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Microscopes and Magic
Previously published as Microscopes and Magic by Andi C. Buchanan
Some magical problems take spells and potions to solve… but others can only be understood through the lenses of a microscope.
Marigold Nightfield’s life changed when she absorbed the magic stored in a family heirloom. Now, she’s part of a growing network of magic-working scientists who are trying to change the world for the better, and has a girlfriend from a sprawling, powerful, witchy family.
Things should be coming together perfectly for her… but her magic has a time limit. It’s not hers for keeps and one day, she’ll lose it for good.
When her girlfriend’s work is destroyed by possible sabotage, and strange things start appearing in Wellington’s green belt, Marigold’s amazing new life starts to unravel. With unknown motives and dubious players at work, she faces a destructive force spreading through the city and beyond. She'll have to not only draw on her scientific background and magical abilities, but make new connections and grow in confidence to face this new threat.
This second edition also includes the bonus short story, Magic on the Waves.
Some magical problems take spells and potions to solve… but others can only be understood through the lenses of a microscope.
Marigold Nightfield’s life changed when she absorbed the magic stored in a family heirloom. Now, she’s part of a growing network of magic-working scientists who are trying to change the world for the better, and has a girlfriend from a sprawling, powerful, witchy family.
Things should be coming together perfectly for her… but her magic has a time limit. It’s not hers for keeps and one day, she’ll lose it for good.
When her girlfriend’s work is destroyed by possible sabotage, and strange things start appearing in Wellington’s green belt, Marigold’s amazing new life starts to unravel. With unknown motives and dubious players at work, she faces a destructive force spreading through the city and beyond. She'll have to not only draw on her scientific background and magical abilities, but make new connections and grow in confidence to face this new threat.
This second edition also includes the bonus short story, Magic on the Waves.
112 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 22, 2023
1 person is currently reading
8 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
September 25, 2025
I enjoyed this a lot, though it was missing some things. I am having a tough time deciding on 3 or 4 stars.
I liked the story; it took a very unexpected and original turn which I really enjoyed. That said, I think that they didn’t do very much with the interesting premise that was set up, which was unfortunate. There was some excellent representation of the anxieties of grad school (and neurodivergence?), though it might have been somewhat overboard given how much of the total page count this component took up.
The worldbuilding is SO interesting, but we only get little snippets. I could easily see reading every entry in this series and still wanting more, even if they are not the best novellas that I have come across.
Ill say that this was a very quick read which was nice to break up the other things I am reading. I will probably read the next one, though at the same time I don’t know if I would be recommending it to others. Its middle of the road; not amazing but also definitely not bad.
I liked the story; it took a very unexpected and original turn which I really enjoyed. That said, I think that they didn’t do very much with the interesting premise that was set up, which was unfortunate. There was some excellent representation of the anxieties of grad school (and neurodivergence?), though it might have been somewhat overboard given how much of the total page count this component took up.
The worldbuilding is SO interesting, but we only get little snippets. I could easily see reading every entry in this series and still wanting more, even if they are not the best novellas that I have come across.
Ill say that this was a very quick read which was nice to break up the other things I am reading. I will probably read the next one, though at the same time I don’t know if I would be recommending it to others. Its middle of the road; not amazing but also definitely not bad.
September 24, 2024
Good read
It is second book in series after “Succulents and spells”. I enjoyed it but wasn’t fully satisfied I guess because of it is a shorter story. It moves good topics anxiety, being queer, witchcraft and friendship. Worth to read.
It is second book in series after “Succulents and spells”. I enjoyed it but wasn’t fully satisfied I guess because of it is a shorter story. It moves good topics anxiety, being queer, witchcraft and friendship. Worth to read.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews