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Tales of Mundane Magic #1
Tales of Mundane Magic: Volume One
Nothing too strange ever happens to Gertie and Bridget Mallon. The sisters don’t have magical adventures fighting off dark lords or saving the world. Gertie spends her time learning the skill of enchantment, and Bridget has the ability to see things no one else can see with her left eye, which was bewitched in an accident many years ago. Sure, they attend Flories Boarding School, where Gertie takes a potions class and Bridget plays basketball, and the occasional magical anomaly takes place, but who doesn’t deal with the occasional poltergeist or curse? Life is relatively calm for the Mallon sisters, but things might not be quite as mundane as they appear.
122 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 16, 2018
About the author
Shaina Krevat
5 books11 followersShaina Krevat is now a full-time creator, maintaining her YouTube channel (youtube.com/@shainak) and writing during her free time. She previously worked as a Software Engineer at Google and got a BA in Computer Science from the University of California, Berkeley.
In her free time, she bakes, reads, crochets, watches YouTube videos, and wonders if she’ll ever figure out how to get Link to walk in a straight line in Tears of the Kingdom.
She lives in the Seattle area with her husband James, where they go to far too many garage sales.
You can follow Shaina @shainakrevat on most platforms, visit her website shainakrevat.com, and purchase her collections of Mundane Magic stories anywhere books are sold.
To follow her reviews, check her out on the StoryGraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile...
In her free time, she bakes, reads, crochets, watches YouTube videos, and wonders if she’ll ever figure out how to get Link to walk in a straight line in Tears of the Kingdom.
She lives in the Seattle area with her husband James, where they go to far too many garage sales.
You can follow Shaina @shainakrevat on most platforms, visit her website shainakrevat.com, and purchase her collections of Mundane Magic stories anywhere books are sold.
To follow her reviews, check her out on the StoryGraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile...
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 26, 2025
3.5 stars: I met author Shaina Krevat at a local tea shop near me. The tea shop had a tea pairing with Shaina’s “Tales of Mundane Magic.” It was such a clever idea to not only support local businesses but an inspiring written! “Tales of Mundane Magic” tells the story of two sister Gertie and Bridget Mallon at boarding school where they study portions and magic! The setting has the Hogwarts vibes. The first book in the series is short—Technically 104 pages. It’s an easy read and you could finish it in under two hours, if that. The physical copy includes an extra chapter on how Gertie and Bridget met their ghost dog Ziggy! Cute short chapters with mini stories connecting to the main characters year at boarding school.
November 8, 2023
This was cute. Slightly different than I had originally expected. My initial though was that this is a magical short story/novella, instead it’s more like “episode chapters” where each chapter is it’s own story and doesn’t necessarily need to be read together. The little stories were cute and fun.
This was the perfect easy little palate cleanser!
This was the perfect easy little palate cleanser!
March 27, 2019
Absolutely enchanting. You will fall in love with Gertie and Bridget and their school-age hijinx. Each of the stories builds and adds to the world of the Mallon sisters. It was a delight to read.
July 25, 2020
*I received a free review copy in exchange for an honest review of this book.
Tales of Mundane Magic: Volume One is a magical slice-of-life story of two sisters in boarding school. It artfully balances fun with a sense of grounded-ness, building a world where magic is as ordinary and fun as playing catch with your ghost dog.
My main emotion after finishing this book is fun, it's not shallow but it's generally very happy and confident, which was nice after reviewing some darker things recently.
The book is told as a series of vignettes in the lives of two teenage girls in a quasi-modern world where some people have magic. There are definite connecting threads between the stories, both thematically and in terms of recurring characters. There isn't some grand overarching problem to solve, just a series of magically-involved incidents in their lives. Some elements of earlier stories provide the solutions to later problems because they have implied continuity of existence behind even though we only get small slices of their lives. It has a light and fun feeling despite taking us to a funeral in chapter two and implying some pretty dark realities later on in the book. It's generally breezy and whimsical, to the two girls every problem has an easily discernible solution but the magical nature of them made it feel novel and fresh to me as a reader.
Part of why I like this book is they and their friends are fully teens, with a confidence borne of not knowing how easily everything can turn out badly, and enough prowess and understanding to make some very interesting things happen.
Tales of Mundane Magic: Volume One is a magical slice-of-life story of two sisters in boarding school. It artfully balances fun with a sense of grounded-ness, building a world where magic is as ordinary and fun as playing catch with your ghost dog.
My main emotion after finishing this book is fun, it's not shallow but it's generally very happy and confident, which was nice after reviewing some darker things recently.
The book is told as a series of vignettes in the lives of two teenage girls in a quasi-modern world where some people have magic. There are definite connecting threads between the stories, both thematically and in terms of recurring characters. There isn't some grand overarching problem to solve, just a series of magically-involved incidents in their lives. Some elements of earlier stories provide the solutions to later problems because they have implied continuity of existence behind even though we only get small slices of their lives. It has a light and fun feeling despite taking us to a funeral in chapter two and implying some pretty dark realities later on in the book. It's generally breezy and whimsical, to the two girls every problem has an easily discernible solution but the magical nature of them made it feel novel and fresh to me as a reader.
Part of why I like this book is they and their friends are fully teens, with a confidence borne of not knowing how easily everything can turn out badly, and enough prowess and understanding to make some very interesting things happen.
July 28, 2019
I have read this book several times and I enjoy it a lot each time. It's got a very good balance of lighthearted fun, meaningful character development and interesting stand-alone story plots. The stories walk the line nicely between real (typically magical) problems or stakes for the characters and a delivery that keeps the book fun and relaxing to read. If you're an adult who wants to escape the stress of daily life or the real problems that exist in the world, this book is a great, engrossing diversion. The book feels equally enjoyable by ~10-15 year olds, who will probably relate to it directly, and adults like me who appreciate the creative world and the way the tales explore it in a way that feels more adventuring than dramatic. Love it!
September 12, 2019
Very cute, innocent short stories involving two sisters. The collection is pretty short, good for kids.
April 24, 2025
This book follows two girls and their life in a magic high school. I was honestly a bit worried that I wouldn't like it when I bought this book because it has been a very long time since I was in high school and I tend to not relate to those kinds of stories anymore. Thankfully, that was not the case.
The story is unlike other books, where it does not follow a single story but instead introduces you to the characters and expands on the world by showing you small snippets throughout their life. One chapter may be a little story about a class one of the girls is taking, or an adventure they get into because of their ghost dog. It's all very cute and sweet and I'm really grateful that I can enjoy such joyful childishness without having to deal with the uncomfortable drama and "romance" often found in other books about girls at this age.
I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a little bit of joy without the highs and lows of a traditional novel.
The story is unlike other books, where it does not follow a single story but instead introduces you to the characters and expands on the world by showing you small snippets throughout their life. One chapter may be a little story about a class one of the girls is taking, or an adventure they get into because of their ghost dog. It's all very cute and sweet and I'm really grateful that I can enjoy such joyful childishness without having to deal with the uncomfortable drama and "romance" often found in other books about girls at this age.
I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a little bit of joy without the highs and lows of a traditional novel.
December 30, 2020
Imaginative characters bring these fun short stories to life.
I really enjoyed this book. It’s more like a collection of short stories. There are 10 stories, ranging in length from 2 to 14 pages. There’s also a bonus story at the end, which is exclusive to the print book, and features one of my favorite characters; Ziggy, the ghost dog.
Each story follows sisters Gertie and Bridget through their adventures at a school where magic classes are electives. It’s a lighter read than Harry Potter, but has the feeling it could almost be in that same world. The way magic was woven in as something normal was well done.
There were a few issues here and there, including a bit of head hopping between characters, but overall, I liked it enough to hope for more books of these characters. I’d also likely read these stories again sometime. If you're looking for an easy lighthearted read, definitely pick this one up.
I really enjoyed this book. It’s more like a collection of short stories. There are 10 stories, ranging in length from 2 to 14 pages. There’s also a bonus story at the end, which is exclusive to the print book, and features one of my favorite characters; Ziggy, the ghost dog.
Each story follows sisters Gertie and Bridget through their adventures at a school where magic classes are electives. It’s a lighter read than Harry Potter, but has the feeling it could almost be in that same world. The way magic was woven in as something normal was well done.
There were a few issues here and there, including a bit of head hopping between characters, but overall, I liked it enough to hope for more books of these characters. I’d also likely read these stories again sometime. If you're looking for an easy lighthearted read, definitely pick this one up.
November 27, 2021
This was the cuties magic book I have ever read so far. I strongly suggest this gets turned into a kids show. Even though I think they are in high school, this feels more middle grade in tone. It’s not dark and edgy. Although there are some suspenseful stories in there. It’s more light and cute. We get these little glimpses of the characters in the form of episodic chapters. I want this to be a show because I feel like we can get more development of the side and main characters. Also I would like to explore the works more. Volumes 2 and 3 are out as of now and yes I plan on reading them. I believe she is a self published author. So spread the word and give this girl some love. Also money so she can make a living and write more books. 😃
June 20, 2024
Such a cute read! I loved that this book was composed of a series of episodic chapters about two sisters currently studying at a magical school (which includes both magical and non-magical people). The sisters, Gertie (enchantments) and Bridget (prophecies), get up to a bunch of low stakes shenanigans at the school and nearby venues. They also have a ghost dog named Ziggy who is always hanging around. I especially loved the magical library and the ice cream shop that only opens on the occasion of every half moon! I ordered the rest of the series and I can't wait to read them.
January 30, 2023
This is the perfect book for 3rd or 4th grade read alouds. The chapters are their own stories so if a kid was absent they don’t miss any vital plot. Cute little magical stories. I envision this being the perfect read for when students come in from recess or lunch. The characters are sweet and relatable. Plenty of diversity.
It was not what I had ‘expected’ when I picked up the book but instead found an ideal treasure for an elementary teacher.
It was not what I had ‘expected’ when I picked up the book but instead found an ideal treasure for an elementary teacher.
October 10, 2022
This book is fantastic for kids. It wasn’t kidding about the mundane. And yet this book is utterly sweet and charming. It’s a collection of everyday events that happen in a world where magic is a normal part of life. There isn’t any large conflict but it’s just a lovely easy read.
August 21, 2023
The short stories are very wholesome and cozy. This would be fine for quite young audiences, but I enjoyed it as an adult. I will probably read the rest of the series. It was a nice palate cleanser during spooky season between actual horror books.
October 20, 2025
4.5 stars.
I enjoyed this a lot. It came at a great time. I have been reading a lot of horror and dark books in the past week, so this definitely felt needed. I enjoyed the stories of Gertie and Bridget and can't wait to read more.
I enjoyed this a lot. It came at a great time. I have been reading a lot of horror and dark books in the past week, so this definitely felt needed. I enjoyed the stories of Gertie and Bridget and can't wait to read more.
February 9, 2021
Loved this book! It's a collection of short stories so it's not heavy to read. The stories and characters are funny and sweet. Perfect for bedtime reading 💕
February 29, 2024
A cozy read that will leave you wanting more!
A very adorable and short read, each chapter is a glimpse into the lives of the Mallon sisters at their magical boarding school.
I would say the story is for middle grade readers and there's really no adult content or major high school like drama. I personally loved reading about how the sisters navigated through their life at school, it felt like each chapter was a mini short story and left me wanting more.
A very adorable and short read, each chapter is a glimpse into the lives of the Mallon sisters at their magical boarding school.
I would say the story is for middle grade readers and there's really no adult content or major high school like drama. I personally loved reading about how the sisters navigated through their life at school, it felt like each chapter was a mini short story and left me wanting more.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews