educational institutions. It’s a love letter to teachers and the demanding nature of their profession, making readers want to thank an educator for their dedication.