Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Magic Within

Rate this book
Isabel Benson has recently been crowned Queen of Cinder’s Edge, but before signing her first royal decree, she finds herself questioning whether the kingdom is ready for the changes she is about to put in motion.
Travel through time as her grandparents help to answer this question by telling their story.

Natalie, a petite, silver-haired woman with emerald eyes and wrinkles that reflect both the triumphs and the tragedies of her life, was once a typical young princess. Her father’s obsession with finding her the perfect suitor and her mother’s insistence that she learn to perfect things like the art of curtsying, left her wanting nothing more than to break free of both of her parents’ expectations.

Blaine Benson is now a white-haired man with soulful blue eyes who loves his granddaughter more than life itself. Growing up, he was like any other guy expect for his physical disability and the fact that his best friend was, and still is, a treasure troll. Hoping to learn how to free his father, a once beloved magician, from the guilt surrounding the cause of his disability, Blaine spent most of his formative years with his nose stuck in a book.

Go on an adventure with the two grandparents as they describe how falling for one another was not by coincidence, but by the work of forces greater than they ever could have imagined. Learn how their love, and the love of those around them, was put to the test when Glomgurgle, a dragon who attacked the kingdom when Natalie was a child, lured her to his lair and her father offered her hand in marriage to the suitor who could save her.

Stroll down memory lane with the patriarch and matriarch as Natalie struggles to find her own happiness with the well-being of her kingdom at stake. Hear how the former queen realized she must learn to trust in the only thing that she could – her instincts. Listen to how Blaine examined his true abilities, as the fate of Natalie, the trolls, and Cinder’s Edge was ultimately put in his hands.

In the end, after hearing the history of her family and kingdom, Isabel must decide whether she, too, can trust her instincts and sign a royal decree that will change the fate of Cinder’s Edge and its people forever.

Hardcover

First published April 26, 2018

1 person is currently reading
9 people want to read

About the author

Allison M Boot

5 books15 followers

Much like the main characters in her novels, Allison M. Boot, has a disability. She wrote Just the Way You Are and The Magic Within to spread messages of self-acceptance and equality to young boys and girls traveling paths similar to hers. She is very proud to say that she earned a Master of Arts in Mass Communication from the University of Dayton. Additionally, she is proud of her extensive troll doll collection, started at the tender age of three, after being told that trolls bring good luck. To this day, her collection continues to grow and do just that. While she enjoys being a daughter to 2 and sister to 11, it is being an auntie to 12 and a dog mom to 2 that she loves most. She relocated to Urbana, Illinois where she lives with her husband, Dylan, a few years ago

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
6 (28%)
4 stars
14 (66%)
3 stars
0 (0%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
1 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Bobbi Wagner.
5,045 reviews64 followers
April 26, 2018
The Magic Within by Allison M. Boot is a science fiction – fantasy story that will keep you reading until the last page. This is my first book by this author and I enjoyed it. I enjoyed her writing style that was creative and engaging. Her attention to details pulled me right into the story and kept me wanting to see what was going to happen next. Her characters are creative, connectable and lovable. They pulled me right in from the very beginning of this story. Their story is about falling in love and how much fate had to do with it. Isabel is about to sign her very first royal decree but she needs to know if the kingdom is ready for it. She travels back in time to when her grandparents were alive to find her answers. This is where the story takes on somewhat a different tone, a romance story. We get to see how they met and the situations surrounding it. We also get to see their struggles of love and how her father obsessions to find her a suitor and her other making sure she could be the perfect lady. Her grandfather grew up with a disability and hopes to learn how to free his father's guilt. There is quite a bit going on in this story but when you get down to it, it is a sweet romance story. I enjoyed all the characters in this story. I give Isabel a lot of credit for having to decide if she can trust her instincts or not and make the changes to the kingdom. She goes on a learning journey and not only learns about her history but question her instincts. I also enjoyed hearing her grandfather's story and how his life and Isabel's could be connected. It was like a separate journey all on its own. This story is truly a fantasy that will leave you sitting on the edge of your seat. The other characters are human and non-human. I did enjoy the trolls in this story as well. I highly recommend this book. Find out if Isabel finds what she is searching for and what fate has to say about any of what is happening. Is fate about to change life as they know it?

Profile Image for Angela.
8,695 reviews122 followers
May 22, 2018
4 Stars


The Magic Within by Allison M. Boot. This is a wonderfully delightful and inspirational fantasy that has a definite fairy tale feel to it. It is a story of magic, trolls, dragon, enchanted pants, royalty, humour, romance, danger, time travel, danger, finding self- acceptance, some adventure, overcoming adversity, living with a disability, discovering that you can achieve anything if you truly believe it, friendship, family… and more. This is a super sweet, clean, and fun read.
Isabel Benson has just been crowned queen of the kingdom. She is questioning and coming to terms with what she envisions for the future of the kingdom and her subjects. She is unsure of how the changes she wants to make will be received, or even if her people are ready for them. She finds some guidance through her grandparent’s story. Going back in time to discover their beginnings. There is so much more to their story and finding out all about them gives Isabel some perspective.
We meet Natalie and Blaine, as we are transported into their beautiful story. They are really wonderful characters and their story is heart-warming.
I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who loves a great fantasy, or a story with a fairy-tale feel.
Ms. Boot has a disability herself and has written her stories as encouragement- a message of self-acceptance to other young girls/women- to love and accept themselves, just the they are. I think that is a wonderfully inspiring thing to do!
This story is really well written, with fantastic characters, strong character growth and development, detailed scene setting, descriptive world building, and a very enjoyable plot- with all the feels, charm and interest you could ever want.
A feelgood story for young and old alike….
I am looking forward to whatever Ms. Boot has in store for us next!


Thank you, Ms. Boot!
Profile Image for Kristi McChurin.
225 reviews6 followers
April 26, 2018
The Magic Within by Allison M. Boot was unexpected in a good way. I have never read anything by this author and I have to say I will be reading more by her.
This story is about magic, royalty, trolls, and dragon. The most important part and my favorite part of this book is about living with a disability and it not stopping you from doing anything. Blain was born premature and was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. A troll named Murlyn, makes him a wheel chair and opens a new world to him. He can do almost everything a “normal” child can do, play tag, read, get dressed, and have freedom. His dad makes him magical pants that helps Blaine walk.
A dragon named Glamgurgle holds the castle and subjects’ hostage never knowing when he’s going to strike. He winds up kidnapping Natalie and is holding her for ransom. Blaine loves Natalie so much that he has decided to rescue her on his own. Can Blaine rescue Natalie and prove to everyone that he is the perfect husband for her? You must read to find out.
This book had a little bit of everything comedy, danger, and love. I love the trolls in this book and need a Tree of Friendship. I can’t say how much I love that this author writes about disabilities and make those with them the heroes of her stories. My two sons have autism and I have always told them they could do and be anything…. even a dragon slayer.
Profile Image for E.A..
952 reviews27 followers
April 26, 2018
The Magic Within by Allison M Boot was an tale that everyone needs to read, and to read to their love ones.

It's rare to read a book where the MC has a physical disability. This book had a messaged and delivered it in a fun, emotional, magical way, to teach us that we are not as constrained as other may made you believe.

This was not my first book by Allison, so I knew going into this book I was in for an remarkable read that would leave me with all the good feels. I was not disappointed in the least. Allison once again delivered an unique fairy tale full of kings, queens, dragon, trolls and a message that nothing is out of reach. As you read you're taken into Allison's world, you are instantly transported. Before you know it, you are so deep in the rabbit hole that once the tale has ended, you're left a little hollow, cold, because you do not what the experience to end.

If I haven't convinced you to get this book, then take my high recommendation that you will not find anything else like this magical read out there. This modern fairy tale pulls you away from the perfection that disney has instilled. It brings you into the real world (well as much as a magical kingdom can), sending a message that you don't need to be picture perfect to accomplished your goals.

Happy Reading

-E.A. Walsh
Profile Image for Erin.
716 reviews2 followers
May 30, 2018
I give The Magic Within by Allison M. Boot, 4 stars.

This is a wonderful fantasy story, for all ages, including older kids.

Isabel needs to hear the story of her kingdom in her grandparents era. So she sits back as they tell a story, going back in time to recall all that happened. This is a story of an evil Dragon, treasure trolls, love, and misunderstanding. Blaine was borne under tragic circumstances. His father does not know how to deal with his disability and his love is misguided. Natalie will rule Cinders Edge and her parents know nothing but to groom her to be a dutiful wife and queen, and finding a perfect husband for her. But she wants to find love and has other passions.

This fantasy romance story is written well and I believe is perfect for older children in the style of writing plus in the telling of a lesson in the meantime. Both the fantasy story itself, plus Blaine having to deal with his disability are interwoven well and blend seamlessly. This is also a good book for all ages too. I highly recommend this book to fantasy lovers of all ages, but more specifically to older children.
Profile Image for Laura Furuta.
2,047 reviews28 followers
May 30, 2018
The Magic Within
By: Allison M. Boot
5 out of 5 stars

The story The Magic Within by Allison M. Boot is a coming of age/fantasy book. This is a wonderful story that I enjoyed reading. It is a book that while based in a fantasy world there are many real-life applications and lessons that can be learned. Isabel Benson is the Queen of Cinder’s Edge and about to sign her first royal decree. She has some doubts as to whether the kingdom is ready for the changes that will come as a result. Will her listening to a story about the past put those doubts to rest? There are many wonderful and amazing characters that are introduced. I found myself rooting for them to overcome any obstacle that they encounter. There are humans, treasure trolls, and even a dragon. I enjoyed the attention to detail that is given when describing the magical world that the story takes place in. The book was easy to read and was hard to forget once I had finished. There were many times that the story gave me a heartwarming feeling. This is the first book I have read by the author and I truly enjoyed it. I look forward to reading what she writes next.
Profile Image for Katie.
2,260 reviews15 followers
June 1, 2018
The Magic Within
By Allison M Boot
4 stars

This is the second book by this author that I have had the pleasure of reading. The one thing that I love about this author is the different things she uses in her books, I love that she addresses disability in her stories and is raising awareness of this through fiction. I think it definitely something this author should be applauded for! I’m not usually a time travel genre lover but I really did enjoy this story. I thought that the characters were well developed and the storyline was really unique. This really was a heart-warming story and really makes me look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
There really was a little bit of everything in this story, I loved the magical feel and the characters that the author created were fantastic. I liked Isabel and enjoyed reading her story as she travelled back in time to meet her Grandparents.
A truly lovely story and I will be eagerly awaiting more from this wonderful author.
427 reviews
June 2, 2018
The Magic Within
By Allison M. Boot

This is the first book I have read by this author an I am hoping it won’t be the last. This is what I would say is an inspiring book to read, especially when one of what I would say the main characters has a disability. Ask yourself how often we get to read a book like this? This book shows us that no matter what burden lies before us anything can be achieved. This book contains adventure and mystical creature such as trolls and dragons, romance and action. In all this book is full of sincere hope. Allison has written each character in her book so well that we feel that we know them. Not many books around like this either, we mainly feel we know a character or two but not all of them. The basics of this story is Isabel through the stories of her grandparents is taken on a journey into the past, where she will discover what has happened in the past and what hold they may or may not have on her family in the present. Enjoyable book you need to read it.
Profile Image for Erica Fish.
992 reviews2 followers
April 26, 2018
The Magic Within is a good fantasy story. Allison Boot is an amazing storyteller and that is what makes this a good story. Her characters and scenery is very detailed. She wants you to feel like you are right there with the characters of the story.
The story is about a love between people and how has fate played a part. Isabel is a young lady who is in the royal family. It is time for Isabel to give her first royal decree and she is wondering if the timing is right. She is not sure if the kingdom is ready for it. She decided to travel back in time to see what has been done before her. That is when we see that her Grandfather is handicapped. This really adds to the story line that Allison Boots is telling. There are many quests and journeys to see what is best for the kingdom and her. Isabel has been on a quest for knowledge. Will she find what she wants or will fate change the direction of where she is now.
Profile Image for Nikki LeClair.
Author 9 books70 followers
May 26, 2018
I went into this book expecting absolutely nothing...and I was pleasantly surprised.
This love story was vastly different, and epic at the same time. It was sweet, charming but man, full of suspense and drama. Here's what I really loved though, one of the MC has a disability. It's so rare when you find a book with a MC that has a disability, and not only that, but the entire way its written is inspiring. I definitely fell in love with this character because of his strength and winning attitude. It's hard not to spoil things because I really really want to!
Besides that, this novel has a boatload of adventure in it, even trolls and dragons! It was fun to read as well, I giggled a few times. It could definitely be one of those books they read in schools one day, there are many lessons in this story and you feel great at the end. 5 stars definitely!
Profile Image for Katie Kearney .
1,124 reviews6 followers
May 31, 2018
The Magic Within by Allison M Boot is an interesting fantasy novel that has a lot going on. When you start this book you think it might be about Isabel, a woman who has just recently been crowned queen, who is questioning her decision to make a decree that will affect her entire kingdom. It is this doubt that leads us into the real story, the one of how her grandparents fell in love. This was a sweet romance that is full of magic, drama, romance, and action. Through following along with her grandparents journey Isabel is able to see that sometimes trusting your instincts is the only way to know for sure that you are on the right path in life. I enjoyed this book. The characters were well written and the plot kept me entertained. This is a lovely four star romance that will leave you with a smile on your face.
Profile Image for Debi.
1,135 reviews6 followers
June 2, 2018
The Magic Within by Allison M. Boot

5 Stars

Another homerun with this story. I just love this authors books, they all have such a real feel even if the storyline leans more towards fantasy, she takes real life issues and just makes them normal, makes you forget there even are any issues. She's amazing and I always look forward to reading her stories.

This story had a lot going on, yet I never felt lost and every word made sense, there was no added fluff as I like to call it. I loved going back in time and I've always been a believer in fate and this story just strengthened that. She always makes me feel like I'm reading a fairy tale that I don't ever want to end.

I already have her as a favorite on my list and will be watching for everything else she has available.

I highly recommend all of this authors books!!

Loved it!!
Profile Image for Sheri.
884 reviews4 followers
May 26, 2018
The Magic Within by Allison M Boot is a wonderful story that reads like a fairy tale. The story is about Isabel and the decisions she has to make. She learns the story of her grandparents and how they fell in love. I love how Boot incorporates characters that have disabilities into her stories. She makes realistic characters that have the normal insecurities of each and every person. Isabel is sweet and concerned about the first decree she will be passing. The story of her grandparents is a fairy tale of true love. This is the second book that I have read by this author and both are fun, fantasy books. The story is different and that is what makes this a unique story. I will be looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
140 reviews1 follower
May 21, 2018
The Magic Within is the first novel I have read by Allison Boot and if all of her works promote main characters with disabilities, I will soon be recommending her to everyone.
This story revolves around Isabel's grandparents and how they changed the kingdom for the better. The story of how this happened, told by the troll Murlyn who was present for all of it, helps Isabel to know while her first royal decree may seem like it's too much at once for the kingdom to handle, she has her heart in the right place and the outcome will prove that.
This book has wish granting trolls, magicians, dragons, and more! Perfect for fantasy lovers of all ages
Profile Image for Nicole.
385 reviews1 follower
June 5, 2018
The Magic Within
By Allison M. Boot
⅘ Stars

This is a such an amazing story!! If you enjoy fantasy and science fiction… this book is for you!! It has everything you enjoy in a book.. Drama, suspense,romance, and even love!! This isn’t my first time reading this author and i highly recommend her !! . I enjoyed it from beginning to end! It’s entertaining and intriguing! It kept me engaged, as I turned each page. It’s well written, with an interesting plot.This isn’t your average love story! It has a lot of unexpected twists and turns. But it’s done in a beautiful way, which will have you wanting more!! Great job, Allison! I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next…


1,406 reviews10 followers
April 26, 2018
What a beautifully written fairy tale with real world application. I loved the world Ms. Boot creates and the characters that come to life in its pages. The characters have real flaws and don’t try to cover up those flaws. Rather the characters embrace them and find ways to succeed either in spite of them or ultimately through acceptance and perseverance. Just a wonderful tale with great reminders that the only limit any of us face are the boundaries we place on ourselves. Our abilities or disabilities do not define who we are and what we can do and what we can become.
Profile Image for Jenni.
6,566 reviews81 followers
June 1, 2018
The Magic Within by Allison M. Boot is a fantasy fairy tale and sweet romance story that is so ​different from the norm. It has the feel like this is a children's book of sorts. It is a charming tale that transcends generations of families and their love for each other and difficult times. It is also full of suspense and drama but there is also lots of adventure with trolls, dragons and magic abound. It was fun to read and there are lessons for anyone to learn in this story, if only they listen.
Profile Image for The Endless Unread.
3,421 reviews63 followers
May 30, 2018
This is a very enjoyable read and the storyline is quite submersive. I loved the characters relationships with each other and quickly found that I couldn't put it down. There were a few bits I had to re-read personally at the start but I soon found that I was getting to grips with it more as I went on. I love how strong the characters are and am looking forward to diving in the next read by this author.
Profile Image for Erin.
244 reviews15 followers
May 31, 2018
The Magic Within by Allison M Boot was truly magical book.
It is a sci-fi that reads like a fairy tale. I really thought the story would be about Isabel, but you soon find out she is not the main charecter at all but her grand parents are.
The details were well written and I was taken away to this new world. I couldn't put it down and was engaged from begining to end.

I can't wait to see what else Allison M Boot has to offer, she is truly a gifted author
2,087 reviews20 followers
June 1, 2018
5 star
The Magic Within By Allison Boot is a science fiction fantasy story. This isnt my first book by this author and I enjoyed this story just as much as her others.One I started reading I had a hard time putting it down. The authors style of writing grabs your attention and keep it till the end. This is a story about falling in love but what part did fate play? Isabel is about to sign her first royal decree but she really needs to know if the kingdom is ready.She finds herself traveling back in time to seek out her grandparents for answers.We get to see a bit of the romance side and learn how they met and the surrounding situation We get to their struggles of love and how her father obsession on finding her a suitor and making she is the perfect lady.
Theres a lit going on in this story but it’s a great heart warming romance. If you want to know what happens I recommend reading this book.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.