Reviews

Magic Has No Borders by Samira Ahmed, Sona Charaipotra

kuveni's review against another edition

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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

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4.0

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

ellenigrace's review against another edition

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

4.0

barbellsandbooks__'s review against another edition

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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 against another edition

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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 against another edition

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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

avereads12's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful 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? Yes

5.0

wanderingreadingsoul's review against another edition

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4.0

I was intrigued by this book when I came across it on an 'upcoming book releases' page and I pre-ordered it without a second thought.

After reading it I can say that where I enjoyed some stories very much that the words lingered in my mind long after, others faded in my mind as quickly as they were finished, but all of them were well written stories from Desi culture. Ones I am familiar with, which was a nice realisation, but with new twists. Most of the stories were re-imaginings of epics with the same characters but sometimes the sexuality and genders switched up, as well as the endings.

All the stories focused on what it is to be brown quite well, highlighted issues we all face and do face and really gave a more hopeful outlook to it all.

My favourite stories from the anthology were, in no particular order; Mirch, Masala, and Magic; What the Winds Stole; Unraveled; Dismantle the Sun; Shamsuddin-Jalal (for the stories within the story); She Who Answers; and Poetry of Earth. I loved the messages each of these stories had and that is what I would expect from an anthology of this type. Stories, culturally and historically were woven together and spoken to pass on a teaching, advice, information. And these stories especially did that for me!

I also enjoyed the artwork. I felt in line with our cultures and it suited the stories.

Overall, I would recommend this book if you a set of small stories that are heart-warming, thought-provoking and enjoyable please pick this book up. You can read it at your won pace, a story at a time and it is relaxing!

wavykt's review

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adventurous challenging emotional inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

complexlyleslie's review

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

3.5