Creatures of Will and Temper

Molly Tanzer’s Creatures of Will and Temper presents a Victorian-era fantasy drawing inspiration from The Picture of Dorian Gray. The narrative centers on Evadne Gray, an epee-fencing enthusiast, and her younger sister as they encounter a hidden London underworld. This secret realm is populated by pleasure-seeking demons and bloodthirsty diabolists who operate outside conventional society. Evadne’s proficiency with a blade becomes the sole defense against these supernatural threats. The story places its protagonists in a dangerous environment where survival depends on physical combat skills rather than magical abilities alone. Tanzer, known for her work in horror and gothic fiction, constructs a plot that blends historical aesthetics with dark fantasy elements. The book suits readers who enjoy period pieces infused with supernatural danger and those interested in narratives featuring strong female leads facing lethal odds. It may not appeal to those seeking lighthearted romance or purely academic historical studies. The text does not offer a traditional magical resolution but relies on the tension between human skill and demonic power. Tanzer’s background in speculative fiction informs the atmospheric setting of secret societies and hidden threats. The narrative structure follows the sisters’ descent into this dangerous subculture, highlighting the contrast between their ordinary lives and the violent reality they face.