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noraestelle's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
So I wanted to read this book before ever watching the movie. I always heard the movie was a classic, so I figured the book is too. Honestly, it took me way too long to figure out if I was even reading the first/right book or not. My opinion, the aunts are the only like-able characters in the whole book and I find they’re not in it enough. If you came for a cute witchy book, you’ve come to the wrong place. The only time there is any “witchy” elements in the book is when the aunts are around which isn’t often. They had too many side characters that they would insert their thoughts in, but didn’t really build those characters. Over half of the side characters I did not care about. Honestly, I would have much rather listen to Sally and her husbands love story which we barely got any of. To me that was the only love story in the book, the others were all rushed and felt forced. Not to mention literally every sexual scene feeling uncomfortable and on the verge of not consent. I kept reading this book waiting for it to get good and don’t get me wrong there were cute moments. Maybe I just had too high expectations going into it, but I don’t know. I’d say for 75% of the book I was just waiting for it to be over. I will say the narrator I liked. She sounded like Cher and I lowkey loved that.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Drug use, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual content, and Sexual assault
Minor: Animal cruelty, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and Abandonment
lindyjones's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
inspiring
reflective
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
amyingomar's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
eggjen's review against another edition
3.0
I have to say, I did not enjoy this book as much as I'd been hoping - perhaps because I've seen the movie version so many times. Perhaps because I was expecting it to be as amazing a read as Hoffman's The Dovekeepers. Either way, I did feel a little disappointed. Don't get me wrong, the book is not bad by any means, it's just not amazing. The book while essentially similar to the movie, had a lot of major differences which I know is common but what is less common is that I found myself preferring the movie version which seemed much more cohesive and well thought out, the characters more likable and the story a bit more exciting.
tashaseegmiller's review against another edition
4.0
I have been looking forward to reading this book for a long time. I loved the movie, and while there are many similarities, the book is more descriptive, takes place in areas besides the main location in the movie, and didn't feel quite as magical. And I will say the movie is cleaner, more playful than the book. However, I love Hoffman's storytelling, the way she can merge so many plots together and will continue to work my way through her writings.
chloerigali's review against another edition
3.0
After reading the two prequels, I was so disappointed in this book.
I really only have four words: where was the magic?!
Magic Lessons was a five star read and The Rules of Magic was four stars but this just didn’t match up to either of them.
I really only have four words: where was the magic?!
Magic Lessons was a five star read and The Rules of Magic was four stars but this just didn’t match up to either of them.
tatooinesunrise's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
unnecessairie's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
elenazinaich's review against another edition
3.0
This was just okay. Not great. I love the movie, but the book was very different in a lot of ways. I feel like in the movie, Sally and Gillian use their own magic a lot more but, in the book, they rely more on the aunts to solve their problems. Of course, the general plot is the same, but more magic use and whimsical witchy things would have been nice. I liked the vibe of the book, it was centered around the importance of family, sisterhood, and finding yourself as a woman. Definitely a feel good, mushy feelings read. I probably wouldn't read the prequels or the book after this one, but I'm not mad that I read this - just not super impressed. There was a lot of fluff, extra description, things that didn't relate to the plot. Because the writing was good, this didn't bother me so much. Overall, not bad.