Aspects

Aspects is an incomplete fantasy novel by John M. Ford, published posthumously in 2022. The manuscript contains seven complete chapters and a partial eighth chapter, along with six sonnets intended as epigraphs for future books in a planned series. The story takes place in Lystourel, the capital city of Lescourel, during an era that combines Georgian social structures with Victorian-level technology. The narrative follows Varic, a parliamentary representative called a Coron, as he navigates politics and romance in a world where magic exists alongside steam power. The plot centers on parliamentary proceedings, legal reforms concerning magic and monarchy, and the relationship between Varic and a fellow Coron named Longlight. Their story plays out against a backdrop of complex political maneuvering and social change. Despite its unfinished state, the novel explores themes of power, governance, and the intersection of magic with societal progress. The work stands as an examination of how personal relationships and grand political movements can shape a nation's future.

This book seems too new and niche to have enough reader reviews for a meaningful summary. Published in April 2023, Aspects has very limited reviews available - only 87 ratings on Goodreads with a 4.28 average. Amazon shows just 12 customer ratings averaging 4.5 stars. Most reviews note this is an unfinished manuscript published posthumously, which affects how readers approach it. The few public reviews praise Ford's complex worldbuilding and political intrigue, though some readers found the incomplete nature of the work frustrating. Multiple reviews highlight the detailed magic system and nuanced character relationships. Key criticism focuses on the abrupt ending and some readers struggling to follow multiple plotlines that don't reach resolution. A Goodreads reviewer noted: "Even unfinished, this shows Ford's masterful grasp of creating intricate fantasy worlds." An Amazon review called it "bittersweet - brilliant but leaves you wanting the complete story."

Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke The integration of magic into Georgian-era politics and society creates a similar atmosphere of manners and mysticism.

The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison Legislative procedures and political maneuvering in a fantasy setting mirror the parliamentary focus of Aspects.

The Glass Books of the Dream Eaters by Gordon Dahlquist Victorian technology combines with supernatural elements in a tale of political intrigue.

Too Like the Lightning by Ada Palmer Political structures and social customs blend with speculative elements in a complex exploration of governance.

The Mere Wife by Maria Dahvana Headley The intersection of power structures with personal relationships shapes the development of a society in transformation.

🔸 The manuscript of "Aspects" was lost for over 15 years after Ford's death in 2006, until it was rediscovered in 2020 by his former partner Elise Matthesen. 🔸 The six sonnets included in the book were meant to be "chapter headings" for a planned six-volume series, giving readers a bittersweet glimpse of Ford's larger vision for the story. 🔸 The novel's blend of magic and parliamentary procedure was influenced by Ford's deep knowledge of both fantasy literature and political history - he was known for attending legislative sessions to study governance firsthand. 🔸 Though incomplete, "Aspects" was published posthumously in 2023 after a dedicated effort by Ford's estate and publisher Tor Books to bring his final work to readers. 🔸 The book's setting draws inspiration from multiple historical periods, combining Georgian social structures, Victorian technology, and magical elements in what Ford called his "steam and sorcery" world.