Scan barcode
charlmax's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
ttimbrook's review against another edition
4.0
Loved building upon the world I first read about in Magic Lessons and can’t wait to continue with the classic Practical Magic! ✨
erinrae's review against another edition
2.0
I read Practical Magic a few months ago and really enjoyed it. Lots of Alice Hoffman fans, and fans of the Owens family, have raved that the prequel book The Rules of Magic is so much better. I have to go ahead and sort of disagree on that. The Rules of Magic is painfully slow with a pretty weak plot. It has too many characters so none of them are developed enough. The POV is a mess and confusing. The whole premise of the book seems to be about what extraordinary and special people the Owens kids are, yet when given times to show these traits, Hoffman writes with such a matter-of-fact tone that it makes their actions sound completely commonplace. The last part of the book was really rushed and felt awkward as if Hoffman had to hurry up and remind everyone how this book relates to Practical Magic.
All in all, this book was just okay. There were parts that I enjoyed and I hung on to finish the novel just out of curiosity.
All in all, this book was just okay. There were parts that I enjoyed and I hung on to finish the novel just out of curiosity.
stonecoldjaneausten's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-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? Yes
4.0
louisayd's review against another edition
4.0
What a fun read. Needless to say I'll be adding her other books to my list
shannonfaz's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
amanda1793's review against another edition
5.0
I freaking loved this book. I see some similarities to early Hoffman books I have read (The Dovekeepers comes to the forefront of my mind).
I have already purchased and plan to soon read "Practical Magic" and learn of Sally and Gillian.
Highly recommend for sure.
I have already purchased and plan to soon read "Practical Magic" and learn of Sally and Gillian.
Highly recommend for sure.
sararose_cozy's review against another edition
3.0
Nice story. Not enough plot to make me want to continue reading but a well written story about love.
katiegilley's review against another edition
5.0
The Rules of Magic is the prequel to my beloved Practical Magic – one of my very favorite books and movies. I’ve read the book once, but have seen the movie countless times. I’ve always wondered about the aunts – Jet and Franny – and this novel is like a dream come true because we finally get to learn about their lives.
Jet and Franny live with their brother Vincent and their parents in New York City. There are so many rules at home – no red shoes, no night blooming plants – that the trio just don’t understand. As they grow older, they start to realize that they are able to do things that other’s can’t, like turn out the streetlights or make objects move. When Franny gets an invitation from Aunt Isabelle at the family estate in Massachusetts, her parents send her brother and sister as protection. While there, all of the siblings explore love, life, and magic.
But remember that the deathwatch beetle always comes to call for the Owens family and the lives of their loves are cut short. But Aunt Isabelle says that it’s possible to beat the curse, so the Owens children are determined to do find a way.
The story follows the Owens sisters until Sally and Gilly move in with them after their own parents die and the Practical Magic story begins. This is exactly what I needed to read this summer. It’s full of witchy goodness: herbs, spells, gardens, and romance. Fans of Practical Magic have something to look for when this book is released in October, which will be the best time of year to cuddle up with it! Now is the time to pre-order!!
Jet and Franny live with their brother Vincent and their parents in New York City. There are so many rules at home – no red shoes, no night blooming plants – that the trio just don’t understand. As they grow older, they start to realize that they are able to do things that other’s can’t, like turn out the streetlights or make objects move. When Franny gets an invitation from Aunt Isabelle at the family estate in Massachusetts, her parents send her brother and sister as protection. While there, all of the siblings explore love, life, and magic.
But remember that the deathwatch beetle always comes to call for the Owens family and the lives of their loves are cut short. But Aunt Isabelle says that it’s possible to beat the curse, so the Owens children are determined to do find a way.
The story follows the Owens sisters until Sally and Gilly move in with them after their own parents die and the Practical Magic story begins. This is exactly what I needed to read this summer. It’s full of witchy goodness: herbs, spells, gardens, and romance. Fans of Practical Magic have something to look for when this book is released in October, which will be the best time of year to cuddle up with it! Now is the time to pre-order!!
5tarbuck's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0