PW #420: Adult Historical Fantasy: THIS LOATHSOME MAGIC

Manuscript Status: Finished

Mentor Name: Charlie N. Holmberg
Mentee Name: AS Olivier
Title: THIS LOATHSOME MAGIC
Category: Adult
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Word Count: 89,000

Pitch:

After a botched exorcism at a local brothel, Wayward Collins has two options: rot in jail or serve the aristocratic wizard, Lord Cadogan. When one of Cadogan’s footmen is brutally murdered, Wayward grudgingly joins the quest for justice, but if he can escape the magical forces behind the murder and the investigating police, Wayward’s enforced servitude might lead to the power he’s been searching for.

Excerpt:

I’ve been a valet for four days, and I’ve hated every second of it.

“Chin up, Collins. You’re not at a funeral.”

Lord Alfred Gordon Byron Lyte Cadogan. It’s a long name for a long pedigree better suited to a dog than a man. He holds out his arm. The creases in his shirtsleeve are so perfect they’re almost a work of art. I think about stabbing him with the cufflinks, but instead thread them through his sleeves.

He fastens them himself which is a miracle, as I have to do everything else for him.

I didn’t realise before how little rich people actually manage to do for themselves. It’s as though as soon as they gain a fat purse they give up all control of their limbs. Add to that the sense of entitlement all wizards have, and it’s a wonder Cadogan can even wipe his own arse.

Cadogan flicks his hand in my direction. “Collins. Jacket.”

Fuck you and your jacket.

I pick it up from the chair and help him into it. Smooth the collar, brush down the shoulders. He looks at his reflection in the full-length mirror, turns, and examines his figure. He smiles. He knows what he looks like, and he enjoys it. He’s tall, strong from fencing and boxing at his club; dark hair, dark eyes, all manners and charm.

Prick.