What do you think?
Rate this book
Fix-It Witches #5
The Hocus Pocus Handbook
Not yet published
Expected 1 Sep 26For readers of The House in the Cerulean Sea comes a fantastical story of found family, love, and acceptance from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Ann Aguirre.
Thea Winter has been stolen. She's the other side of the changeling story, and she's been raised by a hobgoblin named Mudge, who taught her wildcraft, how to know when the coin-sith would attack and how to get one to show its belly. Unfortunately, Mudge didn't teach Thea how to stay out of trouble. Which is why she's facing an unwanted marriage of convenience.
Or would be, but her spouse bolted. Now she has to hunt down Devan J. Fenelon, but she's been saddled with a taciturn, humorless hunter known as Winter's Hound. He answers only to his cousin, and she's not looking forward to this quest at all.
Kerboros has never known freedom. His life is an endless series of ceaseless commands from his reprehensible cousin, Lord Liskaal. Since his father's failed rebellion, Kerboros has been permitted to survive only as an example to others, an object lesson as to how far one may fall. Certainly, he has his own hidden dreams and secret schemes, but they're not what anyone would expect. What he wants most, he will most likely never attain.
But then, he receives his next assignment. Escort Thea Winter, protect her during the search. And it's a glorious torment to travel with her.
She is sunshine. He is shadow.
Their love is forbidden, but when irresistible force sweeps up an immovable object, the resulting reaction might be magical…
Thea Winter has been stolen. She's the other side of the changeling story, and she's been raised by a hobgoblin named Mudge, who taught her wildcraft, how to know when the coin-sith would attack and how to get one to show its belly. Unfortunately, Mudge didn't teach Thea how to stay out of trouble. Which is why she's facing an unwanted marriage of convenience.
Or would be, but her spouse bolted. Now she has to hunt down Devan J. Fenelon, but she's been saddled with a taciturn, humorless hunter known as Winter's Hound. He answers only to his cousin, and she's not looking forward to this quest at all.
Kerboros has never known freedom. His life is an endless series of ceaseless commands from his reprehensible cousin, Lord Liskaal. Since his father's failed rebellion, Kerboros has been permitted to survive only as an example to others, an object lesson as to how far one may fall. Certainly, he has his own hidden dreams and secret schemes, but they're not what anyone would expect. What he wants most, he will most likely never attain.
But then, he receives his next assignment. Escort Thea Winter, protect her during the search. And it's a glorious torment to travel with her.
She is sunshine. He is shadow.
Their love is forbidden, but when irresistible force sweeps up an immovable object, the resulting reaction might be magical…
352 pages, Paperback
Expected publication September 1, 2026
About the author
Ann Aguirre
82 books7,116 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Ann Aguirre has been a clown, a clerk, a savior of stray kittens, and a voice actress, not necessarily in that order. She grew up in a yellow house across from a cornfield, but now she lives in Mexico with her family. She writes all kinds of genre fiction, but she has an eternal soft spot for a happily ever after.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Did Not Finish
June 29, 2026*Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
DNF @ 28%.
I just couldn't get into this. I really made myself stick it out for longer than I should have. I didn't care at all about either of the main characters. It took so long to get into the main plotline. Also each chapter starts with a little thing (a spell and explanation for Thea and a description of a carving for Kerboros) and after the first couple I just skipped them. They were boring, and some of the ones for Thea's chapters were more than a page long.
DNF @ 28%.
I just couldn't get into this. I really made myself stick it out for longer than I should have. I didn't care at all about either of the main characters. It took so long to get into the main plotline. Also each chapter starts with a little thing (a spell and explanation for Thea and a description of a carving for Kerboros) and after the first couple I just skipped them. They were boring, and some of the ones for Thea's chapters were more than a page long.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Hocus Pocus Handbook is a cute cozy fantasy by Ann McGuire. This is my second book by the author and a departure from the other books, as it is set in the land of Faery rather than our modern world. Our story follows Thea, a changeling living in the faerie lands, and Kerboros, a fae conscripted to work under the king of the winter court as a hunter. Thea is forced into marriage to achieve an alliance, except that the groom has gone missing. Thea and Kerboros must go through the wilds to find the groom, making friends and falling in love along the way.
I love a cozy fantasy, and this book had a lot of things that worked in that regard. The story fits more into the faerie fantasy of an old fairy tale, like the popular Emily Wilde series, with cold, deceiving fae and higher stakes. There are instances when our characters are in real danger, which works in a fairy tale, and the interpersonal stakes are interesting.
The setting in this story is imaginative and detailed, with excellent world building given to both the environment and the politics of Faery. However, the world building never feels overpowering, and does not distract from the plot of the story. The world felt whimsical and dangerous and engaging.
The romance in the story was cute, but I think it needed to be fleshed out a little more. The story has Kerboros start the story romantically interested in Thea, but I felt that he was in love with the idea of her, rather than her reality, given that they had spent no time together before the start of our story. Thea, on the other hand, moves from a casual passing interest into a deep connection very quickly, which felt a little rushed. Our characters needed more time to deepen their relationship and build their attraction, showing us the interest they have in one another long-term. There also wasn’t a clear third act relationship conflict, which makes me question their ability to withstand tension.
Each chapter opens up with a detailed forward, either a description of a wood carving (for Kerboros) or a magical spell (for Thea). I would have preferred both be significantly shorter. They took away from the plot, prioritized relationships other than our couple, and often had no influence on the plot itself. The story could have used those pages to build the couple’s relationship and deepen their connection. I understand what the author was trying to do, but I don’t think the book would be any different if you removed every one of those sections.
A small note: there’s a prophesy that our main character is given early in the story which she promptly forgets. She needs to go to her father’s abode to find someone. The story never addresses this again, which felt like a plot hole. She does find someone as the story goes on, which is well done, but she does not find them at her father’s house. I wasn’t sure if it was just mislabeled or if the story forgot about it.
I enjoyed myself when reading this book, and I thought there were a lot of fun moments in our story. I think the setting was imaginative and detailed and interesting, and I hope the author continues stories in this world.
Thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca, Ann Aguirre and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy!
I love a cozy fantasy, and this book had a lot of things that worked in that regard. The story fits more into the faerie fantasy of an old fairy tale, like the popular Emily Wilde series, with cold, deceiving fae and higher stakes. There are instances when our characters are in real danger, which works in a fairy tale, and the interpersonal stakes are interesting.
The setting in this story is imaginative and detailed, with excellent world building given to both the environment and the politics of Faery. However, the world building never feels overpowering, and does not distract from the plot of the story. The world felt whimsical and dangerous and engaging.
The romance in the story was cute, but I think it needed to be fleshed out a little more. The story has Kerboros start the story romantically interested in Thea, but I felt that he was in love with the idea of her, rather than her reality, given that they had spent no time together before the start of our story. Thea, on the other hand, moves from a casual passing interest into a deep connection very quickly, which felt a little rushed. Our characters needed more time to deepen their relationship and build their attraction, showing us the interest they have in one another long-term. There also wasn’t a clear third act relationship conflict, which makes me question their ability to withstand tension.
Each chapter opens up with a detailed forward, either a description of a wood carving (for Kerboros) or a magical spell (for Thea). I would have preferred both be significantly shorter. They took away from the plot, prioritized relationships other than our couple, and often had no influence on the plot itself. The story could have used those pages to build the couple’s relationship and deepen their connection. I understand what the author was trying to do, but I don’t think the book would be any different if you removed every one of those sections.
A small note: there’s a prophesy that our main character is given early in the story which she promptly forgets. She needs to go to her father’s abode to find someone. The story never addresses this again, which felt like a plot hole. She does find someone as the story goes on, which is well done, but she does not find them at her father’s house. I wasn’t sure if it was just mislabeled or if the story forgot about it.
I enjoyed myself when reading this book, and I thought there were a lot of fun moments in our story. I think the setting was imaginative and detailed and interesting, and I hope the author continues stories in this world.
Thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca, Ann Aguirre and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 Stars- This was such a great story. There were so many great aspects to the novel. There was romance, magic, mystery, action, adventure, twists, and wonderful characters.
Thea is a changeling. She is a mortal who is living in the fae realm although she does posses magic and can take away people's anger. She was unwanted by her fae parents because they just wanted their original daughter back. However, Thea has lived too long in the Fae realm and would die if she went back to the mortal realm. Luckily, she has been raised by a hobgoblin named Mudge who has become her adopted father. Thea is known as an outcast and has caused lots of chaos in the realm. She is tolerated because of her abilities and connections. However she does something the winter lords does not like and now as punishment she is being forced to marry someone from the summer realm. If she doesn't her father will be hurt and she will be banished to the mortal realm for a slow death. The only problem is she must find her husband first as he has gone missing. To help her she must work with Kerboros. He is also forced to work for the winter lords as punishment for his father trying to become king. Kerboros admires and respects Thea but wants desperately to be free from his bondage to the winter court. Together Thea and Kerboros must work together to complete this quest but along the way they discover so much more about themselves and what they really want out of life.
There was so much I enjoyed about this story. First of all at the beginning of each chapter is advice from Mudge to Thea in the form of a spell that is suppose to help guide her. Hence the name, The Hocus Pocus Handbook. I really enjoyed these sections as they gave great hints as to what each chapter will be about. The story also alternated between Thea and Kerboros's perspectives. I always find when I am reading romance that I love knowing what each main character is thinking. The other thing I loved was just the overall premise. I love reading about the Fae world and the fact that Thea was the mortal in the Fae realm was a great twist. I loved her personality and her spirit. She was definitely a character I could get behind. Kerboros was also a character I was rooting for. I liked the idea of the quest and the fact that they had different trials and tribulations along the way. They met other interesting characters that kept me engaged with the story the entire time.
Even though this book is part of a series you don't have to read the other books to understand this one. It could definitely be ready as a standalone. I had read the first one in the series but this book was not really connected to that one. This was connected more to book 4 which I had not read. I will be going back to read that one because I really enjoyed this book.
If you want a book to brighten your day this is it. It's a cozy fantasy with adventure and romance. What more could you ask for?
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for this ARC.
Thea is a changeling. She is a mortal who is living in the fae realm although she does posses magic and can take away people's anger. She was unwanted by her fae parents because they just wanted their original daughter back. However, Thea has lived too long in the Fae realm and would die if she went back to the mortal realm. Luckily, she has been raised by a hobgoblin named Mudge who has become her adopted father. Thea is known as an outcast and has caused lots of chaos in the realm. She is tolerated because of her abilities and connections. However she does something the winter lords does not like and now as punishment she is being forced to marry someone from the summer realm. If she doesn't her father will be hurt and she will be banished to the mortal realm for a slow death. The only problem is she must find her husband first as he has gone missing. To help her she must work with Kerboros. He is also forced to work for the winter lords as punishment for his father trying to become king. Kerboros admires and respects Thea but wants desperately to be free from his bondage to the winter court. Together Thea and Kerboros must work together to complete this quest but along the way they discover so much more about themselves and what they really want out of life.
There was so much I enjoyed about this story. First of all at the beginning of each chapter is advice from Mudge to Thea in the form of a spell that is suppose to help guide her. Hence the name, The Hocus Pocus Handbook. I really enjoyed these sections as they gave great hints as to what each chapter will be about. The story also alternated between Thea and Kerboros's perspectives. I always find when I am reading romance that I love knowing what each main character is thinking. The other thing I loved was just the overall premise. I love reading about the Fae world and the fact that Thea was the mortal in the Fae realm was a great twist. I loved her personality and her spirit. She was definitely a character I could get behind. Kerboros was also a character I was rooting for. I liked the idea of the quest and the fact that they had different trials and tribulations along the way. They met other interesting characters that kept me engaged with the story the entire time.
Even though this book is part of a series you don't have to read the other books to understand this one. It could definitely be ready as a standalone. I had read the first one in the series but this book was not really connected to that one. This was connected more to book 4 which I had not read. I will be going back to read that one because I really enjoyed this book.
If you want a book to brighten your day this is it. It's a cozy fantasy with adventure and romance. What more could you ask for?
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thea is a human changeling who has lived in the Winter Court of the fae for all her life. She has her own unique magic, and since she’s lived so long in fae realm, she can never go back to human world again. She’s passionate about protecting the wild fae, which gets her in trouble with the Winter Court. After the latest escapade, they force her to marry a person from the Summer Court. But at the night of the ceremony, the entire Summer delegation vanishes.
Kerboros is the hound of the Winter Court, with a secret ability that allows him to track anyone. But even he can’t find where the Summer delegation disappeared to. Winter Lord sends him and Thea to find them, or face a great punishment. Out of options, they set into the wilderness to do so. It’s not an easy journey, during which they learn a lot about each other. And, obviously, fall in love. But Thea is already married.
This was a good cozy fantasy romance. It has a good balance of cozy and a bit grim, and never becomes saccharine. Thea is a good and competent heroine, not a simpering fool fumbling around for laughs, and she has some personal issues that add to her character. Kerboros is perfectly grumpy, and has genuine trauma to go through, justifying his grumpiness. The fae are a bit cruel, but not overly so. Stakes are suitably high, but not nail-biting, and the romance has time to build. The story was a pleasant way to spend a couple of evenings.
I had some issues though, mostly personal preferences that aren’t necessarily what other readers would find faults. Firstly, I don’t like when the romance has started before the book begins, which we learn already at the beginning, even if it’s only one-sided, like in this case. I like to be there for the whole ride. Secondly, I don’t like that it’s the grumpy one who has already caught the feelings. It robs the reader of a chance to watch him change because of love—though there’s some of that too.
Worldbuilding, for most part, was a good combination of fae lore and author’s own additions, and it worked well. There were a couple of things that took me off the world though. The name of the hero, Kerboros, was unfortunate, more so because he was apparently named after Kerberos from the Greek myths. Why would the fae care? Especially since they likely outdate the myths. Similarly, Thea compared a garden to that of Bible’s Paradise, which … I don’t even know why the author would do that instead of coming up with something of her own.
And the spells at the beginning of every chapter didn’t really add anything to my reading experience and I started skipping them. They were needlessly long, and unnecessary for the story. Maybe they could’ve been extras at the end of the book or something. These are small things, but they marred my enjoyment a little.
All in all, a good, but not memorable read. It’s book five in the Fix-It Witches series, but can perfectly well be read as a stand-alone.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Kerboros is the hound of the Winter Court, with a secret ability that allows him to track anyone. But even he can’t find where the Summer delegation disappeared to. Winter Lord sends him and Thea to find them, or face a great punishment. Out of options, they set into the wilderness to do so. It’s not an easy journey, during which they learn a lot about each other. And, obviously, fall in love. But Thea is already married.
This was a good cozy fantasy romance. It has a good balance of cozy and a bit grim, and never becomes saccharine. Thea is a good and competent heroine, not a simpering fool fumbling around for laughs, and she has some personal issues that add to her character. Kerboros is perfectly grumpy, and has genuine trauma to go through, justifying his grumpiness. The fae are a bit cruel, but not overly so. Stakes are suitably high, but not nail-biting, and the romance has time to build. The story was a pleasant way to spend a couple of evenings.
I had some issues though, mostly personal preferences that aren’t necessarily what other readers would find faults. Firstly, I don’t like when the romance has started before the book begins, which we learn already at the beginning, even if it’s only one-sided, like in this case. I like to be there for the whole ride. Secondly, I don’t like that it’s the grumpy one who has already caught the feelings. It robs the reader of a chance to watch him change because of love—though there’s some of that too.
Worldbuilding, for most part, was a good combination of fae lore and author’s own additions, and it worked well. There were a couple of things that took me off the world though. The name of the hero, Kerboros, was unfortunate, more so because he was apparently named after Kerberos from the Greek myths. Why would the fae care? Especially since they likely outdate the myths. Similarly, Thea compared a garden to that of Bible’s Paradise, which … I don’t even know why the author would do that instead of coming up with something of her own.
And the spells at the beginning of every chapter didn’t really add anything to my reading experience and I started skipping them. They were needlessly long, and unnecessary for the story. Maybe they could’ve been extras at the end of the book or something. These are small things, but they marred my enjoyment a little.
All in all, a good, but not memorable read. It’s book five in the Fix-It Witches series, but can perfectly well be read as a stand-alone.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Hocus Pocus Handbook seemed witchy and magical from the blurb with a very lovely cover (all my favorite ingredients), but I very sadly did not enjoy this book at all. It was a real struggle to get through this, and I would have DNFed if it wasn't an arc.
We get dual POV with this book which means two tries for the reader to connect with a main character, and I really couldn't muster must investment in either of their perspectives. The FMC does not have much personality other than vaguely nice and loyal, though I do like that she was protective of all kinds of creatures. The MMC is supposed to be dark and twisty and grumpy but warms very very quickly. The side characters were not at all memorable to me, though I appreciate that this was a queernormative world. The relationship between the FMC and MMC was tepid and extremely and startlingly quick to intense and serious. I was irritated by the end with how fast their relationship was supposed to have developed, even with the MMC already inexplicably being in love with her from the beginning. There is an attempt at a grumpy/sunshine enemies-to-lovers here, but I think it really missed the mark.
The plot was slow and didn't really make much sense to me, or at least some story points were left at loose ends. I truly try to consider each book on its own merits with minimal comparison, but especially with the oversaturation in the cozy fantasy genre, the writing really felt like it lacked craft amongst its peers. There was so much tell and very little show, and even when there was a bit of show, a character said some dialogue or inner monologue to tell the show. I am not very strict with non-modern dialogue and don't expect characters in this genre to speak in ye olde vaguely medieval English, but the dialogue was so wooden and unbelievable and casual. Also, each chapter began with a magical recipe epigraph and I quickly started skipping these because I didn't find them interesting to read and they seemed to add nothing to the plot.
It was not at all clear to me that this book was part of a series, and it might have helped me appreciate this story better if I had read the previous four in this series. I haven't read from this author before and this author looks fairly prolific, so you might like this if you've liked other books from the author.
Thank you, Sourcebooks Casablanca, for the arc!
We get dual POV with this book which means two tries for the reader to connect with a main character, and I really couldn't muster must investment in either of their perspectives. The FMC does not have much personality other than vaguely nice and loyal, though I do like that she was protective of all kinds of creatures. The MMC is supposed to be dark and twisty and grumpy but warms very very quickly. The side characters were not at all memorable to me, though I appreciate that this was a queernormative world. The relationship between the FMC and MMC was tepid and extremely and startlingly quick to intense and serious. I was irritated by the end with how fast their relationship was supposed to have developed, even with the MMC already inexplicably being in love with her from the beginning. There is an attempt at a grumpy/sunshine enemies-to-lovers here, but I think it really missed the mark.
The plot was slow and didn't really make much sense to me, or at least some story points were left at loose ends. I truly try to consider each book on its own merits with minimal comparison, but especially with the oversaturation in the cozy fantasy genre, the writing really felt like it lacked craft amongst its peers. There was so much tell and very little show, and even when there was a bit of show, a character said some dialogue or inner monologue to tell the show. I am not very strict with non-modern dialogue and don't expect characters in this genre to speak in ye olde vaguely medieval English, but the dialogue was so wooden and unbelievable and casual. Also, each chapter began with a magical recipe epigraph and I quickly started skipping these because I didn't find them interesting to read and they seemed to add nothing to the plot.
It was not at all clear to me that this book was part of a series, and it might have helped me appreciate this story better if I had read the previous four in this series. I haven't read from this author before and this author looks fairly prolific, so you might like this if you've liked other books from the author.
Thank you, Sourcebooks Casablanca, for the arc!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Hocus Pocus Handbook • Ann Aguirre
Fix-It Witches #5
One phrase: sunshine changeling meets shadow hound ✨🖤
A cozy fantasy with found family, forbidden love, wildcraft, changelings, hobgoblins, and a sunshine x shadow romance?
Say less.
The Hocus Pocus Handbook follows Thea Winter, the other side of the changeling story. She was stolen and raised by a hobgoblin named Mudge, who taught her wildcraft, survival, and how to handle magical creatures.
What he apparently did not teach her?
How to stay out of trouble.
Now Thea is facing an unwanted marriage of convenience, except her would be spouse has bolted. So she has to hunt him down, and unfortunately for her, she is not going alone.
Enter Kerboros, also known as Winter’s Hound.
He is taciturn, humorless, bound by duty, and has never really known freedom. His life has been shaped by commands, punishment, and the cruelty of his cousin. He has hidden dreams and secret schemes, but the thing he wants most feels impossible.
Then he is ordered to escort and protect Thea.
And traveling with her becomes a glorious torment.
She is sunshine. He is shadow.
I love the sound of this one so much. Cozy fantasy with a darker emotional edge, magical quests, reluctant companions, forbidden romance, and two people who seem like total opposites but might be exactly what the other needs.
It sounds soft, whimsical, romantic, and full of that found family warmth Ann Aguirre does so well.
✨ Tropes and vibes:
✨ cozy fantasy
🖤 sunshine x shadow
🧚 changeling story
🌿 wildcraft magic
💍 unwanted marriage of convenience
🐺 protective escort
🗺 magical quest
💞 forbidden love
🏡 found family
😤 grumpy protector
🌙 hidden dreams
🪄 whimsical magic
📚 Read this if you like:
Cozy fantasy romance, found family, magical quests, changelings, grumpy protectors, sunshine heroines, forbidden love, reluctant travel companions, and stories where love and acceptance feel like their own kind of spell.
This sounds magical, tender, whimsical, and like the perfect cozy fantasy escape.
#TheHocusPocusHandbook #AnnAguirre #CozyFantasy #FantasyRomance #BookReview
Fix-It Witches #5
One phrase: sunshine changeling meets shadow hound ✨🖤
A cozy fantasy with found family, forbidden love, wildcraft, changelings, hobgoblins, and a sunshine x shadow romance?
Say less.
The Hocus Pocus Handbook follows Thea Winter, the other side of the changeling story. She was stolen and raised by a hobgoblin named Mudge, who taught her wildcraft, survival, and how to handle magical creatures.
What he apparently did not teach her?
How to stay out of trouble.
Now Thea is facing an unwanted marriage of convenience, except her would be spouse has bolted. So she has to hunt him down, and unfortunately for her, she is not going alone.
Enter Kerboros, also known as Winter’s Hound.
He is taciturn, humorless, bound by duty, and has never really known freedom. His life has been shaped by commands, punishment, and the cruelty of his cousin. He has hidden dreams and secret schemes, but the thing he wants most feels impossible.
Then he is ordered to escort and protect Thea.
And traveling with her becomes a glorious torment.
She is sunshine. He is shadow.
I love the sound of this one so much. Cozy fantasy with a darker emotional edge, magical quests, reluctant companions, forbidden romance, and two people who seem like total opposites but might be exactly what the other needs.
It sounds soft, whimsical, romantic, and full of that found family warmth Ann Aguirre does so well.
✨ Tropes and vibes:
✨ cozy fantasy
🖤 sunshine x shadow
🧚 changeling story
🌿 wildcraft magic
💍 unwanted marriage of convenience
🐺 protective escort
🗺 magical quest
💞 forbidden love
🏡 found family
😤 grumpy protector
🌙 hidden dreams
🪄 whimsical magic
📚 Read this if you like:
Cozy fantasy romance, found family, magical quests, changelings, grumpy protectors, sunshine heroines, forbidden love, reluctant travel companions, and stories where love and acceptance feel like their own kind of spell.
This sounds magical, tender, whimsical, and like the perfect cozy fantasy escape.
#TheHocusPocusHandbook #AnnAguirre #CozyFantasy #FantasyRomance #BookReview
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Hocus Pocus Handbook by Anne Aguirre
Anne Aguirre delivers a spellbinding fantasy that balances chaotic magic with emotional heart. Centered on Thea, a mortal changeling raised in the chilling world of the High Fae, the story captures the feeling of being an outsider caught between wild instincts and rigid court expectations. Stolen as an infant and brought up by Mudge, a hobgoblin who serves as her deeply devoted father, Thea is pure chaos embodied. Rather than navigating the cold intrigue of the Winter House castle, she longs for the freedom of the wildlands. One of the absolute highlights of the novel is the tender dynamic between Thea and Mudge; the guide of spells and life lessons he creates for her adds a poignant layer of warmth that anchors the entire narrative.
The story shifts directly into high gear when Thea’s rebellious nature leads her to free a group of captive Pookas, drawing the ire of the court. She is found and brought by Kerboros, to his cousin, the cold, self-serving ruler Lord Liskaal, for punishment. Only then does she realize that she has become but a pawn in the politics between the great houses.
Beyond the core plot, Aguirre excels at crafting a rich ensemble cast. A multitude of secondary characters step into the spotlight, each playing surprising and pivotal roles in unraveling the central mystery and fueling the romantic tension. Chief among them is the unknowable Zeph, whose presence and enigmatic motives keep the reader guessing and influence key turning points throughout the book.
At its core, The Hocus Pocus Handbook is a profound celebration of found family. The relationship between Mudge and Thea is sweet. I haven’t read a book that highlighted the relationship between a father and daughter that was so poignant in awhile, and it was refreshing. It highlights how the bonds of love, trust, and friendship are forged not by bloodline, but by choice and shared loyalty. With vividly textured world-building that blends court politics with raw, untamed magic, Aguirre has crafted a brilliant, heart infused, and delightfully chaotic read that will resonate deeply with fans of immersive Fae fantasy.Five stars.
Anne Aguirre delivers a spellbinding fantasy that balances chaotic magic with emotional heart. Centered on Thea, a mortal changeling raised in the chilling world of the High Fae, the story captures the feeling of being an outsider caught between wild instincts and rigid court expectations. Stolen as an infant and brought up by Mudge, a hobgoblin who serves as her deeply devoted father, Thea is pure chaos embodied. Rather than navigating the cold intrigue of the Winter House castle, she longs for the freedom of the wildlands. One of the absolute highlights of the novel is the tender dynamic between Thea and Mudge; the guide of spells and life lessons he creates for her adds a poignant layer of warmth that anchors the entire narrative.
The story shifts directly into high gear when Thea’s rebellious nature leads her to free a group of captive Pookas, drawing the ire of the court. She is found and brought by Kerboros, to his cousin, the cold, self-serving ruler Lord Liskaal, for punishment. Only then does she realize that she has become but a pawn in the politics between the great houses.
Beyond the core plot, Aguirre excels at crafting a rich ensemble cast. A multitude of secondary characters step into the spotlight, each playing surprising and pivotal roles in unraveling the central mystery and fueling the romantic tension. Chief among them is the unknowable Zeph, whose presence and enigmatic motives keep the reader guessing and influence key turning points throughout the book.
At its core, The Hocus Pocus Handbook is a profound celebration of found family. The relationship between Mudge and Thea is sweet. I haven’t read a book that highlighted the relationship between a father and daughter that was so poignant in awhile, and it was refreshing. It highlights how the bonds of love, trust, and friendship are forged not by bloodline, but by choice and shared loyalty. With vividly textured world-building that blends court politics with raw, untamed magic, Aguirre has crafted a brilliant, heart infused, and delightfully chaotic read that will resonate deeply with fans of immersive Fae fantasy.Five stars.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I did enjoy this book, but I finished it wishing there had been just... a little bit more.
The world was so imaginative, and I loved all the folklore-inspired magic, magical creatures, and the overall whimsical atmosphere. It felt like there was so much to explore, and I honestly could have spent another couple of hundred pages in this world.
Thea was such a fun character to follow. She's impulsive, stubborn, and has this chaotic energy that I loved. And then there's Kerboros... excuse me while I add another broody, emotionally repressed fictional man to my ever-growing list. He acts like he doesn't have feelings, but every little thing he does for Thea says otherwise. Watching him slowly open up absolutely melted me. Give me a grumpy man who's secretly the softest person alive, and I'll eat it up every single time.
I think my biggest issue was that I wanted more from their relationship. The chemistry was there, and I loved the moments they shared, but I wanted more conversations, more vulnerability, and more time to really sit with their growing feelings. I was completely invested in them, which is probably why I was left wanting more by the end. And it is also somewhat closed door spice.
The pacing also felt a little quick in places. There were moments that I thought could have been expanded on because they had so much emotional potential. Instead of feeling completely satisfied when I finished, I was left thinking, "That's it?" Not because I didn't enjoy it, but because I wasn't quite ready to leave these characters behind.
Overall, this was still such an enjoyable read. It has a charming magical world, lovable characters, and a romance that I genuinely wanted to see succeed. I just wish it had dug a little deeper into both the romance and the world-building. Even so, I'm really glad I picked it up, and I'd happily read more stories set in this world.
I did enjoy this book, but I finished it wishing there had been just... a little bit more.
The world was so imaginative, and I loved all the folklore-inspired magic, magical creatures, and the overall whimsical atmosphere. It felt like there was so much to explore, and I honestly could have spent another couple of hundred pages in this world.
Thea was such a fun character to follow. She's impulsive, stubborn, and has this chaotic energy that I loved. And then there's Kerboros... excuse me while I add another broody, emotionally repressed fictional man to my ever-growing list. He acts like he doesn't have feelings, but every little thing he does for Thea says otherwise. Watching him slowly open up absolutely melted me. Give me a grumpy man who's secretly the softest person alive, and I'll eat it up every single time.
I think my biggest issue was that I wanted more from their relationship. The chemistry was there, and I loved the moments they shared, but I wanted more conversations, more vulnerability, and more time to really sit with their growing feelings. I was completely invested in them, which is probably why I was left wanting more by the end. And it is also somewhat closed door spice.
The pacing also felt a little quick in places. There were moments that I thought could have been expanded on because they had so much emotional potential. Instead of feeling completely satisfied when I finished, I was left thinking, "That's it?" Not because I didn't enjoy it, but because I wasn't quite ready to leave these characters behind.
Overall, this was still such an enjoyable read. It has a charming magical world, lovable characters, and a romance that I genuinely wanted to see succeed. I just wish it had dug a little deeper into both the romance and the world-building. Even so, I'm really glad I picked it up, and I'd happily read more stories set in this world.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thea Winter is a human changeling who was stolen from the mortal world at birth raised in the fae wildlands, shaped by both mortal origins and a lifetime among magical beings. She is independent, impulsive, and has a strong desire to protect the wild fae, which often places her at odds with the Winter Court. After Thea is forced into a political marriage meant to serve the interests of the Winter Court, only for the intended spouse and the Summer delegation to disappear. She is sent into the wilderness with Kerboros, the Winter Court’s hunter, to locate the missing party and avoid punishment from those in power.
Kerboros is Thea’s opposite, he thrives on restraint, duty, and is driven by the consequences of his family’s failed rebellion. Together, they fit a grumpy-and-sunshine dynamic, with Thea bringing warmth and chaos while Kerboros carries trauma, loyalty, and hidden vulnerability. Their journey moves through fae politics, magical dangers, folklore-inspired settings, and encounters with other creatures, while also building the foundation for a forbidden romance complicated by obligation, court expectations, and Thea’s unresolved marriage.
This was a cozy fantasy romance with an imaginative fae world, a clear magical atmosphere, and a central pairing that had the right ingredients for an appealing opposites-attract story. I appreciated the folklore elements and the way the book tried to balance whimsy with darker court politics, but the romance did not fully work for me. While there were charming pieces throughout, I wanted more depth from the romantic progression and a stronger connection to the characters that the first-person narrative failed to give me. So, while it wasn’t a hit for me, I am sure there are readers who would enjoy this story.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for a DRC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *
Kerboros is Thea’s opposite, he thrives on restraint, duty, and is driven by the consequences of his family’s failed rebellion. Together, they fit a grumpy-and-sunshine dynamic, with Thea bringing warmth and chaos while Kerboros carries trauma, loyalty, and hidden vulnerability. Their journey moves through fae politics, magical dangers, folklore-inspired settings, and encounters with other creatures, while also building the foundation for a forbidden romance complicated by obligation, court expectations, and Thea’s unresolved marriage.
This was a cozy fantasy romance with an imaginative fae world, a clear magical atmosphere, and a central pairing that had the right ingredients for an appealing opposites-attract story. I appreciated the folklore elements and the way the book tried to balance whimsy with darker court politics, but the romance did not fully work for me. While there were charming pieces throughout, I wanted more depth from the romantic progression and a stronger connection to the characters that the first-person narrative failed to give me. So, while it wasn’t a hit for me, I am sure there are readers who would enjoy this story.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for a DRC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thea de Winter is a changeling, stolen from the mortal world and raised by a hobgoblin named Mudge. She loves to cause trouble and does so during peace talks between the Winter and Summer Courts. As punishment, because she usually gets caught, she is forced to marry someone from the Summer Court. When her spouse vanishes, she is sent out to find him with the best Hunter the Winter Court has, Kerboros.
This was a pretty delightful read, it's not the best cozy fantasy I ever read but I liked it. I really liked how this book has a quite classic portrayal of the fae, the cunning, tricksy type. That gave it a real otherworldly feel.
Every chapter starts with either an excerpt from the Hocus Pocus Handbook, written by Mudge for Thea. Or with a description of a wood carving made by Kerboros, for his chapters. On the one hand I enjoyed them, you could feel the love Mudge has for his daughter. But they were quite long and tended to take me out of the story a bit. At first I struggled to see their relevance to the chapter I was reading, but that got better as the book continued.
The two main characters have a grumpy vs sunshine dynamic going on. I felt their relationship develop perhaps a bit too fast. I know Kerboros always had a weak spot for Thea. But Thea does not like him at all and that changed really fast into wanting him. I just really like a slow burn I guess.
The pacing is a bit uneven. It's slow at first, but towards the last quarter things start moving a lot faster and I wanted it to slow down. Things started to feel rushed and left unexplained. For instance the moment where Thea's sister suddenly appears and explains how they are psychic vampires, I wanted to learn much more about that.
So overall I enjoyed it, it's not brilliant but it is definitely an ok book. This is probably a good book for you if you enjoyed Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Faeries.
This was a pretty delightful read, it's not the best cozy fantasy I ever read but I liked it. I really liked how this book has a quite classic portrayal of the fae, the cunning, tricksy type. That gave it a real otherworldly feel.
Every chapter starts with either an excerpt from the Hocus Pocus Handbook, written by Mudge for Thea. Or with a description of a wood carving made by Kerboros, for his chapters. On the one hand I enjoyed them, you could feel the love Mudge has for his daughter. But they were quite long and tended to take me out of the story a bit. At first I struggled to see their relevance to the chapter I was reading, but that got better as the book continued.
The two main characters have a grumpy vs sunshine dynamic going on. I felt their relationship develop perhaps a bit too fast. I know Kerboros always had a weak spot for Thea. But Thea does not like him at all and that changed really fast into wanting him. I just really like a slow burn I guess.
The pacing is a bit uneven. It's slow at first, but towards the last quarter things start moving a lot faster and I wanted it to slow down. Things started to feel rushed and left unexplained. For instance the moment where Thea's sister suddenly appears and explains how they are psychic vampires, I wanted to learn much more about that.
So overall I enjoyed it, it's not brilliant but it is definitely an ok book. This is probably a good book for you if you enjoyed Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Faeries.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
🚨 SPOILER ALERT: READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!
I am giving The Hocus Pocus Handbook by Ann Aguirre a honest 3-star review! ⭐⭐⭐
I didn't really get into it, as I found it rather slow-paced and couldn't quite connect to the fae and this supernatural kingdom—still, it makes for a fun, magical Halloween read! 🔮✨🍄
ARC Disclosure: A big thank you to NetGalley, publisher Sourcebooks Casablanca, and author Ann Aguirre for providing an early digital review copy (eARC) of this book! All thoughts, fanatical reactions, and honest reflections shared in this review are entirely my own.
The Review
The Hocus Pocus Handbook by Ann Aguirre brings a whimsical, magical world packed with fae lore, glowing fairies, and supernatural kingdom intrigue. While the overall premise holds a lot of enchantment, I’ll be totally transparent: I struggled to fully immerse myself in the story. I found the narrative quite slow-paced, and I couldn't really connect with the fae characters or the intricacies of their supernatural kingdom as deeply as I wanted to.
That being said, Ann Aguirre's writing still brings plenty of cozy, fantastical world-building to the table. The magical atmosphere, glowing whimsical details, and spooky-adjacent undertones make it a solid choice if you're looking for a lighthearted fantasy escape during the Halloween season!
The Good
The vibrant, magical world-building, glowing fairy atmosphere, cozy mushroom-house aesthetic, and whimsical supernatural elements!
The Not So Good
The slow pacing throughout the plot and a disconnect with the fae leads and supernatural kingdom dynamics.
I am giving The Hocus Pocus Handbook by Ann Aguirre a honest 3-star review! ⭐⭐⭐
I didn't really get into it, as I found it rather slow-paced and couldn't quite connect to the fae and this supernatural kingdom—still, it makes for a fun, magical Halloween read! 🔮✨🍄
ARC Disclosure: A big thank you to NetGalley, publisher Sourcebooks Casablanca, and author Ann Aguirre for providing an early digital review copy (eARC) of this book! All thoughts, fanatical reactions, and honest reflections shared in this review are entirely my own.
The Review
The Hocus Pocus Handbook by Ann Aguirre brings a whimsical, magical world packed with fae lore, glowing fairies, and supernatural kingdom intrigue. While the overall premise holds a lot of enchantment, I’ll be totally transparent: I struggled to fully immerse myself in the story. I found the narrative quite slow-paced, and I couldn't really connect with the fae characters or the intricacies of their supernatural kingdom as deeply as I wanted to.
That being said, Ann Aguirre's writing still brings plenty of cozy, fantastical world-building to the table. The magical atmosphere, glowing whimsical details, and spooky-adjacent undertones make it a solid choice if you're looking for a lighthearted fantasy escape during the Halloween season!
The Good
The vibrant, magical world-building, glowing fairy atmosphere, cozy mushroom-house aesthetic, and whimsical supernatural elements!
The Not So Good
The slow pacing throughout the plot and a disconnect with the fae leads and supernatural kingdom dynamics.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I have read a few of Ann’s books and I’ve loved every story (especially the Galactic Love series). This was no exception! I thought it was fantastic and a fun journey. My overall score: 4.5/5 (rounded up to 5 for Goodreads).
Several other reviewers note that they did not enjoy the chapter forwards (a spell from the FMC’s handbook or a description of the MMC’s artworks). I kind of agree. I really loved the forwards in the FMC’s POV chapters because we were able to experience the deep love her father has for her, but they were a bit too long. I sometimes forgot what was going on in the story and had to skip back to refresh my memory after reading the forward. However, I don’t think that the forwards for the MMC’s chapters were necessary and didn’t really add much to the story. I found myself wanting to skip over them by the end of the book.
I did not realize that this is part of the Fit-It-Witches when I started and it honestly feels like a very different world/series. To be fair, I’ve only read the first three and based on the fourth’s blurb, it’s the story that establishes the connection between Hocus Pocus Handbook’s world and the mortal realm in books 1-3. That being said, you do not need to read any of the other books to enjoy this one. It can be read as a standalone.
And because it’s important to me, I do want to note that this is a childfree story! The HEA does not rely on an epilogue child/pregnancy which I feel some authors use as a default/easy way out of writing a satisfying ending.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC!
Several other reviewers note that they did not enjoy the chapter forwards (a spell from the FMC’s handbook or a description of the MMC’s artworks). I kind of agree. I really loved the forwards in the FMC’s POV chapters because we were able to experience the deep love her father has for her, but they were a bit too long. I sometimes forgot what was going on in the story and had to skip back to refresh my memory after reading the forward. However, I don’t think that the forwards for the MMC’s chapters were necessary and didn’t really add much to the story. I found myself wanting to skip over them by the end of the book.
I did not realize that this is part of the Fit-It-Witches when I started and it honestly feels like a very different world/series. To be fair, I’ve only read the first three and based on the fourth’s blurb, it’s the story that establishes the connection between Hocus Pocus Handbook’s world and the mortal realm in books 1-3. That being said, you do not need to read any of the other books to enjoy this one. It can be read as a standalone.
And because it’s important to me, I do want to note that this is a childfree story! The HEA does not rely on an epilogue child/pregnancy which I feel some authors use as a default/easy way out of writing a satisfying ending.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really wanted to like “The Hocus Pocus Handbook” - advertised as a cozy-fantasy about a plucky changeling woman on an adventure to locate her missing husband from a forced marriage, and is accompanied by the stoic hunter from the Winter Lord’s court. On paper, it sounds like a grumpy-sunshine delight especially when you throw in a cornucopia of mythical creatures and mushroom houses!
Whilst I enjoyed the premise, including the little “recipes” at beginning of each chapter, this book missed the mark and I ended up DNF-ing at around 40% (and that was with a generous amount of FOMO). I felt like I was starting the story in the middle, with no introduction to the characters, no context to their relationships or feelings, and only vague attempts at world-building.
The writing in this book felt incomplete. I found some of the phrasing used to be somewhat juvenile and not fitting the overall proposed tone of the book such as “you’re golden” or “I have kerberos’ back.” The pacing felt too rushed, with the characters barely interacting with each other for a day before falling in love, then losing a whole week after sleeping too long. In many chapters, the information about the main characters, their actions, and situations was repeated, making many parts redundant and avoidable had this been properly fleshed out in the beginning.
I appreciate the opportunity to read this ARC regardless, so thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca.
Whilst I enjoyed the premise, including the little “recipes” at beginning of each chapter, this book missed the mark and I ended up DNF-ing at around 40% (and that was with a generous amount of FOMO). I felt like I was starting the story in the middle, with no introduction to the characters, no context to their relationships or feelings, and only vague attempts at world-building.
The writing in this book felt incomplete. I found some of the phrasing used to be somewhat juvenile and not fitting the overall proposed tone of the book such as “you’re golden” or “I have kerberos’ back.” The pacing felt too rushed, with the characters barely interacting with each other for a day before falling in love, then losing a whole week after sleeping too long. In many chapters, the information about the main characters, their actions, and situations was repeated, making many parts redundant and avoidable had this been properly fleshed out in the beginning.
I appreciate the opportunity to read this ARC regardless, so thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Charming, cozy fantasy about found family and loving yourself. If you like Sarah Beth Durst’s The Spellshop, this has a similar theme/tone. This is not a spicy romantasy but an adventure woven into a sweet love story about a mortal and fae as they journey together to find a missing Summer fae.
Thea is a mortal that was swapped with a fae at birth and has grown up raised by wild fae and Kerboros is the Winter King’s tracker and last surviving member of his family. Their back story’s unfold throughout the book.
It’s written in Thea and Kerberos’s alternating POV’s. At the beginning of each of their respective chapters, it begins with either a description of a spell from Thea’s hobgoblin Da’s handbook, or a description of Kerboros’s hand carved art from his room. At first glance these may seem as just charming additions to the vibe but they contribute to helping understand who these characters are and hints at what they need or want.
I was drawn in from the first chapter with Thea and the pookas and it kept me spelled until the end. There’s lots of charming characters and it has diverse character representation. It’s a perfect mood book when you’re looking for something sweet and uplifting with a light adventure. My first Ann Aguirre book and hopefully her other books are just as good. And how can you not just love the cover art!
Thank you to #NetGalley and Sourcebooks publishers for this eARC for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Thea is a mortal that was swapped with a fae at birth and has grown up raised by wild fae and Kerboros is the Winter King’s tracker and last surviving member of his family. Their back story’s unfold throughout the book.
It’s written in Thea and Kerberos’s alternating POV’s. At the beginning of each of their respective chapters, it begins with either a description of a spell from Thea’s hobgoblin Da’s handbook, or a description of Kerboros’s hand carved art from his room. At first glance these may seem as just charming additions to the vibe but they contribute to helping understand who these characters are and hints at what they need or want.
I was drawn in from the first chapter with Thea and the pookas and it kept me spelled until the end. There’s lots of charming characters and it has diverse character representation. It’s a perfect mood book when you’re looking for something sweet and uplifting with a light adventure. My first Ann Aguirre book and hopefully her other books are just as good. And how can you not just love the cover art!
Thank you to #NetGalley and Sourcebooks publishers for this eARC for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy
Thea and Kerboros are two magical beings who, despite the fact that they're opposites, wind up forced together on a quest through a land with more magic, characters, and whimsical settings than you can shake a stick, er, wand, at. But there's more to this story than just magic. Each of these characters has their own private struggles, and the journey they embark on together helps them heal both themselves and each other.
This felt less like a tension-filled quest and more like a series of magical events. This isn't a criticism, per se, especially if you're more interested in "cozy" than "compelling". The slow burn and closed door resolution left me wanting more. More banter. More chemistry. More romance in general. I found the relationship between Thea and her "adopted" father figure to be more engaging than the relationship between Thea and Kerboros.
The pacing of the story was frequently stunted by the passages tacked onto the top of each chapter. The spells or art-related paragraphs obstructed the flow of the novel without adding much to the story. After a while I just skipped them because they had little-to-no influence on the chapters as a whole.
Ultimately, I think this book will be quite enjoyable for readers who are well-versed in cozy fantasy and don't mind the romance being more in the background than the forefront.
I'd like to thank Kaye Publicity for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
This felt less like a tension-filled quest and more like a series of magical events. This isn't a criticism, per se, especially if you're more interested in "cozy" than "compelling". The slow burn and closed door resolution left me wanting more. More banter. More chemistry. More romance in general. I found the relationship between Thea and her "adopted" father figure to be more engaging than the relationship between Thea and Kerboros.
The pacing of the story was frequently stunted by the passages tacked onto the top of each chapter. The spells or art-related paragraphs obstructed the flow of the novel without adding much to the story. After a while I just skipped them because they had little-to-no influence on the chapters as a whole.
Ultimately, I think this book will be quite enjoyable for readers who are well-versed in cozy fantasy and don't mind the romance being more in the background than the forefront.
I'd like to thank Kaye Publicity for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley & the publishers for a chance to review this arc!
This story is essentially about a failed marriage of convenience for the fmc & her tiny acts of rebellion. The mmc is suffering the consequences of his family’s failed rebellion from years ago.
I’m really sorry but I have to dnf this at 30%. The writing is truly atrocious. The sentences are choppy & the world is underdeveloped. The characters are very one dimensional and I wondered if the fmc was psychotic at first because her inner monologues were all over the place. I was feeling overwhelmed & underwhelmed at the same time. The dialogues were sloppy & extremely unnatural. I found myself wondering who thought or talked like that. Multiple sentences didn’t really make sense and were repeated profusely. The plot was weak & nonsensical… so were the motives. Everything was just so one dimensional. There were a few contradictions ; especially concerning the different relationships. I saw in some reviews that there were plotholes and I can’t really pronounce myself on that as I didn’t read enough… but I wouldn’t be surprised by their presence.
I really had to force myself to get to 30%. I just really don’t think this writing was for me. Keep in mind that reading is subjective though so you might enjoy this one.
This story is essentially about a failed marriage of convenience for the fmc & her tiny acts of rebellion. The mmc is suffering the consequences of his family’s failed rebellion from years ago.
I’m really sorry but I have to dnf this at 30%. The writing is truly atrocious. The sentences are choppy & the world is underdeveloped. The characters are very one dimensional and I wondered if the fmc was psychotic at first because her inner monologues were all over the place. I was feeling overwhelmed & underwhelmed at the same time. The dialogues were sloppy & extremely unnatural. I found myself wondering who thought or talked like that. Multiple sentences didn’t really make sense and were repeated profusely. The plot was weak & nonsensical… so were the motives. Everything was just so one dimensional. There were a few contradictions ; especially concerning the different relationships. I saw in some reviews that there were plotholes and I can’t really pronounce myself on that as I didn’t read enough… but I wouldn’t be surprised by their presence.
I really had to force myself to get to 30%. I just really don’t think this writing was for me. Keep in mind that reading is subjective though so you might enjoy this one.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for an advanced copy of this! All opinions are my own.
First things first, kudos to the cover artist for drawing me in immediately. The color palette speaks to me and sets a lovely, magical tone.
This was a fun story! I enjoyed the journey through the fae realm, the characters were colorful and varied (Mudge is just the best), and the plot hooked me enough that I wanted to see the story through to the end. If I have any complaints, it's that things wrapped up too quickly at the end. I would have liked to see a bit more of the sister and her interactions with our disguised traveling companion.
The romance developed waaaaaaay too quickly on Thea's side as well. Girl went from zero to in love real fast. But. This is a cozy romantasy, so I expect things like this. I also feel like Thea's dream in the beginning never really got addressed properly (it kind of felt forgotten?) but overall it was a charming story that I enjoyed. I especially loved the little excerpts from Mudge at the beginning of Thea's chapters. They were so sweet and fun.
Overall this was a four star read for me. If you like cozy fantasy and romance and embrace all the tropes, this is a fun one to read.
First things first, kudos to the cover artist for drawing me in immediately. The color palette speaks to me and sets a lovely, magical tone.
This was a fun story! I enjoyed the journey through the fae realm, the characters were colorful and varied (Mudge is just the best), and the plot hooked me enough that I wanted to see the story through to the end. If I have any complaints, it's that things wrapped up too quickly at the end. I would have liked to see a bit more of the sister and her interactions with our disguised traveling companion.
The romance developed waaaaaaay too quickly on Thea's side as well. Girl went from zero to in love real fast. But. This is a cozy romantasy, so I expect things like this. I also feel like Thea's dream in the beginning never really got addressed properly (it kind of felt forgotten?) but overall it was a charming story that I enjoyed. I especially loved the little excerpts from Mudge at the beginning of Thea's chapters. They were so sweet and fun.
Overall this was a four star read for me. If you like cozy fantasy and romance and embrace all the tropes, this is a fun one to read.
August 10, 2026
3.5/5 I love a cozy fantasy, and this one was enjoyable. Thea and Kerboros were compelling and complex characters. I loved how kind and compassionate Thea was. I appreciated the way Kerboros saw Thea for who she was and wanted the hurt those who meant to harm her. Their banter was perfectly timed. I also loved how the secondary characters added depth, mystery, and heart to the story. I’m a sucker for an epic journey and righting wrongs, so this plot hooked me. However, the romance aspect was a little disappointing. Their feelings for each other seemed to go from ambivalent to intense too quickly. The spice was very slow burn, and while I enjoyed the tension building it caused, it wasn’t resolved satisfyingly enough. I was able to guess at certain elements leading up to the end, but I was surprised at how the conflict was resolved. The world building was intriguing, and I enjoyed the way the author filled in details about it as the characters made their way through it. The ending was fitting and wrapped up the story. It did feel a tad rushed though, and a smidge overly convenient. I would’ve liked a few more pages to see how things worked out in the future for Thea and Kerboros and the rest of the characters. Thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the ARC copy of this one!
August 20, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC! 🧚🏻✨
“You’ll never go wrong following your heart, no matter where it leads.” 💕
The Hocus Pocus Handbook was such a charming story! It delivers a delightful blend of cozy fantasy and classic fairy-tale atmospheric charm. The world-building is wonderfully rich, balancing court politics and treacherous wilderness without weighing down the plot. Following Thea, a changeling, and Kerboros, a fae hunter, as they navigate the perilous fae lands to track down a missing groom sets up a fun, engaging premise with genuine stakes. And the people you meet along the way make this such a fun ride!
However, the romance and pacing leave a bit to be desired. The connection between them feels a little rushed. Additionally, the detailed chapter-opening excerpts about spells and wood carvings slow down the story's momentum and take up space that could have been used to deepen the main relationship. I found myself skimming those parts, which is why I gave it four stars.
Despite these hiccups, the vibrant setting and inventive moments make for a very enjoyable, magical read. I very much enjoyed this cozy book and highly recommend!
Favorite quote: “Because everyone matters.” 💗
“You’ll never go wrong following your heart, no matter where it leads.” 💕
The Hocus Pocus Handbook was such a charming story! It delivers a delightful blend of cozy fantasy and classic fairy-tale atmospheric charm. The world-building is wonderfully rich, balancing court politics and treacherous wilderness without weighing down the plot. Following Thea, a changeling, and Kerboros, a fae hunter, as they navigate the perilous fae lands to track down a missing groom sets up a fun, engaging premise with genuine stakes. And the people you meet along the way make this such a fun ride!
However, the romance and pacing leave a bit to be desired. The connection between them feels a little rushed. Additionally, the detailed chapter-opening excerpts about spells and wood carvings slow down the story's momentum and take up space that could have been used to deepen the main relationship. I found myself skimming those parts, which is why I gave it four stars.
Despite these hiccups, the vibrant setting and inventive moments make for a very enjoyable, magical read. I very much enjoyed this cozy book and highly recommend!
Favorite quote: “Because everyone matters.” 💗
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to netgalley & publishers for this arc!
Tropes to expect:
Found family
Forbidden love
Sunshine x shadow
Witchcraft
Magical quest
This was such a cozy read! It perfectly encaptures the faerie fantasy ambiance through the world building both environmentally and the political system of the book. Each chapter begins with either a spell for Thea or a carving for Kerboros and it was a really cute addition to the story.
Thea is a changeling - a mortal living in the fae realm - who would die if she went back into the mortal realm. Thea is an outcast, she seems to only be tolerated as a result of her magical abilities, often finding herself in trouble.
As a result of this trouble - she finds herself being forced into a marriage of convenience. Enter Kerboros. He is ordered to accompany Thea on her quest to find her (unwanted) match.
I really did want more from their relationship though. There were definite moments of chemistry and tension but I was always wanting more. More vulnerability and time to watch them grow as much of their relationship felt very rushed.
Even though this is the sixth book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone (I did!). I would absolutely recommend this for fans of cozy fantasy with a mix of twists and mystery!
Tropes to expect:
Found family
Forbidden love
Sunshine x shadow
Witchcraft
Magical quest
This was such a cozy read! It perfectly encaptures the faerie fantasy ambiance through the world building both environmentally and the political system of the book. Each chapter begins with either a spell for Thea or a carving for Kerboros and it was a really cute addition to the story.
Thea is a changeling - a mortal living in the fae realm - who would die if she went back into the mortal realm. Thea is an outcast, she seems to only be tolerated as a result of her magical abilities, often finding herself in trouble.
As a result of this trouble - she finds herself being forced into a marriage of convenience. Enter Kerboros. He is ordered to accompany Thea on her quest to find her (unwanted) match.
I really did want more from their relationship though. There were definite moments of chemistry and tension but I was always wanting more. More vulnerability and time to watch them grow as much of their relationship felt very rushed.
Even though this is the sixth book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone (I did!). I would absolutely recommend this for fans of cozy fantasy with a mix of twists and mystery!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A kind of short, cozy and easy read.
Firstly, I say easy as there wasn't much surprises here, I basically got what I expected. (I would pull up the question of the prophecy though, did that particular plot point just disappear during the book or did I imagine it...?) I liked the way this was written as it didn't not strain me in reading and it flowed well.
Secondly, three stars because I guess for me some things just weren't there, mainly the romantic aspect. I think it could have been done better, I just didn't feel it and I think it was underdeveloped. Which is a bit strange as I liked both of our main characters, Thea specifically.
Thirdly, the title of the book being what it is - every chapter starts with an advice for Thea but to be perfectly honest - we didn't need this in every chapter? It felt a bit distracting and oftentimes I couldn't really connect it with the chapter or I just forgot about it. For me personally, I would have liked if they were used less, just in certain chapters instead of all.
All in all, this is good cozy read and it can be read as a standalone, which is a definite plus.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions expressed in this review are voluntary and my own.
Firstly, I say easy as there wasn't much surprises here, I basically got what I expected. (I would pull up the question of the prophecy though, did that particular plot point just disappear during the book or did I imagine it...?) I liked the way this was written as it didn't not strain me in reading and it flowed well.
Secondly, three stars because I guess for me some things just weren't there, mainly the romantic aspect. I think it could have been done better, I just didn't feel it and I think it was underdeveloped. Which is a bit strange as I liked both of our main characters, Thea specifically.
Thirdly, the title of the book being what it is - every chapter starts with an advice for Thea but to be perfectly honest - we didn't need this in every chapter? It felt a bit distracting and oftentimes I couldn't really connect it with the chapter or I just forgot about it. For me personally, I would have liked if they were used less, just in certain chapters instead of all.
All in all, this is good cozy read and it can be read as a standalone, which is a definite plus.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions expressed in this review are voluntary and my own.
August 25, 2026
Told from dual POV, this was a cozy fantasy/romance. The two MCs are both lonely; FMC Thea is ostracized by her supposed parents (who very quickly discover she's a changeling and then do a fantastic job of neglecting her), and MMC Kerboros because the king uses his attachments as a form of control, and later by choice (so the king has fewer tools of manipulation). The two are paired to solve the mystery of a missing delegation, and prevent war between two courts. The quest narrative was put to good use both to move the story forward, but also to move their relationship along.
I loved the focus on wild fae and Thea's unique relationship with them. I appreciated the he-falls-first trope, and how much Thea's da loved and accepted her. Everyone needs a Mudge in their life!
There were several humorous moments, along with some heartfelt ones, and of course some bits of wisdom sprinkled throughout. The spells (chapter titles) were cute, clever, and most importantly useful.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story.
Thank you Sourcebooks Casablanca for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I loved the focus on wild fae and Thea's unique relationship with them. I appreciated the he-falls-first trope, and how much Thea's da loved and accepted her. Everyone needs a Mudge in their life!
There were several humorous moments, along with some heartfelt ones, and of course some bits of wisdom sprinkled throughout. The spells (chapter titles) were cute, clever, and most importantly useful.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story.
Thank you Sourcebooks Casablanca for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
***I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review
Thea Winter is a changeling that has been raised by a hobgoblin named Mudge. He has tried to teach her all of the spells he knows, but there is no spell for keeping herself out of trouble. Which is where she is right now....entangled in a objectionable marriage of convenience, and the groom-to-be has bolted rather than be saddled with the likes of her. Now she is stuck having to hunt him down, and she is forced to go with Kerboros, A.K.A. Winter's Hound. He is humorless, relentless, and has never known freedom. So travelling with Thea, who is the exact opposite,is absolutely glorious.
I normally love this author's books, but this one missed the mark with me. I really enjoyed the spells at the beginning of each chapter, Thea was a breath of fresh air, and I loved all of the mythological creatures that were incorporated, most of whom I had to look up because I hadn't heard of them before. I think the characters just needed to be fleshed out a bit more, because I had a hard time picturing a lot of them. Overall, a solid 3 out 5.
Thea Winter is a changeling that has been raised by a hobgoblin named Mudge. He has tried to teach her all of the spells he knows, but there is no spell for keeping herself out of trouble. Which is where she is right now....entangled in a objectionable marriage of convenience, and the groom-to-be has bolted rather than be saddled with the likes of her. Now she is stuck having to hunt him down, and she is forced to go with Kerboros, A.K.A. Winter's Hound. He is humorless, relentless, and has never known freedom. So travelling with Thea, who is the exact opposite,is absolutely glorious.
I normally love this author's books, but this one missed the mark with me. I really enjoyed the spells at the beginning of each chapter, Thea was a breath of fresh air, and I loved all of the mythological creatures that were incorporated, most of whom I had to look up because I hadn't heard of them before. I think the characters just needed to be fleshed out a bit more, because I had a hard time picturing a lot of them. Overall, a solid 3 out 5.
August 20, 2026
My Thoughts
One thing you have to hold fast to is that even fantasy fiction can have some real-life applications when you least expect it.
For myself the reminder is that ones’ life circumstances do not always dictate how someone lives happily.
Thea is a prime example of how someone with every reason to be despondent and withdrawn is instead outgoing and kind to all no matter their station in life.
She is also a fun-loving prankster who is a master of chaos when she feels the need.
Kerboros is her exact opposite, a master at hiding his feelings and the magic he can wield which has kept him alive where others have fallen.
As travel companions he and Thea find themselves drawn together and the resulting road trip/quest they embark on is one filled with unforeseen perils and personal revelations.
An interesting, at times over-the-top story that never the less entertained and made me smile at the end.
[EArc from Netgalley]
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Thank you to Edelweiss for the opportunity to read and review this DRC.
I really wanted to love The Hocus Pocus Handbook, but unfortunately, this one just didn’t work for me.
The title initially threw me off because I went into it expecting a book that leaned heavily into the witchy/magical side of things. While the story definitely had potential, I felt like it ultimately fell flat. The characters and their relationships lacked the depth I was looking for, and some of the connections felt forced rather than natural.
The writing style also didn’t quite work for me. At times, it felt a little awkward and almost clinical, which made it difficult for me to become emotionally invested in the story or the characters.
There were definitely some interesting ideas here, and I could see the potential for a really fun, atmospheric read, but unfortunately, the execution just wasn’t there for me. I finished it feeling like I wanted more—more depth, more connection, and more of that magical feeling I was hoping for.
I really wanted to love The Hocus Pocus Handbook, but unfortunately, this one just didn’t work for me.
The title initially threw me off because I went into it expecting a book that leaned heavily into the witchy/magical side of things. While the story definitely had potential, I felt like it ultimately fell flat. The characters and their relationships lacked the depth I was looking for, and some of the connections felt forced rather than natural.
The writing style also didn’t quite work for me. At times, it felt a little awkward and almost clinical, which made it difficult for me to become emotionally invested in the story or the characters.
There were definitely some interesting ideas here, and I could see the potential for a really fun, atmospheric read, but unfortunately, the execution just wasn’t there for me. I finished it feeling like I wanted more—more depth, more connection, and more of that magical feeling I was hoping for.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Filled with all kinds of faerie lore, The Hocus Pocus Handbook follows the perspectives of two characters: a changeling named Thea, and a fae named Kerboros. It's world-building heavy off the hop, but it's fine because the world is so lush and imaginative that it's fun to dive into. Each chapter starts of with a spell, which is from a handbook that has been handed down to Thea from her Dad, Mudge. It's a really charming cozy fantasy and if you like faeries in all forms - from sneaky fae, brownies, hobgoblins, and more - in a fantastical setting then you'll probably like this. I only wished the ending didn't feel so wrapped up so quickly and cleanly if that makes sense. It felt as though the romance, the conflict, all of it, just settled very easily. Otherwise it was a very enjoyable read for me.
Thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca | Sourcebooks Casablanca for an ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca | Sourcebooks Casablanca for an ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC through NetGalley:
Thea is mischief incarnate and that's how she's gotten pressured into an arranged marriage with a Summer Court groom she's never met after she freed the entertainment for the evening. Except he's fled and now Thea must find her missing husband or she will banished back to the human realm which will kill her.
Helping her is Winter Hound, Kerboros, cousin to the Lord of Winter and the last of his family after they tried to over throw him. He now does the Lord's bidding. He is secretly excited because he find Thea refreshing and has been harboring feelings for her for a while.
So the two set off on the quest and through the quest gain allies and discover more about themselves.
I found the magic grimoire spells fun and the art work notes at the beginning of the chapters quite fun.
Thea is mischief incarnate and that's how she's gotten pressured into an arranged marriage with a Summer Court groom she's never met after she freed the entertainment for the evening. Except he's fled and now Thea must find her missing husband or she will banished back to the human realm which will kill her.
Helping her is Winter Hound, Kerboros, cousin to the Lord of Winter and the last of his family after they tried to over throw him. He now does the Lord's bidding. He is secretly excited because he find Thea refreshing and has been harboring feelings for her for a while.
So the two set off on the quest and through the quest gain allies and discover more about themselves.
I found the magic grimoire spells fun and the art work notes at the beginning of the chapters quite fun.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!
An imaginative, whimsical cozy fantasy set in the wilds of Faery, following Thea, a changeling forced into a political marriage, and Kerboros, the fae hunter helping her track down her missing groom. Thea is impulsive and capable, while Kerboros delivers solid grumpy, emotionally guarded love interest energy. Their journey through the wilds gives the romance room to breathe, and the world building is rich without overwhelming the plot. The romance moves a little quickly and could use more vulnerability to feel fully earned, and the chapter opening spells and wood carving descriptions, while a nice idea, run a bit long. Even so, this is a charming, easy read with a competent heroine, a soft hearted grump of a hero, and a fascinating world worth revisiting.
An imaginative, whimsical cozy fantasy set in the wilds of Faery, following Thea, a changeling forced into a political marriage, and Kerboros, the fae hunter helping her track down her missing groom. Thea is impulsive and capable, while Kerboros delivers solid grumpy, emotionally guarded love interest energy. Their journey through the wilds gives the romance room to breathe, and the world building is rich without overwhelming the plot. The romance moves a little quickly and could use more vulnerability to feel fully earned, and the chapter opening spells and wood carving descriptions, while a nice idea, run a bit long. Even so, this is a charming, easy read with a competent heroine, a soft hearted grump of a hero, and a fascinating world worth revisiting.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Hocus Pocus Handbook was such a fun, cozy fae fantasy and honestly felt very me! I loved the mix of magic in it, fae, magical creatures and found family with Thea’s chaotic energy making her such a fun character to follow. The sunshine and grumpy romance between Thea and Kerboros was definitely a highlight! and I loved following their relationship and character develop along the adventure.
The whole story had such a charming, whimsical fairytale feel with plenty of humour and mischief. A really enjoyable magical read that was right up my alley!
Highly highly recommend! Thanks so much for the e-arc.
Also, my first read of Ann's and I will definitely be hunting down her previous ones and reading more!
The whole story had such a charming, whimsical fairytale feel with plenty of humour and mischief. A really enjoyable magical read that was right up my alley!
Highly highly recommend! Thanks so much for the e-arc.
Also, my first read of Ann's and I will definitely be hunting down her previous ones and reading more!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks for opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was a cozy fae fantasy with two people tasked by the King to find the runaway Summer Court and being them back to Winter Court for an arranged marriage. Neither people want to marry, but Thea, who is also a changeling, has to cooperate because get Dad is being held captive.
There are many unexpected misfortunes on the trip, but happy things also happen along their journey. This is mostly a feel good, happy ever after book with minimal conflict, drama or bad things happening. At times I didn't feel connected to the characters but the closer I got to the end, the more real Thea and Kerberos felt and I enjoyed their story more.
This book was a cozy fae fantasy with two people tasked by the King to find the runaway Summer Court and being them back to Winter Court for an arranged marriage. Neither people want to marry, but Thea, who is also a changeling, has to cooperate because get Dad is being held captive.
There are many unexpected misfortunes on the trip, but happy things also happen along their journey. This is mostly a feel good, happy ever after book with minimal conflict, drama or bad things happening. At times I didn't feel connected to the characters but the closer I got to the end, the more real Thea and Kerberos felt and I enjoyed their story more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews