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The Shape of Magic
Not yet published
Expected 31 Jul 26Magic, conspiracies and found family in a story that will first enchant you and then take you captive.
The Shape of Magic is a fantasy novel that explores what higher education would be like if magic was real. For fantasy fans that love academia, conspiracies and found family, and want to be charmed by a world where magic is inspired by historical alchemy, sorcery and witchcraft.
***
Joining the Alma University for the Study and Advancement of Theoretical Magic is all that Volta ever wanted, but could never hope for. Until the day that random chance made her a royal ward. A life of opportunities, of promised knowledge, and gifted purpose. But not without a cost.
Years later, when the royal family unexpectedly visits the school just as rumours of war start spreading, her entire world is turned upside down.
Will she have to serve in a war that she is not ready for? And can she believe the one person who claims to want to prevent it? Volta and her friends are faced with a political conspiracy just as they discover the secrets of the university itself - but who can they trust?
***
From the readers
Deeply magical, and magically written, with secrets and wholesome friendships that all come together to question power structures.
I really enjoy reading the magic sections and learning the laws of magic in this world. It’s always interesting and makes the world feel immersive and well thought out.
I keep trying to open it back up and read another chapter, but there's no other chapter. Big sad. No more book.
The Shape of Magic is a fantasy novel that explores what higher education would be like if magic was real. For fantasy fans that love academia, conspiracies and found family, and want to be charmed by a world where magic is inspired by historical alchemy, sorcery and witchcraft.
***
Joining the Alma University for the Study and Advancement of Theoretical Magic is all that Volta ever wanted, but could never hope for. Until the day that random chance made her a royal ward. A life of opportunities, of promised knowledge, and gifted purpose. But not without a cost.
Years later, when the royal family unexpectedly visits the school just as rumours of war start spreading, her entire world is turned upside down.
Will she have to serve in a war that she is not ready for? And can she believe the one person who claims to want to prevent it? Volta and her friends are faced with a political conspiracy just as they discover the secrets of the university itself - but who can they trust?
***
From the readers
Deeply magical, and magically written, with secrets and wholesome friendships that all come together to question power structures.
I really enjoy reading the magic sections and learning the laws of magic in this world. It’s always interesting and makes the world feel immersive and well thought out.
I keep trying to open it back up and read another chapter, but there's no other chapter. Big sad. No more book.
- GenresFantasy
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 31, 2026
About the author
Marco Michelutto
1 book4 followersMarco was born and raised in Italy, but is usually somewhere else. Currently lives in Cambridge, UK, with his wife and dog. He is a designer by day and a writer also by day, as he is not a night owl anymore. In his books you will find a number of weird and wonderful things he fed to his hungry brain over the years, with a lot of heart added in for good measure.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A magical university story, but not "dark academia" (at least, as I understand it).
The world feels rich, and the magic system has had some thought put into it, which is not always the case with current fantasy. The ancient university feels centuries old, probably because the author is from Europe, where things often are centuries old.
The premise involves three friends: a woman who's a King's Ward, randomly selected from the population to serve the kingdom and provided with an education in order to do so; the eldest son of a duke, who's semi-defied his father in order to learn magic; and a third, who doesn't have much to distinguish him apart from being studious (I kept getting him confused with the duke's son). They have discovered coded instructions in what purport to be old novels for how to use teleportation glyphs to get into hidden rooms in the university, and have found some interesting stuff.
The dowager queen, who is largely in charge, since her son is young, has come to the university talking about a threat of invasion from a neighbouring country that has got rid of its royalty in a revolution and become a republic. She's using this as a reason to convert the university from being almost entirely dedicated to theoretical research over to producing graduates who can project practical power on her behalf, and is also searching for three legendary artefacts that will give her even more power - according to her, to defend the kingdom. But the trio have their doubts.
As I expected going in, given that English isn't the author's first language, the English is often not idiomatic. An editor is credited (possibly not a copy editor), and multiple beta readers, but none of these seem to have picked up the many fumbled idioms where words have the wrong number or the wrong preposition is used; the frequent absence of the past perfect tense when referring to an event before the narrative moment; the use of "may" instead of "might" in the past tense (if it could be "could," it should be "might"); an overall shortage of grammatical commas; occasional incorrect dialog punctuation; or even some basics like almost always omitting a comma before a term of address (the "let's eat Grandma" error), not capitalising a title when it's part of a name, or not starting a sentence with a capital. To be fair to the editor, if the manuscript had a lot of errors they would inevitably miss some, but some of those are glaring. On the other hand, I've also seen as bad or worse from native English speakers. I had a pre-publication copy via Netgalley, and there may be more editing done before publication, but there are just so many issues I don't think it could be cleaned up enough in the time. Of course, if all those people missed them, there will be plenty of others who don't notice or care, but I did, and it degraded the reading experience for me.
The other issue with the writing is that the style will cruise along in semi-formal "fantasy prose" mode for a while, and then a clanging contemporary colloquialism will get dropped into the middle of it. It needs to pick one or the other.
On the positive side, it's a good story competently told, the characters are appealing, the world feels more developed than is often the case, and the tone is cozy and noblebright.
The world feels rich, and the magic system has had some thought put into it, which is not always the case with current fantasy. The ancient university feels centuries old, probably because the author is from Europe, where things often are centuries old.
The premise involves three friends: a woman who's a King's Ward, randomly selected from the population to serve the kingdom and provided with an education in order to do so; the eldest son of a duke, who's semi-defied his father in order to learn magic; and a third, who doesn't have much to distinguish him apart from being studious (I kept getting him confused with the duke's son). They have discovered coded instructions in what purport to be old novels for how to use teleportation glyphs to get into hidden rooms in the university, and have found some interesting stuff.
The dowager queen, who is largely in charge, since her son is young, has come to the university talking about a threat of invasion from a neighbouring country that has got rid of its royalty in a revolution and become a republic. She's using this as a reason to convert the university from being almost entirely dedicated to theoretical research over to producing graduates who can project practical power on her behalf, and is also searching for three legendary artefacts that will give her even more power - according to her, to defend the kingdom. But the trio have their doubts.
As I expected going in, given that English isn't the author's first language, the English is often not idiomatic. An editor is credited (possibly not a copy editor), and multiple beta readers, but none of these seem to have picked up the many fumbled idioms where words have the wrong number or the wrong preposition is used; the frequent absence of the past perfect tense when referring to an event before the narrative moment; the use of "may" instead of "might" in the past tense (if it could be "could," it should be "might"); an overall shortage of grammatical commas; occasional incorrect dialog punctuation; or even some basics like almost always omitting a comma before a term of address (the "let's eat Grandma" error), not capitalising a title when it's part of a name, or not starting a sentence with a capital. To be fair to the editor, if the manuscript had a lot of errors they would inevitably miss some, but some of those are glaring. On the other hand, I've also seen as bad or worse from native English speakers. I had a pre-publication copy via Netgalley, and there may be more editing done before publication, but there are just so many issues I don't think it could be cleaned up enough in the time. Of course, if all those people missed them, there will be plenty of others who don't notice or care, but I did, and it degraded the reading experience for me.
The other issue with the writing is that the style will cruise along in semi-formal "fantasy prose" mode for a while, and then a clanging contemporary colloquialism will get dropped into the middle of it. It needs to pick one or the other.
On the positive side, it's a good story competently told, the characters are appealing, the world feels more developed than is often the case, and the tone is cozy and noblebright.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an e-book ARC via Netgalley in exchange for a review.
I was genuinely excited by the premise and blurb for this book, but unfortunately, the writing didn't live up to expectations.
First and biggest issue - it needs significant editing. I wasn't a fan of the actual writing style, but I could have lived with it if there weren't major copy editing mistakes that should have been taken care of well before this point. I'm talking basic things, like not capitalizing the first letter of a sentence when someone was speaking, wrong or missing punctuation, and using the wrong words in places (like "affect" when they should have used "effect"). I've seen other reviewers suggest it might be due to English not being the author's first language, but I think that means the author really needs to hire or arrange for a really good editor that can catch some of this stuff.
Second, the characters were incredibly flat. I need to feel like I'm getting to know the characters, so that I can at least cheer for them or be happy or sad with them. But I felt almost nothing reading these characters. And the blurb does a disservice to Volta, because it seems like it was going to tell the story of how she was picked as a royal ward and started at the school, but the book itself jumped straight into the middle of her education when she's already established at the school and has friends.
I did think it had potential. The magic system is interesting, and I thought it was unique that over time, the practical application of the magic had actually been lost, and the students were simply studying the theories of it. I enjoyed that the three friends had discovered these hidden rooms and travelled there via glyphs and spells. But I do think the book needs a lot of work to make it more readable with less errors.
I was genuinely excited by the premise and blurb for this book, but unfortunately, the writing didn't live up to expectations.
First and biggest issue - it needs significant editing. I wasn't a fan of the actual writing style, but I could have lived with it if there weren't major copy editing mistakes that should have been taken care of well before this point. I'm talking basic things, like not capitalizing the first letter of a sentence when someone was speaking, wrong or missing punctuation, and using the wrong words in places (like "affect" when they should have used "effect"). I've seen other reviewers suggest it might be due to English not being the author's first language, but I think that means the author really needs to hire or arrange for a really good editor that can catch some of this stuff.
Second, the characters were incredibly flat. I need to feel like I'm getting to know the characters, so that I can at least cheer for them or be happy or sad with them. But I felt almost nothing reading these characters. And the blurb does a disservice to Volta, because it seems like it was going to tell the story of how she was picked as a royal ward and started at the school, but the book itself jumped straight into the middle of her education when she's already established at the school and has friends.
I did think it had potential. The magic system is interesting, and I thought it was unique that over time, the practical application of the magic had actually been lost, and the students were simply studying the theories of it. I enjoyed that the three friends had discovered these hidden rooms and travelled there via glyphs and spells. But I do think the book needs a lot of work to make it more readable with less errors.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Shape of Magic is set in a university where theoretical magic is taught. It centres around Volta and her two best friends, Eco and Gali, who find themselves in a sticky situation when the royal family come to visit the school.
In many ways, university life is very insular and parochial – especially in an ancient, prestigious university that predates the city it resides in such as the one in this novel, Alma University. (Side note: I loved noticing the similarities with Cambridge, as I live there!) I think the author captured this sense of insularity well; perhaps a little too well, as the few glimpses we get of the outside world leave a lot to be desired. I like my fantasy worlds more expansive. I liked that the university functioned as its own character in some parts of the story, although it’s motivations are never entirely clear.
Similarly, the characters felt a little flat. Volta’s past is mentioned fleetingly a couple of times, along with the broken pocketwatch given to her by her watchmaker father, but never built upon. I thought that this pocketwatch would prove to be an important device later on, but its significance in the story never seems to materialise.
I did also have some issues with awkward phrasing/slightly incorrect grammar in certain instances as I found that it broke the immersion and the flow of the story. However, considering English is not the author’s first language it reads reasonably well, and I’m sure many readers will not notice at all.
I think you’ll enjoy this book if you’re looking for an easy, cosy fantasy with minimal romance and a steady, medium-pace throughout.
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!
In many ways, university life is very insular and parochial – especially in an ancient, prestigious university that predates the city it resides in such as the one in this novel, Alma University. (Side note: I loved noticing the similarities with Cambridge, as I live there!) I think the author captured this sense of insularity well; perhaps a little too well, as the few glimpses we get of the outside world leave a lot to be desired. I like my fantasy worlds more expansive. I liked that the university functioned as its own character in some parts of the story, although it’s motivations are never entirely clear.
Similarly, the characters felt a little flat. Volta’s past is mentioned fleetingly a couple of times, along with the broken pocketwatch given to her by her watchmaker father, but never built upon. I thought that this pocketwatch would prove to be an important device later on, but its significance in the story never seems to materialise.
I did also have some issues with awkward phrasing/slightly incorrect grammar in certain instances as I found that it broke the immersion and the flow of the story. However, considering English is not the author’s first language it reads reasonably well, and I’m sure many readers will not notice at all.
I think you’ll enjoy this book if you’re looking for an easy, cosy fantasy with minimal romance and a steady, medium-pace throughout.
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The shape of magic is centered around Volta, a royal ward and student at the Alma University for the Study and Advancement of Theoretical Magic. While magic is a fact of life in this universe, much of the practical use has been lost over time. When the potential for war with a neighboring government seems to become closer to reality, Volta and her friends Eco and Gali must take matters into their own hands, unknowingly putting themselves in the middle of a political conspiracy.
While reading this book, I became very immersed in the universe as well as the system of magic and the three sects (Alchemy, Witchcraft, and Sorcery) within it. Both felt very structured and that there was a lot of thought behind them, which I rather appreciated. However, sometimes certain facts within the story were repeated verbatim or modern day speech patterns were sneaked in, which would break the immersion.
Overall, I thought this was a great debut novel, and I’m excited to see what’s next for this author. I think fans of magical academia and novels highlighting healthy friendships would easily be engrossed by this story.
While reading this book, I became very immersed in the universe as well as the system of magic and the three sects (Alchemy, Witchcraft, and Sorcery) within it. Both felt very structured and that there was a lot of thought behind them, which I rather appreciated. However, sometimes certain facts within the story were repeated verbatim or modern day speech patterns were sneaked in, which would break the immersion.
Overall, I thought this was a great debut novel, and I’m excited to see what’s next for this author. I think fans of magical academia and novels highlighting healthy friendships would easily be engrossed by this story.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley
This magical academia story revolves around Volta and her two friends who are all pupils at a magical university. The plot unfolds as there is a threat of war and an unexpected visit from the royal family.
The setting seems to be some time ago as several things we are very familiar with and often use as a part of every day life seem to be new here. The magical world set up within the book is pretty detailed and I was able to follow the nuances of it that were laid out in the book. I particularly enjoyed the magical properties of the actual school.
I felt like the plot advanced nicely throughout the book and at a good pace. I didn’t find parts that moved too slowly or glossed over details too quickly.
As for the characters, I enjoyed them all. I was especially drawn to two of the more secondary characters, Kevyn and Laufey. Kevyn was an absolute delight and hands down my favorite character in the book.
This was an enjoyable read and I hope to see more books from this author in the future.
This magical academia story revolves around Volta and her two friends who are all pupils at a magical university. The plot unfolds as there is a threat of war and an unexpected visit from the royal family.
The setting seems to be some time ago as several things we are very familiar with and often use as a part of every day life seem to be new here. The magical world set up within the book is pretty detailed and I was able to follow the nuances of it that were laid out in the book. I particularly enjoyed the magical properties of the actual school.
I felt like the plot advanced nicely throughout the book and at a good pace. I didn’t find parts that moved too slowly or glossed over details too quickly.
As for the characters, I enjoyed them all. I was especially drawn to two of the more secondary characters, Kevyn and Laufey. Kevyn was an absolute delight and hands down my favorite character in the book.
This was an enjoyable read and I hope to see more books from this author in the future.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received and advance copy from NetGalley.
The Shape of Magic is thought provoking and often throughout feels like the story is wrapping you in a warm embrace. I enjoyed the magic system and appreciated the fact that it wasn't just wands and potions. I feel like the story starts a bit slow but it keeps a steady pace until around 65% which is when it really starts to pick up. I definitely recommend it.
The Shape of Magic is thought provoking and often throughout feels like the story is wrapping you in a warm embrace. I enjoyed the magic system and appreciated the fact that it wasn't just wands and potions. I feel like the story starts a bit slow but it keeps a steady pace until around 65% which is when it really starts to pick up. I definitely recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews