Sometimes you read stories that end up not being not your genre. I have found that genre. Within the paranormal and fantasy arena, the witches category doesn’t always work out for me. If it’s a romcom, I’m all over it.
This upcoming release has a lot of fantasy involved in the story, which doesn’t always rock my world. Inventive and imaginative, check out my thoughts below.
What Became of Magic by Paige Crutcher
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin (September 26, 2023)
ISBN-13: 978-1250905529
OVERVIEW:
Aline Weir, a witch who can talk to ghosts, has kept her talents hidden ever since a disastrous middle school slumber party, choosing to be invisible and use her powers in secret to help lost souls reunite with the keys to send them home. All the while, she finds solace in a bookstore and the three mysterious women who run it… until Aline discovers the book of Mischief, and her powers are enhanced.
Living a solitary life until the age of thirty, Aline’s life takes an unexpected turn when the wrong (or perhaps right) person witnesses her using her powers and she is invited to a town that doesn’t exist on any map. Arriving in Matchstick, Aline learns of a lost magic that desperately needs to be found and only her unique powers can do it. But what she’s not told is that Magic is a person. One that is dangerous and seductive and has been waiting for a witch with a power like hers for centuries.
What Became of Magic by Paige Crutcher Review
It’s not often that I find a book I don’t care for, thankfully. But every once in a while, you do run across stories that you just cannot get into the plot.
What Became of Magic by Crutcher is inventive and definitely original. To me, it read more like a children’s story. There are parts that reminded me of the P.D. Eastman book, “Are You My Mother?”, and I could not shake that feeling as the characters wandered through this mystical world looking for people. It also reminds me of a video game where people you run into have a clue and you’re trying to figure out if you follow them or not.
That’s not to say the author didn’t knock herself out and develop a story that is perfect for those that enjoy fantasy paranormal-type details. But it was not one that I found engaging or enjoyable, personally.
Crutcher loaded this book with detail and imagery that puts you inside the story—characters that are lovable and hate-able, and some that are questionable.
If you love mystical lands and mystical people, check this one out! As for me, sorry, I am out.
2.5 Stars rolled to 3
Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.
Hi! I’m Chris! Just a Midlife Wife sharing about life’s journey; screaming and kicking through it while supposedly aging gracefully…
Focusing on healthy living, low carb & keto, things I am loving right now, and life in general.