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In Defense of Magic
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Expected 7 Oct 26252 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 7, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 16, 2026
This is a glorious book about what weighs us down and what allows us to live.
Vivian is mired down in grief and loss and a curse that leads to her to kill men that she falls in love with. She doesn't practice magic and lives a life that is not fully hers.
I loved this book. The friendship between her and her friend Queenie reminded me of Practical Magic and the love and care of these two women in their relationship is a strong plot throughout the book.
This book is a murder mystery as Vivian and her previous boyfriend, Danel, try to find out who killed her previous lover. There were moments earlier than later that I did figure out who the suspect was, but the murder mystery is honestly a side plot.
This book is about Vivian and the grief that weighs her down and the need to free herself of a curse that leads to pain and suffering. This book is about finding yourself and allowing yourself to heal in the most magical of ways. It was a fantastic book. The author's acknowledgements at the end further explain this book and its message. To just get out of your head and allow yourself to feel.
Vivian is mired down in grief and loss and a curse that leads to her to kill men that she falls in love with. She doesn't practice magic and lives a life that is not fully hers.
I loved this book. The friendship between her and her friend Queenie reminded me of Practical Magic and the love and care of these two women in their relationship is a strong plot throughout the book.
This book is a murder mystery as Vivian and her previous boyfriend, Danel, try to find out who killed her previous lover. There were moments earlier than later that I did figure out who the suspect was, but the murder mystery is honestly a side plot.
This book is about Vivian and the grief that weighs her down and the need to free herself of a curse that leads to pain and suffering. This book is about finding yourself and allowing yourself to heal in the most magical of ways. It was a fantastic book. The author's acknowledgements at the end further explain this book and its message. To just get out of your head and allow yourself to feel.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC received from Emily Prescott in exchange for honest review.
⚡REVIEW⚡
I am a fan of Emily's work, and have seen her go down two very different paths with her last releases, but In Defense of Magic is by far my favourite.
Vivian Locksmeade is an absolute bombshell of a witch. She's glamorous, she's fierce, and she's not afraid to seek out passion - but only on her terms. Because four years previously, she was cursed. Anyone she loves, she brutally murders, under a compulsion she cannot stop. With no idea who cursed her or how, and her soul sister Queenie, a renowned Cursebreaker, unable to lift it, it's fair to say that Vivian has given up. She no longer uses her magic, despite risks from auditors; she no longer opens her shop. She lives as a natural would, but uses her glamour as an armour, chasing pleasure that can remain harmless. Well aware she's responsible for the deaths of two natural men, Vivian and Queenie have conspired to keep her out of it. But when her latest fling turns up dead on her doorstep, life gets infinitely more complicated - particularly when Danel, Vivian's ex, is leading the investigation.
Vivian, for all her fierce and passionate vibes, has chosen to make her world smaller, and has fallen victim to her curse rather than chosen to fight it, and it makes her delightfully messy and a little frustrating at times! I am a fan of a flawed heroine though, it gives her an authenticity, a realness. Queenie remains ever loyal, despite her being in the throes of romance herself, but when Raf is discovered in their driveway, it becomes imperative that they discover exactly who is responsible for framing Vivian - and how to lift her curse. The mysteries of this novel are so well developed, very convoluted, and layered like the perfect parfait. Even at the last moment, you don't know who is responsible for the curse on Vivian. It is a spectacular reveal that took my breath away, and leads to an ending that you feel is just perfect for Vivian. Things around her may be different, but she doesn't lose her glamour and her ferocity is only amplified.
There was one point that played a lot on my mind, and I was wondering, is this a whacking great plot hole? But Emily Prescott knows exactly what she is doing, and delivered the explanation at just the right time with a perfect reveal and heightened drama.
A special mention must also go to Humphrey, the very best boy who gave Vivian some hope in the darkness.
The relationship between Vivian and Danel is, similarly to Vivian's character, beautifully messy. When he arrives he wants nothing more than to find her guilty of the murder of his friend. But as time passes, and they are increasingly drawn into each others' paths, it becomes clear that whilst there is a lot of pain in their shared history, they also want to protect each other, with revelations of long held secrets only cementing that. I loved watching them rediscover their feelings for each other.
In Defense of Magic was a wonderful cottagecore, witchy novel that adds in a dollop of werewolves, vampires and fae, a cleverly worked curse, and a messy protagonist, and it works beautifully. Definitely my favourite Emily Prescott novel so far!
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review this book!
⚡REVIEW⚡
I am a fan of Emily's work, and have seen her go down two very different paths with her last releases, but In Defense of Magic is by far my favourite.
Vivian Locksmeade is an absolute bombshell of a witch. She's glamorous, she's fierce, and she's not afraid to seek out passion - but only on her terms. Because four years previously, she was cursed. Anyone she loves, she brutally murders, under a compulsion she cannot stop. With no idea who cursed her or how, and her soul sister Queenie, a renowned Cursebreaker, unable to lift it, it's fair to say that Vivian has given up. She no longer uses her magic, despite risks from auditors; she no longer opens her shop. She lives as a natural would, but uses her glamour as an armour, chasing pleasure that can remain harmless. Well aware she's responsible for the deaths of two natural men, Vivian and Queenie have conspired to keep her out of it. But when her latest fling turns up dead on her doorstep, life gets infinitely more complicated - particularly when Danel, Vivian's ex, is leading the investigation.
Vivian, for all her fierce and passionate vibes, has chosen to make her world smaller, and has fallen victim to her curse rather than chosen to fight it, and it makes her delightfully messy and a little frustrating at times! I am a fan of a flawed heroine though, it gives her an authenticity, a realness. Queenie remains ever loyal, despite her being in the throes of romance herself, but when Raf is discovered in their driveway, it becomes imperative that they discover exactly who is responsible for framing Vivian - and how to lift her curse. The mysteries of this novel are so well developed, very convoluted, and layered like the perfect parfait. Even at the last moment, you don't know who is responsible for the curse on Vivian. It is a spectacular reveal that took my breath away, and leads to an ending that you feel is just perfect for Vivian. Things around her may be different, but she doesn't lose her glamour and her ferocity is only amplified.
There was one point that played a lot on my mind, and I was wondering, is this a whacking great plot hole? But Emily Prescott knows exactly what she is doing, and delivered the explanation at just the right time with a perfect reveal and heightened drama.
A special mention must also go to Humphrey, the very best boy who gave Vivian some hope in the darkness.
The relationship between Vivian and Danel is, similarly to Vivian's character, beautifully messy. When he arrives he wants nothing more than to find her guilty of the murder of his friend. But as time passes, and they are increasingly drawn into each others' paths, it becomes clear that whilst there is a lot of pain in their shared history, they also want to protect each other, with revelations of long held secrets only cementing that. I loved watching them rediscover their feelings for each other.
In Defense of Magic was a wonderful cottagecore, witchy novel that adds in a dollop of werewolves, vampires and fae, a cleverly worked curse, and a messy protagonist, and it works beautifully. Definitely my favourite Emily Prescott novel so far!
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review this book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a fun and unexpected read! Give me a cursed witch, a murder mystery, complicated feelings, a little romance, and a whole lot of magic and I am HERE FOR IT. Vivian is such a complicated character. She’s strong, stubborn, sarcastic, and determined, but underneath all of that is someone who is carrying so much more than she lets people see. Watching her deal with her curse while trying to figure out who she can trust made it easy to connectwith her. I loved that Vivian wasn't perfect. She makes mistakes, she struggles with her choices, and she has moments where she absolutely gets in her own way. But that made her feel REAL. Her journey of figuring out what she wants, what she deserves, and whether she can actually allow herself to have a life beyond the curse was one of my favorite parts of the story. Her relationship with her bestie was also such a special part of the story. Their friendship brought warmth, humor, and emotional support to Vivian’s journey, especially when everything else felt uncertain. I loved seeing how they challenged each other, showed up when it mattered, and reminded Vivian that she didn’t have to face everything alone. Their bond felt genuine, messy, and deeply loyal, the kind of friendship that makes you laugh, cry, and want a bestie like that for yourself. AND then you add the murder mystery, magic, romance, complicated relationships, and the whole question of redemption?? YES. I loved watching Vivian slowly unravel the mystery while also unraveling parts of herself. She’s the kind of character that makes you want to yell at her, root for her, and give her a hug all at the same time. 😂
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received and ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In Defense of Magic introduces us to a cozy town (think Practical Magic) where witches, werewolves and vampires coexist openly with “natural” humans. Our leading lady, Vivian, is a witch who is a bit of a town pariah due to her suspicious connection to several disappearances and deaths of local men. If you enjoyed The Love Witch, then this book will certainly scratch that itch.
After a really intriguing prologue, the book really slowed down for me. At first I had trouble connecting with Vivian and her vanity and self pity but as the story unfolds and more is revealed about her backstory, it becomes clear why her mental state is the way that it is. The return of her past love, Danel, forces her to face past emotions and confront the curse that has been controlling her life for the past 7 years. I’m glad I stuck with it because the second half of the book was very engaging and emotional.
This is a self-contained small town romance perfect for a cozy night in!
In Defense of Magic introduces us to a cozy town (think Practical Magic) where witches, werewolves and vampires coexist openly with “natural” humans. Our leading lady, Vivian, is a witch who is a bit of a town pariah due to her suspicious connection to several disappearances and deaths of local men. If you enjoyed The Love Witch, then this book will certainly scratch that itch.
After a really intriguing prologue, the book really slowed down for me. At first I had trouble connecting with Vivian and her vanity and self pity but as the story unfolds and more is revealed about her backstory, it becomes clear why her mental state is the way that it is. The return of her past love, Danel, forces her to face past emotions and confront the curse that has been controlling her life for the past 7 years. I’m glad I stuck with it because the second half of the book was very engaging and emotional.
This is a self-contained small town romance perfect for a cozy night in!
October 3, 2026
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
4.25 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
This book was an absolute treat to read. This was my first Emily Prescott book.
The story follows Vivian, a witch, who believes she’s cursed in a small town where witches, weres, and vampires reside. Her history with love has only given her grief and she’s now abandoning her magic to become a “natural”. Many of the town inhabitants label her as the town “curse” and treat her as an outcast. Despite this, Vivian’s “Practical Magic” inspired home brings warmth and a sense of depth to the atmosphere, with its family history.
This story moves you through the heavy emotions of grief and loss but balances out with the lightheartedness of a beautiful friendship and a good pastry. There is a mystery that unravels throughout the story and tension building between characters that intrigues you enough to stay till the end.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can see giving it another read during the fall season. (Perfect timing).
4.25 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
This book was an absolute treat to read. This was my first Emily Prescott book.
The story follows Vivian, a witch, who believes she’s cursed in a small town where witches, weres, and vampires reside. Her history with love has only given her grief and she’s now abandoning her magic to become a “natural”. Many of the town inhabitants label her as the town “curse” and treat her as an outcast. Despite this, Vivian’s “Practical Magic” inspired home brings warmth and a sense of depth to the atmosphere, with its family history.
This story moves you through the heavy emotions of grief and loss but balances out with the lightheartedness of a beautiful friendship and a good pastry. There is a mystery that unravels throughout the story and tension building between characters that intrigues you enough to stay till the end.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can see giving it another read during the fall season. (Perfect timing).
Review of advance copy
Thanks Whimsy Words PR and the author Emily Prescott for a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review! Not that I can do that everyday with family life, but one Saturday I was alone and read the whole book ! It was SO good, I couldn't put it down! I really enjoyed Emily's writing, and especially the plot. The ending was not that obvious to guess, so it takes you through quite a long portion of the book before you start making your own theories. I loved the combination of romantic arcs, the curse, the magical system and the various characters. Great plot twists, and make sure to read the Thank you note at the end of the book. It's aways insightful to understand what prompted an author to write. "Stop thinking" indeed :)
All in all, a book I'd definitely sell in my fictional bookshop 😉
All in all, a book I'd definitely sell in my fictional bookshop 😉
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September 16, 2026Thank you Whimsy Words and Emily Prescott for the opportunity to read this book ahead of publication. All opinions are my own.
A book about grief, friendship and second chances. There’s magic, werewolves, curses and a murder all bound together with some beautifully descriptive writing.
Our FMC Vivian is at rock bottom; she lost her family, the man she thought would be her hea and has been cursed to kill any man she ever comes to love (and has in fact accidentally killed two). Her best friend Queenie, however, refuses to give in and puts her own life at risk in order to help Vivian. Their friendship is truly remarkable and a greater focus than any romantic relationship in the story.
When her ex, Danel, comes back to town to help investigate the death of her latest beau (and member of the local wolf pack), old feelings resurface. Although scared that history will repeat itself, Vivian is finally given the chance to fight for her freedom and for justice.
The mystery aspect of this book was so well done that I kept guessing the suspect and then was proven wrong at every turn. When the truth was unfolded and the twist revealed I was totally dumbfounded.
I loved the Practical Magic vibes and echoes of Lucy Jane Wood’s writing, but, in the end, this was a truly unique story and I’m so glad I came across it as it probably wouldn’t have been something I would have picked up on my own. Looking forward to reading more from this author in future.
A book about grief, friendship and second chances. There’s magic, werewolves, curses and a murder all bound together with some beautifully descriptive writing.
Our FMC Vivian is at rock bottom; she lost her family, the man she thought would be her hea and has been cursed to kill any man she ever comes to love (and has in fact accidentally killed two). Her best friend Queenie, however, refuses to give in and puts her own life at risk in order to help Vivian. Their friendship is truly remarkable and a greater focus than any romantic relationship in the story.
When her ex, Danel, comes back to town to help investigate the death of her latest beau (and member of the local wolf pack), old feelings resurface. Although scared that history will repeat itself, Vivian is finally given the chance to fight for her freedom and for justice.
The mystery aspect of this book was so well done that I kept guessing the suspect and then was proven wrong at every turn. When the truth was unfolded and the twist revealed I was totally dumbfounded.
I loved the Practical Magic vibes and echoes of Lucy Jane Wood’s writing, but, in the end, this was a truly unique story and I’m so glad I came across it as it probably wouldn’t have been something I would have picked up on my own. Looking forward to reading more from this author in future.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Oh, get ready to stay up way past your bedtime with this one, because I couldn't put it down! This has spooky, small town paranormal romance and crime mystery.
It also has the most incredible 2000s nostalgic TV show vibe, mixed with a healthy dose of Practical Magic.
Imagine a curse where you’re forced to kill the ones you fall in love with. The longing, grief, and slow burn pining while they try to solve a murder kept me turning pages!
🔮 Witchy
🏡 small town
🕵️♂️ Detective ex-boyfriend hero
💔 Second chance
🤫 Murder mystery plot
🥀 Heartbreaking family curse
🥹 Slow burn
🐶 Humphrey the dog
It also has the most incredible 2000s nostalgic TV show vibe, mixed with a healthy dose of Practical Magic.
Imagine a curse where you’re forced to kill the ones you fall in love with. The longing, grief, and slow burn pining while they try to solve a murder kept me turning pages!
🔮 Witchy
🏡 small town
🕵️♂️ Detective ex-boyfriend hero
💔 Second chance
🤫 Murder mystery plot
🥀 Heartbreaking family curse
🥹 Slow burn
🐶 Humphrey the dog
Review of advance copy received from Author
A witchy second chance romance steeped in mystery and perfect for spooky season!
Vivian has been cursed to 💀 the men she loves so she’s resigned herself to a life as a witch who doesn’t use her magic and doesn’t fall in love.
When her ex werewolf bf Danel comes back to town she’s in danger of more than just being arrested.
I have a hard time with second chance romances but I really enjoyed Vivi and Danny together. I also really enjoyed her beside Queenie.
The mystery was really interesting and kept me guessing.
Thank you to the author and Whimsy Words PR for the advanced copy!
Vivian has been cursed to 💀 the men she loves so she’s resigned herself to a life as a witch who doesn’t use her magic and doesn’t fall in love.
When her ex werewolf bf Danel comes back to town she’s in danger of more than just being arrested.
I have a hard time with second chance romances but I really enjoyed Vivi and Danny together. I also really enjoyed her beside Queenie.
The mystery was really interesting and kept me guessing.
Thank you to the author and Whimsy Words PR for the advanced copy!
September 25, 2026
I enjoyed this read! Cried a lot at one specific scene (see additional information below), but other than that it was a decent murder mystery.
Thank you to the author & Whimsy Words PR for letting me read this as an ARC!
Content Warnings: Blood, Cursing (language and magical), Death, Grief, Murder, Violence, Death of Parents, Off-Page Miscarriage, Animal Harm (dog survives and it’s the curse not the person doing it)
Thank you to the author & Whimsy Words PR for letting me read this as an ARC!
Content Warnings: Blood, Cursing (language and magical), Death, Grief, Murder, Violence, Death of Parents, Off-Page Miscarriage, Animal Harm (dog survives and it’s the curse not the person doing it)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐ In Defense of Magic by Emily Prescott
A witchy paranormal mystery with murder, magic, curses, romance and plenty of sass, In Defense of Magic was such a fun read!
Vivian is a vivacious, sassy and wonderfully complicated main character, and I really enjoyed following her as she navigates her curse, old feelings and the mystery surrounding some mysterious deaths. I especially loved the mix of crime-noir vibes with witches, werewolves, vampires and magical mayhem, it gave the story a really fun and distinctive atmosphere.
There’s also a lovely thread of redemption and self-discovery running through the story, with some great friendships along the way (and an adorable canine companion!).
4 stars from me. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A fun, magical mystery with a feisty heroine, a second-chance romance and plenty of supernatural twists.
A witchy paranormal mystery with murder, magic, curses, romance and plenty of sass, In Defense of Magic was such a fun read!
Vivian is a vivacious, sassy and wonderfully complicated main character, and I really enjoyed following her as she navigates her curse, old feelings and the mystery surrounding some mysterious deaths. I especially loved the mix of crime-noir vibes with witches, werewolves, vampires and magical mayhem, it gave the story a really fun and distinctive atmosphere.
There’s also a lovely thread of redemption and self-discovery running through the story, with some great friendships along the way (and an adorable canine companion!).
4 stars from me. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A fun, magical mystery with a feisty heroine, a second-chance romance and plenty of supernatural twists.
Review of advance copy
I read this as an ARC.
I enjoyed watching Vivian and Danel work on solving the mystery, and we learned more about their past as well. And I loved the friendship between Vivian and Queenie! The film noire style was fun! I’d recommend this to readers who enjoy: she’s hiding something, fantasy-mystery combos, lovers to enemies to…, and stories with witches, werewolves and vampires.
I enjoyed watching Vivian and Danel work on solving the mystery, and we learned more about their past as well. And I loved the friendship between Vivian and Queenie! The film noire style was fun! I’d recommend this to readers who enjoy: she’s hiding something, fantasy-mystery combos, lovers to enemies to…, and stories with witches, werewolves and vampires.
September 16, 2026
This was an interesting read. I loved the plot, the film noir vibes was very fun. The magic and magical creatures (vampires, werewolves and witches) was interesting and added to the crime plot. Her curse had me guessing so much trying to figure out how it was caused. Definitely a perfect read for spooky season.
Thank you to the author and whimsy words PR for providing me with the ARC.
Thank you to the author and whimsy words PR for providing me with the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolute loved the aesthetic of In Defense of Magic! Its such a cool, old school, crime noir romance that feels entirely unique. It is the perfect blend of a murder mystery, a slow-burn second-chance romance, and witchy paranormal elements (Practical Magic vibes).
Review of advance copy received from Author
Absolutely loved this one! Full review coming soon (got a work deadline!)
Thank you for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Full review to come!
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