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My Name Is Magic
Taika Turunen has no magic.
Despite coming from a long line of powerful Finnish mages, and their name literally meaning magic, Taika can’t perform the simplest of spells.
Forced to attend Myrskyjärvi International School for the Magically Gifted on account of their mom being principal, Taika has a hard time fitting in. Sometimes, they wonder if not having magic has something to do with the fact they’re neither a girl nor a boy and if they’re fated to be Taika the Talentless forever.
Life goes from bad to worse when Taika sees a liekkiö and recognizes the spirit's voice begging for help as that of their former BFF and major crush, Natalie Khumalo, whose recent absence from class hadn’t gone unnoticed. When more students go missing, Taika must take the lead in a race against time to save friends old and new before a powerful group of chaos mages can unleash the legendary Sampo, an artifact capable of either renewing the world’s waning magic or destroying everything Taika holds dear.
To rescue Natalie, Taika will have to journey to the liminal space between worlds where they’ll be forced to battle mythical monsters and their own flagging self-esteem. In doing so, Taika might just discover that magic—and love—comes in many different forms.
For fans of witchcraft and wizardry looking for a new, inclusive story, My Name Is Magic, is a story about finding strength from within and potential where you least expected it.
Despite coming from a long line of powerful Finnish mages, and their name literally meaning magic, Taika can’t perform the simplest of spells.
Forced to attend Myrskyjärvi International School for the Magically Gifted on account of their mom being principal, Taika has a hard time fitting in. Sometimes, they wonder if not having magic has something to do with the fact they’re neither a girl nor a boy and if they’re fated to be Taika the Talentless forever.
Life goes from bad to worse when Taika sees a liekkiö and recognizes the spirit's voice begging for help as that of their former BFF and major crush, Natalie Khumalo, whose recent absence from class hadn’t gone unnoticed. When more students go missing, Taika must take the lead in a race against time to save friends old and new before a powerful group of chaos mages can unleash the legendary Sampo, an artifact capable of either renewing the world’s waning magic or destroying everything Taika holds dear.
To rescue Natalie, Taika will have to journey to the liminal space between worlds where they’ll be forced to battle mythical monsters and their own flagging self-esteem. In doing so, Taika might just discover that magic—and love—comes in many different forms.
For fans of witchcraft and wizardry looking for a new, inclusive story, My Name Is Magic, is a story about finding strength from within and potential where you least expected it.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2022
4 people are currently reading
507 people want to read
About the author
Xan van Rooyen
48 books137 followersI'm an autistic non-binary author with a penchant for the dark and strange. I primarily write SFF but enjoy literary writing as well. (Pronouns: they/them)
When not writing, I teach music at an international school, climb, eat anything involving peanut butter, and serve the whims of my shiba inu.
When not writing, I teach music at an international school, climb, eat anything involving peanut butter, and serve the whims of my shiba inu.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 11, 2022
Imagine being the only person in a magical school, who doesn’t have magic.
Taika doesn’t have magic, and recently loss their best friend. When talented students start to go missing, Taika and their new friend Morgan have to find out what’s going on, and who’s behind all the disappearances.
This fantasy ya features nonbinary main character, enemies to friends, and incompetent adults, who don’t listen to kids.
I like the premise of the book, I always enjoy a bit of mystery in a story. The book was written well, and I like that it was set in Finland as you don’t often get books set outside of US or UK.
I would love if the book featured like a vocabulary of all the used finnish words as it would be easier to keep track of them, and not to search on google.
I also really liked the theme of Taika being jealous of other people having magic, while other people are jealous of them for not having any magic. I thought it was interesting, and I liked the different perspective.
Overall I give it 3.5 stars.
Taika doesn’t have magic, and recently loss their best friend. When talented students start to go missing, Taika and their new friend Morgan have to find out what’s going on, and who’s behind all the disappearances.
This fantasy ya features nonbinary main character, enemies to friends, and incompetent adults, who don’t listen to kids.
I like the premise of the book, I always enjoy a bit of mystery in a story. The book was written well, and I like that it was set in Finland as you don’t often get books set outside of US or UK.
I would love if the book featured like a vocabulary of all the used finnish words as it would be easier to keep track of them, and not to search on google.
I also really liked the theme of Taika being jealous of other people having magic, while other people are jealous of them for not having any magic. I thought it was interesting, and I liked the different perspective.
Overall I give it 3.5 stars.
September 28, 2022
A copy of this novel was provided by Tiny Ghost Press for review.
I was keen for My Name Is Magic as soon as Tiny Ghost Press announced it because lower YA with a queer protagonist set at a magical school? Sign me up! And I am so happy to say that it did not disappoint in the slightest.
My Name Is Magic follows non-binary lesbian teen, Taika, who, despite having a name that means magic, does not have any of their own. This doesn’t make their school or home life easy because they feel like a failure, and other students are determined to make them feel that way as well. Taika’s internal monologue was painful to read at times because they are so harsh on themself, and because they don’t share these feelings, they don’t have anyone to tell them how special they are, magic or not. I was really glad when Taika realised their self-worth, it was a great moment in the book!
The plot of My Name Is Magic is about magical students going missing, and Taika is the first to realise what’s happening when their crush and ex best friend, Natalie, goes missing. While trying to figure out what’s happening, Taika meets Morgan, someone who instantly accepts them, and the two become fast friends. This friendship was one of my absolute favourite aspects of the book, and I’m so glad that Taika found another queer person at the school to befriend. Eventually, Taika’s bullies also turn over a new leaf but I found that a little hard to get on board with because they were so vile to Taika at the beginning of the novel. But this is an element that I personally don’t love in novels.
Another aspect of My Name Is Magic that I really loved was the unique setting, and the magic system! I’ve never read a book set in Finland before so it was really refreshing to read, and it sounds incredibly beautiful! The magic system and magical creatures were also really fresh and unique because they tied into the Finnish culture and setting as well.
I really hope that My Name Is Magic is the first in a series because I would love to learn more about everything that was introduced in this book!
© 2022, Chiara @ Books for a Delicate Eternity. All rights reserved.
trigger warning: bullying, misgendering, battle scenes, missing friends and family, animal death
I was keen for My Name Is Magic as soon as Tiny Ghost Press announced it because lower YA with a queer protagonist set at a magical school? Sign me up! And I am so happy to say that it did not disappoint in the slightest.
My Name Is Magic follows non-binary lesbian teen, Taika, who, despite having a name that means magic, does not have any of their own. This doesn’t make their school or home life easy because they feel like a failure, and other students are determined to make them feel that way as well. Taika’s internal monologue was painful to read at times because they are so harsh on themself, and because they don’t share these feelings, they don’t have anyone to tell them how special they are, magic or not. I was really glad when Taika realised their self-worth, it was a great moment in the book!
The plot of My Name Is Magic is about magical students going missing, and Taika is the first to realise what’s happening when their crush and ex best friend, Natalie, goes missing. While trying to figure out what’s happening, Taika meets Morgan, someone who instantly accepts them, and the two become fast friends. This friendship was one of my absolute favourite aspects of the book, and I’m so glad that Taika found another queer person at the school to befriend. Eventually, Taika’s bullies also turn over a new leaf but I found that a little hard to get on board with because they were so vile to Taika at the beginning of the novel. But this is an element that I personally don’t love in novels.
Another aspect of My Name Is Magic that I really loved was the unique setting, and the magic system! I’ve never read a book set in Finland before so it was really refreshing to read, and it sounds incredibly beautiful! The magic system and magical creatures were also really fresh and unique because they tied into the Finnish culture and setting as well.
I really hope that My Name Is Magic is the first in a series because I would love to learn more about everything that was introduced in this book!
© 2022, Chiara @ Books for a Delicate Eternity. All rights reserved.
trigger warning: bullying, misgendering, battle scenes, missing friends and family, animal death
September 27, 2022
Despite our non-binary main character Taika Turunen's first name literally translating to "magic", they have not a single drop, something their classmates at Myrskyjärvi International School for the Magically Gifted never let them forget. Their lack of power has not stopped them from learning everything they could about magic.
When, through a chance encounter at the library while skipping class, they come across new guy Morgan O'Connor, the two bond and swiftly become friends. Morgan can easily blend two or more elements together when casting spells, something older students struggle with.
The unlikely pair grow closer as they look into the students who recently have started to go missing from a "norovirus outbreak" including Taika's old friend (and secret crush) Natalie. Wouldn't these sick students be in the infirmary? They're just missing.
After recruiting several more unlikely students to the cause, the group starts investigating and trying to solve the mystery before it's too late and the students are lost forever.
Honestly this book absolutely crushed my expectations. I love all of the characters and physically require more books set in this world. The magic system is fairly simple but fun to consider the possibilities with (how combining various runes can cause different effects). Morgan and Taika's true friendship is a joy to watch unfold, especially after seeing how poorly everyone treats Taika in first few chapters.
I highly recommend checking this book out when it is released on September 27, 2022.
Thank you to Tiny Ghost Press who provided me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
When, through a chance encounter at the library while skipping class, they come across new guy Morgan O'Connor, the two bond and swiftly become friends. Morgan can easily blend two or more elements together when casting spells, something older students struggle with.
The unlikely pair grow closer as they look into the students who recently have started to go missing from a "norovirus outbreak" including Taika's old friend (and secret crush) Natalie. Wouldn't these sick students be in the infirmary? They're just missing.
After recruiting several more unlikely students to the cause, the group starts investigating and trying to solve the mystery before it's too late and the students are lost forever.
Honestly this book absolutely crushed my expectations. I love all of the characters and physically require more books set in this world. The magic system is fairly simple but fun to consider the possibilities with (how combining various runes can cause different effects). Morgan and Taika's true friendship is a joy to watch unfold, especially after seeing how poorly everyone treats Taika in first few chapters.
I highly recommend checking this book out when it is released on September 27, 2022.
Thank you to Tiny Ghost Press who provided me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 1, 2023
I received a copy from the publisher
TW: casual misgendering, bullying
3
This book would've been a better experience for me if I'd thought of it as a middlegrade book. This was published as YA, but it's juvenile in tone in a way that feels younger. If you're reading this as a middlegrade fantasy I think you'll enjoy it more.
The Finnish mythos was interesting and felt unique- and, personallly, is something I myself am interested in, so liked seeing here. I do wish some of it was explained more for those without prior knowledge, but I don't think this would bother the target audience.
It's also always nice to see a nonbinary lead in books, especially younger leaning books, so I appreciated Taika here. Though their worrying about their gender itself felt a little out of left field in terms of the actual plot.
I wish this book had done things a little differently, simply because there isn't a lot here that feels new. It's very much a reshash of tropes and other fantasy stories of the same grade level.
TW: casual misgendering, bullying
3
This book would've been a better experience for me if I'd thought of it as a middlegrade book. This was published as YA, but it's juvenile in tone in a way that feels younger. If you're reading this as a middlegrade fantasy I think you'll enjoy it more.
The Finnish mythos was interesting and felt unique- and, personallly, is something I myself am interested in, so liked seeing here. I do wish some of it was explained more for those without prior knowledge, but I don't think this would bother the target audience.
It's also always nice to see a nonbinary lead in books, especially younger leaning books, so I appreciated Taika here. Though their worrying about their gender itself felt a little out of left field in terms of the actual plot.
I wish this book had done things a little differently, simply because there isn't a lot here that feels new. It's very much a reshash of tropes and other fantasy stories of the same grade level.
September 24, 2022
(4.5)
[I received an eARC. It’ll be published on 9/27!]
When I started reading My Name is Magic, I compared it a bit to Harry Potter…but it’s NOTHING like it and I love this book for that reason.
The characters and magic system are my favorite things about the book! Taika is a great MC who proves that being normal is unique (in more ways than one) and Morgan makes an amazing sidekick! They’re relationship is cute, witty, and surprisingly balanced! The development between Taika and all the other characters is just perfect for the story. I do find their development with Toivo so pleasing too - that big moment near the end I can’t spoil had my jaw on the floor!
The magic system is also very cool since it builds on the 4 basic elements, which I enjoy in a fantasy book. Add some interesting creatures, a magical (at times political) hierarchy, and a mystery to solve and I’m invested!
Queer representation in My Name is Magic wasn’t overbearing or underrepresented - instead a good balance to clearly identify the book as queer. Gender roles were reversed a bit too, which is an element of storytelling I’m a huge fan of.
I enjoy a book with culture woven into its pages as well! While I literally know nothing about Finnish culture, about 99% of the Finnish words/phrases I understood or could figure out through context. There were a few moments I couldn’t decipher a word or phrase but, in a novel, that’s nothing. (I’m just one of those people who doesn’t like having to look things up if I don’t understand them.)
But I love My Name is Magic and I highly recommend it if you’re looking for a fantasy mystery with queer representation!
[I received an eARC. It’ll be published on 9/27!]
When I started reading My Name is Magic, I compared it a bit to Harry Potter…but it’s NOTHING like it and I love this book for that reason.
The characters and magic system are my favorite things about the book! Taika is a great MC who proves that being normal is unique (in more ways than one) and Morgan makes an amazing sidekick! They’re relationship is cute, witty, and surprisingly balanced! The development between Taika and all the other characters is just perfect for the story. I do find their development with Toivo so pleasing too - that big moment near the end I can’t spoil had my jaw on the floor!
The magic system is also very cool since it builds on the 4 basic elements, which I enjoy in a fantasy book. Add some interesting creatures, a magical (at times political) hierarchy, and a mystery to solve and I’m invested!
Queer representation in My Name is Magic wasn’t overbearing or underrepresented - instead a good balance to clearly identify the book as queer. Gender roles were reversed a bit too, which is an element of storytelling I’m a huge fan of.
I enjoy a book with culture woven into its pages as well! While I literally know nothing about Finnish culture, about 99% of the Finnish words/phrases I understood or could figure out through context. There were a few moments I couldn’t decipher a word or phrase but, in a novel, that’s nothing. (I’m just one of those people who doesn’t like having to look things up if I don’t understand them.)
But I love My Name is Magic and I highly recommend it if you’re looking for a fantasy mystery with queer representation!
September 27, 2022
ARC REVIEW
This was amazing. It was unlike any YA I've ever read and I'm so glad there was a lot of good representation and diversity in this! I hope there will be a sequel to this with the way it ended. I highly recommend it!
This was amazing. It was unlike any YA I've ever read and I'm so glad there was a lot of good representation and diversity in this! I hope there will be a sequel to this with the way it ended. I highly recommend it!
January 8, 2023
A really charming YA, with engaging characters and a cool magical veneer on our world. It felt convincingly Finnish, too - love me some well-done Finnish folkloric fantasy. It also seems there might be a sequel coming, which is very exciting!
October 14, 2022
I absolutely love “It’s X but make it Queer” concepts (hell, it’s what I myself write), so I was excited to read this at hearing “It’s Harry Potter with a punk rock twist, and make it queer”. My Name Is Magic delivers tenfold on all of these promises.
You have the magic school with 4 houses, a handful of interesting teachers, and a lot of magical creatures that you didn’t know exist shoulder-to-shoulder with the “real world”. You have punk culture, a lot of anarchy signs, and music infused throughout. And then you have the rep, which centers around a very likeable, non-binary protagonist whose biggest worry in the beginning is what they’ll pitch for the school newspaper. I was refreshed by the idea that Taika’s identity wasn’t the focus of everyone’s ire. It was such a smart choice in the writing, because it allowed for much more escape-ism into this lower-higher-fantasy world. The only student who didn’t have magic, Taika is an underdog but is far from the tragic figure that queer readers have gotten in non-romcom teen queer fiction up until very recent years.
The biggest difference between this and other ‘European Magic School’ stories, beyond the LGBTQ+ rep, is that it retires the usual UK or Scottish setting and instead flavors the world with Finnish mythology. Like a lot of readers, I knew next to nothing about this going in and I did need to do some side research to get a clear picture on each of the creatures who pop up, but this wasn’t a hindrance, more of an enrichment. And for the record, I like that Van Rooyen doesn’t halt the story to educate those of us who aren’t from there or familiar with it. They trust that readers will either know or look it up, and it was refreshing when you take into account that similar world stories can be a little self indulgent and patronizing in their world building.
But that’s just me! 😂
Beyond the obvious comparison, I did get quite a few “The Worst Witch” vibes, and wouldn’t have been surprised if Tim Curry had shown up to sing a song. That alone will be worth a re-read come a cold and rainy afternoon!
October 30, 2022
Summary: LGBTQ+ Finnish witches and more! What more could you ask for? In this whirlwind of a magical and bewitching journey we follow a charming character, Taika, who is a witch that happens to not have any magic at all. Or so it seems. Taika’s name literally means magic. They go to a magical school along with their former best friend and crush, of which makes this journey even more fun. Taika finds their own self identity and friends in this twisted tale when students start to go missing from the school. There is no choice but to go searching for their friend, Natalie, when they go missing. what fantastical beasts will Taika find on their journey? And what will happen between their ex best friend and crush on the way?
Review: Aside from the beautifully created and inclusive nonbinary and LGBTQ+ characters, there is a majestic magic system in place. This contains an inspired mix of Finnish and Norse mythology with a modern twist of it’s own. I enjoyed every bit of this book and the world building was miniscule but powerful in how it set up the story. My overall rating for this book is 4.5/5. There are many things this book did that caught my interest and that I adored from the moment I picked it up. The story flowed gorgeously and I couldn’t have asked for a better book to read during a cozy thunderstorm.
Extended Breakdown:
Story: 4/5
Characters: 5/5
Magic System: 5/5
Read more at my blog: https://wvbookwitch.blogspot.com/
Follow me on TikTok: @wvbookwitch
Review: Aside from the beautifully created and inclusive nonbinary and LGBTQ+ characters, there is a majestic magic system in place. This contains an inspired mix of Finnish and Norse mythology with a modern twist of it’s own. I enjoyed every bit of this book and the world building was miniscule but powerful in how it set up the story. My overall rating for this book is 4.5/5. There are many things this book did that caught my interest and that I adored from the moment I picked it up. The story flowed gorgeously and I couldn’t have asked for a better book to read during a cozy thunderstorm.
Extended Breakdown:
Story: 4/5
Characters: 5/5
Magic System: 5/5
Read more at my blog: https://wvbookwitch.blogspot.com/
Follow me on TikTok: @wvbookwitch
September 30, 2022
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book is a really solid read for younger YA readers with a really interesting magic system that I think a lot of readers will enjoy. I love seeing more diversity in YA and having a nonbinary protagonist was a treat. I really enjoyed the relationship dynamics between the characters and I thought the MC had a really strong character voice.
This book is a really solid read for younger YA readers with a really interesting magic system that I think a lot of readers will enjoy. I love seeing more diversity in YA and having a nonbinary protagonist was a treat. I really enjoyed the relationship dynamics between the characters and I thought the MC had a really strong character voice.
December 9, 2022
Great book with “Carry On” vibes. Definitely need to read!!!
October 20, 2022
• I loved discovering new mythologies from other cultures, and this was mostly about Finnish myths.
• I loved the houses, and how the students were legacies of gods from different cultures.
• Kalma, the tabby with four white socks. What a cutie!! I loved her name cos it means "calm" or "calm down" in Tagalog. 😻
• I ANGLE TOWARD THE RICKETY BRIDGE ON A TRAJECTORY TOWARD TRUE REBELLION AND DELINQUENCY: THE LIBRARY
• I loved Morgan immediately; part-time rockstar, part-time bookworm.
• The joy Taika felt when Morgan asked their pronouns was so heartwarming. I felt their euphoria.
• ohhh that ball of flame was Natalie and she's been murdered???!! Wtf happened??!!
• Not Morgan calling it a swamp fart 🤣
• WHAT WE HAD WAS SO GOOD UNTIL I DESTROYED IT
• Hannah conjuring a wall of ice to protect herself and her classmates was so cool.
• Aysha using the wrong pronouns for Taika was such a gut-punch. It was so hurtful.
• ohhhh Morgan. I know what you are 💅
• omg the four toppling over after the summoning was so scary
• Natalie!!!! Ohh she's alive and a ghost at the same time??
• oooohhh Taika kissed Natalie
• EKATERINA ROLLS HER EYES SO HARD I'M AMAZED THEY STAY IN HER HEAD 🤣
• Taika hyperventilating when they told their mom about what they discovered at the forest, and the realization of the possibility of Natalie being dead. I felt that rush of emotions they felt.
• omg not Taika saying to Toivo that they hope he's next. Damn
• The kiss 😬
• EVERYTHING IS ALWAYS POLITICAL
• Taika asking their dad if them being non-binary was the cause of their lack of magic was heartbreaking.
• MAGIC ALWAYS HAS ITS PRICE
• Morgan questioning Taika about their relationship with Natalie. 👀
• Taika was right; their lack of choice, not lack of magic, was the problem.
• Not Taika leaving Morgan alone while he's unconscious. They even left his feet outside the portal. That was so funny to me. 🤣
• ohhh of course, time moved differently in that space
• Taika was sorely mistaken when they thought it was a chaos mage book. And Toivo was doing the exact same thing they're doing.
• ohhh Sorin 🥵
• That fight with Taika and their mom was rough esp when their mom said that they can't help cos of their lack of magic.
• Aysha and Katya helping Taika realize their power. That a such a great character development for the three of them.
• Taika talking to the trees and being a shaman was so cool.
• I just knew that Emmi was sus even from the start.
• Toivo saving Taika from Emmi's dagger. Wow
• THE LITTLE VOICE AT THE BACK OF MY MIND TAUNTS ME, BUT IT'S WRONG AND THIS TIME I KNOW IT 🔥🔥
• Taika controlling the trees and using them as a double was amazing. That was such a serve
• ohhh noo. One of Taika's crow died 😭
• Natalie kissing Taika!! Finally!!! It was just a matter of miscommunication. Damn
• I loved how Natalie and Taika hugged then Asyha, Katya, and Sini joined turning it into a group hug.
• ohhhh the story will continue...
• I loved the houses, and how the students were legacies of gods from different cultures.
• Kalma, the tabby with four white socks. What a cutie!! I loved her name cos it means "calm" or "calm down" in Tagalog. 😻
• I ANGLE TOWARD THE RICKETY BRIDGE ON A TRAJECTORY TOWARD TRUE REBELLION AND DELINQUENCY: THE LIBRARY
• I loved Morgan immediately; part-time rockstar, part-time bookworm.
• The joy Taika felt when Morgan asked their pronouns was so heartwarming. I felt their euphoria.
• ohhh that ball of flame was Natalie and she's been murdered???!! Wtf happened??!!
• Not Morgan calling it a swamp fart 🤣
• WHAT WE HAD WAS SO GOOD UNTIL I DESTROYED IT
• Hannah conjuring a wall of ice to protect herself and her classmates was so cool.
• Aysha using the wrong pronouns for Taika was such a gut-punch. It was so hurtful.
• ohhhh Morgan. I know what you are 💅
• omg the four toppling over after the summoning was so scary
• Natalie!!!! Ohh she's alive and a ghost at the same time??
• oooohhh Taika kissed Natalie
• EKATERINA ROLLS HER EYES SO HARD I'M AMAZED THEY STAY IN HER HEAD 🤣
• Taika hyperventilating when they told their mom about what they discovered at the forest, and the realization of the possibility of Natalie being dead. I felt that rush of emotions they felt.
• omg not Taika saying to Toivo that they hope he's next. Damn
• The kiss 😬
• EVERYTHING IS ALWAYS POLITICAL
• Taika asking their dad if them being non-binary was the cause of their lack of magic was heartbreaking.
• MAGIC ALWAYS HAS ITS PRICE
• Morgan questioning Taika about their relationship with Natalie. 👀
• Taika was right; their lack of choice, not lack of magic, was the problem.
• Not Taika leaving Morgan alone while he's unconscious. They even left his feet outside the portal. That was so funny to me. 🤣
• ohhh of course, time moved differently in that space
• Taika was sorely mistaken when they thought it was a chaos mage book. And Toivo was doing the exact same thing they're doing.
• ohhh Sorin 🥵
• That fight with Taika and their mom was rough esp when their mom said that they can't help cos of their lack of magic.
• Aysha and Katya helping Taika realize their power. That a such a great character development for the three of them.
• Taika talking to the trees and being a shaman was so cool.
• I just knew that Emmi was sus even from the start.
• Toivo saving Taika from Emmi's dagger. Wow
• THE LITTLE VOICE AT THE BACK OF MY MIND TAUNTS ME, BUT IT'S WRONG AND THIS TIME I KNOW IT 🔥🔥
• Taika controlling the trees and using them as a double was amazing. That was such a serve
• ohhh noo. One of Taika's crow died 😭
• Natalie kissing Taika!! Finally!!! It was just a matter of miscommunication. Damn
• I loved how Natalie and Taika hugged then Asyha, Katya, and Sini joined turning it into a group hug.
• ohhhh the story will continue...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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April 11, 2023Please note that while this book is a younger YA read, it still has some darker content in it. CW: implied death of a child, children hurt by adults physically and magically without any graphic descriptions, implied injuring of animals without any graphic descriptions, misgendering addressed on page.
November 5, 2022
It's very special reading a story in a Finnish setting, mythology and language and all. Saddle up for a mysterious, magical story!
December 19, 2022
Filled with Finnish folklore, plenty of spooky moments, and a fun magic system! Identity plays a huge role for our non-binary protagonist, Taika, who doesn’t feel they fit in at school. They can’t use magic like their peers, but that doesn’t stop Taika from setting off to save their friends when spooky stuff starts happening.
Hoping there’s a sequel but content where it ended.
Hoping there’s a sequel but content where it ended.
October 17, 2022
My name is magic is a ya fantasy adventure that will keep you entertained for hours.
It is the story of Taika, a nonbinary teenager whose magical powers haven't flourished yet. Along with their friend Morgan, they will embark on a journey to investigate the disappearance of their classmates. As the investigation deepens, Taika and Morgan realize that the disappearance of these students is just the tip of the iceberg for something far more lethal.
This book approaches the main character's sexual orientation without making them a victim of the circumstances.
The writer does not put her characters in a box but shows how complex our sexuality can be.
I highly recommend it.
It is the story of Taika, a nonbinary teenager whose magical powers haven't flourished yet. Along with their friend Morgan, they will embark on a journey to investigate the disappearance of their classmates. As the investigation deepens, Taika and Morgan realize that the disappearance of these students is just the tip of the iceberg for something far more lethal.
This book approaches the main character's sexual orientation without making them a victim of the circumstances.
The writer does not put her characters in a box but shows how complex our sexuality can be.
I highly recommend it.
February 13, 2024
Nykyisin Suomessa asuvan, Etelä-Afrikassa syntyneen Xan van Rooyenin My Name is Magic on monessa suhteessa poikkeuksellista varhaisnuorten seikkailufantasiaa. Harvemmin törmää alun perin englanniksi kirjoitettuun fantasiakirjaan, joka sijoittuu Suomeen ja jossa on vieläpä merkittävässä roolissa suomalainen mytologia. Harvinaislaatuista on myös se, että sateenkaareva fantasiakirja on suunnattu varhaisnuorille yli 15-vuotiaiden sijaan ja ihastuksetkin pysyvät arastelevammalla nuoremmalle kohderyhmälle sopivalla tasolla. Rooyenin velhokoulufantasian hahmokaarti on monimuotoinen ja taustalla käsitellään sekä luontosuhteen että sukupuolen moninaisuuden teemoja, mutta pääosassa on reipas seikkailujuoni.
Päähenkilö on muunsukupuolinen Taika Turunen, jonka äiti on Myrskylä International School of Magic -nimisen taikakoulun rehtori. Oppilaat on jaoteltu tupiin niiden luonnonelementtien mukaan, joihin heidän taikuutensa liittyy. Valitettavasti Taika ei maagisesta nimestään huolimatta ole tähän asti osoittanut minkäänlaisia taianomaisia kykyjä, ja siksi hänet on vain tungettu johonkin. Taika joutuu kiusatuksi ja välit entiseen parhaaseen kaveriin ovat rikkoutuneet, mutta silti kun paras kaveri katoaa, reportteriksi haluava Taika on valmis tutkimuksiin. Miksi opettajat esittävät, että koulussa riehuu tauti, kun oikeasti osa oppilaista on mystisesti kadonnut? Maaginen mysteeri tihenee ja juoni pitää otteessaan loppuun asti.
Arvio löytyy myös blogista Siniset helmet: https://sinisethelmet.wordpress.com/2...
Päähenkilö on muunsukupuolinen Taika Turunen, jonka äiti on Myrskylä International School of Magic -nimisen taikakoulun rehtori. Oppilaat on jaoteltu tupiin niiden luonnonelementtien mukaan, joihin heidän taikuutensa liittyy. Valitettavasti Taika ei maagisesta nimestään huolimatta ole tähän asti osoittanut minkäänlaisia taianomaisia kykyjä, ja siksi hänet on vain tungettu johonkin. Taika joutuu kiusatuksi ja välit entiseen parhaaseen kaveriin ovat rikkoutuneet, mutta silti kun paras kaveri katoaa, reportteriksi haluava Taika on valmis tutkimuksiin. Miksi opettajat esittävät, että koulussa riehuu tauti, kun oikeasti osa oppilaista on mystisesti kadonnut? Maaginen mysteeri tihenee ja juoni pitää otteessaan loppuun asti.
Arvio löytyy myös blogista Siniset helmet: https://sinisethelmet.wordpress.com/2...
September 19, 2022
Despite coming from an impressive magical lineage, Taika Turunen has no magic. Forced to attend a school for the magically gifted, they have a hard time fitting in - especially being non-binary. But when students start going missing, it looks as though Taika is the only one who can save the day.
Straddling the boundary between MG and younger YA, I would highly recommend My Name Is Magic to younger readers who enjoy magical school settings, with elements of urban fantasy. While I personally felt a little too old at this point to enjoy the story to its full potential, my favourite aspect of the novel is its unapologetic inclusivity. Reading it felt like a middle finger to a certain well-known magic school series, with Taika as the downtrodden queer protagonist put front and centre as the reluctant hero. It's huge to have a non-binary protagonist as the lead in a book like this, and the nine-year-old in me feels deeply seen. I think books like this are important, and I would recommend this to fans of the Simon Snow series or parents of younger LGBTQ+ readers looking for a magic school story that is truly welcoming.
I am grateful to Tiny Ghost Press for providing an ARC of My Name Is Magic. These opinions are my own.
Straddling the boundary between MG and younger YA, I would highly recommend My Name Is Magic to younger readers who enjoy magical school settings, with elements of urban fantasy. While I personally felt a little too old at this point to enjoy the story to its full potential, my favourite aspect of the novel is its unapologetic inclusivity. Reading it felt like a middle finger to a certain well-known magic school series, with Taika as the downtrodden queer protagonist put front and centre as the reluctant hero. It's huge to have a non-binary protagonist as the lead in a book like this, and the nine-year-old in me feels deeply seen. I think books like this are important, and I would recommend this to fans of the Simon Snow series or parents of younger LGBTQ+ readers looking for a magic school story that is truly welcoming.
I am grateful to Tiny Ghost Press for providing an ARC of My Name Is Magic. These opinions are my own.
September 8, 2024
Basic Premise
Despite being a student at an international school for magic, Taika does not possess any magic themselves. They are only allowed to study because of their mom, their family. Taika knows they are a disappointment. Even when those around them are silent, the voice in Taika's mind makes sure they never forget
One day Taika realizes something is going wrong in the magical community. Will they be able to step past their pain and prejudices and ask for help? Or will Taika fail and be the reason their whole world falls apart?
Review Notes
Taika is hella depressed and anxious, always carrying around their own rain cloud. When you first start the book it is.a bit ironic, seeing Taika respond to such minor inconveniences as if they were huge personal threats. It comes across as almost laughably untrue when Taika begins to list their "problems." They complain about school lunches, but describe a gourmet meal, even if a bit poorly executed. They complain about their daily existence, yet are totally fine with their one comically suspicious teacher. Time and again we see Taika enter every situation prepared to be miserable, even willing to do it themselves if no one else will oblige them
only, as annoying as Taika is, always imagining the worst, it quickly becomes clear that Taika is sunshine and optimism when compared to the constant sludge of their inner monologue
We repeatedly see their inner voice echo the cries of their critics. "Taika the talentless. Taika the useless" ... giving platform to every anxious and negative thought. Subjected to that constant, negative stream, it makes sense that Taika's ability to make sound judgements would be affected. Being so used to negative voices being the deafening echo of lies, it makes sense that the quiet voice of logical criticism might be misattributed. Or, on the flip side, just as Taika's inner voice is critical of all of their own actions, the voice pushes Taika to mistrust everyone else too
In addition to the every-present anxious thoughts around magic, we also see Taika's insecurities around their recent experiences coming out as nonbinary. Worries about what others think, about how to act, trigger more negative thought spirals.
Taika's anxieties and insecurities are so bad that, even in moments when people are offering kindness and comfort, Taika's inner voice claims it is out of pity or based on lies. It even takes a moment of pride (learning about Taika's own ancestor) and uses that as fuel for shame, scolding themself for not being legendary
As much as Taika's self-hatred can be annoying (and trust me, it can be) I appreciate the author showing how burdensome it can be to the one living it as well. We see Taika carry the burden of action and choose to set it down to appease the anxiety, only to have the anxiety promptly morph into a voice lamenting the new inaction
Ultimately Taika finds themself somewhere they have to act. Will they do the right thing? What if their actions make everything worse?
How do you know what to believe when your own inner voice does nothing but lie to you?
Conclusion
This book brings up solid conversation topics, from how anxiety can lie to us, to how fear of being hurt can cause us to hurt others, and finally, the terrifying uncertainty of living with a brain in which every interaction is translated through the lense of negativity and fear
In this book we see Taika wrestle to find their place in a world with restrictive categories. It can be hard to know who one is when they do not connect with options offered to them, and it can be hard to tell the truth when the world is so much bigger than your own experience
Despite being a student at an international school for magic, Taika does not possess any magic themselves. They are only allowed to study because of their mom, their family. Taika knows they are a disappointment. Even when those around them are silent, the voice in Taika's mind makes sure they never forget
One day Taika realizes something is going wrong in the magical community. Will they be able to step past their pain and prejudices and ask for help? Or will Taika fail and be the reason their whole world falls apart?
Review Notes
Taika is hella depressed and anxious, always carrying around their own rain cloud. When you first start the book it is.a bit ironic, seeing Taika respond to such minor inconveniences as if they were huge personal threats. It comes across as almost laughably untrue when Taika begins to list their "problems." They complain about school lunches, but describe a gourmet meal, even if a bit poorly executed. They complain about their daily existence, yet are totally fine with their one comically suspicious teacher. Time and again we see Taika enter every situation prepared to be miserable, even willing to do it themselves if no one else will oblige them
only, as annoying as Taika is, always imagining the worst, it quickly becomes clear that Taika is sunshine and optimism when compared to the constant sludge of their inner monologue
We repeatedly see their inner voice echo the cries of their critics. "Taika the talentless. Taika the useless" ... giving platform to every anxious and negative thought. Subjected to that constant, negative stream, it makes sense that Taika's ability to make sound judgements would be affected. Being so used to negative voices being the deafening echo of lies, it makes sense that the quiet voice of logical criticism might be misattributed. Or, on the flip side, just as Taika's inner voice is critical of all of their own actions, the voice pushes Taika to mistrust everyone else too
In addition to the every-present anxious thoughts around magic, we also see Taika's insecurities around their recent experiences coming out as nonbinary. Worries about what others think, about how to act, trigger more negative thought spirals.
Taika's anxieties and insecurities are so bad that, even in moments when people are offering kindness and comfort, Taika's inner voice claims it is out of pity or based on lies. It even takes a moment of pride (learning about Taika's own ancestor) and uses that as fuel for shame, scolding themself for not being legendary
As much as Taika's self-hatred can be annoying (and trust me, it can be) I appreciate the author showing how burdensome it can be to the one living it as well. We see Taika carry the burden of action and choose to set it down to appease the anxiety, only to have the anxiety promptly morph into a voice lamenting the new inaction
Ultimately Taika finds themself somewhere they have to act. Will they do the right thing? What if their actions make everything worse?
How do you know what to believe when your own inner voice does nothing but lie to you?
Conclusion
This book brings up solid conversation topics, from how anxiety can lie to us, to how fear of being hurt can cause us to hurt others, and finally, the terrifying uncertainty of living with a brain in which every interaction is translated through the lense of negativity and fear
In this book we see Taika wrestle to find their place in a world with restrictive categories. It can be hard to know who one is when they do not connect with options offered to them, and it can be hard to tell the truth when the world is so much bigger than your own experience
June 27, 2024
For those readers who a certain magical educational institution might be a bit sour- this is for you. Now, true, the only true 'fault' I can give to this book is that I wish the school and curriculum had the same deep dive treatment as the more infamous one I've alluded to. There are so many hints of this expansive campus and approach. There's a truly international feel. It's not just the origins of the students, but it's not closed off to humans. There are, in fact, vampiric students for example. There are also teachers who encourage activities that mix students with 'regular' populations as that is who they'll be living along side and value prepping for all aspects of life.
It is a pleasure to see a story that draws on the Finnish region and lore for a magical setting. Not just because the language, which we pleasantly get a sampling of here and there, sounds lyrical enough to be a spell itself. That Finland is one of the last places that is a well for magical energy for those who use an elemental based structure seems absolutely fitting as my preconceptions of it have always been that sort of haven. I love that there is a book that opens up the world of Finnish mythical creatures and nods to their origin epic not just for teens but for a broader audience who might be a little daunted to hop into the Kalevala.
Pleasure in setting aside, I really enjoyed this romp. From the premise of the lack of magic in a magical world being almost an analogy for being 'othered' to the suspicion that you are other is the legitimate reason to the reassurance that this fear is absolutely not the case. All the little layers to this make it a joy. IT does a wonderful job of presenting the emotional aspects of family and how the depth and expression of care within it might not always seem loving or attentive to be just that.
But then we come to what is a really lovely strength of this book --the characters themselves. Taika is a great example not only of how to write a character holding and expressing anger, but also of the mental health aspects that come with something that goes beyond low self esteem. Morgan is a great example of the assumptions we hold about people when we don't know them from multiple angles. The fact that we have a premise of one character becoming close to the 'mysterious new gifted student' isn't code for 'the lead is going to turn into a sappy love sick mess over them' is SO ABSOLUTELY REFRESHING.
Now that being said, there were elements to the mystery of this story that felt a touch forced or rushed. It felt like the author was hesitant to pack in a lot of ideas because they didn't have faith that they could carry a book for this audience with this premise with a heftier page count. These days I'm usually advocating for more editing and shorter lengths. This is an example that I wish we had more space in some parts. I desperately hope it's no the last we hear of this world.
It is a pleasure to see a story that draws on the Finnish region and lore for a magical setting. Not just because the language, which we pleasantly get a sampling of here and there, sounds lyrical enough to be a spell itself. That Finland is one of the last places that is a well for magical energy for those who use an elemental based structure seems absolutely fitting as my preconceptions of it have always been that sort of haven. I love that there is a book that opens up the world of Finnish mythical creatures and nods to their origin epic not just for teens but for a broader audience who might be a little daunted to hop into the Kalevala.
Pleasure in setting aside, I really enjoyed this romp. From the premise of the lack of magic in a magical world being almost an analogy for being 'othered' to the suspicion that you are other is the legitimate reason to the reassurance that this fear is absolutely not the case. All the little layers to this make it a joy. IT does a wonderful job of presenting the emotional aspects of family and how the depth and expression of care within it might not always seem loving or attentive to be just that.
But then we come to what is a really lovely strength of this book --the characters themselves. Taika is a great example not only of how to write a character holding and expressing anger, but also of the mental health aspects that come with something that goes beyond low self esteem. Morgan is a great example of the assumptions we hold about people when we don't know them from multiple angles. The fact that we have a premise of one character becoming close to the 'mysterious new gifted student' isn't code for 'the lead is going to turn into a sappy love sick mess over them' is SO ABSOLUTELY REFRESHING.
Now that being said, there were elements to the mystery of this story that felt a touch forced or rushed. It felt like the author was hesitant to pack in a lot of ideas because they didn't have faith that they could carry a book for this audience with this premise with a heftier page count. These days I'm usually advocating for more editing and shorter lengths. This is an example that I wish we had more space in some parts. I desperately hope it's no the last we hear of this world.
January 24, 2024
3.5 stars
Taika Turunen, for all they come from a family of strong mages, seems to have no magic of their own, at least at first. When we first meet them, they are being bullied by several girls who use their own abilities to pick on them on the sly. Taika also has a massive wad of doubts and self-esteem issues to go with the bullying, so when they are thrust at the center of a magical mystery, Taika feels lost. However, with their best friend's life and the lives of others on the line, Taika takes charge and finds they has something every bit as important as the magic everyone else uses, self-reliance, knowledge, and the ability to think in precarious situations. Now if they can only get the adults to listen ...
Magic as an exploitable, consumable, and limited resource is an interesting idea. Most stories have it as just something which just exists all-around us without limits or being in danger of running out. van Rooyen does something interesting here, making magic more like oil, water, or some other resource we've been exploiting without realizing the consequences and the dangers of overuse. I think it's a concept worth exploring more and really needs more development. There are enough threads dangling at the end of this story that I think the author might be open to writing another book featuring Taika, their romantic interest Natalie and friends Morgan, Katia, and Eisha (sp?).
This being a 'teenagers save the world book', we have the usual problems with the kids knowing what's up and the adults too busy or too worried to listen trope. Still, this is a pretty good coming of age story featuring a nonbinary young person finally coming to grips with their insecurities and finding their feet, and discovering they have a lot more to offer than they'd originally thought.
#nonbinarycharacter; #magic; #teenssavetheworld; #lgbtrep; #magicasalimitedresource.
Taika Turunen, for all they come from a family of strong mages, seems to have no magic of their own, at least at first. When we first meet them, they are being bullied by several girls who use their own abilities to pick on them on the sly. Taika also has a massive wad of doubts and self-esteem issues to go with the bullying, so when they are thrust at the center of a magical mystery, Taika feels lost. However, with their best friend's life and the lives of others on the line, Taika takes charge and finds they has something every bit as important as the magic everyone else uses, self-reliance, knowledge, and the ability to think in precarious situations. Now if they can only get the adults to listen ...
Magic as an exploitable, consumable, and limited resource is an interesting idea. Most stories have it as just something which just exists all-around us without limits or being in danger of running out. van Rooyen does something interesting here, making magic more like oil, water, or some other resource we've been exploiting without realizing the consequences and the dangers of overuse. I think it's a concept worth exploring more and really needs more development. There are enough threads dangling at the end of this story that I think the author might be open to writing another book featuring Taika, their romantic interest Natalie and friends Morgan, Katia, and Eisha (sp?).
This being a 'teenagers save the world book', we have the usual problems with the kids knowing what's up and the adults too busy or too worried to listen trope. Still, this is a pretty good coming of age story featuring a nonbinary young person finally coming to grips with their insecurities and finding their feet, and discovering they have a lot more to offer than they'd originally thought.
#nonbinarycharacter; #magic; #teenssavetheworld; #lgbtrep; #magicasalimitedresource.
December 30, 2022
I didn't find the story very interesting, nor is the book that interesting to critique. The plot is not unique, and nothing in the world is fleshed out enough to make it distinctive from any other generic magic story.
I was frustrated when I began reading the book because the author constantly makes comma splice errors. It's such a tiring mistake. It's such a basic thing to get wrong. I'm so tired of reading published books with so many rudimentary grammatical errors.
Protagonist is whiny and angsty. Not as grating as El from A Deadly Education, but still pretty dang annoying.
For example,
Taika constantly feels useless and worthless and the worst. However, Taika also looks down upon other peoples' skills. Everyone in journalism club is bad at journalism, according to Taika.
So Taika thinks they're the best, but also the worst.
Kinda a sign of a narcissist right there, but whatever.
The book's pacing is poor.
In one chapter, Taika does not want to talk to their mom about what happened in the forest, no way no how. Nothing changes in the story, but a page later in the next chapter, Taika immediately talks to their mom about what happened in the forest with no prompting or reason.
The author doesn’t know how to develop a scene, or keep an atmosphere.
There’s exposition where there should be action, and there’s action where there should be rest. The flow of the prose doesn’t match the desired atmosphere, if there was one.
There was a lot of information that was repeated. It honestly felt like the author forgot that they’d already told us that same information a chapter ago.
For example, Taika’s bullies act surprised that Taika has a lineage of strong magic users. But Taika’s parents are literally.... powerful mages... the students see every day.... Taika’s mother is literally the principal...
This is not new information. Why are the students acting like it is?
Almost everything lgbt in this book feels forced. Take this example from page 129:
There is nothing in this book that would indicate this. Magic is not gender-based in this universe. Certain genders don’t have certain powers. There’s no gender association to magic at all. This thought comes from nothing.
Why does Taika think this?
Because it’s forced lgbt-ism, babe.
If this was a conflict the author wanted to show, then the author should of actually showed it. It should of been introduced earlier in the book. We should of seen Taika struggle with it. There should of been a reason to Taika saying this. It should of been an impactful moment.
But instead it's just thrown in there. All the lgbt stuff just feels really random. It's like the author wanted to include it, but there wasn't actually a reason to why it would be in there. No plot reason. No thematic reason. The author just wanted to include it to include it.
And of course... Taika’s bullies bully Taika because they’re jealous of them.
We love that trope...
I was frustrated when I began reading the book because the author constantly makes comma splice errors. It's such a tiring mistake. It's such a basic thing to get wrong. I'm so tired of reading published books with so many rudimentary grammatical errors.
Protagonist is whiny and angsty. Not as grating as El from A Deadly Education, but still pretty dang annoying.
For example,
Taika constantly feels useless and worthless and the worst. However, Taika also looks down upon other peoples' skills. Everyone in journalism club is bad at journalism, according to Taika.
So Taika thinks they're the best, but also the worst.
Kinda a sign of a narcissist right there, but whatever.
The book's pacing is poor.
In one chapter, Taika does not want to talk to their mom about what happened in the forest, no way no how. Nothing changes in the story, but a page later in the next chapter, Taika immediately talks to their mom about what happened in the forest with no prompting or reason.
The author doesn’t know how to develop a scene, or keep an atmosphere.
There’s exposition where there should be action, and there’s action where there should be rest. The flow of the prose doesn’t match the desired atmosphere, if there was one.
There was a lot of information that was repeated. It honestly felt like the author forgot that they’d already told us that same information a chapter ago.
For example, Taika’s bullies act surprised that Taika has a lineage of strong magic users. But Taika’s parents are literally.... powerful mages... the students see every day.... Taika’s mother is literally the principal...
This is not new information. Why are the students acting like it is?
Almost everything lgbt in this book feels forced. Take this example from page 129:
“Dad?" I start, my voice all quivery like I could burst into tears at any moment. “Do you think the reason I don’t have magic... Do you think it’s because-could it because I’m not really a girl or a boy?"
There is nothing in this book that would indicate this. Magic is not gender-based in this universe. Certain genders don’t have certain powers. There’s no gender association to magic at all. This thought comes from nothing.
Why does Taika think this?
Because it’s forced lgbt-ism, babe.
If this was a conflict the author wanted to show, then the author should of actually showed it. It should of been introduced earlier in the book. We should of seen Taika struggle with it. There should of been a reason to Taika saying this. It should of been an impactful moment.
But instead it's just thrown in there. All the lgbt stuff just feels really random. It's like the author wanted to include it, but there wasn't actually a reason to why it would be in there. No plot reason. No thematic reason. The author just wanted to include it to include it.
And of course... Taika’s bullies bully Taika because they’re jealous of them.
We love that trope...
March 1, 2024
this book was a fun take on your usual magical societies- instead of going british or some other sterotype i had a fun time diving in to a world with loads of finnish words, and sometimes(to my suprise) even some things i could recognize as a danish person
i loved seeing a nonbinary main character, since im nonbinary, and the open talk of sexuality and the doubts and feelings one has about it growing up.
i was slightly dissapointed about taika figuring out that they do have magic in the end, although its different than other peoples magic. a lot of the time being the odd one out and like being magicless in a society where everyone has magic, can be seen as a metaphor for disability- and just fixing them in the end is not what i was hoping for- although giving them such a different kind of magic, in some ways also could be a metaphor for some disabilities? idk- overall though i loved the book
i loved seeing a nonbinary main character, since im nonbinary, and the open talk of sexuality and the doubts and feelings one has about it growing up.
i was slightly dissapointed about taika figuring out that they do have magic in the end, although its different than other peoples magic. a lot of the time being the odd one out and like being magicless in a society where everyone has magic, can be seen as a metaphor for disability- and just fixing them in the end is not what i was hoping for- although giving them such a different kind of magic, in some ways also could be a metaphor for some disabilities? idk- overall though i loved the book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2022
This book was cute! I liked the non-binary representation a lot, and felt that Taika often felt like a very real person. I enjoyed their relationship with Morgan a lot as well, though I did feel it got pushed out of the way near the end in favour of Taika's relationship with Natalie, who I struggled to care about during this book since she was in literally two scenes. I wish we could've seen more of her and Taika to actually set up all of the character dynamics at the beginning before the story started.
This is the same for Natalie's friends as well, since they never really get developed enough for their characters to be interesting enough to be present in the climax of the book. Also, I found it strange that Sini just got cut out of the story near the end.
The universe created in this book was great. It felt like the author had put a lot of effort into the fantasy elements of the book, though they felt quite crammed into the story; at one point needing to be conveyed to the reader in a literal list, though I didn't mind this too much.
Basically, I just wish that the book had been longer, because there was so much brilliant potential in the book that didn't have enough time to be set up or explored, which left the story feeling quite empty. This could've helped the ending and the reveal be more exciting rather than simply confusing and a little disappointing, as Taika's big romantic goal is with someone we never really got to know at all.
This is the same for Natalie's friends as well, since they never really get developed enough for their characters to be interesting enough to be present in the climax of the book. Also, I found it strange that Sini just got cut out of the story near the end.
The universe created in this book was great. It felt like the author had put a lot of effort into the fantasy elements of the book, though they felt quite crammed into the story; at one point needing to be conveyed to the reader in a literal list, though I didn't mind this too much.
Basically, I just wish that the book had been longer, because there was so much brilliant potential in the book that didn't have enough time to be set up or explored, which left the story feeling quite empty. This could've helped the ending and the reveal be more exciting rather than simply confusing and a little disappointing, as Taika's big romantic goal is with someone we never really got to know at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2023
This book was very ambitious. The magic system and world building was jampacked for such a short book. The setting was also pretty cool, I don’t see Finland represented much like this in fantasy books. Really, for me the struggle was the plot. I think because the magic system was trying to be so complex and had a lot of moving parts. It made it difficult to give the plot the attention it deserved. Some of it felt rather repetitive and juvenile in execution. The mystery also felt frustrating that children are going missing and the only ones who cared were the Scooby gang? Overall I thought it was a short interesting read.
Rep: non-binary MC
Rep: non-binary MC
March 27, 2023
This book was okay. It may have been a bit too YA for me; I think a younger audience would have really enjoyed it.
What I liked about it was that the magical system is based on Finnish myth and folklore. I read a lot of books set in European countries, but rarely do that have any cultural/mythical/folklore aspects to them. There was also a reference to Sámi mythology, which I found interesting.
Overall, there was a lot of suspending belief happening in this book, as of course the 16 year olds are trying to solve the magical mystery.
While for me this book was just okay, it is obviously set up for further books, and I would likely read those as well.
What I liked about it was that the magical system is based on Finnish myth and folklore. I read a lot of books set in European countries, but rarely do that have any cultural/mythical/folklore aspects to them. There was also a reference to Sámi mythology, which I found interesting.
Overall, there was a lot of suspending belief happening in this book, as of course the 16 year olds are trying to solve the magical mystery.
While for me this book was just okay, it is obviously set up for further books, and I would likely read those as well.
February 10, 2023
A great read! Intersting world with great uses of Finnish folklore. Ambitious with many ideas for such a short book.
Read
March 31, 2024Arc i dnf, not quite my style
May 30, 2024
Such a great book! Really likeable characters and excellent world building!
November 6, 2025
I was pretty underwhelmed by this book and it just felt kinda mediocre. The main character was kinda annoying and complained a lot. It did also feel like there was no urgency to the conflict. The book also did read more middle grade than YA.
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