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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
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
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.
forgetmenaught's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
kyrki's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
It's interesting to see all the changes the movie made (for the better, imo)
jenhurst's review against another edition
4.0
I love this beautiful, atmospheric book involving family. The light magic and autumn feel is fantastic. There’s not really a plot, but it doesn’t matter since I was so captivated by the characters and writing. If you love a book about the bond of best friends/sisters/family this is the book for you.
mxunsmiley's review against another edition
2.0
What can I say... it was complete nonsense. Definitely not her best because I'm usually a fan of Alice Hoffman, so I was surprised to find myself in utter disbelief at how messy this whole novel was. A lot of things from the beginning didn't make sense to me--why did the local kids suddenly want to date or emulate Gillian in high school, for example, when all their lives before were filled with hatred and teasing and fear? Why did the aunts immediately warm up to Michael, Sally's husband, when prior to that it was mentioned that they hated conventionality and he was the most ordinary of men? Why was the misfortune the Owens experienced completely changed on a whim, when it was maintained that they were supremely unlucky in love? Why did the investigator who supposedly loved getting to the bottom of things just accept the fact that Jimmy was dead and leave it at that, even covering for Sally? Why did they somehow fall in love (or: want to fuck each other silly, as that what this novel equates love to being essentially by the end) for no reason at all?
I only give it 2 stars because I love Alice Hoffman but man, the writing here was also extremely sloppy and soap opera-y. I can only describe it as reminiscent of a Hallmark movie. It was also fairly entertaining and I can't say that the characters weren't interesting at least, though many an eye roll was gestured.
I only give it 2 stars because I love Alice Hoffman but man, the writing here was also extremely sloppy and soap opera-y. I can only describe it as reminiscent of a Hallmark movie. It was also fairly entertaining and I can't say that the characters weren't interesting at least, though many an eye roll was gestured.