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maggpiebymoonlight's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
alyssayoung's review
4.0
Wow, I really loved this book! Initially I thought this might actually be a YA novel, until the author used the term “tits up,” and then I let myself get completely immersed into the story. What Became of Magic had romance, adventure, suspense, heartbreak, and obviously, magic. I am sad that Matchstick is not a real place, because the description was dreamy and I would move there in a heartbeat. This cozy, witchy town where all the homes are woodsy cottages, that also has a coffee shop, library, and tons of magical stores stole my heart. Crutcher is also excellent at world-building and I love the way she writes. 4/5 stars.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for the advanced copy!
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for the advanced copy!
michellehenriereads's review
4.0
My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Griffin. I'm voluntarily leaving this review.
Genre: Fantasy, Literary Fantasy
Spice Level: Mostly fade-to-black
Representation: References to a being who is neither him or her—just exists in their state that suits
WHAT BECAME OF MAGIC is not going to be for everyone—it's what I call weird fantasy. And I mean that in the best of ways. It's more literary. The point is exploring an idea or theme more than characterization or plot.
*This book reads like a fairy tale for adults.*
Things to look for:
The reluctant chosen one
Imagery
Personification
The idea of cause and effect
Imagery
Discovery
What is the origin of magic?
Themes: love, acceptance, cooperation, destructive nature of power
This is also a book that will mean different things to different people.
I personally enjoyed it, but I'm dropping a star because I felt like it could have pushed the envelope more. If it's going to be weird, go all in.
Happy (weird) reading!
Genre: Fantasy, Literary Fantasy
Spice Level: Mostly fade-to-black
Representation: References to a being who is neither him or her—just exists in their state that suits
WHAT BECAME OF MAGIC is not going to be for everyone—it's what I call weird fantasy. And I mean that in the best of ways. It's more literary. The point is exploring an idea or theme more than characterization or plot.
*This book reads like a fairy tale for adults.*
Things to look for:
The reluctant chosen one
Imagery
Personification
The idea of cause and effect
Imagery
Discovery
What is the origin of magic?
Themes: love, acceptance, cooperation, destructive nature of power
This is also a book that will mean different things to different people.
I personally enjoyed it, but I'm dropping a star because I felt like it could have pushed the envelope more. If it's going to be weird, go all in.
Happy (weird) reading!
katkins's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Bullying, Grief, and Death
lyrareadsbooks's review
2.0
A two but really more a 2.5. I struggled to understand the rules of this fantasy world. I get some things were intentionally riddle like and mysterious, but it was so vaguely defined, that lost the logic of the world. I don’t often wish books were longer, but this could have been to allow more development of the setting. Also it bothered me that the word Magic (with the capital) was used multiple ways. Or maybe this whole thing was allegorical in a way that I didn’t understand
smalltownbookmom's review
4.0
My new fav witchy paranormal romance from Paige Crutcher is full of found family and features Aline, a lonely, outcast witch who can see ghosts and has the unique ability to cross ley lines.
Perfect for fans of Erin Sterling or Lana Harper. This was also great on audio narrated by Caitlin Kelly and had fantastic Anne of Green Gables references, a spunky ghost, a curse and a romance worth cheering for!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy as well as a beautiful gifted physical copy in exchange for my honest review! This was definitely a standout #SpookySeason read!
Perfect for fans of Erin Sterling or Lana Harper. This was also great on audio narrated by Caitlin Kelly and had fantastic Anne of Green Gables references, a spunky ghost, a curse and a romance worth cheering for!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy as well as a beautiful gifted physical copy in exchange for my honest review! This was definitely a standout #SpookySeason read!
madisonmila's review against another edition
3.0
I was pretty neutral towards this. I really liked the setup and the first few chapters, but once the larger conflict was introduced I got pretty bored. Aline felt pretty mediocre and seemed to never have an idea of what was happening and then all of a sudden save the day. I did really like the narrator. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC audiobook!
emily_loves_2_read's review
3.0
What Became of Magic
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Paige Crutcher
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: 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.
My Thoughts: I enjoyed the previous book, The Lost Witch, a little better than this one. I really struggled with the layout of the story as it appears that most of the characters talked in riddles. However, I loved the romance blended with the magical theme. While I am not a huge fantasy reader, I do love books revolving around magic and witches. Aline feels like an outcast, as she has the special ability to talk to ghosts, even her own parents made her feel like an outcast. It is not until in adulthood, she meets these eccentric sisters and works in their bookstore, she really comes into her own. Then all of the sudden, she is abandoned by both her ghost friend and the sisters.
The book started off great and grabbed my attention. However, towards the middle, the world switching and magical system became a little confusing. It picks back up towards the last third and finished strong. I loved the ending. The author does a great job at detailing the worlds and building this imagery that really pulls you into the story, immersing you into the story. The characters, while unreliable narrators, were relatable and likable. It was very whimsical, creative, and intriguing. If you love Lana Harper, you should pick this up. I did enjoy the story and would recommend to other readers.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Paige Crutcher
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: 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.
My Thoughts: I enjoyed the previous book, The Lost Witch, a little better than this one. I really struggled with the layout of the story as it appears that most of the characters talked in riddles. However, I loved the romance blended with the magical theme. While I am not a huge fantasy reader, I do love books revolving around magic and witches. Aline feels like an outcast, as she has the special ability to talk to ghosts, even her own parents made her feel like an outcast. It is not until in adulthood, she meets these eccentric sisters and works in their bookstore, she really comes into her own. Then all of the sudden, she is abandoned by both her ghost friend and the sisters.
The book started off great and grabbed my attention. However, towards the middle, the world switching and magical system became a little confusing. It picks back up towards the last third and finished strong. I loved the ending. The author does a great job at detailing the worlds and building this imagery that really pulls you into the story, immersing you into the story. The characters, while unreliable narrators, were relatable and likable. It was very whimsical, creative, and intriguing. If you love Lana Harper, you should pick this up. I did enjoy the story and would recommend to other readers.
juliesinstaricelife's review
2.0
This book has a really creative backstory, with talk about ley lines and axes and the Supreme Witch and a Watcher and the creation of the world. But it is also full of puns like characters named Magic, Day, and Night, Aline, and Dragon. Which... witch... are we talking about magic or Magic. If you like to feel drunk, high, and like you're underwater or in neverland when reading, this may be the book for you! It almost felt to me like there were two different authors. One who could write clear, cohesive sentences and one who wrote in a fog of confusion. Literally our main character (heroine??) says "I don't understand" about 1400 times in the book. Same girl, same, but you are supposed to be the one saving the day so could you think of something else to say? I almost gave up at 30% but then it got clear again, and then at 50% I was too invested to stop. I will give this book exactly 2.5 starts because half of it was good, and half it was like what the heck did I just have a bad trip? I don't even know how else to describe it. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.