Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Magical: A Pride and Prejudice Fantasy Variation

Rate this book
In a world where having magic is an overwhelmingly male trait, Elizabeth Bennet is an oddity. Not only does she have magic, but she can control three elements when controlling more than one is rare. She is semi-ostracized simply because no one seems to know how to treat her. That is, until Mr. Darcy comes to Hertfordshire.

Mr. Darcy has never met anyone, man or woman, who has as much control over their magic as Miss Elizabeth Bennet. As he begins to teach her more about magic, helping her to hone her skills, he comes to realize how very beautiful she is when her face and eyes are lit with interest and curiosity.

As the two of them work spells together, their magic begins to behave in strange ways, which pulls them ever closer. Their lives intertwine, and Elizabeth learns what it truly means to be a magician.

178 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 16, 2023

45 people are currently reading
24 people want to read

About the author

Elaine Burkett

21 books6 followers
Elaine Burkett lives in Utah with her husband, while her four adult children all live nearby. Her favorite hobby is writing, of course, followed closely by reading, playing video games, and cooking. When writing, Elaine finds inspiration by thinking about what kind of book she would want to read. Her works tend to be fairly low angst and relatively short, perfect for reading after a stressful day.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
118 (34%)
4 stars
119 (34%)
3 stars
79 (22%)
2 stars
21 (6%)
1 star
7 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Madenna U.
2,149 reviews1 follower
October 12, 2023
I liked the magical idea of this book, but it got off track for me plot wise. At the end, I have so many unanswered questions. That said, it was a fun, light read.
Profile Image for Teresita.
1,223 reviews12 followers
October 19, 2023
Enchanting!

What a very interesting story, lovely and almost angst free. A novel depiction of our beloved characters with magic in the mix. Thoroughly enjoyable and recommended!
160 reviews2 followers
September 22, 2023
Light hearted getaway but missing something

This is a fun and pretty much light hearted p&p variation. I enjoyed Elizabeth having magic of course and I enjoyed the romance. But something felt missi. Elizabeth is more sedate and quiet but that goes with variation, but was a bit difficult to adjust too. Also I'd like for all the kids at the end to have magic. Overall it's a fun read for anyone who enjoys a light hearted variation with some magic.
545 reviews21 followers
October 14, 2023
A magical variation. The fantasy portion of the story was better written than the other parts especially the romance. Some characters make only an insignificant appearance like Charlotte and Wickham and by the way, where's Georgiana? The ending felt a bit abrupt.
Profile Image for Allison Ripley-Duggan.
1,807 reviews13 followers
January 28, 2025
I loved it!

It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. This is book one of four of the “Pride, Prejudice, And A Bit Of Magic” series. Each book is a standalone story.

In a world where having magic is an overwhelmingly male trait, Elizabeth Bennet is an oddity. Not only does she have magic, but she can control three elements when controlling more than one is rare. She is semi-ostracized simply because no one seems to know how to treat her. That is, until Mr. Darcy comes to Hertfordshire.

Mr. Darcy has never met anyone, man or woman, who has as much control over their magic as Miss Elizabeth Bennet. As he begins to teach her more about magic, helping her to hone her skills, he comes to realize how very beautiful she is when her face and eyes are lit with interest and curiosity.

As the two of them work spells together, their magic begins to behave in strange ways, which pulls them ever closer. Their lives intertwine, and Elizabeth learns what it truly means to be a magician. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
Profile Image for Edy.
114 reviews
December 26, 2023
Until around the 85% mark, this book was giving 5 star feels. However, the whole part after they first got engaged and then when they got married was extremely cringe. I was so embarrassed for them. That whole 'after the wedding breakfast' part was so mortifying that in their situation, I would probably pass away right then and there.
I hate any mention of "a man's desire," which is a lot of the reason that I don't like romances. It was too cringe for me to handle, and I was honestly so embarrassed for them. I still highly recommend this it was really fun. (Also, the whole Guild part reminds me of Fairy Tail the anime, and I was obsessed with those vibes)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sheila Majczan.
2,690 reviews202 followers
March 9, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars.

I have to agree with the one review that remarked on how the language sounded "off"...more of a modern American cant and metaphors.

This story had no angst for me. Darcy and Elizabeth had no real misunderstandings. Elizabeth did demand respect and consultation as to plans. That plus that fact that she has learned to control the magical elements without any outside training gave Darcy reasons to admire and befriend her. the fact that they could not only combine magical elements but also that each could send some of their power to the other if needed added to the tale.

Collins' role was a unique one: one that I have not read in any other variation.

There is an epilogue.

This story was an easy and quick read.
Profile Image for Ladyhawke.
194 reviews1 follower
March 19, 2024
NOT Pride and Prejudice BE WARNED!!!

That is what the title of this should be. The only thing magical about this book is how far she veers from the cannon and still calls this pride and prejudice. I believe this book might’ve done better by itself. It’s as if someone said let’s sprinkle the name Elizabeth and Darcy in here. (It’s really a magic lesson book) Not only are their personalities different but there is no pride or prejudice. (Which is what the book is supposed to be about) STEER CLEAR if you want a story about our dear couple.
Profile Image for Bethanne.
618 reviews11 followers
September 29, 2023
Great magic story

Elizabeth is a strong magician who has never been trained until she meets Darcy who gets her accepted as a magician in training with Lady Matlock as her sponsor. Of course they fall in love ( it's a given!).
My only complaint is the cover has a beautiful BLONDE haired woman who is NOT Elizabeth. She's always referred to as dark haired while Jane Bennet is the blonde.
656 reviews
October 7, 2023
Okay

What I liked:

- Elizabeth's magic and the magical bond between Elizabeth and Darcy.

- Although brief, Mary's story had potential to be something greater.

- Lady Matlock's involvement.

What I wasn't feeling:

- Jane, Bingley, and Caroline's storyline never drew me in. I wonder if they were included to have a larger cast/variety. D&E's magical tale could have carried the story on its own.
137 reviews1 follower
October 23, 2023
Great ideas and plot

The author has great ideas, plot, pacing, and characterizations. Consider my rating Three and one-half stars.
However the author's language usage is far too immature, casual, and modern American (and I am American). Some of the dialogue was reminiscent of Disney shows my now adult daughter used to watch. The premise is wonderful. Plot points - engaging and even charming in idea. Execution? Wants greater sophistication of language.
Profile Image for Jennifer Bangerter.
37 reviews4 followers
January 7, 2025
enjoyable for the most part

I enjoy JAFF with extra elements, such as the magic in the book. What I do not enjoy is current words and phrases used in the stories. I’ve read enough Austin and Austin-adjacent books for my brain to almost automatically switch out those words for more authentic ones, but it does tend to jar me out of the story if I have to do it too often, and this story used too many. I did like the different Caroline, tho.
Profile Image for Jessica.
326 reviews
October 17, 2023
Entertaining, but could have been so much more. The idea of magic in that time and having a guild and all the things that magic could have done/solved in that era - needed its own book. That world could have been expanded upon to be so intriguing. I enjoyed the bond of Elizabeth and Darcy but all the side characters seemed a little one note/flat.
Profile Image for Alena (Ally) Scott .
491 reviews4 followers
October 1, 2023
Lighthearted story

Entertaining variation with magic as the theme for this shorter story. Elizabeth is rather different in that her lively, independent nature is missing, replaced with a less confident person. The HEA is somewhat anticlimactic, but it is there.
Profile Image for Mariska.
664 reviews2 followers
October 16, 2023
Loved It!!

5 easy stars for such a sweet love story. No insults, quick trust, full acceptance, easy camaraderie. Only one real villain, whom I dearly wish had been truly punished in some way. Maybe forcing him to join a 10 year missionary expedition to Africa?
Profile Image for Gratia.
226 reviews6 followers
October 23, 2023
Delightful

This is a magical story with a different slant on Pride and Prejudice. Although the writing has some grammatical errors and modern language, the plot makes this book charming to read.
775 reviews5 followers
November 3, 2023
Magical

Magical.. Ahhh.
Love the friendship and education shared by Elizabeth and Darcy.
Sad, not much love with her family.
Angst, but this becomes a rescue, and they are heroes in Mary's heart.
Caroline is actually good, but Collins is actually evil!
167 reviews
February 24, 2025
Magical is wonderful!

I would have liked someone to beat the crap out of both Mr. Collins and "Lady" Catherine, but, alas I cannot write as well as Elaine Burkett. So, I look forward to many more of her stories.
Profile Image for Michelle David.
2,554 reviews14 followers
October 3, 2023
Enjoyed it.

A rather entertaining and low angst variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Elaine Burkett. I enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Nicole  Yaker.
100 reviews2 followers
October 10, 2023
very good book

Love the magical variation pride and prejudice books. This one was a quick read. And a very good storyline. Never read this author was very impressed with the book.
81 reviews
December 29, 2023
A rather light p & p variation. Unfortunately it never went anywhere.
Profile Image for CharlotteReads.
286 reviews
Read
June 15, 2024
A delightful read with Happy Ever Afters for everybody. There is some abuse in one couple but not ODC. It is novella length and a fast read.
Profile Image for Pet.
3,776 reviews7 followers
August 7, 2024
I love the interaction with our dear couple, I especially enjoyed the surprises around some of the canon characters. I liked the whole world created here it was fascinating. A very enjoyable read.
527 reviews4 followers
July 29, 2025
Great Retelling

This was a wonderful magical adventure,with Elizabeth and Darcy. Thank goodness bit is a part of a series. Great phrases and wonderful magical successes.
Profile Image for JenBsBooks.
2,624 reviews71 followers
May 23, 2024
3.5 stars. P&P re-imaginings are a bit of a fun/comfort read for me. So easy to slip into, as I am already familiar with the characters. Just seeing how another author chooses to tell the tale. Here, it was basically a similar setting (time/place) with a bit of magic added. I don't know how much I'll really remember of this story, but I enjoyed my time in it.

This did have the shift, that Collins and Mary got married ... that always seemed like a fairly obvious option to me (but straying from the original). Not nearly as much angst between Lizzie and Darcy, switching up their original meeting to a little earlier, him witnessing her magic, and being immediately interested. The scene where he offends Lizzie ALMOST happening, but when he realizes it's the woman he met earlier, he does want to dance. Caroline was much more likeable here. Bingley and Jane were on the back burner.

The kindle copy was available to me in Kindle Unlimited ... there was audio in AudiblePlus, clearly labeled with virtual voice. I know there is a lot of push back on virtual voice, but I think this is a perfect example of where it works. A book that otherwise would NOT have audio now does (it's not taking a job away from a narrator, I'm 99% certain this author wouldn't go to the effort/expense) and it wasn't bad at all. SO MUCH better than having Alexa attempt to read a kindle book (which I had just had experience with ... another book that didn't have audio, that I needed to finish for book club. Virtual Voice would have been SO much better than Alexa!)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.