Think twice if…
- Content warnings: War, PTSD, Slavery, Homophobia/transphobia, Murder, Gaslighting, Medical experimentation, Death, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Classism
Witchmark
by C.L. Polk
Book 1 in The Kingston Cycle
Cozy-yet-dark gaslamp fantasy where a closeted doctor solves a murder, dismantles a magical caste system, and falls for an angel-blooded stranger who bikes around town in a bespoke suit.
goodreads 3.85/5 16,521 ratings
Quick fit
Is this story right for you?
A decision-first view of the reading experience.
Length318 pages
Series statusOngoing series
Spice2/5 · Closed door / fade to black
PacingMedium
Story profile
What the story promises
The strongest reviewed signals about romance, fantasy, and the reading experience.
Romance promise
- Mutual pining
- M/M
- Instant attraction
- Medium
- Closed door / fade to black
- Earned hope
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- Scholar/intellectual
- Morally gray love interest (LI)
- Sweet / tender
- Tension finally satisfied
- Healer
- Only one who understands them
- Emotional / vulnerable intimacy
- Perspective shift
- Reluctant hero
- Protective love interest
- Longing glances
- Romantic fulfillment
- Secretly soft
- Class difference
- Tension / anticipation
- Tension
- Anticipation
- Eye contact intensity
- Touch starvation
Fantasy promise
- Fantasy
- Forbidden love
- Big city / metropolis
- Historical
- Witches/wizards/warlocks
- Hidden identity
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- Hospital / medical facility
- Gothic
- Humans only
- Mysterious stranger
- Manor house / estate
- Low fantasy / secret magic
- Magic bond
- Steampunk / gaslamp
- Secret heir/royalty
Reading experience
- First person
- Atmospheric
- Moderate
- Gay
- Mysterious
- Lyrical
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- Spy/thief
- Queer
- Romantic
- Immersive
- BIPOC MC
- Brooding
- Thoughtful
- Black MC
- Intense
- Warm
- Mental health rep
- Melancholic
- Hopeful
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Fantasy · Magic bond · Melancholic
Different because
Spice is lower (0/5 vs 2/5).
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Similar because
Hidden identity · Hopeful · Protective love interest
Different because
Spice is lower (1/5 vs 2/5). A shorter read (10 vs 318 pages).
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Similar because
Brooding · Protective love interest · Class difference
Different because
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Book details
- Length
- 318 pages
- Language
- English
- Format
- Book