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Big Magic #2
Magic Awry
In this thrilling sequel to middle-grade fantasy adventure BIG MAGIC, a young magician will do whatever it takes to save magic – but at what cost?
Eleven-year-old Tulsi comes from a long line of women magicians, and loves doing Big Magic. Every night in her family’s circus show, she turns twigs into trees, flies like a bird, and even disappears into thin air. But one night, in the middle of a show, she loses her powers – with frightening results.
Tulsi’s powers soon come back, but she can’t risk losing them again – and her search for what went wrong soon takes her all the way into a parallel universe, where she discovers that magic everywhere is in danger. The natural world is falling out of balance, and a band of rogue magicians are stripping magic from women. They're led by a powerful magician who knows Tulsi very well … and who has a dark plan for her magic, too.
Tulsi’s convinced she’s the only one who can stop the rogues, and save magic across the universes. But what if that means giving up her own power?
A compelling read full of twists and turns from beloved author Sarah Armstrong, MAGIC AWRY is perfect for readers aged 9+.
Eleven-year-old Tulsi comes from a long line of women magicians, and loves doing Big Magic. Every night in her family’s circus show, she turns twigs into trees, flies like a bird, and even disappears into thin air. But one night, in the middle of a show, she loses her powers – with frightening results.
Tulsi’s powers soon come back, but she can’t risk losing them again – and her search for what went wrong soon takes her all the way into a parallel universe, where she discovers that magic everywhere is in danger. The natural world is falling out of balance, and a band of rogue magicians are stripping magic from women. They're led by a powerful magician who knows Tulsi very well … and who has a dark plan for her magic, too.
Tulsi’s convinced she’s the only one who can stop the rogues, and save magic across the universes. But what if that means giving up her own power?
A compelling read full of twists and turns from beloved author Sarah Armstrong, MAGIC AWRY is perfect for readers aged 9+.
- GenresFantasyMiddle Grade
Kindle Edition
Published August 2, 2023
2 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Armstrong
6 books49 followersSarah was a journalist with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation before writing three novels, Salt Rain , which was shortlisted for the Miles Franklin Award, 'His Other House' and 'Promise'. Her first novel for kids is 'Big Magic.' http://www.sarah-armstrong
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
December 7, 2023
This sequel delivers!
🎪 Tulsi, the eleven year old circus performer with inherited magic powers, is back for another adventure. She's mastered the skills of flying, disappearing and helping things grow with her mother, but lately her gifts have been unreliable. Her journey to a parallel world to fix things reveals that her problems are just the symptom of a greater danger with much bigger implications!
✨ This is Sarah Armstrong's sequel to last year's Big Magic, a great middle grade book that I described as "a book that takes steps outside the tropes of children's magic stories to weave in content that can challenge or grow with a young reader."
🩷 I stand by that comment and think it applies equally to Magic Awry.
🪄 This follow-up delivers the same combination of thrills to excite young readers blended with serious issues around family, loss, and responsibility.
🌿 There is also well integrated commentary about the delicate balance of nature and the importance of environmental stewardship, such as in the way that magic is "borrowed" from the trees.
🩵 But I think this installment really shines in its clever exploration of the dangers of holding power too closely and how stifling different views creates worse problems. Ultimately, it demonstrates the power of community and shared power in a warm and uplifting way.
🎨 It's also lovely to see another beautiful cover created by illustrator Julia Murray, which complements the first book perfectly.
📚 Is there another adventure in Tulsi's future? I certainly hope so! And I'm sure the children who've enjoyed these books will be wanting more too.
Disclaimer: gifted in return for an honest review
🎪 Tulsi, the eleven year old circus performer with inherited magic powers, is back for another adventure. She's mastered the skills of flying, disappearing and helping things grow with her mother, but lately her gifts have been unreliable. Her journey to a parallel world to fix things reveals that her problems are just the symptom of a greater danger with much bigger implications!
✨ This is Sarah Armstrong's sequel to last year's Big Magic, a great middle grade book that I described as "a book that takes steps outside the tropes of children's magic stories to weave in content that can challenge or grow with a young reader."
🩷 I stand by that comment and think it applies equally to Magic Awry.
🪄 This follow-up delivers the same combination of thrills to excite young readers blended with serious issues around family, loss, and responsibility.
🌿 There is also well integrated commentary about the delicate balance of nature and the importance of environmental stewardship, such as in the way that magic is "borrowed" from the trees.
🩵 But I think this installment really shines in its clever exploration of the dangers of holding power too closely and how stifling different views creates worse problems. Ultimately, it demonstrates the power of community and shared power in a warm and uplifting way.
🎨 It's also lovely to see another beautiful cover created by illustrator Julia Murray, which complements the first book perfectly.
📚 Is there another adventure in Tulsi's future? I certainly hope so! And I'm sure the children who've enjoyed these books will be wanting more too.
Disclaimer: gifted in return for an honest review
October 21, 2023
I read this book alllll in one go! It is sooooo interesting and so good! I wish more people will read this wonderful book. Only 7 reviews! :( it is really good!!! Every character is good and different but all together it is just….. great!
September 17, 2023
I am very glad this took place in the alternative universe we visited in the first book. A great continuation of the story and a very powerful ending.
November 2, 2024
A very good read, 5 stars. If you want a good book with mystery, adventure and friendship then this is the book for you. Not as good as the first book though
May 8, 2025
really enjoyed this book. magic and nature connected. Links to Australia and Wales. only women hold the magic. Good for children who like Disney Harry Potter and twisted tales.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews