SOMETHING CLOSE TO MAGIC

Release Date : 2023-10-17

Duration : 9 Hours 10 Mins

Publisher : Tantor Audio

SYNOPSIS

This is the most recent novel from Emma Mills, the author of five YA contemporary romances, including First & Then and Foolish Hearts. Something Close to Magic is her first YA fantasy book. When she is not writing, Emma can be found editing scientific manuscripts, tending to her large collection of succulents, and deep-diving into various fandoms.

Seventeen-year-old Aurelia is overworked and underpaid while working as an apprentice at Basil’s Bakery. Since she was dismissed from magic school, the job has offered her stability, which Aurelie values above everything. When a stranger named Iliana comes into the shop and requests that Aurelia use a set of Seeking Stones to assist her, Aurelia refuses. Aurelie insists the days of her using magic are behind her, and nothing good can come from magic.

The stranger soon returns with greater insistence and reveals she’s a bounty hunter and needs Aurelie’s help rescuing someone from the dangerous Underwood. Aurelia, against her better judgment, agrees, as the situation sounds like it could be an adventure. When Iliana and Aurelia travel to the mysterious Underwood, they make companions with an uncommon ancient female troll named Quad. As the small company continues their trek through the Underwood, they come upon a man being ambushed. The man turns out to be Prince Hapless, the youngest of the royal siblings. After Quad puts an enchantment spell on his attackers, the small company and the Prince flee to safety.

Suddenly, Aurelia is involved in far more than she agreed to and finds herself on a new quest to return the prince home. The more time Aurelie spends with the prince, the less she can stand the thought of going back to her solitary but dependable life at the bakery. Following her heart soon puts her at great risk of losing her apprenticeship and everything she’s worked for!

REVIEW

This is a fast-paced YA romantasy story filled with charm, adventure, and good characters. Aurelia is a very likeable protagonist and easy to empathize with, given her difficult life as an apprentice and the almost zero contact and support she receives from her family. Once the story gets going, a great chemistry develops between Aurelia, Iliana, and Prince Hapless. Their dialogue is filled with witty puns, hilarious banter, and endearing words of wisdom. The story also includes magic and plenty of adventure, especially on the initial trek through the Underwood. This part of the story could have been made longer, detailing more of Underwood’s dangers, to make it even more exciting.

There is an obvious central theme of taking risks and following one’s heart, mostly from Aurelia’s perspective, that is very well presented in the book. By the end of the novel, there is a growing sense that this story can easily continue and be made into a series of books. Aurelia’s future is uncertain, and there is a lot of possibility in exploring her romance with Prince Hapless further.

Narrator Ella Lynch does a wonderful job narrating. She authentically portrays each character with a unique sense of humour, wit, and emotion, and she does a great job of describing all the interesting landscapes during their adventures. Lynch’s narration is also extremely well paced and easy to follow.

If you’re looking for a lighthearted, fast-paced romantasy story that can be enjoyed by young adults and older audiences alike, then give this one serious consideration!