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A review by bookbelle5_17
Magic for Liars by Sarah Gailey
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Ivy Gamble is called to her first murder investigation as a P.I. at a magic school, Osthorne Academy. Osthorne is also where he estranged sister, Tabitha is a teacher, and unfortunately, the murder victim, is Tabitha's girlfriend.
Osthorne is full of teen drama and secrets that made me want to unravel the murder mystery more than ever. Ivy is complicated young woman, whom I couldn't relate to her very much, but I liked and sympathized with her. I did relate to her feeling left behind by her sister, who got a new life that didn't include her. Ivy and Tabitha's relationship plays an important part in Ivy's emotional journey. Alexandria was a character I couldn't stand but I pitied her. She is manipulative brat but she also doesn't understand her power. She is like a lot vulnerable teenagers. She wants to attention and desires control over her life. I would love Gailey is write a story about Alexandria and Dylan, because they were intriguing, but you only get Ivy's perspective on them. The magic felt complicated, and though normally I'm cool with complex magic systems you don't get enough to understand it. It felt underdeveloped, but in Gailey's defense this wasn't meant to be the focus. It is about an outsider who will never understand magic and is trying to solve a mystery without that understanding. As a fantasy reader first and foremost, I wanted more of the school. If I like the plot, I might read more from Gailey.
Osthorne is full of teen drama and secrets that made me want to unravel the murder mystery more than ever. Ivy is complicated young woman, whom I couldn't relate to her very much, but I liked and sympathized with her. I did relate to her feeling left behind by her sister, who got a new life that didn't include her. Ivy and Tabitha's relationship plays an important part in Ivy's emotional journey. Alexandria was a character I couldn't stand but I pitied her. She is manipulative brat but she also doesn't understand her power. She is like a lot vulnerable teenagers. She wants to attention and desires control over her life. I would love Gailey is write a story about Alexandria and Dylan, because they were intriguing, but you only get Ivy's perspective on them. The magic felt complicated, and though normally I'm cool with complex magic systems you don't get enough to understand it. It felt underdeveloped, but in Gailey's defense this wasn't meant to be the focus. It is about an outsider who will never understand magic and is trying to solve a mystery without that understanding. As a fantasy reader first and foremost, I wanted more of the school. If I like the plot, I might read more from Gailey.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Pregnancy
Moderate: Cancer