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Crow Magic #1
The Third Kind of Magic
Can one twelve-year-old girl fight a witch?Exiled from her village for accidentally using advanced magic, Suli must either become a wise woman or be shunned as a witch.She's apprenticed to the wise woman Tala, but Suli's magical education is cut short when a witch kidnaps her teacher to learn the secret of shape-shifting.Suli discovers she too has inherited the shape-shifting ability. and even without her teacher, learns to fly and to talk to animals.Then the witch asks Suli to make a terrible Suli must live with the witch as her apprentice, or she’ll never see Tala again.But if she agrees, she’ll be called a witch for the rest of her life.“The two things I dreamed of doing as a child were to fly and to talk to animals. This marvelous children’s book brought this reader back to that happiest of times when everything was possible and wishes could come true.”— Ginny Rorby , winner of the American Library Association’s Schneider Family Book Award for her novel, Hurt Go Happy , a novel about a chimpanzee who uses sign-language.Suli's adventures continue in The Cursed Amulet , second in the Crow Magic series .
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2018
31 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 19, 2018
A well written book for young readers. The story was easy to follow, while being engaging enough to hold your interest. Highly recommended for fourth to eighth grade reading levels.
March 18, 2018
I got an ARC copy from the author via LibraryThings, thank you! :D
This is a simple minded story of a 12 year old girl named Suli that has developed promising Seeing, a sort of low level magic that allows her to see through the hearts of people talking to her and know who is trustworthy. In her rural village, this ability seems to be taught to everyone and a lot of people learn basic Healing as well. Bullied relentlessly during her childhood accused of being a witch because her mother abandoned her to the care of her paternal grandmother, she hopes to be trained to become a Wise Woman to be respected in her community.
During a spring festival, she commands a bully to dance on the bonfire. What happened next marked her life forever. The following day, her grandmother announces her that she is going to be trained to become a Wise Woman by her cousin Tala that lives in a nearby village. Surprised that she would be sent away to be trained by a complete stranger, her grandmother tells her that she used forbidden magic on the bully and that it was for her safety.
Little did Suli know what would happen next and how her life would change forever.
The book is not only the story of how Suli learns life skills by her mentor, it teaches her how to be less judgemental, more tolerant and to think before she speaks. She's initially restless and always demanding to know the answer, but Tala only gives her the bare minimum knowledge. Frustrated, Suli truly begins to believe Tala is a witch and wants to accuse her with the witch hunting authorities... until she discovers she and Tala share a magical secret that could cause them to be executed if she isn't careful...
We see Suli's character grow over the course of her brief training and when a witch named Magda accuses Tala of witchcraft with the authorities to blackmail her into forcing Suli to live with her, the story shifts into a new direction.
I think the book has a lot of positive lessons about seeing the good and bad of everyone and to not judge people by first appearances. Magda might be a witch, but is she truly evil? Every character has imperfections that makes them human which made them ever more memorable. Tala is elusive and distant, Suli judgemental and haughty, Magda bitter and pathetic more than overtly evil. The supporting cast is quirky and cute.
Overall, the book was a fun ride without any swearing or overt violence. YA fans that enjoy younger characters that aren't overtly annoying with more subtle magic will clearly enjoy this book. I know that I did.
This is a simple minded story of a 12 year old girl named Suli that has developed promising Seeing, a sort of low level magic that allows her to see through the hearts of people talking to her and know who is trustworthy. In her rural village, this ability seems to be taught to everyone and a lot of people learn basic Healing as well. Bullied relentlessly during her childhood accused of being a witch because her mother abandoned her to the care of her paternal grandmother, she hopes to be trained to become a Wise Woman to be respected in her community.
During a spring festival, she commands a bully to dance on the bonfire. What happened next marked her life forever. The following day, her grandmother announces her that she is going to be trained to become a Wise Woman by her cousin Tala that lives in a nearby village. Surprised that she would be sent away to be trained by a complete stranger, her grandmother tells her that she used forbidden magic on the bully and that it was for her safety.
Little did Suli know what would happen next and how her life would change forever.
The book is not only the story of how Suli learns life skills by her mentor, it teaches her how to be less judgemental, more tolerant and to think before she speaks. She's initially restless and always demanding to know the answer, but Tala only gives her the bare minimum knowledge. Frustrated, Suli truly begins to believe Tala is a witch and wants to accuse her with the witch hunting authorities... until she discovers she and Tala share a magical secret that could cause them to be executed if she isn't careful...
We see Suli's character grow over the course of her brief training and when a witch named Magda accuses Tala of witchcraft with the authorities to blackmail her into forcing Suli to live with her, the story shifts into a new direction.
I think the book has a lot of positive lessons about seeing the good and bad of everyone and to not judge people by first appearances. Magda might be a witch, but is she truly evil? Every character has imperfections that makes them human which made them ever more memorable. Tala is elusive and distant, Suli judgemental and haughty, Magda bitter and pathetic more than overtly evil. The supporting cast is quirky and cute.
Overall, the book was a fun ride without any swearing or overt violence. YA fans that enjoy younger characters that aren't overtly annoying with more subtle magic will clearly enjoy this book. I know that I did.
April 11, 2018
Reviewed for Reader’s Favorite by Melinda Hills
At twelve years old, Suli knows right from wrong but will soon learn that not everything is so clear cut in ‘The Third Kind of Magic by Elizabeth Forest. Suli comes from a long line of magic users and hopes to become a wise woman like her grandmother. Unfortunately, she accidentally uses advanced magic in public and must leave the village or live with the name of witch.
Leaving home to live with her cousin who is also a wise woman, Suli wonders what she will learn. Frustrated about not learning real magic, Suli spends her days tending to the garden, goats and geese while hearing about what magic can and can’t do. When Tala disappears one day, it is up to Suli to get help from the creatures who have become her friends. A wise crow teaches Suli what she needs to know about the third kind of magic which can be very dangerous, depending on how it is used. This feeds Suli’s fears about being called a witch but she will do what is necessary to help her cousin and prepare for an eventual showdown with the real witch who lives on the mountain.
Elizabeth Forest’s debut fantasy novel for children, ‘The Third Kind of Magic’, is a delight to read! The writing style brings to mind old fairy tales and is easy to follow. There are plenty of opportunities for children and YA readers to laugh, be nervous, and join Suli in wondering what is right and wrong and how to deal with the issues that fall somewhere in between. Suli is a wonderful character with plenty of strengths but also vulnerabilities and watching her learn and grow with the help of a marvelous assortment of unique characters provides teachable moments for anyone.
‘The Third Kind of Magic’ is a book well worth reading for enjoyment and some valuable life lessons. Look for more from Elizabeth Forest in the future as well!
At twelve years old, Suli knows right from wrong but will soon learn that not everything is so clear cut in ‘The Third Kind of Magic by Elizabeth Forest. Suli comes from a long line of magic users and hopes to become a wise woman like her grandmother. Unfortunately, she accidentally uses advanced magic in public and must leave the village or live with the name of witch.
Leaving home to live with her cousin who is also a wise woman, Suli wonders what she will learn. Frustrated about not learning real magic, Suli spends her days tending to the garden, goats and geese while hearing about what magic can and can’t do. When Tala disappears one day, it is up to Suli to get help from the creatures who have become her friends. A wise crow teaches Suli what she needs to know about the third kind of magic which can be very dangerous, depending on how it is used. This feeds Suli’s fears about being called a witch but she will do what is necessary to help her cousin and prepare for an eventual showdown with the real witch who lives on the mountain.
Elizabeth Forest’s debut fantasy novel for children, ‘The Third Kind of Magic’, is a delight to read! The writing style brings to mind old fairy tales and is easy to follow. There are plenty of opportunities for children and YA readers to laugh, be nervous, and join Suli in wondering what is right and wrong and how to deal with the issues that fall somewhere in between. Suli is a wonderful character with plenty of strengths but also vulnerabilities and watching her learn and grow with the help of a marvelous assortment of unique characters provides teachable moments for anyone.
‘The Third Kind of Magic’ is a book well worth reading for enjoyment and some valuable life lessons. Look for more from Elizabeth Forest in the future as well!
April 6, 2018
The Third Kind of Magic, by Elizabeth Forest, is a middle grade fantasy novel about a girl, Suli, who lives with her relative Tala, in order to hone in and develop her natural magic skills. She makes friends with the forest animals, who learn to trust her to take care of them when Tala no longer can. Magda, our witch antagonist, is out to learn the magic that Suli seemingly knows. At some point, Suli must live with the witch Magda and use her magic to protect herself from being harmed.
This story is filled with imagination, clear descriptions and believable characters. We can see how Suli grows from a fearful child, bent on getting petty revenge on those who mistreat her, to a dynamic wise woman. However, there is more to the witch than anyone seems to know, and by Suli using her skills and compassion, she's able to help bring about the best solution of all. The climax is well done and I was certainly rewarded with a satisfying outcome.
I think what I appreciate more than anything is the overarching theme of how violence is never the solution to solving problems, dealing with others, or getting what one wants. Although Suli starts out with vengeance in mind, she is able to gain a different world view that includes healing and forgiveness, taught by both Tala and the animals of the forest.
I highly recommend this book for young readers who enjoy stories with strong fantasy and magic themes.
This story is filled with imagination, clear descriptions and believable characters. We can see how Suli grows from a fearful child, bent on getting petty revenge on those who mistreat her, to a dynamic wise woman. However, there is more to the witch than anyone seems to know, and by Suli using her skills and compassion, she's able to help bring about the best solution of all. The climax is well done and I was certainly rewarded with a satisfying outcome.
I think what I appreciate more than anything is the overarching theme of how violence is never the solution to solving problems, dealing with others, or getting what one wants. Although Suli starts out with vengeance in mind, she is able to gain a different world view that includes healing and forgiveness, taught by both Tala and the animals of the forest.
I highly recommend this book for young readers who enjoy stories with strong fantasy and magic themes.
February 25, 2018
Thoughts: This book was breathtaking. Elizabeth Forest did an amazing job of creating funny, creative characters, and painting a setting so vivid, it could have come from a movie. I loved how The Third Kind of Magic was not black and white. For example, the witch seems evil but has a good right to feel angry. I also loved the cause and effect in The Third Kind of Magic. For example, if you use the Voice (which lets you take control of any living being) you start to lose your Sight (which lets you see the intentions, needs, and wants of any being). Something else that I loved about The Third Kind of Magic, is that even when all hope is lost, a single candle ignites. Overall, I loved this funny, creative, breathtaking book.
Note: this book was given to me for free in exchange for a review.
Note: this book was given to me for free in exchange for a review.
March 21, 2023
The Third Kind of Magic by Elizabeth Forest and Kelley McMorris
This book is YA fantasy adventure of a girl who reached the age of apprenticeship. Suli is finally old enough to learn how to become a wise woman.
Suli doesn't want anyone to call her a witch, like all the kids called her growing up. She may have the signs of magic, but that doesn't mean she's a bad person. She wants to learn magic so that she can protect people.
Within a few days of her apprenticeship her teacher is kidnapped by a witch, and she'll have to use what little knowledge she has to help save her.
I highly recommend this book, it makes me sad I only got to read the first 8 chapters.
I received this free preview from an authors newsletter I subscribed to. But I subscribed to so many I can't remember who I got it from.
This book is YA fantasy adventure of a girl who reached the age of apprenticeship. Suli is finally old enough to learn how to become a wise woman.
Suli doesn't want anyone to call her a witch, like all the kids called her growing up. She may have the signs of magic, but that doesn't mean she's a bad person. She wants to learn magic so that she can protect people.
Within a few days of her apprenticeship her teacher is kidnapped by a witch, and she'll have to use what little knowledge she has to help save her.
I highly recommend this book, it makes me sad I only got to read the first 8 chapters.
I received this free preview from an authors newsletter I subscribed to. But I subscribed to so many I can't remember who I got it from.
April 23, 2018
There's a bunch of good vs evil fairy tales out there. In a way, The Third Kind of Magic reminded me about them. Suli, the wise woman's apprentice, learns using magic is not always the smartest thing to do.
The characters are built in such a way you connect and engage in no time. No matter which one you feel closest to, you'll probably also recognize something of yourself in the others.
Wonderful read with a nice flow. Enjoy the ride!
The characters are built in such a way you connect and engage in no time. No matter which one you feel closest to, you'll probably also recognize something of yourself in the others.
Wonderful read with a nice flow. Enjoy the ride!
March 8, 2022
This book is more for a younger group of readers, like my teen granddaughter. However, I couldn't put the book down. Elizabeth Forest is an extremely talented and highly imaginative writer. The worlds within worlds of mice families and crow families and the important geese families. It started with a foolish girl who... You need to read the book!
February 17, 2018
A surprising wonderful book! It's told like an "Oldtime Fairy Tale", a cautionary tale. I loved it! The plot-line is smooth, the characters well done and fluid. This is not a fast read, but the flow is even and compelling. I will look for more from Ms. Elizabeth Forest!
March 22, 2018
This is a great, well written story. I loved all the characters, both animal and human! Learning the difference in helping and harming Suli must decide how to help Tala and what to do about the witch. I loved this entire book!
I was gifted an ARC in return of an honest review.
I was gifted an ARC in return of an honest review.
December 3, 2021
This is a Fantasy children's chapter book that I think would be great for fourth or fifth graders. I think that it portrays a different type of magic that not many people are used to while keeping the reader engaged.
March 24, 2018
This was a charming and original story. I thoroughly enjoyed it! I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
July 9, 2018
Loved the book. A series I will definately continue with.
September 15, 2018
I loved that Suli have to learn women's witchcraft when she was only 14!!
September 9, 2018
This was delightful
There is so much to learn from this book whether you are 6or 60. I loved the characters but I really loved the wisdom I learned. For a book written for kids this one really surprised me. It treated magic in a totally different way not as something to learn and master but as something that could be part of an arsenal of skills to be a wise woman. It also helped me to know that there are lots of things that go in to being a wise woman. I really recommend this one. I loved the way it was written and the lessons it had to teach. You don't even have to be a woman if you have a tender soul.
There is so much to learn from this book whether you are 6or 60. I loved the characters but I really loved the wisdom I learned. For a book written for kids this one really surprised me. It treated magic in a totally different way not as something to learn and master but as something that could be part of an arsenal of skills to be a wise woman. It also helped me to know that there are lots of things that go in to being a wise woman. I really recommend this one. I loved the way it was written and the lessons it had to teach. You don't even have to be a woman if you have a tender soul.
February 17, 2018
Hi everyone,
This is my new novel about a girl learning magic and discovering the dangers and joys of using it. I hope you enjoy it!
This is my new novel about a girl learning magic and discovering the dangers and joys of using it. I hope you enjoy it!
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May 15, 2019This book is very good, but simpleminded. Very easy to read. I like how it involved the witch trails though. I'd call it Fantasy/Realistic fiction.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews