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cpalmisanod's review
2.0
I don’t know if I’m out of sorts or this book is choppy but I am struggling to stay in the story and follow.
creolelitbelle's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
3.75
The beginning of the book really hooked me with Aline leading a lonesome life based on her being "difference" from everyone else. My heart went out to her at the solitary existence she led for years, but as she comes into her powers, she proves to be an extraordinary person. For much of the book, I felt as lost as Aline, which could be the author's intention to keep you steadily identifying with her protagonist. The povs flip in interesting ways that I found very unexpectedly, but each one adds unique insight to the story as a whole. Puzzle pieces fall together beautifully towards the end of the book. I would have preferred a certain famous literary device not be employed to "fix" anything, BUT the way that it is used works believably for the world created here.
Do add this and her previous two witchy books to your fall reading, if you can squeeze them in. They all require a little stretch of the magic imagination, but they are so worth it. Also, I advise other readers to check out the acknowledgements section at the end of this book. The last few paragraphs caused me to tear up, and I always love a message to readers.
Thanks to St. Martin's Griffin and Netgalley for a chance to read an early copy of this book!
Do add this and her previous two witchy books to your fall reading, if you can squeeze them in. They all require a little stretch of the magic imagination, but they are so worth it. Also, I advise other readers to check out the acknowledgements section at the end of this book. The last few paragraphs caused me to tear up, and I always love a message to readers.
Thanks to St. Martin's Griffin and Netgalley for a chance to read an early copy of this book!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Emotional abuse
billies_not_so_secret_diary's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
What Became of Magic
by Paige Crutcher
Fantasy Magical Realism Cozy
Ages 16+
NetGalley ARC
Publication Date: September 26, 2023
St. Martin's Press
After a middle school slumber party gone wrong, Aline Weir has kept her gift of being able to talk to ghosts a secret, fearing what the kids at school would say or do to her if they found out. But she does have a friend, Dragon, a ghost girl who helps Aline find lost souls' keys so they can go home, and she has a safe place, a bookstore, and the three women who own it, welcome her. And on those shelves, Aline finds a book called Mischief, and things begin to change. At the age of thirty Aline finds herself on a quest to find and save magic.
While this book is listed for adults, it's not written that way. Every character, even though they are or have been wandering for many, many years, they act and talk like fourteen-year-olds. Even the plot felt like the story was taking place in on middle school playground. There was a lot of going here and going there, but I never felt as if they went anywhere. I was bored with this story and had to make myself read it.
The romance in this story was forced, the characters were 'destined' to be together, and it was acted out like a middle school crush.
But the idea of this story was interesting; a witch who can talk to ghosts and help them move along, and save magic, great premise, but the execution was flat. Even with the riddles and searching for answers, there wasn't enough action or relatability to keep my interest or care what the characters were doing and I found myself skimming the book until something caught my attention, but those things never kept it.
1 Stars
by Paige Crutcher
Fantasy Magical Realism Cozy
Ages 16+
NetGalley ARC
Publication Date: September 26, 2023
St. Martin's Press
After a middle school slumber party gone wrong, Aline Weir has kept her gift of being able to talk to ghosts a secret, fearing what the kids at school would say or do to her if they found out. But she does have a friend, Dragon, a ghost girl who helps Aline find lost souls' keys so they can go home, and she has a safe place, a bookstore, and the three women who own it, welcome her. And on those shelves, Aline finds a book called Mischief, and things begin to change. At the age of thirty Aline finds herself on a quest to find and save magic.
While this book is listed for adults, it's not written that way. Every character, even though they are or have been wandering for many, many years, they act and talk like fourteen-year-olds. Even the plot felt like the story was taking place in on middle school playground. There was a lot of going here and going there, but I never felt as if they went anywhere. I was bored with this story and had to make myself read it.
The romance in this story was forced, the characters were 'destined' to be together, and it was acted out like a middle school crush.
But the idea of this story was interesting; a witch who can talk to ghosts and help them move along, and save magic, great premise, but the execution was flat. Even with the riddles and searching for answers, there wasn't enough action or relatability to keep my interest or care what the characters were doing and I found myself skimming the book until something caught my attention, but those things never kept it.
1 Stars
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.