The Mechanics of Magic

“Witty, inspiring and perfectly paced, this book is a great read for anyone who's ever questioned their place in the world.”

Two decades after the slaughter of Ardveld’s royal family, Matthew could almost forget he’d ever been the crown prince. His survival a secret from all but his closest friend, the expectations of his birth have been consigned to history.

A job. A family. He thought he’d moved on.

But when his eighteen-year-old son Alex is arrested and taken to the palace, Matthew realizes his past has caught up with him.

Meanwhile, novice mage, delivery driver, and part-time thief Roy is looking for answers. A simple break-in takes a sinister turn when he stumbles across a weapon imbued with destructive magic and glowing with the sigil of Ardveld’s deceased royalty.

Across the city, a string of strange magic attacks prompts an investigation by Ardveld’s newly appointed Head of Magical Affairs, Tamara. What she discovers threatens to reveal the truth about Ardveld’s takeover, and will determine the future of the survivors.

About the Author

Under the pen name W.B.J. Martin, Wren co-authored The Mechanics of Magic, a sweeping, multi-perspective fantasy set in an original world. Written with his partner, the novel chronicles the journey of a surviving prince from a magical royal family as he seeks to rescue his son while unearthing the secrets behind his family’s downfall.

Based in the UK, Wren lives with their supportive partner, two children, and a lively springer spaniel.

As an autistic, transgender, demisexual, and gay writer, Wren brings unique perspectives on identity and love, exploring themes of acceptance, resilience, and the beauty of finding connection in the darkest of places. Through their writing, they aim to offer stories that resonate with those who have ever felt different or out of place, and to create a world where everyone’s story can be celebrated.

B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree

Award-winning Fantasy Books

We are proud to announce that MECHANICS OF MAGIC by W.B.J. Martin has been honored with the B.R.A.G. Medallion (Book Readers Appreciation Group).

It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG.

  • "A richly portrayed, utterly original magical world"