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The Magician's Daughter
A young woman raised on an isolated island by a magician discovers things aren’t as they seem and must venture into early 1900s England to return magic to the world in this lush and lyrical historical fantasy.
It is 1912, and for the last seventy years magic has all but disappeared from the world. Yet magic is all Biddy has ever known.
Orphaned as a baby, Biddy grew up on Hy-Brasil, a legendary island off the coast of Ireland hidden by magic and glimpsed by rare travelers who return with stories of wild black rabbits and a lone magician in a castle. To Biddy, the island is her home, a place of ancient trees and sea-salt air and mysteries, and the magician, Rowan, is her guardian. She loves both, but as her seventeenth birthday approaches, she is stifled by her solitude and frustrated by Rowan's refusal to let her leave.
One night, Rowan fails to come home from his mysterious travels. To rescue him, Biddy ventures into his nightmares and learns not only where he goes every night, but that Rowan has powerful enemies. Determination to protect her home and her guardian, Biddy's journey will take her away from the safety of her childhood, to the poorhouses of Whitechapel, a secret castle beneath London streets, the ruins of an ancient civilization, and finally to a desperate chance to restore lost magic. But the closer she comes to answers, the more she comes to question everything she has ever believed about Rowan, her own origins, and the cost of bringing magic back into the world.
For more from H. G. Parry, check out:
The Shadow Histories
A Declaration of the Rights of Magicians
A Radical Act of Free Magic
The Unlikely Escape of Uriah Heep
It is 1912, and for the last seventy years magic has all but disappeared from the world. Yet magic is all Biddy has ever known.
Orphaned as a baby, Biddy grew up on Hy-Brasil, a legendary island off the coast of Ireland hidden by magic and glimpsed by rare travelers who return with stories of wild black rabbits and a lone magician in a castle. To Biddy, the island is her home, a place of ancient trees and sea-salt air and mysteries, and the magician, Rowan, is her guardian. She loves both, but as her seventeenth birthday approaches, she is stifled by her solitude and frustrated by Rowan's refusal to let her leave.
One night, Rowan fails to come home from his mysterious travels. To rescue him, Biddy ventures into his nightmares and learns not only where he goes every night, but that Rowan has powerful enemies. Determination to protect her home and her guardian, Biddy's journey will take her away from the safety of her childhood, to the poorhouses of Whitechapel, a secret castle beneath London streets, the ruins of an ancient civilization, and finally to a desperate chance to restore lost magic. But the closer she comes to answers, the more she comes to question everything she has ever believed about Rowan, her own origins, and the cost of bringing magic back into the world.
For more from H. G. Parry, check out:
The Shadow Histories
A Declaration of the Rights of Magicians
A Radical Act of Free Magic
The Unlikely Escape of Uriah Heep
390 pages, Paperback
First published February 28, 2023
1044 people are currently reading
32988 people want to read
About the author
H.G. Parry
9 books1,310 followersH.G. Parry lives in a book-infested flat in Wellington, New Zealand, which she shares with her sister and two overactive rabbits. She holds a PhD in English Literature from Victoria University of Wellington, and teaches English, Film, and Media Studies. Her short fiction has appeared in Intergalactic Medicine Show, Daily Science Fiction, and small press anthologies. The Unlikely Escape of Uriah Heep is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,517 reviews
March 9, 2023
In a Nutshell: A lovely coming-of-age historical fantasy with magical elements and creatures. Slow but enjoyable. Though YA in style, recommendable to all readers.
Story Synopsis:
Where the book worked for me:
😍 Luckily for me, my friend and fellow reviewer Srivalli forewarned me to read this as a YA novel. The character development and writing style worked well with this approach. I admit, even as a YA, it is nicely written, and I didn’t roll my eyes even once, which is a usual occurrence otherwise. There are a few dark scenes but they are mostly off the page. The story does justice to the coming-of-age angle.
😍 For once, the main protagonist acted her age. Biddy was a sheltered sixteen-year-old, and this is exactly how she behaves through the book. As she is more exposed to the outside world, her awareness, her doubts, and her self-confidence grow. She uses her head and her heart while taking decisions. Moreover, her writing doesn’t come with tons of inner monologues and her thoughts feel very realistic. Both a huge plus for a YA story.
😍 The historical and fantastical settings were nicely written and in sync with each other. The author creates the atmosphere and imagery well through her descriptions, whether of the orphanage, or the island, or the dark dungeons. It was very easy to visualise the places.
😍 Hutch was one heck of a friend and guide. His personality was the most appealing among all the main characters. The bond Rowan and Hutch shared with each other was amazing. Give me more such bunnies in magical stories any day!
😍 Rowan makes for quite an atypical guardian. Bossy at times, indulgent at others, his protectiveness for Biddy adds a loving undertone to their relationship. His complicated character is perfect for the plot as he doesn’t come across as a clichéd guardian.
😍 Morgaine’s character adds a greater touch of feminism and womanpower to the story. Her determination to make it in the male-dominated world of magic while accepting the sacrifices and compromises that come with such single-minded focus feels genuinely relatable.
😍 Biddy loves books, and it shows every time in her approach to the people and situations around her. I appreciate how her bookworm nature wasn’t restricted only to a couple of pages but used as a strong feature of her personality throughout.
😍 I enjoyed the magical elements and creatures in the story. Even magic itself is almost personified in a way I have rarely read. I had never heard of the mythical island of Hy-Brasil, so learning about it was a plus. I wish there had been more magical familiars in the story. It would have been even more fun to read, especially if two familiars had to clash with each other over their mages.
😍 The story is a bit slow in the first half as it takes its own time to introduce us to Biddy, Rowan, and their lifestyle. But the proceedings were interesting enough for me not to lose attention. The second half is much faster.
Where the book could have worked better for me:
😒 The main antagonist was somewhat flat and underutilised. The story would have been much creepier and impactful had his arc been written in greater detail.
😒 The final chapter tries unnecessarily to create a foundation for a sequel. It feels too forced. The second half of this chapter could have easily been put as the introductory chapter of the sequel, if there is one being planned. This superfluous content reduced the impact of this book to a certain extent.
😒 A few aspects of the plot reminded me of other books such as Jane Eyre, LOTR, Harry Potter, Howl's Moving Castle,… Whether these were meant as an homage to the originals or just a coincidence, I'll not know. But they were somewhat distracting.
All in all, despite the few misgivings, I did enjoy this magical story. It would work well when you are looking for a heartwarming fairytale-style entertainer with a generous dollop of magic. Will work especially well for YA Fantasy fans. I’ll definitely like to read more of this author’s works.
4 stars.
My thanks to Little, Brown Book Group UK, Orbit, and NetGalley for the DRC of “The Magician's Daughter”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
———————————————
PS: Sri, thanks for both your tips. They were super helpful! :)
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Story Synopsis:
1912. For as long as she can remember, sixteen year old Biddy has lived on the magical island of Hy-Brasil with her beloved but mercurial guardian Rowan and his magical familiar, Hutch the rabbit. As Biddy is not a magician but still confined to the island, she begins to feel stifled by her loneliness.
One night when Rowan fails to come home from his nocturnal outing, Biddy connects to him using his dream. Thus she discovers a little about where he goes every night, what’s worrying everyone in the world of magic, and what enemies lie awaiting Biddy, Rowan, and Hy-Brasil. At the same time, she learns that Rowan has not been honest about his past as well as hers. Can she continue to trust him? Is she safe at Hy-Brasil?
The story comes to us in the limited third person perspective of Biddy.
Where the book worked for me:
😍 Luckily for me, my friend and fellow reviewer Srivalli forewarned me to read this as a YA novel. The character development and writing style worked well with this approach. I admit, even as a YA, it is nicely written, and I didn’t roll my eyes even once, which is a usual occurrence otherwise. There are a few dark scenes but they are mostly off the page. The story does justice to the coming-of-age angle.
😍 For once, the main protagonist acted her age. Biddy was a sheltered sixteen-year-old, and this is exactly how she behaves through the book. As she is more exposed to the outside world, her awareness, her doubts, and her self-confidence grow. She uses her head and her heart while taking decisions. Moreover, her writing doesn’t come with tons of inner monologues and her thoughts feel very realistic. Both a huge plus for a YA story.
😍 The historical and fantastical settings were nicely written and in sync with each other. The author creates the atmosphere and imagery well through her descriptions, whether of the orphanage, or the island, or the dark dungeons. It was very easy to visualise the places.
😍 Hutch was one heck of a friend and guide. His personality was the most appealing among all the main characters. The bond Rowan and Hutch shared with each other was amazing. Give me more such bunnies in magical stories any day!
😍 Rowan makes for quite an atypical guardian. Bossy at times, indulgent at others, his protectiveness for Biddy adds a loving undertone to their relationship. His complicated character is perfect for the plot as he doesn’t come across as a clichéd guardian.
😍 Morgaine’s character adds a greater touch of feminism and womanpower to the story. Her determination to make it in the male-dominated world of magic while accepting the sacrifices and compromises that come with such single-minded focus feels genuinely relatable.
😍 Biddy loves books, and it shows every time in her approach to the people and situations around her. I appreciate how her bookworm nature wasn’t restricted only to a couple of pages but used as a strong feature of her personality throughout.
😍 I enjoyed the magical elements and creatures in the story. Even magic itself is almost personified in a way I have rarely read. I had never heard of the mythical island of Hy-Brasil, so learning about it was a plus. I wish there had been more magical familiars in the story. It would have been even more fun to read, especially if two familiars had to clash with each other over their mages.
😍 The story is a bit slow in the first half as it takes its own time to introduce us to Biddy, Rowan, and their lifestyle. But the proceedings were interesting enough for me not to lose attention. The second half is much faster.
Where the book could have worked better for me:
😒 The main antagonist was somewhat flat and underutilised. The story would have been much creepier and impactful had his arc been written in greater detail.
😒 The final chapter tries unnecessarily to create a foundation for a sequel. It feels too forced. The second half of this chapter could have easily been put as the introductory chapter of the sequel, if there is one being planned. This superfluous content reduced the impact of this book to a certain extent.
😒 A few aspects of the plot reminded me of other books such as Jane Eyre, LOTR, Harry Potter, Howl's Moving Castle,… Whether these were meant as an homage to the originals or just a coincidence, I'll not know. But they were somewhat distracting.
All in all, despite the few misgivings, I did enjoy this magical story. It would work well when you are looking for a heartwarming fairytale-style entertainer with a generous dollop of magic. Will work especially well for YA Fantasy fans. I’ll definitely like to read more of this author’s works.
4 stars.
My thanks to Little, Brown Book Group UK, Orbit, and NetGalley for the DRC of “The Magician's Daughter”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
———————————————
PS: Sri, thanks for both your tips. They were super helpful! :)
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
March 6, 2023
Safe, warm, and filled with bookish love – I haven’t felt such reading contentment since I turned the final page of T.J. Klune’s The House in the Cerulean Sea. So thank you, H.G. Parry.
Parry’s latest, The Magician’s Daughter, is a cozy historical fantasy novel that I hope will find a wide audience. Set in 1912, it’s the story of Biddy, a sixteen-year-old girl who has grown up on a mythical island just off the coast of Ireland. Raised by her magician guardian, Rowan, and his familiar, Hutchincroft, Biddy longs to leave the island and venture to the mainland, no matter that Rowan has strictly forbidden it. But when Rowan’s life is suddenly in danger, Biddy finds that it’s up to her to save him. And while she's at it, she might as well return magic to the world, too.
The Magician’s Daughter is so charming and so whimsical, so gentle and delightful. It’s a novel about growing up, finding independence, and drawing courage to do the task that needs to be done, even when hopelessness threatens to overwhelm.
And though Biddy is a teenager, Parry has written her story in the manner of a timeless fairy tale, one that will appeal to all ages – the young, the old, and the in-between. Most readers will see a little of themselves in Biddy, thereby finding it impossible not to adore this book.
The Magician’s Daughter is available now. I can’t wait for you to read it.
My sincerest appreciation to H.G. Parry, Redhook, and NetGalley for the Advance Review Copy. All opinions included herein are my own.
Parry’s latest, The Magician’s Daughter, is a cozy historical fantasy novel that I hope will find a wide audience. Set in 1912, it’s the story of Biddy, a sixteen-year-old girl who has grown up on a mythical island just off the coast of Ireland. Raised by her magician guardian, Rowan, and his familiar, Hutchincroft, Biddy longs to leave the island and venture to the mainland, no matter that Rowan has strictly forbidden it. But when Rowan’s life is suddenly in danger, Biddy finds that it’s up to her to save him. And while she's at it, she might as well return magic to the world, too.
The Magician’s Daughter is so charming and so whimsical, so gentle and delightful. It’s a novel about growing up, finding independence, and drawing courage to do the task that needs to be done, even when hopelessness threatens to overwhelm.
And though Biddy is a teenager, Parry has written her story in the manner of a timeless fairy tale, one that will appeal to all ages – the young, the old, and the in-between. Most readers will see a little of themselves in Biddy, thereby finding it impossible not to adore this book.
The Magician’s Daughter is available now. I can’t wait for you to read it.
My sincerest appreciation to H.G. Parry, Redhook, and NetGalley for the Advance Review Copy. All opinions included herein are my own.
March 15, 2023
The Magician’s Daughter is a magical historical fantasy with heartwarming characters.
Biddy grew up isolated on a magical island with only her guardian Rowan and his familiar Hutchincroft for company. Rowan found her shipwrecked when she was a baby and has looked after her ever since. As a child, Biddy was satisfied reading her books and exploring the island, but as she’s nearing seventeen, she wants to see the rest of the world.
For the last several decades, magic has slowly been drying up. Rowan regularly leaves the island to ensure there is an even distribution of the remaining magic. On one of his trips, Rowan does not make it back to the island before dawn, which forces Biddy to search for him. She successfully finds him, but Biddy realizes he’s been keeping many secrets from her, and now she wants to learn the truth.
The desire to learn the truth of her past and what’s causing magic to disappear from the world sets Biddy on a new path, allowing her to leave the island and find answers. Not only will it be risky, but she’ll question everything she thought she knew about herself and the man who raised her.
This historical fantasy is set in 1912 and follows Biddy’s perspective.
It sounds a little dark, but this book has a cozy feel, even with the high stakes. It’s a bit of a slow burn. It fully grabbed my attention at the point when Biddy left the island and began her adventure.
I liked Biddy’s character. Even though she has led a sheltered life, she is a critical thinker and has loads of empathy for others.
While I enjoyed this, it took a while to become invested in the story, which brings my rating down to 3.75.
I would recommend it if you enjoy cozy-feeling fantasy. It’s not straight-up cozy, because the stakes are high, but it’s cozy-adjacent.
Thank you to Redhook (Orbit) for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.
https://booksandwheels.com
Biddy grew up isolated on a magical island with only her guardian Rowan and his familiar Hutchincroft for company. Rowan found her shipwrecked when she was a baby and has looked after her ever since. As a child, Biddy was satisfied reading her books and exploring the island, but as she’s nearing seventeen, she wants to see the rest of the world.
For the last several decades, magic has slowly been drying up. Rowan regularly leaves the island to ensure there is an even distribution of the remaining magic. On one of his trips, Rowan does not make it back to the island before dawn, which forces Biddy to search for him. She successfully finds him, but Biddy realizes he’s been keeping many secrets from her, and now she wants to learn the truth.
The desire to learn the truth of her past and what’s causing magic to disappear from the world sets Biddy on a new path, allowing her to leave the island and find answers. Not only will it be risky, but she’ll question everything she thought she knew about herself and the man who raised her.
This historical fantasy is set in 1912 and follows Biddy’s perspective.
It sounds a little dark, but this book has a cozy feel, even with the high stakes. It’s a bit of a slow burn. It fully grabbed my attention at the point when Biddy left the island and began her adventure.
I liked Biddy’s character. Even though she has led a sheltered life, she is a critical thinker and has loads of empathy for others.
While I enjoyed this, it took a while to become invested in the story, which brings my rating down to 3.75.
I would recommend it if you enjoy cozy-feeling fantasy. It’s not straight-up cozy, because the stakes are high, but it’s cozy-adjacent.
Thank you to Redhook (Orbit) for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.
https://booksandwheels.com
April 18, 2023
The Magician’s Daughter is a warm blanket and a steaming mug of cocoa on a snowy day. That’s not to say it’s an entirely comforting and fuzzy experience, mind you—at times, it’s fraught and distressing and filled with tension, not to mention that it raises challenging questions about wealth and status and social safety nets.
But when all is said and done, Parry’s tale of found family, fluffy familiars, and finding one’s place in a world where magic is real but can’t fix everything is a glorious yarn that harkens back to the halcyon storytelling days of yore, drawing on the structures, tropes, and trappings of classic tales and mixing them with a modern sensibility and sly humor to create something that feels both timeless and current.
Highly recommended if you need an escape to an enchanting escapade populated with characters you won’t want to say goodbye to, a mystical island hideaway, and more bunnies than you can find at a Cadbury factory.
But when all is said and done, Parry’s tale of found family, fluffy familiars, and finding one’s place in a world where magic is real but can’t fix everything is a glorious yarn that harkens back to the halcyon storytelling days of yore, drawing on the structures, tropes, and trappings of classic tales and mixing them with a modern sensibility and sly humor to create something that feels both timeless and current.
Highly recommended if you need an escape to an enchanting escapade populated with characters you won’t want to say goodbye to, a mystical island hideaway, and more bunnies than you can find at a Cadbury factory.
June 13, 2023
A charming coming of age that shimmers with magic. Told through the mystical view of a found family struggling to protect the world’s fading magic, the Magician’s Daughter is a journey that is both cinematic and pensive. Filled with imagination and brimming with curiosity, Biddy is a protagonist that encourages us to look for little miracles and sparks of spells wherever we go. This is a story fit for historical and fantasy fans alike, blending two genres into an adventure that opens up an entire world of lore and secrets.
November 8, 2025
4.5 stars!! Enjoyed every second of this nostalgic, magical and heartwarming story
May 31, 2023
The Magician's Daughter is a historical fantasy, set in the early 1900s. It tells the story of Biddy, who has been raised on the mysterious island of Hy-Brasil, with her guardian Rowan, a Mage, and his rabbit Familiar, Hutch. Approaching seventeen, Biddy is more curious than ever about the world beyond Hy-Brasil, to which she has never ventured. However, all that is about to change!
My first read from H.G. Parry, this book started off really well for me, the mysterious, and secluded island setting of Hy-Brasil drawing me in straight away. The camaraderie between Biddy, Rowan and Hutch was clear to see, the main characters well introduced, and the tone was cosy and gentle, but with an air of mystery and secrecy and questions to be pondered. The magical system was also interesting and I was eager to discover more about this world.
Whilst I did still enjoy this book overall, I don't think the rest of the story quite lived up to the promising start. Once Biddy is in London, the pace slows down rather. I did quite enjoy the parts in Whitechapel at the orphanage, which is Biddy's first real experience of the outside world, and she is taken aback at the poverty and destitution in front of her. I thought this section of the story had a bit of a Dickens type feel to it. Then she gets taken by the Council, and this is where I thought the execution could have been better.
Certainly there were parts that I thought were still done well. I liked that many of the characters appear ambiguous, and it is hard to know who to trust, such as Morgaine for example. Even, Storm, who does horrible things, is also able to elicit some sympathy at the same time, due to what has happened to him, and in turn, characters we and Biddy thought could be trusted completely, such as Rowan, are presented in a new light that raises doubts and questions about them. The overall premise too, about how magic is fading from the world, and the reasons and responses to this, was also engaging.
My main issue was that at times the story was presented in too convoluted a way, and did at times feel rather repetitive. Also, whilst I could understand that it must have been difficult for Biddy to suddenly have doubts raised in her mind about Rowan, she did start to come across as rather whiny, and self-absorbed the moment her longed for adventure actually started, and really didn't show much faith in Rowan, who had raised her for all those years after all. As the story was mostly told from her perspective, the fact that she seemed so irritated by everything, did start to grate on the nerves rather, and lent the book a rather YA feel.
There was also rather too much exposition at times, and whilst I did think that characters like Morgaine and Storm were interesting, it did sometimes feel that we were being given a lot of inconsequential information about their past in rather large chunks, that for me at least, interrupted the flow of the story, and the longer the book went on, the more drawn out it began to feel.
As such, whilst there were elements I really liked, the book didn't turn out to be quite what I had hoped it would from the early chapters, and had the potential to be a lot better.
My first read from H.G. Parry, this book started off really well for me, the mysterious, and secluded island setting of Hy-Brasil drawing me in straight away. The camaraderie between Biddy, Rowan and Hutch was clear to see, the main characters well introduced, and the tone was cosy and gentle, but with an air of mystery and secrecy and questions to be pondered. The magical system was also interesting and I was eager to discover more about this world.
Whilst I did still enjoy this book overall, I don't think the rest of the story quite lived up to the promising start. Once Biddy is in London, the pace slows down rather. I did quite enjoy the parts in Whitechapel at the orphanage, which is Biddy's first real experience of the outside world, and she is taken aback at the poverty and destitution in front of her. I thought this section of the story had a bit of a Dickens type feel to it. Then she gets taken by the Council, and this is where I thought the execution could have been better.
Certainly there were parts that I thought were still done well. I liked that many of the characters appear ambiguous, and it is hard to know who to trust, such as Morgaine for example. Even, Storm, who does horrible things, is also able to elicit some sympathy at the same time, due to what has happened to him, and in turn, characters we and Biddy thought could be trusted completely, such as Rowan, are presented in a new light that raises doubts and questions about them. The overall premise too, about how magic is fading from the world, and the reasons and responses to this, was also engaging.
My main issue was that at times the story was presented in too convoluted a way, and did at times feel rather repetitive. Also, whilst I could understand that it must have been difficult for Biddy to suddenly have doubts raised in her mind about Rowan, she did start to come across as rather whiny, and self-absorbed the moment her longed for adventure actually started, and really didn't show much faith in Rowan, who had raised her for all those years after all. As the story was mostly told from her perspective, the fact that she seemed so irritated by everything, did start to grate on the nerves rather, and lent the book a rather YA feel.
There was also rather too much exposition at times, and whilst I did think that characters like Morgaine and Storm were interesting, it did sometimes feel that we were being given a lot of inconsequential information about their past in rather large chunks, that for me at least, interrupted the flow of the story, and the longer the book went on, the more drawn out it began to feel.
As such, whilst there were elements I really liked, the book didn't turn out to be quite what I had hoped it would from the early chapters, and had the potential to be a lot better.
September 1, 2023
Just lovely from beginning to end. I really need more people to read this! It's just such a nice little story.
The main character is Biddy, a seventeen year old young woman who washed up on the shores of a magical island as a baby and was taken in by the magician, Rowan, and his rabbit familiar Hutchincroft. She can't do magic herself, but she is raised to love it and want to protect it. And though she loves living on the magical island of Hy-Brasil, which no one can find (basically), she longs to see the outside world, and chafes at being told that she can't. These conflicting desires within her leads to the events of the rest of the book, which also has to do not only with finding out where Biddy came from, but also why magic has stopped coming into the world.
I loved this from page one. Something about the tone of the writing just caught me right away. And the book just got better from there. I loved Biddy and Rowan and Hutchincroft, and others that would be spoilers. The story had just the right amount of stakes, and the atmosphere was impeccable. I will be reading this one again, for sure, and reading it has only solidified my decision to read everything this author ever writes. Really need to track down a copy of her debut. And get to the second book in her duology. I wonder what she will write next!
The main character is Biddy, a seventeen year old young woman who washed up on the shores of a magical island as a baby and was taken in by the magician, Rowan, and his rabbit familiar Hutchincroft. She can't do magic herself, but she is raised to love it and want to protect it. And though she loves living on the magical island of Hy-Brasil, which no one can find (basically), she longs to see the outside world, and chafes at being told that she can't. These conflicting desires within her leads to the events of the rest of the book, which also has to do not only with finding out where Biddy came from, but also why magic has stopped coming into the world.
I loved this from page one. Something about the tone of the writing just caught me right away. And the book just got better from there. I loved Biddy and Rowan and Hutchincroft, and others that would be spoilers. The story had just the right amount of stakes, and the atmosphere was impeccable. I will be reading this one again, for sure, and reading it has only solidified my decision to read everything this author ever writes. Really need to track down a copy of her debut. And get to the second book in her duology. I wonder what she will write next!
October 31, 2022
This is a magical book, and I don't mean the plot or the world, but the way it makes you feel. For me, this book evoked all those feelings of when I first read Susan Cooper, Alan Garner, Diana Wynne Jones etc. It's an adult book, but it gifts you that same sense of wonder you had when you were a child stepping into a world of old magic.
Lovely writing, great characters (I'm team Hutchincroft), and a rare treat.
Lovely writing, great characters (I'm team Hutchincroft), and a rare treat.
April 21, 2023
QUICK REVIEW
H.G. Parry shines when it comes to really unique and adventurous set-ups. Her main characters are lovable. The dialogue is witty. It’s like cozy fantasy with a little zest.
Where I struggled with this book was the pacing in the last 1/3. But that’s because my other current reads are more intense, so the relaxed pace felt like getting stuck in traffic.
Also, the more I read, the more I realize how hard it is to find the perfect memorable villain. In this concept, this aspect felt more YA.
RECOMMENDED
- When you aren’t rushing.
- Think you know your classics? Consider all Perry books a potential bingo game.
- When your auntie or mom says she can handle “some” fantasy.
- When your bookish heart needs a gentle hug.
3.75/5 Rounded up bc (in the right mood) I think Parry is TBR worthy.
H.G. Parry shines when it comes to really unique and adventurous set-ups. Her main characters are lovable. The dialogue is witty. It’s like cozy fantasy with a little zest.
Where I struggled with this book was the pacing in the last 1/3. But that’s because my other current reads are more intense, so the relaxed pace felt like getting stuck in traffic.
Also, the more I read, the more I realize how hard it is to find the perfect memorable villain. In this concept, this aspect felt more YA.
RECOMMENDED
- When you aren’t rushing.
- Think you know your classics? Consider all Perry books a potential bingo game.
- When your auntie or mom says she can handle “some” fantasy.
- When your bookish heart needs a gentle hug.
3.75/5 Rounded up bc (in the right mood) I think Parry is TBR worthy.
March 30, 2023
Oh my goodness this book, took me forever. I haven’t felt like I’ve had to trudge through a book in so long and I had such high expectations of it. My friend told me that she’s tired of female protagonists “being a special unicorn” and I agree with her, but for once I got to see what it’s like when the main character is ordinary in every way. Even beyond her having no magic, she wasn’t very brave or unique. It is complicated for me to put into words how I felt about this character. Biddy was one of those characters that let everything happen to her and semi reluctantly. She repeated many times that “she would do anything to be back on the island, with Rowan and Hutch”, after complaining for many pages what she would do to get off the island. It just felt like she was unhappy in whatever circumstances she found herself in. Plus it was such low stakes for how big the stakes supposedly should have been and and you could see that from Rowan, or Morgaine’s perspective, but it just felt like Biddy was consistently bored and confused. I think I really would’ve liked this book if it was told from another POV. But Biddy was boring and everything she said felt like a complaint. But H.G. Parry’s writing was beautiful as always, but the content was just not what I was interested in reading about.
August 28, 2024
2.5
slow and forgettable but that's probably since this isn't the type of book i would usually enjoy so that's my bad—the premise sounded so interesting that i just couldn't resist giving it a shot 😔 anyways, i'd definitely still recommend this for people who like cozy, ya novels! it's a relatively short read as well so that's a plus.
slow and forgettable but that's probably since this isn't the type of book i would usually enjoy so that's my bad—the premise sounded so interesting that i just couldn't resist giving it a shot 😔 anyways, i'd definitely still recommend this for people who like cozy, ya novels! it's a relatively short read as well so that's a plus.
January 26, 2023
I received an advance digital copy of this novel from the publisher, Orbit/Redhook, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Magician’s Daughter is a book that excited me as soon as I saw the announcement. I love H.G. Parry. Her debut, The Unlikely Escape of Uriah Heep, is one of my favorite standalones of all time. It is a love letter to book lovers, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. I have yet to finish reading her Shadow Histories, her incredibly well-researched (but dense) duology, but I was thrilled at the prospect of having another standalone from her. I didn’t love it quite as much as I hoped I would, as there was something about the plot and pacing that didn’t quite compel me to burn my way through the story, but The Magician’s Daughter was an absolute delight to read.
Bridget, who goes by Biddy, has been raised on the magically hidden island of Hy-Brasil by a mage and his rabbit familiar. To say this is an odd upbringing would be an understatement, but Biddy knows she is loved. Perhaps more isolated than she would like, but definitely loved. However, when the council of mages catches up with Rowan, Biddy’s guardian, life on this secluded island off the coast of Ireland begins to fall apart. Magic is vanishing from the world, and the council believes that Rowan has information they need to find more of it. With Rowan in danger, Biddy endeavors to help Rowan find those answers, and maybe return magic back to the world, by leaving Hy-Brasil for the first time in her memory and visiting London, where answers to Rowan’s problems and to Biddy’s own origins might be found.
There’s something about Parry’s storytelling that is incredibly cozy. Almost from page 1 I just wanted to cuddle into a big comfy chair with a soft blanket and a mug of hot chocolate and stay inside this story for ages. I was immediately taken by the odd found family in which Biddy finds herself with Rowan and Hutch. They’re without a doubt an unusual group, but the love between them all is palpable. While Biddy might have grown up without her parents, her life was never lacking love and the joy and freedom of discovery that love offered her. I also dearly loved the setting of Hy-Brasil, with its dilapidated castle and jam-packed library and abundance of black rabbits. It’s one of those fictional locales I would love to visit. Parry also did a great job portraying 1912 London when the story shifted settings, but I have to confess that I missed Hy-Brasil.
The characters and setting were definitely the stars of the show here. Biddy, our main character, is sixteen when we meet her and is beginning to feel stifled by the island. She loves it, of course, but she is desperate to see something of the world. She is bookish by nature, as the only way she has ever left Hy-Brasil is through the pages of the books Rowan brings her, and that bookishness is what initially won me over. I love the above description of her. But she obviously grows and changes throughout the book and, while that growth was very well done and I respected the woman into which Biddy grew, I missed the bookish girl I first met. Rowan is one of those delightful fictional men who remind me Howl Pendragon, and I mean that in the best possible way. He bungles things often by rarely apologizes, covering mistakes with humor and bravado, or the more than occasional sulk. He’s proud and seemingly self-absorbed but, at his core, he is caring and good and would lay down his life in a heartbeat for those he loves. And then there’s Hutch. I’m a sucker for a good animal companion, and Hutch definitely fits the bill. He is nurturing and protective and fiercely loyal, whether in rabbit for or his far less common human one. He is a being of pure magic who is intrinsically bound to Rowan. I loved the bond between the two, and I loved how they always did their best to never make Biddy feel excluded from their relationship.
Have I mentioned how much I adore Parry’s craftsmanship? She was a beautiful way with words that had me reading certain sentences over and over again, just to admire all of their facets. You can also tell how very much books and stories matter to her, and that love shines through in her storytelling. It’s always a joy to read a story penned by someone who deeply values stories themselves, and that was definitely the case here.
The Magician’s Daughter is a beautiful, heartfelt historical fantasy that focuses on found family and what lies at the heart of magic. The writing and characters and setting all shown so brightly that the plot and pacing got a little lost in their glow. At least, such was the case for me. This is a book that I can foresee myself cuddling up with and rereading when I’m sick or sad or just need to escape to somewhere lovely, but where life isn’t as unbelievably easy as it is in some cozier fantasy that doesn’t deal in high stakes stories. The stakes are definitely high here. But the story is lovely just the same.
All quotations taken from uncorrected proof and are subject to change upon publication.
You can find this review and more at Novel Notions.
The Magician’s Daughter is a book that excited me as soon as I saw the announcement. I love H.G. Parry. Her debut, The Unlikely Escape of Uriah Heep, is one of my favorite standalones of all time. It is a love letter to book lovers, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. I have yet to finish reading her Shadow Histories, her incredibly well-researched (but dense) duology, but I was thrilled at the prospect of having another standalone from her. I didn’t love it quite as much as I hoped I would, as there was something about the plot and pacing that didn’t quite compel me to burn my way through the story, but The Magician’s Daughter was an absolute delight to read.
“Magic was perilous in ways that couldn’t be predicted. You never knew what you might fall into.”
Bridget, who goes by Biddy, has been raised on the magically hidden island of Hy-Brasil by a mage and his rabbit familiar. To say this is an odd upbringing would be an understatement, but Biddy knows she is loved. Perhaps more isolated than she would like, but definitely loved. However, when the council of mages catches up with Rowan, Biddy’s guardian, life on this secluded island off the coast of Ireland begins to fall apart. Magic is vanishing from the world, and the council believes that Rowan has information they need to find more of it. With Rowan in danger, Biddy endeavors to help Rowan find those answers, and maybe return magic back to the world, by leaving Hy-Brasil for the first time in her memory and visiting London, where answers to Rowan’s problems and to Biddy’s own origins might be found.
“Magic doesn’t give you credit for someone else’s sacrifice.”
There’s something about Parry’s storytelling that is incredibly cozy. Almost from page 1 I just wanted to cuddle into a big comfy chair with a soft blanket and a mug of hot chocolate and stay inside this story for ages. I was immediately taken by the odd found family in which Biddy finds herself with Rowan and Hutch. They’re without a doubt an unusual group, but the love between them all is palpable. While Biddy might have grown up without her parents, her life was never lacking love and the joy and freedom of discovery that love offered her. I also dearly loved the setting of Hy-Brasil, with its dilapidated castle and jam-packed library and abundance of black rabbits. It’s one of those fictional locales I would love to visit. Parry also did a great job portraying 1912 London when the story shifted settings, but I have to confess that I missed Hy-Brasil.
“She was a half-wild thing of ink and grass and sea breezes, raised by books and rabbit and fairy lore, and that was all she cared to be.”
The characters and setting were definitely the stars of the show here. Biddy, our main character, is sixteen when we meet her and is beginning to feel stifled by the island. She loves it, of course, but she is desperate to see something of the world. She is bookish by nature, as the only way she has ever left Hy-Brasil is through the pages of the books Rowan brings her, and that bookishness is what initially won me over. I love the above description of her. But she obviously grows and changes throughout the book and, while that growth was very well done and I respected the woman into which Biddy grew, I missed the bookish girl I first met. Rowan is one of those delightful fictional men who remind me Howl Pendragon, and I mean that in the best possible way. He bungles things often by rarely apologizes, covering mistakes with humor and bravado, or the more than occasional sulk. He’s proud and seemingly self-absorbed but, at his core, he is caring and good and would lay down his life in a heartbeat for those he loves. And then there’s Hutch. I’m a sucker for a good animal companion, and Hutch definitely fits the bill. He is nurturing and protective and fiercely loyal, whether in rabbit for or his far less common human one. He is a being of pure magic who is intrinsically bound to Rowan. I loved the bond between the two, and I loved how they always did their best to never make Biddy feel excluded from their relationship.
“Magic needed conviction. It asked for your whole heart, and promised nothing back.”
Have I mentioned how much I adore Parry’s craftsmanship? She was a beautiful way with words that had me reading certain sentences over and over again, just to admire all of their facets. You can also tell how very much books and stories matter to her, and that love shines through in her storytelling. It’s always a joy to read a story penned by someone who deeply values stories themselves, and that was definitely the case here.
“Death isn’t a habit you develop, you know, like tobacco or whiskey. It only takes once.”
The Magician’s Daughter is a beautiful, heartfelt historical fantasy that focuses on found family and what lies at the heart of magic. The writing and characters and setting all shown so brightly that the plot and pacing got a little lost in their glow. At least, such was the case for me. This is a book that I can foresee myself cuddling up with and rereading when I’m sick or sad or just need to escape to somewhere lovely, but where life isn’t as unbelievably easy as it is in some cozier fantasy that doesn’t deal in high stakes stories. The stakes are definitely high here. But the story is lovely just the same.
All quotations taken from uncorrected proof and are subject to change upon publication.
You can find this review and more at Novel Notions.
October 11, 2024
Such a heartwarming beautiful found family/coming of age story. I loved how this was handled, and biddy’s growth as a character was amazing to read. A perfect fall cozy read. Highly recommend
June 4, 2025
a quietly enchanting tale that balances whimsical charm with the weight of hard truths, set in a richly imagined world that blends Edwardian England with hidden pockets of magic. the novel centers on Biddy, a sheltered girl raised on a remote, magical island who must confront the complexities of the world and herself when the boundaries of her home begin to shift.
personally, what stands out most in this story is Biddy’s character, as she’s written with a gentle determination and emotional honesty that makes her journey feel personal and meaningful. her coming-of-age arc is paced with care, showing her struggle to reconcile loyalty with morality and wonder with reality. while she is clearly the heart of the novel, the supporting characters (particularly her guardian Rowan and their familiar-like rabbit, Hutchincroft) offer emotional nuance and grounding.
the plot takes time to unfold, but that slower rhythm suits the story’s introspective tone. rather than relying on high-stakes spectacle, the book leans into atmosphere and character development. the magical elements, while not overly complex, are used thoughtfully to deepen thematic questions about power, responsibility and the cost of protection.
Parry’s prose is lyrical without being overindulgent and there’s a quiet elegance to the way she builds her world. some readers may find the narrative less gripping, especially in the middle stretch, but patience is rewarded with a heartfelt and satisfying conclusion.
I would say that it's a beautifully told tale that feels both classic and fresh. it may not reinvent the genre, but it doesn’t need to, since it casts its own quiet spell.
personally, what stands out most in this story is Biddy’s character, as she’s written with a gentle determination and emotional honesty that makes her journey feel personal and meaningful. her coming-of-age arc is paced with care, showing her struggle to reconcile loyalty with morality and wonder with reality. while she is clearly the heart of the novel, the supporting characters (particularly her guardian Rowan and their familiar-like rabbit, Hutchincroft) offer emotional nuance and grounding.
the plot takes time to unfold, but that slower rhythm suits the story’s introspective tone. rather than relying on high-stakes spectacle, the book leans into atmosphere and character development. the magical elements, while not overly complex, are used thoughtfully to deepen thematic questions about power, responsibility and the cost of protection.
Parry’s prose is lyrical without being overindulgent and there’s a quiet elegance to the way she builds her world. some readers may find the narrative less gripping, especially in the middle stretch, but patience is rewarded with a heartfelt and satisfying conclusion.
I would say that it's a beautifully told tale that feels both classic and fresh. it may not reinvent the genre, but it doesn’t need to, since it casts its own quiet spell.
gave-up-on
October 11, 2023This book has sat, and sat, AND SAT on my currently reading when it comes to Goodreads. (Almost a whole year.)
While it felt quirky, magical, and interesting... for some reason, my interest stopped finding it so interesting. There is a possibility I'll return to it in time, but I only made 25% into it before pushing it off to the side for other books.
So, when I return to it I will leave a comment. But for now, if you like things that is light in terms of magic this maybe your book.
Out of respect for the author I am refusing to give a rating due to not finishing it.
While it felt quirky, magical, and interesting... for some reason, my interest stopped finding it so interesting. There is a possibility I'll return to it in time, but I only made 25% into it before pushing it off to the side for other books.
So, when I return to it I will leave a comment. But for now, if you like things that is light in terms of magic this maybe your book.
Out of respect for the author I am refusing to give a rating due to not finishing it.
April 16, 2023
"The Magician's Daughter" was such a pleasure; I got hints of "The Tempest", "The Secret Garden" and Robin Hood from this story made up of: a terrifically rendered main character, a hidden, mythical island, an organization of sorcerers, and a diminishing supply of magic in the world. And while all that plays into the plot, I particularly loved the central relationships in the book amongst Biddy, Rowan and Hutchincroft.
Set in 1912, we meet sixteen-year old Biddy on Hy-Brasil. She lives an idyllic life on the island, which is hidden from the outside world by magic. Biddy's guardian Rowan and his familiar Hutchincroft (a rabbit) have raised and protected her since her infancy. Rowan frequently leaves the island searching for remnants of magic, but has forbidden Biddy from ever leaving the seeming safety of the island.
After an attack that penetrates Rowan's defences on the island and which endangers Rowan's life, he decides it's time to take Biddy to London to draw out the sorcerers who would hurt her so he can deal with them. Biddy is a little overwhelmed by London but also fascinated, and discovers how incredibly lucky she was to grow up on Hy-Brasil with her loving guardians.
Of course the trap Rowan laid fails, and Biddy is captured, drawing her into the dangerous politics and scheming of the sorcerers. Parry's magical world, its practitioners, and their relationships to their familiars was well portrayed, and sets the high stakes of the situation once Rowan is also captured. Not only does Biddy discover a number of shocking things about her past, Rowan, and the machinations within the group of sorcerers, Biddy meets Morgaine, with whom Rowan has been involved in the past.
Morgaine is a sorcerer who's risen far up within the group's leadership, but still deals with the misogyny of the other sorcerers; Morgaine also reveals that she and Rowan have long worked to discover the cause of the vanishing magic. Though initially not willing to trust Morgaine, Biddy must rely on her, especially once Rowan's life is in peril, as Biddy must figure a way though all the dangerous problems she's now entangled in.
Biddy is charming; she's naïve about the world but not lacking in caution. She loves to read, and matures believably with each new experience she has. Though lacking in magic herself, she uses what she's learned from books, her intelligence and her compassion when making decisions. She's a delightful character.
Hutch was fantastic, I appreciated how caring and appealing he was. Who would have thought a rabbit could be so staunch and tough? And acerbically funny.
I appreciated Rowan's behaviour to Biddy: protective, a little offhand at times, indulgent, but always loving. I loved how H.G. Parry gradually revealed much more about his behaviour, and how that complicated how Biddy saw him as she realized that he was partially responsible for some of the problems they were now experiencing.
The writing was lovely; I could feel the peace of Hy-Brasil, the noise of London streets, and feel the emotions amongst the characters, while the author built tension or pulled at my heartstrings. "The Magician's Daughter" was charming.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Redhook Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Set in 1912, we meet sixteen-year old Biddy on Hy-Brasil. She lives an idyllic life on the island, which is hidden from the outside world by magic. Biddy's guardian Rowan and his familiar Hutchincroft (a rabbit) have raised and protected her since her infancy. Rowan frequently leaves the island searching for remnants of magic, but has forbidden Biddy from ever leaving the seeming safety of the island.
After an attack that penetrates Rowan's defences on the island and which endangers Rowan's life, he decides it's time to take Biddy to London to draw out the sorcerers who would hurt her so he can deal with them. Biddy is a little overwhelmed by London but also fascinated, and discovers how incredibly lucky she was to grow up on Hy-Brasil with her loving guardians.
Of course the trap Rowan laid fails, and Biddy is captured, drawing her into the dangerous politics and scheming of the sorcerers. Parry's magical world, its practitioners, and their relationships to their familiars was well portrayed, and sets the high stakes of the situation once Rowan is also captured. Not only does Biddy discover a number of shocking things about her past, Rowan, and the machinations within the group of sorcerers, Biddy meets Morgaine, with whom Rowan has been involved in the past.
Morgaine is a sorcerer who's risen far up within the group's leadership, but still deals with the misogyny of the other sorcerers; Morgaine also reveals that she and Rowan have long worked to discover the cause of the vanishing magic. Though initially not willing to trust Morgaine, Biddy must rely on her, especially once Rowan's life is in peril, as Biddy must figure a way though all the dangerous problems she's now entangled in.
Biddy is charming; she's naïve about the world but not lacking in caution. She loves to read, and matures believably with each new experience she has. Though lacking in magic herself, she uses what she's learned from books, her intelligence and her compassion when making decisions. She's a delightful character.
Hutch was fantastic, I appreciated how caring and appealing he was. Who would have thought a rabbit could be so staunch and tough? And acerbically funny.
I appreciated Rowan's behaviour to Biddy: protective, a little offhand at times, indulgent, but always loving. I loved how H.G. Parry gradually revealed much more about his behaviour, and how that complicated how Biddy saw him as she realized that he was partially responsible for some of the problems they were now experiencing.
The writing was lovely; I could feel the peace of Hy-Brasil, the noise of London streets, and feel the emotions amongst the characters, while the author built tension or pulled at my heartstrings. "The Magician's Daughter" was charming.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Redhook Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.
January 21, 2024
The cover? Gorgeous. The page type that was used in the physical copies? I could gush about it all day. The story... that's where I kind of lost steam.
I feel bad that I didn't like it as much as I hoped I would. I mean the bare bones summary of this story is amazing. Girl lives secluded on a magical island that only appears once and a blue moon and has a guardian who goes on mysterious midnight runs? That is phenomenal.
Unfortunately, it just dragged so much. We don't find out anything until at least 80 pages in and it kind of didn't matter to me because I was confused on why the plot point of a giant magical war outside of the islands shores should be kept as such a secret from Biddy.
Another issue I had was the tension or lack thereof. We're led to believe that this world is too dangerous for Biddy. Only under extreme circumstances does Rowan give it up. So we have these attacks starting to happen on the island, everything is starting to encroach on them... And we have them waiting around a week to go and confront these enemies. Why? Why am I still hearing about breakfasts in the castle? Why are we still worried about the lack of jam when we have undead birds wanting to peck out our eyes?
And then we get to London and somehow it slows down even more. I don't know how that's even possible but it happens.
I'm just sad because I do think that even the war that's happening on the mainland is so interesting. I mean having to suck the very life essence of magic out of your familiar to not be executed? That's harcore. That's awesome and dark and so cool. I'm sad 😅
I feel bad that I didn't like it as much as I hoped I would. I mean the bare bones summary of this story is amazing. Girl lives secluded on a magical island that only appears once and a blue moon and has a guardian who goes on mysterious midnight runs? That is phenomenal.
Unfortunately, it just dragged so much. We don't find out anything until at least 80 pages in and it kind of didn't matter to me because I was confused on why the plot point of a giant magical war outside of the islands shores should be kept as such a secret from Biddy.
Another issue I had was the tension or lack thereof. We're led to believe that this world is too dangerous for Biddy. Only under extreme circumstances does Rowan give it up. So we have these attacks starting to happen on the island, everything is starting to encroach on them... And we have them waiting around a week to go and confront these enemies. Why? Why am I still hearing about breakfasts in the castle? Why are we still worried about the lack of jam when we have undead birds wanting to peck out our eyes?
And then we get to London and somehow it slows down even more. I don't know how that's even possible but it happens.
I'm just sad because I do think that even the war that's happening on the mainland is so interesting. I mean having to suck the very life essence of magic out of your familiar to not be executed? That's harcore. That's awesome and dark and so cool. I'm sad 😅
March 19, 2023
Kinda went in with not super high expectations but it was really good!
Based on synopsis, I feared this might be dreadfully slow (at least in the beginning) because of her being trapped on an island, but this surprised me with its fast pace! Action quickly picked up, the plot moved with consistent quick but pleasing pace, and I really enjoyed reading it.
A foundling girl, a bunny familiar, stones that turn its user into a raven, disaster wizards, dying magic, and magical rifts closing.
This book is easily Howl’s Moving Castle meets Ten Thousand Doors of January.
Was also a romance free read which is always a palate-cleansing bonus!
Based on synopsis, I feared this might be dreadfully slow (at least in the beginning) because of her being trapped on an island, but this surprised me with its fast pace! Action quickly picked up, the plot moved with consistent quick but pleasing pace, and I really enjoyed reading it.
A foundling girl, a bunny familiar, stones that turn its user into a raven, disaster wizards, dying magic, and magical rifts closing.
This book is easily Howl’s Moving Castle meets Ten Thousand Doors of January.
Was also a romance free read which is always a palate-cleansing bonus!
April 5, 2025
I really enjoyed this, yet I have almost nothing to say about it. It’s like Howl grew up and had a daughter, yet retained some of his frivolity. It’s a cozy read with more than a little nostalgia but also real danger and sorrow. I appreciate how the core relationship is between parent and child (who doesn’t know the betrayal of being lied to by your parents, of finding out they had real, imperfect lives before you came into it?). After dnf-ing the last book by this author I tried, I’m prepared to take it all back and read whatever she writes next.
November 8, 2022
I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Magician's Daughter is a historical fantasy that takes place on a hidden and magical island off the coast of Ireland and sometimes in London. The island of Hy-Brasil is the only home Biddy has ever known, with Rowan the mage and his rabbit familiar, Hutch, the only family she’s ever had. Though she’s always wanted to venture into the world at large, Rowan has always claimed that it wasn’t yet the right time. But when Rowan doesn’t return from one of his secretive off-island expeditions, Biddy has to leave behind the comfort of everything she’s ever known to save not only the people she loves, but also the entirety of magic.
Along the way of her first journey into the world, Biddy is forced to confront a lot of uncomfortable truths about the world at large and her father’s role in shaping it. And not only that, but Biddy finds herself facing off with the few remaining mages of the world, who have hoarded what little magic remains in the world for their own use. Unable to use magic herself, Biddy has to use everything Rowan and Hutch ever taught her to make her way in the alien world of London and to survive, the latter of which is becoming more and more difficult.
The Magician's Daughter presents a really interesting magical world. With barely any vestiges of magic left, Rowan, Biddy’s father figure, has devoted his life to the pursuit of stealing magic from those who hoard it and giving it to those in need. For the magic of their world is rather wild, with a will of its own, and the will to do good for those who need it. I really liked this non-traditional aspect of magic, though readers will see that there are “stoneshaper” mages and other specialties as well. I was especially enamored of the idea that many novels of Biddy's time period had a lot of huge coincidences written into them because the world, and its authors, were still very used to the idea of magic swooping in to save the day, well, er, magically.
Though there isn’t much magic left in Biddy’s world, starting the novel out in Hy-Brasil was very magical. With salty seas, old ruins, a mysterious ancient being roaming the island, and a multitude of rabbits, it feels like a very mystical and wondrous place. I would honestly love to live there with a magical rabbit friend myself. And since Biddy has never known any other home than the magical one of Hy-Brasil, she is perfectly poised to give readers a clear view of how awful the rest of the world is without that very magic. Biddy ends up living and teaching in a school for underprivileged working class girls and is absolutely horrified by how destitute both the conditions and prospects for these young girls truly are.
Though I was already interested in the unique world of Hy-Brasil and how exactly these remnants of magic of the world worked, I was much more engrossed in The Magician's Daughter when the Council got involved in trying to hunt down both Rowan and Biddy. One of these council members was even Rowan’s ex fiancée, Morgaine, who unlike her former paramour, had dedicated her life to trying to find a way to reform the system from the inside of it. This seemingly puts her directly at odds with Rowan and Biddy, but there is definitely more to Morgaine than either Rowan or Biddy knows.
I found all of the characters in the novel, but especially Morgaine and Biddy, sympathetic. But though I understood their plights, I found I could never quite get attached to any of the characters. As someone who usually gets overly attached to characters, I was surprised I didn’t feel more of a connection to or a concern for them. Even Biddy, with her sheltered life away from kids her own age, which is something I could personally relate a lot to as someone who grew up very isolated as a result of living with several chronic illnesses, was not someone to whom I felt a strong or emotional attachment. Even with her love of books, reading, and longing to be part of the greater world, I just didn't love Biddy.
Though as I said, Biddy was in the perfect position to give social commentary on the state of London after living on the utopia of Hy-Brasil, I couldn’t help but to find her a bit annoyingly hypocritical. It was like the moment she left her charmed life on the island and saw what the world was really like—requiring her to wear rattier, ill-fitting clothes, and to eat crummier foods—she wanted to go back home immediately to the life she so despised before. While this is probably a very human, or at least, a peak teenager thing, her attitude and her preoccupation with the more superficial aspects of her journey didn’t really endear her to me.
Even though I understand that The Magician's Daughter was merely trying to illustrate what a big difference in lifestyles it was, to the point of really being cultural adaptation, I don’t feel as if Biddy had a big enough reckoning about how great her life was at home to make up for her bratty behavior. It didn't help that her coworker and fellow teacher Anna, immediately points out how they're both orphans and down on their luck, and Biddy guiltily just lets her believe this spin, knowing that she's actually come from a much better life. I know it's for the sake of Biddy's mission, but it left a bad taste in my mouth. Later on, Biddy's big realization is less about her charmed life, and more about how important magic truly was to the world. I think this did the character a disservice, but did match with the theme of the entire novel, which is that everyone needs and deserves a little magic in their lives.
The other characters were similarly one-dimensional. Rowan is a reformed cocky upstart mage who has devoted his life to his outlaw, Robin Hood-like status and Morgaine is the betrayer, who may or may not be so bad. Hutch, the rabbit familiar who can transform into a human sometimes, is loyal to the core and incredibly knowledgeable about magic and always able to perfectly advise Biddy on how to proceed. Storm, who’s real name I can’t even remember, is the thuggish one of the two villains of the book. The true mastermind is worse than perhaps anyone realized—manipulative, cunning, and utterly unconcerned about the state of the world at large or anyone’s well-being as long as he has enough magic for himself.
Despite the fact that I couldn’t truly get attached to the characters, who seemed little more than roles for the story, I really did like the overall idea of The Magician's Daughter and delighted in its portrayal of untamable magic. I thought it was such a unique take to have magic seeping out from rifts from other worlds and to have young mages enter these rifts to acquire a familiar. I was truly enchanted by the world of Hy-Brasil as well, and adored all of the page time with the púca, who seems to be some sort of trickster being. Though The Magician's Daughter never got into the nitty gritty details of how exactly the magical system works, such as how spells are cast, or how rifts open into the world, or magical items are forged, in the case of this novel, half of the fun is in the mysterious nature of this world's magic.
I found The Magician's Daughter to be a bit slow in the beginning, but it does pick up a lot in the second half of the book. Even though I very much enjoyed the historical fantasy setting and different take on magic itself, I just didn't feel very attached to the characters. Despite that, I liked The Magician's Daughter enough that I would definitely try reading more of author H.G. Parry's books to see if those worked better for me in the future.
I recommend The Magician's Daughter to fans of Charlie N. Holmberg.
The Magician's Daughter is a historical fantasy that takes place on a hidden and magical island off the coast of Ireland and sometimes in London. The island of Hy-Brasil is the only home Biddy has ever known, with Rowan the mage and his rabbit familiar, Hutch, the only family she’s ever had. Though she’s always wanted to venture into the world at large, Rowan has always claimed that it wasn’t yet the right time. But when Rowan doesn’t return from one of his secretive off-island expeditions, Biddy has to leave behind the comfort of everything she’s ever known to save not only the people she loves, but also the entirety of magic.
"Magic isn't there to be hoarded like dragon's treasure. Magic is kind. It comes into the world to help. Our job is to make sure it gets to where it needs to go."
Along the way of her first journey into the world, Biddy is forced to confront a lot of uncomfortable truths about the world at large and her father’s role in shaping it. And not only that, but Biddy finds herself facing off with the few remaining mages of the world, who have hoarded what little magic remains in the world for their own use. Unable to use magic herself, Biddy has to use everything Rowan and Hutch ever taught her to make her way in the alien world of London and to survive, the latter of which is becoming more and more difficult.
The Magician's Daughter presents a really interesting magical world. With barely any vestiges of magic left, Rowan, Biddy’s father figure, has devoted his life to the pursuit of stealing magic from those who hoard it and giving it to those in need. For the magic of their world is rather wild, with a will of its own, and the will to do good for those who need it. I really liked this non-traditional aspect of magic, though readers will see that there are “stoneshaper” mages and other specialties as well. I was especially enamored of the idea that many novels of Biddy's time period had a lot of huge coincidences written into them because the world, and its authors, were still very used to the idea of magic swooping in to save the day, well, er, magically.
"Mages follow rules. So do familiars, once they're bound. Things like the Puca, and the good folk and Hy-Brasil—they're old magic. They're on nobody's side but their own, and they'll do anything they like."
Though there isn’t much magic left in Biddy’s world, starting the novel out in Hy-Brasil was very magical. With salty seas, old ruins, a mysterious ancient being roaming the island, and a multitude of rabbits, it feels like a very mystical and wondrous place. I would honestly love to live there with a magical rabbit friend myself. And since Biddy has never known any other home than the magical one of Hy-Brasil, she is perfectly poised to give readers a clear view of how awful the rest of the world is without that very magic. Biddy ends up living and teaching in a school for underprivileged working class girls and is absolutely horrified by how destitute both the conditions and prospects for these young girls truly are.
Though I was already interested in the unique world of Hy-Brasil and how exactly these remnants of magic of the world worked, I was much more engrossed in The Magician's Daughter when the Council got involved in trying to hunt down both Rowan and Biddy. One of these council members was even Rowan’s ex fiancée, Morgaine, who unlike her former paramour, had dedicated her life to trying to find a way to reform the system from the inside of it. This seemingly puts her directly at odds with Rowan and Biddy, but there is definitely more to Morgaine than either Rowan or Biddy knows.
I found all of the characters in the novel, but especially Morgaine and Biddy, sympathetic. But though I understood their plights, I found I could never quite get attached to any of the characters. As someone who usually gets overly attached to characters, I was surprised I didn’t feel more of a connection to or a concern for them. Even Biddy, with her sheltered life away from kids her own age, which is something I could personally relate a lot to as someone who grew up very isolated as a result of living with several chronic illnesses, was not someone to whom I felt a strong or emotional attachment. Even with her love of books, reading, and longing to be part of the greater world, I just didn't love Biddy.
"That isn't the point! I know why the rest of the world can't see us. I don't understand why I can't see the rest of the world."
Though as I said, Biddy was in the perfect position to give social commentary on the state of London after living on the utopia of Hy-Brasil, I couldn’t help but to find her a bit annoyingly hypocritical. It was like the moment she left her charmed life on the island and saw what the world was really like—requiring her to wear rattier, ill-fitting clothes, and to eat crummier foods—she wanted to go back home immediately to the life she so despised before. While this is probably a very human, or at least, a peak teenager thing, her attitude and her preoccupation with the more superficial aspects of her journey didn’t really endear her to me.
Even though I understand that The Magician's Daughter was merely trying to illustrate what a big difference in lifestyles it was, to the point of really being cultural adaptation, I don’t feel as if Biddy had a big enough reckoning about how great her life was at home to make up for her bratty behavior. It didn't help that her coworker and fellow teacher Anna, immediately points out how they're both orphans and down on their luck, and Biddy guiltily just lets her believe this spin, knowing that she's actually come from a much better life. I know it's for the sake of Biddy's mission, but it left a bad taste in my mouth. Later on, Biddy's big realization is less about her charmed life, and more about how important magic truly was to the world. I think this did the character a disservice, but did match with the theme of the entire novel, which is that everyone needs and deserves a little magic in their lives.
The other characters were similarly one-dimensional. Rowan is a reformed cocky upstart mage who has devoted his life to his outlaw, Robin Hood-like status and Morgaine is the betrayer, who may or may not be so bad. Hutch, the rabbit familiar who can transform into a human sometimes, is loyal to the core and incredibly knowledgeable about magic and always able to perfectly advise Biddy on how to proceed. Storm, who’s real name I can’t even remember, is the thuggish one of the two villains of the book. The true mastermind is worse than perhaps anyone realized—manipulative, cunning, and utterly unconcerned about the state of the world at large or anyone’s well-being as long as he has enough magic for himself.
"She had seen the world, and the world needed magic. Whatever Rowan had lied about, knowingly or otherwise, he was right about that. She knew that now, perhaps even more surely than he did, because she was precisely one of those ordinary human creatures who would never normally have known magic existed and yet missed it desperately."
Despite the fact that I couldn’t truly get attached to the characters, who seemed little more than roles for the story, I really did like the overall idea of The Magician's Daughter and delighted in its portrayal of untamable magic. I thought it was such a unique take to have magic seeping out from rifts from other worlds and to have young mages enter these rifts to acquire a familiar. I was truly enchanted by the world of Hy-Brasil as well, and adored all of the page time with the púca, who seems to be some sort of trickster being. Though The Magician's Daughter never got into the nitty gritty details of how exactly the magical system works, such as how spells are cast, or how rifts open into the world, or magical items are forged, in the case of this novel, half of the fun is in the mysterious nature of this world's magic.
I found The Magician's Daughter to be a bit slow in the beginning, but it does pick up a lot in the second half of the book. Even though I very much enjoyed the historical fantasy setting and different take on magic itself, I just didn't feel very attached to the characters. Despite that, I liked The Magician's Daughter enough that I would definitely try reading more of author H.G. Parry's books to see if those worked better for me in the future.
I recommend The Magician's Daughter to fans of Charlie N. Holmberg.
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March 22, 2023
Long ago bright, luminous magic poured freely through schisms around the world, in the shadows mages roamed in their numbers secretly bringing miracles to those who most needed it. Yet in 1912 magic has all but disappeared, schisms have closed and new ones have become rare to find, the world has become a darker place. However for one sixteen year old young girl, magic is all she has ever known. Biddy lives on the mythical island of Hy-Brasil, just off the coast of Ireland. This is the last place where wild magic runs freely, an isolated place hidden to the outside world, where only Biddy, a mysterious magician called Rowan and his rabbit familiar Hutchincroft, live. Biddy was shipwrecked on the island when she was a year old and ever since Rowan and Hutchincroft have been her guardians, her friends, her family. It is the only place Biddy has ever known as for her own protection she isn't supposed to leave. As her seventeenth birthday approaches Biddy longs for more, she longs to see the outside world that she’s only read about in books, the world where she sees Rowan transform into a raven and fly towards every night, always returning by dawn. Though one night Rowan doesn’t return and his absence sets off a chain of events which lead Biddy away from the safety of Hy-Brasil and onto the murky streets of London, where a powerful mage is hunting them. Biddy begins to regret ever wishing to leave, but she knows magic must be restored, Hy-Brasil must be protected, and she must gather all her courage to save all that she loves.
The Magician’s Daughter by H.G. Parry beautifully captures a classic fairytale-esque tale, filled with whimsy, magic and bittersweet longings. This is a historical fantasy which will delight cosy fantasy lovers who want a nostalgic read, one that will once again make them believe in magic.
“She was a half-wild thing of ink and grass and sea breezes, raised by books and rabbits and fairy lore, and that was all she cared to be.
She didn't know now when that had changed—it had done so gradually, one question at a time wearing away at her like the relentless drops of rain on the ruins by the cliffs.”
At the heart of this novel is a coming of age exploration as we journey with our young protagonist Biddy on the cusp of adulthood. Biddy may be sixteen but as a consequence of being sheltered her whole life, she is understandably a rather young sixteen year old. She is dreamy, strong willed, perhaps naive and a touch sulky but without being obnoxious. Biddy is gentle, kind, caring and worries about a lot of things. She is just the kind of young female protagonist I personally enjoy encountering and it was comforting to find a character who mirrored my own struggles with anxiety. Sometimes there is a desperate need for change, to step out of your comfort zone and take a leap into the unknown, and whilst that can be exciting there also comes an overwhelming sense of fear. Yet when Biddy does step outside the safety net of Hy-Brasil she finally experiences a sense of wonderment, she sees places she has only ever imagined before and she meets people who have lived much harder lives. Though her courage often falters at every turn she pushes herself to be braver.
Parry poignantly captures that moment in adolescence where you are caught between longing for the safety of your childhood, where through your young eyes your parents or guardians were perfect, strong and healthy and held all the answers, to the realisation they too are in fact people who make mistakes, who have weaknesses, who are fundamentally flawed. As Biddy learns more about her past and more about the secrets Rowan has kept from her, she begins to see him and the world around her in a new light. Despite her growing misgivings towards Rowan, they do make such a wholesome found family, which was one of my favourite aspects of this book. Rowan and Hutchincoft try their hardest to protect Biddy at all costs, she is precious to them and in one way or another they all make sacrifices for each other.
“She wanted Rowan to come in and laugh at her for having been so worried; she wanted Hutchincroft to leap into her arms and nestle his lithe, soft body against her chest. She wanted things to be back the way they had always been. But that wasn't offered.”
I love the way The Magician’s Daughter echoes many characters and elements from classic literature, setting a wonderful classic tone and atmosphere throughout. Biddy is much like Sarah Crewe from A Little Princess, the world beyond Hy-Brasil is Dickensian, and Rowan is much akin to the wizard Howl from Howl’s Moving Castle. Parry then further extends these comparisons when Biddy travels to London and comes across things for the first time she recalls how she has read about them in her beloved books. For example the workhouses in Oliver Twist, and the trains from The Railway Children. The sights she had once only been able to imagine now become reality and she grows to discover just how different they are.
I have spent the majority of this review discussing Biddy as the story is centered on her journey, though she is not the only character who Parry fleshes out well. Many of these characters are hard to define as wholly heroes or villains as there is much ambiguity throughout. Rowan is someone who cares deeply and as a result he keeps secrets and makes wrong choices with the best of intentions, then there are those such as Storm and Morgraine, Rowan’s former mage companions, who just make bad decisions for their own personal gain, not really considering the bigger picture. Then there is the more clear-cut villain, Vaughan, who I found well depicted too. He is the type of character who believes magic is a monopoly he can use to secure his own sense of power and superiority, that he has the right to take ownership of magic, that he is just that privileged, makes him perfect to despise. A significant part of Parry’s worldbuilding is the notion that magic should run free, that it should be guarded but not hoarded. In this world magic is inherently good, it is when people use it to hurt or control others that it becomes bad. This is lavishly illustrated using Irish mythology, as we see the beauty and serenity of Hy-Brasil, the trickster-ish ways of the Púca and the rich history of the Tuatha Dé Danann who Biddy learns much from. I, of course, also loved the inclusion of animal familiars as Hutchincroft was the absolute best.
Though this is a cosy read for the most part, there are certain characters’ lives that are at stake and many times I found myself stressed and anxiously eager to discover their fate. That is the sign of a great author though, one who has made me deeply attached to their characters. So whilst the story revels in whimsy and charm, by the end I felt it was bittersweet. There was happiness and much hope but also sadness at everything that had changed.
The Magician’s Daughter is simply a magical joy to read and so achingly beautiful.
“Rowan stood with his hand pressed to the oak and his eyes closed, and magic spilled from its trunk and thrummed under his skin. It didn't matter that Biddy couldn't see magic herself. She could see it the way she saw the wind—the ripples it created, the movement it stirred in the trees and the air. He breathed in, slowly, deeply, and the forest breathed and flexed with him. When his eyes flew open, they glittered in a flash of green and gold.”
ARC provided by Nazia at Orbit in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the copy!
The Magician’s Daughter is out now!
The Magician’s Daughter by H.G. Parry beautifully captures a classic fairytale-esque tale, filled with whimsy, magic and bittersweet longings. This is a historical fantasy which will delight cosy fantasy lovers who want a nostalgic read, one that will once again make them believe in magic.
“She was a half-wild thing of ink and grass and sea breezes, raised by books and rabbits and fairy lore, and that was all she cared to be.
She didn't know now when that had changed—it had done so gradually, one question at a time wearing away at her like the relentless drops of rain on the ruins by the cliffs.”
At the heart of this novel is a coming of age exploration as we journey with our young protagonist Biddy on the cusp of adulthood. Biddy may be sixteen but as a consequence of being sheltered her whole life, she is understandably a rather young sixteen year old. She is dreamy, strong willed, perhaps naive and a touch sulky but without being obnoxious. Biddy is gentle, kind, caring and worries about a lot of things. She is just the kind of young female protagonist I personally enjoy encountering and it was comforting to find a character who mirrored my own struggles with anxiety. Sometimes there is a desperate need for change, to step out of your comfort zone and take a leap into the unknown, and whilst that can be exciting there also comes an overwhelming sense of fear. Yet when Biddy does step outside the safety net of Hy-Brasil she finally experiences a sense of wonderment, she sees places she has only ever imagined before and she meets people who have lived much harder lives. Though her courage often falters at every turn she pushes herself to be braver.
Parry poignantly captures that moment in adolescence where you are caught between longing for the safety of your childhood, where through your young eyes your parents or guardians were perfect, strong and healthy and held all the answers, to the realisation they too are in fact people who make mistakes, who have weaknesses, who are fundamentally flawed. As Biddy learns more about her past and more about the secrets Rowan has kept from her, she begins to see him and the world around her in a new light. Despite her growing misgivings towards Rowan, they do make such a wholesome found family, which was one of my favourite aspects of this book. Rowan and Hutchincoft try their hardest to protect Biddy at all costs, she is precious to them and in one way or another they all make sacrifices for each other.
“She wanted Rowan to come in and laugh at her for having been so worried; she wanted Hutchincroft to leap into her arms and nestle his lithe, soft body against her chest. She wanted things to be back the way they had always been. But that wasn't offered.”
I love the way The Magician’s Daughter echoes many characters and elements from classic literature, setting a wonderful classic tone and atmosphere throughout. Biddy is much like Sarah Crewe from A Little Princess, the world beyond Hy-Brasil is Dickensian, and Rowan is much akin to the wizard Howl from Howl’s Moving Castle. Parry then further extends these comparisons when Biddy travels to London and comes across things for the first time she recalls how she has read about them in her beloved books. For example the workhouses in Oliver Twist, and the trains from The Railway Children. The sights she had once only been able to imagine now become reality and she grows to discover just how different they are.
I have spent the majority of this review discussing Biddy as the story is centered on her journey, though she is not the only character who Parry fleshes out well. Many of these characters are hard to define as wholly heroes or villains as there is much ambiguity throughout. Rowan is someone who cares deeply and as a result he keeps secrets and makes wrong choices with the best of intentions, then there are those such as Storm and Morgraine, Rowan’s former mage companions, who just make bad decisions for their own personal gain, not really considering the bigger picture. Then there is the more clear-cut villain, Vaughan, who I found well depicted too. He is the type of character who believes magic is a monopoly he can use to secure his own sense of power and superiority, that he has the right to take ownership of magic, that he is just that privileged, makes him perfect to despise. A significant part of Parry’s worldbuilding is the notion that magic should run free, that it should be guarded but not hoarded. In this world magic is inherently good, it is when people use it to hurt or control others that it becomes bad. This is lavishly illustrated using Irish mythology, as we see the beauty and serenity of Hy-Brasil, the trickster-ish ways of the Púca and the rich history of the Tuatha Dé Danann who Biddy learns much from. I, of course, also loved the inclusion of animal familiars as Hutchincroft was the absolute best.
Though this is a cosy read for the most part, there are certain characters’ lives that are at stake and many times I found myself stressed and anxiously eager to discover their fate. That is the sign of a great author though, one who has made me deeply attached to their characters. So whilst the story revels in whimsy and charm, by the end I felt it was bittersweet. There was happiness and much hope but also sadness at everything that had changed.
The Magician’s Daughter is simply a magical joy to read and so achingly beautiful.
“Rowan stood with his hand pressed to the oak and his eyes closed, and magic spilled from its trunk and thrummed under his skin. It didn't matter that Biddy couldn't see magic herself. She could see it the way she saw the wind—the ripples it created, the movement it stirred in the trees and the air. He breathed in, slowly, deeply, and the forest breathed and flexed with him. When his eyes flew open, they glittered in a flash of green and gold.”
ARC provided by Nazia at Orbit in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the copy!
The Magician’s Daughter is out now!
July 7, 2023
This book was selected for a buddy read among some friends. I was pretty sure that I was not going to like it, because, honestly, the title was SO cliche and boring. But then... it wasn't. I found myself surprised by how much I did like it, how it didn't fall into the same ol' same ol' story of an orphaned teen having to figure out the dangerous and mysterious mystery on their own, with a ragtag set of accomplices but no information other than what they can scrounge up from info they aren't supposed to know or just guess.
And, yes, thinking back on it, there were some predictable aspects, but reading it felt fresh and new and surprising in its non-tropeyness.
I mean, an adult actually gives the teen main character USEFUL INFORMATION at the BEGINNING of the book, AND provided help and guidance throughout.
*insert heavenly rays of light and angels singing glorious harmonies here*
It was just... really refreshing.
I really liked the magic system shown here, and thought that the way that items were used was really interesting and clever and cool. BUT. One thing really frustrated me right at the end of the book, and I felt like it undermined the whole story that came before it. And I get why the author likely included it, or perhaps was told to? But I didn't appreciate it at all. For reasons I shall get into in my spoiler...
ANYWAY... That aspect really bugged me, but on the whole, the story was really enjoyable otherwise.
And, yes, thinking back on it, there were some predictable aspects, but reading it felt fresh and new and surprising in its non-tropeyness.
I mean, an adult actually gives the teen main character USEFUL INFORMATION at the BEGINNING of the book, AND provided help and guidance throughout.
*insert heavenly rays of light and angels singing glorious harmonies here*
It was just... really refreshing.
I really liked the magic system shown here, and thought that the way that items were used was really interesting and clever and cool. BUT. One thing really frustrated me right at the end of the book, and I felt like it undermined the whole story that came before it. And I get why the author likely included it, or perhaps was told to? But I didn't appreciate it at all. For reasons I shall get into in my spoiler...
ANYWAY... That aspect really bugged me, but on the whole, the story was really enjoyable otherwise.
February 11, 2023
The Magician's Daughter is about a young woman named Biddey. Biddey's entire life has been spent in the company of one person, Rowan, and his rabbit familiar, Hutchincroft, on the magical island of Hy-Brasil off of the coast of Ireland. Biddey is 17, and she is ready to experience the "real world" that she's only read about in novels. Rowan is protective of her, however, even as he visits the mainland on a regular basis. Eventually, the real world comes visiting them, and Rowan enlists Biddey's help against the magical dictator who rules the magicians of Britain.
The Magician's Daughter feels like YA fantasy in the best way: it's about growing up and learning to think for yourself instead of blindly accepting what you've been told. At the same time, it's not your typical YA fantasy: Biddey is explicitly not the Chosen One (she's resolutely non-magical in a society of magicians); there's no love triangle to help her define her personality; and she's definitely not enrolled in a magical school. Parry's world building is perfectly calibrated to this theme. As the book unfolds, the reader is in the same position as Biddey. All of her information comes from what Rowan has told her, and he may not have been as forthright as she thinks.
The book is slow and sweeping, but also emotional and personal. It's a great addition to the genre.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
The Magician's Daughter feels like YA fantasy in the best way: it's about growing up and learning to think for yourself instead of blindly accepting what you've been told. At the same time, it's not your typical YA fantasy: Biddey is explicitly not the Chosen One (she's resolutely non-magical in a society of magicians); there's no love triangle to help her define her personality; and she's definitely not enrolled in a magical school. Parry's world building is perfectly calibrated to this theme. As the book unfolds, the reader is in the same position as Biddey. All of her information comes from what Rowan has told her, and he may not have been as forthright as she thinks.
The book is slow and sweeping, but also emotional and personal. It's a great addition to the genre.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
March 30, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley, Little Brown Book Group UK and Orbit for the review copy in exchange for an honest review. This does not change my opinion in anyway.
The Magician's Daughter has its own take on magic and its community. But that is not what why I ended up loving this book. It were the feels they gave me.
And lets start there. Biddy came to live with Rowan as a young child and while Rowan is described as quite dashing there is never a moment where there is anything romantical going on between them. And so very often that is the case with these kind of plots, in a way that it becomes creepy. But that was not the case here and I trully appreciated their slightly dysfunctional family on the island. Biddy, Rowan, Hutch and all the island bunnies.
There was so much heart in this book. Between Biddy and Rowan, Rowan and Hutch, Hutch and Biddy. And between them all and the island that I ended up being completely swept up in their feelings. There is no perfect, like I said, a bit dysfunctional. Rowan (and Hutch) keep many secrets from Biddy. From a good heart but that doesn't always matter. But the love is there. From a father to his daugher. Because that is who she is to him.
As far as the plot and settings go,I was also very much entertained and engrossed. The idea of the magic system, of the dissapearance and where it comes from. The potentail magical history that was being hinted at, really grabbed me.
And while that ending to the plot was perhaps a bit obious, I didn't really care. Because I wanted that happy ending.
The Magician's Daughter has its own take on magic and its community. But that is not what why I ended up loving this book. It were the feels they gave me.
And lets start there. Biddy came to live with Rowan as a young child and while Rowan is described as quite dashing there is never a moment where there is anything romantical going on between them. And so very often that is the case with these kind of plots, in a way that it becomes creepy. But that was not the case here and I trully appreciated their slightly dysfunctional family on the island. Biddy, Rowan, Hutch and all the island bunnies.
There was so much heart in this book. Between Biddy and Rowan, Rowan and Hutch, Hutch and Biddy. And between them all and the island that I ended up being completely swept up in their feelings. There is no perfect, like I said, a bit dysfunctional. Rowan (and Hutch) keep many secrets from Biddy. From a good heart but that doesn't always matter. But the love is there. From a father to his daugher. Because that is who she is to him.
As far as the plot and settings go,I was also very much entertained and engrossed. The idea of the magic system, of the dissapearance and where it comes from. The potentail magical history that was being hinted at, really grabbed me.
And while that ending to the plot was perhaps a bit obious, I didn't really care. Because I wanted that happy ending.
Want to read
September 18, 2022i saw this book in a tweet that made me realize that i am not unique in any way whatsoever and also wrenched me into a childhood memory of a movie i previously had no recollection of watching, so i Simply Must read this.
April 8, 2023
Pacing.... left much to be desired, as did the characters who were never fully realized.
This was an excellent start, but it didn't feel fully fleshed out.
While I enjoy the outline of Biddy, I was never able to connect to her fully.
3 Stars
This was an excellent start, but it didn't feel fully fleshed out.
While I enjoy the outline of Biddy, I was never able to connect to her fully.
3 Stars
March 15, 2025
I adored this book from start to finish, and I might need to add the print copy to my collection to return to as a comfort-read in the future. It has so many things I love: beautiful prose, an historical fantasy setting, a bookish heroine, magic-users, fae trickster spirits, and a gorgeous cover to top it off. This is a coming-of-age story about a girl, Biddy, who grew up on a magical island hidden off the coast of Ireland with only the company of her guardian Rowan, a magician who can transform into a raven (or possibly a crow), his rabbit familiar Hutchincroft, and a library of classic literature. When danger finds them in their secluded safe-haven, they must travel to 1900s London in order to bring down the council of mages hunting Rowan and controlling the last scraps of magic in the world, and to unravel the mystery behind the secret magic planted in her own heart.
I love the lack of romance in this book, despite Biddy's age making her a prime candidate for a romantic subplot. Instead, the story focuses on the importance of the relationships between herself, Rowan, and Hutch, their cobbled-together family and familiar bonds.
Speaking of Rowan, I have to mention how much I love him specifically. He is a magician very much from the Howl school of characters, which endeared him to me immediately: seemingly lighthearted, full of lies, banter, and deflections, and secretly much braver than he gives himself credit for or wants anyone to know. He and Hutch broke my heart several times and put it back together again.
The book is definitely influenced by Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell (another of my absolute favourites), and I say this with confidence not just because they're both historical fantasies with an emphasis on the history of magic in the United Kingdom, but because the author specifically mentions in the acknowledgements that she has several pets named after JSMN characters. If you like JSMN and are looking for a book that's a little lighter and much less dense, The Magician's Daughter may serve you well.
I loved reading it, I would read more of it, I will probably read it again. In the meantime, I'm moving onto Parry's A Declaration of the Rights of Magicians, which seems to promise more of what she's delivered here. And I would very much like more.
I love the lack of romance in this book, despite Biddy's age making her a prime candidate for a romantic subplot. Instead, the story focuses on the importance of the relationships between herself, Rowan, and Hutch, their cobbled-together family and familiar bonds.
Speaking of Rowan, I have to mention how much I love him specifically. He is a magician very much from the Howl school of characters, which endeared him to me immediately: seemingly lighthearted, full of lies, banter, and deflections, and secretly much braver than he gives himself credit for or wants anyone to know. He and Hutch broke my heart several times and put it back together again.
The book is definitely influenced by Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell (another of my absolute favourites), and I say this with confidence not just because they're both historical fantasies with an emphasis on the history of magic in the United Kingdom, but because the author specifically mentions in the acknowledgements that she has several pets named after JSMN characters. If you like JSMN and are looking for a book that's a little lighter and much less dense, The Magician's Daughter may serve you well.
I loved reading it, I would read more of it, I will probably read it again. In the meantime, I'm moving onto Parry's A Declaration of the Rights of Magicians, which seems to promise more of what she's delivered here. And I would very much like more.
October 5, 2024
Rating: 3.5/5⭐️: Okay, I see the vision. Some moments were enjoyable but the book didn’t get a VIP spot in my heart or on my bookshelf 💁🏻♀️
This book was great! Written in third-person POV, it leans more towards descriptive writing rather than action and dialogue. Biddy really stood out as a character—she’s strong, mindful, and mature, especially for a teenager. In fact, she’s more mature than many characters I’ve encountered in fantasy books, proving that age doesn’t always come with wisdom 🫣👀! I also loved how the magic in the story helps those in need, not just those who can wield it. And I have to give a special shoutout to Hutch🐰—the best bunny familiar ever! I enjoyed every moment he was on the page.💖
While I really enjoyed the story overall, the pacing felt slow at times. It often felt like we were just moving from point A to point B and back again, which made the story feel a bit repetitive. Despite this, it was still a solid standalone!🫶🏼
This book was great! Written in third-person POV, it leans more towards descriptive writing rather than action and dialogue. Biddy really stood out as a character—she’s strong, mindful, and mature, especially for a teenager. In fact, she’s more mature than many characters I’ve encountered in fantasy books, proving that age doesn’t always come with wisdom 🫣👀! I also loved how the magic in the story helps those in need, not just those who can wield it. And I have to give a special shoutout to Hutch🐰—the best bunny familiar ever! I enjoyed every moment he was on the page.💖
While I really enjoyed the story overall, the pacing felt slow at times. It often felt like we were just moving from point A to point B and back again, which made the story feel a bit repetitive. Despite this, it was still a solid standalone!🫶🏼
Want to read
February 22, 2023Jess's enthusiastic 5-star review put this one on my TBR:
"Let me start by saying that within minutes of finishing the ARC, I got online and placed a pre-order for a deadtree copy for my shelves. (Reader, I loved it.) I'll also disclaim up front that I really liked both of Parry's Shadow Histories books and utterly *adored* The Unlikely Escape of Uriah Heep. I had hoped her next novel would include, if not quite the wild lit-crit-geek abandon found in Uriah Heep, and least more of the love of books and reading that permeated that work. It does. . . .
... Parry's prose sings. I can think of no greater praise than to say that some of her sentences were so perfectly formed that they made me think of Peter S. Beagle. I swear I must have highlighted half of the e-book. Nearing the climax of the book, I was thinking, "this has been awfully fun and gorgeously written, but our protagonist has gone out into the world and learned that it's lovely but also overwhelming and that people are complicated and petty and a lot of other things besides, she's learned the hard way (because it's the only way) that parents are just people with feet of clay, that the world has darkness, but now we have arrived at our Challenge to Overcome, which will naturally work out, and I can see where her hero's journey is going to inevitably take her... but hey, it's been a good book!" It turned out that I did not actually know what was going to happen next and how the story would wrap up. It surprised, delighted, and wounded me in the best ways."
Whoa.
Liz Braswell at the WSJ wrote a rave review there too (paywalled).
Excerpt:
"“The Magician’s Daughter” is a delightful little fantasy that pulls at all the right heartstrings. It’s very much an homage to the gentle young people’s novels of yesteryear, “The Secret Garden” in particular. The author gives all of these books their due: Biddy grows up in an idealized, cottagecore childhood of reading them, climbing trees, and being surrounded by mild magic while the world winds on to the turn of the last century.
For those who fondly remember the works of Frances Hodgson Burnett or Lewis Carroll, this novel will definitely be your (bread, butter and) jam."
"Let me start by saying that within minutes of finishing the ARC, I got online and placed a pre-order for a deadtree copy for my shelves. (Reader, I loved it.) I'll also disclaim up front that I really liked both of Parry's Shadow Histories books and utterly *adored* The Unlikely Escape of Uriah Heep. I had hoped her next novel would include, if not quite the wild lit-crit-geek abandon found in Uriah Heep, and least more of the love of books and reading that permeated that work. It does. . . .
... Parry's prose sings. I can think of no greater praise than to say that some of her sentences were so perfectly formed that they made me think of Peter S. Beagle. I swear I must have highlighted half of the e-book. Nearing the climax of the book, I was thinking, "this has been awfully fun and gorgeously written, but our protagonist has gone out into the world and learned that it's lovely but also overwhelming and that people are complicated and petty and a lot of other things besides, she's learned the hard way (because it's the only way) that parents are just people with feet of clay, that the world has darkness, but now we have arrived at our Challenge to Overcome, which will naturally work out, and I can see where her hero's journey is going to inevitably take her... but hey, it's been a good book!" It turned out that I did not actually know what was going to happen next and how the story would wrap up. It surprised, delighted, and wounded me in the best ways."
Whoa.
Liz Braswell at the WSJ wrote a rave review there too (paywalled).
Excerpt:
"“The Magician’s Daughter” is a delightful little fantasy that pulls at all the right heartstrings. It’s very much an homage to the gentle young people’s novels of yesteryear, “The Secret Garden” in particular. The author gives all of these books their due: Biddy grows up in an idealized, cottagecore childhood of reading them, climbing trees, and being surrounded by mild magic while the world winds on to the turn of the last century.
For those who fondly remember the works of Frances Hodgson Burnett or Lewis Carroll, this novel will definitely be your (bread, butter and) jam."
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