Reviews with content warning for Car accident - The Rules of Magic

I'm re-reading the Practical Magic series to get myself prepared for the newest book. After reading The Rules of Magic again, I can definitely say this is probably my favorite book from the series (although that might change once I read The Book of Magic). I loved watching Jet, Franny, and Vincent grow up and everything they had to go through to find their love. This book will break your heart, put it back together again, and then break it again but it will be okay in the end. Love more, not less.

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cararock's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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alanahhill's review against another edition

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2.0

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allyhoo811's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

While I enjoyed Practical Magic, I found myself loving this second installment in the series. It was everything I loved about its predecessor, but better. There was more magic, more witchiness, and more character development -- Plus less absurdity. What's not to love? All things considered I give this book 4.5 stars (rounded up to 5). There were two small issues that dampened my enjoyment a tad, but overall a great read!

My Issues:

1. There was still too much insta-love. It was somewhat better than Practical Magic in this regard, but it was still too much for me personally. I know this series is supposed to have a fairytale feeling about it, but it just doesn't work for me in this regard.

2. I wanted more resolution to what the "curse" really was. Towards the end of the book, it seemed like the author was trying to get across the message that the curse had always just been in the minds of the family members, but then when Sally and Gillian's parents died it was written as if the curse had caught up with them. Doesn't ruin the story, but I didn't like feeling that you could actually trick the "curse", by doing things like changing your name or by living separately and not marrying.

Note: This story is told by a third person, omniscient narrator. There is a lot of head hopping. I found it worked fine for me (when it usually doesn't), but just know that going in.

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apoppyinthewind's review against another edition

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dark emotional inspiring mysterious sad 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

4.5

Practical Magic is and has been in my top five favourite books for decades so it's a little crazy to me that I'm just reading The Rules of Magic now. I enjoyed it, it had the same style of writing that drew me into Practical Magic decades ago and I read it within a day which ....well, it isn't unusual for me but it's a good sign. If I can't put a book down because I need to know what happens next then the writer is doing a good job in my book.

I'm torn between a 4 or 5. I did truly enjoy it and I can see myself re-reading it again when I'm in the mood for something witchy. I might even pick up a copy to go with the copy of Practical Magic I've been meaning to re-buy (Decluttering remorse 🤦‍♀️) and yet it is lacking something that Practical Magic holds for me. I can't quite put my finger on it so I may update this review when I do so for now let's say 4.5 stars.

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