To Hive and To Hold

Future of Magic #1

by Amy Crook

Arthur is an apothecarist in the witches' district of a city that might have once been London, before the magic came. He also keeps magic bees in the greenhouse on his roof and teaches his trade to his apprentice, Ariadne. His life is settled, his customers are happy, and his heart is finally ready to open itself to more.

Jade was a student of sorcery, but although he values the skills he learned there, he doesn't agree with their values up on the hill. He's taken himself, his newly-acquired tattooist's license, and the familiar under his skin, and moved down to the witches' district. He's determined to make this work, and when he needs botanical references for his first client, Arthur's Apothecary across the way is the obvious place to start.

While Arthur builds a hive for a new swarm of bees, Jade builds a business and a new life. Together, can they cultivate a love as sweet as honey?

Genres: Fantasy, M M Romance, Romance, Magic, Cozy, Queer, LGBT

429 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 19, 2020

About the author

Amy Crook has passed straight from maiden to crone; her final form will be a cryptid that lurks in the liminal spaces, joining all the cats who reside there. They will become her feral army of spoilt, self-serving fluff beasts. Amy is aro/ace, uses she/they, and prefers textual communication. She has made friends with the house ghosts in upstate NY, and the old monster under the bed came along on the move and still holds hands with her at night.

She specializes in writing magical worlds, boys in love, delicious meals, adult communication, and happy endings. She also paints cats, crows, and other small, strange wonders. You can find more about Amy, her artwork, and her eight cats at her website.

Reviews

[Jenn (not Lily) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore this writer and her style! Peaceful, magical, quirky, with a bit of steamy sex and LOTS of food sensuality. I honestly can't think of another writer like her. Everything is so gentle, despite one of the MCs having some possessive assholes in his past. Life moves along at an unhurried yet purposeful pace here. I value every moment spent reading her stories!

[bunnie · Rating 1 out of 5]

i thought i was going insane reading this

when you read fanfic, one things about it is the author is fully aware that you already know whats going on; characters, politics, magic systems etc so they dont spend time explaining things to you. this book basically does that, but with original characters.

when i started reading this i honest to god thought i had downloaded a faulty file or something but no! thats the book! the book starts with our characters meeting and they just like immediately are. incredibly friendly. theres no build up, no tension. they're just suddenly there. they know eachother for like TWO DAYS n theyre like...we're family now :3

this book is simultaneously really slow and really rushed, i get the feeling that the author was trying to just submerge you immediately into the world, but did it so clumsily you just feel like you're missing information - or at the very least have been plonked into the middle of a book

odd timeframes aside, this book is very dull. if u want to read a book of like absolutely nothing, this is the book to do so!! theres basically no plot, no real threat or conflict. its just very. soft. but in a way that just feels sickly, rather than comforting

it is well written, and there are some interesting world building aspects we got little glimpses of, but overall. very boring and of little substance!!

[PaperMoon · Rating 1 out of 5]

Since my introduction to the author with her first 2 titles of the Consulting Magic series ... it's been one long downhill slide of star ratings - 3 to 2 and now 1 star with this being a DNF @ the 20% mark. The characters are too nice and sweet and bland and loads (and I mean LOADS) of polite conversation about a plethora of topics ... I had no clue as to where the book was heading, the purpose or direction of plot. It's like after having spent 8 hours at a convention/seminar with tons of speakers and plenary sessions and yet I could not tell you what I learnt or gained from all the disseminated information. I know there are loads of praise for her writing and lots of other readers love her books but Crook's writing style and my reading expectations have taken divergent paths.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

The blurb's accurate, the book is wonderful. I hate to write the first review, particularly when I love this book but know I can't do it justice. All I can say is that if you want to be lost in a world of magical science and spend some time with wonderful characters, grab this book. Amy Crook has a unique writing style that draws me in and won't let go. Her world is a great place to live for a little while, particularly in these times.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gentle story of love and magic

If you want a big angsty plot, this is not the story for you.
If you want a soft gentle story of folks finding love and friendship in an interesting magical world full of mermaids, pixies, dragons and such while eating amazing food that will make you hungry then this story is for you. I'm glad it's listed as book one, since I am looking forward to reading more about these characters and this fascinating world.

[Felipe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was, very aptly, like a soft blanket and a warm cup of tea.

If that is what you are looking for, this book is for you.
If you are looking from drama and conflict, this book is NOT for you.
Seriously.
If this does not sound like what you are looking for, choose another book.
It is exactly what it says on the tin.

... I may be tetchy because I have been seeing a LOT of reviews on books like this lately going "BUT WHERE'S THE PLOT AND TENSION WAAAAH 1 STAR FUCK THIS BOOK."
FFS your lack of reading comprehension is not the author's fault.
You cannot pick up a brownie, sniff it, lick it, eat the whole thing, and THEN bitch that it wasn't filet mignon. BITCH YOU KNEW THAT GOING IN THIS IS NOW A YOU PROBLEM.

My only complaint is that there was very, VERY little sex, and it was quite tame but, again, that is a ME issue, and very fair, it likely would not have fit in this book, I am just a reprobate. NOTICE HOW I DO NOT DOCK A STAR FOR THIS.

Yes, I am definitely tetchy. LEAVE THE NICE SOFT BOOKS ALONE YOU FUCKING DRAMA QUEENS.

[Jerome’s Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gentle magical fantasy

Amy Crooks trademark descriptions of food will make you wan to cook, and although I miss the mystery element of her earlier books this gentle story of building homes is charming. Arthur’s magical bees want a second hive, and as he builds it he falls in love, acquires a familiar and settles more firmly into a life away from his powerful family.

[Flitterkit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly lovely with minimal spice

Really amazing world building. It started a bit awkwardly, I felt I missed an introduction to the world a bit but soon mellowed out into a lovely story with interesting characters. Very beautifully queer.

[Sam Reads Books *Just the Highlights*]

PAUSED AT 5%
I’m going to try this one more time in about a month
I think it will be very boring based on what I read so far, but if my mood changes that could be okay? Maybe?
Not right now

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

1,5?
So very.. bland. There's really no storyline, just day to day, everything is extremely mild. Tiny kisses, tickling, giggling, cute cute cute. It could almost be a children's book if dummed down a little. Weak worldbuilding, weak character backgrounds, insta-like/love/friend/family.
I almost feel like re-writing it, but inject everything with espresso and steroids.
The bartering and favors system was interesting tho.
Her writing is a bit odd, better in this book than in her consulting magic series, where it borders on ridiculous, juvenile and is very repetitive. At least those books have some depth and good storylines.
I did finish it. But I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. It's not even a relaxing read, it's just meh, bleh, whatever.

[Tiuri · Rating 4 out of 5]

If this is the sort of book you like, reading this is like wrapping a warm fluffy blanket around you while drinking something hot and healthy. It's sweet and tender filled with food, soooo much food and tea. There's plenty of magic but not the flashy kind of magic, this is the nurturing kind of magic. The characterisation is amazing, the world building is intentionally hazy while still providing lots of interesting details. Some open-ended story lines, this is part 1 after all, but a very satisfying conclusion regardless.

[Geri Winney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was lovely. Absolutely lovely. It was exactly what a slice of life novel should be. It was slow and meandering, and not many Things happened; just regular people, doing regular things. They worked, they shopped, they laughed, they drank lots of tea, they loved, and they magic'd. Simple as that. I found the whole book to be soothing and comfortable. No angst or drama, no big bad villain, no crisis. It was wonderful.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one-please may I have another!?

Lovely teas, building a family and society connections- I loved how interwoven this story and characters are. And the world building is top notch and different from any I have visited before! Read this one, you will not be disappointed.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfectly at peace

This book is a nice, slow, warm hug. There is little to no conflict. It is just the story of the two people learning each other and their places in their community. It's a story of magic and relations and I enjoyed every peaceful moment of it.

[MiaReadsMMBooks · Rating 2 out of 5]

A DNF for me... I just couldn't get into the narrative style. I felt like I'd been dropped into the middle of a story and it all read too sweet.

(with apologies to the author)

I'll need to return to this when I'm in the mood for this type of storytelling.

[LWM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable, with an unusual plot, intriguing threads of fantastical details. . .

. . .and entertaining, interesting main characters who introduce us to an array of mythical creatures of lore, legend, fairytale, and imaginative creativity. The concept of the tangible effects of magic used by humans and other species is presented as something commonplace and a natural, accepted way of life, and the author goes into minute, meticulous detail about its use, effects, methodology, advantages and disadvantages, as well as a slightly primitive hierarchy of society on Earth that's revolved (evolved?) into a much simpler but effective back-to-basics lifestyle where goods, necessities (food, clothing, shelters, etcetera), and the resulting commerce have become the norm. Prejudices still exist, but the widely varied interdependencies that even more powerful, wealthy beings actively support have broken down the imbalance of power in politics, finance, wealth, influence, & social standing as well as the loss of universal acceptance, humanitarianism, compassion, & harmony that is the world we are a part of. Our main characters and the beings they interact with are respected for their skillset, talent, and whatever they produce, contribute, barter (of their own making or what they've acquired from others), or can arrange via personal connection.

I kept reading this rather long and precise accounting of each action, spell, creation, or reasoning behind the individual, and their backgrounds. I appreciated the escape the book have from my troubles, my past sprinkled with greedy, ill-intended, selfishness and malice, literally stripping me of what they prized most: power, or money. Our lead characters gained power they didn't seek or much cared about, aside from what kept them fed, clothed, happy and safe, and were generous, accepting, nonjudgmental, humble (despite both being quite a lot more powerful magically than they admitted or knew, which strongly supports a theme that resonated for me the entire reading experience: that what you give, you get back threefold). Jade was a delightful, charismatic, good-hearted young magical talent whose personality was ill suited to be a traditional sorcerer like many who had tried to use him. Targeted for his amazingly natural talent and immense source of power, he wisely completed training, got his licenses, and escaped without being financially or materially beholden to anyone. Drawn to Arthur's Apothecary shop for its proximity and Arthur's display of plants, Jade basically is captured by Arthur's simple generosity, recognition & acceptance of Jade's inherent kindness, enthusiastic, genuine friendliness, and Arthur's (mutual, as Jade is just as aware of that spark & possible affinity with Arthur) curiosity over the attraction he feels for someone he's just met.

Very good book, despite its many typos, missing or mistaken text (wrong connotation, spelling, context), and some strange phrasing (they seem to speak mostly British English, yet Arthur and Ari often break out phrases that are from different vernacular origins. We're told Arthur originally immigrated from continents away in distance, but that still doesn't explain the really confusing dialogue out of Arthur's mouth.) The occasional confusion didn't detract from the storyline, so I just skipped over them (couldn't quite ignore them altogether, though), and liked nearly every aspect of the plot and it's details except for the strong possessiveness from a couple secondary characters. We'll see how that affects the next book ☺. Four stars.

[Jane · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was a little puzzled by this book. I think I've spent so long reading science fiction and fantasy books that I just assumed that the world of the characters would eventually be explained.

This is not a science fiction or a fantasy look. This is a romance book. Even with several references to community and becoming part of the community, the book doesn't actually show much of the community at all! The background of the world and where the characters live and why the area is divided the way it is and how all the different characters exist together in this world all remain unexplained.

The other thing that surprised me is that there is absolutely no conflict at all in this book. I kept reading and reading and waiting for things to pop up -- nothing. Even the greatest conflict in all romance books -- how will they get together? -- is barely a blip in this book, because it's obvious that the main characters will get together. Without conflict, the book is basically a bunch of cuddling, snuggling, hip-bumps, soft blushes (whatever those are), and a lot of kissing and hugging. I honestly would have stopped reading much earlier except that I really enjoyed all the descriptions of food and tea.

[♥Xeni♥ · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author chose a very strange style of dropping you into the story. But in a way that a fanfic author would do it: assuming you're already familiar with the characters, with the world, with the main story. Here there is none of that, however. On top of that, the author ended up doubling down and after a few days of knowing each other is proclaiming that these strangers are family to one another, that they should give out enormous financial loans and start making life decisions together. It felt incredibly jarring and I have to say I did not care for it.

[Tobi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although it's about completely original characters, it's got that fan-fiction vibe about it. A lot of food porn, maybe too much, and a lot of tea. So much tea. I like how Arthur and Jade take their relationship slow and steady, until both know for sure how they feel. It was a little slow near the end, drawled on for a little more than it needed. I like the little moments between characters, I think that's its strength. All the little moments. And there are a lot. It was overall enjoyable! If you're looking for that ao3 fluff kind of feel, this is a good book to go for.

[George Hobbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rainbow Book Crate edition
Awesome world building, but left me wanting more of the history! A bit reminiscent of the Sword of Shannara, in that something catastrophic has occurred and the world has rebuilt on magic.
A "meet cute" opening that leads to one of the slowest "slow burns" I have read in ages, but shows the characters off really well. Magic, herbalism, tattoos, honey bees, self acceptance, and building a family are the key elements here.
I see that there is a book #2 - I am hoping there is some more history about the cast as there were numerous hints and deflections to their past.

[Antonella · Rating 2 out of 5]

A magical—perhaps futuristic—universe where humans live in harmony with nature and rely on bartering to meet their needs. It's a lovely idea, but aside from the bartering system, very little actually happens. Everyone is kind and adorable, and the one hint of conflict is resolved within two pages at most. That’s why I kept expecting something more to unfold—but it never did. The two main characters become friends almost instantly, and then quickly fall in love.

[Tyrannosaurus regina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a long review of this written that was unfortunately lost, because I had a lot to say about it. It's a slow, gentle book with virtually no conflict which under other circumstances I would have no patience for but in this case what was there just hit every right button for me.

[Chanelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Hive and to Hold

This was a delightfully surprising story of magic and love growing and blossoming like a new flower. I truly enjoyed it and enjoyed the slow pace and built-up of Arthur and Jade's relationship. Truly hope there is more story set in this realm to come!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely, engaging read

So refreshing to read a lovely story without death and mayhem. Honestly kept bracing for the conflict to start and had to remind myself that I could enjoy the characters because they were not going to be traumatized by the author.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really wonderful!

I loved everything about this book — the characters, the relationships, the intricate trading culture, the magic, the food, the tea … ah, the tea! Highly recommend.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lushly descriptive

More slice-of-life than plot-driven, this book really does its best to immerse you in a sensory universe. Lots of luscious food descriptions mean that snacking while reading is almost required. A very fleshed out magic system and world.

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5*

I'm very stingy with my 5* ratings but I can't begin to describe how completely enveloped I was by this book. A truly gifted writer.

[Hollis Shiloh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this. A gentle, relaxing read...just what I needed

[Panama009 · Rating 5 out of 5]

SOOOOO relaxing.
Everyday life (with LOTS of love, but not explicit), shopping, working, making beehives :-)
No huge drama, just so
Fantastic for reading after a stressful day at work!

[Rissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow courtship and it's a long story but what a lovely one. An awesome universe with COPIOUS AMOUNTS OF FOOD DESCRIPTIONS. It was so very nice! Such a soothing read! <3