Notes of Magic

The Bohemians #1

by Jessica Bucher

Enchanted city. Old magic. New threat.

Taq, a young fiddler, comes to Prague with dreams of joining the Bohemians—a band of immortal, magic-wielding street performers. With a mission to right past wrongs, things don’t go as planned when he meets the beautiful performer, Katia. Now, he must decide if revealing his secret is worth losing her heart.

Katia has spent one hundred years chained to the city, broken-hearted and silent,
waiting for her chance to be free. But with an impending threat on Bohemia itself and a mysterious newcomer, peace is starting look farther than ever. Now she must decide if she should trust Taq or put her faith in the one who broke her heart—the tyrannical Magistrate of Bohemia.
Curses can be broken, but at what cost?

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction

236 pages, Unknown Binding

Published February 24, 2018

About the author

Jessica Bucher is a Young Adult author living in Texas with her husband and children. Her first book, The Hereafter, was published in 2016. When she’s not writing, editing, or chasing her kids, she can be found scrolling through Facebook or planning her next travel adventure.

Get to know Jessica more and join her launch group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/21743...

Follow updates and exclusives by subscribing here: http://eepurl.com/div4lv

Reviews

[Danielle's · Rating 4 out of 5]

Notes of magic is an interesting fantasy novel which unravels to reveal a community of magic and curse.

Prague is a magical vibrant city. Music and performers bring the city to life.

Taq is a young fiddle player who has come to Prague to discover the secrets of the Bohemian. He has heard the old stories and wants to right past wrongs. What he finds is a young beautiful performer, Katia. She is more than he ever expects and can't help falling for her. The problem is he has his own secrets.

Katia is part of the Bohemians. She is a performer and lives the life of the trade. She is cursed. What others would consider a gift she doesn't want. 100 years of immortality but it has a price. One some would not want to pay. Taq catches her attention right from the start and she wishes she was free to explore her feelings.

Secrets, lies and magic. This book is a romance novel but with a difference. The story is creative and there are lots of interesting characters. The twists to the story leave you wanting more for the characters. Everyone has a tale to tell and not everything is as it seems.

I enjoyed this book. It took me about 10% to truly get into the story but it was worth it. Notes of magic is a mystery that slowly unravels. I liked the idea behind the story and the curse was creative. This is a unique read. The next book is due out in May 2018 which isn't too long to wait. Notes of magic does leave you wanting more and some questions still need answers but enjoyable all the same.

A Kindle Unlimited read. Totally worth the ride 4 stars out of 5.

*Read through Kindle Unlimited, however, I have joined the chapter by chapter blog tour.

[Mandie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Notes of Magic. It was full of magic and adventure. With a blossoming romance to boot. I would highly recommend this book.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

[Ashley Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you love magic? Do you love romance? Do you love excitement? Then I know you’ll love this book. I love when a writer creates a world that seems so real, a world I wish I could step into. Set in beautiful Prague, Notes of Magic quickly invites you into its magical land and introduces you to a group called the Bohemians. They exist in a place of magic and wonder. I want to spend time with them. I wish I could ask them so many questions! Jessica’s characters are unique, each with a past woven into the main story line. She switches between character points of view without it being confusing. Katia is speaking, then Kaspar, and now Taq! They all have something important to say! I enjoyed the pace of the book, flowing so smoothly from character to character. Each one revealing a little more information than the last. Just enough to keep you up reading late into the night. The story quickly builds in intensity. There seemed to be a new surprise every time I picked it up. I groaned when I reached the epilogue. I wasn’t ready for the story to end. Luckily we only have to wait until May for the second book! The ending leaves you wanting more. Be ready to wait with anticipation for the next book.

Notes of Magic will be released on February 24, 2018. You can pre-order Notes of Magic now on Amazon for $0.99 or it's free with Kindle Unlimited.

https://www.amazon.com/Notes-Magic-Bo...

[Shay · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

This was definitely an interesting book. I loved the topsy turvey-esque imagery to the city of Prague. I found it wonderful reading about all the different people and their crafts. I was attached to a few of the characters which was always a plus. Especially Katia. I was ridiculously drawn to her and just craved so much more from her. I was desperate to know everything about this rather unusual character!

For me though, there was something almost too simplistic to the story. I still haven't quite put my finger on what it was that made me draw this conclusion. It could be that it practically took place all in the same place. Or it could be that I felt there wasn't a lot of character growth. Or it could even be the lack of it's ability to completely captivate my attention. Maybe a bit of all 3. Regardless I did enjoy the time I spent reading this. I wasn't hooked exactly, but I found the story pleasant and I really do want to know more about this world!

Taq seeks out Prague to join the Bohemians for secret reasons and finds himself torn between being honest with Katia, the girl who won't speak, or sticking true to his plan. What is a poor fiddler to do when matters of the heart take precedence? Katia who keeps secrets of her own is drawn to Taq yet a war wages in the background of their insta romance. Do they stay together or let these forces pull them apart?

I received an Arc copy from the author and have voluntarily left this review.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given an electronic copy of this book from the author in exchange for a review.

Sadly I had to dnf this book at 45%.
I don’t hate it at all! I just found that I’ve been trying for months to read this book but it just hasn’t kept my attention.
I’m giving this book 3 stars because I know that it has the potential to be a good book! But it’s just not for me right now. I hope to get back into this book when the time is right.

3/5 Stars!

[Patrick Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the brilliant Hereafter, I have been waiting for her second book, and I was not disappointed.

Set in a fascinating world where old-world Europe meets fantastical characters with an almost steampunk-ish feel, Notes of Magic tells the story of two star-crossed lovers who share a connection far deeper than either of them realize. Taq is a young man who shuns his family's wealth and travels, fiddle in hand, to the streets of Prague. There he meets Katia, a lovely musician who, for reasons that become evident as the story progresses, has chosen to remain mute. Their back-stories unfold as the drama ramps up, which is the mark of a great storyteller. As forces conspire to keep them apart, we can't help but root for them to prevail.

I was honored to receive an ARC of this book, and I can't wait for the next one in the series!

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I obtained this book as free arc read in exchange for my honest opinion.
In my most honest opinion I have to say this story is a hit or a miss. For some people it was a hit but unfortunately for me this story was a miss. I have to give this book a 2 out of 5 stars. I had the DNF this book and that alone says something. I have made several attempts to sit and read the story and get more then half through the book but I just could not.

I will say from what I have read of the story it is interesting and well written. However, I could not give this book any more of my time. There are so many questions I have just based on what I did read of the book. One of the main issues I have with the book is how unrelateable the characters are to me. They just do not hold my attention or make me care enough to continue reading in order to find out more about them.

[Donna Munoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing, magical storytelling and beautiful descriptive writing. The characters were phenomenal. I can't wait for book 2!

[Suzannah Rowntree]

This Prague-set romantic YA fantasy had a lot in it that I loved. Bucher is clearly an able storyteller: here she tells a well constructed story based on a concept that will appeal to fans of THE NIGHT CIRCUS - all about the intersection of art and magic. In a world where magical artists are despised and hunted by the rationalistic Moderns, old-world Bohemia becomes a sanctuary where street performers sell themselves in servitude to the monstrous yet compelling Yuri in exchange for protection and eternal youth.

Although the prose itself was choppy and the characters did not win my deepest respect (Taq, stop playing coy with your secrets, and Katia, why are you still into that awful man?) the evocative concepts and quick-moving plot kept me turning pages till the end.

[J. d'Merricksson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taq has come to a future Prague, where people called the Bohemians bring the city to vibrant life each day. They are entertaining the city, filling it with magic both literally and figuratively. Being Bohemian means being under the Magistrate's dominion. As long as the person in question is part of the group, they are frozen at the age they joined, and safe from harm as long as they stay in the city.

Taq hopes to make amends for a terrible deed in his great grandfather's past, against a young girl named Katia, who is one of the Bohemians. Though he finds her right away, he falls in love with her, and is afraid to tell her the truth of why he’s there. He longs to know more about her, but for a hundred years, Katia has not spoken. Not since a fateful night when she was tricked into the Bohemian pact. Even though it was done against her will, the Magistrate refused to break the bond, wanting to keep her safe. What could have been a great gift became her prison. Can Taq help free her after all these years?

I don't fully understand this city, this future Prague, and how it works, but I don't care. I fell in love with the characters, the story, and the city. All of it! I loved that the Bohemians seemed to bring such joy to those around them. We don't get to see the outside world, the 'Modern World’ up close, but Taq’s description make it seem so sterile and horrid. When a society forsakes art and music, it's setting itself up for collapse. Art is humanity's soul. We don't survive long without it.

I liked all of the characters, but I think my most favourite was Kaspar, Katia’s adoptive brother. He seems so sweet, and clearly he loves her a great deal. At one point, Kaspar sacrifices his well-being for Katia’s. He’s a magician, and uses true magic and illusions to entertain the citizens. I even liked Yuri, except for his name. :/ I want to know what scarred him so. I want to know what magic must keep that mangled body functioning.

I did dislike the use of the word 'fiddle’. Oh, I know that’s another name for a violin, but the way Taq played said 'violinist’ to me, not 'fiddle player’. Fiddle lacks a measure of elegance, to my ears, and conjures the type of people who would play accompanied by a banjo. Folk music a lá Ballad of Tom Dooley. I like folk music, by the way. I still prefer the word violin, though!

***Many thanks to Chapter by Chapter Tours and the author for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review originally posted at my blog for the Chapter by Chapter Blog Tour: https://bookishpuffcorn.wordpress.com...

Notes of Magic by Jessica Bucher is the first book in The Bohemians series. Now, this wasn’t just about the cover. The synopsis charmed me as well. This book talks about the Bohemians, a community filled with magic, art and music.

Katia, a Bohemian used to sing with her enchanting voice but it’s been a century since she last uttered a word. Taq is a fiddle player who travelled to Prague to see the Bohemians. The two eventually fell in love with each other but they have their own secrets. They belong in completely different worlds.

I liked the idea behind the Bohemians. They are talented artists (musicians and magicians alike) that are immortal. They trade 100 years of their lives to the Magistrate in exchange of immortality and service. The author did a very good job in choosing the best words to describe everything. I fell in love with Prague and loved music even more. Though, I’m not the artistic type but I greatly appreciate art.

It was an amazing read! The idea and the setting were delightfully put together. An easy read because of the words chosen by the author. Characters are wonderfully developed. Unexpected turn of events. Shocking truth and revelations.

Notes of Magic is a frustratingly amazing read. I swear! The story was flowing smoothly until after I’ve reached the second half wherein the author starts throwing plot twists to the reader. It was quite irritating but I think it was one of the things that made me want to continue reading.

The ending was unpredictable and I admit I wasn’t that satisfied. Though, I still can’t wait to read the second book! Overall, I rate Notes of Magic, 4 out of 5 stars. I recommend this to someone who’s looking for an exceptional read.

[K.N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine a future where art, music, and magic dwell in a land isolated from the world's dehumanizing technologies. A place where some - the Bohemians - live for centuries, ageless but unable to live beyond their protected city. This is Prague in the year 2366.

Eighteen-year-old Taq arrives in Prague with a mission that is revealed as the reader meets the Bohemians and beautiful Katia. There's unrequited love, a beautiful heroine with multiple admirers, and clean romance. Readers will follow many characters through this tale, each point of view clearly marked before their scene or chapter. There's a few flashbacks to a past generation and these, too, are labeled and easy to follow. This style creates a layer of history that adds depth to the story and is vital to the plot.

And you'll wish you could book a trip to visit this enchanting city with its many wonders! Generous, detailed descriptions paint a portrait of a truly magical place: mind-readers, illusionists, shape-shifters, telekinetics, fire starters and more promise anything can happen. There's a definite steampunk vibe with familiar antique contraptions being morphed into amazing festival amusements and life-saving prosthetics.

This is YA, so the main characters are young, sometimes melodramatic in dialogue and reactions. I'd recommend this book to those who enjoy steampunk, fanfiction (only because I could totally see these characters in an amazing RPG), and worlds of magic with action and romance. While this book is the first in a series, it stands alone with a full resolution in the end.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an e-copy of the story for an honest review.  I enjoyed it so much that I purchased a physical copy. 

Notes of Magic is the first book in a young adult fantasy series. The story takes place in a futuristic Prague. People with Magic come to Prague (Bohemia) for the Magistrate's protection. The Bohemians trade 100 years of their life for protection and Immortality during that time, in exchange, they perform on the city streets using their gifts whether they be by performing magic tricks or playing music. The two main POV's are Katia and Taq. Taq had traveled to Bohemia to make things right. Katia is not happy and is counting down her remaining days until she is free.  The last thing either of them expected was to fall for each other.

I loved the atmosphere of old-world Prague. The love story is very cute. Katia is very naive but if you were stuck at 17 for 99 years...and the Bohemians as a whole are very sheltered by their leader (The Magistrate). The Magistrate shelters them out of fear because of what he went through what he had to endure. The one main downfall that I had with the book is the story is sold as being steampunk; however, it only has one character that has any steampunk elements and these were the only steampunk elements present in the story. I was really bumbed out about it because that was what really sold me on the book.  I really hope that there are more steampunk characters in the future books in this series.

All in All, it was still a good read and I will be continuing on with book 2.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can honestly say, I haven’t read a greater mashup of YA Fantasy, Magic, AND Music into one awesome story!

I will say that this book does take a hot minute to get into. About 30 pages in and I was hooked. I think my favorite part of this story was the world building and just how the idea of magic and how there are these characters who can be seen as ‘cursed’ (Depends on who you talk to in the story).

I would call this book a steampunk fuming with romance on the side. The romance is not heavy, but it adds a lighter feel to the story. You start to see connections throughout the story which come together by the end of the book while also leaving you wanting more!

The diverse characters also made this book intriguing to me. Who is there to trust in this world?

I gave this book a solid 4 out of 5 stars. If you are looking for a new, unique YA read to add to your spring reading list, this is the book you will want to add to that growing stack. There is such an even balance between all of the themed components to this book that make the rest of the book a breeze to fly through. I literally finished this one in a matter of two sittings.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
This book was very interesting an I really did enjoy it, but it seemed to start out slow and I am not sure why. It may have just been me. About one third of the way into the book, it really picked up and I was totally engrossed. The plot was easy to follow, but there were twists in it that I did not expect. The characters were all so well written. They seemed so real and alive. Yuri was the perfect villain. You could see why he made the choices that he did. I did feel some empathy toward him, but I still didn't like him. The story was told from an alternating POV. You knew exactly what everyone was thinking and it helped fill in the background story. All in all, this was a very entertaining story that I would definitely recommend.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t wait to read the rest of this series!!

Jessica Bucher definitely has a knack for creating unique new worlds as she’s now proven in both The Hereafter and Notes of Magic. I literally read this book in a day.

The book is set some 300 years in the future in a world where there is a clear divide between the “old world” and the “new world.” This story takes place in the old world where art, music, and performance are still present and appreciated. We get to learn this story in little bits told by many of the characters both past and present. Often stories that flash back and forth in time and between character POVs can get confusing but this one never did.

There’s a little bit of romance and a little bit of magic but neither thing take away from a very interesting story line.

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 5 out of 5]

(I voluntarily read this book after I was given an advanced copy)

This was a beautifully written bo0k about finding your place in the world. In 2366 Taq comes to Prague to become one of the Bohemians, ageless as long as they remain within the City. Such a beautiful place to be! We see through his eyes and others the wonders, but also the traps and foibles that are interwoven in young love.

I wanted to be there with Taq and Katia. I wanted to kick Yuri in the butt for being a foil tothe story. But mostly, I didn’t want to leave this futuristic Old World land that Jessica Boucher has created. Here’s to many more Notesin this magical realm!

[Jamie (Books and Ladders) · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and chose to review it. This in no way impacts my opinion.

DNF @ 51%

Honestly there were a lot of good things about this book, but I didn't like the use of the slur g*psy being brought up multiple times without unpacking or explanation -- especially since this was set hundreds of years in the future. Additionally, I am fine with instalove so long as it makes sense. Knowing someone for a combined total of MAYBE 12 hours and throwing your life away for them? Doesn't make sense to me. I'll have more thoughts up on Books and Ladders at a future date!

[Peyton Whaley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this book very graciously from the author and I loved it!! I love the world of Prague and the magic that ties into it! I do have one personal con of the book however, I don’t love books with narrator changes constantly, but with that being said this author did a fantastic job of switching between the characters and involving them in the same situations with different povs. Sometimes the flashbacks ending were also easy to miss but overall this is such an entrancing story and I can’t wait to see where it goes in the series!

[Bonnijean Marley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Notes of Magic. Jessica Bucher is a gifted storyteller.

The writing really gives you a sense of place. The characters are well-developed and the story unfolds with interesting twists and turns.

I received a review copy of this book, and once I started it I could not put it down.

[Crystal Wrongerahippie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this book. It’s basically about people with powers who are held captive for 100 yrs for “protection”. But then one day girl meets boy who shouldn’t meet and it puts everything in jeopardy. Katia thinks her power is her voice so she hasn’t spoken in years. I really enjoyed how she communicated with Taq when they were getting to know each other. And when she broke her silence...I gasped out loud. Terrific. Can’t wait for the next one.

[Tera Comer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read from this author and I was pleasantly pleased. This book was very interesting with colorful characters and beautiful world building. The storyline was very easy to follow an had twist which were not expected. I definitely will be looking forward to the next book in the series. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book

[GoodBookNook (Candace Renee) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Notes of Magic definitely left me curious for future books in the Bohemians series. I have a lot of general questions that I felt could have been answered in this first book. I’m mostly interested in finishing the series to clear up some confusion with the plot and setting.


A full review will be posted to my blog alltimeme.com on 4/23/18!

[Caroline · Rating 2 out of 5]

2stars

I don't know quite why I didn't like this book. I read it as I was hoping to be an ARC reader but struggled with it. On many occasions I wanted to just put it down and not finish it. I did finish it. The writing was good but the characters although well drawn didn't hold my attention. Usually I like this type of book. Many people will like it, just not for me. Sorry

[Janice perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. The characters were well written, and fun. The story was enjoyable with a few twists and turns.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book by this author. To me it started a bit slow, but then picked up and kept my attention. There is magic and adventure and even a budding romance. Interested to see what happens next.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely delightful story from a first time author for me. Couldn’t put it down.

[Lou · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. After much deliberation, I have settled on giving this book three stars. I was pretty indifferent about the plot. I liked the idea of the book and there were some parts I enjoyed, but overall I was not hooked by the story. The characters had a bad case of insta-love and some of the dialogue felt forced. I felt like the book was mildly entertaining, but I did not really care what the outcome would actually be. I feel like it just did not fit my interests as well as I hoped, so I can see how someone else might love this book. It has potential so I am planning on reading the next book to see if it gets better and I am curious about how this will end.

[Natasha Clark-French · Rating 4 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down
I had to read this book all in one day. It was almost impossible to stop. Such a unique concept with such great writing. I loved the colorful characters and beautiful imagery the author was able to create. I definitely recommend this book and I can't wait for book 2; there was a preview of it at the end if this book and it sounds like it's going to be just as good, maybe even better than book 1!

* I volunteered to read and honestly review an ARC of this book *

[Julie]

It took a bit to get into, but once I did I was hooked. I’m looking forward to the release of the second book to see what happens next. The story is full of magic, romance, and beautiful descriptions of not only the location but of the music of the bohemians. A good read if you enjoy characters with some complexity and a few twists and turns.