Magnus Flyte is the male pseudonym used by writing duo Meg Howrey and Christina Lynch. As Magnus Flyte, they have written two novels, New York Times bestsellerCity of Dark Magic[1] and City of Lost Dreams, both of which are published by Penguin Books.[2][3] The persona of Magnus Flyte is characterized by his obscurity and elusive nature regarding the public, as well as his conflicting biographical details.[4]
Meg Howrey, who lives in Los Angeles, California, is the author of the novels The Cranes Dance and Blind Sight.[3][5] Some of her nonfiction writing has been featured in Vogue and The Los Angeles Review of Books. Previously, Howrey was a professional dancer for the Joffrey Ballet and City Ballet of Los Angeles.[6]
Howrey and Lynch first met and became friends at a writers' retreat. The idea to collaborate on a novel came while Howrey was visiting Lynch at her home near Sequoia National Park. The setting for City of Dark Magic was initially inspired by Lynch's stepmother, who lives in Prague and had recently taken a position at the Lobkowicz Palace Museum.[8]
Carolyn Carlson at Penguin Books described City of Dark Magic as a "Very Rare Find."[8]Kirkus Reviews describes City of Dark Magic as an "exuberant, surprising gem" and a "fast-paced, funny, romantic mystery."[9]
City of Dark Magic, which takes place in Prague, features musicologist Sarah Weston who is hired to catalog Beethoven manuscripts at the Lobkowicz Palace following the on-site death of her mentor Professor Sherbatsky. While trying to investigate the real cause of her mentor's death, she becomes intrigued by Beethoven's "Immortal Beloved" as she unearths clues regarding the individual's identity throughout her employment at the palace.[9]
The sequeltoCity of Dark Magic, titled City of Lost Dreams, is set in Vienna, Austria, and recounts Sarah Weston and friends' journey to find the Golden Fleece—not seeking immortality but to find a cure for friend and child prodigy Pollina. Both of Magnus Flyte's books are novels of adventure that incorporate science, magic, history, and art with a strong female lead.[10]
