Reviews

Magic Has No Borders by Samira Ahmed, Sona Charaipotra

saratonin_stories's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This is the first anthology where every story start to end was spectacular. I loved hearing stories and legend from India (with which I’m not the most familiar) retold and reimagined. The worlds and the story telling were truly magical. 

flyinglark's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

I appreciate the skill it takes to write short stories, and while some of the tales left me wanting more and some needed more work, I did enjoy the book overall. My favourite stories, in no particular order, were: "What the Winds Stole," "Mirch, Masala, and Magic," "She Who Answers," and "Dismantle the Sun."

grace_muriithi's review

4.0

I wish Goodreads would give us the half-star option PLEASE- but I would give this a solid 3.5/5 stars (rounded up though!)
similar to the last anthology I read, there were some hits and some misses, but overall I really enjoyed reading the different takes on traditional South Asian folktales and stories! Out of this book, I'd have to say my favorite stories were Chudail (wish it was longer!!), Infinite Drift, Poetry of Earth, Mirch, Masala, and Magic, and What the Winds Stole (honorable mention).

snipequeen's review

adventurous emotional funny hopeful sad medium-paced

• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5

I enjoyed a lot of these short stories! Some were really great and some were just okay, but overall a lovely collection 

kuveni's review

adventurous emotional funny inspiring relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Absolute perfection! I was absolutely in love! Especially if you are a young Desi person, this book is a MUST read!!!

princessbilbo's review against another edition

4.0

On average I vibes with most of the stories, but not all.

ellenigrace's review

• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

barbellsandbooks__'s review

5.0

4.5 stars

I loved every story, but because of the short story format, I was left wanting more. Each story could be its own book.

gayathiri_rajendran's review

3.0

Magic Has No Boarders is a collection of magical South Asian Tales. The cover art is stunning and that was one of the main reasons I bought this book. Short story collections have always been a hit or miss for me. I enjoy some and some leave me wanting for more.

There are 14 stories in this anthology written by various authors, some new and some whom I've heard about. Out of the 14 stories ,my favorites were Infinite Drift, Dismantle The Sun and What The Winds Stole. I would love to see these expanded upon in the future. The rest felt a bit rushed and under developed. I did love reading about the various magical and mythical elements in all the stories.

A mixed bag!

renuka__'s review

adventurous emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.0

Certain stories in this anthology were very beautifully written, while others felt a little on the nose