Unspoken Magic

Unseen Magic #2

by Emily Lloyd-Jones

Deep in the redwoods, in a magical town, anything can happen, and any creature—or monster—could exist. But when a team of myth-busters comes to Aldermere, they threaten its very existence—and eleven-year-old Fin will do anything to protect her home.

For fans of Nevermoor and Amari and the Night Brothers, Emily Lloyd-Jones’s sequel to the acclaimed Unseen Magic is a story of trusting yourself and finding the friends who believe in you, no matter what.

Aldermere is a town with its own set of there’s a tea shop that vanishes if you try to force your way in, crows that must be fed or they’ll go through your trash, and a bridge that has a toll that no one knows the cost of. Some say that there may even be bigfoots wandering through the woods.

It’s been six months since Fin saved Aldermere from someone intent on exploiting its magic. With spring break just around the corner, Fin’s plans are to relax, try to train her new raven friend, and read some of the mystery books she loves. But her plans are derailed when Fin and her friends find a baby bigfoot who’s been separated from her pack.

Then a film crew shows up, intending to add Aldermere to their web show debunking strange and magical legends. Fin can’t let the film crew put the bigfoot—and Aldermere—at risk. Now, Fin, Eddie, and Cedar must keep the bigfoot hidden and find a way to track down her family. But Cedar’s been hiding a secret of her own; one that may complicate everything.

As monsters, friends, and enemies collide, Fin, Eddie, and Cedar have to trust one another with secrets both good and bad if they’re going to save the town they all love.

b>Emily Lloyd-Jones crafts a novel infused with magic that is sometimes wonderful and charming—and sometimes dangerous. The sequel to Indie Next Pick Unseen Magic, Unspoken Magic is perfect for fans of Christina Soontornvat’s A Wish in the Dark and Claribel A. Ortega’s Ghost Squad. 

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Magical Realism, Childrens, Fiction

309 pages, Hardcover

First published February 21, 2023

About the author

Emily Lloyd-Jones grew up on a vineyard in rural Oregon, where she played in evergreen forests and learned to fear sheep. After graduating from Western Oregon University with an English degree, she enrolled in the publishing program at Rosemont College just outside of Philadelphia. She currently resides in Northern California.

Reviews

[Río · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 rounded to 3

I had already started the book before realizing it had a prequel, but I was still able to follow and enjoy the plot without that knowledge

I like how this story has magic as a regular, "mundane" part of this town's life

I also like the classic "child needs to rescue person/place/creature in need, dodging danger and gaining friends along the way" trope. In this instance, the creature in need of rescuing is an adorable baby bigfoot. The danger? A group of paranormal investigators

All in all an enjoyable setting, decent characters, and just the right dash of magic. Am I partial due to it being set on the West Coast? I plead the fifth What *is* relevant is the hiking and outdoor wisdom sprinkled throughout their adventures. The plot is not super complex, nor are there a bunch of complex thoughts or questions raised, but that is ok. Sometimes you just want a simple story of someone putting effort toward something that matters to them

Looking for an easy adventure read with some light magic? This one's for you

[Sarah Sammis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like the previous book, Unspoken Magic sits on the Road Narrative Spectrum. It's actually not too far removed from the first volume. The only difference between the two is the destination which moves from rural to home. The change in destination reflects a change in how Fin feels about Aldermere. It has stopped being a far away, rural place, and become home. Likewise, the children who want to protect the town, also want to help the bigfoot find her home.

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Scarecrow / Minotaur Home Cornfield 9966FF

[Luna Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unspoken Magic by Emily Lloyd-Jones is a richly imaginative and emotionally resonant middle grade fantasy that blends wonder, danger, and heartfelt friendship. Set in the enchanting town of Aldermere, where bridges demand mysterious tolls, tea shops disappear, and magical creatures roam the woods, this sequel to Unseen Magic deepens the magic while raising the emotional stakes.

Eleven-year-old Fin is a compelling and relatable protagonist, driven by her love for her home and her determination to protect it. When she and her friends discover a lost baby bigfoot, the story takes on a tender urgency, balancing gentle humor with genuine suspense. Lloyd-Jones excels at showing how small acts of care can have enormous consequences, especially when outsiders threaten what makes a place special.

The arrival of a myth-busting film crew adds tension and a timely commentary on exploitation versus understanding. As Fin, Eddie, and Cedar work to keep Aldermere safe, the story thoughtfully explores trust, secrets, and the complexities of friendship. Cedar’s hidden truth adds emotional depth, reminding readers that honesty can be both difficult and transformative.

Lloyd-Jones’s prose is warm and atmospheric, making Aldermere feel alive and magical without losing its sense of danger. The blend of mystery, myth, and heartfelt character development makes the story engaging from start to finish.

Unspoken Magic is a beautifully crafted adventure about believing in yourself, protecting what you love, and trusting your friends, even when it’s hard. Perfect for readers ages 8–12, this novel will delight fans of magical towns, secret creatures, and stories where courage and compassion save the day.

[Paper Privateer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aldermere is a magical town, but that's not something that everybody gets to know. Quick visits from tourists are fine, but the locals know to keep the secrets to themselves. Even people who move in have to prove themselves before they are told the secrets of living there. So when a paranormal research team comes to see what they can find at the same time as mysterious giant footprints appear, Fin and her friends are determined to make sure that the magic of the town stays a secret. Unfortunately for them, keeping things is a lot harder when they find a baby bigfoot they need to reunite with its parents.

Unspoken Magic is the sequel to Unseen Magic, but reading them out of order would be fine. The book references the events in the first book, but the story and events are completely separate. While the first book has a lot to do with Fin coming to terms with her anxiety and learning that getting help for those things is okay, this book doesn't have that kind of focus. It's just a fun story about kids having an adventure in their magical town. Because of that, this book doesn't have as much of a grip and impact as the first one, but it's still. a fun read nonetheless.

The book is fairly simple. It doesn't have a lot of plotlines. It's simply about Fin and her friends trying to protect the town from the supernatural investigation team. That focus helps the book go by quickly, and nothing feels superfluous. It's cute and whimsical, and readers of the first book will likely enjoy this one too.


Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for giving me a copy to review.

[Emilee (emileereadsbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Greenwillow Books for the gifted book I read along with the library audio.

Six months ago (in the previous book, Unseen Magic), Fin had to contend with the reality of magic in her hometown of Aldermere and save it from exploitation. But now, the magic is threatened when a team of myth-busters arrives in town to track down the rumored monster living there.

Instead of the relaxing spring break Fin has anticipated, Fin and her friends, find themselves in possession of a baby bigfood separated from her pack and launched onto a journey to keep the baby safe, hidden from the film crew in town, and protect their town in the process.

This is a story about friendship and secrets, and which ones are worth keeping and which are worth fighting for.
_____

I love some magical realism and although there are layers of magic in the land of Aldermere, it is grounded in reality and I can easily imagine walking through an unmarked door into somewhere I didn't intend to be. Emily Lloyd-Jones writes with such skill that her books are so easy and enjoyable to read. You are just happy to be on this reading journey. This book delivers a story that is easily digestible and isn't over inflated with boring details.

If you are looking for an entertaining middle grade read with just the right amount of magic and a message about loyalty and kindness, look no further, this one is worth the read.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in a fantasy series set in the magical town of Aldermere. Most of the residents accept the magical nature of the town as a matter of course and life there is fairly normal once you've committed to the rules. For example, all doors must be labeled or a person walking through them could end up anywhere in town. A crew of myth busters with a large online following comes to Aldermere the same week that Finley, along with her friends Eddie and Cedar, discover a baby bigfoot that has been separated from her herd. The story has a strong sense of place and the characters are well-developed with readers gaining particular insight into Fin's struggles with anxiety. While this is the second book in the series, Unspoken Magic feels complete on its own and the references to the first book sprinkled throughout detract very little from the story at hand. Aldermere is a town readers will be eager to revisit and the ending hints at the possibility of a sequel.

Recommended for 4-6.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a big fan of The Bone Houses and The Drowned Woods, I of course had to pick up Unseen Magic which (surprise!) I also loved! I was incredibly excited to get the chance to read the next book in the series, Unspoken Magic, and it was an absolute delight! The story follows a young girl named Fin who lives in a magical town that becomes at risk of being exposed by a team of myth busters. Fin and her friends do whatever they can to prevent that while also searching for the family of an adorable mythical creature in the process. These books are adorable, wholesome, and the anxiety representation for young readers is always a plus in my book. Loved this one!

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Harper Collins for sending me a copy!

Well this was a relaxing read for me. I did like the writing. I would really like to read more about how magic was used in people's daily lives instead of just living with it as if it was some natural occurrence or treated as pests idk.

I thought it was weird that River changed up real quick. I feel like it would be more interesting leaving him as the rival. But I aint the author and I would guess its to set Scott up for the third book?

The bonding between Fin and Cedar after intro of Penny is my favorite part.

[stephanie cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unspoken Magic by Emily Lloyd-Jones - 4/5

After saving the small town of Aldermere from it's magical ways being exposed all Fin wanted to do was rest, until Fin and her friends stumble upon a baby bigfoot seperated from her pack. With a film crew in town the friends band together to keep the baby bigfoot out of their sights.

This is such a cute sequel to Unseen Magic. The growth of friends that come together to save their town, monsters and secrets. This is a cute book that easily keeps your attention and is cozy enough to enjoy more than once.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Baby Bigfoot

I thought the baby Bigfoot the children helped out was adorable. They search for the adult Bigfoot group so they can return the baby to her family while trying to avoid the cryptid hunters who want to either prove or disprove the existence of such creatures.

In this sequel, Fin, Eddie, and Cedar make a new friend. They also learn Cedar’s secret. So far, the magical tea shop from the first book still has not reappeared.

This was an enjoyable fantasy story for children. I think it deserves 3 1/2 stars.

[Kalyn Josephson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of whimsy, magic, and friendship, UNSPOKEN MAGIC is the perfect sequel to the stellar series opener, UNSEEN MAGIC. I really loved watching Fin, Eddie, and Cedar's friendship grow against the backdrop of bigfoots, shadow horses, and mischievous ravens.

Like book 1, the sequel deals fantastically with anxiety, complex friendship dynamics, and learning to accept one's self. It's a fun, quick, engaging read that everyone will love.

[Tayler · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Harper Collins for sending a copy of this my way in exchange for an honest review.

I’m a bit sad I didn’t enjoy this as much as the first book. The story went a bit slower and there really wasn’t a whole lot of magic which didn’t keep me as entertained. I grew bored with the book but still ended up finishing.

[Briana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: At time of rating, the HarperCollins union is still on strike as management will not negotiate.

Initial thoughts: Charming and fun. Nicely focused, as I could easily imagine this premise trying to take on too much. Can be read without reading book 1.

[Kristin SH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this sequel just like I loved the first! This one has tighter plotting and more seamless pacing. I slightly prefer the first book, but only because I find magical tea shops more interesting than bigfoot.

[Christina (A Reader of Fictions)]

A solid follow up to Unseen Magic. In this one, Fin and friends take on cryptid hunters and try to protect a thoroughly adorable baby bigfoot. The fantasy remains, fresh, fun, and creative. What's not to like?

[Gabrielle Belisle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore these books. Unspoken Magic is just as cozy and wholesome as it's predecessor and I loved every minute of it.

[Tegan · Rating 3 out of 5]

review withheld until the harpercollins union receive a fair contract

[Melissa F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these books SO MUCH, and this one was even better than the first. Atmospheric and full of strange magic and deep friendship. 💛

[Jen Nishi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun and adorably magical read. Loved the first one and I loved to see the growth of the characters in the sequel. Solidly good read.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

The girls and I had so much fun reading this. Better than the 1st book

[Hailey Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

So happy to be back in aldermere — especially with A BABY BIGFOOT named Brie?! 😭 loved the theme of saving and protecting magic/it’s no longer magic if someone is making a profit. This was SO good!

[Elizabeth P · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had a hard time getting into this one, but it got better as it went along. I liked it maybe a little less than the first one (which I rated 2.5), so I think this one is a 2.

[Nadia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this sequel, especially the 2nd half! Hope there will be a 3rd book eventually.

[Ashley Holloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars - Not quite as good as the first, but really freaking adorable regardless. Loved the bigfoot storyline and the characters are just so darn delightful! I hope we get another in this series!

[Mar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this even more than the first book

[Callie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know how to put my finger on it, but something about this book made me FLY through it. I literally could not stop reading. There are so many different elements of mystery and eek it's just too good! (Also, I love Cedar. Best girl.)

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

Quirky, Southern magical realism a bit reminiscent of Natalie Lloyd or Corey Ann Haydu.