A review by peristome
Sorcery and Small Magics by Maiga Doocy

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Wow, I really loved this book! I had my eye on it since it released, and I'm thrilled I had an excuse to read it as a part of Lightfall for the Magical Readathon this year. I only have one complaint, and it's that I have to wait for the next book to come out.

I am truly happy to announce that an author said "slow burn" and actually meant it. The characters do not get together in this book, which is sad for me, but makes me oddly happy at the same time. These characters do not like each other at the beginning, so it stands to reason that the whole book should be about them growing closer. Yearning is needed before a romance can fully bloom. Proper enemies to lovers seems to be a dying art, so thank you to the author for that.
Given the nature of the spell they are tangled up in, this is quite the achievement.


The characters were all exceptionally charming in this book, even the ones that were less than moral, shall we say. Unsuprisingly, Leo was my favorite. My little bi disaster queen. Surprisingly, out of all the side characters, I really loved Jayne. I hope we see more of her, although
I'm sure we haven't seen the last of her either, considering how Mathias was killed.
I also really appreciated the nonbinary rep. It's never dwelled upon, but it is there. Just as it should be
Also who do we think wrote this spell? My money is on Cassius, like for real that man just makes me super suspicious. Maybe it's someone who we haven't heard of yet, though.


The worldbuilding is superb. Genuinely, there are so many whimsical details that made my mind race, but equally as many terrifying ones. The birds with the hands especially stood out to me; I literally can't stop thinking about them and how creepy they are. I also really love the magic system. The system of scrivers (writers) and casters is so unique. I don't think I've seen it done before. It's what I would label as soft magic, so if you're not into the sort of thing, be warned. The author doesn't leave it without rules, and there are consequences for breaking them, but it still has that untangible, ethereal quality about it that only "soft magic" systems do.

Overall, this is such a great book. It's helping me get out of a reading slump that I've been in for quite some time. If you like cozy fantasy, this should shoot right to the top of your TBR. 
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