A Tangled Magic

by Andrea Eames

Rapunzel meets Six of Crows in this darkly imagined high fantasy for fans of T. Kingfisher’s Nettle & Bone, The Bone Shard Daughter by Andrea Stewart, Naomi Novik’s Uprooted, and Disney’s Tangled, as a woman with amnesia—and magical hair—searches for her lost memories while navigating a web of royal intrigue, bone magic, and secret monasteries.

All her life, Netta has only known the Tower—its musty shelves of books she cannot read, ink-splattered quills, and endless scrolls of paper. Her mother, ambitious and analytical, has spent decades perfecting her greatest masterpiece: a spellbook of unspeakable power. Netta’s only companions are her long red Hair, which moves of its own accord, and a telepathic raven named Baldbeak. Her only amusement lies in crafting intricate embroidery from scraps of silk and thread.

When attackers storm the Tower, her mother and the spellbook vanish. Determined to find her, Netta ventures into a kingdom on the brink of civil war. The monarch lies dying, while pious Temple fanatics and the noble elite scheme for the throne, forging secret alliances and building hidden armies. For reasons she cannot yet fathom, all these factions seek Netta—and the dangerous, uncontrollable magic in her Hair.

But whom can she trust? The sharp-eyed pickpocket bent on revolutionizing the use of magic? The elusive black market trader known only as the Book Man? The charming magician who slips between shadow and light? From masked carnivals to opulent ballrooms, from hidden monasteries to catacombs, Netta must untangle a web of lies and intrigue - not only to find her mother, but also to uncover the true nature of the power that has shaped her life.

Genres: Fantasy, Retellings, Adult, Fiction, Adult Fiction

Kindle Edition

Expected publication July 28, 2026

About the author

Andrea Eames was born in 1985. She was brought up in Zimbabwe, where she attended a Jewish school for six years, a Hindu school for one, a Catholic convent school for two and a half, and then the American International School in Harare for two years. Andrea's family moved to New Zealand in 2002. Andrea has worked as a bookseller and editor and now lives in Austin, Texas with her husband.

Reviews

[BookishKB · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨♥️ A Tangled Magic ♥️✨
I absolutely loved Netta. She was kind, wholesome, and such a people pleaser that it honestly broke my heart at times. I just wanted better for her. And if I’m being honest, I pretty much disliked everyone else in the book except for Baldbeak.

The only reason this isn’t a full 5 stars for me is the beginning. The first 100 pages were pretty confusing. There was a lot of information upfront, but it didn’t feel like the kind I actually wanted as a reader. It ended up being a little frustrating to get through.

But once the story settled in, I was fully invested in Netta and her journey. And I really loved how it all came together in the end. It genuinely felt like she reclaimed herself, and I was so happy!

🕯️ What to Expect
• Dark fairy tale fantasy
• Rapunzel inspired
• Amnesia FMC
• Living magical hair
• Royal intrigue
• Bone magic
_ _ _ _

⭐ Final Score: 4.5 stars
📅 Pub Date: July 28, 2026
📝 Thank you to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced digital copy. All thoughts are my own.

[Hannah Rowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read this author’s previous work, A Harvest of Hearts and gave it 3 stars. I enjoyed this one much more and can tell the author has really grown as a writer. There is a lot going on in this book. I wouldn’t call this a Rapunzel retelling. Maybe Rapunzel inspired? It has the key elements (the hair and the tower). But this book also feels completely original. The magic system is intricate and intriguing. There are different affinities and ways that mages wield magic. It is one of the stand out elements of the story. One of my other favorite elements was our lovely Raven companion. He is fiercely loyal and at times quite funny. I really liked that the main character’s hair was almost sentient. It often behaved like a cat. There’s a lot of emphasis on books in the story, specifically the making of books. I really enjoyed reading about the spell book making process. (Even though a lot of them were grotesque) The author created a magical twist on the art of book binding. I could’ve read a whole book just about scholarship and making spell books. Our main character definitely has some form of anxiety and I really appreciated how the author wrote her character. I loved that we actually saw the main character’s coping mechanisms and how she dealt with her anxiety. Sewing and embroidery are what kept her grounded throughout the story. As someone who reaches for her crochet hook at any sign of distress I found this incredibly relatable. There’s a complicated mother daughter relationship in the story that was heartbreaking, but very important to our main character’s growth. Netta is constantly put into difficult situations. I wanted something so badly to go right for her but at every turn another obstacle was right around the corner. I was honestly stressed for her! I felt as unsafe and unstable as she was. There is the slightest hint of romance that I wish was either omitted or we had more of. I’m not sure if this is meant to be a series or not. I personally don’t think it needs to be, but I would’ve liked an epilogue. Just to tie up things a little neater. I felt like a lot of the comp. titles were not all the accurate. This is being compared to Disney’s Tangled which I fear will disappoint a lot of people. Other than magical hair I don’t see any comparisons to it. It’s also being compared to Six of Crows and Uprooted which I personally don’t see. There are a lot of great messages one can take away from the book. My favorite being: it’s okay to be soft. Just because you’re soft doesn’t mean you aren’t strong.

*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!*

[Bazia · Rating 3 out of 5]

this story feels sweet and dreamy, very YA in tone. it’s not a negative thing, just something to be aware of😉
it starts strong, but then slows down with a lot of background and world-building. for me, there were too many long descriptions and not enough plot movement at all

i was much more interested in the mother’s past than in the daughter’s journey. FMC felt very young to me, which made it harder to connect. I’ll give her 15 years max, instead of 20 and in this case her behaviour would look reasonable in my eyes
i also wasn’t a big fan of convenient plot helpers appearing out of nowhere

this book just wasn’t fully for me, but that doesn’t mean it’s bad. i actually think author has strong potential to create something truly unordinary in the future. overall, it has heart and atmosphere, but i just needed a bit more action and mature FMC

i received ARC from kensington publishing and netgalley, thank you for the opportunity💘

[anjaRUok]

dnf'ed at 50%

there's gotta be some other term of endearment than "my dear", surely? and it would have been nice for a 20 year old protagonist to have at least the tiniest amount of common sense, surely? on top of that, there must exist some other form of magical skill not based on shadows, surely?

i really tried liking this because the synposis sounded like something i would very much enjoy. the story started rather promising, the premise was good, the magic system was not too elaborate but not too simple either with a solid conflict/question built on top and the rapunzel retelling could've been very exciting.
unfortunately, none of these factors were developed in a way i might have found satisfying. the story progression slowed dramatically after the first third of the book, nessa acts like a 14 year old at best (for real though, this is the third or fourth book i've read this year where a YA fmc acts like a stupid child. why? why ist this the route new fantasy books seem to be taking more and more often? what kind of representation and role model is that for young women?) and why does there have to be a romance subplot forced into every story nowadays?
story telling/world building wise this also didn't deliver for me since i'm not a fan of spelling everything out rather than showing the world to the reader in a more organic way.
oh, and if you couldn't tell from the first paragraph of this review, the writing style was highly redundant which annoyed me so much i decided to dnf because for all that maybe might have gotten more interesting in the second half the reading flow was hindered by the frequent repetition of the same phrases over and over and over again.

all in all, this read like a first draft for something that might have been good with more time and care to craft the characters and story.

Huge thanks to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing and Erewhon Books for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Sid · Rating 3 out of 5]

{2.5}

Very grateful to have been approved for this ARC on NetGalley because the premise genuinely sounded so interesting and right up my street. I went in really excited… and I’m a bit sad to say it just wasn’t my favourite. A big chunk of the book focuses on world building rather than plot, and while you can tell a lot of thought went into it, it did make things feel like they were dragging at times. The politics and the tension between the monarchy and the temple were genuinely interesting, though, and probably the strongest part of the book for me.

It did start to pick up around the 3/4 mark and I thought we were finally getting somewhere, but then somehow it lost momentum again towards the end and I was mostly just pushing through to finish it. The pacing just felt a bit uneven overall, which made it harder to stay fully invested in what was happening.

The protagonist unfortunately really grated on me. I think she was meant to come across as fiercely independent, but instead she felt stubborn to the point of repeatedly making terrible decisions… only to end up needing help anyway. The romance subplot also felt very underdeveloped since the characters barely interacted for most of the book, so it just didn’t feel believable that feelings would suddenly appear. There’s definitely potential here and it’s far from the worst thing I’ve read, but it just didn’t quite hit the mark for me. Still very grateful to have had the opportunity to read it!

[Evie Oliva · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was fortune or fate that I saw an announcement and leapt at the chance to be a part of the ARC team for this book. I loved A Harvest of Hearts and I knew that I NEEDED to have a chance, however small, to read this book. When I saw my name on the list, my heart jumped in my chest and I was so grateful to be a part of the team. I read this book in a matter of days and it was everything I hoped it would be and more. From the plot, to the characters to the world itself, everything is so unique and enthralling, I anticipate this being a big hit for, well, EVERY reader. It's just that good.

A Tangled Magic follows Netta, a young woman who has grown up in isolation with her mother in a tower. Her mother has spent the entirety of Netta's life working on a book that contains her research into magic and her creation of a powerful spell. Unable to read the books around her, Netta has her hair, which contains magic and almost a mind of its own, and her telepathic raven, Baldbeak to keep her company. Netta works on making the inks and quills for her mother and anything else she needs while her mother works on her masterpiece book. Also, when Netta has the time, she enjoys making intricate embroidery, using her needle and threads to work through emotions by putting them to fabric. One day, Netta wakes up to find that the tower has been attacked and her mother and the spellbook are gone. Determined to find her mother, Netta ventures into the kingdom outside the tower, which is coming close to war. Different factions are trying to gain power and for reasons unknown to Netta, they want her and the power she has in her hair. In order to find out what happened to the only family she has, Netta needs to discover the truth about her magic and how to wield it along with her place in the kingdom.

I'll start with the writing. Everything is concise, with reveals given at opportune times, making it easy to follow along with the story and Netta on her quest. The ease of the story allows it to be accessible and yet complex enough to be intriguing with the different motivations that are driving the country to be close to a civil war. Eames has talent and it shows with the way the story unfolds, every moment earned and every decision made with just enough trepidation that the risk of making a wrong choice or right one keeps the reader guessing from one moment to the next. Nothing is unnecessary, everything has a part to play, and all questions are answered that need to be answered by the end of the story. There is also enough left for the reader to want to follow Netta into another installment, which hopefully is in the future for this book. I want to know more about EVERYTHING and I hope it is not too long of a wait to see what comes next for this world and the people in it. I also enjoyed the insertion of the various embroidery stitches that Netta uses, which were placed as explanations at the beginning of every chapter. Each example provided an insight into the coming chapter that made me appreciate the research that Eames put into this aspect of the story. It made the story that much more immersive, allowing the readers a chance to understand the significance of the embroidery and how it ties in with the story.

Next is the worldbuilding. I hope there is a map in the future for this book because I am desperate to chart Netta's path through the kingdom of Virelith to the various places she went while searching for her missing mother. The world of this book is unique, especially the information given about the magic system. There are different forms of magic, some people have more than one type of magic, and some even have only a small talent, called an affinity. All of the magic is kept under strict control, with most who can wield it being taught in Temple schools so that they can become a part of their order. It turns out that a plague, started by a mage who used bone magic outside of its purpose, swept through the kingdom, killing many people and forcing the kingdom to burn their dead from then on as a precaution. It also forced magic to be contained into books, so that only those who were worthy would be able to learn it and all other magic was forbidden. Now different factions have gained power but they want more in the current timeline and they will do whatever they can to gain it.

The Temple has gained power through their story of being the only ones who were able to abolish the plague and eradicate bone magic, all for the sake of keeping the kingdom safe. There is the monarchy, which is in peril because the king appears to be ill. There is the nobility and mages, where magic is kept in families usually through marriage, in order to gain the power for themselves and keep it away from common folk. There is also the Followers, a nomadic group of people who walk through the kingdom and are allowed safe passage by the Temple. All of these people have a stake in the story and their interest in Netta is a driving force in keeping Netta on the move, forcing her to deal with the turmoil in the kingdom while trying to find her mother. It's all so intricate and I hope any future installments will delve more into the history of the kingdom, possibly even giving us the complete story of the plague and who started it. I would be first in line to read any of that background story.

Netta, my dear sweet Netta, I wanted to take her with me and have her join a sewing circle so she could embroider to her hearts's content. I thought she was brave and intelligent, proving that she had the strength to leave the safe confines of her tower and venture out into a world she'd only heard about from her mother. Her instincts were spot on and her tenacity was inspiring. I'm so grateful she had her magic hair because I would have been a ball of nerves at every new trial that came Netta's way. Not because Netta was unable to take care of herself but because the worst of the characters in this world were determined to make things difficult for her. It all served to help Netta become more than she could have ever thought with the way she was raised and I loved the way she grew and learned from the people she met and I will follow her and Baldbeak wherever they go next. As for Baldbeak, his loyalty was beautiful to behold, his choosing Netta over and over again made him the animal companion book characters could only dream about having for themselves. If anyone were to be lucky enough to find an animal companion with a devotion like Baldbeak, they would very blessed. I could not get enough of these two together. Their story showed the true depth of emotion that can join two souls together, and Netta and Baldbeak are a pair meant for greater adventures, side by side forever.

As for the rest of the cast, each is important in their own way. Patrick, a traveling magician, was interesting and yet suspicious enough to keep Netta on her toes trying to determine what his motivations were. Patrick in turn led Netta to the Followers, who offered Netta safe passage into the city where she was told by Patrick to find Mieka, an associate of his who offers her a place to stay her first night in the city. There is also the Book Man, known only as the Book Man for now, who was a former associate of Netta's mother, and who also offers his assistance in helping Netta in her search while also offering her shelter. Every one of these people were individuals that Netta chose to accept into her life, most of them for the better, helping her learn more about the person she was and who she could become. After twenty years locked up in a tower with only her mother as her only other human company, Netta is able to step up and make a mark on these people's lives, changing them just as much as she changed herself. I hope to learn more about each of them in future books.

As for the plot, this book is just as much if not more a story of self-discovery as it is a book about a young woman searching for her mother. On this journey, Netta is forced to come to terms with the magic she has and where it came from and how it ties in to the strife currently going on in the kingdom. The discoveries she made were exciting and the decisions she made as a result were enough to make Netta one of my new favorite leads in the book world. It takes talent as a writer to get a reader to the end of the book only to look back and see just how much more intricate the story is about a young woman coming in to herself as a powerful mage in her own right. She just needed the space to grow and to prove that she could more than just an assistant to her mother's great work. The fact that Netta was able to come to terms with just what kind of relationship she truly had with her mother and how it had affected so many parts of herself just proves that Eames has talent galore and is an author to follow. I can't wait to see what Eames comes up with next. It is sure to be a sight to behold.

In the end, I can truly say that I was honored to have the chance to read this book. Everything worked for me and I can't wait for my copy to arrive so it can join my beautiful copy of A Harvest of Hearts and force me to make room for what I'm sure will be many more Eames books to come. That's when I know a book is truly a new favorite, when I have to leave space around it on my shelves to accommodate future works. Only the best books make me rearrange my library.



Rating on my Scale: 10 Magnificent Stars! I hope I was able to clearly convey just how much I loved this book. I was trying to be as clear and concise as possible without being too emotional. But now that that is done, let me be just a little more direct: READ THIS BOOK! YOU'LL LOVE IT!

Okay, now I'm done. Have a wonderful, magical day.


My thanks to Netgalley, Kensington Publishing and Andrea Eames for the eARC of this book in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.

[Rhiannon Green · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5

I feel so bad when I apply for an ARC and get selected, only to dislike the book I received. I want nothing more than to be able to support someone's hard work and dedication, and I feel so honored to be chosen for the opportunity to read books before the general public. That being said, I have had several just total misses lately in my ARC reads, this being one of them I honestly wish I could be a beta reader for some of these, because the potential is there, they just need better execution.

This book was described as a Rapunzel retelling meets Six of Crows. So, obviously, I wanted to read that! However, I was utterly bored for 80% of the book. The plotline served very little purpose. Struggles were resolved quickly throughout and just made way for the next quickly resolved issue. There were numerous events that if you deleted them entirely from the story, would have zero impact on the plot.

The romance was meh at best and the MMC was honestly just cringe. I like that the story wasn't about a romantic relationship but I would have preferred a friendship to that. The villains were boring and until the end with the exchange between Netta and her mother, I just really didn't feel strongly about anything that happened. Baldbeak was the best part, but even as an animal sidekick, he fell flat.

This book was not for me, but I appreciate the story the author was portraying.

[rebeccareads · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked up A Tangled Magic because I'm a huge Kingfisher fan and general enjoyer of Rapunzel stories. I found it enjoyable enough to finish - which is genuinely saying something because I will DNF anything, anywhere, anytime - but I had quite a few issues with it and wouldn't read any more from this world or characters even if it weren't standalone.

The writing is solid enough, definitely more competent than the current pop romantasy standard, but it does feel very YA, and suffers from too much telling, wildly overdone foreshadowing, and some cartoonish choices. FMC Netta falls in the same vein; I understand that she's been locked away for most of her 20 years, but she reads more like 13-15. Maybe that's really what would happen to the brain of someone in her situation, but I had two issues with this. The first is that the book treats naïveté and stupidity a bit too interchangeably for my liking. The second is that while a mentally-thirteen-year old would be fine if this were a YA book, it strains credulity with an adult audience. It also makes the romance pretty creepy. Someone locked away their whole life with exposure to a single other human is seriously mentally, emotionally, and physically vulnerable, and should not be running around kissing MMC Patrick, who is an adult man and a literal peer to her mother and sister. She and many other characters make repeated references to her childlike innocence while all this is going on. Ew! Making it even worse, there are several times when Patrick is described as her mother's "foster brother." Sure, it was only a few years or whatever, but that would make him her foster uncle. I just do not understand why that part was even needed - it's repeatedly asserted that there was leftover tension from those years, but it never materializes into anything, so the extra creep factor is pretty inexplicable to me.

Some parts of the romance are refreshing - like how it is just a teeny subplot (a big relief in this case), and how he's repeatedly described as short, and not that attractive. Cool! That's different, lovely, and needed. But he's still kinda her uncle, and she's still definitely mentally younger than 20. There are what feels like clumsy attempts to defray this - assuring us he looks younger when he sleeps, or a stilted conversation highlighting how their age difference isn't all that big - but to me it was a bit of a Streisand effect on-page, and ended up being even more off-putting.

I enjoyed the action scenes the most, and wish there were more of them. The overpowered-secret-chosen-one thing is so beyond tired, but the magic itself here is at least a bit fresh. We've got animal magic, embroidery magic, memorizing magic, spell-rewriting magic, hair magic, healing magic, hair magic, bone magic, and somewhat separately, necromancy. If it sounds like way too much, that's because it is, but it's still all decently interesting. I do wish the hair magic had actually gone somewhere, though - the Rapunzel tie-in doesn't do much beyond the mildly-magical hair that's never explained and some vague Mother Gothel vibes.

This review got a little rantier than I expected, even as I tried to stay out of the weeds. Again, I finished it, so I wouldn't say I disliked this book. The issues above feel more like weird authorial choices, and less like writerly incompetence. Those choices probably wouldn't bother me if I’d gone into this as a brain-off read, but I went in with that Kingfisher comp top of mind. (Yes, I complain about bad comps a lot! But this one is so very wide of the mark that it's doing everyone a disservice!!!) It's just that there's enough to like about the premise and execution of A Tangled Magic that the weird choices are more frustrating than they'd be otherwise.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

[Rallie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolute triumph! This book is for all the strange kids who wanted more than a fairytale, something with teeth, and nails.

Eames has created such a lush world. From cultural elements (I love the Followers and desperately want to join them, like, please?) to politics and religion, to history, Eames put so much work into building something believable and captivating.

Netta is a charming and genuine heroine and it's easy to imagine people jumping in to help her (or finding new motivations to do so) - and luckily she has Baldbeak, who is best bird and I would do anything for him! For someone basically shoved out the nest with no time to prepare and only the barest idea of a strategy she never comes across as stupid (no matter what she might tell herself). My feelings about Patrick and his Puss in Boots flavored insouciance cannot be described without spoilers, so we'll just go with "wow, what an incredibly written and complex character!" (which is true). Also, I'm moving in with the Book Man.

Eames' writing style has an effortless quality to it that draws you in and holds your nose to the page. As a lover of A Harvest of Hearts one of the first things I noticed that really sucked me in is that her heroines have both had their own entirely unique voice. She has a gift for dialogue and for description, quippy moments between Netta & Patrick and Netta & Baldbeak had me cackling and as somebody with mild aphantasia there were descriptions that were so evocative I could truly feel the scene. I also love how she wrote Baldbeak's dialogue and behavior, it felt so natural for a raven ("for why the blood?" sounds like a curious corvid). One thing I love is how deftly Eames uses pacing as a storytelling device; Netta only ever barely has her own footing and a relentless pace keeps the reader in the same position. Our heroine is in a state of constant precarity and that mood is directly reflected in the text. Eames doesn't rely on cheap GOTCHA moments to sweep the world out from under Netta's feet; events are clearly foreshadowed in the same way people watching a horror movie know not to go into the basement. We have the shape of each misfortune before it occurs but that doesn't make them any less dire. And where we don't? They hit even harder.

I ADORE her treatment of necromancy as more than "ooky spooky/dark and scary/violent and evil (or 'morally grey')" but magic dealing in entropy and the body; breaking out of the western lens to find something that feels sacred, powerful, and awe-some which isn't explored enough despite the current popularity of necromancy in fantasy. Netta's power being tied to the "silly" and "pointless" art she does because she loves it - embroidery - speaks volumes to the way Eames encourages the reader to consider power dynamics, access, and meaning. Art is never pointless but we live in a society that is constantly defunding the arts or treating them as lesser and unimportant when without art, we couldn't survive - and the gendered aspect of embroidery and the importance of "women's work" as something that heteropatriarchal society under capitalism struggles to manage and contain also comes into stark relief. Fiber arts have been employed in resistance movements for centuries, and Netta's refusal to give in and be what is expected or desired of her feels reflective of that.

I am so grateful to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing and Erewhon Books, and Andrea Eames for giving me access to this ARC, I cannot wait for more Persinette and Baldbeak!

TW Animal Welfare: Baldbeak dies but is resurrected.

[Lysandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to HarperCollins UK and NetGalley for the ARC! All opinions are my own.

5/5

This was incredibly fun! I enjoyed “A Tangled Magic” from the very first page, the prologue being extremely addictive. The story is truly a blend of “Rapunzel” and “Six of Crows” with our twenty year old heroine, Netta, having lived all her life in a Tower with her Mother.

I will start by noting that Netta’s character is extremely well executed — she is a young woman who has spent all her life alone, away from society, her only other companion being her Mother. The first friend she makes is her familiar, Baldbeak, a fiercely loyal and sometimes mischievous raven, and her eternal companion is her Hair, a form of quintessential magic connected to our heroine, who is both extremely rebellious and protective of our heroine. Upon escaping from the Tower, Netta’s horizon suddenly becomes vast — she meets other people for the first time, she finds out others don’t have the same opinions as Mother, and she learns the hard truth of having to always doubt her trust in others. As our heroine grows, so does her perception of Magic and Magic itself becomes a beautiful, protective, nurturing element of our heroine’s story. The lore and the heroine are so beautifully entwined, and it becomes more so as the story progresses.

There are several characters Netta meets on her journey, some of whom become her friends, her found family, her enemies, and well… naturally something even more. The love interest is mostly shrouded in mystery for the vast majority of the novel, that being his appeal, but it’s also his strength. Just like Netta, his own being is entwined with Magic itself, that his Magic is a reflection of his past struggles. It is a great execution. For the “Six of Crows” reference mentioned before, our romantic hero is quite reminiscent of Kaz Brekker, but that is all I shall say for I do not want to spoil.

The plot follows Netta’s journey, as I alluded to before, in search of Mother and her stolen spellbook. It’s quite direct truthfully speaking, but the twists and turns of it all, the entertainment, is found in Netta’s own reactions to the external world she’s placed into for the first time in her life. Her experience is bittersweet, and she truthfully does her best considering herself.

The prose is rather lovely; it’s blended between Netta’s own perspective and the more objective storytelling of previous events, and the author’s talent shines through. The exposition/world building is well executed and paced neatly throughout the entirety of the novel, which offers the somewhat direct storyline even more appeal.

Despite this novel having an adult character as a heroine, I would easily place this in the category of middle grade fantasy — and I mean it as a praise. In the end, Netta has no experience outside the Tower and her evolution is the spotlight of the novel.

Lastly, a special shout out to Baldbeak and him being a good boy indoors.

[TheRedBookBox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Minor spoilers - With A Tangled Magic, Andrea Eames has created another fantasy masterpiece! Our FML, Netta, has been raised in isolation from everyone but her mother, a spellcaster who has spent the past 20 years working obsessively on a single spell. One day Mother and the spellbook are taken from their isolated tower home, and Netta has to leave to search for them. Her constant companion is Baldbeak, a raven that only she can speak with.

What I like most about Andrea’s writing is her careful selection and structuring of underlying themes. In this book one of the themes was freedom, and the way she discussed it through her characters was brilliant. As the story progressed Netta met a dozen characters, all of whom had their freedoms limited in a variety of ways; by religion, politics, social mores, etc. I especially liked how she used the religious group “The Followers” to illustrate what some folks are willing to give up in exchange for their freedoms. Even the magic itself has been limited by spellcasters who have regimented ways that it can exist in the world, which may have terrible consequences. Netta’s freedom is attacked in multiple ways, from the more overt attempts to imprison her or marry her off, to more subtle things like withholding information, spying on her, and her own mind preventing her from being able to read. Netta’s embroidery, which plays a large role throughout the book, is another way that people have restricted her freedom. It’s the only thing she can do in the tower that isn’t directly related to survival or her mother’s spellwork. The embroidery is something for herself; creating it is comforting and makes her world more beautiful. Her mother dislikes it because it’s not something useful, which leads to Netta herself dismissing the embroidery’s importance due to her mother’s disdain. The freedom in being able to do something that isn’t practical is so important to everyone’s life, but Netta’s been taught to be ashamed of it. Boy I hope I’m a better mother than Netta’s.

Overall it’s a great, thought provoking book with political intrigue, numerous secrets, and a talking bird. I was thrilled to get to read this book before its release date of July 28th, 2026, thanks to the ARC copy I received from Kensington Publishing and Erewhon Books!

[J Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!!!

This is a fairytale retelling done SO well!!!

Sentient hair?!
Telepathic raven familiar?!
Unique magic that’s a mystery even to the FMC?!

You had me at sentient hair!!!

I loved every minute of this book! It has enough of a Rapunzel element that it felt like stepping into a familiar world, but Eames did not rely on the classic fairytale to drive this story! She made it beautifully magical and unique! Bravo!👏


*This is a Dark Fairytale Retelling*
There are events throughout that discuss dark magic that involves pain and sometimes inflicting pain on others in order to use magic. The darkness increases the further into the book you get.
The ending includes events and descriptions that are moderately gruesome. It is not intense enough that it would fall under the Horror category, but I would not recommend to young teenagers or people who are sensitive to



Language-None to mild
Spice-None

*Dark Fairytale Retelling*
I would not recommend this for those under 15, due to the dark themes and a magic system that involves a level of brutality




Spoiler Free Quotes:

“This is a desperate escape attempt, Patrick, not an opportunity to flirt.”
“It can be two things.”
🤭


I had a glimpse of how magic was in everything and everyone, and our determination to categorize it—to separate it into disciplines and order it to march in inky lines on the page, to imprison it between covers, to limit it to a collection of syllables on a human tongue—had gone against its most essential nature.
💞

“When one is the smallest piece on the board, one learns quickly how to move unnoticed—or appear larger.”
♟️


I felt like a fool, trying to have a conversation with my own Hair about fashion, but it was worth trying. I selected amber ribbons from the tray and held them up above my head cautiously, as if holding out a piece of food to a wild animal. For a moment, the Hair stayed still, and I braced myself for a fight ... But then it reached up to tangle itself with the ribbons. It entwined itself with the shining fabric and braided half of itself into a circlet around my head, crown-like. The rest of fell in loose tendrils beneath. It took a matter of seconds.
🎀

[Keturah Sergeant · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the magic system, the world building and the plot. The politics and action interwove throughout creating a dynamic and engaging story, of Rapunzel with a twist, a girl raised in a tower, sheltered and naive, her mother obsessed with research, the subject hidden from her, her only friend a raven. She is forced to venture out into the world after waking to intruders in her home, her mother and her life's work missing. She knows nothing of the world, of the politics and realties of life beyond her tower. She stumbles through increasingly intense situations, trusting increasing untrustworthy and concerning characters, betrayed repeatedly, used, manipulated, coveted, hurt and chased. Her naivety is a constant, she lacks common sense, discernment and general intelligence, which does get irritating at times, especially as she makes the same mistakes and choices, however, it does make sense with her upbringing... The ending is well-done, she makes her final stand, a major sacrifice, standing up for herself and against her mother, against other's expectations and the will of powerful forces behind her.

The magic system was incredible. I loved the different sacrificial elements, the different treatment of mages and 'affinities', the view of magic being bound with that of class and religion, the rebellious movement vying for magical freedom, the mythology of the plague and villainising of certain types of magic, and the constant theme of embroidery throughout. It was interesting, diverse and evolving throughout. I wish the MC had been more interested in, or even inclined to, researching her own magic or the magic of others, in asking others and learning beyond the limited myths her mother told her growing up. Her inability to read also prevented any independent research, so the information given to her is never guaranteed to be a true reflection of what is written down...

An intriguing, engaging and action-packed tale, with interesting politics and magic-system! The MC's naivety does grate but she develops through the story and her final stand is a brilliant end to the story.

[Chrysanthi Gatidou · Rating 5 out of 5]

𓂃˖˳·˖ ִֶָ ⋆📖⋆ ִֶָ˖·˳˖𓂃 ִֶָ Kindly provided by NetGalley 𓂃˖˳·˖ ִֶָ ⋆📖⋆ ִֶָ˖·˳˖𓂃 ִֶָ

There’s something about A Tangled Magic that felt like stepping into a hidden garden at dusk — a little wild, a little mysterious, and completely enchanting.

Andrea Eames writes magic the way I love to experience it: quiet, tangled up with emotion, and rooted deeply in character rather than spectacle. This isn’t flashy fantasy. It’s intimate. It’s layered. It’s the kind of story that slowly wraps around you before you even realize you’re fully caught in it.

What I loved most was how the magic feels intertwined with identity — messy, complicated, and sometimes inconvenient. It mirrors the characters’ inner struggles so beautifully. The emotional undercurrent running through this book surprised me in the best way. Beneath the magical elements, this is really a story about belonging, choices, and learning to live with the parts of yourself you don’t fully understand yet.

The atmosphere? Stunning. Slightly whimsical but with an edge. There’s a softness to the prose, but also tension simmering underneath. I found myself highlighting lines because they felt quietly profound — the kind that make you pause and reread.

And the relationships… I adored the dynamics. Nothing felt forced. Connections evolved naturally, with that subtle ache that makes you root for people even when they’re flawed. It had that gentle romantasy energy I’m always drawn to — more emotional depth than dramatic declarations.

If I’m being honest, it’s not a fast-paced, plot-twist-heavy fantasy. It unfolds deliberately. But that’s exactly why it worked for me. It gave the story space to breathe.

A Tangled Magic feels like:

wandering through ivy-covered walls

secrets whispered in candlelight

magic that’s as complicated as love

This one lingered with me after I turned the last page — and that’s always the sign of something special.

Perfect for readers who love atmospheric fantasy, emotional growth, and stories where the magic is tangled up in the heart. 🌙✨

[a. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an e-arc on NetGalley. Thank you to Andrea Eames and Kensington Publishing.

A Tangled Magic is a dark fantasy retelling of Rapunzel with a minor romantic subplot. This is a dark but intricate and meditative novel, with it's own moments of intensity to be sure, but I think the comps may lead someone to think this book is more action forward than it is. It leans more towards introspection than anything else. The narrative primarily concerns itself with the growth and development of our protagonist Netta, above all else, even if it does not completely succeed in it.

The plot is rather medium paced in my opinion, kicking off almost immediately, but settling into something a tad slower. I think the author's grip on the narrative itself is strong (especially in the beginning) but the interruptions of whole chapters dedicated to flashbacks and lore dumps felt rather jarring. The information was relevant to the story thankfully, but I found the way the author included them left something to be desired.

Furthermore, while I found the majority of the narrative to be strong, as the final 15% went on it began to unravel. The final confrontation was drawn out in some places and cut short in others. Our FMC Netta certainly does show growth over the course of the story, she did not show enough growth, nor was she proactive enough for me to find her decisions in the ending all that believable.

All the main characters were lovable and well realized, but I found the villains weren't as well written. At times they seemed almost cartoonishly malicious, to the point where I wondered how anyone was willing to tolerate them.

I will applaud Eames for not shying away from the world building for this novel, which works with the narrative so neatly, I don't think she could have written the novel without it. I really love retellings that can stand on their own shoulders and justify their existence in their own right.

A Tangled Magic comes out on July 28th, 2026.

[mrsandersonreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading A Harvest of Hearts, I was excited to read Andrea's next offering, A Tangled Magic, and lucky enough to be selected for the street team. Thankfully, ATM did not disappoint - I loved it! Somehow both dark and whimsical at the same time, with a talking raven and the tiniest hint of romance, this book was a delight.

Our FMC, Netta, has been isolated in an ancient tower with her magic obsessed mother for 20 years. She knows very little of the outside kingdom of Virelith, and all her knowledge is coloured by her mother's opinions. When the tower is attacked and her mother goes missing, she must leave the only place she has ever known to venture into the world to find her - and the mysterious spellbook she was working on for Netta's entire life. What follows is a lesson in trust, resilience and identity, with underlying themes of ownership, possession and obsession. I especially loved Baldbeak, Netta's raven companion, for his quips and a loyalty, as well as Netta's sentient hair which has delicious sass! The supporting characters are varied and intriguing, and we are never sure who to trust. Everyone has their own agenda, and most of their plans are not positive for Netta. She is often treated as a pawn in a wider power play, and seeing her rebel against this was inspiring.

The lore of the world Andrea has created is complex and fully realised, and sadly has reflections in our real world. Power is the key word here, and the lengths people will go to obtain power are terrifying. Magic is closely controlled, with religion used as it jailer. And as with our world today, not everyone wants to bow down to an unseen god. This means that Virelith is a place divided, and on the brink of civil war. The people she meets are on opposing sides of this conflict, and she must decide where she stands in this crumbling kingdom.

A dark retelling of a classic fairytale, this is book of self realisation, power plays, ownership and learning to trust yourself. Well worth reading!

[W.S. Luk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Click here to read my full review.

“As delicately as threading a needle, I took the remnants of their magic and stitched it into my own…”

Novelists like people who read. It’s Fiction-Writing 101 to create characters that readers empathise with, and a protagonist who likes books creates an obvious commonality with whoever’s reading a novel. In the olde-worlde settings of classic fantasy, this also yields interesting power dynamics, perhaps with a well-read protagonist who sees through blinkered customs, or one who finds magical secrets in a dusty library.

So it’s all the more intriguing that A TANGLED MAGIC features an illiterate heroine. Brought up in a tower by her magician mother, Netta Edevane grew up surrounded by books but was never taught to read. When the tower is attacked and her mother vanishes, she heads on a quest to unravel these mysteries, aided only by a telepathic raven and her magical hair.

Fantasy aficionados will recognise the broad strokes of its setting: scheming nobles, corrupt and vaguely-Catholic religion, streetwise Dickensian rogues. But Eames’ story is distinguished by a magic system fuelled by the sacrifice of teeth, fingernails, and human bones. She doesn’t over-do the gruesomeness, but when she does describe torn-out nails or veins growing “dark and fat as sated ticks”, this Cronenbergian sorcery is memorably strange and skin-crawling.

With few abilities beyond her stereotypically feminine talent for embroidering “frivolous decoration”, Netta is isolated in a setting where the historically-masculine skill of writing is paramount, used to constrain magic in spellbooks that “separate it into disciplines and order it to march in inky lines”. Eames emphasises how this upbringing puts her at a deliberate disadvantage, but also suggests that it offers unexpected forms of strength...

Read more here...

[Megan LeeAnn Sporleder · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s a particular kind of fantasy novel that doesn’t just build a world — it slips a hand around your wrist and pulls you straight into the pulse of it. A Tangled Magic is exactly that kind of book. From the first chapter, it feels lush and alive, like stepping into a story that’s been waiting for you specifically. Eames blends folklore, danger, and tenderness in a way that feels both mythic and deeply human, and I found myself sinking into it almost immediately.

What struck me most was how intimate the magic feels. It isn’t just spells and spectacle; it’s woven into identity, memory, and the messy, complicated ways people love each other. The protagonist’s journey is equal parts emotional excavation and high‑stakes adventure, and I loved how the book never treats those as separate things. The magic system is gorgeous — intricate without ever feeling like homework — and the imagery is so vivid that I kept pausing just to take it in.

I received an advance review copy of this book for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The emotional beats land hard. There’s a thread of longing running through the whole story, the kind that makes your chest tighten a little because you recognize it. The relationships are layered and believable, especially the ones shaped by grief, loyalty, and the fear of losing what little you have left. And the atmosphere? It’s enchanting in the literal sense: dark forests, shimmering spells, and a sense of danger that never overwhelms the beauty of the world.

This is one of those books that feels like it was crafted with real care — lyrical without being flowery, magical without losing its grounding in character. If you love fantasy that’s rich, emotional, and full of mythic energy, this one is absolutely worth your time. I closed the last page feeling both satisfied and a little haunted in the best way.

[southernalpscosycorner · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars!

I was really drawn in by the magic and overall concept of this one. It has such a dreamy, slightly dark fairy tale feel with clear Rapunzel inspiration, and I loved how unique some of the elements were. The living magical hair and bone magic felt fresh, but what stood out most was how personal the magic felt, like it was tied to identity, memory, and the body rather than just being a tool. I also loved the embroidery details woven throughout the story. That was such a soft, thoughtful touch and made the whole book feel even more intimate and intentional. Once the story found its footing, I did get pulled into the journey and the mystery of what actually happened, and I really liked how everything came together in the end. It felt satisfying and full circle in a way that worked for me.

That said, it didn’t fully land for me overall. The beginning was pretty confusing with a lot of info thrown in that didn’t feel super engaging, and then the pacing slowed down a lot with heavy descriptions and not much plot movement. Netta is very kind and soft, and such a people pleaser that it honestly hurt to watch at times, but she also felt much younger than her age which made some of her choices frustrating. I did really enjoy the interactions between characters though! Plot wise, there were a few convenient plot moments and some repetition in the writing that pulled me out of the story occasionally. I can definitely see the potential though, the atmosphere is there and it has a lot of heart, it just needed a bit more balance and development for me to fully love it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the free ARC copy in exchange for an honest review!

[CharlieJLZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this because I love a fairytale retelling but this is so much more.


I won't spend ages writing the basis to this story as the description covers it well. However, I will share my view after finishing it.


This is brilliantly written and felt like an absolute adventure. It took you through the FMC journey to find her mother, meeting fascinating characters and places, visiting ballrooms, and catacombs. 

I laughed quite a few times during this too. 


To me this was one of the best books in a while for handling strength, power and determination, without relying on cliches. There was a moment in the book I couldn't understand why Netta didn't just take the obvious choice away from danger, but after I stood by her decision and took something from her wanting to make her own decisions and trust her gut and abilities. 


The things I connected well with:

-  The world building. I've read so many, yet absolutely loved this one and it was one of the most immersive I've read in a while

- Main characters strength and the message it gave out. I've taken a bit of her mindset with me and I love Netta's growth.

- I'm not into reading romance yet the love interest was handled really well as sometimes there are more important things than your own need to enter into a relationship. But I was so here for the love interest, tension and 2 characters relationship dynamics! 


I really hope there is a sequel, I'd have bought it straight away afterwards. 


Thank you to #netgalley #kensingtonpublishing and #AndreaEames for the chance to read this ARC. 

[Shreya Goswamy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first book from NetGalley by @andrea_eames_author and my mind was completely and utterly 'stitched' into the pages. If you're looking for romance, then back off! Because this gives a powerful badass FMC who doesn't need a man to define her.🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀
Tropes : Fairytale Retelling 🖤 Animal Companion 🖤 Dark Magic 🖤 Chosen One 🖤 Women Power 🖤Magic through art
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I finished it in 2 days and here I thought I was coming out of a book slump!
Perks :
👉🏻Visual Storytelling
👉🏻Plot Twists
👉🏻Women Empowerment
👉🏻 Morally Grey MMC
👉🏻Slow-burn angsty romance
👉🏻Rapunzel vibes
👉🏻Comedic breaks (especially Baldbeak's sarcasm)
Overall impression: I loved how all chapters are based on stitches and embroidery 🪡 It definitely takes centre stage throughout the story and I guess that makes it so unique! I mean, who knew there are so many types of stitches! If you like magic, gore, fairytale and animal sidekicks, you've got yourself an immersive world-building! If the author comes up with a sequel (I need a sequel 🥺) then I'm sooo in 🖤🪡
.
.
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[dark fantasy, folklore vibes, magical realism, witchy aesthetic, soft magic, moody fantasy, feminine rage, ravens and magic, enchanted worlds, mystical heroines, fairytale retelling, spellbinding story, atmospheric fantasy, mythic storytelling, cozy reading, fantasy aesthetic, literary magic, dreamlike prose, gothic vibes, myth and mystery, haunting beauty, slow-burn fantasy, poetic writing, women in fantasy, hidden magic, dark academia vibes, fantasy mood, whimsical worlds, bookish aesthetic, reader’s escape]

[dafne_lh · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75/5

Netta has been living in the Tower along with her mother for as long as she can remember. Tending to the ducks and geese, as well as embroidering and assisting her mother in the writing of her spell book, Netta lives a quiet life, longing for friendship. One day, the Tower is attacked, and both Netta's mother and the spell book she was working on for twenty years disappear. Netta ventures into the unknown to rescue both her mother and the spell book, but along the way she learns that not everyone is to be trusted.

Netta is quite the young and naive main character, which suits her considering her upbringing. What did bother me, however, is that even though there is some character development and Netta learns not to trust everyone, she always ends up telling them her whole story anyway. Even at the end of the book, she still trusts the wrong people and explains everything to them. This kind of broke my immersion and the idea that she was actually growing as a character. In my opinion, she might have also felt a little bit too unbothered in large crowds. I would think her sheltered life would have influenced both her social skills, and unease in the city more, than it actually did.

This book is marked as "adult" on Goodreads, but I would honestly consider it young adult. The character is only twenty, and the whole book reads very young adult -probably because of her naivety. There is some torture and gore in the book, however, so keep that in mind.

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

[Alex ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a long time to get my thoughts in order for this review, but I got there eventually🫧

I LOVED IT from the start, the way Andrea presented the world from the start gave me a clear imaginary and a kind of pinterest board in my head, with the respective tangled inspiration but a feeling leaning towards the storyboards of the movie and the inspo and early sketches from the movie Wish.

It was so clear in my head that as a reader it pulled me in from the start, and as a writer it left me in awe of the way it could transport someone into the world.

I loved the slight complexity of the characters and how they played their part in the story, specially Netta and her curious, a bit people-pleaser but with strong convictions about her choices at every turn.

The whole book was refreshing in a way that wasn't this "cloying magic" where every new fantasy world is the same with magic everywhere, but A Tangled Magic rather grounds you into the world, making it clear it has some magical components, but that the world is so much more than that, more complex, more real.

It is also a really good option for introducing teens to the fantasy genre and keeping it mature regarding the worldbuilding without heavy adult content. It's a good YA option🫧

There isnt much more I can say without spoilers, so I just wanted to express how it felt for me to read it rather than discuss the events and characters.

🫧Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy, and congrats to Andrea Eames for such amazing book!!💫🫧

[TiffanyMarieTicer · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing dark almost horror whimsy fantasy book. Andrea really knows how to create lovable characters who are relatable.

Netta our FMC basically wakes up not remembering what happened and her mom is missing along with a spellbook everyone seems to want. She goes on a quest to find her mother, but in the process finds herself.

This is a fantastic story! It’s not really a coming of age because she’s definitely an adult, but more of a coming of self discovery. As you can tell I’m not a writer hahahaha.

There is an amazing sidekick Raven named Baldbeak who you can’t help but love. And then of course there’s her sentient Hair.

The different side characters she meets along her journey are unique and the emotions she makes you feel after meeting them will have you fully invested. This definitely has some dark elements which I love because the world is not always a bright place.

The magic elements are so creative and such great detail was taken to make sure the reader understands the world.

Overall, this was a wonderful read that will likely be even better the second time around! Absolutely adore!

Political intrigue
Sentient Hair
Telepathic Raven
Evil vs Good
Morally gray MMC
Relatable FMC
Found Family
Darker elements - bone magic
All the emotions!

Thank you Andrea and Kensington Publishing | Erewhon Books and NetGalley for this gifted eARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Najiyah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a digital proof of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Where to start?! This is absolutely stunning take on a well-loved story. A Tangled Magic delivers a wonderfully fresh twist, blending fairytale inspiration with darker, layered magic and a vivid, messy world full of secrets, creating a story that’s uniquely its own.

From the start I was hooked by the voice and atmosphere; a sarcastic crow, sentient hair, and a magic system that feels both mysterious and slightly dangerous. These quirky elements add humour/emotional reprieve and originality, but they’re balanced by deeper themes running beneath the surface.

What really stood out to me was the exploration of family and friendship in various forms. The relationships feel complicated and authentic, set against a society that’s tangled with its own history and hidden truths. Watching Netta navigate loyalty, identity, and trust made the story feel emotionally grounded even as the magic grew darker and more intricate.

Andrea Eames executes this beautifully, weaving together whimsy, tension, and heartfelt character dynamics. If you enjoy fairytale retellings with a darker edge, layered worldbuilding, and plenty of personality, this is definitely one to pick up.

[Janey Beljaars · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starting this book, I only knew it was a Rapunzel retelling and had no idea what else to expect. I ended up positively surprised and couldn't put this book down.

The story follows Netta, who has spent her entire life in a tower with her mother. When she comes to her senses, two strange men are in the tower, her mother is gone, and she has no memory of how any of it happened. With no choice but to run, she sets out into the world to piece together what happened. Along the way she discovers both her own magic and the world she has been kept from. The magic system is built around bones, hair, teeth, and nails. This felt genuinely fresh to me, something I hadn't seen before. Because of the world building, it immediately felt familiar.

One detail I particularly loved: Netta is an avid embroiderer, and each chapter opens with the description of a specific embroidery stitch that frames what is about to happen. As someone who enjoys embroidery myself, this was a really charming touch that made the book feel even more personal to me.

I enjoyed this from beginning to end. If you are looking for a fantasy retelling with a unique magic system, a compelling mystery, and a protagonist finding her place in the world, this book is a great pick.

Thank you Netgalley and the author for this advanced reader copy!

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read an eARC of this book on NetGalley so thank you to the author and the publisher.

I loved this author’s previous book so I was excited to see what they would do next. This is a Rapunzel retelling with magical hair (of course) as well as sewing and book binding as key focuses within the magic of this book.

This did take me a while to get into. The book starts with the main character trapped in a recognisable tower, before seeing her rescue herself and strike out in search of answers. It took me until about a third of the way through the book before it clicked for me. But I was highly engaged for the last two thirds of the book, particularly once we had greater sight of the villain.

There’s some key themes around manipulation in this story. The main character is regarded by most characters as how they can use her to get what they want and this is frustrating for her. She’s largely not seen as a person, just an asset that people seek to exploit for their own ends. It’s quite sad to see, particularly given how sheltered her life had been in the tower and how challenging it is for her when being confronted with manipulative people with no time to talk through or think through what she needs to know. This isn’t just exclusive to the villains, but even comes up with the characters who believe they are trying to help her.

An interesting take on Rapunzel and exploration of autonomy.

[Faye Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the categorisation on NetGalley as a Romance as well as General Fiction (Adult) and Sci Fi & Fantasy is probably what led me astray with my expectations for A Tangled Magic. If it's a standalone book, then it doesn't have a HEA or even a HFN, so I definitely think that the Romance categorisation is inaccurate. If it is meant to be the first in a series then it could have been better described in the blurb and on the listing on Goodreads, for example. Even if that is the case, right now the Romance categorisation is still a stretch, even with the possibility of a romance developing in potential future books. After I finished the book, I did see that the Romance category is missing from the Goodreads listing, so perhaps it was just added incorrectly to the NetGalley listing, but regardless, it definitely meant that the book didn't deliver what I was expecting. 

Also related to categorisation, I think that a YA categorisation fits A Tangled Magic better than an Adult one, due to the content generally and the personality of the main character, Netta. 

Overall, I'm genuinely not sure what to make of this one! Most of the early ARC reviews are 5 or 4 stars so it does seem I'm in the minority here. 

Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley but this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Bookish Emili Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Tangled Magic is a charming, imaginative fantasy with a cozy yet adventurous feel that made it an easy book to sink into. Andrea Eames blends whimsy, mystery, and heart in a way that feels both comforting and quietly compelling, with a story that unfolds like a well-loved fairytale with a twist.
The magic system and worldbuilding are thoughtfully done, offering just enough detail to feel immersive without becoming overwhelming. I especially enjoyed the sense of curiosity and wonder threaded throughout the story—the kind that invites you to slow down and savor the journey. The characters are endearing and imperfect, and their emotional growth feels natural as the plot progresses.
The pacing, while generally smooth, did lag slightly in parts where the story lingered on quieter moments a bit longer than necessary. While those scenes added depth and atmosphere, they occasionally slowed the momentum more than I would have liked. Still, the payoff and overall tone made it worth it.
Overall, A Tangled Magic is a delightful read for fans of cozy fantasy, gentle intrigue, and character‑driven storytelling. It’s a comforting yet clever story with a magical spark, and I’d happily pick up more from Andrea Eames in the future.

[Dawn aka wolfinbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

“But the thing about a kiss is that, when you’ve done it once, the possibility of another one is always hovering between you.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I wish I could give this more than five stars! Preorder this now!!! I am because I need a physical copy! In the meantime pick up A Harvest of Hearts because it’s just as awesome as this!!! Andrea Eames is a phenomenal author!! I’m already pleading for a sequel to this!

Netta’s home is invaded, she has amnesia, and her mother is missing! She is determined to find her mother so she sets off on journey to do so. Many dangers await her and she must learn whom she can trust. Netta must also uncover truths about herself which is never an easy undertaking.
How could I not love a character with long, red magical hair and a telepathic raven as a companion!!:) Bonus her gift of embroidery, which was beautifully portrayed (ok that could of been knitting/crochet lol) Loved this book so much! A classic that you’ll grab off your shelf for comfort and smiles!

Thank you Andrea Eames, @NetGalley, and Kensington Publishing for the complimentary ARC. Review is based on my thoughts and opinions.
ARC/Release date:July 28,2026