Lady Victoria (Tory) Mansfield is on the cusp of a new life. She has lived a wonderful life as the youngest daughter of the Earl of Fairmount. She is looking forward to the annual fete and then her debut in a couple of years.

One night, she dreams of flying, and wakes up to find herself elevated above her bed. Her mother warns her against letting anyone know about her magic. It's all right for the common folk but it's not for the aristocracy. Tory is determined to take control of her magic and is using a book she found in the library.

Events beyond her control will expose her magic to everyone at the fete and Tory will be sent to Lackland Abbey in disgrace. Lackland Abbey claims to cure people of the ability to use magic and Tory is sure she can graduate with honors. Her future may be dimmer but she won't remain at Lackland Abbey forever.

Once there, Tory realizes that there are students who rejoice in their ability to use magic and there is even a group that meets at night to learn more. Tory will follow the clues and see that she can't give up magic but she can learn to control it better.

One of the members of the group is the young Marquis of Allarde, and Tory will be drawn to him. His reserve keeps him away, but she can see that it is hard for him to stay away.

Ms. Putney has written a well-constructed story which will keep the reader involved in the lives of the young students at Lackland Abbey who refuse to give up their magic. With likable characters and an even better plot, the reader will be drawn into the world she has created. You will agonize with Tory as she is abandoned by her family before finding acceptance in a place she least expects it.

The historical details are accurate and the description of the rescue of a group of British soldiers is heart-wrenching to read. This is Ms. Putney's first foray into YA fiction, and it is a wonderful debut. I look forward to the rest of the series as Tory and Allarde deepen their relationship.