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2.96 AVERAGE
2.96 AVERAGE
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Isla is a witch and runs an apothecary in a strip mall from which she helps both the human and nonhuman residents of Bender, Massachusetts. Lu is a security guard at the strip mall. Both have their reasons for not wanting to get involved, but when temptation proves too much and darker forces threaten Isla's community can they work together or will their secrets prove too big?
This was... aggressively average. The concept was cute and had a lot of potential, but the execution really left me wanting.
The writing style was really just not for me. There was a lot of unnatural dialogue, which was constantly used to tell the reader what every character was thinking and feeling, with very little action or showing.
The action/mystery side-plot felt very and not well planned out. There were a lot of elements that seemed as though they were just thrown in to add drama and up the stakes, but it ended up feeling forced and really took me out of the narrative. There was even an entirely cliched "super villain monologue" that was essentially used to recap the plot and reveal the "twists".
The romance also felt very insta-lovey and tried very hard to gloss over all the obvious incompatibility issues.
Overall, it was fine and probably more suited for a light, surface-level read.
Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for my e-arc of this title, received in exchange for an honest review.
This was... aggressively average. The concept was cute and had a lot of potential, but the execution really left me wanting.
The writing style was really just not for me. There was a lot of unnatural dialogue, which was constantly used to tell the reader what every character was thinking and feeling, with very little action or showing.
The action/mystery side-plot felt very and not well planned out. There were a lot of elements that seemed as though they were just thrown in to add drama and up the stakes, but it ended up feeling forced and really took me out of the narrative. There was even an entirely cliched "super villain monologue" that was essentially used to recap the plot and reveal the "twists".
The romance also felt very insta-lovey and tried very hard to gloss over all the obvious incompatibility issues.
Overall, it was fine and probably more suited for a light, surface-level read.
Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for my e-arc of this title, received in exchange for an honest review.
adventurous
medium-paced
Thank you NetGalley for sharing an digital ARC with me in exchange for an honest review.
The Laws of Magic by M. Ullrich revolves around Isla Hoffman, a witch that found herself finally as a healer for the residents of Bender, Massachusetts and Lu Cadman, who works as a security for a sleepy strip mall. Their paths intervene and an adventure begins.
The story itself starts very slow to build up the characters and the dynamics between them. The author gives a lot of details about the romance between Isla and Lu, which starts as a simple nice gesture of bringin the other one hot and steamy tea. It was kind of hard to get into the story with such a slow pace, but when you stick through it the pace changes dramatically. There were so much going on at the same time to hook the reader to the story, but I am not quite sure how good everything was planned out. In th end it was an interesting read, but I wouldn't pick up a sequel, because I couldn't quite connect with the characters and the story itself like I wanted to.
The Laws of Magic by M. Ullrich revolves around Isla Hoffman, a witch that found herself finally as a healer for the residents of Bender, Massachusetts and Lu Cadman, who works as a security for a sleepy strip mall. Their paths intervene and an adventure begins.
The story itself starts very slow to build up the characters and the dynamics between them. The author gives a lot of details about the romance between Isla and Lu, which starts as a simple nice gesture of bringin the other one hot and steamy tea. It was kind of hard to get into the story with such a slow pace, but when you stick through it the pace changes dramatically. There were so much going on at the same time to hook the reader to the story, but I am not quite sure how good everything was planned out. In th end it was an interesting read, but I wouldn't pick up a sequel, because I couldn't quite connect with the characters and the story itself like I wanted to.
challenging
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I so badly wanted to like this book. The premise was so interesting and with it being fall I wanted a magical read to cozy up with. I struggled very hard from the beginning to get into this book. The characters were a bit too all over the place for me. I had trouble connecting with anyone. The plot kind of falls apart toward the end as well. This a mainly a character-driven book which isn't necessarily bad, but I personally would have liked a stronger plot. I see the potential this book has. It had the right idea but the execution was off the mark for me.
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A free advanced reading copy of this title was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review:
When I requested this title I knew it was a little out of my comfort zone, since I don't often read romance novels, and The Laws of Magic, while being unlike the typical contemporary and lighthearted romance, did remind me why I'm not usually a fan. I found the two main characters, Isla and Lu, very bland and even by the end of the story I wasn't particularly invested in either of them. The plot of the book starts off slowly, with the first half centring on whether Lu will ask Isla out on a date or not after a series of tea orders and brief flirtations. It has very slow pacing, which I usually appreciate in a novel since it gives time and opportunity for the characters to develop, but with this book I wanted everything to hurry up and get on with it. But what the story hurries up toward wasn't something I would rush toward myself: the second half of the book brings in a much more action-filled plot, with secret magical governments and a plot to overthrow humanity, which feels both shoehorned into the wrong genre, boring and predictable, and also extremely shallow. The backstory of the characters start to unravel toward the end of the story, but snowballs so quickly with this newly-paced arc to save the world, that all the depth that the backstory has to offer is glossed over and unexplored.
All in all, I was disappointed with this book, and wouldn't recommend it.
When I requested this title I knew it was a little out of my comfort zone, since I don't often read romance novels, and The Laws of Magic, while being unlike the typical contemporary and lighthearted romance, did remind me why I'm not usually a fan. I found the two main characters, Isla and Lu, very bland and even by the end of the story I wasn't particularly invested in either of them. The plot of the book starts off slowly, with the first half centring on whether Lu will ask Isla out on a date or not after a series of tea orders and brief flirtations. It has very slow pacing, which I usually appreciate in a novel since it gives time and opportunity for the characters to develop, but with this book I wanted everything to hurry up and get on with it. But what the story hurries up toward wasn't something I would rush toward myself: the second half of the book brings in a much more action-filled plot, with secret magical governments and a plot to overthrow humanity, which feels both shoehorned into the wrong genre, boring and predictable, and also extremely shallow. The backstory of the characters start to unravel toward the end of the story, but snowballs so quickly with this newly-paced arc to save the world, that all the depth that the backstory has to offer is glossed over and unexplored.
All in all, I was disappointed with this book, and wouldn't recommend it.
Thank you Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for allowing me to read this book!
I just finished this book and it was so fun! It took a long time before it got into the story, but once it did it got so good! I also loved the 2 main characters Isla and Lu, but also the side characters were really fun add-ons (one being non-binary for example and I loved them!). All had their own little ways and things which made them so loveable. I really loved the book and, I don't know if a 2nd book would come, but I really wouldn't mind reading more about Isla and Lu and their shop and bussiness! It was so cute and lovely and a really fun read!
I just finished this book and it was so fun! It took a long time before it got into the story, but once it did it got so good! I also loved the 2 main characters Isla and Lu, but also the side characters were really fun add-ons (one being non-binary for example and I loved them!). All had their own little ways and things which made them so loveable. I really loved the book and, I don't know if a 2nd book would come, but I really wouldn't mind reading more about Isla and Lu and their shop and bussiness! It was so cute and lovely and a really fun read!
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I received an advanced reader copy of The Laws of Magic in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for this opportunity.
The Laws of Magic started off slowly. The characters and their dynamics were developed thoroughly and in detail, with a particular focus on the romance between Isla and Lu. Isla’s apothecary is introduced as the perfect, cozy safe space for her coven, even when the first problems start showing up.
Moving forward, the pace changes drastically and there’s so much action in so many subplots that keeps the reader hooked, but sadly isn’t very well constructed. Isla’s past, Isla’s uncle’s views and Lu’s reasoning for taking her job as well as changing her mind are all glossed over and pushed to the back in favour of the fast-paced action plot.
In conclusion, I feel like the book had lots of potential but the execution deteriorated over the course of the plot.
2.75/5 stars.
The Laws of Magic started off slowly. The characters and their dynamics were developed thoroughly and in detail, with a particular focus on the romance between Isla and Lu. Isla’s apothecary is introduced as the perfect, cozy safe space for her coven, even when the first problems start showing up.
Moving forward, the pace changes drastically and there’s so much action in so many subplots that keeps the reader hooked, but sadly isn’t very well constructed. Isla’s past, Isla’s uncle’s views and Lu’s reasoning for taking her job as well as changing her mind are all glossed over and pushed to the back in favour of the fast-paced action plot.
In conclusion, I feel like the book had lots of potential but the execution deteriorated over the course of the plot.
2.75/5 stars.
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
This was my first book by Ullrich and it won't be my last. I'm regularly drawn to magical/fantastical fiction, so the story of Isla and Lu is right in my wheelhouse. Despite each of their faults, I grew to love each character and was very happy to see them make it through such a difficult situation. I especially loved the sass and spunk Isla's fellow witches, Dalia and Christopher, brought to the storyline.
I only wish I hadn't gone the first half of the book pronouncing it "Is-la" and not "Eye-la" like I discovered when she ordered coffee midway through the book.
I only wish I hadn't gone the first half of the book pronouncing it "Is-la" and not "Eye-la" like I discovered when she ordered coffee midway through the book.
tense
fast-paced
TL;DR: Not an entirely unpleasant fantasy romance, but definitely an insubstantial one with some real questionable choices
(eARC provided by Netgalley)
The Laws of Magic was an easy read, but I can't say it was a satisfying one. Rather than blending together urban fantasy and romance, it more felt like you couldn't be sure what genre you were in from scene to scene (which flew past, both strength and weakness). And unfortunately I really didn't like the main couple's dynamic, either on an interpersonal level or with regard to the broader narrative. With some actively dubious elements thrown in (the exoticism of the dark skinned succubus, some strangeness in the circumstances of the sex scene, and some real mixed messaging regarding assimilation), I simply cannot recommend this, even if, for me, it was a bit of a palate cleanser from heavier fare.
2/10 in personal rating system
(eARC provided by Netgalley)
The Laws of Magic was an easy read, but I can't say it was a satisfying one. Rather than blending together urban fantasy and romance, it more felt like you couldn't be sure what genre you were in from scene to scene (which flew past, both strength and weakness). And unfortunately I really didn't like the main couple's dynamic, either on an interpersonal level or with regard to the broader narrative. With some actively dubious elements thrown in (the exoticism of the dark skinned succubus, some strangeness in the circumstances of the sex scene, and some real mixed messaging regarding assimilation), I simply cannot recommend this, even if, for me, it was a bit of a palate cleanser from heavier fare.
2/10 in personal rating system
This was, unfortunately, a DNF for me at 55%.
The first problem was that it was mentioned eleventy-hundred times that Isla's apothecary is in a strip mall. And then, a few chapters in, you find out that Isla lives in an apartment above the strip mall. Where, pray tell, is this strip mall in America with apartments over it? A quick Google search would have shown anyone - the author, the editor, literally anyone just in case they didn't know - that the definition of a strip mall is that it is usually one story and on a busy road. Yet, Isla has a surprisingly spacious apartment, with a king-sized bed and a nice bay window that gives her views of the stars and moon. Not a parking lot or dumpsters, which would be your real view from a strip mall. This detail alone made me want to quit the book, but I persisted. It just felt sloppy. There are many cute Main Street settings that could have been chosen where there definitely would be an apartment over a store and where a locally owned apothecary would be a more comfortable fit.
Anyway... then we get to the romance. Every interaction between Lu and Isla is awkward, terrible, and kind of erratic. Like it's almost like they're not even having the same conversation. And then all of a sudden they want to jump each other's bones and start dating? I didn't really buy it. I also didn't buy that Isla, who had sworn off all romance, would be so fully trusting with a new partner so fast. Sure, she had to disclose some things because of the circumstances, but I don't think she would tell an almost stranger all of the business of her friends and customers and assume that all that would work out OK - especially when she had been so hurt in the past and didn't want to get involved with anyone anyway. I could also see exactly where this was going and what their conflict was going to be, and frankly, I didn't want to be here for it. So, I gave up.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The first problem was that it was mentioned eleventy-hundred times that Isla's apothecary is in a strip mall. And then, a few chapters in, you find out that Isla lives in an apartment above the strip mall. Where, pray tell, is this strip mall in America with apartments over it? A quick Google search would have shown anyone - the author, the editor, literally anyone just in case they didn't know - that the definition of a strip mall is that it is usually one story and on a busy road. Yet, Isla has a surprisingly spacious apartment, with a king-sized bed and a nice bay window that gives her views of the stars and moon. Not a parking lot or dumpsters, which would be your real view from a strip mall. This detail alone made me want to quit the book, but I persisted. It just felt sloppy. There are many cute Main Street settings that could have been chosen where there definitely would be an apartment over a store and where a locally owned apothecary would be a more comfortable fit.
Anyway... then we get to the romance. Every interaction between Lu and Isla is awkward, terrible, and kind of erratic. Like it's almost like they're not even having the same conversation. And then all of a sudden they want to jump each other's bones and start dating? I didn't really buy it. I also didn't buy that Isla, who had sworn off all romance, would be so fully trusting with a new partner so fast. Sure, she had to disclose some things because of the circumstances, but I don't think she would tell an almost stranger all of the business of her friends and customers and assume that all that would work out OK - especially when she had been so hurt in the past and didn't want to get involved with anyone anyway. I could also see exactly where this was going and what their conflict was going to be, and frankly, I didn't want to be here for it. So, I gave up.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.