Heart of Light by Sarah A. Hoyt

… an alternate nineteenth century era where magic not only exists, but is an integral part of life. For instance, while the world may feature trains, air transportation, indoor lighting, guns, and other modern amenities, it is magic — not science or technology — that powers them. That’s why there are magelights instead of electricity, carpetships — yes, flying carpets — instead of airships, and powersticks instead of rifles. Still, for all of the differences there might be between Ms. Hoyt’s Victorian time period and the one in our history books, many things remain the same such as a powerful British Empire reigned over by Queen Victoria, Africans enslaved by white people — known as ‘Water People’ in this case — and proper English manners.  Read the rest.