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A review by mrsdragon
Just Like Magic by Sarah Hogle
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I picked this book up wanting something light, fluffy, and cozy. What rom-coms are at their best, but in book form.
This book sort of waved in that direction. The main character begins the book over the top obnoxious. She ends it over the top obnoxious in a different direction. The rules of magic are loose at best and bafflingly unexplained. (And HOW does everyone else not notice?!) Many things fall into "told rather than shown", even while the author attempts to "show".
Two things redeemed it for me:
1. Hol is charming. He's enthusiastic, curious, and determinedly optimistic. It's hard not to like him. It's easy to see why a couple ice skating is the cover of the book, it's the single best scene.
2. In probably the most "real" the book gets, the story discusses a prior emotionally abusive relationship. So while the main character's gushing over Hol can feel a bit contrived, it does serve as a direct counterexample. For this example alone, I feel like this book is a useful one for younger readers--it sets a clear example of "XYZ behavior is a red flag and NOT okay" while "ABC behavior is supportive and loving and has long term potential."
This book sort of waved in that direction. The main character begins the book over the top obnoxious. She ends it over the top obnoxious in a different direction. The rules of magic are loose at best and bafflingly unexplained. (And HOW does everyone else not notice?!) Many things fall into "told rather than shown", even while the author attempts to "show".
Two things redeemed it for me:
1. Hol is charming. He's enthusiastic, curious, and determinedly optimistic. It's hard not to like him. It's easy to see why a couple ice skating is the cover of the book, it's the single best scene.
2. In probably the most "real" the book gets, the story discusses a prior emotionally abusive relationship. So while the main character's gushing over Hol can feel a bit contrived, it does serve as a direct counterexample. For this example alone, I feel like this book is a useful one for younger readers--it sets a clear example of "XYZ behavior is a red flag and NOT okay" while "ABC behavior is supportive and loving and has long term potential."
Content Warnings
Minor: Emotional abuse