Reviews

Add Magic to Taste by Willa Blythe, Florence Vale, Beth Lumen, Lex T. Lindsay, Jessica Black, I.A. Ashcroft, T.S. Knight, Tris Lawrence, Theresa Alef, A.L. Heard, Shea Sullivan, Maggie Page, Kristi Mae, Jo Mathieson, Em Rowntree, Alex Ransom, Nina Waters, Puck Malamud, Scarlett Gale, Lacey Hays, A. Reilly

breading_books's review

emotional lighthearted 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

4.5

taaya's review

emotional funny lighthearted slow-paced

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

4.0

Not what I expected, when it was recommended to me (because I was looking for good rep of ace people actually having a relationship). And in fact, the one ace character in this anthology...is just ace in the tags. Their asexuality is neither mentioned nor acted upon in the story.

But that doesn't change the fact that the stories are super sweet and lovely to read. Just ...proportions, people. Another ace who's asexuality really plays a role on getting together, would've been nice in all those stories. 

And  ... really, meet cute is now used inflationary, isn't it? 

(Massive kudos for the tags!)

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Content Warnings

Minor: Ableism and Acephobia/Arophobia

greeniezona's review

lighthearted medium-paced

4.0

This anthology is a "spellbinding (and scrumptious!) collection of heartwarming queer stories." All of the stories feature magic, there is diverse representation, and all center on a coffee or tea shop in some way. There are sweet, warm stories of people who feel on the edges of society for different reasons, and then find someone who appreciates them just how they are. 

A few of the authors of the stories are people I follow as fan fiction authors, and it is great to see them writing original characters and stories as well.

These stories are so soft! It is absolutely the book equivalent of being wrapped in a warm blanket and brought a cup of hot tea. A feeling I needed, as I read many of these stories as I was traveling to and from my grandmother's funeral with my family. This was a perfect collection to bring along, and I really felt it was doing good things for my brain.

fpwoper's review

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

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

4.5

I absolutely loved this anthology. It was a magical read (ha) and I smiled throughout. One or two stories weren't for me but that's always going to happen. Simply amazing! 

sunny15's review

hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.75

stifledlaughter's review

emotional hopeful lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

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

5.0

I had Kickstarted this project and was delighted when I was finally able to sit down and really enjoy it. Like all anthologies, some stories stand out more than others - I was particularly fond of the following: 

Unusual Blends by Scarlett Gale

The Tasty Crumpet by A.L Heard

Bånd by Florence Vale

Knishes and Noshes by Nina Waters

Confluence by Puck Malamud

Dreaming of Pines by Tris Lawrence

In Like Flynn by Jo Mathieson

What I got out of this was the different ways that Modern with Magic was interpreted. The various cultural influences the authors brought to the magic of the stories were some of the highlights of the book (such as the strong Jewish influence in Knishes and Noshes, or the Norwegian setting in Bånd.) 

This was a cozy and delightful anthology to read through, and I look forward to the other works that Duck Prints Press will put out! 

(Review also posted to other review sites) 

jumblejen's review

emotional funny hopeful inspiring

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

5.0

ashhearddwrites's review

adventurous hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

4.75