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The Spells We Cast #2
The Magic You Make
What Nigel and Ori know could change the magical world. But first they have to survive it.
In this propulsive sequel to The Spells We Cast, sunshine/grump soulmates Nigel and Ori must overcome magical corruption and an evil force inside Nigel.
Still reeling from their deadly encounter with the Knife and the revelation that the Culling was unnecessary, soulmates Nigel and Ori have been thrust into a resistance movement overnight.
They’ll do whatever it takes to end the tradition of greedy elites taking power from teen magicians. But with Alister rallying the Guild against them, a mysterious spell erasing the memories of every ally they recruit, and a dark force threatening to take control of Nigel, the road ahead is treacherous. Can Nigel and Ori’s newfound love protect them as they fight for justice—and their lives?
The action-packed follow-up to The Spells We Cast will make readers laugh, swoon, cheer, and hold their breath right down to the stunning conclusion.
In this propulsive sequel to The Spells We Cast, sunshine/grump soulmates Nigel and Ori must overcome magical corruption and an evil force inside Nigel.
Still reeling from their deadly encounter with the Knife and the revelation that the Culling was unnecessary, soulmates Nigel and Ori have been thrust into a resistance movement overnight.
They’ll do whatever it takes to end the tradition of greedy elites taking power from teen magicians. But with Alister rallying the Guild against them, a mysterious spell erasing the memories of every ally they recruit, and a dark force threatening to take control of Nigel, the road ahead is treacherous. Can Nigel and Ori’s newfound love protect them as they fight for justice—and their lives?
The action-packed follow-up to The Spells We Cast will make readers laugh, swoon, cheer, and hold their breath right down to the stunning conclusion.
352 pages, Hardcover
Published October 1, 2024
16 people are currently reading
726 people want to read
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May 31, 2025
""
TL;DR: If you liked the first book in this duology*, you'll probably like this one. If you didn't like the first one and were reading this to see if things were different....well...they aren't. IMO.
On the one hand, Jason June is very clear about their message here -- see the Epilogue -- which I, overall, can't fault them for; it's a good message. We aren't perfect, and we should learn to value ourselves and those around us and not give in to hate.
But, on the other hand, maybe a complex fantasy system was not the best medium to convey said message. Fantasy is not an easy genre to write because it's more than just saying Magic! Mythical creatures! Magic! There has to be a logical system that governs the use of magic and underpins the fantasy element otherwise the scaffolding of the world falls in on itself. And there isn't a strong fantasy scaffolding here.
And also way too much use of the word "cringe."
*I was also 100% sure that this was a trilogy because at 95% done I thought for sure there was no way to wrap everything up. But...yeah. We did. So I guess duology it is.
Disclaimer #1: if I love a book (or straight up hate it), my review is going to be fairly short -- I want you to read it, to experience it for yourself, and my needlessly gushing for 1000 words isn't going to really tell you much more than my initial thoughts.
But when I'm frustrated by a book, my reviews tend to be longer -- because I want to explain that I'm not bashing or attacking the story for arbitrary reasons, but trying to explain why I was frustrated, what I found problematic, and what didn't work *for me.*
Disclaimer #2: I read the first book, but I remember very little about it and what I do remember, I wasn't a fan of. I read this because (a) I wanted to know what happened in the story and (b) I wanted to see if Jason June addressed some of my issues with the first book. So I'm definitely going in biased. Do with that what you will.
I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Vibes: IDK. Honestly, this was all over the place.
Harry Potter + Hunger Games + Yellowstone + a chaotic mish-mash of magical systems & creatures.
Genre: True YA Queer Romance.
There are fantasy parts to this story, but this is, first and foremost, a romance story.
Romance Meter: 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤
See above.
Character MVP: Honestly...Jaleesa, maybe? She was the most interesting character to read, and her plot parts had promise.
Verdict: 1.5 stars, rounding down.
This book made me mad. And when I wasn't mad, I was eyerolling.
Warning: Massive spoilers will abound below.
Before I get into specifics, let me just reiterate that two of my biggest (reading) pet peeves are:
(1) lackluster world-building and
(2) when MCs in fantasy stories -- specifically those with High Stakes World Ending Events that the MCs are trying to stop/solve/thwart -- stop their mission to be romantic. (I don't mean a tearful kiss goodbye; I mean a full on make-out session or throw a party or, as here, stop to have sex with each other while one of their, admittedly estranged, fathers is being held captive by the big bad guy.)
Specifics:
✖️ -- The world-building is all over the place -- and what little there is provides a weak scaffolding for the plot.
I remembered very little of the plot of the first book -- broad strokes, yes, but not many details -- and Jason June didn't do that thing that series writers usually do where they recap some of the highlights in the first few chapters. (I just read The Threads That Bind duology, and Hatzopoulou nailed that skill.)
Given that there are 5 types of magicians-descended-from-Ancestrals, I still can't quite grasp the differences between them, or why there even have to be differences if the Ancestrals don't come into play. Also -- what does it MEAN to be descended from goblins!?
✖️ -- The pacing.
VERY off here. The first 48% of the book nothing happens -- except a lot of talking and internal agonizing. Then 49-98% -- I think half the book occurs in a day? -- is The Climax, with not one but two villains.
✖️ -- And for a lot of talking, the teen characters don't think to talk to the experienced adult magicians around them to get their help. And I don't mean with like growing up stuff -- but I would think that the fact that one of them is possessed by The Greatest Evil Ever would warrant talking to a trusted grownup.
✖️ -- Said Two Villains are *so* flat and one-dimensional.
Alister has so much potential to be a nuanced villain -- but instead he just reads like a villain from a silent melodrama and it's so disappointing -- and at times, painful -- to read.
Example: "Gasp!" Alister says in mock surprise.
Y'all. This is supposed to be a SENATOR? And the man over here talking like a Millennial-trying-to-relate-to-Gen-Z?
And The Knife? The potential there, also great. But instead, it just becomes this flat power-hungry thing that wants to sow evil in the world and there's no nuance!
Example: "Your body's mine now, Nigel. I'll use it to kill. I'll use it to feed on fear and hate. And when all this is done, I will find your soulmate and eat his heart."
And please, please, please don't get me started on how The Knife is defeated. It is the most anti-climactic thing ever, and I was so frustrated when I got to that part.
✖️ -- Telling Not Showing
I think this rounds out my Top Three Reading Pet Peeves, and Jason June unfortunately relies on this a lot.
Example: "Laurel doesn't feel angry. She doesn't feel betrayed. She just feels sad."
I...*sigh*
✖️ -- POV Switches.
I was not a fan of the POV switches. As much as I can remember, the majority of the first book was told in 1st Person, from Nigel's POV, with one exception. Here, the POV switches from Nigel's 1st person to a few other characters' 3rd person POVs and I found them distracting.
Example: there's one chapter where it starts off in Bex's 3rd person POV as she's with the unicorns. It's an odd move, IMO, because the story hasn't been about Bex up to this point, so to suddenly be in her head is jarring. You could make the argument that it's done for plot purposes, that Bex is off getting information important to the plot, BUT -- the unicorns info-dump on her OFF-PAGE, and then she just goes back to Nigel and Ori and tells them everything. So the switch to 3rd person doesn't make sense there, because we switch back to Nigel's 1st Person POV -- in the middle of the chapter, I think -- to get all of that information filtered through his perspective anyway.
✖️ -- Character Development
While I applaud Jason June for trying to give the female characters a bit more depth in this book...oof.
The only one I thought it was effective for was Jaleesa.
Laurel's character gave me whiplash because one moment she's gleefully and sadistically watching a man be tortured and then a few chapters later, she's remorseful and able to forgive her dad. Like -- what?
And Bex's journey could have been a separate novella -- I was not prepared for her strong emotions (anger, frustration, etc.) because again, she was gone for most of the first book and we haven't really been in her head. So to have 2 or 3 chapters with her perspective just felt forced.
✖️ -- Plot Holes.
Last, I have so many questions about the plot.
One of my biggest issues with the first book was The Culling and the way it read, to me, as a metaphor for gay conversion therapy: forcibly removing an essential part of someone's identity in the name of Right and The Greater Good. I really, really wanted to see Jason June engage with that here, especially as a big part of the first half of the book was convincing everyone that The Culling was not, in fact, necessary.
But after the first half, it just kinda disappeared from the story -- and not one, but two, characters have their magic stripped from them in the end, although one of them does do it voluntarily.
Another issue I had was the seemingly Western-focus of the "fantasy world" -- where The Depraved really came into existence after the horrors in America. Which, not to negate that AT ALL, but those horrors didn't start in America, and they existed long before our country was colonized. That wasn't addressed here.
And, on a similar plot-hole-note, NO ONE has ever made a Beloved before? The antithesis to Depraved magic, and NO ONE has made one before, but we make THREE in this story? That math ain't mathin'.
✖️ -- Nigel's Mom.
There are MANY questions I have that aren't answered, but perhaps the biggest one is what in the heck happened to Nigel's mom? So much is made of Nigel being on his own, with just his grandma, and we learn that both of his parents actually loved him. But right after Nigel is born, his mom goes off with an Ancestral (of course, no other timing would have worked) and Jameson wipes his dad's memories (effectively turning him into a Mean Drunk). His dad's story is resolved, but what happened to his mom? They mention that she came back after 6 months, and fully intended to return after another 6 months, but never did -- so they haven't forgotten her. So where is she?!?!
I.
Have.
Questions.
TL;DR: If you liked the first book in this duology*, you'll probably like this one. If you didn't like the first one and were reading this to see if things were different....well...they aren't. IMO.
On the one hand, Jason June is very clear about their message here -- see the Epilogue -- which I, overall, can't fault them for; it's a good message. We aren't perfect, and we should learn to value ourselves and those around us and not give in to hate.
But, on the other hand, maybe a complex fantasy system was not the best medium to convey said message. Fantasy is not an easy genre to write because it's more than just saying Magic! Mythical creatures! Magic! There has to be a logical system that governs the use of magic and underpins the fantasy element otherwise the scaffolding of the world falls in on itself. And there isn't a strong fantasy scaffolding here.
And also way too much use of the word "cringe."
*I was also 100% sure that this was a trilogy because at 95% done I thought for sure there was no way to wrap everything up. But...yeah. We did. So I guess duology it is.
Disclaimer #1: if I love a book (or straight up hate it), my review is going to be fairly short -- I want you to read it, to experience it for yourself, and my needlessly gushing for 1000 words isn't going to really tell you much more than my initial thoughts.
But when I'm frustrated by a book, my reviews tend to be longer -- because I want to explain that I'm not bashing or attacking the story for arbitrary reasons, but trying to explain why I was frustrated, what I found problematic, and what didn't work *for me.*
Disclaimer #2: I read the first book, but I remember very little about it and what I do remember, I wasn't a fan of. I read this because (a) I wanted to know what happened in the story and (b) I wanted to see if Jason June addressed some of my issues with the first book. So I'm definitely going in biased. Do with that what you will.
I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Vibes: IDK. Honestly, this was all over the place.
Harry Potter + Hunger Games + Yellowstone + a chaotic mish-mash of magical systems & creatures.
Genre: True YA Queer Romance.
There are fantasy parts to this story, but this is, first and foremost, a romance story.
Romance Meter: 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤
See above.
Character MVP: Honestly...Jaleesa, maybe? She was the most interesting character to read, and her plot parts had promise.
Verdict: 1.5 stars, rounding down.
This book made me mad. And when I wasn't mad, I was eyerolling.
Warning: Massive spoilers will abound below.
Before I get into specifics, let me just reiterate that two of my biggest (reading) pet peeves are:
(1) lackluster world-building and
(2) when MCs in fantasy stories -- specifically those with High Stakes World Ending Events that the MCs are trying to stop/solve/thwart -- stop their mission to be romantic. (I don't mean a tearful kiss goodbye; I mean a full on make-out session or throw a party or, as here, stop to have sex with each other while one of their, admittedly estranged, fathers is being held captive by the big bad guy.)
Specifics:
✖️ -- The world-building is all over the place -- and what little there is provides a weak scaffolding for the plot.
I remembered very little of the plot of the first book -- broad strokes, yes, but not many details -- and Jason June didn't do that thing that series writers usually do where they recap some of the highlights in the first few chapters. (I just read The Threads That Bind duology, and Hatzopoulou nailed that skill.)
Given that there are 5 types of magicians-descended-from-Ancestrals, I still can't quite grasp the differences between them, or why there even have to be differences if the Ancestrals don't come into play. Also -- what does it MEAN to be descended from goblins!?
✖️ -- The pacing.
VERY off here. The first 48% of the book nothing happens -- except a lot of talking and internal agonizing. Then 49-98% -- I think half the book occurs in a day? -- is The Climax, with not one but two villains.
✖️ -- And for a lot of talking, the teen characters don't think to talk to the experienced adult magicians around them to get their help. And I don't mean with like growing up stuff -- but I would think that the fact that one of them is possessed by The Greatest Evil Ever would warrant talking to a trusted grownup.
✖️ -- Said Two Villains are *so* flat and one-dimensional.
Alister has so much potential to be a nuanced villain -- but instead he just reads like a villain from a silent melodrama and it's so disappointing -- and at times, painful -- to read.
Example: "Gasp!" Alister says in mock surprise.
Y'all. This is supposed to be a SENATOR? And the man over here talking like a Millennial-trying-to-relate-to-Gen-Z?
And The Knife? The potential there, also great. But instead, it just becomes this flat power-hungry thing that wants to sow evil in the world and there's no nuance!
Example: "Your body's mine now, Nigel. I'll use it to kill. I'll use it to feed on fear and hate. And when all this is done, I will find your soulmate and eat his heart."
And please, please, please don't get me started on how The Knife is defeated. It is the most anti-climactic thing ever, and I was so frustrated when I got to that part.
✖️ -- Telling Not Showing
I think this rounds out my Top Three Reading Pet Peeves, and Jason June unfortunately relies on this a lot.
Example: "Laurel doesn't feel angry. She doesn't feel betrayed. She just feels sad."
I...*sigh*
✖️ -- POV Switches.
I was not a fan of the POV switches. As much as I can remember, the majority of the first book was told in 1st Person, from Nigel's POV, with one exception. Here, the POV switches from Nigel's 1st person to a few other characters' 3rd person POVs and I found them distracting.
Example: there's one chapter where it starts off in Bex's 3rd person POV as she's with the unicorns. It's an odd move, IMO, because the story hasn't been about Bex up to this point, so to suddenly be in her head is jarring. You could make the argument that it's done for plot purposes, that Bex is off getting information important to the plot, BUT -- the unicorns info-dump on her OFF-PAGE, and then she just goes back to Nigel and Ori and tells them everything. So the switch to 3rd person doesn't make sense there, because we switch back to Nigel's 1st Person POV -- in the middle of the chapter, I think -- to get all of that information filtered through his perspective anyway.
✖️ -- Character Development
While I applaud Jason June for trying to give the female characters a bit more depth in this book...oof.
The only one I thought it was effective for was Jaleesa.
Laurel's character gave me whiplash because one moment she's gleefully and sadistically watching a man be tortured and then a few chapters later, she's remorseful and able to forgive her dad. Like -- what?
And Bex's journey could have been a separate novella -- I was not prepared for her strong emotions (anger, frustration, etc.) because again, she was gone for most of the first book and we haven't really been in her head. So to have 2 or 3 chapters with her perspective just felt forced.
✖️ -- Plot Holes.
Last, I have so many questions about the plot.
One of my biggest issues with the first book was The Culling and the way it read, to me, as a metaphor for gay conversion therapy: forcibly removing an essential part of someone's identity in the name of Right and The Greater Good. I really, really wanted to see Jason June engage with that here, especially as a big part of the first half of the book was convincing everyone that The Culling was not, in fact, necessary.
But after the first half, it just kinda disappeared from the story -- and not one, but two, characters have their magic stripped from them in the end, although one of them does do it voluntarily.
Another issue I had was the seemingly Western-focus of the "fantasy world" -- where The Depraved really came into existence after the horrors in America. Which, not to negate that AT ALL, but those horrors didn't start in America, and they existed long before our country was colonized. That wasn't addressed here.
And, on a similar plot-hole-note, NO ONE has ever made a Beloved before? The antithesis to Depraved magic, and NO ONE has made one before, but we make THREE in this story? That math ain't mathin'.
✖️ -- Nigel's Mom.
There are MANY questions I have that aren't answered, but perhaps the biggest one is what in the heck happened to Nigel's mom? So much is made of Nigel being on his own, with just his grandma, and we learn that both of his parents actually loved him. But right after Nigel is born, his mom goes off with an Ancestral (of course, no other timing would have worked) and Jameson wipes his dad's memories (effectively turning him into a Mean Drunk). His dad's story is resolved, but what happened to his mom? They mention that she came back after 6 months, and fully intended to return after another 6 months, but never did -- so they haven't forgotten her. So where is she?!?!
I.
Have.
Questions.
August 26, 2025
I listened to the audio book and I only have two complaints:
1) “our abaloney light” was overused (I probably spelled that wrong)
2) I got second hand embarrassment by some of the things Nigel said, and everything the Knife said
1) “our abaloney light” was overused (I probably spelled that wrong)
2) I got second hand embarrassment by some of the things Nigel said, and everything the Knife said
January 1, 2026
Took me forever to get around to reading this! I had to re-read The Spells We Cast to get back into place - something I do frequently.
January 26, 2025
Didn’t enjoy this one as much as the first one. I think the story happens too quickly, not that it needed to be extended any further, but it felt like it all happens in a few days.
The characters were one dimensional, from heroes to villains. The chapters flipping between characters didn’t transition smoothly. Fantasy story solely focused on romance. Even the romance wasn’t enough to save the story. The magical world wasn’t built out enough for us. It was all over the place. I felt like they just bounced between worlds & characters with no descriptions.
I did enjoy the magic system, but like I said about the first novel it wasn’t flushed out enough/ explained slowly to us. It wasn’t thrown at us and expected us to just understand it all.
The characters were one dimensional, from heroes to villains. The chapters flipping between characters didn’t transition smoothly. Fantasy story solely focused on romance. Even the romance wasn’t enough to save the story. The magical world wasn’t built out enough for us. It was all over the place. I felt like they just bounced between worlds & characters with no descriptions.
I did enjoy the magic system, but like I said about the first novel it wasn’t flushed out enough/ explained slowly to us. It wasn’t thrown at us and expected us to just understand it all.
October 18, 2025
Giving this book two stars feels like one star too many. After reading the first book, I wanted to see how the story wrapped up. As a completist, unless the book is terrible, I usually slog on: and a slog it was.
Given that the target audience is YA, the writing is definitely not there. You need a PhD to understand what “magic” can do, and maybe an Excel spreadsheet, but some of the dialog is written at a first-grade level.
Overall, this book lacks closure and an HOA sense.
A few spoiler examples:
What ever happened toto Nigel’s mom? I understand in real life there aren’t always answers, but this was needless. Given how much exposition is given in unnecessary areas, this could have been handled in a sentence it two.
Time passage is weird. I’m not sure if it’s been a day or a month since the first book. Nigel seems torn up about his grandmother but do they bury their dead?
Jaleesa, who had the most growth as a character IMO, didn’t just think to pluck her name leaf in that forest?
Ori is reduced to a minor, minor background character. Given how little is focused on him, he doesn’t even deserve to be in the cover. He is by far the most interesting character with respect to development prospects, but it’s never executed.
Finally. The unnecessary and poorly handled sex scene. First, it’s like a 1950s fade to black moment. Then it’s really never discussed again. It doesn’t need to be a graphic sex scene to cover the magnitude of losing virginity, but like everything else in this book it’s underdeveloped and unrealistic. First: our parents are all locked up (or missing) so let’s have sex for the first time! Second: the next morning one is in boxers but the other is fully dressed, in bed?
The ending is just blah. Let’s have a book about wizards and then at the end, make one not a wizard! I disliked that people could be stripped of their magic from the beginning of the first book, but this one took it to new levels of lazy writing.
Plot hole: If blowing the “horn of plenty” undid all of the curses it caused, it should have removed “the knife” (the most uninspired villain name that belongs in “The Godfather”) from Nigel. Since it was blown by the person who used it in the first place. I think. I don’t have a PhD out an Excel spreadsheet handy.
Final comment: If you read the first book, you’ll probably want to navigate the maze that is this one to see what happens. But the story never gains cohesion, and I pity a YA readers who tries to apply any life lessons from this book to their lives.
Given that the target audience is YA, the writing is definitely not there. You need a PhD to understand what “magic” can do, and maybe an Excel spreadsheet, but some of the dialog is written at a first-grade level.
Overall, this book lacks closure and an HOA sense.
A few spoiler examples:
What ever happened toto Nigel’s mom? I understand in real life there aren’t always answers, but this was needless. Given how much exposition is given in unnecessary areas, this could have been handled in a sentence it two.
Time passage is weird. I’m not sure if it’s been a day or a month since the first book. Nigel seems torn up about his grandmother but do they bury their dead?
Jaleesa, who had the most growth as a character IMO, didn’t just think to pluck her name leaf in that forest?
Ori is reduced to a minor, minor background character. Given how little is focused on him, he doesn’t even deserve to be in the cover. He is by far the most interesting character with respect to development prospects, but it’s never executed.
Finally. The unnecessary and poorly handled sex scene. First, it’s like a 1950s fade to black moment. Then it’s really never discussed again. It doesn’t need to be a graphic sex scene to cover the magnitude of losing virginity, but like everything else in this book it’s underdeveloped and unrealistic. First: our parents are all locked up (or missing) so let’s have sex for the first time! Second: the next morning one is in boxers but the other is fully dressed, in bed?
The ending is just blah. Let’s have a book about wizards and then at the end, make one not a wizard! I disliked that people could be stripped of their magic from the beginning of the first book, but this one took it to new levels of lazy writing.
Plot hole: If blowing the “horn of plenty” undid all of the curses it caused, it should have removed “the knife” (the most uninspired villain name that belongs in “The Godfather”) from Nigel. Since it was blown by the person who used it in the first place. I think. I don’t have a PhD out an Excel spreadsheet handy.
Final comment: If you read the first book, you’ll probably want to navigate the maze that is this one to see what happens. But the story never gains cohesion, and I pity a YA readers who tries to apply any life lessons from this book to their lives.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2025
I just want to start by saying I enjoy @HeyJasonJune as an author - he gives me more peppy Adam Silvera vibes. He has no problem making his characters struggle, but he's funny about it. Also, the endings of his books don't always turn out the way I expect which I can appreciate.
From the first book I loved our grumpy sunshine soulmates Nigel and Ori - Ori being my favorite character in the series. His sarcasm and attitude just make his character so enjoyable to read. I didn't read this book as soon as I finished the previous or as soon as it came out, so I had forgotten a few things that happened in the first book. Thankfully it didn't take me long to remember who everyone was and what was going on. Maybe I blocked out some of the trauma at the end of the first book... I liked the first book, I liked this one. I loved the journey our characters took, and it was quite the journey. A lot happened to these boys over a short period of time, but they made it through.
I appreciate the way Laurel's redemption goes at the end of the book. Unlike many redemption stories or arcs it's not enough to compensate for the damage that was done. In so many books no matter what the character has done they are redeemed and all is forgiven. That seems so unrealistic, so I really appreciate that that doesn't happen here. It's OK for a character to try to fix a mistake that they have made, but sometimes it's not enough. There is true emotion and relatability here that not all is instantly forgiven like nothing happened.
I also loved the comment at the end about self love being just as, if not more, important that being loved by someone else. We need more emphasis on self love and self care.
Thanks to #NetGalley for e-copy of #TheMagicYouMake to read and review.
From the first book I loved our grumpy sunshine soulmates Nigel and Ori - Ori being my favorite character in the series. His sarcasm and attitude just make his character so enjoyable to read. I didn't read this book as soon as I finished the previous or as soon as it came out, so I had forgotten a few things that happened in the first book. Thankfully it didn't take me long to remember who everyone was and what was going on. Maybe I blocked out some of the trauma at the end of the first book... I liked the first book, I liked this one. I loved the journey our characters took, and it was quite the journey. A lot happened to these boys over a short period of time, but they made it through.
I appreciate the way Laurel's redemption goes at the end of the book. Unlike many redemption stories or arcs it's not enough to compensate for the damage that was done. In so many books no matter what the character has done they are redeemed and all is forgiven. That seems so unrealistic, so I really appreciate that that doesn't happen here. It's OK for a character to try to fix a mistake that they have made, but sometimes it's not enough. There is true emotion and relatability here that not all is instantly forgiven like nothing happened.
I also loved the comment at the end about self love being just as, if not more, important that being loved by someone else. We need more emphasis on self love and self care.
Thanks to #NetGalley for e-copy of #TheMagicYouMake to read and review.
August 24, 2025
I really enjoyed the first book in this series—the magical guild concept and the soulmate lore were fascinating, and they left me excited to see where the story would go. Unfortunately, The Magic You Make didn’t land as strongly for me.
On the positive side, I did appreciate how this sequel gave us multiple perspectives. It was interesting to step into different characters’ heads and see the events unfold from angles beyond the central romance. That variety of viewpoints added depth to the world.
However, the pacing of the main relationship felt much more rushed this time, and some character arcs didn’t sit right with me. For example, Bex was one of my favorite characters in the first book, but here she’s portrayed in a way that made me actively dislike her. That shift felt jarring and disappointing. Overall, I don’t think the story or the character development were as strong as they could have been.
This ended up being a 2.5-star read for me, because I don’t see myself rereading it, nor do I feel the need to own a physical copy. While I still admire the world Jason June created, this sequel just didn’t live up to the promise of the first book. For me that is. But you should also read a book for yourself not based on other's opinions.
On the positive side, I did appreciate how this sequel gave us multiple perspectives. It was interesting to step into different characters’ heads and see the events unfold from angles beyond the central romance. That variety of viewpoints added depth to the world.
However, the pacing of the main relationship felt much more rushed this time, and some character arcs didn’t sit right with me. For example, Bex was one of my favorite characters in the first book, but here she’s portrayed in a way that made me actively dislike her. That shift felt jarring and disappointing. Overall, I don’t think the story or the character development were as strong as they could have been.
This ended up being a 2.5-star read for me, because I don’t see myself rereading it, nor do I feel the need to own a physical copy. While I still admire the world Jason June created, this sequel just didn’t live up to the promise of the first book. For me that is. But you should also read a book for yourself not based on other's opinions.
June 17, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Disney Publishing Worldwide for the e-arc of this book! I Just need to start by saying that Jason June is simply wonderful. I have enjoyed reading everything that they have written! I am so glad that the world of Ori and Nigel was continued in this sequel and honestly, I would love to some other books that would still continue the characters as well as the word that Jason June has built. I am normally not one for Fantasy, but I loved the first book and knew I had to read the second. I normally am not a huge fan of sequels and while I still liked the first book the most, the sequel was a wonderful continuation of the story. The Spells We Cast and The Magic You Make honestly almost seem like one book, but for logistically reasons, needed to be split into two. I feel as if The Spells We Cast built the foundation for this book and The Magic You Make finished up the story that was started. In saying that, the two books flowed wonderfully with The Magic You Make picking up right where The Spells We Cast Left off. Overall, this was a wonderful addition to a world that I hope Jason June will continue with.
August 25, 2024
Thank you Disney Publishing and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. I’m a big fan of Jason June and I have been so excited to read about Nigel and Ori again after the book 1 cliffhanger! Nigel and Ori have just learned everything they knew was a lie and they are on the run from the Guild. Who can they trust? Also Nigel is still reeling from his loss and the darkness in him. Determined for the Guild to learn the truth they’ll join the Resistance but with so few members and the secrets and lies that keep getting revealed, tensions will run high. Can the Resistance expose the lies within the Guild? Will the darkness overtake Nigel? I love the darker tone to this one! Where the first book was mostly Nigel’s POV, this one is told from multiple POV’s which allows readers to see just how deep the corruption is and how far some magicians will go to keep it that way! I also enjoyed how the anger, frustration, and grief festered in Nigel allowing the darkness to take hold! An epic adventure that is not without its tearjerker moments! Secrets and lies will leave characters unsure who to trust! But still plenty of cutesy moments between the soulmates!
October 4, 2024
This is actually so sad because I was so excited for this book after the first one :(. All the POV shifting really threw me off especially when it was for absolutely no reason. This book also made me absolutely despise Bex which is crazy because she was my favorite character in the first book. I understand her completely in the beginning with feeling abandoned but girl she really needed to keep that in and not take it out on the others. Yeah Nigel was being a dick at times but he had so much going on while her life remained relatively the same (obviously now she’s on the run but like that’s the only difference). Even if it was just that his grandma died 2 weeks ago I feel like she should cut him some slack, but combined with all the other stuff?? No it was actually insane how they were dogging on him and it seemed like we were supposed to like her because of this. Actually pissed me the hell off reading it ngl 😭. I was so angry anytime she was mentioned it kinda pulled me out from the rest of the story. As others mentioned the pacing was way out of wack and the characters were flat. Just honestly really disappointed because I was counting down the days for this book’s release.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2025
ETA: I only read the book once, on January 3! But for some reason it wouldn't add to my 2025 Reading Challenge without me adding today's date (January 6). So... thanks Goodreads?
After the ending of Book 1 I was so curious to see what happened that I literally read this in like 2-3 hours. Things move at a good clip but there's a lot of emotional development, especially between Nigel and Ori, that I appreciated.
I kind of saw The Big Ending coming but the way Jason June gets his audience there really worked for me, and BEX THEE DOLL really does deserve a book series of her own. I will say, I expected Nigel's mom to show up? That's giving unsolved mystery. But otherwise a great sequel to the first book, and one that had me hooked quickly.
ALSO the multiple-POV structure of this book worked SO well, and I thought was a clever way to keep things fresh after the first book's Nigel-first-person POV. Also also, someone get Jaleesa some therapy. Girl's gonna need it.
After the ending of Book 1 I was so curious to see what happened that I literally read this in like 2-3 hours. Things move at a good clip but there's a lot of emotional development, especially between Nigel and Ori, that I appreciated.
I kind of saw The Big Ending coming but the way Jason June gets his audience there really worked for me, and BEX THEE DOLL really does deserve a book series of her own. I will say, I expected Nigel's mom to show up? That's giving unsolved mystery. But otherwise a great sequel to the first book, and one that had me hooked quickly.
ALSO the multiple-POV structure of this book worked SO well, and I thought was a clever way to keep things fresh after the first book's Nigel-first-person POV. Also also, someone get Jaleesa some therapy. Girl's gonna need it.
February 26, 2025
Thank you Netgalley for the ALC!
I read/listened to a previous novel of Jason's and this one did not disappoint.
This is a sequel to the first book but you don't necessarily have to read the first one to understand what the plot is for this book.
We follow two male characters named Nigel and Ori as they are on the run from the Guild.
We are given more than one pov to round out the story and not make it too centered on just one voice. I appreciate that this book took on a slightly less cheery tone compared to other fantasy novels.
Nigel and Ori do give us moments of being sincerely into each other and I enjoyed the romance that rolled over from the first book.
So fear not those who haven't read the first book - you can still understand the plot points and there are some recaps sprinkled throughout.
I read/listened to a previous novel of Jason's and this one did not disappoint.
This is a sequel to the first book but you don't necessarily have to read the first one to understand what the plot is for this book.
We follow two male characters named Nigel and Ori as they are on the run from the Guild.
We are given more than one pov to round out the story and not make it too centered on just one voice. I appreciate that this book took on a slightly less cheery tone compared to other fantasy novels.
Nigel and Ori do give us moments of being sincerely into each other and I enjoyed the romance that rolled over from the first book.
So fear not those who haven't read the first book - you can still understand the plot points and there are some recaps sprinkled throughout.
May 12, 2025
2.45 stars. I was so disappointed by what I found out what had become of my favorite prequel besties Jameson and Reggie throughout the rest of the story, Jameson was such a staunch supporter of Reggie despite what the customs of their society dictated. But even more than that finding out who Reggie is and the explanation of what happened when Nigel was very young was all very dumb and I didn't like it But what I loved about this book was Bex (justice for single people) and all of the ways that the Knife was involved, it added great layers.
January 31, 2025
The first book was amazing. This one was not. My issues: Nigel was a whiney little punk. Nigel wanted to be a savior by being ready to die at the drop of a hat. Nigel had them take his magic away to end the Knife, however that was before anyone but a couple of teenagers who only days before hit magical adulthood could think about a solution.
I understand why Laurel felt relief when she became human, but Nigel having that same feeling felt insincere. Honestly, Nigel losing his magic felt like a cop out not only for the character, but also for the novel. If I was Ori, Nigel would be single at least for a while. Nigel said nothing to his SOUL MATE about taking an action that will ultimately affect their connection and how they live their lives forever. I would be livid!!!
I understand why Laurel felt relief when she became human, but Nigel having that same feeling felt insincere. Honestly, Nigel losing his magic felt like a cop out not only for the character, but also for the novel. If I was Ori, Nigel would be single at least for a while. Nigel said nothing to his SOUL MATE about taking an action that will ultimately affect their connection and how they live their lives forever. I would be livid!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2025
They kept kissing while mid battle. Now granted, I’ve neither kissed anyone nor gone to a magical war that was extremely life threatening, but I’m under the belief that I’d be more concerned about dying than making snarky remarks and kissing someone. Maybe that’s just me though. A lot of weirdly placed flirting because like half of this book is an active battle ground and everyone wants to kill them. Idk, just kinda weird and cringe. Other than that, I liked it, and they acknowledged the cringe so I guess I give a pass.
November 26, 2024
Sadly, a let-down. (Really wish I waited for my Libby hold instead of buying it.)
That's not to say the book doesn't have its good moments. I loved the first book, yet I found myself not wanting to continue the second book at the halfway point. Also, this is may very well be a "just me" thing, but I also really disliked the climax of the book. I get the idea—it's beautiful, whatever, and shows how awesome Nigel is—but nope.
That's not to say the book doesn't have its good moments. I loved the first book, yet I found myself not wanting to continue the second book at the halfway point. Also, this is may very well be a "just me" thing, but I also really disliked the climax of the book. I get the idea—it's beautiful, whatever, and shows how awesome Nigel is—but nope.
March 29, 2025
Ori and Nigel are on the run from the Guild with the help of the Resistance. The Resistance wants to change The Guild for the better. Nigel and Ori want to end the Culling. This book was good, but the multi perspectives added some confusion at first. I enjoyed the story and characters again, but the writing took be a while to get into, where the first I was able to get into quickly. I enjoyed this second book, and will defiantly read more from Jason June in the future.
May 22, 2025
kindle: 4⭐️ I have verrrrry similar thoughts about this one as I had to the first in the series. Cute enough, fun enough, love the representation. I would have LOVED this book as a teen. Reading it now, I enjoyed it for what it was and am glad that this story is out there in the world. Was it cringey? Yes. The messaging was not subtle. But sometimes subtlety isn’t all that important when you’ve got something to say—and this series had something to say.
August 31, 2025
I loved and hated it so much. I usually don't critique things; if it entertained me it served its purpose is my usual mentality. I liked it but it can improve in some ways. It felt a little cringe at times, as if trying too hard to be modern and in tune with the youth. That being said I will always love the power of friendship because I am a being of love and I would like to think that would make me very powerful.
October 24, 2024
Loved this “magical” version of heartstopper!
This is a magical heartstopper to me. Loved how these two loved each other.
It made me scream, laugh, cry and sigh. The ending tied everything together beautifully. Thank you Jason June. There is too much LGBT media focused on trauma and PTSD. Please keep making stories that lift and inspire with fantastic queer characters.
This is a magical heartstopper to me. Loved how these two loved each other.
It made me scream, laugh, cry and sigh. The ending tied everything together beautifully. Thank you Jason June. There is too much LGBT media focused on trauma and PTSD. Please keep making stories that lift and inspire with fantastic queer characters.
October 15, 2024
If you liked the first one you'll love this one too! Highly recommend this duology to any fantasy fans. It's a stand out for the representation, discussions about love, and the social commentary on how to move forward after harm.
January 7, 2025
This writing style was so erratic and I found myself annoyed for almost the entire book. If you read the first one and liked it, you may have a chance at liking this one. If you read the first one and it didn’t “wow” you, save your time and move on.
May 1, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. There was such an entertaining plot along with a few twists I didn’t see coming. The character development was so amazing with the side characters and main characters.
The difference with some of the other soulmates was really interesting, Ori and Nigel are still my favorite, seeing their relationship grow stronger was so heartwarming with all the things going on.
Read For
✓ Magic
✓ Cowboys
✓ Grumpy/Sunshine
✓ Childhood Trauma
✓ Star-Crossed Soulmates
⚠️ Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Grief, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment
Minor: Child abuse, Toxic relationship, Grief, Toxic friendship
𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊
Spice Level: n/a
Sad Level: 💧💧💧
Plot: 8/10
Pace: 8/10
Ending: 9/10
Characters: 10/10
Enjoyability: 8/10
Writing Style: 7/10
Would I Recommend? Yes
Favorite Characters: Ori Olson
Favorite Quote: ❝"You just don't know when to shut up. Because if you kept blabbing, you never would have heard this." He leans in, his mouth just millimeters from mine. "I love you, cowboy," he whispers.❞
POV: Multiple, First Person
Pages: 352
Format: Hardcover
Language: English
Release Date: 01, October 2024
Rep/Extras: LGBTQIA+ characters, racial diversity, queer diversity
November 20, 2024
better plot than the first one but still unbearably cringe and predictable. felt like it was trying to be the mortal instruments but didn’t take the time to world build so it fell super flat. 2.5.
February 21, 2025
Jason June can do no wrong - during a time where A LOT is wrong, reading books like this that promote hope and love are so necessary - I truly hope we get to live in a world like this someday ✨🤞🏼💗
March 15, 2025
This one fell flat for me.
April 3, 2025
so cheesy 🫶
May 26, 2025
Not the biggest fan of the ending, I can understand why it had to end the way it did but i was hoping for something else. The magic system was pretty cool
October 16, 2025
⭐️3.5/5
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