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wanderonwards's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Thank you to Macmillan/St. Martin’s Griffin for sending me an ARC of this title. I received this copy for free and this review contains my honest opinions.
What Became of Magic blends a paranormal story with a hint of romance and prose that is wonderfully atmospheric for fall. There were quite a few elements that didn’t work for me in this story, but I found it so atmospheric I was willing to give the story longer than I otherwise might have. Even though my ARC was advertised as a romance first and paranormal second, I thought the romance was more of a subplot and didn’t really meet the expectations set for that genre. I know romance is a huge range, and there will probably be a lot of readers who will enjoy this type of story, but the main characters’ relationship really takes a back seat to the rest of the plot.
I also felt the pacing wasn’t the right choice for this story: the first four chapters are basically an extended prologue as we get to experience Aline growing up and some of the events that shaped her while the rest of the book (19 chapters in my copy) takes place over a couple of days. Perhaps these 4 introductory chapters would have worked more cohesively with the rest of the story if they were integrated throughout the book, like with the shifts in POV and backstory for some of the other characters. Thank you again to the publisher for sending me a free ARC.
I also felt the pacing wasn’t the right choice for this story: the first four chapters are basically an extended prologue as we get to experience Aline growing up and some of the events that shaped her while the rest of the book (19 chapters in my copy) takes place over a couple of days. Perhaps these 4 introductory chapters would have worked more cohesively with the rest of the story if they were integrated throughout the book, like with the shifts in POV and backstory for some of the other characters. Thank you again to the publisher for sending me a free ARC.
vivienned's review against another edition
4.0
"What Became of Magic" by Paige Crutcher is a novel that left me torn between a desire to adore it and a sense of frustration. While the book undoubtedly possesses an enchanting magic system and a great love story, it occasionally came to the point where comprehension required careful navigation through riddles. I really wanted to love this book more than I did — even though I still liked it a lot in the end... I think it's because it felt like everything was spoken in riddles towards the middle where things were being revealed. While this approach may add an element of mystery and intrigue, it occasionally hampers the reader's ability to fully grasp the unfolding events. I found myself re-reading a lot of scenes to fully understand what was going on. Despite this, the magic system and destined love story was a captivating journey and the story remains an engaging read with moments of brilliance. The chemistry between the main characters is palpable; their connection woven with destiny and an unbreakable bond. Crutcher's portrayal of their relationship evokes a range of emotions, from heart-fluttering romance to intense yearning, keeping me invested all the way through.
Thanks to NetGalley & St. Martin's Press for providing a digital copy of this arc for review. All opinions are my own.
Thanks to NetGalley & St. Martin's Press for providing a digital copy of this arc for review. All opinions are my own.
alissamargaret's review against another edition
3.0
What Became of Magic by Paige Crutcher is a story about Aline Weir, a shadow witch who can talk to ghosts. Aline is alienated by her parents and peers throughout middle and high school and goes through some traumatic situations that cause her to hide away from others. She eventually befriends a ghost and three eccentric sisters who run a bookstore and finds solace and support in these relationships as she learns more about her powers. One day, through a series of events after the four go missing, Aline finds herself entering a wondrous place called Matchstick. There she meets a whole cast of characters who help her on her quest to save her friends and also save Magic.
This is the first book I have read by this author and I thought it was a fun, cozy read. All of the characters were interesting and I really liked Magic. At times the plot line got a bit confusing, but I think that was actually purposeful. All in all, I think this is a good choice for readers who enjoy fantasy and adventure.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers, and author for granting me an ARC. This book is expected to come out in September 2023.
This is the first book I have read by this author and I thought it was a fun, cozy read. All of the characters were interesting and I really liked Magic. At times the plot line got a bit confusing, but I think that was actually purposeful. All in all, I think this is a good choice for readers who enjoy fantasy and adventure.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers, and author for granting me an ARC. This book is expected to come out in September 2023.
murphy_overbooked's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-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? Yes
3.0
calamitydane's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely loved this book! Couldn't put it down until I'm done and it's full of post-its with reading notes in it now. A beautiful story of love, found family, magic, and believing in the power inside yourself. The writing made me WOW on each page and I fell in love with the characters. Making my partners read this so I can gush about it.
teastarsandbooks's review against another edition
3.0
First and foremost, Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review! These are all my thoughts and personal opinions!
The story is a cozy and fun fantasy read - a perfect book for taking breaks between more intensive epic reads. It’s a journey of growing up, and finding your real friends, family, and purpose.
This book is definitely a deviation from my normal reading. The premise is interesting and is what drew me to trying out the book. So, with understanding this ended up being a 3 star book for me. Since it’s a deviation from my normal reads, it was a bit rough to get through - but that’s just me!
Pros: The author created a detailed world with clear effort into laying out exactly how Magic works in her world. Everything from start to finished, is explained in immaculate details that being drawn into the story and visualizing her world is rather easy. Her writing is on a master artist level when it comes to details and descriptions and bringing everyone and everything to life.
She has characters with wide ranges of personality, from quirky witches to mysterious visitors - all portrayed incredibly well and never deviating from their assigned role or acting out of character. The author is incredibly skilled with introducing and building up these characters and weaving them into the realm of the book.
The premises is so intriguing and the set up is strong. There’s questions that need answering and the author teases you with them so well that you find yourself excited to uncover the answers alongside the FMC.
Cons:
The voice the author chooses to use to narrate the story is rather interesting. I can see it being a bonus for some and a con for others. It was a bit of a con for me, but only due to this book being a deviation from my normal reads. She’ll also swap POVs randomly which always throws me for a loop.
If you like riddles and puns, this book is for you! If you’re like me and riddles just leave you more confused… then yea, the riddles will be enough to pull you out of the story. It was for me. Just when I’d finally get back into the story, more riddles which just yanked me right back out.
While the premise of the story is incredibly intriguing and the desire to uncover the secrets and mysteries of the world alongside the FMC is strong, the story does have a tendency to drag at times, especially in the middle. The beginning is strong and the ending is good and satisfying, but the middle is a bit of a rollercoaster.
All in all. This was a fun 3 star read for me! The journey is fun. Watching the FMC grow up and grow into herself and accepting who she is makes this a wholesome and cozy read on self-discovery.
The story is a cozy and fun fantasy read - a perfect book for taking breaks between more intensive epic reads. It’s a journey of growing up, and finding your real friends, family, and purpose.
This book is definitely a deviation from my normal reading. The premise is interesting and is what drew me to trying out the book. So, with understanding this ended up being a 3 star book for me. Since it’s a deviation from my normal reads, it was a bit rough to get through - but that’s just me!
Pros: The author created a detailed world with clear effort into laying out exactly how Magic works in her world. Everything from start to finished, is explained in immaculate details that being drawn into the story and visualizing her world is rather easy. Her writing is on a master artist level when it comes to details and descriptions and bringing everyone and everything to life.
She has characters with wide ranges of personality, from quirky witches to mysterious visitors - all portrayed incredibly well and never deviating from their assigned role or acting out of character. The author is incredibly skilled with introducing and building up these characters and weaving them into the realm of the book.
The premises is so intriguing and the set up is strong. There’s questions that need answering and the author teases you with them so well that you find yourself excited to uncover the answers alongside the FMC.
Cons:
The voice the author chooses to use to narrate the story is rather interesting. I can see it being a bonus for some and a con for others. It was a bit of a con for me, but only due to this book being a deviation from my normal reads. She’ll also swap POVs randomly which always throws me for a loop.
If you like riddles and puns, this book is for you! If you’re like me and riddles just leave you more confused… then yea, the riddles will be enough to pull you out of the story. It was for me. Just when I’d finally get back into the story, more riddles which just yanked me right back out.
While the premise of the story is incredibly intriguing and the desire to uncover the secrets and mysteries of the world alongside the FMC is strong, the story does have a tendency to drag at times, especially in the middle. The beginning is strong and the ending is good and satisfying, but the middle is a bit of a rollercoaster.
All in all. This was a fun 3 star read for me! The journey is fun. Watching the FMC grow up and grow into herself and accepting who she is makes this a wholesome and cozy read on self-discovery.
amandaj6's review against another edition
5.0
This was my first book from Paige Crutcher and I really enjoyed it. Her writing style is different and refreshing. What Became of Magic was a delight. The story was fascinating, as were the characters. I will definitely be reading more of her books.
Thank you to NetGalley and St.Martin’s Press/ St.Martin’s Griffin for this ARC. ~I was given this book and made no commitments to leave my opinions, favorable or otherwise~
Thank you to NetGalley and St.Martin’s Press/ St.Martin’s Griffin for this ARC. ~I was given this book and made no commitments to leave my opinions, favorable or otherwise~
meganpbell's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A witch who can talk to ghosts, a mysterious and mischievous book, three sisters and their deliciously cozy bookshop, Magic and a Dragon as you’ve never seen them before, a beautiful town kept secret, and much more awaits in Paige Crutcher’s What Became of Magic—a romantic fantasy about the loneliness of childhood when you don’t belong, the healing power of found family, and the magic that’s been inside us all along. Though I occasionally felt a bit lost with the plot and world-building and the romance wasn’t specifically for me, I really enjoy spending time in the enchanting places that Crutcher builds—bookshops with secret rooms, cozy cottages, and magical forests, of course, but also ill-fated slumber parties and heartbreaking bathroom stalls too!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Death, Violence, Grief, Car accident, and Abandonment
thecottoncandyunicorn's review against another edition
2.5
This was…a fine book. I seriously read up to about 30%, and ended up skimming the rest. The book felt very plot-heavy, with stilted dialogue and two dimensional characters. I liked the concept, but the execution left me wanting.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc!